ISSUE 5 | JULY 2022
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The Team
Welcome to
O
ne of the perks of my job (aside from meeting such interesting people and researching and writing articles) is the fact that I get to learn something new every day. Who knew that you could BBQ watermelon? (Food & Drink feature), or that Kia has won ‘Car Brand of the Year’ in the Which? 2022 awards? (Shopping)
One thing you might like to learn more about this month is the plethora of events that Bromley Arts Festival is highlighting. There is literally something for everyone - turn to our special ‘What’s On’ middle section for more information to help plan your month. Finally, we have to mention that we’re now ‘award-winning’ after receiving the ‘Community Media Company of The Year – London’ title from Prestige Awards. It’s wonderful to be acknowledged for the efforts that we put into making the magazines community focused. And our aim is that we continue to make your magazine as inspiring, engaging, entertaining and educational as we can. We had a vision when we launched the Life In…Magazines range that we would deliver positive news only; we’re surrounded by doom and gloom on a daily basis, and we hoped that the monthly magazines would become a beacon of light for many. Judging by the number of letters, comments and social media tags that we receive, we’re on the right track. If you’ve got any ideas that you’d like to share or comments on this or any other issue, get in touch with us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Get to know us: What's one destination you've always wanted to visit? Editorial / Sales: Lauretta lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Iceland
Design: Nicky design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Brazil
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Lauretta Wright, Editor
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If this is the first time you’ve received or picked up this magazine, you’ll find a list of stockists at the back to pick up next month’s issue. Or you can receive a postal copy through your letterbox for £24 a year (email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk) or receive a digital issue at bit.ly/lifeinmagsdigital
contents Community
Lifestyle
5. 6. 8. 11. 12. 15. 23. 24.
16. 18. 20. 28. 31. 32. 36. 38. 40. 44.
47.
Write It, Say It, Message It History Noticeboard Lines From Linda 5 Minutes With... Mayor's Voice What's On Pull-Out-And-Keep Bromley Arts Festival - What's On A Final Thought
Puzzle Page Pets Health & Fitness Food & Drink Relationships Parenting Travel Business Shopping Short Story
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Star response
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Jubilee joy I read that you were looking for photos of people celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. Here’s a photo of our group, the conservation workers of the rather aptly named Friends of Jubilee Country Park, at Petts Wood/Bickley raising our tea mugs to celebrate the occasion.
community the star response ( ) wins a £15 one4all gift card courtesy of The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk). Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk UP TO HALF PRICE
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A night at the pictures Following your report on Bromley Picturehouse, I decided to visit myself and was delighted to find myself entirely in agreement with every word of your excellent description. The whole experience was very reminiscent of yesteryear at ‘the pictures.’ The seats were extremely comfortable, the sound volume was just right and the auditorium (at least on this occasion) didn't have the sickly and overpowering aroma (or the noise) of popcorn so prevalent in other cinemas. And we had a free cuppa and biscuit - what more could one wish for? Looking forward to your next issue. David Tindall Thank you, David! We hope that you also managed to pick up a copy of Life In… in the foyer while you were waiting for your film to start :)
Bus stops V request stops In response to Maureen Perrin’s letter last month regarding bus tips. Whatever happened to ‘bus stop’ meaning the buses stop and request stops being those for which you hold out your hand or ring the bell? I’ve tested this out a lot. Because I am equidistant from two stops, I regularly stand at the door ready to get off at a ‘bus stop’ and it goes flying past…at least I know to ring the bell for the next stop! One driver once said to me “what? do you think I’m psychic?” I thought to myself ‘you do have internal mirrors.’ If the system has changed why do the stops retain the designation of request or stop? Janet P. Great question Janet – we’ll endeavour to find out!
But living life to the full on this planet, whether in Welling, Maltese Islands or Thanet. A free spirit I am and why not damn it, being stuck in life is not my sort of habit. My family think I am rather eccentric, cause I don’t follow fashion, my clothes are ethnic, I love hugging trees and things esoteric. If I morph into normal, call the paramedic. Someone once asked, ‘Will you grow up Gel?’ No, cause adventure and spirit you cannot quell. For a short duration on this planet we dwell, and life is for living, so what the hell! I didn’t enter the pearly gates, but nearly. I’m slowing down post heart attack, really! Have my ups and downs but I’m not too weary, cause I have my three stents and love them dearly. So, I’ll surely continue having lots of fun, and I’ll go through my to do list one by one. My kids have stopped saying, ‘Don’t do that mum!’ Cause life is for living, it’s not a practise run. Geraldine Ann Ford Would you like to submit a poem? Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Green fingers I thought I'd share with you some photos from a garden clearance we completed yesterday and today - the enquiry which came from your lovely magazine! Before
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Vernon Martins - www.easy-gardens.co.uk What a difference – the homeowner must have been delighted! After
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 5
community
History
Pam Preedy
The tale of three pillar boxes
Pillar box at the top of Cumberland Road near Westmoreland Road.
by PAM PREEDY, historian & author
Sometimes big changes to our lives come from solving simple problems. Letters were at the heart of a revolution in communications. In 1840, Sir Rowland Hill proposed an adhesive stamp indicating the pre-payment of postage – the Penny Black. He thought this would double the number of letters sent – which it did. At first correspondents had to take their stamped letters to the Post Office or collection point. The next change was to introduce post boxes or pillar boxes. The first pillar box is believed to have been installed in the wall of the Wakefield Post Office in 1809. The pillar box was introduced in 1854 in the Channel Islands on the recommendation of Anthony Trollope and was originally painted sage green. By 1874 they had arrived in mainland Britain in the familiar red. They are now an established part of the street furniture that we hardly notice – especially nowadays when the art of letter writing is dying in favour of emails. Take a closer look at the insignia on the front of the boxes and you can identify the monarch who was on the throne when a box was made. Near where I live in Bromley, there is a fairly rare example with E R on the front. Perhaps you would think it referred to Elizabeth Regina, but in fact her inscription would be E II R. It does, in fact, refer to Edward VIII. He only ruled for ten months before abdicating in favour of his brother George VI; consequently, very few of his post boxes were made. One of his pillar boxes stands in Cumberland Road near the junction with Westmoreland Road. I see it most days and assumed that it had always stood there, but no, I am told that it used to stand further along Cumberland Road at its junction with St Mary’s Avenue. At this point, Cumberland Road and St Mary’s Avenue continues straight ahead. It can be a tricky and potentially dangerous spot especially when children are coming and going to Highfield Primary School. Consequently, it was moved to its safer position. The Post Office has not left the residents of that area postbox-less; they have a square box on a post.
6 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
The box pillar box that replaced the E VIII R when it was moved.
The George VI Pillar box opposite St Mary’s Church, Shortlands.
This is not the only one with a history. A friend noticed that a post box close to St Mary’s Church in St Mary’s Avenue, sported the letters G R. She had seen maps dating back to Victoria’s reign with a post box sited there. So why were the initials not V R? Then she remembered that one night in July 1944 a V1 flying bomb reduced the church to rubble – the church’s spire fell in one flat piece, flat on the floor, and children joked that they could walk up the tower without the aid of a steeplejack’s harness. The pillar box, so close to this devastating explosion, would surely have been damaged if not destroyed. Hence, it would have had to be replaced with one with the new insignia. Pay a visit to Bromley Historic Collections on the 2nd floor of Bromley Central Library to learn more about Bromley Borough’s history.
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 7
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Art Days
NOTICEBOARD
s on 14th, 15th, 18th and Art On Parade is holding Art Day ol age. They take place scho r 19th July for children of junio at Ripley Arts Centre in Bromley.
Ukrainian Support
t available dates call To find out more about the nex @artonparade.co.uk info il Nicky on 07736 400763 or ema
AMAZING ASTRONOMY
ly organised a barn Rotary Beckenham recent George’s Day. A St with cide coin dance to – and the group all by good time was had the night. The on aine Ukr for 0 £85 ed rais g Skirmish irlin Wh by d vide music was pro master of was ber, and the caller, Philip Bar ary clubs Rot t Ken st We th Nor . ceremonies to help ,000 £25 ost alm have now collected flict in Ukraine. con the by d cte affe se tho
KESTON POST OFFICE The Post Office is proposing to relocate Keston Post Office to a new location - 19 Heathfield Roa d, Keston, BR2 6BG and undergo a refurbishment to incorporate a convenience store and Post Offi ce. Consultation on the proposed mov e will close on 5th July 2022 and customers can share their view s during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 084012. Submission s can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or by calling 0345-266 0115.
There has never been a bet ter time to learn about astronomy. Dozens of space craft are deploye d and being readied for exploration within our Solar System. The equ ipment available to amateur astrono mers has developed to make stun ning images possible – eve n in the light-polluted skies ove r Southeast London. Orpingt on Astronomical Society is an organisation for everyone interested in astronomy and space technology. No need to be a practising ast ronomer to join. Contact us at enquiries@ orpington-astronomy.or g.uk
Caught speeding
PIB (People In Business) recently held a charity Speed Networking event at the Bromley Court Hotel to help raise funds for the MumMum Foundation and The Chartwell Cancer Trust. Just under £400 was raised as the ticket money was kindly fund matched by Southeast Legacies.
Best known for his role on BBC ’s Strictly Come Dancing, the King of Ball room Anton Du Beke will star in this year’s Churchill Theatre 3D family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, running thro ughout December 2022. Tickets can be booked at churchilltheatre.co.uk
London neighbours
Richard Wraith from Wesh.uk has developed The London Neighbours Project, whose • Develop a positive community within each London borough • Encourage residents in each borough to get to know each other • Promote the use of local businesses through community engagement • Reduce social isolation and loneliness for residents through engagement
8 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
aim is five-fold:
• Share all the good news that is in your borough and safety alerts Residents can join their respective forums online and discuss topics and issues that are important to them. Richard initially developed the platform to offer everyone a voice in their community and as a means of preventing loneliness. For more information visit https://neighbours.london/
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TI CK ET UP GR AD E GI VE AWAY & £100 BA R SP EN D!
