4 ways to fight fatigue Yes You Can HOW CLEANTOYOUR BBQ - THE EASY WAY CONSCIOUSECO-LIVING: MAKE YOUR HOMEFRIENDLYECOSAVE MONEY ON CLOTHES & SHOES ISSUE 7 | SEPTEMBER 2022 FREE #BecauseCommunityMatters INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY ONE PAGE AT A TIME
2 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk CRAYFORD DA1 4LB 01322 525090 SIDCUP DA14 6NF 020 8309 6016 PETTS WOOD BR5 1DQ 01689 830964 SEVENOAKS TN13 2UT 01732 742000 BEDS | MATTRESSES | BEDROOM FURNITURE | www.the-bedpost.co.uk AUTUMN EVENT NOW ON www.the-bedpost.co.uk Head instore or online to browse our Autumn Event! REIGATE RH2 OAJ 01737 948345 FREE DELIVERY All beds, mattresses & furniture DISPOSAL SERVICE Old bed/mattress removal WAS HALF£639.99£1299.99PRICEWITHTHISADVERT Base has 50 fabric options, all sizes and all storage options available, plus 11 headboard designs ‘Cashmere’ Pocket Sprung and Memory Foam 2 Drawer Divan Set 4ft 6in Double complete with headboard EXTRAOURAUTUMNSAVERSPRICES WITH THIS ADVERT 20% OFF READER OFFER JUST QUOTE 'LIFE IN MAGAZINES'
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Design: Nicky design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk An elephant as they are very loyal and peaceful animals.
Accounts: James accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Polar bear – because I’m furry and like the cold.
Until next month, Lauretta Wright, Editor PS Are you following us on social? We cover everything from monthly ‘Community Challenges’ to naming and celebrating local heroes – follow us @lifeinmags on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Assistant Editor: Steve A squirrel because I put things away and forget where I put them.
The
please support the wonderful businesses that advertise with us. Helping champion our local or independent businesses helps the local economy, meaning that where we live ultimately reaps the benefits – it’s a win-win.
We’ve had some home renovations going on lately (a result of the lack of spending on holidays for the last four years), and it’s been a bit of upheaval to say the least. But thanks to our feature ‘8 ways to renovate your home - without breaking the bank!’ on the Home and Garden page, we’ve managed to gain some good advice and save some additional funds for the big holiday soon to be planned!. This month we celebrate Zero Waste Week and if you try your hand at the related wordsearch prize puzzle, there’s the chance to win two tickets to Bromley Picturehouse. My personal favourite feature this month has to be the pet page. It’s always lovely receiving cute pet pictures and reading about what they’ve been up to - please continue to send them in at hello@ Finally,lifeinmagazines.co.ukwherepossible
Office Assistant: Isabelle Elephant because they have a good memory. Work Experience: Olivia Dolphin – they’re friendly but also wary. They enjoy seafood and love swimming. 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
Life In Bromley is published by Luna Creative Media (Ltd) NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 5TH SEPTEMBER To advertise call 020 3488 9959 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Ad spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. lifeinmagazines.co.uk @lifeinmags September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 3 5.Community Write It, Say It, Message It 6. History 8. Noticeboard 12. Lines From Linda 13. Mayor's Voice 14. Local Heroes 16. What's On 19. 5 Minutes With... Magic Maisie 46. A Final Thought 21.Lifestyle Puzzle Page 22. Pets 24. Money 27. Health & Fitness 31. Did You know 32. Shopping 35. Eco news 36. Life Hacks 39. Food & Drink 40. Business 42. Home & Garden 45. Short Story Welcome to contents FSC® certified: Life In… Bromley is printed using vegetablebased inks and we print on FSC® certified paper meaning that it has been sourced from sustainably managed forests and its site of origin is proven and traceable under certification from the Forest Stewardship Council. In addition, every tree felled for paper is replaced by significant growth of new trees in Forestry Commission managed forests. 100% FSCRecyclable®Paper Editorial / Sales: Lauretta lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk A gibbon - it was my nickname at school and I can be very mischievous! Get to know us: What animal best represents you and why?
As a trusted independent insurance broker, let us do the hard work for you! At JD Travel Insurance we appreciate that one size does not fit all. Our experienced team specialises in providing bespoke and tailored travel insurance arrangements. Cruise holidays Travel WintersportsGolfingDisruptionholidayscover Gadget BusinessLongstaycovertripstripcover The team is able to cover all eventualities including, (but not limited to): Persons with minor and serious pre-existing health conditions Contact us for a no obligation quotation; our team is knowledgeable, empathetic and will handle your enquiry with sensitivity. Call the team now on 0344 247 4749 or visit our website www.jdtravelinsurance.co.uk HolidaysHappyfromallatJDTravel Would you like to earn some extra money every month? Need an excuse to do more exercise? If you enjoy being part of the local community, are diligent and reliable then apply to join our friendly team of distributors now. • Monthly deliveries in the Bromley & Orpington areas • Good rates of pay • Map areas and trolley provided To apply, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your name, address, number and preferred delivery area. JOIN OUR DISTRIBUTION TEAM & EARN SOME EXTRA MONEY
And remember - the ‘Star Response’ receives a £15 One4All digital gift card. BED & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS! APPROVED STOCKIST UP TO HALF SALEWINTERPRICEINSTOREDEC2019-FEB2020WIN communityWrite It, Say It, Message It! Got something to shout about? Maybe you want to respond to an article or want to spread the word about something locally? Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text us on 07403 550068. You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags the star response ( ) wins a £15 one4all digital gift card courtesy of The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk). Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Star response For full competition T&C's see https://bit.ly lifeincomps Spotted on social Jenson’s
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you’d
a story,
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Poetry corner The Country Boy The sun goes down on another day My head falls back on a bail of hay We’ve been loading this cart since dawn With animals’ fodder for a cold winter’s morn. Sometimes we are awoken by the birds' chirping song As I wander through the farmyard with its unmistakable pong My elders used to say it made you healthy and strong In those days, I was naïve, and so I went along. The tractor starts up to plough the fields To give us the food that the land yields Those summer days when we worked so hard Bringing in the corn to store in the yard. To light the log fire on a cold winter's night Followed by spring; a wonderful sight Thoughts of this country life keep my feet on the ground You see you can’t compare this rural life to other work around. This idyll, this retreat and fresh produce that we eat Just fills my heart with endless joy I would never ever want to exchange The life of a country boy. Bernard Lee A boo-boo Last month we published a poem but attributed it to Maureen Perrin when it was in fact Maureen Hillier who penned it. Apologies to both Maureens! Please continue to wonderful poems. And if like to write in, send a picture, poem or share email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk. playdate Green grandson’s
dog Jenson when he came to her house for the day. We think you’ll agree, he’s rather cute. For more of your pet pictures, check out this month’s pet feature – and keep the pictures coming. Email lifeinmagazines.co.ukhello@
send us your
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 5
We know William Morris from the many wonderful objects that are found on sale in our museums and galleries including carrier bags, handbag mirrors, gift wrap, mugs and tiles, but William was so much more than this. He was born into an upper-middleclass family and spent his whole adult life in revolt against its values. He lived in a mansion set within a 50-acre park adjacent to Epping Forest. He was one of nine children and was free to explore his surroundings and the forest; as such, he had a deep love of nature in all its forms. He, like John Ruskin, loved the courtliness and heroism of medieval legend and the individuality and creativity of the medieval world. He despised the industrialised world in which he lived. Comparing the lives of medieval stonemasons (who were free to express themselves in their work), with the Victorian workmen who were treated as commodities, he said: “All the minor arts” of mid-Victorian England “were in a state of complete degradation.” By ‘minor arts’ he meant all things used for daily livingdinnerware, furniture, fabrics and wallpaper. His reforming zeal led to the building of Red House in Bexleyheath and the establishment of ‘The Firm’ – officially Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co, which soon became the most celebrated design company in history. It was set up by Peter Paul Marshall, a civil engineer and minor painter with connections among pre-Raphaelite patrons. Charles Faulkner, an Oxford friend and mathematician, became The Firm’s first business manager. The other partners were all accomplished artists: Rossetti, Burne-Jones, an architect, and pre-Raphaelite painter Ford Madox Brown. They quickly
“Morris was a manufacturer, poet and artist and his work can be found across the country, most commonly on “Hiswallpaper.”designsincluded floral patterns (such as flowers and birds) to bring city dwellers closer to the country through his prints. He also used symmetrical patterns so that it could cope with the process of stamping. Even in 2022, he is still renowned for his influential patterns and prints.”
I would like to introduce Balgowan School and Miss Robinson’s Year 6 class, who have recently enjoyed an art project based on the work of William Morris. Here are some of the pupils’ responses: “This term we have created artwork inspired by William Morris. To create the print in his style, we practised our drawings and developed our ideas, then we sketched the print into a polystyrene block, painted it and then pushed our design onto paper, using a roller to transfer the paint off. I found this technique quite tricky as his work is very intricate and detailed.”
“William Morris was born on the 24th March 1834. His father was wealthy and Will wanted to be a priest, but then he chose to become an artist instead. Surrounded by friends who were skilful, he suddenly had the idea of creating wallpaper while decorating his house.”
Some of the prints designed by Miss Robinson's year 6 class Pam Preedy
William Morris Pay a visit to Bromley Historic Collections on the 2nd floor of Bromley Central Library to learn more about Bromley Borough’s history. found commissions amongst clergymen for the renovation of churches. This set them on the path to success as their name became well-known. In 1875, Morris gained sole ownership of the firm, now called Morris & Co. Morris was a workaholic. In one of his many books he wrote, “Fancy people not liking to work! It’s too ridiculous.” His work covered a range of interests; from designing wallpaper to weaving tapestry and writing on anything from romances to politics. Although he despised his own social class, they had the financial means to purchase his wares and he focussed on the upper middle-class. At the height of his career he changed from a Gladstonian Liberal and joined the socialist Fabian Society founded in 1884. Sidney and Beatrice Webb were two of the most famous founder members. Today, his designs are still readily available and popular.
6 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
by PAM PREEDY, historian & author community History
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 7 BROMLEY’S MULTI AWARD-WINNING FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
8 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Following three sold-out West End runs and a smash hitUK tour, Death Drop is back! The drag murder mysterysensation is returning with a brand-new show - DeathDrop: Back In The Habit. Touring across the UK from thisautumn, the new production, written by Rob Evans anddirected once again by Jesse Jones, will be startingits run at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley fromThu 27th - Sat 30th October 2022.
The local fundraising branch needs more helpers. Canyou spend an hour or two on an occasional basis to helpraise funds for Lifeboats? Or maybe join a sponsoredwalk along the Thames Path from Teddington Lock toTower Lifeboat Station on Saturday 10 September.
A group of volunteers looking after Richmal Crompton Park have set up a ‘Green Gym’ every Monday at 2pm at Richmal Crompton Fields, (intersection of Lennard Rd/Lower Gravel Rd, Bromley BR2 8LP). They are calling on anyone who wants to help improve the local park by weeding, making new wildlife areas, planting trees and generally making the park a better place for people to visit. You will also make new friends, improve your mental health and get fit outdoors! Contact Heather Collyer by email at heath109109@gmail.comifinterested.
