Life In Orpington April 2022

FR ISSUE 38 | APRIL 2022

In-depth FOOD HYGIENE RATINGS What’s it all about?

EE

New Products h Street on the Hig

Find the HIDDEN EASTER EGGS for chocolate prizes!

THE HIGHWAY CODE

RULES FOR 2022 YOU SHOULD KNOW

E AT A T IM E G A P E N O Y IT N COMMU IN S P IR IN G T H E

#BecauseCommunityMatters

SPRING SAVERS NEW STORE NOW OPEN – 40-42 CHURCH STREET REIGATE RH2 0AJ

‘HARRISON’ 4ft 6in ‘Erie’ Divan Set

6000 Pocket Springs with wool & cotton fillings.

Seasonal turn mattress with chemical free fabric.

3 mattress tensions to choose from and huge choice of base fabrics.

LESS THAN

HALF PRICE WITH THIS ADVERT

WAS £3059.99

READER OFFER

EXTRA

SALE PRICE £1799.99

£1439.99

20% OFF JUST QUOTE

Headboard and drawers extra

'LIFE IN MAGAZINES'

rest of your life!

rest of your life!

PRICE WITH THIS ADVERT

OUR SALE PRICES WITH THIS ADVERT

For the

For the

5

REASONS TO BUY YOUR BED OR MATTRESS FROM US

1. FREE DELIVERY 2. DISPOSAL SERVICE FAMILY OWNED INDEPENDENT 3. LOCAL BUSINESS 4. HUGE STOCKS FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 5. EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ALL BEDS, MATTRESSES & FURNITURE

OLD BED/MATTRESS REMOVAL

BIG NAMES WITH LITTLE PRICE TAGS

POLITE, FRIENDLY & KNOWLEDGEABLE FACTORY-TRAINED STAFF

Visit one of our shops or our website to browse our winter sale

www.the-bedpost.co.uk OUR NEW STORE

CRAYFORD DA1 4LB 01322 525090

PETTS WOOD BR5 1DQ 01689 830964

REIGATE RH2 0AJ 01737 948345

SEVENOAKS TN13 2UT 01732 742000

SIDCUP DA14 6NF 020 8309 6016

BEDS | MATTRESSES | BEDROOM FURNITURE | www.the-bedpost.co.uk 2 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Welcome to Life In...ORPINGTON ...your local community magazine that has something to suit all tastes

The Team

Get to know us: What are you looking forward to doing outside, now that spring has sprung?

Editorial / Sales: Lauretta lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Long, lazy walks in (with a coffee) in the park with friends

H

appy Easter! To celebrate ‘chocolate month’, we’re injecting a bit of fun and games into this issue by hiding 5 Easter eggs throughout the pages that look like this:

Design: Nicky design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Cooking & eating in the garden

Accounts: James accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk A refreshing pint in a pub garden

Find the eggs and make a note of the page numbers they are hidden on for your chance to win one of three amazing prizes (see page 8 for details!).

Meanwhile, to celebrate last month’s International Women’s Day, Life In…Magazines is hosting a free ‘Women In Business’ event at Community House in Bromley’s South Street on 30th March from 11am-2pm. There are just a few spaces remaining, so if you’re a woman with her own business, come along to listen to some inspirational speakers and hear some valuable business advice.

See bitly.com/beinspiredbeempowered In the meantime, have a great Easter!

Assistant Editor: Steve

The walks round Farnborough village at any time of year are always very relaxing

Distributor: Zeenat

Taking longer walks through the woodlands & absorbing the beautiful blossoms of flowers… especially the bluebell fields

Distributor: Dawn

Home-based workouts & playing footie with my son in the garden

Distributor: Tania

Taking the dog walking at 6am

Lauretta Wright, Editor PS We’d love to know what you think of the latest issue – send in your comments, letters, photos and poems!

Going for a good bike ride

Recyclable FSC® Paper

contents - APRIL 2022 Community

Lifestyle

5.

6.

8.

13.

13.

14.

18.

25.

42.

43.

17.

21.

22.

Write It, Say It, Message It History Noticeboard (Deputy) Mayor's Voice Lines From Linda What's On Local Heroes...

5 Minutes With...

Stockists A Final Thought

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

26.