Live (taking place in In our final giveaway with Priory rday 6th August), we’re Orpington’s Priory Gardens on Satu win an upgrade on their to ce chan the er read giving one lucky spend for the daybar £100 Priory Live tickets to VIP plus purchase tickets at just win, to ce chan your For t. long even gs’ to be entered InMa ‘Life code the r priorylive.co.uk and ente . into the prize draw
T&C's a sponsors. For full competition *Shared competition with other medi see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps
Vivace Gymnastics is launching a new dedicated gymnastics cen tre in Bromley on 27th June, which is specifically designed for early lear ning, Key Stage 1 and 2 children. The new centre offers classes for parent and toddler, pre-school, right thro ugh to young adults. See vivacegymnastics.com for
Local legend
details
NOTICEBOARD
POPPY APPEAL Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare? Do you enjoy meeting people? Would you like to help the Roy al British Legion? The Locksbottom and Farnboro ugh branch of the Royal British Legion are seeking volunteers to help on our stall in Sainsburys, Lock sbottom, during the Poppy Appeal fortnight start ing in October 2022. We are a small, friendly team and we welcome newcomers to help us collect donations for the traditional paper poppies as well as other RBL-licensed merchandise. All dona tions generate funds to help our current serving armed forces, and ex-servicemen and women and their families. For more information, please cont act Catherine Melia (Deputy Poppy Area Organise r) by email at RBLPoppies@gmail.com
by Olivia Bridgen
tell us Bromley borough resident, Hamdi Faragalla, wrote to us to n to maratho half a ran who Tomsa, Tiselita Irina ur, neighbo about her was who David, son her helps that raise money for AVUK, a charity Irina shares diagnosed with severe hearing loss at just two weeks old. given… have others and it help the and AVUK with us more about on Irina! Q: First of all, congratulations on completing the half marath manage you did money much how and it for training any do Did you to raise for the charity? n and I did three months of training. This was my first half maratho £800. over raised and hours I did it in under two n – and how did you discover Q: Can you provide some background on David’s conditio AVUK? test, we thought perhaps Two weeks after he was born, David failed his new-born hearing with severe hearing loss. he was too little, but after failing it twice he was diagnosed surgery. Not only did David Just before he was one year-old he had his cochlear implant to develop his speech, ability his affected it , have difficulty in hearing voices and sounds for help, when I found the online looking was I when was It skills. social and e languag ended them. charity, ‘Auditory Verbal Therapy’. A deaf specialist also recomm this impacted on has how and Q: What help has the charity provided over the years David? and social skills, while providing us with tools They focus on helping David’s speech, language development very outgoing and has a good sense of humour. He to incorporate into our daily routine. David is now 11, he’s future. Without AVUK his for dreams big has and speaks English and Romanian David would not have thrived the way he did. Feature on the Community Noticeboard! For further information about AVUK call 01869 325000, Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk email info@avuk.org or see avuk.org/contact A small fee applies - we have limited space for free charity listings.
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 9
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NOTICEBOARD
en 2022 Music in the Gardgar den (Gardenview,
opening her Freda Davis BEM will be ular Hill TN16 3HL) for her pop gin Big d, Roa 6 Edward July (2pm-5pm) 3rd day Sun on nt eve Music in the Garden ure CC. The afternoon will feat to raise money for the NSP eshments will be refr t ligh and ans sici mu a number of of ll art exhibition and a range available, as well as a sma en. ard asg fred see ails s. For det stalls selling cards and gift NGS on open again as part of the co.uk The garden will be delights l sica mu re mo with ), 4pm Sunday 24th July (12pm ir. Cho k including the Orpington Roc
Bromley Arts Festival aims to celebrate every arts eve nt in the London borough throug hout July. To date, more than 100 dat es have been registered, including theatre, dance, comedy, music, art and poetr y. From the 1st July with Breaki ng The Code debuting at Bromley’s Little Theatre, to the 31s t with Magpie Dances presenting Glo bal Moves and Groove s - A Festival of Dance and Culture, the re’s something for eve ryone. The aim is to bring people near and far together to celebr ate the diverse and exciting arts events that Bromley offers yea r-round. For more information , turn to the special What’s On list ings for Bromley Arts Festival in this issue or see bromleyartsfestival.co m
Win annual family membership to Kent Life Heritage Farm
reader Kent Life Heritage Farm is giving one lucky annual an win to ce chan the s of Life In…Magazine a 28is Life Kent ! £125 h wort hip bers mem family ted in situa ction acre working farm and visitor attra the tells it year, the t ghou throu Maidstone, Kent. Open out day ly fami fun a ides prov and story Kent farming als, indoor discovering more than 200 farmyard anim ens and gard ish Kent and and outdoor play areas, the wide re explo to able be will er orchards. The winn - from animal farm the at able avail ities activ of e rang ing shows. encounters to paddle boating and excit er to the For your chance to win, send your answ .uk with es.co gazin following question to hello@lifeinma ion’: petit com Life t ‘Ken the subject line ors see at How many farmyard animals can visit ? Kent Life Heritage Farm Park (a) More than 100 (b) More than 200 (c) More than 500. For details see kentlife.org.uk/ plan-your-visit/membership
Charity spotlight Name of charity: Greener & Cleaner
Location: We have a community Hub based in the Upper Mall in The Glades. What serv
ice do you provide? We support Bromley residents to find out more about what they can do to help sust ain and protect our environment. We run workshops from our Hub rang ing from mindfulness to eco crafting and have a very active Facebook grou p where members share tips on ever from creating wildlife ponds in back ything gardens to using less electricity and gas at home. We also have education faith groups that support schools and and local faith communities on their green journey. Who is it available to? Everyone! How are you funded? We receive fund ing from individuals who’ve been kind enough to donate to us, trust and also statutory funding. s, grants
Do you
accept donations? Yes, we have a Paypal account where people can paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/4 make financial donations - see 456033
Do you run
any events? We run workshops at our Community Hub – to find out what Facebook page at facebook.com/The ’s going on follow our HubGreenerCleaner
Are you looking for
volunteers? Always. Our Hub is run by volunteers and we also always who are willing to help with the runn welcome volunteers ing of the charity – from helping with fundraising, to PR and marketing support. How else can people help? By joinin g our Facebook group. Contact details: For more information see greenerandcleaner.co.uk or ema il greenerandcleaneruk@gmail.com
10 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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Postbox Toppers mystery solved!
community -
Thanks to Mary Cody-Cowdery (a ‘Friend of Life In…Magazines’ who helps with distribution and keeps her eyes open and ears to the ground when it comes to local news), we were able to get in touch with one of the amazing people who make the ‘toppers’ for the local postboxes. Sheila Adby lives in Orpington and runs an afternoon tea business with a friend. She began making the toppers last year… Q: How did it all begin Sheila? I joined a Facebook page - Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, where people crochet small items and leave them out for people to find. I was impressed by the postbox toppers I saw so I decided to give it a go. Q: Are they knitted or crocheted or a bit of both? I crochet, but I have included a few knitted items that friends have made for me. I get inspired by other people’s toppers or from magazines. Q: How long does it take to make them? The base takes a couple of evenings to crochet. The items on it can take a matter of days or even weeks to complete. I’ve made about ten toppers so far. The box I regularly cover is near Crofton school, but I have placed others in Orpington High Street and Carlton Parade, Orpington.
NOTICEBOARD
them to be placed; in fact, they enjoy seeing them. The rule is that they must not prevent people from using the postbox. Q: What response have you had to the toppers and has this inspired other people to knit or crochet? I’ve received a lot of great feedback. I’ve now started a ‘drop in’ crochet session once a month in Orpington to teach people to crochet or help people with their crochet projects. Q: It must be frustrating when the toppers are taken? It is absolutely sickening when a topper gets stolen or has things removed from it. My first topper was stolen just 48 hours after I placed it. My remembrance topper near Orpington war memorial was stolen just before Remembrance Day which really upset me. I’ve had four stolen and three had pieces removed from them. Q: What’s next in the pipeline – any new projects? I’m currently making blankets for Ukrainian refugees with the help of a lot of people crocheting or knitting squares. I will continue making toppers especially for outside schools as I know they make people smile.
Q: Did you have to get permission from the Royal Mail? I don’t have permission as such. Royal Mail are happy for
Lines from Linda The flags, bunting and home-made cakes have been celebrated, and, as I write this, I know we are all still celebrating in red, white and blue, the 70 glorious years of our wonderful Queen’s reign.
the list as having contributed. Job done – or so we thought. Because, much to her horror, when my friend rushed in, first in the queue, the cake was nowhere in sight. The next week was the town’s street party. My friend and I took our seats at the line of put-together tables, but not before scanning the whole row to check for any sight of my shameful cake. To our relief, it wasn’t there.
My face is fully red as I remember my disaster and embarrassment of the 1977 Jubilee year. I was a young actress working in repertory theatre, which meant rehearsing a play all day, playing a different one at night and learning lines for another one in tea-breaks. Our relief faded as the woman who ran the Town’s The announcement from the lady that ran the Woman’s Guild walked in holding my cake. It looked Town’s Women’s Guild that we all had to make great from the outside and received many, ‘Oohs a cake for the church bazaar Jubilee sale, and Ah’s, and questions of, ‘Doesn’t it look left me reeling. I had neither the time nor So, I glued five pretty,’ and ‘Who made that? any idea of how to make a cake. Then I cardboard toilet-roll remembered I once had to make a prop holders together, discreetly No one spoke. I was the colour of a tomato. Then the Town’s Woman leader beamed. cake for a pantomime I’d been in a few attached them to a cake Obviously deciding this could be a chance of years before, and it had taken minimum base, covered the rolls praise and glory, ‘I did,’ she announced. I was time. So, I glued five cardboard toilet -roll in baking parchment and surprised her nose didn’t grow as she spoke. holders together, discreetly attached them cleverly set about My friend and I did an extremely slow head turn to a cake base, covered the rolls in baking icing my work. to each other. parchment and cleverly set about icing my
"
work. (I could do icing, I once had done a course, and it took me no time at all). I decorated the cake with corgis and flags and it was ready to go. It certainly looked the business.
I left it in the church hall and scarpered. The plan was that my friend would be there when they opened the door for the sale, and would rush in and buy it, and no one would be any the wiser, except we had our name ticked from
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Then someone handed her a knife and said, ‘It looks too beautiful to eat, Marcia.’ Relief once again ran through my shaking veins. Until someone else said, ‘But we will anyway. You cut the first slice Marcia.’ My friend and I made a very quick and quiet exit.
For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 11
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1964: The start of the round-the-world tour – from the left: Ian Matthews, Brian Gauntlet, Clive Matthews and Philip Walsh.
5 Minutes With… Clive Matthews
Almost 60 years ago, four young Beckenham lads wondered what life was like outside the borough of Bromley and decided the only way to find out was to drive a Land Rover to India, and then take a boat to Australia. Instead of Bromley High Street, Norman Park and Hayes Common, they would soon be taking in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, the Golden Temple at Amritsar and the Taj Mahal. Clive Matthews, his brother Ian, and friends Philip ‘Pip’ Walsh and Brian Gauntlet were all in their early 20s when they had a farewell send-off in October 1964 at the old Greyhound pub in Beckenham. They finally arrived in Australia on 30th January 1965, having sailed close to Bali – a place that was to become very special to Clive in the future, as he reflects: “We’d made it but little did we know then that in just over a year we’d all be married and that 40 years later we’d all still be living in Melbourne.” Clive married Benny in April 1966 and they had three daughters. He didn’t return to Britain until 1986. We caught 5 minutes (via email!) with him to find out a bit more about his amazing adventure…
What made you want to go on your incredible journey? The four of us used to congregate at the old Greyhound Pub Mark 2. Along with 15 others we discussed travelling. Eventually, just the four of us were left. We had been a little disillusioned by Britain as it was and being young wanted something else.
Do you still keep up with what’s happening in Beckenham and Bromley? I am a member of Beckenham Appreciation Group and Bromley and Beckenham group, so I keep abreast of events. I do post there too.