DEATH DROP RETURNS
community NOTICEBOARD
The team from Bromley’s Devonshire House and Newman Flexible Workspace took part in the ASICS London 10K to raise money for The Chartwell Cancer Trust. A total of £1,086 was raised – HUGE congratulations to Jaya, Sophie, Aimee and Lee!
The RNLI has a fundraising branch near you! TheBromley, West Wickham and Hayes branch raises fundsfor the saving of lives at sea, and on the River Thames;also the provision of lifeguards on many of our beaches.The busiest lifeboat station in the UK is only 13 milesaway on the river Thames just 10 minutes walk fromCharing Cross Station.
Journalist James
For more information phone 07928 538750
We welcomed James Penn who joined us for a week on work experience from Ravens Wood School recently. Working at Devonshire House in Bromley’s Elmfield Road, James undertook a variety of tasks – from researching and subbing to brainstorming content ideas and copywriting – and was full of enthusiasm. Wishing you all the best in your quest to become a sports journalist James!
Join the gym for free!
The Kentones, a male acapella chorus based in Orpington, are running a free ‘time to sing’ course. Join the chorus in learning a new fourpart harmony song, then perform the song at a concert in front of your friends and family. You don’t have to be able to read music and all learning material will be supplied. The course runs for six weeks, on Thursday nights from 7.30pm-8.45pm starting on October 6th at St Paul’s Church hall, Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8JE. Come and have some fun - you won’t regret it! To register or for any queries, call Kevin on 07779-755510 or email kevkentones@outlook.com
TIME TO SING! share local news Feature on the Community Noticeboard! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
community NOTICEBOARD Help
A small fee applies - we have limited space for free charity listings.
HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW
Life In…Magazines is proud mediasponsor of Beckenham Business Day,which will take place in October. Theone-day event is aimed at helpingbusinesses in and around Beckenham(and the borough as a whole) byproviding networking opportunities,workshops and speakers. To find outmore and to sign up, read this month’sBusiness feature on page 40. Does your child struggle withEnglish language/literature? English language/literature tutor for agesfour-16, including 11+ & GCSE support. As a current English literature A-level student, my personalexperience of the English curriculum allows me to engagewell with tutees and offer insightful sessions. I am aconsistent grade 9 (A*) student, with a genuine passion forthe subject and plans to pursue a degree in it. I am DBSchecked with experience of working with young childrenand my rates start at £15 per hour. My hours are flexibleand I am willing to travel locally/work via Zoom. My tutoringapproach involves tailored sessions to increase engagementand confidence whilst learning and improving grades!Email me (Ella) for more information or to book atEllaatkins2005@aol.com or call 07787-968910. celebrate your At Life In…Magazines we have ‘Friends’ of Life In Bromley who offer their help to us with all sorts of things –from distributing the magazines to households to sourcing and supplying us with positive and inspiring local news stories. If you’d like to become part of the team (it’s a great way to get out and about, meet people, increase your exercise and discover more about your local community), then email your name, street name and postcode and telephone number to lifeinmagazines.co.ukhello@
community
Own a business?
September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 9
Life In…Magazines has managed to bag its readers free tickets to the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (you’re welcome). The event takes place between 30th September and 2nd October at ExCeL, and this year’s focus is to help visitors improve their energy efficiency and help people ‘switch off’ fuel poverty. A major part of this is to communicate to visitors how sustainable products and initiatives can help them tackle higher energy bills and improve their lifestyles. To nab a free ticket see: https://bit.ly/limhomeshow
Multi-published author and founder of Authentic Worth Publishing, Esther Jacob, helps aspiring authors turn their stories into published books and her passion is reminding individuals that confidence starts within. Esther, 31, lives in Southeast London and is an advocate for building self-confidence and personal development. We caught up with Esther to find out more about her books…
SUPPORTING LOCAL AUTHORS…
If you’re a local author or know of one, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured. Access to Sport
Fran-tastic feat
I started writing books through my time of journaling and expressing my thoughts on paper through blogposts and writing which led to creating my own website in 2014 called womansworthconference.wordpress.com. It transitioned in 2018 to Authentic Worth Publishing (authenticworth.com). My experiences of writing came from a place of purpose and wanting to inspire others to share their stories authentically. I also wanted to inspire local and global readers to know that they can turn their pain into purpose whilst building inner confidence. Who are your books aimed at? Who’s your target audience?
10 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
I’ve published It’s Time to Heal, Completion, From Glory to Glory, The Power of a ForwardThinking Mindset and Confident Face; all published between the years of 2016 and 2021.
community NOTICEBOARD
If you feel you can help Francesca on her mission see chatukproject.com
What’s the title of your books and when did you publish them?
Francesca Lennon has embarked on an epic 70-day journey, cycling 3,200 miles around the UK visiting 54 children’s hospices to raise money and awareness for Together for Short Lives. As a nurse, many of the children Francesca has looked after have inspired her to take on the challenge, including Henry, who was just six years old when he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. After a brave three-year battle, Henry passed away earlier this year and is now laid to rest at Brightwater Memorial Park, the UK’s only indoor, aboveground cemetery, which is located in Orpington. Francesca has already raised over £33,000 and her target is £500,000.
How did you decide on being an author and what has been your experience so far?
The Duke of Gloucester recently visited Bromley borough as part of the Access toSport programme that Bromley Council isrunning to give eligible children and youngpeople the opportunity to experience newsports. Pictured at Bromley FC’s grounds, theDuke enjoyed a boxing demonstration andmet with Bromley Mayor, Cllr Hannah Gray,programme organisers and invited guests. For details on the Access to Sport programme bcfforum.org/Access2Sportsee
Both young and mature men and women who are passionate about storytelling. I’m looking to publish more books in the near future as well as helping aspiring authors get their books published and become first time authors. How much are your books and where are they available from? Prices of our books range between £9.99- £19.99 and are available on our website at authenticworth.com/books
" 12 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk Lines from Linda A professional, fully insured service with uniformed operatives Residential & commercial Window cleaning - water-fed pole & rope High-levelaccessgutter cleaning Pressure washing 01689 885004 | 07740 051785 info@jadewcss.com | www.jadewcss.com Window & exterior building cleaning in London, Bromley, Kent and the South East ANNIE ABBS MASSAGE THERAPIST t: 07910 276603 e: annie@refresh-me-massage.com w: www.refresh-me-massage.com Relax, Restore, Rejuvenate.. in our Bromley Studio, BR1 1LT I’m an award-winning massage therapist offering treatments in: • Deep Tissue • Pregnancy • Ultra Relaxation • Neal’s YardBookFacialsonline or call 07910 www.refresh-me-massage.com276603 WITH THISMAG! FIRST10%OFFVISIT with MAG10code Contact us: pibnetwork@outlook.com | 07984 179892 Facebook PIB Network | www.pib-network.com Want to join a friendly network group which actually works for you and doesn’t cost a fortune? ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS OR SOLE TRADER? WANT TO KNOW MORE? community
Because of the climate change that is rapidly descending on our world, it has become apparent that September is no longer the first door into autumn. In recent years we have experienced extended, and beautiful, Indian summers. And given the temperatures we have already experienced this summer, I am expecting September will bring us lots of sunshine, and with that the desire to make the most of our open green spaces and parks before autumn really descends. Disappointingly, these age-old rules of park closure times don’t seem to have changed, but when it is sunny the desire to stay on just that little longer in the day is often quite strong. Many a time have I found myself locked in a park or cemetery after an overstayed outing, and many a time have I had to embarrass myself by hurling my body over an iron or wooded gate to get to the road, (and more often than not in stilettos). I have ripped clothes, lost shoes, and a few scars to prove it. Not to mention the embarrassment of the hooting of passing cars as I hurl my backside toward the oncoming traffic. However, none of these embarrassing memories lives up to my late father’s worst ever faux pas. My father, at the time, was working as a toastmaster, which, we all know means wearing a bright red coat, heading functions, banging a gavel to introduce guests as they arrive, then standing at the top table behind the host, to introduce toasts and speeches, and then invite the host and hostess to start the dancing.
At one particular, very upmarket event, my father had done the intros, announced the toasts and invited the host and his lady to start the dancing, and the other guests to then join the floor. As he stood, alone at the top table, he was embarrassingly aware that his flies had come undone. He discreetly and speedily pulled the zip to up. Then, as his duty for the night was finished, he nodded and smiled at his host and turned to leave the room. Unknown to him, when he pulled his flies up, he had actually zipped the table-cloth into his flies, so as he turned to walk away, the table cloth, then the crockery, the wine glasses and all the cutlery followed, landing around him with a ground-breaking crash, and causing every person in the room to turn to look. The poor man, stood, not only red-coated, but very red faced as the music stopped and five hundred faces were seeing a table-cloth trapped in his flies, and crockery, wine, and cutlery clinging to every part of his being. He didn’t invoice them for the job. more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk As he stood, alone at the top table, he embarrassinglywasawarethathisflieshadcomeundone
For
Finally, but by no means least, I spent a fabulous afternoon in the garden of Mrs Freda Davis BEM. Freda opened up her garden to the public to host an afternoon of music (she has done so for the last 20 years), in order to raise money for a children's charity. This year she raised £2,000 (overall she has raised £80,000), and was awarded her British Empire Medal for her charity work. It was a wonderful day and we were lucky the sun continued to shine, making it a perfect day.
MAYOR’S VOICE community With DavisFredaBEM A r e y o u o r y o u r t e e n s t r e s s e d a n d a n x i o u s ? D o y o u f e e l l i k e y o u a n d y o u r t e e n a r e w D w B l e w r t o A T t o P I ’ s f a Let's Talk facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrantmichelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.comContact: Giving your loved ones the service that they deserve Other services I offer include: • Weddings & vow renewals • A ‘Remember Me’ package • Bereavement Café counselling • Grief Care boxes 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.
By the time you read this we’ll have just had our fundraising event for the people of Ukraine. I’ve joined together with all the borough’s Rotary Clubs to bring together this special event which included dinner, entertainment and a variety show and it’s hoped that we raise as much money for this worthwhile cause as possible.
Meanwhile, the Bridge House in Penge hosted a number of events including the closing of the 50th Annual Penge Festival and the fifth birthday of Love Da Beat Radio. Incidentally, I was also interviewed on the radio station by Jackie Groundsell, who has a weekly show. We spent a good couple of hours chatting away but it only felt like five minutes! The Biggin Hill Summer Annual Carnival also went down a storm – we enjoyed music, entertainment and I managed to speak with a number of the stallholders on the day.
As usual it feels like my feet haven’t touched the floor these last few weeks with plenty of businesses, individuals and charities requesting appointments. And that’s something that I really love about being your Mayor – the chance to meet such a wide variety of people and find out what exciting things have been taking place in our wonderful borough. To highlight just a few, I visited the Community Funday at St Barnabas Church in Rushet Road, Orpington. Escorting me around the numerous exhibits and stalls was Rev Neil Coleman and The Boys’ Brigade band put on a great marching music display – very enjoyable! It was an absolute pleasure to host a Civic Reception in the grounds of the Palace of Bromley to thank voluntary workers in the borough. Drinks and a buffet lunch were do – they give up their time for the benefit of the wider community and we’re blessed to have a wealth of them in our borough.
