Bexley Magazine - Spring 2010

Spring 2010

magazine

Honour for our local army unit

May elections

6 places to explore this Spring

It’s in your hands

State-of-the-art CCTV Listening to you, working for you 602063 BEX MAG March 2010 Pg 1 - 7B.indd 1

www.bexley.gov.uk 08/03/2010 17:29

/admissions

ssions Team

ption 6.

Carewatch, the national provider of local homecare services provides care and support to those who wish to retain their independence and to do so in their own homes. Your local branch, Carewatch Bexley can support you or a loved one with: • Light domestic duties such as shopping and cleaning • Providing friendship, reassurance and companionship • Personal support • Complex care, palliative and respite care For more information please call:

020 8312 3777

ou

On your marks, get set, row!

Rowing activities for people of all ages and abilities. No experience necessary. Improve your fitness while having fun!

Winter Indoor Rowing Tuesday 6.30pm – 8pm Only £1 per session at Erith Boathouse, 20 High Street, Erith.

Learn to Row Programme Courses run over three weeks, with two sessions per week on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at Danson Lake, Danson Road, Bexleyheath. £12 for the course.

For more information on these and other activities at the club please contact Alison Fisher 07969 102140 alison.fisher@fsa.gov.uk This programme has been designed to increase the numberof adults in Bexley undertaking three 30 minutes sessions of sport and physical activity each week.

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Inside your

magazine Welcome

Payback time 8 NEW

Your community 14-15 News from around the borough

No vote, no voice 16-17 Elections 2010

Local history

NEW

21

6 places to explore this Spring 22 What’s on in Bexley 26-27 If you would like to know more about the services the Council provides, or would like either a translation of this document or the information in a different format, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777 and press 0, quoting reference: 602063/03.10 London Borough of Bexley, Bexley Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7LB Telephone: 020 8303 7777 • Website: www.bexley.gov.uk • E-mail: communications@bexley.gov.uk Distributed free of charge to every property in the borough • Printed by: Southern Print, on environmentally friendly paper Editorial: John Ferry (editor), Jane Parson, Pauline Rootsey, Rosie Parson and Julia Walsh Designed and produced by: Bexley Graphics Studio

Well, the long winter is nearly over and we can all start to look forward to spring, longer days and brighter skies.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Bexley is full of interesting and attractive places to explore and I hope you will take the chance to visit some of the places highlighted in our special feature on page 22 over the summer months.

I don’t want to dwell on the country’s economic woes, but you know that budgets are tight. That means we are working harder than ever to squeeze maximum value out of the money we received from the government and Council Taxpayers.

Our aim is always to help make your neighbourhood and your borough a great place to live.

We are starting to make some changes to the Bexley Magazine and we will be looking to feature more of your views and your stories about life in the borough in future issues. Please take the opportunity to write or email us with any ideas and comments.

I am very pleased that we have been able to feature the news of the award of Freedom of the Borough to our local army unit on the cover. You can read more about this on page 7.

Finally, our centre page feature includes some useful information about this year’s elections.

Cover Photograph

by Stewart Turkington

Cllr Teresa O’Neill Leader of the Council

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news

Budget focused on children and vulnerable residents Bexley’s Council Tax has increased by 1%. Councillors approved the increase to meet the extra cost of London’s Freedom Pass and compensate for the loss of nearly £1m in government funding for the scheme. Without this loss of funding, Bexley’s Council Tax would not have increased.

When the Mayor of London’s part of the Council Tax is taken into account, the Council Tax paid by households in the London Borough of Bexley has increased by just 0.8%.

Despite the testing financial climate, the Council has made an

extra investment of £1m in children’s services, following the tragic circumstances of the Baby Peter case and the review by Lord Laming.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill said: “Putting a budget together in this very difficult financial climate has not been easy. But we’ve taken firm steps to ensure that Bexley’s children and our more vulnerable residents are well

looked after, while minimising the impact on our resident’s pockets.

“We have already started work on a comprehensive review of the Council’s operations, which is designed to ensure that we can meet the needs of local people with fewer resources in the years ahead,” added Cllr O’Neill. “The review will be completed later this year and it will ensure that all our resources are focussed on the most important issues for the borough.”

The budget takes account of significant spending pressures in learning disability services and provides further sums for children in care.

New CCTV service launched The borough is soon to benefit from a new and improved CCTV security system. The system will help to reduce crime and secure the safety of people and places within the Borough.

Bexleyheath, Welling, Erith, Sidcup and Northumberland Heath town centres.

Using the latest digital image recording and monitoring equipment, CCTV operators will be able to identify incidents and co-ordinate appropriate responses from a range of public sector Under the contract signed last year the first of its kind with a local council organisations, including the police, fire and ambulance services.

- Siemens and Wilson James have Radio links between staff in pubs designed and built, and will also staff, and shops, police officers and camera manage and operate, a comprehensive operators will also be used to further outsourced CCTV service for the monitor criminal activity and public borough. disorder incidents.

The project has seen the The contract covers the maintenance development of a completely new and repair of the existing camera purpose-built control room, which network. was set to open as the Magazine went “The new contract reflects the to print. This will become the nerve important part that CCTV plays in centre for a comprehensive network the life of the borough and is very of 240 CCTV cameras at strategic good news for our residents and for sites in the Borough, including

the Council,” said Cllr Teresa O’Neill, the Leader of the London Borough of Bexley. “Siemens and Wilson James have considerable experience and we are confident that their expertise, technical knowledge and innovative approach will be of great benefit to the borough.”

“We decided to outsource the CCTV service to provide a higher level of service to our residents and to ensure that Bexley benefits from the latest recording and monitoring technology,” added Cllr Katie Perrior, the Council’s Cabinet member for Community Affairs.

“The new control room is located in existing council offices, which will help to minimise costs.”

The contract will provide 24-hour 365 day a year monitoring of Bexley’s extensive network of cameras.

Budget priorities l Protecting the Freedom Pass l Investing in our town centres l Saving millions by recycling l Giving more opportunities for

our young people to achieve

l Protecting vulnerable children l More housing choice for our

residents

l Increasing local services for older

people and those with disabilities.

Festival first for Bexley!

Tokyo met Bexley in February this year when the first-ever Bexley Anime and Manga Festival (BAM) Festival came to the borough.

BAM brought with it the exotic and exciting world of Japanese comics and animation, with a series of special events and cinema screenings.

The festival was a result of efforts by young people who belong to the Bexley Manga Network. Its success was such that they already hope that it will be come a regular event!

Bexley’s Manga Network meets once a fortnight at the Central Library Bexleyheath to draw Manga art and share a passion for anime, manga, cosplay and Asian pop-culture.

For more information about the Bexley Manga Network, contact Paul Fisher, Library Development Officer on 020 8309 4135 or email paul.fisher@bexley.gov.uk

Bexley Manga fans at one of the BAM workshops

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Welcome for new Academy “We listened to the concerns of parents in the north-east of the borough who were worried about the lack of accessible secondary school places”

Artist’s impression of the new Academy

New street services The borough’s new Street Services contract has got off to an encouraging start.

Contractors Serco took over the service in November and are making steady progress towards their targets of cutting the number of missed bins and improving bin placement.

They are working closely with the Council to improve the efficiency of collection rounds across the borough.

This has changed the timings of some collections.

Serco are also providing a ‘graffiti busting’ team as an additional benefit, working alongside the Council’s main graffiti removal contractor, Wettons.

Looking ahead, Cllr Gareth Bacon, the Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, is hoping to launch a new ‘Community Champions’ scheme in the summer. The idea will be to recruit

volunteers in each Ward to ensure that local problems like graffiti, fly tipping and fly posting are identified and dealt with as quickly as possible. We hope to publish full details in the Summer issue of the Bexley Magazine.

To report graffiti please call 020 8303 7777 and select option 1 or email customer.services@bexley.gov.uk

Teamwork key to tackling severe weather Tributes have been paid to everyone involved in the borough’s response to the worst winter for over 30 years.

Serco provides the gritting service as well as the borough’s refuse, recycling and street cleaning and its staff worked around the clock with their Council colleagues to keep the borough’s main roads clear of snow and ice. The team worked hard to safeguard residents, keep transport moving while effectively managing Bexley’s salt stocks.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved, including all those people who helped keep pavements and other public areas clear,” said Council Leader, Cllr Teresa O’Neill.

“The weather conditions were the worst we have seen for many years and people came together to keep things moving and to keep disruption to a minimum.”

A young Belvedere resident enjoys the snow at Lesnes Abbey

news

The first 180 year seven students to attend the new Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy received their offers earlier this month and will join the school in September.

The students will be taught at first in state-of-the-art mobile classes while the new Academy building takes shape.

The building, due for completion in 2011, will include bright new classrooms, a four-court multi-use games area, a technology centre, social areas and a sixth form centre.

The Academy building has been designed to enhance the ‘all through’ ethos of the Academy, beginning in the existing Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Temple Grove primary section.

“We listened to concerns from parents in the north-east of the borough who were worried about the lack of accessible secondary school places,” said Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools, Adult Education and Youth Services, Cllr Simon Windle.

“This new school is the solution to that problem. Both the primary and secondary sections have already proved to be extremely popular with parents and children.

“I feel sure that purpose-built buildings, combined with the vast educational experience that Haberdashers’ Aske’s can offer and the enthusiasm of local children and parents, will lead to this Academy being a great success for Bexley.”

Playbuilding Twenty-five of the borough’s play areas are due to be re-developed over the next year thanks to funding from a special scheme called ‘Playbuilders’.

The new play areas will include art and sculpture, fun and challenging play equipment, reading corners, a maze and a secret garden and have been designed with help from the very people will make the most of the areas – local children.

The project will be launched officially at a special event in March, when children from each of the local areas will be invited to ribbon cutting events at three of the re-designed parks.

Keep an eye on local press for an update, or visit the Council’s website.

5 www.bexley.gov.uk

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environment

Cutting waste saves cash ‘Recycler the Robot’ visited several local schools in February, encouraging children to recycle food waste, by rapping his catchy messages. It was part of a campaign to reduce food waste and to promote the best ways of disposing of unwanted food.

Cllr Gareth Bacon, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “If food waste is put in the general refuse bins, it costs a lot more to dispose of than turning it into compost. Recycling your food waste will ultimately decrease Council Tax Bills for residents and businesses.

“We wanted to get the message to all residents and Recycler the Robot was a fun way of getting our younger ones on board. They were then able to take the messages home to their parents and grandparents and really help make a difference.”

Spring is sprung As spring finally comes, now is the time to start planning for this year’s free Bexley in Bloom competition.

Bexley in Bloom 2010 is open to schools, residents and businesses. Entry forms will be available from the Civic Offices Contact Centre, other Council Offices, Danson Park playground kiosk, Hall Place Visitor Centre and Nursery, Adult Education Centres, all Bexley Libraries and Ruxley Manor Garden Centre.

You can also enter online at www.bexley. gov.uk/bexleyinbloom or by using the entry form in the News Shopper.

Recycler the Robot with children from St. Michael’s

Recycle your old batteries

You can now recycle all types of household portable batteries at Council offices and libraries and at the Reuse and Recycling Centres in Foots Cray and Thames Road.

Portable batteries are those used in most

household appliances and gadgets. Mobile phone batteries, and ones found in hearing aids and watches, are also recyclable.

The batteries will be collected by the UK’s leading battery recycling specialist, G&P Batteries, and taken to a treatment station in the West Midlands.

More active, more healthy, Bexley’s young more successful! Councillors The London Borough of Bexley and Bexley Care Trust have launched a joint Physical Activity and Sports plan that aims to get people: Bexley girl’s Tag Rugby team at the London Youth Games 2009

Be inspired!

With the London Youth Games fast approaching, Bexley is calling on young people aged 11-19 who are interested in competing in Europe’s largest sports event to contact the Borough Team Organiser to register their interest. For more information visit www. londonyouthgames.org or contact nadine. wooldridge@bexley.gov.uk

l More active - inspiring them to take part in

regular activity l More healthy - helping them understand and enjoy health benefits linked with being more active l More successful - encouraging them to set their own goals, regardless of ability, helping people succeed in leading more active and healthy lifestyles.