Which schools did you go to? I attended Balgowan and Churchfield primaries, then moved to Alexandra High in Penge. Subsequently, I passed an exam to attend Springhill College, London Lane Bromley (now Bromley College).
What did you do for entertainment back then? The Greyhound Pub was the gathering place from where we organised activities like car rallies, hitch hiking challenges and camping weekends. I went to the White Hart Pub in Bromley most Tuesdays for Jazz evenings.
You had planned to go back to Britain – what do you think you would have done had you returned? Despite our round-the-world plan, we all soon found girlfriends and had good jobs. Conditions in Australia were brilliant and bosses called me "Clive" not just "Matthews". We soon abandoned the rest of our journey.
How often do you come back to England? I did not return to UK until 22 years after arriving in Australia. Since then, I have been a regular visitor on nine occasions.
Do you miss anything about Beckenham/ Bromley? I miss lots but mostly the lovely pubs, the friendliness within and the focal point of social life. I also miss the countryside, villages, different accents as you journeyed across Britain. And of course, my parents and young brother Rod, who lives in Cardiff.
What happened to the Land Rover you travelled in (‘The Greyhound’)? ‘Greyhound’, our faithful motor, was sold once we decided to remain in Australia. The new owner was going to go to London with it, but we never saw it again.
The Ashes – Australia or England? The Ashes, always England!
What advice would you give to someone today who is in their early 20s and has got ‘itchy feet’?
Nearly 60 years later and we’re still in touch – from the left: Ian Matthews, Brian Gauntlet, Philip Walsh, Clive Matthews
12 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
I would advise every young person to take time out, travel and see how others live. Our lives are relatively short but now the world is open, technology has made travel so much easier than in my day, so when you are young just do it. Certainly, I have prospered as a person because of that decision in 1963.
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BROMLEY’S MULTI AWARD-WINNING FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 13
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14 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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community
MAYOR’S VOICE A new Mayor has been appointed for Bromley – and it’s a name you might recognise. That’s because from 2020-2021, Cllr Hannah Gray was previously Mayor of Bromley, and not only did she have to face the challenges a new role presents, she had to do so under lockdown conditions. Her goal back then was to respectfully ‘modernise the Mayoralty’ - a goal she executed brilliantly, upping everyone’s game when it came to the use of technology, social media and all things digital. Now she’s back, we sat down with Cllr Gray, your new Mayor of Bromley, to discover what’s next on her agenda… Q: Huge congratulations on your new appointment Madam Mayor. How does it feel to be back and what range of emotions have you gone through? A: Well, I had to stop twice when giving my acceptance speech as I was overcome with emotion. I feel such elation and pride. It’s a great honour to be given the chance - the second time that they have trusted me to do what I do. A phrase that springs to mind is ‘Love what you do, and do what you love.’ Luckily, I have the privilege of doing what I love and loving what I do.
Q In terms of your focus for the coming year, what are your plans? A: We had tremendous success stories in my previous year, and I need to find out how they are doing. I’m very passionate about our start-up businesses in the borough and, as the previous Small Business Champion, I still intend to help our small businesses and charities and support all of the fabulous work that people are doing.
Q: Since your appointment (at the time of interview, it was the day before), what have you been up to? A: I’ve just been over to the Ukraine Hub, which is open on Thursdays here in the Council. It’s for both the Ukrainian families and for people in the borough that are taking families in. They can find out about schooling, grants, youth clubs, the DWP, NHS, doctors, dentists... The Hub is also running regular coffee mornings to bring people together which is wonderful. The Ukrainian families, which we have the privilege of looking after, are going to enhance our wonderful borough with their diversity. I watched as the children, who can’t speak a word of English, found ways of communicating at the coffee morning and were being invited to birthday parties of children they had just met - the unity is fantastic.
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Q: Now that there are no Covid restrictions, what are you looking forward to that you couldn’t do before? A:
I’m going to thoroughly enjoy going out to schools, handing out certificates, hopefully inspiring young people, supporting business and charities in person and not on Zoom. I’m also going to continue with the podcasts, keep up with our social media and use of all forms of communication so we can support people and shine a light on their great achievements.
Q: Who are your chosen charities this year? A ‘Every Breath’ was originally set up by two friends of mine, Emma and Nick, and has already given tremendous support to people with lung cancer. It developed out of their own personal experience and is a charity for local people, so the money raised will be spent locally. The next one is a project called ‘Leaving Care’ who have set up a Come Dine With Us lunch club for children leaving care. The club will allow the children to get together, cook and experiment with different recipes, based here in the grounds of the Civic Centre in Bromley. We have already had people from local restaurants volunteering their help and providing ingredients, it’s wonderful. We’re also looking at hosting a big event for Ukrainian families and host families, hopefully this summer.
Q What have you learned from your previous post as Mayor – and what’s the best thing about being Mayor of Bromley? A I made so many tremendous connections so I’m looking forward to continuing to work with those people – and meet others too. My acceptance speech was based on People, Passion and Progress; people in the borough are amazing and we have a fantastic community which pulls together. For example, we want to see a place of reflection for people who have lost someone through the Covid virus, so I’m going to push for that. It will be somewhere uplifting and tranquil and we want them to know the borough hasn’t forgotten them. We started up the #ProudofBromley again and we should all be so proud of our wonderful borough.
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 15
lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE
WIN A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS
To help celebrate Bromley Arts Festival this month, we’ve made up a competition crossword on the theme of arts and performing. Fill in the answers to the clues in the grid and then re-arrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out ame: _____________________________________________________ Date: _______ the first name of one of the most famous female characters in English plays. This name is the winning word. Send the Across answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403 550068 7. Which TV legend wrote and starred in 'Dinnerladies'?(8, 4) with your name and address.
WIN
JULY COMPETITION 1 2 3 4
5
6
7 8 9 10
11
10. What is the name of a building where you can go and look at paintings? (7) 11. What do audiences shout at the end of a performance when they want to see or hear more? (6) 12. Which singer had a Number One with 'Wuthering Heights'? (4, 4) 14. Who is considered to be England's greatest playwright? (11)
Down 1. Which famous dance for two originated in Argentina?(5) 12 13 2. What sort of books did Agatha Christie write? (7) 3. Which actress played 'M' 14 in the James Bond films? (4, 5) 4. Which famous musical starred Olivia Newton John and John Travolta? (6) 5. What is the first name of the Beatle, Mr McCartney? (4) sponsored by 6. What type of dance did Billy Elliot excel at? (6) 8. Can you fill in the blank: 'There's @BromleyPicturehouse no business like ----business'? (4) @Bromley_PH ross 14. Who is considered to be 5. What is the first name of9. Which Dutch artist painted England's greatest playwright? the Beatle, Mr McCartney? (4) 'Sunflowers' and was the subject Which TV legend wrote (11) 6. What type of dance did d starred in 'Dinnerladies'? of a song by Don McLean? (3, 4) Billy to Elliot excel at? (6) , 4) We’ve teamed up Down with Bromley Picturehouse give one 13. What is the name of the stand 8. Can you fill in the blank: . What is the name of a 1. Which famous dance for luckyyou winner a pair cinemain tickets of like ---- that artists use when they are 'There'sanofilm business ilding where can go and twoof originated Argentina?to watch painting? (5) business'? (4) ok at paintings? (7) (5) their choice.
WIN
. What do audiences shout 2. What sort of books did the end of a performance Agatha Christie write? (7) For details see hen they want to see or hearwww.picturehouses.com 3. Which actress played 'M' ore? (6) in the James Bond films? (4, 5) . WhichThis singer a is ahad monthly competition, open tomusical residents in 4. Which famous mber One with 'Wuthering starred Olivia Newton John and Bromley borough only. Ts & Cs apply. ights'? (4, 4) John Travolta? (6)
9. Which Dutch artist painted 'Sunflowers' and was the subject of a song by Don Text or email your answer, McLean? (3, 4) 13. What is the name of thewith your full name, telephone along the stand that artists use when number and postal address to they are painting? (5)
Last month’s answer - BALMORAL All competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps
16 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk 07403 550068
BY 16TH JULY
for your chance to win! lifeinmagazines.co.uk
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JUST FOR FUN
Solve the picture clues to reveal the name of a film, phrase or book
Where am I?
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Puzzle 2: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _
Puzzle 3: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Where am I? St Mark’s Square, Bromley
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Answers Solve the pictures: Puzzle 1: The Jungle Book, Puzzle 2: Grandfather clock, Puzzle 3: Starbucks, Puzzle 4: Surfin USA
Puzzle 4 _ _ _ _ _ _’ / _ _ _
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 17
lifestyle
Pets
Eight things to consider before travelling with pets
Travelling can be unsettling for animals and there are many things to think about before setting off. Whether travelling by car, air, rail or sea, it's vital to check pets can be accommodated. Here, StressFreeCarRental.com have put together some key considerations for owners to think about before taking pets on a trip…
Suitability of the breed: If you’re thinking of flying, you may need to consider whether the animal you have will be okay being transported on a plane. Dog breeds like Lhasa Apsos, Pugs and Bull Terriers are not suited to flying, particularly those with snubbed-noses as this makes them sensitive to air changes. The same goes for snubbednosed cats including Himalayan and Persian Cats. The best option for these breeds is to consider travelling an alternative way, such as the Eurostar, Eurotunnel or ferry.
Animal documentation: Getting your pet passport
and animal health certificate are essential things you need before you travel.
Vaccinations: Just like with humans, your pet will need to be up-to-date with all their essential vaccinations before travelling. Making sure they have their booster jabs if they need them and rabies vaccinations are essential. Check with the country you’re travelling to, to check what their policies are, because each one will be different.
Comfortable carriers: One of the most important parts of the travelling process is making sure your pet is comfortable, which will make the transition as relaxing for them as possible. This means getting a comfortable carrier that is big enough or making sure the area they’re travelling in is suitable for a long journey. Cost: As well as vet fees, there are other fees that will need to be taken into account. For example, if arrangements need to be made for someone to pick them up or the extra costs for flights and ferries. Transporting pets can be an expensive process. Age of your pet: Some older animals may find the experience stressful, whereas others may not be able to adjust to the climate of a new location so always keep the best interests of your pet in mind. Some animals may get lost: Make sure your pet has a collar and are microchipped in case they go missing. Or have a tracking device fitted so you can keep tabs on their whereabouts is a good idea. Pet travel insurance Pets will need travel insurance. This makes sure that the worst is covered, such as if your pet gets lost, or an injury occurs.
Neuter your Cat for £5
Do you live in our Bromley area (BR1 - 4 or SE20, SE23 & SE26) and would like some help to get your cat neutered? We are offering you the chance to have your cat neutered for just £5. For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on :
07776667852 w w w. c a t s . o r g . u k / b r o m l e y / contact-us Email:
neutering@bromley. cats.org.uk Reg Charity
Pet-proof your summer garden
Did you know that some summer blooms can be dangerous to pets? Pet owners need to be careful of what plants are brought into the garden. The creative community hub at DIYS.com sought to find out the most toxic summer plants pet owners should avoid planting in their gardens - pay attention! The Autumn Crocus – Can cause severe vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. Azalea – Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive drooling. Cyclamen – If ingested, cyclamen can cause severe vomiting and even death. Lilies – There are dangerous and benign lilies and it’s important to know the difference, so do some research on this before you plant or uproot them.