What does the future hold for you? I can’t imagine not doing this. I definitely want to rebuild the audience numbers here which have not reached pre-Covid levels yet. Maybe I’ll do more acting. I’ll keep going until I find myself not wanting to go to rehearsal!
Local Heroes...
Pauline Armour
community
How can people get involved with Bromley Little Theatre? We’re always looking for new volunteers and actors, and of course people to come and see the shows. We’ve been here since the 1930s but for some reason are Bromley’s best kept secret. We want to change that! Anyone interested can visit bromleylittletheatre.org or email me: artistic@ bromleylittletheatre.org. We’re very welcoming and where else can you see a show in a venue with a licensed bar for £10-14? A special ‘Thank You’ to Time For Flowers for sponsoring the bouquets for our Local Heroes.
14 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Hey Pauline - how did you feel about your ‘Local Hero’ nomination? Surprised really! I think Keith will have nominated me because of what I did during Covid. I was determined to keep the theatre going. I organised remote events, rehearsals, and readings. Then when it was allowed, we met in small groups. It was so important to keep everyone connected. How did you become involved in BLT? I first joined back in the 80s as an actor and then a director. Then I moved up north for several years where I worked in education in Behavioural Support Services. I came back to the area in 2005 and of course got back in touch with Bromley Little Theatre. I directed a play – The Duchess of Malfi and gradually got more involved. I took on the role of Artistic Director in 2009 which involves planning the season, problem solving and quality control. We pride ourselves on the standard of our performances – it’s something I’m very proud of. What is it about theatre? I’ve always been involved with theatre and it’s so important. It changes people’s lives. Putting yourself in other peoples’ shoes makes people more tolerant as well as giving them confidence. Theatre is good for mental health and can be a lifeline in hard times; we know that from experience. We have a youth theatre that I run with Jessica-Ann Jenner, which we kept going on Zoom through Covid. It can really help people through difficult times, especially young people. Plus, the theatre is educational; in my opinion a trip to the theatre should be a good night out that educates, inspires and entertains. What does community mean to you? Community and connection is everything. Covid proved it. Community is how we relate to people, how we help and support them. At Bromley Little Theatre, we connect people from across the area in all that we do. We also work with four other community organisations, Bishop Justus School, CASPA, JustBe and Magpie Dance as well as other charities. We’re also happy to loan costumes and props to other amateur dramatic associations on a reciprocal basis.
Nominate a local hero – it could be a friend, neighbour, local business or a member of your family! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
What is a typical day like? It’s more like a typical week. On different evenings I’ll have a rehearsal, a meeting, a performance or a reading. I also run some sessions for the University of the Third Age (U3A). I’m definitely not a morning person! I start the day at lunchtime and go to bed very late. Admin happens in the afternoons. On a Saturday I like to go to the theatre as an audience member.
Pauline was nominated by Keith Jeremiah, Chairman of the Bromley Little Theatre (BLT - a thriving community theatre in the heart of Bromley that is run by volunteers). Pauline is the theatre’s Artistic Director. Keith said: "Pauline works tirelessly and passionately to uphold the incredibly high artistic standards of the theatre and the 18 shows we put on every year. She is often found on stage or directing at BLT or supporting our thriving Youth group. In the wider community, Pauline also co-founded the Bromley Community Arts Theatre, bringing people together from many different societies and organisations to bring back live performances to the borough following the pandemic. She is enthusiastic, well-loved and has the incredible skill of bringing people together and creating shows of professional standards."
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 15 Mobile Senior Nail Care Call Lena to book your appointment on 0203 609 2417 • Manicure • Pedicure • Thick cuttingtoenail • Diabetic nails ...and more 10% off your treatmentfirst NICHOLAS JEWELLERY REPAIRS • ALTERATIONS • NEW www.nickforemanjewellery.co.ukCOMMISSIONS07753 611769 nick@nickforemanjewellery.co.uk QUALITY JEWELLERY DESIGNED AND MADE JUST FOR YOU PHONEBROADBAND/SOCKETS WHY PAY SERVICE PROVIDER PRICES FOR INTERNAL FAULTS? New improveFaultextensionsphone/broadbandfindingrepairs/broadbandspeeds 07845 705900G.NUGENT FULLYINSURED Cat 5 Internalwiring/external tidying/ re-rounting of cables prior to double glazing ALL SAINTS’ FESTIVAL CHOIR ARE SEEKING NEW CHOIR MEMBERS - ALL AGES WELCOME There are no auditions but the choir sings to a high standard. Come along and see if it’s for you! Rehearsals start on the 6th of September and take place at All Saints’ Church, Bark Hart Road, Orpington on Tuesday evenings, 8pm to 10pm Visit our website or ring 07879 473802 for more information IF YOU ARE READING THIS... THEN SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS 07403 550068 | hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk FROMADVERTISEHEREJUST£32
16 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk ART Art SaturdayDays10th September Art On Parade is holding its next art classes from Saturday 10th September for children of junior school age and above. The classes take place at Ripley Arts Centre in Bromley. To find out more call Nicky on 07736 400763. community & charity BEAMS24 - Football Challenge Saturday 3rd September – Sunday 4th September (24-hour event) Dartford Football Club Cost: Individual Registration: £15 Team Cost: £100 Contact: Email fundraising@wearebeams.org.uk Tel: 01322 668501 or see wearebeams.org.uk/eventschallenges We Are Beams, a local charity supporting disabled children, is launching a brand new event called Beams 24 Football Challenge. This non-stop 24hr fun football challenge will raise money to provide 24hr care for disabled children. It runs from 12pm on Saturday 3rd September to 12pm on 4th September at Dartford Football Club. 7 a side teams will play for one hour each within the 24hr period. Teams and individuals of all abilities are encouraged to join up and everyone is welcome including, youth, disabled, senior or friends and family. Bromley Mencap Services Contact: 020 8466 0790 Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Email support: www.bromleymencap.org.ukenquiries@bromleymencap.org 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. Bromley Speakers Club 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of each month Meetings start at 7.15pm and finish at 9.30pm (except where stated - see website). Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, BR1 2PX Cost: www.BromleySpeakers.co.ukFacebook:Contact:Freevppublicrelations@bromleyspeakers.co.ukwww.facebook.com/BromleySpeakers Practise your speaking skills and improve your confidence with a friendly and supportive group at Bromley Speakers. Guests are welcome to come along free of charge. Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss Meets the first Thursday of every month 7.45pm - 9.45pm Cost: Contact:FreeSandra - 07519 105354 Email: Twitter:www.survivorsofsuicideloss.org.uksosl.orpington@gmail.com@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 2pm-4pmhospitals. 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! Orpington 'Drop In' Parkinson's Café 1st Thursday of each month, 10.30am - 12.30pm Sanctuary Café, Orpington Baptist Church, Station Road BR6 0RZ Cost: Contact:Freebromleyparkinsonsbranch@gmail.com Pop in for a cuppa and a chat, share information, experiences and meet new friends. Tinnitus Support Group Orpington Wednesday 7th September, 10am-12noon Orpington Village Hall, 311 High Street, Orpington. BR6 Contact:Cost:0NNFree01622 691151 Email: enquiries@hikent.org.uk The Rotary Club of Orpington Crofton supports Hi Kent's Tinnitus Support Group that meets monthly. u3a Talks – General Meeting 20th September, 10.30am-12pm Cost: Members free, visitors £5 United Reform Church, 20 Widmore Rd, Bromley, BR1 Contact:1RY 020 8777 6345, email membershipsecretary@ u3abromley.org.uk or see www.u3abromley.org.uk A talk entitled ‘Fingerprints and Murder’ by Jack Beans what's on 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 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.ukat
Monday,2pmOpenlibrarybetter.org.uk/library/london/bromley/southborough-Contact:SouthboroughThursdaySaturday-Openlibrarybetter.org.uk/library/london/bromley/shortlands-Contact:ShortlandsSaturdayOpencentral-librarywww.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/bromley-Email:Contact:BromleyThursday&Openlibrarybetter.org.uk/library/london/bromley/beckenham-7292Monday9.30am-7pm,Tuesday,WednesdayFriday9.30pm-5.30pm,Saturday9.30am-5pm&Sundayclosed.CentralLibrary02039310900central.library@gll.orgMonday-Friday9.30am-7pm9.30am-5pm.Sundayclosed.02084609692Monday&Tuesday9.30am-1pm&2pm5.30pm,Friday9.30am-1pm&2pm-5.30pm,9.30am-1pm&2pm-5pm,Wednesday,&Sundayclosed.02084670355Tuesday,Wednesday&Friday9.30am-1pm&-5.30pm,Saturday9.30am-1pm&2pm-5pm,Thursday&Sundayclosed.
MUSIC & entertainment Bromley Music Makers 78th season Saturday September 24th, 3-5pm Christ Church, Tudor Way, Petts Wood BR5 1LH Cost: £5, pay at the door. Contact www.bromleymusicmakers.org Lovers of classical music who enjoy live performances can spend a happy couple of hours at our monthly concerts, September – June. Programmes feature 6-8 items with a variety of solo and ensemble items, covering music from the 17th century to the present day. The Owl Prowl - Summer Holiday Art Trail 28th July – 5th October, 24/7, seven days a week Cost: The trail is free to take part in and a map is available at www.yourbromley.com/owl-prowl Contact: admin@yourbromley.com 12 beautiful art owls are coming to Bromley town centre. The artistic creations will be displayed around the town, creating a trail of discovery for visitors and helping them to explore Bromley. For details see www.yourbromley. com/owl-prowl
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 17 what's on EDUCATION Code 3:30pmNinjas-6:30pm Monday to Wednesday and 9am - 12pm Saturdays Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, BR1 Contact:2PX 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 HEALTH, FITNESS & MINDSET Bromley Ramblers: Walking For Health See website for dates & times Cost: wellbeing-walksContact:Freehttps://beta.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ 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. Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 www.flinsfitness.co.uk412027 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. PB AdultDodgeballSocialDodgeball sessions, every Tuesday in Bromley and Thursday in Bexley Tuesdays: 8.30pm - 10pm at Bromley College, Rookery Lane, Bromley, BR2 8HE Thursdays 6.30pm - 8pm at King Henry School Community Sports Centre, Ramsden Rd, Erith DA8 3BU Cost: First session is free, then £6 per session with membership available Contact: Email info@pbdodgeball.co.uk or call 07742136221. Also see www.pbdodgeball.co.uk, Facebook: @ PBDodgeball Instagram: @pbdodgeball Interested in trying a new sport? Want to meet new people while getting active? Join us for a friendly game of Social Dodgeball in Bromley and Bexley. Come along for a free first session to give it a go and see what the sport is about! libraries Please check websites for the latest library updates and opening times. Contact:Beckenham0208650
John is a university professor about to take up permanent tenure at a prestigious university. Carol is a student of John's - a brittle undergraduate drowning beneath the weight of her studies and personal insecurities. Harassment may, or may not, have taken place and they try to resolve the situation without the benefit of counsel or common sense.