For more information visit www.bexley. gov.uk/sports or call 020 8294 6963

Bexley Youth Council held its annual elections in schools and youth groups across the borough last month.

Young people from 13-19 were invited to stand for the 55 places available on the Council, putting together their own manifestos and election campaigns to help win their seat. More than 3,700 young people took part in the elections.

The new members got together for their first meeting on 1 March.

For more information contact Amanda Smith, Youth Participation Development Officer at amanda.smith@bexley.gov.uk call 020 8836 8133 or visit www.bexleyyouthcouncil.co.uk

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news

Highest honour for local army unit The Council has awarded the Freedom of the Borough to the 265 (Kent & County of London Yeomanary) Support Squadron (Sharpshooters), based in Bexleyheath.

The honour is the highest that can be made by the Council. It has been awarded only twice in the 44 years since the Borough was created: to the late Sir Edward Heath KG MBE, who served as Prime Minister and represented Old Bexley & Sidcup in Parliament for many years, and to the 17th Depot Regiment Royal Artillery, who are now based in Kent.

265 (Kent & County of London Yeomanary) Support Squadron (Sharpshooters) are part of 71 Signal Regiment, whose headquarters is in Bexleyheath. The honour recognises the Regiment’s long association with the borough and the distinguished service given by its members to the borough and to their country.

Territorials from the unit and its predecessors have served in both world wars and on operations in many parts of the world, including Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. Through its attachment to the Royal Corps of Signals, the unit provides the British Army with communications and information technology around the world, including combat situations.

Photograph by Stewart Turkington

“It is at this time especially, when so many of our young men and women are involved in combat so far away from home, that our minds turn to our armed services and we are privileged to have such an established and esteemed unit at the very heart of our borough.”

Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Bernard Clewes MBE

Bexley’s Sporting best More than 600 people came together in January to celebrate the achievements of young people from across the borough, at the London Borough of Bexley’s Young People’s Sports Awards 2010.

The special annual event, held at Erith Leisure Centre, welcomed young people who have excelled in their sporting field by competing at local, national or international level, or by coaching or volunteering.

Special guest, Sarah Winckless - rowing double world champion and Olympic bronze medallist gave an inspiring speech and presented some of the awards.

The young gifted and talented athletes on the ‘Sporting Best Scheme’ also presented awards and medals, in their role as local sports celebrities and sporting ambassadors for the borough.

For more information on Sports Development in Bexley - including the Sporting Best programme - contact leisureservices@bexley.gov. uk, call 020 8294 6963 or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/sports

Bike around Bexley New covered cycle shelters are making it easier to bike around Bexley. Funded largely by a grant from Transport for London, they can be found outside: l The Contact Centre, Civic Offices, Broadway,

Bexleyheath

l West Lodge Council offices, Arnsberg Way,

Bexleyheath

Sarah Winckless joins Bexley Sporting Best Athletes and the Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley at the Young People’s Sports Awards 2010

l Howbury Centre, Slade Green Road, Erith l Hill View Council offices, Hill View Drive, Welling l Southlake Centre, Seacourt Road, Thamesmead l Foots Cray Council offices, Maidstone Road, Sidcup l Wyncham House, 207 Longlands Road, Sidcup

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community safety

Payback time

Can you think of a local project that might benefit from a hard-working, supervised and unpaid labour force? If you can, it could make a great Community Payback project.

Community Payback is the signs on pavements and cutting replacement for Community Service. back overhanging vegetation. Now Courts are given the power to there’s a chance for local residents sentence offenders guilty of certain and community groups to nominate crimes to between 40 and 300 hours projects that they would like tackled. of Community Payback. The work is Projects can be community-based, unpaid and demanding and it’s aimed or for the good of a charity or charitable at forcing offenders to repay the organisation. They could involve graffiti community for the wrong they’ve done. removal, street clean-ups, rubbish You may have seen offenders removal, gardening and repair work, wearing bright orange safety jackets or even recycling projects. with Community Payback written on the back around the borough.

To make a suggestion, please The Council already uses the call the London Probation Service scheme for local projects, like painting on 0789 417 6943 railings, stencilling ‘no dog fouling’

Youngsters fired up for cadet challenge Sixteen Bexley youngsters have signed up to become Community Fire Cadets.

They will take part in Fire Brigade led activities at Erith Fire Station one evening a week for the next 18 months.

The scheme is a comprehensive education and development course aimed at 14-18 year olds, funded by the Brigade and the London Borough of Bexley. It aims to boost the cadets’ confidence, increase their fire awareness and citizenship skills.

The cadets are taught a variety of skills used by today’s firefighters and are encouraged to become fire ambassadors, teaching other young people the consequences of behaviour like arson, or making hoax 999 calls.

They learn life skills, including how to handle money, job application techniques and healthy living, as well as teamwork, communication skills and discipline. They will also have the opportunity to gain the Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.

“As well as encouraging a feeling of self-worth and increasing confidence, the cadet course helps the young people who take part understand that the choices they make will shape their own futures,” explains Bexley Borough Commander Cyril O’Brien.

“I’m confident that it will not only have a positive effect on the cadets, but also on the communities that the Brigade serves.”

Coming together to reduce burglary

I. D

.

At the beginning of March, the Council hosted a free conference that brought together a diverse group of people who share an interest in reducing and preventing burglary.

The aim of the conference was to build on the recent dramatic fall in burglary

in the borough and to raise awareness of crime prevention techniques and equipment.

You can access information about preventing burglary online at www. met.police.uk/crimeprevention/ burglary.htm

Cllr Teresa O’Neill, Cyril O’Brien and James Cleverly AM with the new Community Fire Cadets.

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feature

Would you like to have your say?

Ian Hadley has lived in Blackfen for 61 years and became involved in TalkBack Bexley after he retired.

He initially joined the panel to raise Blackfen’s profile in the borough.

Along with other local residents, Ian attended the first TalkBack Panel conference in January.

The event was organised to allow panel members to meet up and put questions directly to Council officers and Councillors.

Among their main concerns were the condition of our roads and pavements, parking, drivers using mobile phones, the negative portrayal of young people, standards of street cleanliness, the borough’s new recycling services and congestion caused by road works.

Council officers from each of the subject areas mingled with panel members throughout the conference, answering questions about services or putting them in contact with the right people.

The conference included a lively question and answer session with the Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill, the Chief Executive, Will Tuckley and Inspector Steve Duffy from the Metropolitan Police.

“You can put your two penn’orth in. If enough people say the same thing it may make a difference.”

Victor Ashlee, Sidcup

Albertina Nissan and Ephraim Nissan, Welling

“I answer the questionnaires online.

It’s good that residents get to have their say. There are always things that need improving but on the whole the Council is doing their best. “

“Belonging to the TalkBack panel is a way of doing something positive.

Today was really useful. I learnt lots of things I didn’t know.”

Moira Scotow, Welling resident since 1971 “If someone has an opinion it’s good to be able to take it somewhere,” says Ian. “It’s much better to voice your opinion rather than sitting at home brooding over issues. You get to put your opinion to the Council.”

“The TalkBack panel is an important tool for us and its views have changed the way the Council works,” says Cllr O’Neill. “It is an ideal way of getting a feel for what our residents think about the services we provide and other important issues affecting the borough.”

TalkBack members are asked to complete four surveys every year, either by post of by online. They are also invited to take part in discussion groups with other panel members when key projects require more detailed information.

They receive regular feedback to let them know the results of the surveys – and the difference their views make.

They can also choose to take part in a simple ‘TalkBack Text Question’ scheme.

“Came here today with some comments on rubbish. It is worth becoming a member.“ The newsletter from the conference is available online at www.bexley.gov.uk/ talkbackconference

“It’s getting better. But we’re here to talk about uneven pavements.“

Beryl Hyde, Belvedere

“Becoming involved in the community is a way to make improvements.”

Vivienne Horwood, Blendon

Tony Rodriguez, Danson

“Only by raising big issues will anything get done. I think it was a really useful event.”

“Gives us a voice.

Somewhere to say constructively the things we say among ourselves.”

Richard Geekie, Sidcup

Mollie Bromby, Belvedere Who can join the TalkBack panel?

Anyone who lives in the borough and is over 18 years old can join TalkBack.

To sign up, please complete the online form at www.bexley.gov.uk/ talkback or contact the Consultation Team on 020 8294 6035

Win £50!

We appreciate the effort made by TalkBack members. That’s why we hold a prize draw for each survey. Every member who replies by the closing date is entered. The prize is a £50 voucher.

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services

An inspector calls...

Bexley was the only borough to be awarded a ‘green flag’ for its major achievements and innovation in working with local communities to increase recycling.

The accolade was part of the first Comprehensive Area Assessment of public services in the borough, based on the inspection findings of the main local services watchdogs.

It looked at how Bexley’s public services are making a real difference to improving the lives of local people.

Bexley residents had a say on how local public services were rated, because the Inspectorates took into consideration the results of the national ‘Place Survey’, completed by more than 1,300 local people.

The Council was judged as an organisation that is ‘performing well’, with many of its services among the best 25% for London and still improving.

The Survey also highlighted areas where the Council needs to improve. These will be the key focus for the Council and its partners over the coming year.

What they said…

Ò

Ó

It has done a lot to Òhelp bring people together by providing useful activities for teenagers to do, which is something local people are very concerned about

Ó

Ò

Overall, people’s satisfaction with Council services remains high, particularly with things like cultural and recreational facilities such as parks

Ó

The Council… is making improvements to its customer services to ensure that it is more accessible to local people

Ò

Most people Òsay Bexley is a good place to live Ó

The Council is also Òworking well with its partners such as the Metropolitan Police to deliver services that are important to people

Ó

The Council has made good improvements in priorities such as helping older people live independently, reducing crime, and increasing recycling

Ó

The inspectors l The Audit Commission l Care Quality Commission l Ofsted l Her Majesty’s Inspectorates

of Constabulary, Prisons and Probation

Introducing new essential standards of care

From 1 April, the 10% Council Tax discount for long-term empty properties will come to an end in the London Borough of Bexley.

From April 2010 new essential standards of care are being introduced gradually across all health and adult social care services in England. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the new independent regulator of health and adult social care, will license services if they meet essential standards and constantly monitor them to make sure they are compliant with the law.

The Government, the Mayor of London and Bexley are all committed to encouraging owners to sell or rent these properties out, rather than leaving them empty. This will help tackle the blight of empty homes and increase the supply of housing and means that the owners of properties that have been empty for over six months will no longer receive any discount.

The new system means that you can expect services to meet essential standards of quality and safety that respect your dignity and rights.

NHS trusts are the first to come into the new system.

From April 2010, for the first time, all NHS hospitals must by law be registered with CQC according to the essential standards.

End to empty property discount

Find out more on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

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feature

Open house, open heart

From the outside, Debbie and Mark Griffin’s house in Welling looks much like any other family home in the borough. Only when you step inside do you realise that they have a very special extended family.

For the past eight years the Griffins have been involved with Shared Lives, offering local people with learning disabilities accommodation and support in their home as part of Bexley’s Community Living and Support Scheme, or CLASS. Right now they share their home with Wayne, William and Chris. William has lived with the Griffins for eight years and Wayne and Chris for three.

Debbie and Mark initially considered fostering. Both had older children and were keen to continue caring. They became interested in Shared Lives while making enquiries and, after a detailed application and assessment process, the couple welcomed their first adult with learning disabilities.

The adults come to the family for a variety of reasons. Sometimes providing respite for their own carers, other times they are taking a first step towards living independently.

Debbie and Mark make sure they involve the families of their placements in their everyday lives. Christmas dinner at the Griffins sees the house full of their own family, including grandchildren, and the families of whoever they have living with them.

They even keep in touch with the families of those that have stayed with them in the past.

Mark says that anyone interested in becoming part of Shared Lives needs to be able to invite them into their house as part of the family. “It’s not a job and they are not lodgers,” says Mark. “It is a way of life.”