203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland) NEU_2343
Oleander – Leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting. In worst cases, it can slow the heart rate and can even cause death. Daffodils – Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Lily of the Valley – Can cause symptoms similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias and possibly seizures.
18 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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lifestyle
Your pet pics...
This is our rescue pup Toby, who has just turned two. He loves exploring all the wonderful woodlands and parks in the borough and making loads of dog friends. He is playful and cheeky, with a case of selective hearing, but is a secret big softie who loves cuddles. Emily Davies
This is Cookie, a kind-natured cat who likes to sneak up on you in the bath! Cookie is very much a home cat - I think he thinks he is human! He loves a cuddle - we wouldn't be without him. Louise Knight
My girl Margo is almost two. A happy go lucky Cockapoo. Loves everyone but has no idea about personal space! Eloise Hinton
Idris is Persian and very loving and clingy – and follows Suri (his Aunty) everywhere! Jin Nailedit
This is Boo. She’s an eight-year-old Bengal/ Ragdoll cross and a typical cat. She sleeps most of the day apart from mealtimes and will only let you stroke her if she wants you to! Julia Sims
This is Ruby our English Bulldog the best breed on the planet! She’s so lovely, we couldn’t love her more. She loves a tummy rub. Lesley Plumb
This is our gorgeous Scout. He is a four-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and likes nothing more than cuddles, walks in woods and food! He is extremely affectionate and loves everybody! Emma Donovan
This is our Great Dane, Tucker. He comes to our shop every day, so he’s a working dog who loves meeting people and especially other dogs. Julia Reed
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Here’s Arlo, a 17-month old Tibetan Terrier who loves life. His favourite things to do are running like crazy on beaches or playing with sticks in parks. He’s so gentle, and a little bit of a chicken! Laura Graham Godenho
Here’s Charleigh, who is one. She is a feisty but affectionate kitten and loves to play with Lola. She was gifted as we unfortunately lost her brother from another litter and she is the spitting image of him. Samiie Broye
Cute pet pictures – send yours to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 19
lifestyle
Health & Fitness
NEW TEN-YEAR PLAN FOR DEMENTIA A new ten-year plan to tackle dementia and boost funding into research will be published later this year, announced by Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid. Speaking at the Alzheimer’s Society Conference 2022, Javid confirmed that the ten-year plan will focus on how new medicines and emerging science and technology can be harnessed to improve outcomes for dementia patients across the country. Record NHS funding will help reduce the COVID backlog of dementia diagnoses, with 30,000 people facing delays during the pandemic. This will ensure timely support for the more than 900,000 believed to be living with dementia in the UK.
The plan will also focus on supporting people with their specific health and care needs while living with dementia. The prediction is one million people will be living with dementia by 2025 and 1.6 million by 2040. The government has already committed £375 million into research on neurodegenerative diseases over the next five years and the Health and Social Care Secretary has committed to working across government to boost this further. It’s estimated that up to 40% of dementia is considered potentially preventable. What is good for the heart is also good for the brain, which is why the strategy will also include actions to tackle high blood pressure, physical inactivity, alcohol and obesity, and to promote healthy eating.
HOW TO…DO A BURPEE (CORRECTLY)
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Fran from Flin’s Fitness says: “The dreaded burpee! As with many exercises, there are a myriad of variations, but in its basic form, Step 1 will be a controlled forward drop to the floor, if possible touching the chest to the floor. However, often it's performed with placing just hands to the floor. Step 2 is a hop back to plank position on hands and toes (or in the case of the full burpee, body is flat to the floor). Step 3 - hop back in and jump up to standing start position again (a full burpee is pushing up from the floor into the plank and then hop in and jump up). Why? I hear you cry! The burpee is a full body ‘compound’ exercise; it works pretty much everything, bringing an intensity to your workouts which is hard to beat - enjoy!"
FEELING FRESH RINGANA is a pioneering Austrian company in the fresh skin care and food supplement industry. With sustainability at the heart of what the company stands for, products are vegan, microplastic-free, contain no synthetic preservatives and can be shipped to 34 countries. As an example, the FRESH skin care set rich (suitable for dry skin) costs €153 and consists of a cleanser, tonic calm, anti-wrinkle serum, cream rich and an organic cotton hand towel. We tested the kit and here’s what we found:
20 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
Packaging: Unfussy, simple packaging means that the products look great in any bathroom and reinforces the message of the company’s sustainability measures. Scent: A subtle yet fresh scent that evoked memories of calming spas and forests. Very pleasant. Application: Smooth application and the spritz toner meant there was no need for cotton wool balls. Results: We noticed a visible improvement in both the texture of our skin and its elasticity after first use. After a few days, our once dry skin felt nourished and more supple. For more information see ringana.com
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 21
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In a survey carried out by the Direct Marketing Association
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48%
71%
48%
questions said they found free samples delivered through their letterboxes of consumers either visited useful: 66% said the same a shop, sent for information, for supermarket offers, of recipients keep, pass or bought a product, having 62% for money-off coupons and 47% for new on, or glance at leaflet received a leaflet through distribution items. product leaflets. their letterbox.
22 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
79% 38%
of consumers responded to leaflets, compared to 47% for direct marketing, 47% for television and 60% for press advertising.
of leaflets are kept for at least a few days, and 13% are kept for a week or more.
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Your essential what's on guide for events, activities, clubs and much more in and around Bromley.
There's something for everyone! We’re looking to hear about your news, notices and local events! Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
community & charity Bromley Mencap Services
Contact: 020 8466 0790
Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm
Email support: enquiries@bromleymencap.org www.bromleymencap.org.uk Call for advice and a friendly voice. Please phone our helpline should you require any support or need advice.
Bromley Well
Monday - Saturday, 9am-5pm
Contact: 0808 278 7898 www.bromleywell.org.uk Email: spa@bromleywell.org.uk Bromley Well provides help for you to stay emotionally and physically well and to remain independent.
Colour Dash
Sunday 3rd July, from 9.30am
Swanley Park Cost: £17 – adult, £43 – family, £12 - 11-16yrs, £5.50 under 11yrs Contact: 01322 668501 or email fundraising@ wearebeams.org.uk or book now at www.wearebeams.org.uk It’s back! Join We Are Beams at the Colour Dash on Sunday 3rd July! You can walk, run or jog around the beautiful Swanley Park during this family-friendly rainbow coloured 5k run. Wear a white T-shirt on the day or wear fancy dress if you prefer. Tackle the course on your own or with family and friends as we throw coloured powder at you from each 1km station. The course is wheelchair accessible with a shorter 2.5K route too, but please be prepared to get messy! All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting disabled children and their families.
Drop-in Cuppa & Chat for Seniors (over 60s)
what's on Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss Meets the first Thursday of every month 7.45pm - 9.45pm
Cost: Free Contact: Sandra - 07519 105354 Email: sosl.orpington@gmail.com www.survivorsofsuicideloss.org.uk Twitter: @ForgetMeNotSoSl Forget-Me-Not offers support for all those affected by suicide loss. The group is self-led and informal, where you can connect with other survivors.
Knitting Club
Knitting blankets, mittens & bonding hearts for Special Care Baby Units at PRUH and Kings College hospitals.
2pm-4pm on Wednesdays during term time
Crofton Baptist Church, Orpington Contact: Lin Harewood 01689 877010 on Wednesdays Or email lincbc2020@outlook.com Anyone is welcome - you don’t have to be an experienced knitter. No need 2-aPly just come and make friends! We are knitters who natter so come and spin a yarn while you knit a yarn for a worthy cause. We won’t let reality get in the way of a good yarn!
Music in the Garden 2022 Sunday 3rd July, 2pm-5pm
Gardenview, 6 Edward Road, Biggin Hill, TN16 3HL Cost: £10 (includes a free hot drink with slice of cake & raffle ticket) Children go free. Contact: 07958 534074 or email freda@fredasgarden. co.uk or see www.fredasgarden.co.uk Enjoy an afternoon of music in this beautiful awardwinning garden in Biggin Hill, in aid of the NSPCC, with entertainment from local crooner Pete Sinclair, the London Concert Chorus and other soloists. Refreshments available.
U3A – Local Studies Meeting 5th July, 10.30am-12pm
United Reform Church, 20 Widmore Rd, Bromley, BR1 1RY Contact: 020 8777 6345, email membershipsecretary@ u3abromley.org.uk or see www.u3abromley.org.uk A talk by Siobhan Clarke entitled ‘King and Collector’ (Henry VIII Art Collection)
See the website for 2022 dates 10am-1pm, Thursdays term time only
Venue in St Paul's Cray, Orpington. Cost: Free Contact: 07891 403161 Email: admin@potentialmecoaching.org.uk www.potentialmecoaching.org.uk We have a choice of table activities for you to enjoy while you chat such as adult colouring, board games, playing cards, dominoes, crochet, knitting, seasonal crafts. Making friends and staying socially active is quite easy if you’re willing to venture out and try new things. Contact us for more information.
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EDUCATION Code Ninjas
15:30-18:30 Monday to Wednesday and 9:00-12:00 Saturdays
Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, BR1 2PX Contact: bromleykenuk2@codeninjas.com, tel: 07803 817 178 www.codeninjas.co.uk/bromley-ken-2-uk Kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment. Book a Free Game Building Session with us at https:// rb.gy/4vf92l
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 23
24 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
THUR
11
Three Sisters,Bromley Little Youth Theatre
12
TUE
Dreamboats & Petticoats, Churchill Theatre
MON
WED
06
FRI
Opera In Conversation with James Hay, Ripley Arts Centre
13
Dreamboats & Petticoats, Churchill Theatre
03 SAT 09 SUN 10
SUN
PU -A LLND OU -K T EE P
SAT
SUN
Discover Bromley’s Heritage Walks, Bromley Civic Society Between a Man and a Woman, Bromley Little Theatre
Bethlem Gallery presents Clay Links Bromley, Emmanuel Church Opera at the Castle, Kentish Opera Open Mic Night, Railway Tavern The Long Weekend, Churchill Theatre
Bethlem Gallery presents Clay Links Bromley, Emmanuel Church Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre King Arthur: Henry Purcell, The Allegri Singers Summer Musical Celebration, South London Singers The Last Quiz Night on Earth, The Matchbox Theatre Discovery Day, Bromley Little Theatre The Long Weekend, Churchill Theatre
Ziggy Stardust’s Family Fun Day, Location TBC Three Sisters,
Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre The Last Quiz Night on Earth, The Matchbox Theatre The Long Weekend, Churchill Theatre
WED
08
FRI
07
Dreamboats & Petticoats, Churchill Theatre
Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre Whitney Queen of the Night, Churchill Theatre Open Mic Night, Bitter End Bar
Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre
Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre Calling Planet Earth, Churchill Theatre Comedy Round Mine, Churchill Lounge
05
TUE
04
MON
02
Garden Party, Bromley Youth Music Trust Penge Chamber Choir, The Bridge House Theatre To Be Frank, Churchill Theatre Open Mic Night, Railway Tavern
Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre The Last Quiz Night on Earth, The Matchbox Theatre Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter, Orpington Folk Club Live and Unreleased, ArtsTrain The Long Weekend, Churchill Theatre
Discover Bromley’s Heritage Walks, Bromley Civic Society Rainforest Workshop, St Mark’s Church Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre Dangerous Corner, Theatre 62 Penge Poets, Bluebell Cafe
THURS
SAT
Don’t forget to visit www.bromleyartsfestival.com for more!