Harvey’s play about two teenage boys falling in love refuses melodramatic clichés to offer a story bright with
An Audience with Reverend Richard Coles Wednesday 24th August, 7:30pm
Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
The Commitments is a fantastically feel-good celebration of soul. With over 20 soul classics performed live on stage including: Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High and many more. This is a smash hit musical sensation you simply won’t forget!
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
sensitivity, pathos and wit. Ste hides from his father’s anger at Jaime’s place. Since there’s nowhere else to sleep, Ste and Jaime top-and-tail in Jaime’s bed which begins a tentative, awkward relationship which unfolds with delicacy and with joy.
28thOleannaSeptember - 2nd October (In the bar)
Navi - King of Pop Friday 26th August, 7:30pm
Tickets: £28.50 The world’s greatest Michael Jackson tribute artist ‘Navi’, with his incredible live band and dancers. Navi’s thrilling show will take you closer than ever imagined to an original Jackson concert, featuring hits such as Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, and the ‘Jackson Five’ classics. The MondayCommitments26thSeptember - Saturday 1st October Various Times Tickets from £30.50
Tickets: £24 In this ever-popular evening Rev. Richard Coles discusses the mayhem of being Top of The Pops in the 80s, and answering many burning questions including “How do you go from pop star to priest, and why?”.
18 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk what's on 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. NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 5TH SEPTEMBER To advertise call 020 3488 9959 email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. @lifeinmagsLife 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. MUSIC & entertainment Time To Sing Every Thursday for six weeks starting 6th October, 7.30pm-8.45pm St Paul’s Church Hall, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 Cost:8JE Contact:FreeKevin on 07779-755510 or email kevkentones@outlook.com Thekentones.co.uk Join The Kentones, a male acapella chorus, to learn a new song in four-part harmony. At the end of the free six-week course, invite friends and family to watch a live performance of the song, along with a few other songs from The Kentones. 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 Contact:speakers.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. theatre/ Performances Bromley Little Theatre Bookings: 16thBeautiful Thingwww.bromleylittletheatre.org-24thSeptember(mainauditorium)
Q: What’s your favourite trick to perform? Probably ‘invisible purse’ by Wayne Dobson. You use a purse and an invisible ‘pack’ of cards- you separate them into the four suits, and someone chooses one of the suits and names one of the cards -for example, the nine of Magic Maisie by KATE SMITH hearts. I fold up the invisible ‘card’, put it in the purse and then I take out their card, the nine of hearts!
Q: How did you get involved in the Blackpool convention? Someone at my magic society mentioned it, so I started to look it up and then mum and dad got me tickets for Christmas. It’s a three-day convention with lectures where you learn loads of tricks. They also offer advice, and we get to see magicians perform. There’s also a ‘Dealer’s Hall’ which is a big room full of stalls where you can buy stuff!
Q: Do you have any magic-related plans for the future? I’ve just completed a wedding gig plus a scholarship to attend a London convention called ‘The Session’. I’ll definitely be going to Blackpool Magic Convention 2023, as well as appearing on Facebook Live for a magic shop called Alakazam. I have a stage show in November too, which I’m really excited about.
Q: Amazing! So, has being involved in magic given you any exciting opportunities?
Q: Hey Maisie! What was your introduction to magic and how did you get started? I went to a wedding about six years ago and I saw my cousin doing magic. He showed me a card trick and I was amazed, so he taught me how to do it. I went round the tables doing the trick and ever since then I’ve just fallen in love with it!
Q: What’s your favourite part of being involved in such a unique society? It's really exciting to meet people from all around the world with the same interests. Everyone gives each other advice and it’s great to be a part of the worldwide society.
Q: How did you continue from there? Did you join a local society? My dad worked with someone who is also a magician and he suggested that I go to a magic club called the AWS (Associated Wizards of the South). I ended up joining the club and became a member of the junior society.
5 Minutes With…
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 19 community Did you know our London borough is filled with hidden magicians? The Orpington Magic Society is home to a local community of enthusiastic entertainers - among them is Magic Maisie, a young magician who has astonished audiences nationwide with her unique array of almost 200 tricks! From appearing at the Magic Society’s third anniversary as a guest of honour, to joining universally-renowned magicians onstage at Blackpool’s annual Magic Convention, Maisie tells us all about her extraordinary experience in the unique circle...
Q: Was magic naturally easy for you or did it take a lot of practice to get to where you are now? Some tricks are harder to master than others: some are really easy, and others are quite hard. If I just keep practising them, I get the hang of them!
At my local magic club, I did a 90-minute solo stage show: that was really cool! Also, I went to the Blackpool Magic Convention where I met loads of famous magicians and they've been able to help me. They include Mark Calabrese, Jay Sankey, Fay Presto, Laura London, Wayne Fox… the list goes on. I even went on a Zoom call with Wayne Dobson, and he taught me a trick he performed on TV.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give other young people like yourself looking to find out more about magic? There’s a lot of great magic books that can teach you all the techniques. DVDs are good to watch as well, and check if there is a local magic shop or society near you too. If you’re looking to get involved in the magic phenomenon, Orpington Magic Society welcomes magicians far and wide to learn new knowledge - and share a few tricks of their own! You can find them online at orpington-magic-society. business.site or via their Facebook account of the same name. Magic Maisie is also online on the new website www.magicmaisie.co.uk or on her Instagram and YouTube @MagicMaisie.
20 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk 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 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 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.
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 21 WIN WIN A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE We’ve teamed up with Bromley Picturehouse to give one lucky winner a pair of cinema tickets to watch a film of their choice. For details see www.picturehouses.com This is a monthly competition, open to residents in the Bromley borough only. Ts & Cs apply. Last month’s answer - WHITSTABLE Strictly one entry per person. 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 Text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk07403550068 BY 16TH SEPTEMBER for your chance to win! sponsored by @BromleyPicturehouse@Bromley_PH Find the words and phrases below in the grid, all associated with this month’s Zero Waste Week (5th-9th September – see zerowasteweek.co.uk). Words can run horizontally, vertically or diagonally (and backwards or forwards). One of the words doesn’t appear in the grid – this is the winning word. Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403550068 with your name number and address. ZeroSustainableReusableRenewablePlasticPlanetImpactGreenEthicalEco-friendlyEarth-consciousCompostCarbonCampaignAwarenessfootprintwaste WIN Date: Zero Waste Week t Z F E J E L B A S U E R H G Y K A W L A C I H T E O M J B F U S H B T Z R D R Z D M D Y M R V P K U L E E T N I R P T O O F N O B R A C D C H J I G D O A Q F T R K J E S E O C C T P I C G W P P T I L T F W F O A D J M J A S A L U B O J M L R N M P S M X A E M R A T B Y M H I S P Z E N R L P D N E S P E F J E C A L W M B D L I D I N T L P B N I I Q C A C L A Q I A S E I I Q D O G B W B R T N O M A N C S C B L U N E I K S O E R W E B W P S J Y S N J Q U Y A T O E Z J Z J X O R E Z Q S I S B R R T C A P M I O R N A Q G B W E G X F M W Q N K D J A S G G R Z K K C S N L U J K
22 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk Pets lifestyleStaycation’s the way A recent study by tails.com revealed that 85% of dog owners would rather staycation than go abroad and leave their beloved pooch at home, and has ranked the UK’s most popular holiday hotspots based on the number of dog-friendly activities available such as green spaces, dog-friendly restaurants and beaches. Edinburgh topped the list with 656 amenities fit for fourlegged friends. Bournemouth followed in second place with 571 and Brighton with 542. 1. Edinburgh - 656 dog-friendly activities 2. Bournemouth - 571 3. Brighton - 542 4. Southend-on-Sea - 506 5. Anglesey - 504 6. Newquay - 494 7. Bath - 488 8. Bognor Regis - 468 9. Cheltenham - 444 10. Oxford - 408 This is Bonnie - she is 17, we rescued her from Foal Farm as a kitten. She follows me around and loves laying out in the sun. Katherine Quinn This is Hank who is still living life to the full even after being diagnosed with a chronic heart condition, which will unfortunately shorten his life. He’s our beautiful gentle giant. V Verity O’Neal This is Gus who has a workpersonality,lovingbutcanbeapestwhentryingtofromhome. Paula Brooks This is Boo. She’s an eight-year old Bengal/Ragdoll cross. Boo is a typical cat. She sleeps most of the day apart from mealtimes and will only let you stroke her if sheyouwantsto. Julia Sims Your pet pics...
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 23 lifestyle Did you know… It’s best to take out pet insurance when your pet is young and healthy to keep premiums low. Pets with a condition or older pets will be more expensive to insure. Reg 203644Charity(England and Wales) SC037711 NEU_2343(Scotland) Neuter your Cat for £5 For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on : 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 www.cats.org.uk/bromley/ contact-us 07776667852 neutering@bromley. cats.org.uk Email: What to do if your dog is stolen • Report it to the police • Register your stolen pet at doglost.co.uk • Check local places your dog might have gone tofamiliar buildings, homes or walking routes • Post it on local Facebook groups • Contact your microchip database to inform them. They will be able to tell you if someone has tried to change the microchip details. Remember to also notify them if your pup is found. • You can also check if the council has your missing dog – see gov.uk/check-council-missing-dog
Faith Rowntree
is
This my Spanish rescue dog Elvis. He’s an elderly, one eyed, blind gentleman who loves nothing more than to potter out on his walks. He often likes to remind you he’s still around by giving a little bark. Being blind doesn’t stop him being cheeky and finding the toilet paper and ripping it or jumping onto the coffee table if he can smell some food. He’s a very sweet old boy and we love to watch him enjoying his retirement lying in the sunshine and having a good old roll in the grass. Emily Hodges Cute pet pictures – send yours hello@lifeinmagazines.co.ukto
you
This is our French Bulldog Lexi. She’s two years old and a bundle of fun. She loves to play with other dogs and any games involving a ball. Michael Keil Here’s Harper. She loves nothing more than her toys, cuddles and a cup of tea. She jumps so high when I get home from work!
Denise Donovan Green This is Boo he is my 15-year-old deaf diabetic cat. He is my childhood cat - he is the sweetest boy in the world and loves nighttime snuggles and kisses. He likes spending his days sleeping in his fluffy bed and getting extra treats for just being handsome.
5. Get organised: Having your finances organised and with a clear trail shows lenders you’re responsible and that you can manage your finances well. Having a history of bank accounts and other banking products (such as ISAs, credit cards etc.) will give your mortgage adviser a decent enough history to look back through.
4. Don’t apply for more credit: If you find yourself in a situation where you have bad credit, applying for more will only serve to worsen it still. Further to this, if you are in a situation where you continuously use your credit card but can only afford to pay the minimum repayments, you should cease using it as soon as possible and focus on repaying any credit owed.