“The most rewarding part of being a

Did you know?

Left to right - Wayne, Mark, Debbie, Chris and William

Shared Lives carer is seeing the change in the people that come to live with us.

We have some adults come to us without any confidence and it is lovely to see them grow and become independent. Some will then move on into their own homes.”

Debbie agrees. ‘We are definitely one big family and ours is a house full of laughter. Wayne celebrates his 50th birthday this year and we shall be celebrating with him. I love having them here with us.’

Each of the men have their own bedroom with satellite tv and a computer. The family also have a Wii and Chris says that he is particularly fond of the ten pin bowling game!

Wayne, William and Chris all have part-time jobs. William’s hobby is woodwork and Debbie and Mark have set up a workshop for him in their garden, where he makes model boats.

Shared Lives carers provide 24-hour support for their placements. Bexley’s Community Living and Support Scheme

‘We are definitely one big family and ours is a house full of laughter.’

rning Social workers in the lea e, vic ad disability team offer istance to ass d an rt information, suppo rents, pa ir the to d ng disabilities, an adults with severe learni . relatives, friends, or carers e on making plans (perhaps vic ad d an lp he They can give such d assist at times of crisis an e), car al nti en for day or reside wh or ious illness in the family, as the death of a carer, ser y strained. relationships become ver tact the team by email at For more information con 8269 3300 exley.gov.uk or call 020 learningdisabilityteam@b

Bexley Twofold is the Council’s suppor ted employment proj ec adults with a lear t for who wish to take ni ng disability up paid employm ent.

The team help jo bs arranging college eekers prepare for work by courses, work ta sters, work experience and travel For more inform training. ation email bexl ey.twofold@bexl gov.uk or call 02 ey.

0 8298 0703

Co-ordinator make regular visits and offer advice, support and training when needed. The couple receive a set allowance for being Shared Lives carers.

Catherine Nairn, Bexley’s Community Living and Support Scheme Co-ordinator is full of praise for the Griffins. She said; “Mark and Debbie provide excellent support to the people who share their home and are very committed to the role.”

We asked Wayne what he thought was the best thing about living with Debbie and Mark. He replied: “It is the first time I have ever known real love.”

And you can’t get much more of a recommendation than that!

Last year the Government’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) awarded Bexley’s Community Living and Support Scheme (CLASS) ‘three stars’ and judged it to be providing an excellent service following its annual review.

For more information on Shared Lives contact the Community Living and Support Scheme Team on 020 8269 3320 or 020 8269 3319.

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You choose A new and improved way of letting housing association homes in Bexley will be known as Bexley HomeChoice.

A provider has been found for the system, which is expected to be introduced this summer.

Bexley HomeChoice will allow those on the housing and transfer registers to see what homes are available and to place an expression of interest or a ‘bid’.

While the system will be internet based, those without internet access will be able to see available homes and place bids using public access points, telephone and text messaging.

Housing need remains the focus under the new system so, unless your circumstances change, your priority and type of home you need will not change with Bexley HomeChoice.

It will, however, give you a chance to choose a suitable available home rather than having a home allocated to you.

Improving services - saving money driving regeneration - revitalising communities

Better ways to pay Motorists can pay penalty charge notices (PCNs) online at www.bexley.gov.uk/parking or by phone on 020 8294 6789 (touchtone using a debit/credit card).

These easier ways to pay are part of a series of improvements to make the parking service fairer and easier to access.

Payment can also be madel By cheque or postal order, made payable to London Borough of Bexley and sent to Parking Services, Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7LB l If you not have access to a phone or the internet, you can use the public access computers at any of the borough’s libraries and the Contact Centre in Bexleyheath to access the online payment system.

FIS team get out and about Helping parents and children is now much easier for the borough’s Family Information Service (FIS) team.

Since the end of last year, they’ve been more able to be out in the community, giving people information to help them through the challenges of family life.

It’s been made possible by the team’s phone calls being transferred to trained customer service advisors at the borough’s Contact Centre.

FIS manager Doff Lane said: “It has freed up time to visit more schools, children’s centres and just about anywhere we can meet families with children and young people aged 0-19 years.”

FIS team member Nicola Cafferkey said: “We were out and about before, but we’ve been able to expand the service.

“For example, we’ve been able to contact primary school headteachers to ask them to invite us into schools.”

Colleague Page Stanley said: “It is better to be out meeting people. It’s a lot easier to interact with people face-to-face rather than on the phone.”

Parent Max Mann got talking to the team while at Sidcup Children’s Centre with his son A’neil, three.

He previously hadn’t been aware of the breadth of information on offer.

He said: “Having the team here is better than just

Please email questions or comments to choicebasedlettings@ bexley.gov.uk, or call 020 8294 6199

Global investor at helm of shopping centre One of the world’s leading property investment managers is now at the helm of the Borough’s main shopping centre.

LaSalle Investment Management purchased The Mall shopping centre in Bexleyheath from The Mall Corporation at the end of 2009.

Previously The Mall Corporation was appointed the preferred developer for the Bexley First redevelopment of the civic office site.

London Borough of Bexley is now in discussions with La Salle about the redevelopment. There will be an update later in the year.

Top - FIS officer Page Stanley speaks to parent Max Mann, holding son A’neil Above - FIS leaflets displayed on a visit to Sidcup Children’s Centre Right - FIS officer Nicola Cafferkey amuses a toddler while speaking to a parent

having the leaflets available to pick up because sometimes as a parent you want to ask a question.”

For more information on the FIS team visit www. bexley.gov.uk. To contact the team call 020 8856 5398 or email fis@bexley.gov.uk.

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information

Standards

Fire safety begins at home Fires in the home can have a range of causes: cigarettes, candles, heaters, defective electrical equipment, as well as accidents in the kitchen.

In Bexley, a lot of fires start in people’s kitchens. Cyril O’Brien, London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Bexley, told the Bexley Magazine he has seen countless homes wrecked and lives affected by serious kitchen fires. “Kitchens are arguably the most dangerous room in the house. That’s why it’s vital that everyone knows the importance of fire safety.

“In the last five years in London there were around 17,000 kitchen fires which caused injuries to over 2,000 people,” he explains. “Many of these fires happen when people are not paying attention, or when they leave cooking unattended”.

There are lots of things you can

do to ensure you don’t suffer from a fire in your kitchen. “It’s mostly about common sense,” said Commander O’Brien, “Make sure you take your pans off the heat if you’re called away from the cooker – if the phone rings, switch off your hob.

“Children shouldn’t be left alone in the kitchen and matches, lighters and pan handles must be placed well out of their reach. If you hang dish clothes or tea towels up in the kitchen, try to ensure you keep them well away from your stove and oven as they can easily catch alight.”

London Fire Brigade’s top tips on preventing kitchen fires: l Try not to get distracted when cooking and never leave pans unattended. l Never cook when you have been drinking alcohol. l Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil.

Would like to have your say on the news and issues in your Bexley Magazine?

Just email communications@bexley.gov.uk or write to ‘Your shout’, Bexley Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7LB. We will print the most interesting letters on a new ‘Your shout’ page in our next edition.

We may not be able to print all your letters, but we promise to read them all.

We reserve the right to edit your letters and emails to fit the available space.

l Dry food before placing it in the hot

oil – wet food will cause the oil to bubble up and possibly spill over the edge of the pan.

If your pan does catch fire: l Don’t move it or throw water on to it. l Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. l If in any doubt, leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others and call 999.

Bexley’s firefighters also urge local people to take steps to protect themselves in the event of a fire.

“The most vital advice I can give is to make sure you’ve got a smoke alarm on every level of your home, they buy you valuable seconds to escape,” said Commander O’Brien. “I’d also recommend you plan an escape route so you know how to escape if a fire breaks out”.

You should also plan an alternative escape route in case the normal one is blocked. You must ensure your escape routes are clear of obstructions at all times and tell everyone in the house where door and window keys are kept.

Commander O’Brien said: “If our advice makes just one person take some extra precautions, or buy a smoke alarm, then it’s worth it.

For firefighters it’s tragic to see the aftermath of fires that have been started by something so simple as a tea towel dangling over a hob or a pan of oil that’s overheated.

“Please take care, it could save your home, as well as your life.”

Please visit www.london-fire. gov.uk/yoursafety.asp for more home fire safety advice.

Bexley is looking for people to become Independent Members of its Standards Committee, which oversees the conduct of our Councillors and helps maintain public confidence in the way we operate.

To make sure individuals are seen as separate from the Council, there are a few restrictions that prevent some people from becoming Independent Members of the Committee.

You cannot be a Councillor or employee of any local authority, nor a relative or close friend of a Bexley Councillor or employee. Also, you cannot have been a Bexley Councillor or employee within the last five years.

These are non-political appointments and applicants should not hold any current political office.

Some attributes and skills expected of an Independent Member are: • a keen interest in standards in public life • a wish to serve the local community and uphold local democracy • high standards of personal integrity • the ability to be objective, independent and impartial • sound decision-making skills • questioning skills • leadership qualities • the ability to chair meetings.

The Committee has developed a Code of Conduct and advises, trains and assists Councillors to observe it. It currently has seven Councillor representatives and three Independent Members, including the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. We are looking for applicants for the three non-Councillor members.

Meetings of the Committee are likely to be held at least four times a year, usually in the evenings at 7.30pm.

There are also meetings of Assessment Sub–Committees, which deal with the initial filtering of complaints and hearings to consider the results of investigations into allegations of misconduct. There is an allowance for attending meetings and you can recover some out-of-pocket expenses.

A Special Responsibility Allowance may also be paid to the Chairman.

For an application write to Dave Easton, Bexley Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 7LB or call 020 8294 6103 or e-mail dave.easton@bexley.gov.uk The deadline for receipt of completed forms is Friday 9 April 2010.

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community

Abbey Wood • Belvedere • Thamesmead Last month saw the opening of a new ‘one stop shop’ in Tavy Bridge, Thamesmead.

The shop will initially be used on a part-time basis for Council staff and as a drop - in for the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team while they are patrolling. On Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons local residents will be able to speak to community safety officers easily and informally about any concerns in their local area and access a range of information and advice. In the longer term, it is hoped that other agencies will also use the space.

The Council and its partners hope that the new shop will keep the momentum of dialogue going that has built up between residents and local agencies since the tragic murder of Moses Nteyoho in October 2009.

Sculpture choice

Earlier this year we asked residents to help us decide on the design for a sculpture to go on the roundabout between Picardy Manorway and Bronze Age Way in Lower Belvedere.

The choice was between two designs by renowned sculptor Andy Scott of Andy Scott Public Art Limited.

Both choices are steel sculptures: ‘The Cob’ depicts a towering horse and ‘Strive’, emphasises the rich industrial history of Belvedere.

Consultation ended at the beginning of March and a decision was due to be taken as the magazine went to press.

The commission is part of the £10.6 million Belvedere Green Links regeneration programme, funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the London Development Agency (LDA).

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ regeneration for more information.

Your community Local news from your neighbourhood Blackfen • Foots Cray • Sidcup Plan protects historic house Smartening up Sidcup A plan to protect one of Bexley’s most treasured landmarks, the Manor House in Sidcup, is now in place.

Bexley • Bexleyheath

Upton Primary School The new school and children’s centre buildings at Upton Primary School in Iris Avenue, Bexley, will be officially opened this month.

Children will be treating their guests to a special assembly, to mark the beginning of a new era for the school.

Work on a number of environmental improvements is now nearly complete in Sidcup Town Centre.

Much of the street clutter has been removed and the footpaths are The conservation and management clearer and easier to negotiate. plan will help safeguard the future of New bins have been installed and the Grade II listed building. Read more street furniture repainted. The and see the plan at www.bexley.gov. entrance to the library has also uk/bexleyfirst been greatly enhanced.

Improved flood protection

Burnt Oak Junior School

The London Borough of Bexley has invested more than £200,000 in a flood alleviation scheme to protect homes and businesses in the North Cray Road area of Bexley Village that were flooded during a violent thunderstorm in September 2005.

The scheme involved improving a culvert beneath the North Cray Road and building a new sewer to take highway drainage from the North Cray Road roundabout direct to the River Cray.