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
what’s on.
Breaking the Code, Bromley Little Theatre Dangerous Corner, Theatre 62
01
FRI
July
lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Between a Man and a Woman, Bromley Little Theatre
21
Bowie Experience Open Mic Night, Churchill Theatre Railway Tavern
Singers & Musicians’ Night, Orpington Folk Club
29
FRI
London Grammar, Crystal Palace Bowl
Open Adult Ballet Class, St Swithun’s Church Hall
16
22
FRI
SUN
Jungle plus Special Guests, Crystal Palace Bowl Opera In Conversation with James Hay, Ripley Arts Centre
17
PLUS
ALL MONTH: An Ecology of Mind, Bethlem Gallery. Open Wednesdays Saturdays.
PLUS
Over 14 eco-craft workshops at The Hub from Greener & Cleaner Bromley, The Glades.
PLUS
23
SAT
Opera In Conversation with James Hay, Ripley Arts Centre Great Expectations, Bromley Amphitheatre Ladies Down Under, Chelsfield Players An Evening Out with Andy Hamilton, Churchill Theatre The CASPA Masked Singer, Bromley Little Theatre Curtains, Petts Wood Operatic Society
Great Expectations, Bromley Amphitheatre Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party, Churchill Lounge FastLove, Churchill Theatre
Open Mic Night, Railway Tavern In the Spotlight, Beckenham Ballet Academy 7 1/2 Years - A One Man Musical, Churchill Studio
ts h fe he stiv al.com/t
The Bridge House Theatre, LOTS MORE Penge’s home for community EVENTS & creativity, hosts a year round programme of theatre, comedy, BEING poetry and all types of performance. CONFIRMED Details to be announced.
Global Moves and Grooves, Magpie Dance Open Mic Night, Railway Tavern
30 31
SAT
Great Expectations, Bromley Amphitheatre Ladies Down Under, The Chelsfield Players Whitestar, Bromley Little Theatre The Chicago Blues Brothers, Churchill Theatre Close Up Magic, Churchill Studio Curtains, Petts Wood Operatic Society
20
WED
Bromley Little Youth Theatre Dreamboats & Petticoats, Churchill Theatre 7 1/2 Years - A One Man Musical, Churchill Studio
www.bromleyartsfestival.com
28
THUR
26
TUE
24
SUN
Three Sisters, Bromley Little Youth Theatre Dreamboats & Petticoats, Churchill Theatre 7 1/2 Years - A One Man Musical, Churchill Studio
Open Adult Ballet Class, St Swithun’s Church Hall Great Expectations, Bromley Amphitheatre Between a Man and a Woman, Bromley Little Theatre Open Mic Night, Bitter End Bar The Drifters, Churchill Theatre
15
THUR
19
TUE
Singers & Musicians’ Night, Orpington Folk Club Dreamboats & Petticoats, Churchill Theatre
Great Expectations, Bromley Amphitheatre Ladies Down Under, The Chelsfield Players Howerd’s End, Bromley Little Theatre Singers & Musicians’ Night, Orpington Folk Club Lost in Music, Churchill Theatre Curtains, Petts Wood Operatic Society Soul & Motown with Soultruck Dinner Dance, Churchill Lounge
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 25
what's on HEALTH, FITNESS & MINDSET Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times
Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk Online streaming plus live offerings - 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings, including weekend classes. Outdoor Boot Camp, Circuits, Strength, Cardio, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Total Body Lite, Box Fit and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School.
Bromley Ramblers: Walking For Health See website for dates & times
Cost: Free Contact: https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ wellbeing-walks Wellbeing walks in and around Bromley. The Ramblers is a charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces and to preserving and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well-loved paths, tracks and trails across England, Scotland, and Wales.
libraries Bromley Central Library
Contact: 020 3931 0900 Email: central.library@gll.org www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/bromleycentral-library Open Monday - Friday 9.30am -7pm Saturday 9.30am -5pm Please check websites for the latest library updates and opening times.
MARKETS Chislehurst Farmers Market Third Sunday of the month
10am and 2pm Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB Cost: Free Contact: 07775 736116 www.myfarmersmarket.co.uk
shout about your event... A listing costs £15 or £60 for 6 months (£10 a month). Charities and non-profits are eligible for a 15% discount. Life In...Bromley cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations of an event. We recommend you double check times, places & dates if attending an event listed.
26 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
Produce includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, chocolates, cider and alcoholic drinks, bread, meat, cheese, preserves, sauces and much more.
NETWORKING 1230 The Women’s Company Bromley 3rd Wednesday of each month
Kekik Kitchen, Bromley 12.30pm-2pm followed by open networking Non-members £28 and members £18. This includes a complimentary delicious lunch, plus any workshops and speakers. Contact: Email jgroundsell@1230.co.uk or call 07930756012 / 020 8650 8015 https://1230.co.uk/calendar/ As a leading businesswomen’s network, we provide on and off-line trading and business growth opportunities across the UK and overseas at local level. Our dynamic networking business helps businesswomen make the connections and find the support needed in business – from meeting locally to share experiences, to working together to grow business through regular vibrant, buzzy networking meetings.
Bromley Business Network
Hybrid meetings - Face-to-face (at Bromley Football Club) and online
Doors open at 6.30am every other Wednesday. Cost: £23 in person or £12.50 online. See bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk Includes a full cooked breakfast, unlimited tea/coffee.
theatre/ Performances Bromley Little Theatre
Bookings: www.bromleylittletheatre.org
Breaking The Code
1st - 9th July, 7.45pm (main auditorium) This compassionate play is the story of Alan Turing, mathematician and father of computer science. Turing ‘broke the code’ in two ways: he cracked the German Enigma code during World War II and also shattered the English code of sexual discretion with his homosexuality. A compelling piece of modern theatre that has certainly stood the test of time.
NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE:
8TH JULY
To advertise call 020 3488 9959 email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
@lifeinmags lifeinmagazines.co.uk
what's on Between a Man and a Woman
17th-19th July, 7.45pm (main auditorium) A gripping, thrilling and heart-breaking story of domestic abuse. A fast-paced drama that questions if abuse is a learned behaviour or something that is within us? It gives us an insight into what happens behind closed doors and whether that is actually just between husband and wife or whether it involves a larger number of people.
Churchill Theatre, Bromley Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
Whitney Queen of the Night 5th July, 7:30pm
Tickets from £27.50 Direct from The West End, experience the ultimate Whitney Houston tribute show. Whitney - Queen of the Night is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. This show features all the best hits including I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You.
Calling Planet Earth 6th July, 7:30pm
Tickets from £28.50 Calling Planet Earth will take you on a journey through
one of the greatest musical eras of All Time – The Electrifying 80’s. Performed by an incredible live band combined with stunning vocals and cast this is the must see show that simply defines a decade. Featuring songs from Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Tears for Fears and many more.
Dreamboats and Petticoats 12th - 16th July
Tickets from £25 Various Times Special guest star Mark Wynter joins the cast in this feelgood show inspired by the latest release in the series of smash-hit, multimillion selling Dreamboats & Petticoats albums. Bringing On Back The Good Times is filled with wit, charm and songs from the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Lost in Music 21st July 2022
7:30pm Tickets: £33 Join us as we recreate the magical 70s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco! Boasting a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles!
Interior & Exterior
Giving your loved ones the service that they deserve Community is important to me and I’m passionate about what I do. My work as a life celebrant helps families who have lost a loved one to create a unique and fitting ceremony that’s personal to them. Other services I offer include: • Weddings & vow renewals
• A ‘Remember Me’ package • Bereavement Café counselling • Grief Care boxes
Contact:
michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrant
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Painting & Decorating Experienced, Reliable & Clean Fully Guaranteed & Insured References Available
FREE
No Obligation Quote & Advice Given
Contact John at James & Lamont 020 8462 4646 | 07802 535695 jamlam@btinternet.com July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 27
lifestyle
Food & Drink
LITTLE-KNOWN FOODS YOU CAN ACTUALLY BBQ
With barbecue weekends in full swing (weather permitting), now’s a good time to be a little experimental when it comes to al fresco dining. The experts at AEG (aeg.co.uk/kitchen/cooling) have us covered by revealing food you didn’t realise you could BBQ…
and place on the BBQ for two to three minutes either side.
Pineapple
Yes, even cake can be grilled on the BBQ. Cut a pound cake into thick slices, butter both sides and grill until golden. The grill will give the cake a warm and soft interior, whilst caramelising the crust.
Pineapple can be grilled to create the perfect pudding. Start by grilling underripe pineapple to extract the delicious fruit juices, they will then caramelise over the hot grates, and this dish can be enjoyed either on its own or accompanied with another favourite, such as chicken or pizza.
Halloumi cheese Fans of halloumi cheese will be pleased to know of this tasty BBQ hack. The mild taste and thick texture means this dish is the perfect contender for BBQ grilling. Serve it on skewers to complement traditional BBQ dishes.
Watermelon This flavoursome fruit makes for an iconic summer dish when partnered with a feta salad. Cut the watermelon into chunks,
MAKE IT: LITTLE GEM CAESAR SALAD Good4U’s new Caesar Crumbles Salad Toppers are available from Tesco for £2 for 130g - an ideal accompaniment to this lovely salad recipe: Little gem lettuce Red endive Radishes 2 tbsp Good4U Caesar Crumbles Salad Toppers
Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing Ingredients • • • •
Perfect for those searching for a vegetarian option, just place the avocado on the grill for around five minutes until grill-lines start to form.