1. Get on the electoral roll: One of the quickest and simplest ways to give your credit score a muchneeded boost is ensuring you are registered on the electoral roll. You should also ensure all of your bills and bank accounts are registered to the same address.
3. Don’t miss repayments: This may go without saying but its importance begs it to be highlighted. Missing repayments can be detrimental to your credit score as it shows you are incapable of paying bills on time, nor can you manage your finances.
2. Use credit responsibly: Credit cards and now Klarna can be great ways to boost your credit score, as long as you are responsible with them. Always try to keep a good amount of available credit, which is the difference between your outstanding balance and your total credit limit. Low available credit tells the credit agencies that you are struggling to keep tabs on your finances.
5. Avoid being tied to one brand. Believe it or not, many own brand products are often made in the same factory, with the same companies supplying the likes of Aldi as well as Waitrose - you might think you need to splash out to get quality food, but thanks to the rise of shops like Lidl and Aldi, you can get good quality groceries at much lower prices.
1. Discount codes and introductory offers can help. Look for them on supermarket websites, newsletters or in the store magazines. Some shops limit the number of coupons and codes you can use in one transaction, but you can get around this by splitting your shop into multiple loads at the till.
2. Use free loyalty schemes to get ahead. Sainsbury’s Nectar and Tesco Clubcards reduce the price of your shop and let you collect points as you spend, which can be redeemed for discounts, and most of the mainstream supermarkets have something similar in place.
6 TIPS TO SLASH YOUR SUPERMARKET SHOP
3. If you shop online for groceries, you can compare prices more easily. Spend time looking at each supermarket's website for the best prices. You could even do the same shop at multiple stores and then compare the total bills to see how much you could save.
4. Do some detective work at your local store to find out when the yellow stickers come out. You could get tomorrow’s lunch or dinner for a fraction of the price if you shop at the right time.
6. Make a budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend before arriving at the shop and plan your meals with a list, then tot your items up as you go along. If not, it’s easy to end up spending an additional £20 or £30. lifestyle
Millions of UK households are already finding their finances stretched by the current cost of living crisis. James Andrews, Senior Personal Finance Editor at money. co.uk, says if your weekly shop is starting to look unaffordable there are a few quick ways you can make big savings at the supermarket. Here’s six of them…
Money
Think twice about ‘buy now, pay later schemes’ Klarna is one of the biggest Buy Now Pay Later services available worldwide and enables consumers to pay for items in instalments or at a later date, interest free, and a welcome payment option for many, as evidenced by their 147 million global users. But just recently the company announced that they will be sharing data with UK credit reference agencies, meaning that purchases made with them will now directly impact your credit score. A strong credit score is of course vitally important when trying to secure a mortgage. So here’s some tips from Mortgage Advice Bureau’s Head of Lending, Brian Murphy, on how to give your credit score a boost…
24 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 25 ISSUE 4 | JUNE 2022 WHAT YOUR CATABOUTreallythinksYOU IDEAS FATHER’SCELEBRATINGFORDAY pull-out-and-keepSpecial Souvenir INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY ONE PAGE AT A TIME FREE #BecauseCommunityMatters www.bromleypageant.co.uk12thJUNE2022Seep15fordetails ISSUE 5 | JULY 2022 you need in your life8 FriendshipsLITTLE-KNOWNFOODSYOUCANACTUALLYBBQ SLASH HUNDREDS OFF HOLIDAY COSTS WIN! - AN ANNUAL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP TO KENT LIFE HERITAGE FARM - 2 VIP TICKETS PLUS £100 BAR SPEND AT PRIORY LIVE FREE #BecauseCommunityMattersINSPIRING THE COMMUNITY ONE PAGE AT A TIME WHAT’S ON SPECIAL: Call us on 020 3488 9959 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Why choose Life In BROMLEY magazine to promote business?your 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 However,marketing.manysmaller businesses don’t place enough importance on marketing because they assume it’s costly or involves fancy campaigns. 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. Get in front of a 17,800+ readership every month from just £10 Boost awarenessbrandyour Attractcustomersnew Build on trustworthyareputation
26 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk 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. 01689 825155 1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH www.compassionhomecare.co.uk • 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 THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER 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. DAILY CARE, LIVE-IN CARE OR RESPITE CARE Our careers can help you with:
Q: How does Devina try and deal with her CVS? She has a group of people that try to provide extra support for her including a therapist and dietitian who support her in dealing with her condition. Having a positive and holistic outlook and unconditional support and reassurance from family also helps her, as she finds her condition very challenging and exhausting to deal with. Since May 2021, Devina has had nine hospitalisations because of the condition.
by JAMES PENN CVS stands for Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, which causes repeated episodes of vomiting and nausea which usually occur in cycles happening every five, six or nine weeks. The cycle varies for individuals. It’s a rare condition affecting around three in every 100,000 people. We spoke with Bromley residents Sushma and Chet Raval, the parents of 18-year-old Devina, who suffers from CVS, to find out more about the condition and how it has impacted Devina’s life as a teenager…
Q: As a family, what practices do you put in place to cope? We are mindful about the trigger factors that will make Devina’s condition worse, so we try our best to take these into consideration. Examples include making sure she gets proper rest, that she minimises her stress levels and that she avoids skipping meals and being in situations which will leave her exhausted. Taking away focus from what’s wrong and counting all our blessings, as well as encouraging Devina to live her best life and not feel like she is missing out, means that she can find the inner peace and come to terms with her situation.
Health & Fitness
Q: What treatments are available? We have been told that currently there is no treatment for CVS, but the good news is that CVS can disappear altogether as quickly as it came, so we are holding onto that.
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 27
Q: What advice would you give to other people?
Nutrition tips to fight fatigue
New research from nutrition and lifestyle experts found that over a third of Brits say their energy levels are the lowest they have ever been, so here’s some tips (courtesy of yfood) on how to stay energised…
Q: When and how did you find out Devina had CVS? It was May last year after a number of hospital visits. Devina undertook numerous tests and initially the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. It wasn’t until they started to take multiple extensive tests that they eventually concluded that she had CVS. The disease is very hidden and is not something that always gets diagnosed straight away.
RAISING AWARENESS OF CVS
Protein-rich foods Protein is undoubtedly a game-changer for beating fatigue. This includes eggs, fish, sprouts, beans, chickpeas and dairy products such as milk and yoghurt. Try incorporating at least one protein source in each of your meals to give you the best slow release of energy whilst you're out and about. These protein-rich foods have been evidenced to improve memory retention, alertness and increase overall energy levels. Up the magnesium Being in a magnesium deficit is often correlated with lower energy levels. Great sources of magnesium include leafy vegetables (perfect for your summer salad), nuts and seeds as well as dark chocolate. Or spice up your From the left: Chet, Sushma and Devina lifestyle
I’d encourage people to do their research and get as much help as needed. We are so grateful to the NHS - they do such an amazing job and the staff are so wonderful. We joined a CVS association recently (cvsa.org.uk), It’s good to know that we can talk with others and get ideas and suggestions – this goes for any condition that affects your child of course. And finally, it’s about knowing your child and being mindful of their triggers – and doing your best to avoid them. usual toast in the morning and add some avocado. The avocado is an incredibly nutritious fruit and a tasty source of magnesium. Keep an eye on your vitamins Particularly vitamin B and B12. These help your body transform the food you eat into energy that your cells can use over a period of time. Some vitamin-B rich foods include seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products and legumes. Another key one is vitamin C. Interestingly, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that needs to be supplied daily as it is not stored in the body. You can source this from citrus fruits, strawberries and blackberries. Whole grains These slow-releasing carbohydrates such as whole-meal bread, pasta and rice help maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Specifically, whole grains, compared with other types of grains, provide optimum sources of fibre, vitamin B, as well as potassium and magnesium for maintaining high energy levels.
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).
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!
Health Check GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL advertorial
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?
28 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
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.
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?
Why does excessive ear wax need to be removed? All too often in my clinics I see first-hand how poor ear health can affect someone’s social interaction and quality of life. Excessive build-up of ear wax can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort. It may also contribute to ear infections. Patients using hearing aids may find that they are unable to use these effectively. Occasionally ear wax can also be hiding an undiagnosed issue and an appointment with your Hearbase hearing specialist will alert you to any findings.
… AND GET YOUR
What should someone do if they think they have ear wax? In all cases please do not use any cotton buds or other devices to manually remove the wax yourself, and do not use home irrigation kits, devices or ear candles. If you think you have excessive ear wax, I strongly advise you to contact me at Hearbase Bromley so I can remove this safely, quickly and hygienically using micro-suction (like a small hoover) or water irrigation. EAR WAX BY A PROFESSIONAL
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 29 Book your hearing test or ear wax removal appointment with Ana at Hearbase Bromley, 4 East Street, BR1 1QX – call 0208 460 8954 or email admin@hearbase.com www.hearbase.com Don’t forget to mention ‘Life In Bromley’ when you book!
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September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Name your street! Local residents will be given the final say on changes to the name of their street under new proposals published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The government has launched a technical consultation setting out plans to ensure name changes in England are approved by local residents in that street before they go ahead with Currently,them. many councils can change the name of a given street without consulting residents. Consent from local residents has been a legal requirement in the past, but has been ‘disapplied’ in many areas. The government believes the law needs updating so it is consistent across England.
Thousands of young people, people with disabilities and those experiencing loneliness will get the opportunity to volunteer and help others thanks to £4.6 million in government investment. More than 160 community organisations will be able to support 7,800 new volunteering opportunities over the next two years as the government confirms the beneficiaries of the Volunteering Futures Fund. The fund was launched last year and will be distributed by Arts Council England (ACE). It will break down barriers to volunteering and enable organisations across the arts, culture, sport, civil society, youth and heritage sectors to continue their valuable work within local communities while volunteers enjoy the personal benefits of making a ACEdifference.hasawarded funding to organisations including colleges, local councils, schools, health and wellbeing organisations in response to demand from a wide range of beneficiaries such as people experiencing loneliness or social isolation, young people in the LGBTQ community, and people with learning difficulties and complex needs.
If you’re looking for the ideal gift, help support local business Pom Pom Baby, an independent baby boutique based in Bromley (16 Plaistow Lane). The company stocks beautiful traditional baby and children's clothing from Spain, Portugal and the UK, as well as a selection of products – from crib accessories and toy boxes, to bibs, changing mats, comforters and sleeping bags. For details see pompombaby.co.uk or call 020 8464 6666.
Got a parking ticket on private land? Visit popla.co.uk (POPLA) who will assist with disputes.
Did You Know…
Baby shower gift ideas If you’ve been invited to a baby shower, you might be wondering what gift to take. Popular pressies include personalised toys and keepsakes (think photo albums, picture frames and trinket boxes); beautiful baby outfits and handy ones such as swimsuits, grobags and swaddles; and useful gifts such as travel changing mats, thermometers and carry bags.
30th September: The last day you can use the paper £20 and £50 notes. The old paper versions of the £50 notes were first issued in 2011 and feature the entrepreneur Matthew Boulton and the engineer James Watt. The new notes are made of polymer. lifestyle New community volunteering
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 31
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON CLOTHES & SHOES 5 E-COMMERCE TRENDS FOR 2022 lifestyle
Expensive brands can often be found for a fraction of the price in charity shops, car boot sales, online marketplaces, or via apps such as Depop and Vinted.