The new scheme will provide a significantly improved standard of flood protection.

Burnt Oak Junior School’s extended buildings officially opened for use at the end of last year.

Thanks to Council funding the school, which has some of the borough’s oldest school buildings, has been extended and refurbished to provide a bright new sports hall, three additional classrooms and new toilet facilities throughout.

The existing school, a locally listed two-storey brick building, has been re-arranged to provide a new administration area. The project was completed with new landscaping works at the front of the school site.

Nisbett Walk has benefitted from improved lighting, signage and planting to help draw shoppers from Morrison’s car park into the High Street area.

Phase three of the Sidcup Town Area Renewal (STAR) is due to start shortly. This will be looking at ways to improve the streets and pedestrian environment in the High Street area.

Burnt Oak

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y

community

Crayford • Erith • Northumberland Falconwood • Welling Heath • Slade Green Welling woman scoops top award

Debbie Palmer of Welling won through against 63,000 people to be named Resident of the Year by London & Quadrant Housing Trust.

Trinity School students pick up their GCSE results last year

Most improved in the capital Trinity School in Belvedere was named second most improved in London earlier this year.

Trinity School Headteacher, Ian Collins said: “These results represent a magnificent joint effort by pupils and staff as well as planned intervention by consultants from Education London.

Trinity has encouraged and enabled every one of our young people to be successful in all aspects of their learning. We are delighted by their achievements and I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of students, to the teachers who went the extra mile, and to parents who worked in close partnership with the school.”

Improvements at the Howbury Centre From Spring, visitors with appointments at the Council offices at Slade Green’s Howbury Centre will benefit from more direct access to the building using a buzzer and intercom system.

All other visitors with general enquiries will be able to use the library, where customer service advisors will be able to help on a wider range of enquiries.

The changes are part of the Bexley First programme, which aims to provide better value for money and improve services.

Shenstone Park is getting a new look

Residents to help shape community facilities Residents in Slade Green are being asked to help shape the future of community provision in the area.

If you live in Slade Green and haven’t received a survey with this issue of the Bexley Magazine, please contact communications@bexley.gov.uk The consultation can also be completed online at www.bexley.gov.uk/bexleyfirst or telephone 020 8294 6904

Photograph courtesy of the News Shopper

Eastcote Primary School Pupils and teachers at Eastcote Primary School are delighted with their new school buildings, which were officially opened earlier this month.

The light and airy rooms and open areas are a stark contrast to the old buildings. Eastcote is one of four of the borough’s schools that have had recently opened new school buildings thanks to funding from the London Borough of Bexley.

Eastcote School

New care home for Welling Construction began on a new care home in Welling earlier this year.

Crayford’s historic Shenstone Park, located on London Road, is scheduled to get a new entrance way design, while part of its existing boundary fence is also set to be transformed.

Design proposals will be put on display throughout Crayford during the Spring, giving the public the chance to vote for their favourite.

The winning design will be announced in the Summer and installed towards the end of the year.

Debbie, who leads the Neighbourhood Matters youth group, was nominated by fellow residents.

She runs arts and crafts courses and works with the Bexley Community Safety Partnership and safer neighbourhoods policing team for the benefit of the community.

Debbie was presented with a trophy and a cheque for £500 by television personality Vanessa Feltz.

Willows Coffee Shop

Council hands over management of Willows Willows Coffee Shop at Crayford Waterside Gardens reopened last month under the new management of Bexley resident, Mr Qasim Sharif.

Watch out for new features like free Wifi, fresh coffee made by an authentic espresso machine and new varieties of confectionery.

The attractions in the park include features for the whole family, an artistic canopy, an interactive water feature, a pedestrian footbridge over the River Cray, an amphitheatre and a remembrance area for quiet reflection.

The new home represents a £6 million investment in older people’s services in Bexley.

Situated in Dovedale Close, on the site of the former Dovedale Care Home, the home has been made possible through a partnership between the London Borough of Bexley, Avante Partnership and MCCH. The home, which has yet to be

named, has been designed to meet the needs of older people with dementia.

Design features include: l 80 spacious en suite bedrooms l Light and airy lounges and dining areas l A central piazza, which includes a café/bar, shop, beauty therapy room and guest suite l Landscaped gardens l Balconies and terraces The home is set for completion in January 2011.

Cllr Teresa O’Neill, Leader London Borough of Bexley; Roy Collins, Resident of Danson House Care Home; Cedric Frederick, CEO Avante Partnership

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It’s in your The London Borough of Bexley will hold local elections this spring.

A Parliamentary general election must also be held before 3 June, though the actual date has yet to be announced. Don’t miss out on your chance to have your say on how the country and your local council are run.

1

How can I vote?

Before you vote you will need to be registered on the Register of Electors.

2

*

3

General election The last Parliamentary General election took place on 5 May 2005.The next is due by 3 June 2010 - and could be called with as little as 17 working days notice.

You can register to vote up to 11 working days before an election. Don’t leave it to chance – check now whether you are registered.

If the General and local Borough elections are held on the same day, eligible voters will receive separate poll cards for each with details of voting arrangements.

Those who vote by post will receive separate postal ballot papers.

4

No vote, no voice

If you don’t register, you can’t vote!

It’s as simple as that. To vote in any UK elections, you have to be on the electoral register. It’s easy to register. For details visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ elections email - elections.office@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777

Where can I vote?

The traditional way to vote is at local polling station in person. Details of your polling station will be printed on your polling card.You will receive your polling card about four weeks before an election.

You can also vote by post or by proxy To arrange a postal vote you must be on the Register of Electors and apply in time for the election.Voting by proxy means appointing someone to vote on your behalf in your polling station.You would need to complete a form to apply for a postal or proxy vote. Contact the elections office.

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ur hands 6

29 h c r a M

environment services

Remember - people have died fighting for the right to vote…

…and be part of a democracy. By registering to vote and by voting you’ll be showing that you think that right is important!

ent ards s c g n i h Poll Boroug r o f t ou ions l elect i c n u o C

April 12

Publication of Borough Council elections candidates details

20 l i r p A y to

da e.

Last o vot al t r te st regis e for po lin on Dead applicati vote

April 27

Deadlin e fo proxy v r ote applicat ion

May 6 Polling Day

5

When will my polling station be open?

The polling stations are open on election day from 7am to 10pm.

Emiline Pankhurst arrested during protest.

Pankhurst was a leading British women’s rights activist, who led the movement to win the right for women to vote during the late 1890s and early 1900s.

For information on the local elections or how to register to vote visit www.bexley.gov. uk/elections email elections.office@ bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777

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Carers

Corner

Calling all carers Carers’ Support (Bexley), the charity that supports Bexley’s carers, is re-launching the Bexley Carers Network.

Are you a carer and are you interested in – l Finding out about new developments, locally and nationally, that could affect you and person you care for? l Finding out about proposed new services for carers? l Being consulted and having your say about them?

If so, join us!

We will collate the views of all the carers in the Network and feed them back to the decision-makers at local and national level. We will also let you know about the outcomes of any of these consultations.

Carers’ Support (Bexley), The Manor House, Sidcup, DA14 6BY 020 8302 8011 ask for Alison Baker or email info@carerssupport.org

Volunteer Centre Bexley ‘Drop-in’

Parents’ Power

‘Parents Power’ is a support group set up and run by disabled parents in Bexley. It’s part of Carers’ Support (Bexley).

It is open to disabled parents whether their disabilities are obvious or not.

Marie Faulkner from Welling is partially sighted and has to rely on her husband and two children to help her with daily tasks that other non-disabled people take for granted.

“Before I found out about Parents’ Power I felt very isolated, as though I was the only partially sighted young parent in Bexley,” explains Marie.

“Parents’ Power has made a huge difference to my life and to my husband and two children. Last year we went horse riding, ice-skating, and we had a day out together at Thorpe Park, which would not have been possible without the help and support of the staff and volunteers from Parents’ Power. “

“In 2010 our aim is to help disabled parents, their partners and children to achieve a healthier lifestyle,” Chief Executive Alison Baker told the Magazine. “We are hoping to introduce exercise classes aimed at people with disabilities, and to support parents and children to attend swimming sessions and the gym.”

To find out more call 01322 351555 or 07821 397 200

Be a friend of the Meadows Friends of the Foots Cray Meadows

Open Tuesday & Thursday 10am-12 noon at 8 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, and Wednesday 10am-12 noon at Central Library, Bexleyheath.

Please ring 020 8304 0911 to book your session with a trained advisor, to search for a role using our computers, or simply have a conversation to find out what volunteering in Bexley can offer you. Your requirements will be matched to suitable opportunities.

If you can’t come in, please visit www.do-it.org.uk and register online or email bexleyvc@bvsc.co.uk

Foots Cray Meadows is the largest public open space in the Borough, made up of the remnants of two former country estates. It is also rich in natural history, with the River

Cray, Bluebell Woods and wet meadows.

The Friends of Foots Cray Meadows, FFCM for short, group was set up in 2006 to bring people together to work towards common aims. These are to protect the site’s wildlife and to raise awareness of the area, its importance and how it should be cared for. Working with the Council, the FFCM organise walks, talks and conservation tasks on the meadows, such as tree planting.

A key project is to open a Wildlife Information Centre at the site to enable visitors to learn more about the importance of the meadows. With the help of the Council the FFCM hope to open this important facility this summer. They will also be working on a new conservation project to improve the ponds and wetlands.

Sounds interesting? Then become a member and you will receive a newsletter and information on events.

For further details contact Mark Taylor on 020 8294 6558 or email mark.taylor@bexley.gov.uk

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feature

Working together for Bexley Accessible minibus transport to GPs

Smartwater makes its mark in Bexley Smartwater, an innovative crime reduction tool, is being used by Bexley Police and Neighbourhood Watch. The colourless liquid is used to mark valuable items of property such as jewellery, ornaments and electrical equipment and is almost impossible to remove.

Each Smartwater kit has a unique forensic code, like a fingerprint. When placed under ultraviolet light the liquid glows, revealing its unique chemical signature and providing conclusive proof of ownership.

Ultraviolet lights have been installed in the custody suite at Bexleyheath Police Station. Officers will screen all prisoners coming into custody, to check whether they have come into contact with Smartwater.

If your street is part of Neighbourhood Watch you can contact your street coordinator to get a Smartwater kit at a discounted rate of £15 plus VAT. Further details can be found at www.bexleywatch. org.uk or by calling 020 8284 5537.

Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme, or BATS for short, has been working with Bexley Care Trust to provide accessible door-to door transport to patients having minor procedures carried out at GP surgeries in Bexley.

Transport is booked through Bexley Care Trust, who liaise with BATS, confirming the date, surgery, patient’s name, mobility requirements, pick-up and drop-off times.

If you think that you would benefit from this service, please contact your GP to discuss the options available.

Surgeries who have patients with mobility problems can find about about accessing this service by contacting Bexley Care Trust.

Free help to get fit for summer Bexley Care Trust’s Health Trainers are a group of community volunteers who are specially trained to help Bexley residents make healthy lifestyle changes.

The Health Trainers offer free practical support tailored to the individual’s needs and ambitions.

“During a confidential initial meeting, one of our Health Trainers will help you to create a personalised health plan and assist you to make lifestyle changes you want to make,” explains Elaine Robertson, Health Trainers Programme Co-ordinator with Bexley Care Trust.

The Health Trainers service also signposts to partner organisations and local services that can help clients make lifestyle changes.

For more information, call the Bexley Care Trust Health Trainer Project Worker on 020 8303 5816 (option 5) or 07956 583 286.

Promoting Bexley’s businesses Successful businesses are important to Bexley and there are many challenges for them in the current economic climate.

Whatever size your business, networking regularly will keep you in touch with what’s happening in the marketplace.

The South East London Chamber of Commerce exists to promote business between its members and to provide all the signposts and help it can to enable its more than 400 members compete for business beyond its borders of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich & Lewisham.

To find out more, or to join the Chamber, visit the website at www.selondonchamber.org or call 020 8317 3365.