Cake
Tips & tricks •
Once meat is removed from a hot BBQ, it should be eaten or refrigerated within two hours. To ensure fast cooling, foods should be divided and stored in small, separate containers and kept airtight to preserve moisture. Once refrigerated, the food should be consumed within two to three days. • Leftover BBQ food can be reheated in the oven, at an ideal temperature of 300-325°F. When heating, make sure the meat is covered so that moisture is retained, flipping the food regularly to ensure it is thoroughly cooked. • • • •
2 tsp caper brine 1 tsp grainy dijon mustard 1-3 tablespoons warm water, to thin out dressing a bit to your liking Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Ingredients • • • •
Avocados
1/4 cup smooth runny tahini Juice from ½ a lemon 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp very finely chopped capers
1. Wash and cut the little gem in half. You can eat it as is or pop under the grill for few minutes. Pan frying works too 2. Try adding red endive for the colour 3. Thinly slice a few radishes and scatter over the little gem for some extra crunch 4. Mix all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Add salt and pepper generously 5. Drizzle all over with the dressing and top with a good handful of Caesar Crumbles. Add parmesan shavings if using, and black pepper
Cool product alert What if we told you that you can trick your brain into thinking you’re drinking something you’re not? A reusable water bottle called air up uses flavoured pods to provide a zero-calorie, zero sugar, zero additive way to drink 100% pure water which tastes flavoured. With 80% of flavour coming from our sense of smell, instead of taste, air up harnesses this clever bit of science, infusing every sip of water from your bottle with flavoured air. Flavours range from Lime and Orange-Passionfruit to Cola and Iced Coffee. A Starter Set, which includes one bottle and two scent pods, costs from £29.95, while each additional pack of three pods (flavouring a minimum of 15 litres of water) then costs between £5.95 to £8.95, depending on the flavour. See uk.air-up.com
28 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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COMING UP AT THE CHURCHILL THEATRE
TUE 5 JULY
MON 11 - SAT 16 JULY
WED 20 JULY
FRI 22 JULY
BOOK NOW AT churchilltheatre.co.uk BOOK NOW AT 0343 310 0020 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 29
30 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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Relationships
lifestyle
THE 8 FRIENDSHIPS YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE by OLIVIA BRIDGEN Our friends are our chosen family; they share our highs and lows of life and we tend to choose different connections that offer something different to our lives. So, in celebration of this month’s International Friendship Day (30th July), here’s the eight types of friends you need in your life…
1. The fun one: We all need a fun friend to lighten the mood. When you need a little push, they will get you out of your comfort zone as life is all about taking risks and having a good time.
2. A loveable know-it-all: Those who have all the answers, a sense of humour, love to be right and hate to be wrong. Even so, they don’t take themselves too seriously.
3. The polar opposite: They are the yin to your yang and you bring out the best in each other, balancing each other out and somehow gelling.
4. The listener: We all need that someone who will lend us their ears. They are there to let you vent out your worries, frustrations and other feelings without
the fear of being judged or misunderstood.
5. The parent figure: Their parent-like attitude is one of the many things that makes them different. They can be annoying at times, but they are the ones who truly care for you and are a natural protector.
6. The lifelong friend: Lifelong friends are rare but truly special. They are not necessarily someone you see or talk to every day, but they are there when it matters most – and when you need them, even at 3am in the morning.
7. The honest friend: Friendships should be built on trust and these friends reinforce the message that it’s important to have a strong value of honesty by showing truth out of love and respect.
8. The navigator: This is someone who inspires you, gives you advice without making you feel inadequate and keeps you headed in the right direction. Have a think about the friends in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate them and that you wouldn’t be the same without them.
5 tips to help prioritise your family time by Ian Childs, author of Your Own Personal Time Machine
with one stone. Be sure to make it fun, though!
3. Homework
Have you noticed how you somehow manage to get everything done the day before you go on holiday? You never don’t go on holiday. If you can make a holiday an immovable object in your diary, why not do the same for more family time? Here are five tips to help you find more family time and take full advantage of it.
While you shouldn’t do your kid’s homework for them, you can certainly take the time to help them. Homework is a great opportunity for you to get involved in stuff that’s important to them and build a stronger bond.
1. Time journal
2. Chore sharing
You can easily save a couple of hours by grocery shopping online. Hiring a gardener or a cleaner might seem expensive, but if it gets you back some alltoo-precious family time, who’s to say it’s not a good investment? The trick is not to think you’re saving money by doing these things yourself but that instead, you’re buying back some family time.
It may be far more effective for you to whiz around and do everything yourself, but by making chores an event that involves the entire family, you’ll be killing two birds
Ian Child is the author of ‘Your Own Personal Time Machine, a guide to getting your life back’, available exclusively from amazon.co.uk. in paperback and e-book.
Try keeping an hourly, high-level journal for a fortnight, and you’ll quickly realise where your time is going, as well as how much you’re actually spending with your family.
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4. Batch cooking Cooking twice as much doesn’t take twice as long. Freeze the extra to gain time on another day. You can also batch cook with your kids for a double slam-dunk.
5. Outsourcing
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 31
lifestyle
Parenting Here’s a list of key phrases and words for parents to support older children’s understanding of money that they might not learn in school… Tutor Doctor UK
3 RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
How to….get kids into golf
Golf can be great exercise for kids; it helps with spine and core muscles while also improving hand-eye co-ordination and, of course, the mental health benefits of sport are widely known. Golfsupport has put together advice for parents who want to encourage their children to play golf…
Bromley Y promotes the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children, young people and families by enabling change, fostering resilience and helping them build healthy relationships. See bromley-y.org Childline helps guide, support and helps children make decisions that are right for them – online or on the phone. See childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111 The Samaritans is a charity that supports both adults and young people who are in crisis and need someone to talk to. Call 116 123 or see samaritans.org
32 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
• Make it a short game - If you don’t have a golf course near you catered to children, there is no reason you can’t use the adult course. The key to keeping your children entertained is to keep the game short. There’s nothing worse than dragging your children round the course for a five-hour stint when they were bored after two. • Provide them with the right equipment - Too long, too stiff and too heavy are some of the common problems with clubs for children. Make sure before starting a game that your child has the right club relative to their height and stamina. • Give them time to perfect their swing - Make sure to give them enough time to practice, perhaps taking them later in the evening or at a time when it’s not crowded. The last thing you want is to play and hold up groups behind you. • Keep it fun and criticism low - Your child wants to have fun and enjoy their time with you. Even if your child hits an ‘okay’ shot, shout back at them ‘great shot’, or ‘great swing’, to encourage a continuation of play. • Speak in their language - Instead of using complicated terminology, switch it up to something they would understand, relative to their age.
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Are you or your teen stressed and anxious? Do you feel like you and your teen are worlds apart? Do you want to reconnect with your teen?
NEEDS AUDIT SESSION Book a one off NEEDS AUDIT session to learn more about them, what makes them tick, what they really NEED and the resources they already have within themselves to meet those needs. After the sessions you will: Know more about them Know where their needs aren’t being met Know how to meet those needs Become more aware and present Alleviate the need for shouting and door slamming These sessions are open to parents and teens together, or as an individual. Price £50 per person I’d like to invite you to book your session today email: faye@fayecoxcoaching.co.uk
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USE FOR CODE FRE LIFE E D 20 ELI 22 VER Y
Let's Talk We’re an independent, familyrun business that creates Sri Lankan spice kits (a nod to our heritage), so that you can make exceptionally tasty meals in the comfort of your own home. Our kits are:
• Family-friendly, quick and convenient to prepare • Easy to use with a shopping list on the back • Varied with lots of vegan & vegetarian options, as well as meat and fish options • Recyclable & compostable
07717 315735 www.littlebigflavourkits.co.uk @littlebigflavourkits
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 33
Foster Denovo is a multi-award-winning firm of financial advisers that provides financial advice to individuals and families. Our local financial advisers based at our office in Bromley, specialise in providing financial advice in the following areas. • • • • • • • •
Financial planning Trust and estate planning Savings and investments Retirement planning Pension options at retirement Mortgages Protection Small business solutions
Working in partnership with your local Foster Denovo financial adviser can help you make the right financial planning choices.
Why Foster Denovo? Our advisers are friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable and our priority is to help our clients achieve their immediate financial planning needs and longer-term financial aspirations. For a fee free, no obligation initial meeting to discuss your immediate or long-term financial planning requirements, please:
call John Winters or Sharon Cain on 01689 868 163 or 07767 818 665 or email john.winters@fosterdenovo.com or sharon.cain@fosterdenovo.com. Website: www.fosterdenovo.com
Devonshire House, 29-31 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LT.
If you seek advice there may be a fee involved, full details will be provided prior to any work undertaken. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. Accessing pension benefits early may impact on levels of retirement income and your entitlement to certain means tested benefits and is not suitable for everyone. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.
Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Ruxley House, 2 Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2SA. Telephone: 01932 870 720 Email: info@fosterdenovo.com Website: www.fosterdenovo.com
34 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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GARDEN TIDY-UP? GARDEN CLEARANCE?
LET US DO ALL THE HARD WORK! Based in Bromley and with over 30-years of experience, Easy Gardens are experts at undertaking garden clearances and ongoing maintenance. From small suburban gardens to country mansions, no job is too big or too small.
FREE QUOTATIONS We always love to visit a customer's garden in the first instance to walk around and understand your exact requirements, after which we will provide a detailed written quotation of the work that has been agreed. Very often, we can arrange to complete the work within 2-3 days of your instruction. We pride ourselves on delivering a very professional and competitive service and look forward to your call!
Call us on: 07878 938 265
enquiries@easy-gardens.co.uk • www.easy-gardens.co.uk
A BETTER WAY TO BE REMEMBERED...
Welcome to Brightwater Memorial Park
BRIGHTWATER M E M O R I A L
P A R K
At Brightwater Memorial Park we appreciate the comfort that people take from remembering their loved ones in the right setting. We have therefore created the very first indoor, above ground burial facility of its type in the UK. Brightwater is a modern, uplifting alternative to traditional cemeteries and crematoria. Combined with an exemplary level of service and a serene natural setting extending to over 14 acres of private gardens and natural woodland, Brightwater Memorial Park is the ideal location to create your legacy.
You can now reserve your final resting place at Brightwater Memorial Park. For more information please visit our website at www.brightwater.group or email: info@brightwater.group | 01689 850880 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 35
lifestyle
Travel
TIPS & TRICKS TO SLASH HUNDREDS FROM HOLIDAY COSTS The cost of living crisis is impacting millions of people, but with Covid travel restrictions finally lifting, many people will still be hoping they can budget for a holiday this year. Which? has put together some top tips on how to slash hundreds from the cost of going away… 1. Stay longer - It’s worth browsing online comparison sites for longer stays in hotels, as the cumulative savings can be substantial.
2. Book directly with the hotel - Don’t be afraid to contact the hotel or B&B directly to book. Holidaymakers can often receive better rates or perks like free breakfasts or Champagne on arrival by booking directly.
3. Swap seats - For most airlines, passengers needn’t waste money by paying extra to sit together on the plane. A group of four people could expect to pay up to £192 to reserve standard seats together. However, of those surveyed, 95% of short-haul passengers who didn’t pay extra said they were given seats together anyway.
4. Book car hire in advance - Brokers have ramped up their prices lately meaning that the later customers book, the more they’ll pay. If you’re planning to travel during a peak time, it’s especially important that you book your car hire at least two months in advance.
5. Pay in local currency & use the right card Always pay in the local currency to avoid being hit with worse exchange rates and check to see if your bank charges a fee to use cards abroad.
6. Book at the right time - The best prices for hotels can usually be found around three months before travel, depending on the destination. The downside of booking last-minute is that customers could then be left with less choice, higher rates and less flexibility when it comes to cancellation policies.
7. Sign up to loyalty schemes It could be worth signing up to free loyalty schemes with hotel chains and booking websites to save money when booking trips away. Some supermarket reward schemes such as Tesco Clubcard and Nectar often have partnerships with attractions and accommodation.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EUROTUNNEL AND EUROSTAR
Even though the Channel Tunnel linking the UK to mainland Europe has been open for 27 years, there still seems to be abundant confusion between the two popular train services that use it - Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and Eurostar. Not sure which is which, or how to choose between the two options? It really depends on where you want to go and how you want to travel. We clear up some myths… Are they owned by the same company? No - Eurostar uses Eurotunnel’s tunnel, and is one of their biggest customers. The Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world at 38km long.