• Visit an outlet store Outlet stores offer discounted clothes, often from past seasons. It could be worth checking if there are any nearby. Many brands now have outlet stores on eBay, offering savings of up to 70% on clothing.
Several High Street shops now run recycling schemes and offer vouchers in exchange for old clothes. For example, H&M and Schuh offer £5 to be redeemed off a £25 shop, Marks and Spencer offer the same when you spend £35. New Look offers 15% off if shoppers donate pre-loved fashion to a Hospice charity shop.
Shoppers can often save 10% on their basket by referring a friend or signing up for a newsletter. Coupert and Pouch are free online shopping tools that automatically find and apply every voucher available in one click, and apply them to the basket. Shoppers can also get offers by signing up for a loyalty programme.
• Get the most out of the sales Sign up for alerts for restocks. For example, BackInStockAlerts.com monitors websites such as Amazon and Asos and sends an alert when a particular item is back in stock. It is also worth checking if the retailer has an app or scheme you can sign up to for early access to the sale. For example, Zara offers shoppers that use its app early access to the sale.
According to e-commerce experts Optiseller, there are five new e-commerce trends that will affect all online sellers this year…
1 Online sales are increasing: According to a survey by Credit Karma, about 70% of Brits say buying online has become their preferred shopping method. Research from Episerver also found that 38% of UK consumers buy online at least once a week.
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• Look for second-hand options
• Buy children’s shoes Those with feet size 5 or under might be able to buy cheaper children’s shoes, as children’s clothes and shoes are exempt from VAT. Popular brands including Adidas, Nike, Converse and Dr Martens do children’s versions of their most popular styles.
High Street shoe chains Schuh and Office both have specialist websites that sell reduced, ex-display shoes that may have minor wear-and-tear. Others include Birkenstock, Adidas and Timberland.
• Snap up ex-display shoes
• Try renting clothes Clothes rental schemes have become more popular in recent years. Prices vary but renting an outfit could be cheaper than buying a new one. For example, prices for renting a dress from By Rotation begin from £9. Other similar sites include My Wardrobe HQ, Hurr, and, for children’s clothes, Bundlee. Most apps add a small usage fee, so check the terms and conditions.
• Try swishing ‘Swishing’ is the term for swapping items of clothing or footwear with other people. Instead of shopping for new garments, it’s worth getting a group of friends or colleagues together to swap unwanted clothes.
With the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on household budgets, many of us are looking to be more budget-savvy when shopping for wardrobe essentials. Which? has rounded up ways to save money on clothing and shoes, while also being more environmentally-friendly.
2 Mobile shopping is growing: If your site isn't optimised for mobile transactions (m-commerce), you need to step into the 21st century now or risk losing out. By the end of 2021 mobile transactions alone made up 72.9% of the total worldwide e-commerce transactions (Statista).
4 Environmental factors: More than 37% of shoppers now say that they are more conscious of the environmental impact their online shopping habits have than ever before. Meanwhile, nearly 73% of consumers expect online retailers and brands to use recyclable packaging or minimise their use of packaging.
• Hunt down discount codes
• Recycle old clothes in exchange for vouchers
3 Social media impacts consumer buying: Similar to m-commerce, social media is pivotal in the consumer buyer journey. According to GlobalWebIndex, 71% are more likely to purchase products and services based on social media referral alone.
5 Supporting local on the up: The pandemic saw nearly 50 chain shops close per day in the first half of 2021 on British high streets, retail parks and shopping centres. This scary reality has prompted the UK to shop local. According to Shopify, 57% of consumers expressed a willingness to purchase from new and independent businesses for the first time. Shopping
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 33 DOYLE’SRODDY DIRECTED BY ANDREWCORONATIONLINNIESTARRINGSTREET LEGEND NIGEL PIVARO THE SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL PHIL M c INTYRE LIVE LTD. PRESENTS 26 SEP – 1 OCT 0343 310 0020 churchilltheatre.co.uk
10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME ECO-FRIENDLY lifestyleEco News
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 35 Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng have set up a new group of aviation experts across industry and government who will work together to make zero emission flight a reality. Aiming to be world leaders in aviation decarbonisation, the new Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Delivery Group, will further Britain’s role in the global effort to end flight emissions.
APP TO WATCH Green living has become a priority for many households in the past few years, with many of us switching to a more sustainable lifestyle, but what else can we do at home to reduce our carbon footprint? Well, the experts at PlumbNation have put together their tops tips to make your home more eco-friendly, while also helping you to save money on your heating bills…
3. Smart meter Smart meters give real-time updates on your spending and could help you to reduce your energy usage at peak times when electricity is most expensive.
10. Use cold water Up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating the water. Putting your washing machine on a colder setting can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while also helping to preserve your clothes.
The new steering group will help position the UK at the forefront of the global shift to green aviation by supporting the development of zero emission aircraft and airport infrastructure. It will also look at how the law needs to adapt so that sustainable flying can truly become a reality.
8. Solar panels While they are not a cheap investment, in the longer term solar panels will help to reduce your electricity bills significantly, and you could even get paid for any extra energy you generate.
9. Turn your thermostat down by 1°C By turning your heating down by just 1°C, you can reduce your carbon footprint and even save up to 10% on your heating bill. Contrary to popular belief, turning up your thermostat does NOT heat your room quicker. This method will only send your energy bills skyrocketing.
1. Service your boiler New boilers are a lot more heat and energy efficient, due to new rules and regulations being introduced as part of the government's aim to become carbon neutral by 2050. While they still need to be serviced regularly to ensure they remain in good condition, a new boiler will ensure your home is more efficient, while also helping to save money on your heating bills. Older boilers can still work well, provided they are kept maintained, however, it is recommended to update your boiler every ten years or so.
4. Insulate your home To draught-proof your home, you need to primarily identify the ‘problem areas’ where draughts are causing issues, these could include doors, windows, chimneys and floorboards. You can block unwanted gaps by using draught-proofing strips around windows and doors, or flexible silicone-based filler to fill the gaps in floorboards.
5. Water-based paints Did you know the types of paint you choose can significantly affect your environmental footprint? Water-based paints radically reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions. Solvent-based paints have significantly higher volumes of VOCs and therefore contribute to greenhouse gases.
2. Save water Taking a shower can save energy, but while many of us think we’re saving water we might actually have a powerful shower head that is less economical. To save energy, opt for an aerated or low-flow showerhead to ensure your shower is as efficient as possible.
6. Double glazing Houses lose a lot of their heat through windows and doors. Double glazing can minimise heat loss as it traps insulating gas between two layers of glass, acting as a shield against the cold weather. This helps to reduce the energy needed to heat your home and lowers your carbon footprint.
Money-saving and sustainability experts, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, has launched its industry-first home app, SaveMoneyCutCarbon Home. The Android and iOS solution provides a personalised view of exactly which products in your home are using the most energy, water and single-use plastic, and subsequently suggests swaps for eco-friendly alternatives. Based on the finding that 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions originate from households, the app is the first to identify the worst domestic energy and waste culprits through its ‘Swap Shop’ tool.
THE FUTURE FOR AIRLINES?
7. Introduce soft furnishings Soft furnishings, such as curtains and rugs, can make all the difference in saving money on your heating. If you have a carpeted home then it will naturally help to boost insulation; however, if you have hard flooring investing in some good quality materials, such as a plush rug, will help to prevent heat from being lost.
36 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
For more information see homeessentials.co.uk
1. Get steamy: A clever cleaning trick for your barbecue grill is to steam it using a sheet of slightly damp newspaper. Once the barbecue has cooled down slightly, spritz some water over a sheet of old newspaper and lay it on top. Put the lid of the barbecue on top and leave it for half an hour to work its magic. The heat from the barbecue and the water from the newspaper will produce a steam to get rid of any grime caked on the grill itself.
• Sky Garden – Located at the top of the Walkie Talkie, Sky Garden is the capital’s highest public garden. While access to the garden is free, you can pay to take part in yoga sessions against the stunning backdrop, or stop for a bite to eat or drink
• Emirates Air Line cable car – Not only can you see the city around you as you travel 90 metres above the Thames, but you can move between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks to explore different sides to the river
• Primrose Hill – Set a bit closer to the inner city, this glorious hill close to Regents Park and Camden offers spectacular views of the capital’s skyline. While it’s a perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day, there are also plenty of bakeries and eateries around once you’ve finished looking at the spectacular view CALLING
BAR-B-CLEAN
Life Hacks
BY STEVE TOLMIE
3. Is there anything coffee can’t do? Believe it or not, you can use coffee as a cleaner. Try soaking your grill and utensils in coffee (boiling water and coffee grains) for those tough stains that won’t budge. The acid in coffee will loosen up any dirt.
We all know that we don’t have to venture far out of Bromley borough to find some wonderfulcountrysidebeautifulwithviews(see this month’s Final Thought article for proof!) but, if you fancy a change, why not find the time to take in London’s skyline?
2. An onion, you say? An unlikely cleaning saviour, an onion attached to a fork. Whilst there is still heat in the grill, attach half an onion to the end of a fork and use it to rub over the hot bars. The water in the onion steams away any stuck-on food and uses its natural antibacterial properties to remove impurities.
• The Shard – With 360-degree views of London, The Shard is home to some of the tallest views of the city –there's even an open-air sky deck at the top
lifestyle September often gives us a final few chances to invite friends and family round for a barbecue, so hopefully it’s not time to pack all the equipment away just yet. As such, the team at Home Essentials reveal five top tips for how best to clean your BBQ, including using ketchup to remove build-up of rust, and why you should replace good old fairy liquid with…beer. Whilst your BBQ should be given a basic clean after each use, it turns out we should be performing a deep clean on our BBQs at least every three months. With this in mind, these top tips should come in handy for next year as well.
With 281,014 posts on Instagram for hashtags such as #londonskyline, Mobile Phones Direct looked at some of the best spots to take in the capital’s skyline:
LONDON
4. No beer fear here! If you have some left-over beers after your barbecue then pour half a bottle over the warm grill and scrub using a bristle brush or some old newspaper. Wire brushes have received some bad press lately over the wire bristles falling into the barbecue and ending up in your food so make sure you chose your cleaning tools carefully.
5. Ketchup! Not only does ketchup spice up our barbecue burgers, it also is a great way to prevent rusting on your barbecue. This hack is ideal for barbecues left out in the garden exposed to the elements. All you do is a apply a small amount of ketchup to any areas of rust and leave for a few minutes then wait to see your results!