Partnership for Bexley Annual Conference The Partnership for Bexley’s Annual Conference was held on 10 December. The theme was ‘The recession, now and the future.’ More than 50 partners joined together to discuss how the borough is coping in the current financial climate and to plan for the future.

Feedback from the conference was positive and can we seen on the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov. uk/partnershipforbexley The priorities identified by delegates at the conference will be used to plan the Partnership for Bexley’s work over the next year.

Make it count The Office for National Statistics is responsible for carrying out a census every ten years and the next will take place on 27 March 2011, involving around 25 million households.

Further information will be posted on the Council’s website over the next 12 months as we approach Census Day 2011 www.bexley.gov.uk/census2011

If you would like to help with the next official count of our population, full details of employment opportunities are published on the Census 2011 recruitment website at www. censusjobs.co.uk

Do you need help with choosing your care? www.shop4carebexley.co.uk This website has information about lots of organisations that provide care and support.

If you have difficulty in accessing the website, please call Inspire Community Trust on 01322 334716 email: info@ inspirecommuniytytrust.org

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feedback

New comments and complaints process Feedback processes at London Borough of Bexley have been overhauled to encourage a speedier resolution of complaints.

It’s hoped the new procedures will encourage service managers to resolve complaints quickly. If they are unable to, senior managers will step in to resolve concerns.

If complaints are not resolved at this level, the complaint will be heard by one of the Council’s Directors or the Chief Executive.

At any stage of the process, people with concerns can contact a Councillor. You can find your local Councillor through the website www.bexley.gov.uk/councillors If you do not have access to the internet at home or work, public access computers are available in all of the borough’s libraries.

These changes do not affect the areas of the Council where statutory complaints processes need to be followed, such as social care, schools, planning and parking.

See www.bexley.gov.uk/complaints for more information.

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history

All our yesterdays ‘‘The sandy-haired acrobat’’ Thanks to Charlton Athletic Football Club, a fantastic collection of photographs, press cuttings and other football memorabilia, that charts the career of Addick’s goal keeping legend Sam Bartram, has been deposited with Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre.

Sam Bartram played for Charlton from 1934 to 1956 and made a record-breaking 579 appearances for the club. In those 22 years he helped The Addicks rise from the old Third to the First Division and to compete in two successive FA Cup Finals. Although they lost the 1946 final to Derby County 4-1, Charlton went on to

win the 1947 final, when they beat Burnley 1-0, after Erith resident Chris Duffy scored the only goal.

Sam Bartram did not win any full international caps, though he did play for the England B team. The Sam Bartram Collection also includes programmes and photographs of the England B team’s post war tours to Australia, the USA and South Africa.

In partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust, Bexley Archives have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to preserve the Sam Bartram Collection and to make it accessible to local people through a series of events in Bexley libraries and in local schools.

Sam (front row second left) with his England teammates

Promoting Bexley’s heritage Bexley Archives are always keen to work with the community to promote the Borough’s heritage.

They are currently engaged in a Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Young Roots’ project with Erith-based community group, SERLS Friendship. Some 40 young people will interview local

Sam in action

people, including those who settled in the area from Eastern Europe, about their experiences as children during World War Two. The group will create a touring exhibition, artwork and a website to illustrate how children lived in Erith and Eastern Europe during the War.

Archives online If you can use a computer, you can access Bexley’s archives, local studies, library and illustrations catalogues online.

If you don’t have a computer or internet access at home, don’t forget that you can get free access from the computers inside every Bexley library.

There are more than 300,000 entries in the catalogues, including l Picture collection including more than 2,300 postcards l London Borough of Bexley historical records l Parish records, including registers l Bexley schools’ archives l Business records l Estate papers

l Local studies library

book, pamphlet and map collections, including the subject index to local newspapers (1965–to the present) You can also perform a combined catalogue search of the archives, library and local studies books, newspapers and pamphlets.

For further information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/archives New items are added to the catalogue on a regular basis.

If you have a research enquiry or have comments on the online catalogue, please email archives@bexley.gov.uk

Events programme Bexley’s Local Studies and Archive Centre organises a wide range of events throughout the year.

A range of local historical talks are held at the Local Studies and Archives Centre and at Hall Place during the winter. During the summer there are walks conducted by local historians around local areas.

To find out more visit the Centre on the first floor of the Central Library in Bexleyheath, ask at your local library or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/archivesevents

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6 environment

places to explore this Spring

1

The Thames Path

The Thames Path and cycle route runs from Crayford Ness and the River Darent, to Erith and Thamesmead, along the southern bank of the River Thames.

Walking along the Path will not only get you fit – it will also give you a unique view of the north of the borough and its wildlife.

A colour leaflet is available from local libraries on the full 9¾-mile walk from Crayford Ness to Crossness and on to the Thames Barrier.

It includes a detailed map and information on key attractions and points of interest along the route.

2

Lesnes Abbey

Lesnes Abbey is one of London’s hidden treasures. It contains the remains of Lesnes Abbey, which was founded by Richard de Luci in 1178.

The nearby Lesnes Abbey Wood has a wide range of wildlife habitats, plants

4

Red House

3

South East London Green Chain Walk

The Green Chain Walk is an extensive network of walks through the dozens of woodlands and open spaces across south-east London.

Its 10 sections, together with numerous spurs and links, are a delight to explore, with many possible combinations and opportunities for circular walks.

The three sections of the walk through Bexley are: Thamesmead to Lesnes Abbey (2.2 miles), Erith to Bostall Woods (3.3 miles) and Bostall Woods to Oxleas Meadows (2.7 miles). www.greenchain.com and flowers. There are self-guided trails which take you through valleys containing hornbeam trees, wild flowers such as figwort and dogs mercury, open heath land and ornamental gardens. www.bexley.gov.uk/lesnesabbey

The internationally significant home of the founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, William Morris, now owned by the National Trust.The house was designed in 1859 by his friend, the architect Philip Webb, and strongly influenced by Gothic medieval architecture. There is a delightful and

peaceful garden, plus a tea room and shop.

Pre-booked guided tours in the morning. No need to book for afternoon visits with free audio guide(1.30pm - 4.30pm) Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, London DA6 8JF 020 8304 9878 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/ w-redhouse

6

Shuttle Riverway

5

Danson House

Danson House will be reopening to visitors from 1 April. Visitors to this enchanting Georgian villa in the heart of the borough can enjoy the magnificently restored rooms and being taken back in time to 1766. The house is set in peaceful gardens within Danson Park. The action-packed programme of events includes lectures, demonstrations, tastings, Family Days, open air theatre and even open air cinema!

Danson House, Danson Park, Danson Road, DA6 8HL 0208 303 6699 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

The Shuttle Riverway is a 5.75 mile walk which starts at the Green Chain Walk in Avery Hill Park and continues eastwards to Hall Place where it links to the London Loop/Cray Riverway.

Where possible, the route follows riverside walks, but it also uses woods, parks and some linking roads. www.bexley.gov.uk/shuttleriverway Have we missed any of your favourite places to visit when the sun and the daffodils are out? Please email your suggestions to communications@bexley.gov.uk Leaflets on all the locations featured here are available from Bexley libraries or from the local Tourist Information Centre at Hall Place, Bexley.

Bexley Tourist Information Centre 01322 558676 Free access to the internet is available at all Bexley libraries.

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Your Local Health Service ‘Open wide: A young boy gets a check-up’

environment community news

NewÊ NHSÊ ElectronicÊ PatientÊ Records During the next year, the NHS is introducing Summary Care Records, an electronic summary of key patient health information, which will enable doctors to gain immediate access to vital information, wherever and whenever patients are treated.

Summary Care Records will hold limited essential information derived, initially, from the patient’s GP records. This information will only be available to authorised healthcare staff.

Over time, the NHS may add details about health issues, summaries of your care and the professionals who treat you to your summary care record.

A letter has been sent to everyone registered with a GP in Bexley, outlining the plans. If you do not wish the NHS to create a summary care record for you, please fill in the form available at http://www.london.nhs.uk/noscr or ring 0845 603 8510. Please return the form to your GP before 31 May 2010 For more information, please visit www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk/summary

DoÊ youÊ visitÊ yourÊ WhereÊ toÊ goÊ forÊ dentistÊ regularly? urgentÊ careÊ We all know that regular visits to the dentist are important. But did you know the time between check-ups will depend on how healthy your mouth, teeth and gums are at different stages of life? This can alter as your health and lifestyle changes.

NHS dentistry is available to everyone in Bexley. To access NHS dental treatment in Bexley, contact a practice providing NHS dentistry and ask for an NHS appointment. When you have been accepted for treatment, you will then be a patient of that dentist for the duration of your course of treatment. A list of dental practices in Bexley can be found at www.bexley.nhs.uk If you think you need urgent treatment, contact your dental surgery on the usual number. If you do not have a regular dentist, you can always get urgent care or be treated out of hours if necessary.

Some patients are eligible for free treatment. The charge other patients pay depends upon the treatment – most courses of treatment cost £16.50 or £45.60 – but you should only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment.

For more information, you can download the NHS Dental Services in England brochure from www.dh.gov.uk/dentistry.

If you need help accessing an NHS dentist, please contact the Bexley Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0800 328 9712, or email pals@bexley.nhs.uk.

An accident or sudden illness can affect anybody – but how do you decide whether to go to Accident and Emergency or to an Urgent Care Centre?

The general rule is that if you are able to ‘walk in’ then you should head to the Urgent Care Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup, which provides treatment for patients who have conditions which are urgent, but not life threatening.

Urgent cases include worsening of a fever, sore throat, vomiting, bumps and bruises, fractures and cuts. Many chronic illnesses can be seen, treated and discharged from the Urgent Care Centre, although some patients may be transferred to A&E. In these cases, it is likely they will be admitted to hospital.

Serious cases treated by A&E include heavy bleeding, deformed fractures and chronic sickness.

Someone with central chest pain or a suspected stroke should call 999.

Serious cases are referred from the Urgent Care Centre to A&E at Queen Mary’s when it is open, between 8am and 8pm. If it is later, these patients are taken by ambulance to another hospital.

Around 100 patients are seen each day, and most of these are seen within an hour. In fact, most are seen within a few minutes. An expert team of emergency GPs, nurse practitioners, assessment nurses and health care assistants look after patients. The centre also gives advice over the phone about any worries people may have about their general health.

The Urgent Care Centre is at the front of the Accident and Emergency department at South London Healthcare NHS Trust, Queen Mary’s site, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup.

Tel. 020 8302 2678 ext. 5613.

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Bexley Community Policing Engagement Group Do you have views on -

Policing within your ward & in Bexley generally?

Crime and disorder?

Licensing?

Personal safety?

Traffic enforcement?

General policing matters such as Hate Crime and Burglary?

Yes? Then please come along to a quarterly open public meeting of BCPEG. The next public meeting will be held at Bexleyheath School, Woolwich Road on Wednesday 9th June 2010 from 7-30pm until 9-30pm. Refreshments will be provided. Meetings thereafter are scheduled for the 22nd September 2010, 24th November 2010 and 9th March 2011, timings will remain the same although the venue may change. All meetings are advertised in the Bexley Bulletin and on our web site.

The Bexley Community Policing Engagement Group – z Is a committee of volunteers who care about their community. z Has been at the forefront of police and community engagement for more than 20 years. z Is involved in everything from supporting the Safer Neighbourhood Panels to challenging the Police and local authority at Borough level. z Receives reports from the Borough Police Commander on policing matters and provides a forum where he can answer questions from members of the public. z Offers a forum where all sections of the community have a voice and can be heard. z Needs more diverse representation of the Borough’s population. z needs local community groups to join its drive to ensure that Bexley remains one of the safest London boroughs” For an information pack, or to discuss BCPEG’s work please contact Peter, the Committee’s Administrator.