29.

30.

33.

36.

39.

41.

Going on long walks

Work Experience: Olivia

100%

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

Office Assistant: Isabelle

Puzzle Page Life Hacks In-depth Report: Food Hygiene Ratings Did You Know?

Business Health & Fitness Shopping Eco News Parenting Short Story

Our Friends The following people have kindly volunteered to help distribute Life In...Orpington. A HUGE thank you to them for their time and generosity.

Elizabeth Adcock, Richard London, Len Kirby, Mary Cody-Cowdery, Ruth Mansell, Margaret Vos and Sarah Spencer-Adams If you’d like to become a ‘Friend’ of Life In...Orpington please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your contact details. It’s a great way to get out & about meeting people & increase your exercise.

Life In...Orpington is published

by Luna Creative Media (Ltd)

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 6TH APRIL To advertise call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Ad spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 3

Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Our Complete Peace of Mind Packages: Offering you a solution to protect your Health and Wealth, both in life and beyond.

About Us We are a fully qualified Estate Planning firm with a team that includes full STEP members, chartered legal executive lawyers and full members of the Society of Will Writers. We hold professional indemnity insurance and draft hundreds of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney a year.

You can visit our high street office or we have consultants who can conduct home visits if you find it difficult to leave home or are vulnerable.

We can also assist with: • Fixed Price Probate services • Pensions and Investment Advice • Life Insurance • Discounted Estate Agency Rates • Trusts: Discretionary, Life Interest, Vulnerable Person,

Business Property Relief and more

Essential Complete Peace of Mind – 1 Person

Essential Complete Peace of Mind – 2 People

• Simple Single Will

• Simple Couples Wills

• Both Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and

• 4 Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and

£499 + VAT (£150 saving)*

£749 + VAT (£200 saving)* + Gov Fees

Premium Complete Peace of Mind – 1 Person

Premium Complete Peace of Mind – 2 People

• Single Trust Will – with the addition of a trust to

• Couples Trust Wills – with the addition of a trust

Finance) – 40 Pages of Paperwork

add further protection for assets/beneficiaries • Both Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and Finance) – 40 Pages of Paperwork • Protects against re-marriage/potential future care costs £649 + VAT (£200 saving)*

Finance for 2 people) – 80 Pages of Paperwork

to add further protection for assets/beneficiaries

• 4 Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and

Finance for 2 people) – 80 Pages of Paperwork • Protects against re-marriage/potential future care costs £999 + VAT (£300 saving)*

*Government Registration Fees: The Office of the Public Guardian (the Court that registers LPA’s) charges a fee to officially register them. This is charged per LPA and will cost £82 per LPA if you do not qualify for a discount or exemption. If a client’s income is under £12,000 per annum, we can apply for a 50% discounted rate (£41 per LPA). If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for a complete exemption. This fee is paid once and means the LPA’s are registered for the rest of your life.

southeastlegacies.co.uk 0208 114 7111

contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk 17 Chatsworth Parade, Petts Wood, BR5 1DF

4 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Write 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

Star response

community the star response ( ) wins a £15 ApP Store & iTunes voucher courtesy of The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk).

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk UP TO HALF PRICE

WINTER

WIN

In response to last month’s Final Thought article (Poetry in the face of adversity), which encouraged readers to put pen to paper and send in their poems, Judy Douglas sent in this wonderful poem, entitled Covid, and bagged herself a £15 App Store voucher from The Bed Post.

SALE IN STORE

Health workers saving Divisions proliferating Thousands dying.

DEC 2019 - FEB 2020

BED & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS! APPROVED STOCKIST

Slogans, rules, laws Citizens obeying Police enforcing Government partying Political chums profiteering Lying ascending Democracy dying.

Covid Universal scare Manufactured fear Separation angst Educational seizure Mental health fissure.

Green space liberation Vaccinations heralded Volunteers recruited Queues assembled Testing multiplied Triple jabbing expanded Hope injected.

Lockdown enforcement Politicians squabbling Experts predicting

A BIG shout out!

EX

10%TRA SALEOFF PRIC ES

OUR

WITH

THIS

AD

Thank you to thank you to my neighbours Vivian and Richard in Orpington. I was confined to the house and they shopped for me and never a Sunday without a fullblown dinner. Still to this day they do it - real stars who got me through these difficult times.