• Alexandra Palace – For those scared of heights, Alexandra Palace is a great way to view the skyline with your feet firmly on the ground. Situated in North London, the area offers views of some of the tallest buildings in the city but from a distance. When you’ve taken in the amazing view, there’s plenty to do with the local ice rink and the constant flow of events on at Alexandra Palace
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 37 OURTECHNICIAN.CO.UK Remote Support Available PC/ Laptop Repairs Apple SEVENBusinessCustomVirusInstallationsRepairsRemovalsPCBuildsSupportDAYS A WEEK INFO@OURTECH.CO.UK0754450013102086160244 I.T SUPPORT IN HOME OR REMOTEFREEINSPECTIONS
38 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk CHISLEHURST The New Taste In Town HEALTHY PLANT BASED & VEGGIE MENU1STBrunch75%•LunchFLOORTERRACENOWOPEN 27 High Street Chislehurst, BR7 5AE. For table reservations or to hire the 1st floor with terrace call: 0208 295 3495 or via www.fitologykitchen.com info@blueharbourlondon.co.uk | 0208 313 1379 250, High Street, Bromley, BR11PG A family run Sea Food Restaurant located in Bromley, serving fresh seafood in cosy and relaxing surroundings. Small, friendly groups • Conversation-based learning From beginners to advanced • Fun and relaxed classes Lovely, lively language lessons for adults Giulia: 07709003029 – giulia@languageforfun.uk www.languageforfun.org SPANISH & ITALIAN • ENQUIRE NOW Experienced, Reliable & Clean Fully Guaranteed & Insured References Available FREE No QuoteObligation&AdviceGiven Interior & Exterior Painting Decorating& Contact John at James & Lamont 020 8462 4646 | 07802 jamlam@btinternet.com535695
Food & Drink
• 1 tsp raspberry dust 2 tsp dried raspberry pieces
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly on the baking sheets. Then cut a slit down the side of each one and put on a wire rack to cool completely - this lets the steam escape and stops the eclairs going soggy.
Plant-based diets have been in the limelight for quite some time now. They are often advocated by celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton, Russell Brand, Billie Eilish and Kim Kardashian to name a few, as well as nutritionists and doctors alike. But what is it that makes them so great? A plant-based diet is one that consists of foods derived from plants, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. It excludes products like meat, poultry, fish and eggs as well as dairy products (like milk, cheese and yogurt). The benefits of this diet are numerous - it's not just good for your health but also for the environment. A plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to improve your health, even if you try it for one day a week. It may help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and build your immune system. Some people are sceptical about a plant-based diet because they think it's too restrictive and bland, but this couldn’t be further from the truth; you can even have your favourite comfort foods like pizza or pasta! One local eatery which is catering to the increasing demands of plantbased diets is Fitology Kitchen in Chislehurst (27 High Street). Their menu is 75% Plant-Based & Veggie and they also cater for gluten free customers. Next time you’re passing, pop in to sample their tasty menu – we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. For details see fitologykitchen.com
9. Put the fondant icing sugar in a bowl and add a couple of tablespoons of cold water and beat until a smooth, thick icing forms, add a little more water if necessary. Beat in the raspberry dust.
Ingredients for the topping: 250g fondant icing sugar
3. Return to the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly until the paste starts to come away from the sides of the pan. Spoon into a large bowl and leave to cool for a few minutes.
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment
4. Add the eggs to the paste a little at a time, beating well between each addition. The dough should be glossy and smooth with a soft dropping consistency – you might not need to add all of the egg.
8. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle and pipe cream into each cooled éclair, top each layer of cream with 3 or 4 raspberries.
•
NICE AND HEALTHY DOES IT...
MAKE IT! RASPBERRY ECLAIRS BENEFITS OF A PLANT-BASED DIET lifestyle Have you tried Blue Harbour’s Surf and Turf option?
•
11. Enjoy!
For £40 it offers large king prawns teamed with an 8oz. Sirloin Steak and cooked with garlic butter and white wine. The family-run restaurant, located in Bromley, serves fresh seafood (chosen early in the morning from Billingsgate fish market) and fresh seasonal ingredients. If you haven’t yet tried them, give them a go. See blueharbourlondon.co.uk or call 020 8313 1379 to reserve a table.
10. Spread a thick layer of icing on top of each éclair and top the end of each one with a sprinkling of dried raspberry pieces.
7. For the filling, whip the cream and the icing sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks begin to form.
2. For the eclairs put the spread and sugar in a saucepan with 200ml water and heat gently until the spread has melted. Bring to a rolling boil then remove from the heat and add the flour to the pan and beat until smooth.
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 39 Makes 12 Prep time 45 minutes. Cooking time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 75g Homepride unsalted spread • 1 tsp caster sugar • 100g plain flour • 3 medium eggs, lightly beaten Ingredients for the filling: • 300ml double cream • 2 tbsp icing sugar • 225g raspberries
5. Spoon the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm plain nozzle and pipe 10cm lengths onto the baking sheets, leaving a 2cm gap between each one.
lifestyle5toptips to nail your video interview
4. Mind your (body) language: Be confident, smile, make eye contact and actively listen to your interviewer throughout. Make sure your webcam is at eye level and look directly into it when answering questions.
40 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
2. Prepare for the worst: Sometimes your internet connection just won’t work. However, most platforms used for video interviews are now available for smart phones so you can use your 4/5G if necessary. Before the interview, give the interviewer your phone number in case of technical difficulties. This shows that you’re forward thinking and can adapt to challenging situations.
Chances are, if you own a business, you’ll be on LinkedIn – a social media platform that is geared towards businesspeople. Most use a professionallooking headshot for their profile and that’s because they know that the message they give out is that they care, which ultimately translates as ‘they’ll do a great job’.
Businesses worldwide are quickly transitioning to new technologies to help speed up their recruitment process, which is why video interviews are becoming far more frequent in the hiring process. If you have a video interview coming up, here are five tips to ensure you’re as prepared as possible, courtesy of Paul Lewis, MD of Pitman Training…
1. Check your tech: Familiarise yourself with the platform the interview will be conducted on, download it and use it to call a friend the day before. Also, check your internet speed, your computer audio and webcam in advance. Don’t forget to plug your laptop charger in before you start.
The event will take place in October in Beckenham (date and venue TBC – watch this space!) and will offer a plethora of workshops, speakers and exhibitors. Although the event is aimed at all businesses in and around Beckenham, you don’t have to be based in Beckenham to attend. Businesses will also have the opportunity to exhibit at the event - for exhibitor details email
How? When? WhoWhere?What? info@beckenhambusinessassociation.co.ukBeckenhamBusinessDayVenueTBCwithinBeckenhamfor?AnytypeofbusinessOctober–dateTBCSignuptogetnotificationsatbeckenhambusinessassociation.co.uk/beckenham-business-day
Life In…Magazines is proud to be the media sponsor of Beckenham Business Day, which is ideal for all types of businesses. If you don’t yet have a business but are an aspiring entrepreneur, you’re welcome to attend to make great contacts and get invaluable advice.
5. The early bird: Log in around 15 minutes before the interview is due to prepare. Print out your CV and have it nearby, along with the job description in case you need a cue.
HEADPROFESSIONALSHOTS
SIGN UP TO BUSINESSBECKENHAMATTENDDAY!
Beckenham Business Association will play host to its sixth Beckenham Business Day this October. The one-day event is aimed at helping local businesses by providing valuable information across a whole range of topics, as well as the opportunity to network with other like-minded people.
Local photographer Warren King has been shooting profile pictures for the last 20 years and knows the importance of getting the right shot. Offering some tips, he says: “A natural and genuine smile can make all the difference in a photo session. It’s a good idea to wear clothes you feel comfortable in and reflect your position, therefore creating a confident look. It’s my job to put the sitter at ease, so they can relax in front of the camera.” We tried Warren’s services and were impressed at how efficient the session was and with the guidance we were given to attain our best look. The quality of the images was great! After the shoot, we shortlisted our favourites and received the edited versions as high resolution and Linkedin optimised digital files. Warren runs regular ‘Headshot Days’ at Newman Flexible Workspace in Bromley North. The next sessions take place in September on Tues. 6th and Fri. 16th from 10am - 5pm. Prices start at just £70 for a half hour session with two retouched photos included . For details of packages and to make a booking, email warren@wkphotography. co.uk or call on 07779 337765.
PhotographyKingWarrenImage:
3. Dress for success: Despite the fact you aren’t meeting face-to-face, it’s important to make sure you dress accordingly. Look on your prospective employer’s website and social media channels to gauge their workplace attire and dress accordingly.
Business
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 41 Coaching for Organisations Bespoke programmes that meet the 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 Book a discovery call by going to www.calendly.com/thlcoaching/discoverycall to find out how I can support you or your organisation. or email: tracey@thlcoaching.com TYPEFACES Headers Georgia Bold Sub Headers Gill Sans Bold Gill Sans Regular Body Text m. 07791 302 940 | e. hello@pink-lemondesign.co.uk | w. www.pink-lemondesign.co.uk Full Graphiclogo MOODACCENTSBOARD peopleprogrammes“Thesesupportacentricfocuswhereeveryonehasavoice.” Coaching for Individuals Career & Performance programmes that provide clarity of the role and responsi bilities, understanding of expectations and how to deliver results. Some of the many areas covered are: • Individuals and organisations’ values and culture to ensure these are aligned. • Risks or challenges, creating coping mechanisms to navigate these. • Confidence, self-belief and mindset
4. Second-hand saving: Why not choose second-hand items for a cheaper and more sustainable approach? Take caution though – it’s best to view items in person before purchase, as private sellers aren’t obligated to clarify defects.
• Feed regularly Water is not the only essential element that plants need, so it’s important to invest in a quality fertiliser. Potting soil contains nutrients to help plants grow, but the compost soon becomes exhausted as the plants absorb the goodness that they need, so these need to be replaced regularly to help your plants thrive.
5. Plan ahead: Planning projects in advance can save money as it gives you time to explore different methods of money management, such as repainting, sourcing cheaper materials, negotiating, investigating fitters or fitting products yourself. For larger projects (extensions/ loft conversions), agree on a quote and timeframe in advance. Include clearly defined conditions for potential dilemmas, e.g if the price of materials increases during the project, then you could look at getting three comparison quotes. Also, request an overall price for the job, rather than a daily rate as fixed costs reduce the likelihood of mishaps.
1. DIY it! If you have the skills (and courage) do it yourself! Unfortunately, not all of us are DIY-savvy so if you aren’t 100% sure, always hire a professional (especially with gas/electrical projects!).
by ELLA ATKINS The cost-of-living crisis is adding pressure to household budgets, but don’t let this stop you from refreshing your home. The pandemic increased the demand for home improvements, and the increased costs coupled with reduced material availability has forced tradespeople to up their prices. However, if your revamp is essential, or you can’t face the same four walls, Which? has eight ways to save...
Keep hanging baskets looking their best A hanging basket full of beautiful blooms and cascading colour is one of the easiest and most effective ways of making your home look glorious. Here are some simple tips from the experts at plant fertiliser brand Phostrogen® to keep your baskets blossoming for months…
42 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
7. Identify deals: Fitted furniture frequently goes on sale, so it’s worthwhile shopping around and investigating prices. Consider the timescales of deals and get multiple quotes, and always check details as retailers can run multiple promotions simultaneously.