Phone 020 8304 2300 Email – bexleypccg@aol.com www.bexleycpeg.org.uk F u n d e d

b y

t h e

all ages * all faiths * all races * businesses * community & residents’ groups * emergency services * voluntary groups

M PA

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Local information 552860 Photo sheet A5 2009:4 page A4

16/3/09

09:33

Page 1

YoUR CoUNCILLoRS For further information call 020 8303 7777 or visit www.bexley.gov.uk

The London Borough of Bexley is divided into 21 wards, each of which is represented by three local ward Councillors.

To find out which ward you live in, or for up-to-date details of how to contact your local Councillors or members of the Council’s Cabinet, please visit www.bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777

Council Members March 2009

If you would like to know more about the services the Council provides, or would like either a translation of this document or the information in a different format, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777 and press 0, quoting reference: 552860/3.09

Listening to you, working for you

www.bexley.gov.uk

Listening to you, working for you

www.bexley.gov.uk

UNDER THE LoCAL GoVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INVoLVEMENT IN HEALTH ACT 2007, WE ARE REQUIRED To CHANGE oUR CURRENT SYSTEM oF ExECUTIVE GoVERNANCE. In November the Council resolved to operate the ‘new style’ Leader and Cabinet form of executive. The new executive arrangements will be put into practice from the third day after the local government elections in 2010 (ie Monday 10 May 2010). The existing form of leader and cabinet executive will continue to operate until that time.

The main features of the arrangements are: • The Leader will be appointed by the Council and hold office for a four year term • The Leader will be responsible for appointing the Deputy Leader and other Cabinet Members and for determining their portfolios • The Council may, by resolution, remove the Leader during his or her four year term of office The Council also resolved to amend the Council’s Constitution to give effect to the changes. The amended constitution will take effect from 10 May 2010.

For more information, you can read the relevant reports to the Cabinet and Council at: www.bexley.gov.uk/democracy and by choosing the right hand links.

Alternatively you can inspect the agendas and minutes relating to the 13 october 2009 Public Cabinet meeting and the Extraordinary meeting of the Council that took place on 4 November 2009 at the Civic offices, Bexleyheath.

Easter refuse & recycling Normal Day

Revised Day

Monday 5 April Tuesday 6 April Wednesday 7 April Thursday 8 April Friday 9 April

Tuesday 6 April Wednesday 7 April Thursday 8 April Friday 9 April Saturday 10 April

Good Friday 2 April all collections will take place as normal. There will be no collection on Easter Monday 5 April.

Normal arrangements resume Monday 12 April All waste and recycling collections during the week commencing 5 April will be one day later than normal.

Mini recycling banks Our mini recycling centres throughout the borough are particularly busy over holiday periods.

If the banks are full please take your recycling home, they will be emptied as soon as possible.

USEFUL LoCAL NUMBERS Age Concern 020 8300 0883/5576 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 020 8303 5100 Consumer Direct 08454 040506 Dial a Ride 0845 999 1 999 Environment Agency 0800 807 060 Family Planning/ Sexual Health 01322 357 953 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Job Centre plus 0845 601 6916 Lost dogs and cats hotline 0901 477 8477 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Police – non-emergencies 0300 123 1212 Queen Mary’s Hospital 020 8302 2678 Report a gas leak 0800 111 999 RSPCA 0870 5555999 Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Thames Water 0800 714 614 Transport for London 020 7222 5600 Victim Support

THEATRES Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre Crayford 01322 526390 www.thegwt.org.uk Playhouse Theatre, Erith www.playhouse.org.uk 01322 350345 (Box Office) Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath 020 8303 3131 (Box Office open 6-8pm) www.edward-alderton.ukf.net Old Barn Theatre & Theatre in the Round Rose Bruford College, Sidcup 020 8308 2616

020 8303 1248

Please remember to use all of your recycling containers at home.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Here to help If you have any queries regarding these arrangements or your waste / recycling remains uncollected, please call the Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777 option 1.

NEW BExLEY BUSINESS GUIDE The Council has launched a new guide with details of more than 2,300 local businesses.

The new ‘Bexley Business Guide & Directory’ has been compiled and published

by Burrows Communications Ltd. It comes in a CD-ROM format, accompanied by a printed full colour guide to advertisers and information about local support available for businesses. A search only version will be available on-line at www.burrows.co.uk/bexley.

As part of its efforts to help businesses through the current downturn, the Council is making 1,000 copies of the basic version of the CD-ROM available free - apart from postage and packing - to businesses based in the Borough. Upgrades are also available from Burrows for a set fee.

Reference copies are available to view at the Borough’s libraries and at the Thames Innovation Centre.

For more information or to order a copy of the CD-ROM please contact the London Borough of Bexley’s Economic Development Unit on 020 8308 7726.

LoCAL MPS David Evennett MP (Bexleyheath & Crayford) Surgery: First and third Friday of each month (except August)First Friday 4.30-6.30pm, at 17 Church Road, Bexleyheath Third Friday 5-7pm, at Crayford Town Hall To contact David Evennett write to: House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA, e-mail evennettd@parliament. uk call 020 7219 8403 (House of Commons) or 020 8303 4695 (Local Office) or visit www. davidevennett.org.uk

John Austin MP (Erith & Thamesmead) John Austin MP holds regular advice surgeries at Erith and Thamesmead and his staff hold advice sessions during the week by prior appointment.

To contact John Austin write to: John Austin MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, call: 020 7219 5195, fax: 020 7219 2706, e-mail: austinj@ parliament.uk or visit his website at www.epolitix.com/john-austin

Derek Conway MP (Old Bexley & Sidcup) If you wish to contact Derek Conway MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup please write to him at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA or email to conwayd@ parliament.uk or by telephone 020 7219 8122 or 07515 419080.

London Assembly Member James Cleverly AM (Bexley & Bromley) To contact James Cleverly write to: James Cleverly AM, Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA, call: 020 7983 4354 (City Hall), fax: 020 7983 4419, or e-mail: james.cleverly@london. gov.uk

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Local events - March to June 2010

For a list of regular events throughout the borough, go to the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk

MARCH Tuesday 23 March - 11am Flower arranging demonstration with lunch by Graham Harmer Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

New Beginnings - a collection of spring designs for everyone’s home.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking Line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Wednesday 24 March 2.30pm Costumed Victorian Tour Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

An afternoon tour with a costumed guide that explores what Hall Place would have been like in the late 19th century.

All tickets in advance £6 per person Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Saturday 27 March 10am - 4pm Ancient Woodworking Techniques - Bexley Archaeological Group

Bexley and Sidcup Conservative Club 19 Station Road Sidcup DA15 7EB

A one day workshop on understanding ancient woodworking techniques led by Dr Damian Goodburn of the Museum of London. Admission: £20 pips-pad@tiscali.co.uk

Sunday 28 March 11am - 4pm Wedding Fairs

Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Hall Place is a beautiful location for a wedding – come and see the historic house as a venue and find everything else you need to plan your special day all under one roof. Free admission www.hallplace.org.uk

Sunday 28 March Bexley Record Fair

The Freemantle Hall, Bexley High Street, Bexley (opposite British Rail Station)

Enquiries 01322 330631

APRIL Easter Monday 5 April 11am - 3pm Easter Eggstravaganza Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ

Have lots of fun with the Easter Bunny at Hall Place and Gardens. Including craft activities to make and take away, garden trail (with chocolate prizes) and the famous egg-Olympics at 12.30pm and 2pm!

All tickets on the day £4 per child. www.hallplace.org.uk

Tuesday 13 April - 11am Lecture with Lunch: Constable: A Walk on the Wild Side by Rosalind Whyte Danson House, Danson Park, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

An exploration of the work of John Constable.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking Line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 April - 10.30am and 2pm Easter Holidays - Unwrap the Egyptian cat ‘Meow-cat-mun’ Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Join the education team to make your own ‘Bast’ Egyptian cat glove puppet. Afterwards, learn more about the fascinating Egyptians in our new exhibition in the house – you can even see a real mummified cat!

All tickets in advance £3 per child per one hour session Booking line 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Thursdays 15 April - 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) Delectable Sweet Treats Danson House, Danson Park, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

Indulge in five delicious puddings, from traditional favourites to modern classics, all home-made and all totally irresistible!

All tickets in advance £19.50 per person Booking Line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Saturday 17 April 10am - 1pm Grand Spring Charities Fair

Belvedere Baptist Church, 50 Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere Village

Friday 23 April 7.30pm until midnight Mayor’s charity dinner and dance in aid of Demelza House Marriott Hotel, (Applegarth Suite) Broadway, Bexleyheath

The Mayor and Mayoress of Bexley, Cllr Bernard and Mrs Edna Clewes invite you to join them at their fund-raising dinner and dance to raise funds for Demelza House. Four course meal and raffle. Dance the night away to the 60s and 70s chart-topping band Chicory Tip £40 per person Cheques made payable to the ‘Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2009/10’ can be sent to Room 122, Civic Offices Broadway Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7LB 020 8294 6153/6102 Email to reserve tickets: karen.murrell@bexley.gov.uk

Sunday 25 April - 10 - 3pm Bexley Record Fair

The Freemantle Hall, Bexley High Street, (opposite BR Station)

Enquiries 01322 330631

Monday 26 April - 11am Flower arranging demonstration with lunch

by Robin White Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

Come and be inspired to make the most of seasonal flowers at Danson House.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking Line:01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Tuesday 27 April - 11am 2.30pm tour of the house Lecture with Lunch: The Danson House organ by Dr William McVicker Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

Association of Bexley Charities 1978 Grand Spring Fair. Twelve local charities selling a variety of goods including antiques and collectables.

Admission free 32 Iris Crescent, Bexleyheath 020 8310 5018

An exploration of the organ, its builder and the music that would have been played on it is presented by Dr William McVicker, Organ Curator at the Royal Festival Hall.

All tickets in advance £20 per person 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Tuesday 20 April - 11am Lecture with Lunch: William Hogarth and the Modern Moral Subject - Alan Read

Wednesday 28 April - 2.30pm Curator’s Tours

Danson House, Danson Park, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

A talk examining William Hogarth’s satirical prints ‘The Harlot’s Progress’ and ‘Marriage a la Mode’ and their importance for Hogarth’s life and art.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking Line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ

Join the Bexley Heritage Trust Curator for tours that explore the new museum galleries at Hall Place. This is your chance to ask questions about the current Bexley Collection displays and to find out what it takes to look after museum objects. Numbers strictly limited to 25 per group. Book early to avoid disappointment. £6 per person.

Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

MAY Sunday 2 May - 11am - 5pm Spring Plant fair - runs until Monday 3 May Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ

The early May Bank Holiday sees the Hall Place spring plant fair to set your garden on the right road for the new season. You’ll find expert advice and an abundance of quality plants, ornaments and equipment for sale.

Admission Free www.hallplace.org.uk

Sunday 9 May - 11.30am Summer Sundays House Tours Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ

Tour the Grade I listed house with a knowledgeable guide and find out more about the fascinating history of Hall Place, a house built by the former Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Champneys in 1537.

All tickets in advance £6 per person Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Monday 10 May - 11am Lectures with Lunch: From Bordeaux to Bexley: The Dawn of Danson Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

For this special lecture, Daniel McGill of the Ballycastle Historical Research Group will travel from Northern Ireland to give an account of how the Boyd family came to build Danson in the 1760s. His talk will be illustrated with portraits and documents which record the family’s participation in the 18th century triangular trade, the source of their wealth – sugar and slaves.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Tuesday 11 May - 11am 2.30pm - tour of the house Flower arranging demonstration with lunch by Jane Patterson Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

An array of refreshing contemporary and traditional flower designs.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking line: 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Saturday 15 May - 10am 5pm Monday to Saturday 11am - 5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 100 Years of Guiding in Bexley exhibition - runs until 20 June Hall Place House, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ

An exhibition to mark the centenary of Girlguiding UK and showcasing 100 years of Guiding in the London Borough of Bexley. Admission Free

Tuesday 18 May - 11am Lecture with Lunch: Profiting from Trade with the East: Thomas Cheap of the Honorable East India Company - John White, in character and costume Danson House, Danson Park, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

Thomas Cheap desires inclusion in that most exclusive of social groups – the gentry. In the trade-funded Danson House, surrounded by objects and furniture of the time, listen as he charts the highs and lows of his quest for equality and inclusion with the nobility of the era.