CRAYFORD DA1 4LB 01322 525090

PETTS WOOD BR5 1DQ 01689 830964

SEVENOAKS TN13 2UT 01732 742000

SIDCUP DA14 6NF 020 8309 6016

www.the-bedpost.co.uk

William Sear

Judy Douglas

Money savers Loving your new Bromley mag, really enjoyed reading it and finding out so much more about the town that I wasn't aware of. The monthly savers section was really useful, I nearly had a heart attack reading my projected energy bills for next year so will definitely be applying your tips!

Want to thank someone?

Give them a BIG shout out!

Email your message to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403 550068

Victoria Hemmings

What’s Your Take...?

We ask for your views on topics that matter. This month’s question:

If you could invent a new 'neighbourhood scheme' what would you choose?

A local version of Incredible Edible, see www.incredibleedible.org.uk, but we do have in Bromley www. greenerandcleaner.co.uk which we at the Buzz like a lot.

Bromley Buzz Podcast Team – listen at bromleybuzz.podbean.com

Next month’s question…

When life gets stressful or tough, what’s the best way of relaxing?

Tag us in @lifeinmags or email a short response to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

All roads should have a nominated group of people who look out for the elderly people in their street who might need help or who are lonely.

Sally Emerson

A scheme that celebrated and rewarded people who are community volunteers – litter pickers, charity workers etc John Winters

My neighbours use ‘WhatsApp’ to connect us all and organise street events, welcome new neighbours, plant bulbs around the grass verges and are active in litter picking. On a personal basis, they shopped for me and provided meals, all done on an informal and friendly basis - the very spirit of community living. This sort of thing could be incorporated into organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes to really embrace the meaning of community.

William S

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 5

community

Photos: Catherine Horne at the Crofton Roman Villa

History

Pam Preedy

Romans in Orpington: Crofton Roman Villa

Crofton Roman Villa

by PAM PREEDY, historian & author

Just next to Orpington Railway Station is a hidden gem, Crofton Roman Villa. We know that Britain was conquered by the Romans.

Julius Caesar came twice; in 55BC when he stayed for three weeks and again a year later when he stayed for 12 weeks. The Romans did not return for nearly 100 years, but Britain was a prize beckoning them; they anticipated rich rewards.

According to Julius Caesar, “The Britons have a huge number of cattle, they use gold coins or iron bars as their money, and produce tin and iron” - rich pickings for anyone who could conquer the country.

In 43 AD Claudius did just that – he came, he saw, he conquered (attributed to Julius Caesar, but probably better describing Claudius). Throughout Britain there are rich remains of their time here. Orpington and Bromley have plenty of evidence of Roman occupation, and a fully excavated villa at Lower Warbank, Keston, just four miles away from Crofton. As the tribes of Britain were overcome, wealthy families settled here: the villa at Darenth had nearly 100 rooms covering six acres. Retired Romans soldiers also settled creating farmsteads of various sizes, to exploit the good soils. We have all heard of Lullingstone Villa, near Eynsford. Crofton is less well-known, but it is only a couple of minutes from Orpington Railway Station, adjacent to the station’s car park.

First discovered in 1926 (when workmen were preparing a driveway for new council offices and unearthed some Roman artefacts), preliminary investigations established the existence of the villa, but it was not fully investigated The source of the River Cray, the lakes in Priory Gardens

until 1988. It was then fully excavated by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit (KARU) and finally unveiled in 1996. It is now protected within a modern building. The villa, built on an elevated position overlooking the River Cray, survived for nearly 250 years between approximately 140 AD and 400 AD. It was the centre of a farming estate of about 500 acres, with farm buildings nearby, surrounded by fields.

In the same way that houses today are renovated, extensions built, rooms divided and subdivided, Crofton Villa was altered several times during its years of occupation. At first (140-170 AD), it was just a modest dwelling with five large rooms. It was unpretentious, covering an area at least 10m x 30m. Some years later, one of the rooms was subdivided and a large new room and a concrete floor were added. By 200 AD it had undergone a major rebuilding programme and new rooms were added, bringing the number up to about 20 rooms. This must have been the height of its prosperity, for in the third century, Room 15 to the south-west was abandoned. Gradually, northern parts of the villa were abandoned and much of the southern end was rebuilt with hypocausts added for heating – perhaps due to a cooling climate. This seems to have matched the decline in prosperity of the villas at Darenth and Farningham. Finally, at the end of the fourth century, the dwelling fell into complete decline, gradually collapsed and was slowly buried under the soil.