Where to board? Eurotunnel’s UK boarding point is in Folkestone, Kent. Eurostar currently runs from St Pancras International, London.
Where can I go? The main Eurostar routes go to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with some seasonal routes and connections across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs solely between Folkestone and Calais.
trip and allows for greater baggage allowances. Eurostar trains are for foot passengers only and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries freight and all forms of vehicle, including cars, motorbikes, campervans, caravans, coaches and lorries. You cannot travel as a foot passenger on Eurotunnel, but you are able to take a bicycle.
Animals Only assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar trains. Eurotunnel allows you to travel with a pet for an additional cost of £22 each way (assistance dogs are exempt), providing you have the necessary paperwork.
Journey length Eurotunnel takes just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais. Eurostar takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Paris from London.
Frequency
By foot or by vehicle?
Eurotunnel currently runs two- to three shuttle departures per hour. Eurostar currently runs a service from London every one to one-and-a-half hours.
Travelling on foot is great if you’re visiting a busy city for the weekend, but driving might be more suitable for a longer
For more information visit eurotunnel.com and eurostar.com
36 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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It’s simple; if people can’t find you, they’ll choose your competitor instead. You can rely on repeat business or word of mouth to a certain extent, but to really grow a business you need to invest in marketing.
See p15 for details
However, many smaller businesses don’t place enough importance on marketing because they assume it’s costly or involves fancy campaigns.
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Boost your brand awareness Attract new customers
At Life In Bromley magazine we’re a little bit different. Being passionate about our community is one thing, but we love to offer value to our clients. That’s why we promote all our customers on social media AND offer editorial opportunities – and it’s all part of the package.
Build on a trustworthy reputation
Get in front of a 15,000+ readership every month
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 37
lifestyle
Business
How to take time off from your business (when you ARE the business) by LEE LAM, Founder and Managing Director, Your Startup Partner
There is a lot of freedom and flexibility when running your own business, but as any owner will tell you, you never fully get to switch off. Your brain constantly reminds you of the ever-growing tasks with the constant worry of “Well, if I don’t do it, who will?” Never is this felt more than during the summer months, as children leave school for their summer breaks and you try to juggle keeping them amused with the demands of your business. And for many, you may have gone into selfemployment specifically to be able to enjoy this time with your children, being able to manage your own diary. But it’s easy to fall into being controlled by your diary instead. So how do you take a break and get some well-deserved rest and - most important - fun?
I have three different tips to help:
1. Build breaks in. If you try to get your work finished
to be there 365 days of the year, but it can feel like it. Tell them your planned days off, and they can ask questions beforehand or know when they can expect a response to any that make come up during your downtime.
3. Tell other people. If you tell someone else that you are taking time off, you can use it to hold accountability – after all, do you want to admit that you haven’t taken the time off? Try these tips and you can enjoy your time away from your business just that little bit more.
The winners of the 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced celebrating the achievements of UK businesses. This year, 232 businesses representing every part of the UK and a range of sectors have been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen as among the best in the country. They included World of Books, 4 Mental Health, The Edinburgh Remakery and Pearson Engineering.
8 reasons why networking is essential for your business BY CHAS JORDAN, BROMLEY BUSINESS NETWORK
1. Brand awareness – you increase your exposure and boost your brand, making you front of mind when it comes to your industry.
2. Generate ideas – mixing with other business owners offers the chance to exchange ideas and share best practices.
3. Create new opportunities – you’ll be in the best place to hear first-hand about new announcements, appointments and opportunities. 4. Knowledge is power - the more people you talk to, the more you learn, meaning you’re giving your business the best chance of success.
38 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
2. Prepare your customers – no-one expects you
Picture: Pete Bresser
ing! n n i w d r Awa
you will never get there. Running a business is constant and so you must factor in time away from your desk from the very beginning. To enjoy the sun, maybe you could schedule in a 30-minute coffee in the garden, or you use a 6pm dog walk as your daily ‘commute’ to transition between work and family. You will also be less likely to allow things to draw time away from you.
5. Confidence booster – speaking in front of a crowd can be daunting, but the more you show up, the more your confidence grows.
6. Making friends – Chas Jordan meeting like-minded people with shared interests offers the chance to make friends rather than just business acquaintances.
7. Support from above – mingling with authoritative individuals and people of influence can catapult your visibility, making you more noticeable.
8. Ask the expert – most events feature guest speakers, so you’ll learn something new, and have the opportunity to pick the brains of experts – a win-win!
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 39
lifestyle
Shopping
The winning (Which?) brands of 2022
The winners of the annual Which? Awards have been announced, recognising and celebrating brands that go the extra mile for customers. This year, the judges looked closely at how brands have dealt with the cost of living crisis. Value for money, along with exemplary products and customer service, determined the companies worthy of the top prize. The latest awards also saw the launch of the first Which? Sustainability Champion honorary award, scooped up by a brand with ambitious plans to lower its carbon footprint. Here’s who won what…
Why? Competitively priced deals, signing up to Ofcom's
Travel brand of the year: Jet2 Why? Excellent customer service and value for money
Kitchen and household products brand of the year: Kenwood Why? For efficiency and value for money.
Banking brand of the year: Starling Bank Why? For great customer service through their
Insurance brand of the year: NFU Mutual Why? Exemplary service, demonstrated by its customer Retailer of the year: Richer Sounds Why? ‘Remarkable’ value for money and generous
Car brand of the year: Kia Why? Affordability, value for money and for its marketleading warranty.
Home technology brand of the year: Samsung Why? Value for money and reliability for regular security updates of its products.
Home entertainment brand of the year: LG Why? For its high-quality products.
Large kitchen appliance brand of the year:
communication, transparency of charges and ‘easy to use’ mobile banking app.
service and claims scores.
Fairness for Customers. Was also named as a vulnerable consumer champion.
Samsung Why? Reliability of its appliances.
Trusted Trader of the year: Inspiration Computers Why? Fantastic customer communications, high-quality servicing and great value for money.
product guarantees.
Sustainability Champion of the year: Exodus Travels Why? Reducing its carbon footprint and expanding its
Utilities brand of the year: Tesco Mobile
rail bookings so customers don't necessarily have to fly to their destination.
Top tip When you’re planning the weekly shop it can be tempting to stock your fridge/ freezer to capacity, however doing so can actually cause your electricity bill to hike unexpectedly. According to the Energy Saving Trust, fridges work best at three-quarters full as this allows the air to circulate freely - so aim for that and if needed fill empty space with bottles of tap water. This has the added benefit of meaning you don’t need to run the cold tap for extra time to get something cool to drink, saving water and possibly money too if you’re on a meter.
40 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
TEEN JOURNALING Faye Cox Coaching has launched a new ‘Confidence Boost Journal’ for tweens and teens, priced at £15.99. It has been designed to support young people through difficult years and promotes positivity, confidence and self-esteem using proven techniques to deal with big emotions. It also highlights how to develop a growth mindset so they can thrive both personally and academically. For details or to purchase visit neartail. com/gb/fayecoxcoachingproducts and for details on Faye’s coaching see fayecoxcoaching.co.uk
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lifestyle
Brits are savvy shoppers! We can all agree that shopping is generally more enjoyable with a promotional code. With global online searches for discounts, coupons, sales and deals reaching a total of 1,698,000 results a month, shopping frugally is evidently on our minds. Intrigued to find out which country is home to the savviest shoppers, money saving experts, CouponHunt.org, utilised online analytics tool Ahrefs and analysed discount synonyms against 45 global countries. Here’s what they discovered: • France has the savviest shoppers with a total of 59.8 search results per 1,000 population! • In second place, Spain has 36.8 search results per 1,000 population
• Ranking in third is Canada as 30.7 search results per 1,000 are Googled • The UK bags the fourth spot with 29.7 search results per 1,000 – an average of 1,932,000 times per year! • Of the 45 countries examined, promotional code terms are searched for 23,847,720 times per year. • Interestingly, as one of the world’s biggest online shoppers, the USA doesn’t make the top ten.
At AA Cooper, we’re known as ‘the bathroom installation company’. Our expert team is ready to tackle your bathroom needs head on – from a leaking tap to an entire bathroom installation.
We pride ourselves on offering bespoke bathrooms as well as maintenance, repairs, fittings & refurbishment. Call us for a quote on 01689-485007 or email
info@aacooper.co.uk www.aacooper.co.uk
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 41
advertorial
Health Check
GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL
An interview with senior audiologist, Ana Rodrigues, Hearbase Bromley, 4 East Street, BR1 1QX
Why should I have my hearing tested?
Not being able to hear seriously impacts your quality of life, not to mention talking with friends, family and others. I recommend if you show any of these early signs, you should get it checked. If you are concerned about someone close to you who struggles to hear, speak to them about getting a free hearing test and why not join them to offer support if they need a little bit of encouragement?
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a clinical health care professional responsible for helping those who have problems with their hearing and balance disorders. It’s a highly qualified role, and each day an audiologist could be assessing and fitting hearing aids, providing ear protection, tinnitus support and advising on balance and wax removal.
How long have you been at Hearbase?
I have been at Hearbase for nearly 4 years now and I enjoy my work, especially meeting and helping so many people in the local community, old and young, from all walks of life. I am based at the Hearbase Bromley branch, 4 East Street, BR1 1QX (opposite the old Post Office).
What are the first signs of a hearing problem?
Some of the early signs are when you struggle to keep up with conversation in noisy places, when your family tell you the TV is too loud, or when you have difficulty hearing people clearly. If you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears, or head, or a feeling of blockage, these can also be early signs of hearing loss. Also, if you find you can hear better when you look at people’s faces that can be a red flag and you should get your hearing tested.
42 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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advertorial Why should I go to Hearbase Bromley?
Well, to start, our hearing tests are completely free. This isn’t unique to us, you can get your hearing tested elsewhere, but as we are expert audiologists, if we find anything of concern after your free hearing test, we will point you in the direction of specialist services quickly. We are a really friendly bunch of people and our focus is to listen and help you to manage your hearing.
How should I look after my hearing?
If you notice any change to your hearing, large or small, then always get it checked. Having a hearing test should be done regularly like you do with your teeth and eyes. This is important however old or young you are. If you work in a noisy place or have a history of hearing loss in your family, have a hearing test, it only takes 30-60 minutes. Call us on 0208 460 8954 or email admin@hearbase.com and book your free hearing test at Hearbase Bromley today!
Call us on 0208 460 8954 or email admin@hearbase.com - book your free hearing test today! www.hearbase.com
Don’t forget to mention ‘Life In Bromley’ when you book!