All tickets in advance £20 per person Booking Line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Tuesday 18 May - 7.30pm Evening Talk: Archaeology at Embassy Court, Welling: Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

An informal talk with Paw Jorgensen of Pre-Construct Archaeology on the findings from the excavations at Embassy Court, Welling. Paw discusses findings such as postholes that may have been part of a roadside building related to the settlement along the Roman road of Watling Street and the cremation burials and grave cuts found on site.

All tickets in advance £6 per person Booking line 01322 621238 www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Wednesday 19 May - 11am Lecture with Lunch: The King’s Servants: The Tudor Tailor Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley. Kent DA5 1PQ

This talk examines the look of Henry’ VIII’s early household, the typical wardrobe of a man at the time and how dress demonstrated the differences between ranks. Following the lecture in the Great Hall, a two course buffet lunch will be served in the Tudor Kitchen. After lunch, there will be a tour of the historic house with a knowledgeable guide and an opportunity to view the new museum galleries.

All tickets in advance £20 per person.

There will be a limited number of ‘lecture only’ tickets available (no lunch or tour included) £10 per person Booking Line 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

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Thursday 20 May - 7.15pm Talk on the Red House by Patrick Joel

Local Studies and Archives Centre, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7HJ

Patrick Joel will be describing the history of Red House and the William Morris connection. Red House was built for William Morris and his wife Janey in 1859-60. The property is currently owned by the National Trust.

Tickets for events must be purchased in advance and can be obtained from Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre.

Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7HJ Admission: £3.50

Monday 31 May (Bank Holiday) - 11am-5pm Forties Festival Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley. Kent DA5 1PQ

Celebrate the spirit and resilience of 1940s Britain with us. Hall Place was an intercept station for the Enigma Project and housed the 6811th US Army Signal Corp. It’s 65 years since the GIs left Bexley and we wanted to remember their time here with a day of activities for all the family.

Join us during the day for family craft activities, ‘Dig for Victory’ in the gardens, see Forties fashion – you can even come in costume to add to the atmosphere of the day! See military and civilian vehicles in the gardens, meet re-enactors and join in with informal dance sessions in the Great Hall where you can learn to jive, jitterbug and much more! Plus a traditional jazz quartet will be playing and refreshments will be available throughout the day On the day: Adults £7, Children (16 and under) £5 In advance: Adults £6, Children (16 and under) £4 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Monday 31 May (Bank Holiday) - 6pm-9pm GI Jive Swing Dance Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley. Kent DA5 1PQ

The Great Hall will be buzzing in true 1940s style for this traditional swing dance, where we’ll be playing the best music from the decade. Fantastic demonstrations by professional dancers will inspire you to get up and have a go, so a troupe of dancers will be on hand to teach you popular classics such as the jive and jitterbug. 1940s style buffet included in ticket price. Bar available.

All tickets in advance £16 per person 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

JUNE Thursday 3 June - 7.15pm Bartram, Blitz and Beyond Charlton Athletics’ wartime experiences

Local Studies and Archives Centre, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7HJ

Charlton season ticket holder and historian, Peter Daniel, will give an illustrated talk based on CAFC’s famous goalkeeper Sam Bartram and the story of Charlton Athletic during World War Two. Admission: £3.50 archives@bexley.gov.uk

Sunday 6 June - 6pm (doors open at 5.30pm) ‘Children should be seen but not heard’ with Mr Mackett, A Victorian School Master Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Mr Mackett is the school master in the local village school, where he teaches all subjects to all the children, regardless of their age. He is a strict disciplinarian and expects good behaviour at all times! We welcome John White, in character and costume for a passionate and enlightening look at Victorian school life. Suitable for adults and children 8 years and over.

All tickets in advance £10 per person (tickets include a soft drink on arrival) Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Wednesday 9 June - 2.30pm Glorious Gardens Tour Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ

Explore our inspirational herbaceous borders, enclosed gardens and topiary with the Hall Place Estate Manager for a tour of the formal gardens that surround the Tudor mansion.

All tickets in advance £6 per person Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Sunday 13 June 12.30pm and 2pm Danson House Family Sundays - Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Danson House, Danson Park, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

These family days are the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful house and gardens with your family.

For the first time we will have themed games for families throughout the day in the private Danson House gardens and old fashioned sports day races at 12.30pm and 2pm. The tea room will be offering special picnic baskets for adults and children’s packed lunch boxes to enjoy in the gardens, so bring along your picnic rugs and enjoy Danson with a difference!

Special discounted entry price £4.50 per person. .Accompanied children in family groups FREE. Normal opening hours apply. www.dansonhouse.org.uk

Sunday 13 June - 11.30am Summer Sundays House Tours Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ

Tour the Grade I listed house with a knowledgeable guide and find out more about the fascinating history of Hall Place, a house built by the former Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Champneys in 1537.

All tickets in advance £6 per person Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Thursday 17 June - 7.30pm Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream - by the Chapter House Theatre Company

Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ

Enjoy open-air performances in landscaped gardens against the backdrop of the vibrant red brick and white stone of Hall Place. Bring a low backed chair or rug to sit on and a picnic to enjoy before or during the performance.

Admission: Adults £12, Concessions £10, Children (5-16yrs) £8, Under 5s free Booking line: 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Sports, events and activities in the Easter holidays!

A variety of sports courses are being held at school sites across Bexley during the holidays designed for children aged from 5-15 years. Courses are run by fully qualified coaches and provide an introduction to sports for those that have not played before or an opportunity to progress existing skills.

Over in Danson Park tennis lessons for both adults and juniors will also be running throughout the year, with courses for four -16 year olds taking place during the Easter Holidays.

Staying at Danson, Bexley’s Splash Park Events Programme starts again this Easter with the first event confirmed as an Egg Hunt and Face Painting on 6 April. The events programme will also run every week throughout the Summer Holidays at both Danson and Belvedere Splash Parks.

For more information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/sports or call: 020 8294 6992 for sports courses at school sites or 020 8294 6188 for Danson Park tennis courses and Splash Park events

Sunday 27 June - 11am to 5pm: last entry at 4.15pm Danson House Family Sunday: Teddy bear’s picnic Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

These family days are the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful house and gardens with your family. For the first time we will have themed games for families throughout the day in the private Danson House gardens The tea room will be offering special picnic baskets for adults and children’s packed lunch boxes to enjoy in the gardens, so bring along your picnic rugs and enjoy Danson with a difference!

Special discounted entry price £4.50 per person.

Accompanied children in family groups FREE. Normal opening hours apply. www.dansonhouse.org.uk

For Local Studies events

Booking information: Tickets for events must be purchased in advance and can be obtained from Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre (see right hand menu for contact details) Booking by post: Please write in and clearly state the name and date of the event you wish to book.

Cheques should be made payable to London Borough of Bexley and a stamped addressed envelope should be provided.

Note that tickets are non-refundable.

Send your ticket order to: Talks and Events, Bexley Local Studies

Holiday fun in the library There is also plenty to do in Bexley’s libraries this Easter, so why not bring along the kids and join in some of our fantastic activities?

For more information, call into your local library or ring 020 8303 7777 option 4 or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

Bexley’s Big FREE Weekend The dates for the Danson Festival 2010 have been confirmed as Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July. If you have the talent, this could be your chance to perform and maybe even become a local celebrity into the bargain.

If you would like to unleash your talent on the world, drop the organisers a line with details of your particular skill. If you have a web link, CD or DVD they would like to have a look at that as well.

If you have a product or service to sell, the Danson Festival is the perfect opportunity with prices to suit all budgets.

A number of cost effective sponsorship packages are also available.

To get involved send an email to jim@rem-events.com or visit www.dansonfestival.co.uk

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environment

Local organisations A Academy Photographic Group 020 8310 9218 Age Concern Bexley Grassington Road, Sidcup 020 8300 0883 Alzheimer’s Society Bexley Branch 01322 334245 Association of Bexley Charities ‘78 020 8310 5018 Assyrian Community of Kent 01322 331711 Arts Council of Bexley artscouncilofbexley@tiscali.co.uk 020 8301 5806 B

28

107 (Bexleyheath) Army Cadet Force TA Centre, Watling Street Bexleyheath DA6 7QQ 0798 272 1926 Bexley & Bromley Advocacy Unit 2, 241 Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6QS www.bbadvocacy.org 020 8300 9666 Bexley & Greenwich Resource for Alcohol 108 Bellegrove Road, Welling 020 8304 6588 Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme www.bexleyct.co.uk 01322 311333 Bexley African Caribbean Community Association PO Box 369, Welling DA16 3SD baccaforum@yahoo.co.uk 07946 497731 Bexley Archaeological Group www.bag.org.uk 020 8300 1752 Bexley Associations of Disabled People Inspire Community Trust, 20 Whitehall Lane, Slade Green 01322 350988 Bexley Association of Turkish Speakers salise@btinternet.com 07908482700 Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum 020 8304 1749 Bexley Care Trust 221 Erith Road, Bexleyheath 020 8298 6000 Bexley Centre for the Unemployed Pincott Hall, Christ Church, Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 7BT 020 8301 3187 Bexley Civic Society 020 8304 1819 Bexley Council for Racial Equality Library Building, Walnut Tree Road, Erith 01322 340316 Bexley Cruse Bereavment Care 020 8304 5245 Bexley, Dartford & Darenth Valley Branch Cats Protection www.bexleycatsprotection.co.uk 01322 611911/330250 Bexley Deaf Centre 20 Whitehall Lane, Slade Green, DA8 2DH Fax/Minicom 01322 339428 bexleydeafcentre@fsmail.net SMS 07918 881524 01322 351122

Bexleyheath & District Club for Disabled 020 8303 4826 or 020 8303 1177 Bexley Heritage Trust www.dansonhouse.org.uk www.hallplace.org.uk www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk (Danson House) 020 8303 6699 (Hall Place) 01322 526574 Bexley Historical Society www.bexleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk 020 8303 0544 Bexley Mencap bexley@bmencap.fsnet.co.uk 01322 336973 Bexley ME Support Group 020 8303 8553 Bexley Moorings Project www.bexleymoorings.co.uk info@bexleymoorings.co.uk Bexley Neighbourhood Watch Belvedere Police Station 2 Nuxley Road, Belvedere 020 8284 5537 Bexley Next Step Erith Town Hall(Friday) Central Library (Mon-Wed) 07747471539 Bexley SNAP St Augustine’s Primary School, St Augustine’s Road, Belvedere www.bexleysnap.org.uk 020 8311 6777 Bexley Talking Newspaper 01322 445293 Bexley Tinnitus Support Group 01322 525769 Bexley Town Twinning Association www.btta.org.uk enquiries@btta.org.uk Bexley Twofold Civic Offices, Bexleyheath 020 8298 0703 Bexley Turkish Elderly Day Centre Pop-In Parlour, 27 Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent ilkayzchirali@aol.com 0208 306 6736 Bexley Voluntary Service Council 8 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath www.bvsc.co.uk 020 8304 0911 Bexley WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) eileen.ramberan@talktalk.net 020 8300 1845 Bridging the Gap South East Supporting Adults with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder www.btgse.co.uk 020 8302 2890/ 020 8300 5444 British Polio Fellowship (North West Kent Branch) joe120b@hotmail.com 01322 400182 C Care Partners Trust Yorkshire House, 110-112 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7DQ Tel: 020 8303 0900 Carers’ Support Bexley Manor House, Grassington Road, Sidcup 020 8302 8011

Citizens Advice Bureau (Bexleyheath & Welling) 8 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath 020 8303 5100 Citizens Advice Bureau (Erith) 50 Pier Road, Erith 01322 357933 Complementary Cancer Care Trust www.ccctrust.org.uk enquiries@ccctrust.org.uk 01322 524079 Connexions 198-200 Bexley Road Northumberland Heath, DA8 3HF 01322 342725 Connexions Prospects 233 Broadway, Bexleyheath www.connexions.gov.uk 020 8301 3900 Crayford and District Probus Club VCD Athletics Club Old Road Crayford alternate Wednesdays at 9.45 am.