It’s important to consider the type of plant and its requirements. A basket full of shade-dwelling fuchsias or begonias placed in direct sunlight will quickly wilt, and equally, placing sun-loving plants like petunias in the shade will mean they soon fade, too. The elements also play a significant factor in the success of your hanging baskets, so ensure you choose an area that is sheltered from the wind. Rotate your hanging basket every so often to avoid plants growing unevenly and deadhead regularly to encourage repeat blooms. Water baskets generously until it streams through the drainage holes of the container.
6. Practise good maintenance: Keeping rooms and appliances well-maintained can help avoid expensive repairs long-term (e.g keeping sinks clean will avoid limescale build-up). Small measures could extend your products’ lifecycles whilst supporting the environment by reducing landfill.
2. Lighter refurbs: Less is more, so opt for smaller updates for reduced costs. For example, rather than investing in a brand new kitchen, replace the unit doors and worktops for a refreshed look (and higher bank balance).
8. Buy or rent discounted tools: Tools/ DIY products often go on sale. If the task isn’t urgent, try waiting for a promotion or check to see if hiring products is an option. Try The Hub in The Glades for hiring tools (The Library of Things).
8 WAYS TO RENOVATE YOUR HOME - WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK!
lifestyle Home & Garden
• Position carefully
3. Higher quality = longer life: Always buy from reliable brands that have performed well in tests/surveys and you’ll be saving money in the long term with durable products. Do your research and read reviews to find reputable brands.
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 43 OUR SERVICES TO YOU INCLUDE: • New Roofs • Roof Repairs • Flat Roofs • GRP Fibreglass Flat Roofing System • Moss Removal & Tile Treatment OF BROMLEY YOUR LOCAL ROOFING AND BUILDING COMPANY Your Local Roofing and Building Company A&J Roofing SPECIALISTS LTD Dear Houseowner, I thought we should let you know that A&J Roofing Specialist Ltd will be working near to you over the next few days and we would like to apologise for any noise or disruption that we may cause. In return for your consideration we would be happy to provide free advice on the care and maintenance of your roof. A&J Roofi ng Specialist Ltd can offer you free estimates and advice with a 15% discount with this letter. Our services to you include: • New Roofs • UPVC • Roof Repairs • Facias • Flat Roofs • Soffits • GRP Fibreglass Flat Roofing System • Guttering • Moss Removal & Tile Treatment • New Windows & Doors We are fully insurod & have references upon request All new workcomes with a 10 year guarantee. Thanks for your time, look forward to hearing from you soon. TMS House, Cray Avenue, Orpington, BR5 3QB Email: info@ajroofinglimited.co.uk www.ajroofinglimited.co.uk Mobile: 07407 233 191 Office: 0208 485 6470 Office: 0168 976 8648 ALL NEWWORK GUARANTEE10-YEARWITHCOMESA • UPVC • Facias • New•• Soffits GutteringWindows & Doors Mobile: 07407 233 191 Office: 0208 485 6470 Email: info@ajroofinglimited.co.uk | www.ajroofinglimited.co.uk TMS House, Cray Avenue, Orpington, BR5 3QB WE ARE FULLY INSURED & HAVE REFERENCES UPON REQUEST
44 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk 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 Swimming lessons that last a lifetime. We offer classes with a friendly and personal approach to swimming and cater for all abilities - from beginners to advanced and even nervous first-timers. Please check the website at www.aquakids.co.uk/ for the latest updates or our social media. 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-11.30am 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 To submit a classified listing please call 020 3488 9959 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month. Food & Drink 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, dairy free and gluten free. Contact Wimbai on 07925496547 or email Instagram:wimbai@weecupcakes.co.uk@weecupcakesFacebook: 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 GEOwww.cherylhuggins.comSPORTSMASSAGE 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: FAYE07771299123. COXCOACHING & 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 messageemail faye@fayecoxcoaching.co.uk orinformationsendato07968381793. 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 CLASSIFIED LISTINGS
Story community Would you like to submit a short story? Send your idea to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
John picked up the book. It had a soft cover of crinkly black leather. ‘Gosh the last time I saw this I was still at school. It’s beautiful isn’t it?’ He began flicking through the pages. He saw that each new recipient had written in the flyleaf the name, the birth date and death date of his father. So now he, John, should add the details of his father who had died fifteen years ago. ‘What’s the matter darling?’ said Tina. ‘You look a bit Johnstartled.’was staring blankly at the very first entry on the flyleaf. In faded but flowery black ink were the words: ‘Thomas Ebenezer Stanton, 1779 to 1857.’ ‘I wonder ...?’ said John. DOWLEN
John couldn’t say how it had happened but he was back in the park and his son was shouting at him frantically. Rain was lashing down. ‘Run!’ called John and the two of them hurtled to the car and gratefully clambered in. The damp cricket-ball was in John’s pocket with the car key. Wet grass was clinging to it. ‘Gosh – did I pick it up?’ he pondered. He had no recollection of doing so. After parking in the front drive John followed Ian into the house. He saw that the door to the cupboard under the stairs was open. His wife Tina had brought several boxes and bags out into the hall. ‘Look at you two drowned rats,’ she laughed. ‘Whatever was your father thinking of going out in the wet like that. Upstairs at once young man and run a hot Tinabath.’addressed John: ‘Guess what I found while you were out. The key to that old strong box that’s been under there for years. Mind you it’s mostly full of junk. But you know your family Bible you’ve been saying you can’t find anywhere? I’ve put it on the table.’
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 45 John knew he was chancing it taking his son to the park when grey clouds were looming and rain was in the air. Ian was ten and he could hit a cricket-ball powerfully now. After wild swings and misses at the first two throws the boy connected with the third one and clumped the ball over the railings into the tiny graveyard next to the park. ‘Bother!’ thought John. He didn’t fancy making an exhibition of himself trying to clamber over the railings. The graveyard was overgrown with stinging nettles and weeds. A few mouldering gravestones poked out from clumps of grass. A forbidding black mausoleum stood in the centre. Its roof was covered with lichen spots and bird-droppings. But double bother it! It was a brand new shiny red ball, purchased that very day. John decided at least to try and see where it had landed. ‘Well I never!’ he exclaimed. He had found something puzzling: a metal-framed wire gate in the railing. ‘Funny: I don’t remember seeing a gate there before,’ he mused. He lifted the handle and the gate clanked open. Drizzle was falling now. Ah! The ball was lying by the wall of the Whatmausoleum.happened next made John nearly jump out of his skin. ‘Good evening,’ intoned a rich mellifluous voice. ‘You’re here at last. I’ve been waiting for you. I’ve been here since 1857.’ Was the ground suddenly spinning or was it the sky? Or both? A tall bewhiskered man was standing before John, wearing a stovepipe hat and a frock coat. His long lank fair hair contrasted with the blackness of his garments. The sky had become radiant blue. A gentle breeze was rippling across the sunlit meadow. John saw the figures of two ladies in long dresses buttoned to the neck. They were wearing bonnets. Behind them a small girl in a white smock was bowling an iron hoop. A strange sequence of words hummed through John’s head: ‘Time is an umbilical cord.’ What did it mean? ‘Dad! It’s pouring! I’m getting soaked!’
THE FAMILY BIBLE by JERRY
Short
- Walking uphill, with the field on your left, go past the bus stop and then enter the field by the metal gate on your left. Go right, and follow the path around the field edge uphill.
- When you reach Shire Lane, turn right, cross over Church Road and take the footpath straight ahead.
- When the path begins to curve left downhill go through the big gap on the right into a further field.
- Continue to follow the perimeter path around, always keeping the open field to your left, and then go downhill to Shire Lane.
- From The Buff pub walk up the big green towards Green St Green, keeping to the right of the green and away from Sevenoaks Road.
- At the top right corner of the green, by the picnic table and bin, cut through the short path on to Farnborough Hill road near the A21.
of sleep. The pandemic had a detrimental effect on sleep for many folk but walking aids good sleep because it can reduce stress and anxiety. Being physically active can reduce the risk of becoming depressed and it may also help those who are depressed to recover and stay well.
- Follow the footpath through fields out in the open.
- Follow a little uphill and back through the metal gate, turn right on to Farnborough Hill, retracing your steps so you go back down and across the A21 at the traffic light crossing and across the big green, back to the Buff pub.
46 Life in... BROMLEY September 2022 lifeinmagazines.co.uk community by MADELEINE LEHANE Walking for improvementmoodGoodwalkscanbegreatformentalwellbeing,havingapositiveeffectonmood,fatigue,self-esteemandquality
If that's not enough encouragement, walking is beneficial for problem-solving
- Cross over Farnborough Hill and then cross the A21 at the traffic light pedestrian crossing.
Below are details of a circular walk starting at The Buff Orpington Pub, Crescent Way, and taking in part of Farnborough, approximately three miles in total. There are no stiles to climb and this is an easy walk to suit all ages including children. In spring you will see wild flowers; in summer butterflies, in autumn the leaves turn gold and in winter there may be some mud to squelch through! If you would like to identify the trees or flowers enroute, try a leaf snap app on your phone.
- At the wooden gate, follow the footpath right and slightly uphill through the wooded area, passing the Lubbock family burial ground, until you can see the back of St Giles Church Farnborough.
- At the footpath junction go through the gate, and take the path straight ahead (not downhill). You will pass more of the graveyard which is to your right behind the hedge, but keep the field to your left.
- Keeping the open field to your left, the path will curve around and then flatten out. Enjoy the views! You can see across to High Elms.
- apparently Tchaikovsky walked every morning before working on his music, and Einstein liked to stroll on the beach when he needed to work out a challenging problem!
- Then turn left down the wide grassed path and at the bottom turn left and follow the bridleway alongside Shire Lane.
- Refreshments and loos may be found at Crescent Way, depending upon the day/time you walk. Enjoy!
- Turn right, walk towards the roundabout and take the first exit (Farnborough Hill), then take the second exit at the mini roundabout continuing on Farnborough Hill.
A Final Thought…
- When you meet Church Road again cross over it and continue along the footpath to the end of Shire Lane.
lifeinmagazines.co.uk September 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 47 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 Print run: 7,000 copies every month Estimated readership: 17,800 including digital Next month... Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In...Bromley are subject to copyright, 2022. Competitions: In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. For full terms & conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps Disclaimer: Luna Creative Media Ltd assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Luna Creative Media Ltd. Therefore, Luna Creative Media Ltd carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2022 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.stockists INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY ONE PAGE AT A TIME #BecauseCommunityMatters FREEISSUE 8 | OCTOBER 2022 with teens Glamping MEET LOCALANOTHERHERO! YESCAN:YOU HOW TO SLEEP IN NOISY PLACES 22 UK KNOWYOULAWSDIDN’TEXISTED YourWEDDINGSPECIAL:pull-out-and-keepguidetoyourperfectday NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 5TH SEPTEMBER To advertise call 020 3488 9959 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Ad spaces are allocated on a first come, first served lifeinmagazines.co.ukbasis. WEDDING SPECIAL: Your pull-outand-keep guide to your perfect day 22 UK laws you didn’t know existed Yes you can: How to sleep in noisy Glampingplaceswith teens Meet another local hero! 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
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