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July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 43
lifestyle
Short Story
BREAKING UP ALWAYS LEAVES A MARK
by P.A LATTER I noticed the sheet of paper on the kitchen table as soon as I walked in. In the early days of our relationship, my husband had left me messages all the time: from romantic cards with flowers on special occasions, to silly notes tucked into my handbag when I least expected it. In recent years, I was lucky if a text reminding me to pick up the milk was punctuated with an “X”. We still got on fine - at least, we never rowed - but we both had busy careers, and, over time, marriage can so easily become part of a routine, given as little thought as buying the milk. I picked the sheet up with a smile. Jane, I’ve written this as a note so you can’t interrupt me before I finish. [I never interrupt you, darling, I thought.] And I’d like you to know the whole of it, before you react. And then take some time to think about it before you reply. [Of course. I never make hasty decisions before thinking things through.] There isn’t anyone else. [Oh God, he’s having a mid-life crisis.] I’m not intending to buy a Harley-Davidson or attend a spiritual retreat so, before you say it, I’m not having a mid-life crisis. You have never been unreasonable. In fact, you’re the most rational person I know. [Thank you.] But perhaps that’s it: there’s no magic. I think we should get a divorce. No magic? What did he expect from a rational woman? And I didn’t think I could have foreseen this, even if I had the magical power of precognition. I celebrated the day I received the decree absolute, with my colleagues, at a city bar near the office. At least, that’s where we started. ‘It’s gone through very quickly and smoothly,’ Tarran, my best mate at work, said. ‘We agreed it was the sensible thing to do.’ ‘Do you want to be sensible, for the rest of your life?’
‘I want to get something to mark the occasion,’ I said. ‘It’s a bit late for retail therapy, dear heart.’ ‘Nonsense. Lots of shops still open around here.’ We found another pub and had more drinks. ‘Magic,’ I said, as we emerged back onto the street. ‘What’s that?’ Tarran said. I pointed, in a wobbly way, at the mystical symbols and depictions of the tarot covering the windows of the shop opposite. ‘He wanted magic and I didn’t have any. That’s it. I’ll buy some as my souvenir.’ I marched into the shop, which turned out to be a tattooist’s studio, followed by several of our group. ‘Go for it, Jane,’ someone behind me called out. A woman wesring a gypsy head scarf stepped out from behind a curtain. She took both my hands and locked her eyes with mine for what felt like a full minute, before dropping both her arms and her gaze abruptly. ‘I can show you…’ ‘The future, I suppose,’ I said. Although at that point, I was probably slurring the words. ‘Past and future are immaterial. I can show you who you are.’ I had no belief in magic, but I was obviously possessed by spirits that night: tequila and gin, mostly. That’s the only way I can account for leaving the studio with the design she sketched for me, newly inked onto my thigh. It wasn’t until the next day that I was fully conscious of my idiocy. I now had a tattoo - something I had always hated. However, if that was the only scar I bore from my divorce, it could have been a lot worse.
‘It’s not a question of wanting to be, it’s what I am,’ I said. We had more drinks. I later led a Conga line of sharp suits on a pub crawl headed towards Soho.
This story forms a prequel to the novel “And Some Have Witchcraft Thrust Upon Them.” by P. A. Latter, available in paperback and ebook from Amazon.
Would you like to submit a short story? Send your idea to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
44 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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CLASSIFIED LISTINGS Food & Drink
BUSINESS & NETWORKING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS (PIB) We are a fun, friendly and affordable small business network group, holding monthly meetings for members who have exclusivity in their field. Our groups include Bromley, Bexley and Southwark. Email pibnetwork@outlook.com or see www.pib-network.com for more information.
PRODUCTIVITY POD If you’re a small business or sole trader and work alone – or just want some incentive to get your admin, accounts or social media done, join one of the Productivity Pod’s free sessions on Zoom! You continue to work with sound off but cameras ON & after the session you tell the others what you managed to get done in 2hrs! Email productivitypod@post.com with your mobile number and name to register or for more details.
CLUBS, ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES AQUAKIDS
Aqua kids – swimming lessons that last a lifetime. Summer intensive course (25th-29th July) - places going quickly. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk
THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON
Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media
MY PARTY BOX.FUN
We provide sustainable party boxes that contain everything needed for children's parties. Our aim is to provide stress-free planning while helping you to create magical memories! www.mypartybox.fun Tel: 0333 444 2017 Email: josette@mypartybox.fun
JKA ORPINGTON SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB Based at Darrick Wood Senior School, the club was established by its current chief Instructor Graham Richardson in 1975. Class times are 7pm-8.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am-11.30pm on Saturdays. See the website at www.jkaorpington.co.uk or email info@jkaorpington.co.uk
DESIGN & PRINT NICKY GRANT DESIGNS
I specialise in making your business look its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost-effective service. T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com
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NAANI MAA’S KITCHEN
Holistic, mindful vegan/vegetarian cook-along experiences, workshops and demonstrations. Also offers artisan nuts and spices, available for purchase at Bromley Health Store (8 Widmore Road, BR1 1RY) Call Sushma Raval on 07508-822019, email naanimaas@gmail.com or see naanimaas.weebly.com
WEE CUPCAKES
We make bespoke cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. We cater for most dietary requirements including vegan, diary free and gluten free. Contact Wimbai on 07925496547 or email wimbai@weecupcakes.co.uk Instagram: @weecupcakes Facebook: Wee Cupcakes
HEAlTH, BEAUTY & MINDSET CHERYL HUGGINS MAKEUP ARTIST + SKINCARE SPECIALIST
Professionally Licensed Makeup Artist based in Bromley trained in London & Paris with over 20 years’ experience in artistry and skincare. Together we will create your signature glam look for Special occasions, Bridal + Wedding guest, Zoom or social media makeup, Prom & Celebration Party nights, Business headshots. Makeup Master Classes. All ages, all skin tones. Book your FREE 30-minute consultation. Call 07947 821 991, email makeup@cherylhuggins.com or see www.cherylhuggins.com
GEO SPORTS MASSAGE
Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist, providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771299123.
FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY
Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and Teens. For more information email faye@fayecoxcoaching.co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793.
PETS TOP KNOT TOYS
We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops. See @top_knot_toys on Instagram or email top-knot23@outlook.com To submit a classified listing please call 020 3488 9958 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 45
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Coaching for Organisations
“These programmes support a people centric focus where everyone has a voice.”
Bespoke programmes that meet the Graphic needs of both the organisation and the teams. The main purpose is to: • Help to raise personal awareness about an individual’s role within a team • Support team development and inclusion • Identify what is collectively important to drive success and identify the collective strengths and gaps
ACCENTS
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Career & Performance programmes that provide clarity of the role and responsibilities, understanding of expectations and how to deliver results.
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Some of the many area’s covered are: • Individuals and organisations’ values and culture to ensure these are aligned. • Risks or challenges, creating coping mechanisms to navigate these. •TYPEFACES Confidence, self-belief and mindset
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Call Lena to book your appointment on
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Life In Bromley is available to pick up from the following locations: Bromley Central Library | Bromley Churchill Theatre | Bromley Picturehouse | Bromley South Railway Station | Bromley United Reformed Church | Civic Centre Footbridge | Community House, South Street | Contingent Works, Elmfield Road | Newman Flexible Workspace (Devonshire House Elmfield Road & Newman Road). For a postal copy (£24 a year) email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
46 Life in... BROMLEY July 2022
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A Final Thought…
COMMUNITY
Lipreading classes old and new by LISA COX
Did you know that lipreading classes have been available in London for over 100 years? We are all aware of the horrific injuries sustained during the terrible days of the First World War, but one little documented injury common among returning soldiers was total or partial hearing loss caused by shell fire. Soldiers found it was difficult or impossible to pick up the threads of their former life, including employment and relationships, when they couldn’t hear. A group of individuals set about trying to rehabilitate soldiers with hearing loss. They came up with a programme of lipreading classes which were held in central London. These classes were the foundation stone of an institution now known as The CityLit, a world class adult learning centre situated in Holborn. Thousands of classes in every type of subject are held there – and it all started with lipreading classes 100 years ago. When I qualified as a lipreading tutor, I was lucky enough to be offered a teaching post at CityLit but what I really wanted to do was to bring the benefit of these classes to people with hearing loss local to my home in Orpington. I was delighted when Bromley Adult Education supported me in providing classes in Poverest Road. We have a huge shortage of classes in the UK with a very high demand, so to have them on our doorstep is an amazing opportunity. Those lipreading teachers in London carried on classes through much adversity. During the Second World War they even carried on classes in the London Underground during air raids. When Covid caused my classes to close during parts of 2020 and 2021, I was determined not to let the side down. I didn’t want classes to close on my watch. So, I set about teaching lipreading online. At a first glance, it seemed that it would be impossible to deliver online classes. Anyone with hearing loss will know that video calls and hearing loss are not a match made in heaven. Aside from my class (and me!) learning the new technology, hearing loss can make it very tricky to follow a video call. I set about finding ways to make video calls accessible for people with hearing loss. My lipreading groups are now back to meeting face-to-face every week. Thanks to our huge, airy classroom in Poverest Road and Covid-secure measures overseen by Bromley
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Council, we were able to meet up again as soon as schools re-opened. We have enjoyed meeting up each week during a time when social interaction has been limited. I don’t think any of us would choose online learning over face-to-face classes, but our online lessons provided some unexpected benefits. First of all, it provided us with some much-needed fun once a week. We had some real laughs during our online lessons. It was lovely to see some familiar faces, even if they were in square boxes! Secondly, it gave a new dimension to our lipreading practice. Lipreading from a screen turned out to be useful real-life practice. But it gave us all a most unexpected third benefit; it taught us how to access video calls with hearing loss. As a result, we could use our new skills to chat more easily with friends and family online.
Here are my top tips for video calls when you have hearing loss:
• Most hearing aids have the technology to be linked to the audio on your phone/ computer – sound can be streamed directly to your hearing aids • The bigger the speaker the better the sound quality • Use a video platform with auto captions – Google Meet is free • Zoom captions can be turned on by the host on the pro version • Zoom captions are available on the free version for people with hearing loss • The government ‘Access to Work Scheme’ will help financially with captioning for work calls or streaming equipment for hearing aids • Ensure other people on your call speak one at a time and mute when they are not talking • Use the chat function to clarify
This year has been a reminder to me that there is always something new to learn about living with hearing loss and that is why lipreading groups can be so helpful.
If you’d like to find out more about lipreading and managing hearing loss classes, please contact me on lisa.cox@baec.ac.uk
July 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 47
THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER
At Compassion Homecare we provide the very best in home care We would all like to continue to enjoy independent living within the comfort of our own home. Our qualified staff can help you with those day to day tasks that you are finding harder to cope with.
DAILY CARE, LIVE-IN CARE OR RESPITE CARE Our careers can help you with: • Help with getting up or going to bed • Washing, showering and bathing • Assistance with medication • Getting to social outings and meeting up with friends • Preparing and cooking meals • Overnight and respite care • Cleaning, housework and shopping • Laundry and Ironing • Or just popping in for a chat if you’d like some company
We know how big a step having home care is so we offer a free home care assessment to help you decide what is best for you. Please give us a call.
01689 825155
1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH
www.compassionhomecare.co.uk
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