020 8306 1075 Crayford Manor House Historical & Archeological Society janet.hearn-gillham@ntlworld.com 01322 551279 Crossroads Care Bexley info@crossroadscarebexley.org.uk www.crossroadscarebexley.org.uk D Danson & District Amateur Camera Club www.ddacc.org.uk 020 8303 9825 Danson Youth Trust dansonyc@btconnect.com www.dansonyouth.org.uk 020 8303 6052 Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group 020 8302 2446 Douglas Macmillan Cancer Information Service Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup DA14 6LT 020 8308 3295 E, F, G Erith Model Railway Society www.erithmrs.ukmodelshops.co.uk 01322 223947 Friends of Danson Park 020 8311 1351 Friends of the Earth - Bexley www.foe.co.uk/bexley FSU Thamesmead 2 Maran Way, Erith thamesmeadfsu@fsu.org.uk 020 8310 6570 Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Bexley Branch www.guidedogs.org.uk anne.cheale@sky.com 01322 614416 Greenwich & Bexley Community Drug Agency 1c Woolwich New Rd, SE18 6EX 020 8316 0116 H, I Haven - Gay and Lesbian Social Group havenx35@googlemail.com 01322 287356 / 07961 446785

Headway South East London/ North West Kent Bostall House, Goldie Leigh Hospital, Lodge Hill, Abbey Wood, SE2 0AY 020 8319 7148 Hurst Horticultural & Garden Society john.hendrie@hsbc.com 020 8306 2376 Independent Custody Visitors Panel Recruiting - 07765 241936 Inspire Community Trust Disability Information and Services Independent Living Centre information@inspire community trust.org 01322 341638 J, L, M Junior Reds Football Club Bexleyheath and Cleeve Park Schools www.juniorredsfc.co.uk 0208 858 0133/ 07905 264157 Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society www.lam-sid-lhs.co.uk 020 8302 7820 MIND In Bexley 283 Broadway, Bexleyheath 020 8303 5816 MND Association North West Kent Branch www.mndassociation.org 01322 228169 Multiple Sclerosis Society Bexley & Dartford Branch 020 8306 7050 N, O, P New Community Debt Advice Service 24 Station Road, Sidcup debtadvice@new communitychurch.org.uk 020 8269 8627 Old Bexley Music Society 020 8306 0353 Parkinson’s Disease Society (Bexley & Dartford branch) www.parkinsons.org.uk 020 8303 8971 Photo Digital Club www.photodigitalclub.co.uk 07762 221909 Q, R Queen Mary’s Cardiac Support Group Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup 020 8302 6383 Rainbows, Guide or Ranger Groups 020 8301 1200 or 01322 294516 S Samaritans

020 8301 1010

Shopmobility Scheme The Mall, Upper Car Park West Level 3 The Broadway, Bexleyheath 020 8301 5237 Sidcup and District Caledonian Association Scottish Country Dancing Hurst Community Centre wendy@tomandwendy.fsnet.co.uk 01689 838395 Sidcup Literary & Scientific Society 020 8300 8647 Signpost Community Drug & Alcohol Team Erith Health Centre, 50 Pier Road, Erith, DA8 1RQ 01322 357940 The Scout Association www.scouts.org.uk 0845 094 6368 or 0845 300 1818 SSAFA Forces Help Bexley.div@ssafa.org.uk 020 8639 0495 Stillbirth And Neonatal Death www.kentsands.com 07951 454682 T Thamesmead Law Centre 4 Cross Street, Erith, Kent, DA8 1RB 020 8311 0555 Thames Innovation Centre Veridon Park, 2 Veridon Way, Erith DA18 4AL info@thamesinnovationcentre.com 020 8320 1000 Townswomen Guild Meet on 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2pm at the Scouts Hall, Mayplace Road West, Bexleyheath U, V, W United Nations Association (Bexley) 01322 331711 University of the Third Age Bexley (U3A) 01322 556876 Victim Support (Bexley) 53 High Street, Welling 020 8303 1248 Volunteers Information Service (VIS) 12 Pier Road, Erith 01322 347 492 Welling Alcohol Service Provision 3 Central Avenue, Welling , DA16,3AX. helpdesk@wasp.org.uk 020 8303 2818 Women’s Aid Helpline 020 8301 1536

To add your organisation to this list, or to update your contact details please e-mail communications@bexley.gov.uk or telephone 020 8303 2818

Listening to to you, you, working for you Listening Local OrganisationsFinal.indd 1 16 - 32.indd 28 602063 BEX MAG March 2010 Pg

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A - Z of council services If you need to know about a Council service, this is the place to start Visit us on the internet at www.bexley.gov.uk Email customer.services@bexley.gov.uk Call our Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777 Contact Centre opening hours 8:30am-5pm Monday - Friday Emergencies (24 hours) 020 8303 7777

Telephone service options Option 1 Abandoned vehicles Bulky waste collections Fly tipping Highway & pavement faults Litter Play parks Ranger services Street cleansing Street lighting

A

Adoption/fostering Adult education Allotments Arts

01322 356330 01322 356367 020 8300 1056 020 8294 6494 020 8294 6958

B

Barnehurst Golf Course

01322 523746 Benefits - Council Tax/Housing 0845 302 3200 Bexley Emergency Link Line (BELL) 020 8294 6479 Bexley Magazine 020 8294 6222 Bird College Dance, Music & Theatre Performance 020 8300 6004 Bexley Twofold (learning disability employment project) 020 8298 0703 Bexley Youth Advice 020 8301 3900 Births, deaths & marriages 020 8308 7515 Ceremonies Line 020 8308 7509 Blind, services 01322 344827 Blue badges 01322 344823 Bus passes 01322 344823 Business advice 020 8320 1000

C

Car parks/lorry parks Care Partners Trust Carers Services Team Careers service Cemeteries

020 8294 6172 01322 625100 01322 338582 020 8301 3900 020 8294 6534

Waste & recycling Winter maintenance

Option 2 Air pollution Contamination Food safety Health & safety at work Infectious diseases Noise complaints Census information 020 8294 6037 Child abuse/protection 01322 356302 Childminders 020 8856 5398 Commercial premises 020 8308 7723 Connexions 020 8301 3900 Consumer Direct 08454 040506 Council meetings/ Councillors 020 8294 6705

D

Dangerous buildings 020 8308 7881 Deaf/hard of hearing 01322 344811 Drug & Alcohol Team 020 8294 6686

E

Economic Development Office Electoral Services Ethnic Minority Achievement Service Parent Partnership Sensory impairment (hearing/vision) Energy Advice Centre

020 8308 7726 020 8308 7728 020 8294 6144 020 8836 8255 020 8836 8450 01322 344823 01322 344811 0800 512 012

F

Family Information Services 020 8856 5398 Fraud Investigation Team 01322 356073

G

Grants: Sports

020 8294 6963

Option 4

Pest control Water quality

Library book renewals Library opening times Library book searches Library PC bookings

Option 3 Business Rates Council Tax Council Tax benefit Housing Benefits Recovery

H

Halls for hire/lettings Hall Place Handy person service Home help Homelessness Housing advice Housing associations Orbit (office & repairs)

Option 5 Building Control Listed buildings Local Development Framework

020 8294 6205 01322 526574 01322 559615 01322 625100 020 8294 6131 020 8294 6131

0800 6781221 London & Quadrant (office) 020 8557 2830 (repairs) 0800 015 6536 Housing register 020 8294 6199 Housing related support (Supporting People) 020 8294 6288 Historic buildings 020 8308 7785

I

Information (general) 020 8294 6705 Interpreting and Translation Service 01322 356462

L

Licensing 020 8308 7672/3 Local land charges 020 8308 7850 Listed buildings 020 8308 7785

M

Mayor’s office 020 8294 6153 Members of Parliament 020 8294 6705 Mental Health Teams Bexleyheath Centre 020 8301 9400

For a large print version of this A-Z call 020 8294 6327

Bexley at your fingertips

Erith Centre Museum Service

01322 356100 01322 526574

N

Nature conservation 020 8294 6558 Neighbourhood Services 0800 389 5013

P

Parking Complaints 020 8294 6172 Fines 020 8331 5871 Permits/season tickets 020 8301 5200 Ticket queries 020 8294 6172 Physical disabilities 01322 356363 Publications 020 8294 6223 Public relations 020 8294 6222

R

Residential care Road safety

020 8836 8144 020 8308 7875 020 8308 7753

S

Schools: Education welfare Exclusions Governor training Psychology service Special educational needs Traveller education Skip permits Social Services: Adult West Child care team East Child care team

Planning Planning enforcement & appeals Planning policy

Option 6 Free school meals School admissions School appeals Student loans/grants Uniform grant Selection tests

Sports Centres Crook Log Erith Sidcup

020 8304 9090 01322 350271 020 8302 0556

Sport and leisure Leisure services

020 8294 6963

Outdoor pitches/ courts

020 8294 6188

T

Tax - Council

0845 3023200

Tax - business rates

020 8315 2076

Tourist information

01322 558676

Town Centre development Bexleyheath 020 8308 7779 Crayford 020 8308 7725 Erith 020 8308 7778 Sidcup 020 8308 7785 Welling 020 8308 7785 Town planning

020 8308 7992

Traffic

020 8308 7906

020 8836 8445 020 8836 8424 020 8836 8414 020 8836 8473

UVW

Visual Impairment

01322 344827

020 8836 8451 020 8836 8281 020 8294 6593

Voluntary services

020 8304 0911 020 8304 0912

01322 356363 020 8320 6300 020 8294 6627

Unitary Development Plan 020 8308 7782

Y

Youth centres (General)020 8836 8235 Youth Training Scheme 020 8304 8527

www.bexley.gov.uk 29 www.bexley.gov.uk

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Blazing Fires:Blazing Fires

Low-cost, serviced offices, tailored to your needs

15/5/09

15:39

Page 1

Blazing Fires ● ● Modern Modern & Traditional Fireplaces ● Wide ● Wide Selection on Display ● ● Site Site Survey & Fitting Service ● ● Friendly Friendly Advice

020 8850 4887 257 257 Eltham Eltham High High Street Eltham, Eltham, London London SE9 1TY

Thames Innovation Centre, helping you grow your business Serviced offices Business support Meeting & training rooms IT software testing lab

Call 020 8320 1000 or visit www.tic-london.co.uk

Carlton Cars and Couriers Established in 1966. Market leader in all minicab services.

Officially licensed by London’s Public Carriage Office.

Airport, Station, Hospital Transfers and normal day to day Minicab journeys.

Cars, Estates, Executive services and an active fleet of MPV minicabs available (6 seaters, 7 seaters etc).

We have a Fully Computerised GPS Tracked Fleet, we provide a fast, efficient and reliable service.

For passenger and parcel services call

020 8303 2222 Drivers call

020 8303 8000

Mount Mascal Stables Ltd Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW Tel: 020 8300 3947, Fax: 020 8309 7275

Established in 1983, Harenc School offers a first class preparatory education for boys aged 3-11

Mount Mascal Stables has been established in Bexley Village since 1965.

We are currently recruiting pupils for 2009 and 2010

We are the only Riding Centre in the borough to be approved by the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools. We also cater for disabled children and adults with physical and learning difficulties.

A family atmosphere and commitment to individual attention means boys leave school confident, happy and ready for the challenges of their further education

We specialise in personal and group tuition for all ages and all degrees of experience.

We offer selected horses and ponies and trained considerate staff who will advise you on your progress through our structured training programme.

For the leisure rider we have hacking in Joydens Wood.

For a complimentary information pack telephone Mrs Carole Hughes on 020 8309 0619 or e-mail info@harencschool.co.uk Headmistress: Miss Susan Woodward B.A. Church House, 167 Rectory Lane, Foots Cray, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5BU

www.harencschool.co.uk

602063 BEX MAG March 2010 Pg 16 - 32.indd 32

We do fun days for kids in school holidays and offer exceptional value birthday specials and vouchers for that horsey present.

Call us for further information and price guide

Tel: 020 8300 3947 www.mountmascalstables.co.uk

Bexley Graphic Studio Production 602063/11.08

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New Beginnings

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