The remains of ten rooms are on view today, and Crofton Roman Villa is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday 5th April (Covid permitting) and will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is staffed and managed by volunteers of the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit. In 1994 the Unit won two national awards for its excavation and preservation of the Villa, the only one on show to the public in Greater London.

A piece of Roman pottery

Fireplace in the Villa Caesar's Camp at Keston.

(Keston Ponds are in the top left side of the road)

6 Life in... Orpington April 2022

Animal relics found during the excavations

Pop in to visit the Bromley Museum (1st floor) and don't forget to visit the villa itself to learn more about the Romans.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

‘STILL THE SEXIEST & FUNNIEST SHOW IN TOWN’ EVENING STANDARD

ORE ODUBA STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNER

MON 11 - SAT 16 APRIL CHURCHILLTHEATRE.CO.UK 0343 310 0020 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 7

community -

NOTICEBOARD

We were delighted to see British sprinter (and the fastest British wo man in recorded history!), Dina Asher-Smit h, out and about locally – and she was ver y obliging for us to take a pic with sister-ma gazine, Life In Bromley. Thanks Dina & enj oy the issue!

E CHOCOLATE!ng BRING ON TH ’re giving away 3 amazi This month we al businesses. chocolate prizes from loc

Orpington Men’s Shed at

the Saxon Day Centre Lych Gate Road Orpington Kent BR6 0TJ Phone: 01689 830055 for more information and to book your place Tuesday from 10 am unt il 12 noon

Are you interested in wo od crafting, painting, playing cards, model making, board games or just hav ing a chat?

Come and join in one of our sessions where you can share your skills or learn new skills from other people.

Please join us for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake with other like-mind ed people.

It is about friendship, fun and getting out.

8 Life in... Orpington April 2022

te selection First up is a huge chocola Keller at n Joh of bundle courtesy which ), .com wuk w.k (ww s iam Will at n’s theeggs, a tin rnto Tho includes two Saxon Day Cen treLindt bunnies, A two of mini eggs, Lyc h Gat n’ e Ow Roa r d Crayola Egg and You ‘Make t egg Orpcho ingcola ton te and hazelnu a milk her.

Roc rero Fer from Kent BR6 0TJ Phone: 01689 830055 for more information and to booated k your place Second prize, kindly don s Salt om Eps od Thursday from 2 pm unt

by Newton Wo tains a il 4 pm (newton-wood.co.uk), con apeck Eliz an , egg mel salted cara oliam Hollow with Tiddly Pot, a Wo ter Eas an , Pot ly Tidd with Hollow ton New g 250 Are x you interested in paper Bunny Bag, 1 crafting, 3x k and Wood Essential Packni tting, sewing . , pla yinygOils Bod h& cards, Bat anic Org od Wo ton 10ml New macrame, board games or just having a cha hfully third prize comest?from Fait And Come and join in one o.uk) and lyyo ofursl ourpg.c sessio ns Yours LPG (faithful Box Easter egg, ed Let aliscan shater sonyou perere re you is awh r skills or. ilk gift box leaplet rn new e with skilalsbut com froterm m other people.

Please join us for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cak e numbers you e with other pag the d sen and s egg the d Fin uk like lo@ aga nde d inm people life . zines.co. on to hel-mi found theItm n’ itio is aboutsub pet com r frie ste ndsthip ‘Ea , fun and getting jec with the email luc – goodout . k!

Ladies Lounge

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

community -

NOTICEBOARD

Charity spotlight: Cabrini House Cabrini Hous

e in Orpington is a home for adults with learning disabilities run by Diagrama Foundation where resid ents can lead independent lives integ rated within their community. The Cabrini care team provides a nurturing and caring resid ential home environment with supported living and offers guidance and reassura nce so that residents can lead fulfilling lives and flourish.

How you can help:

Cabrini House is fundraising for a Wellbeing and Community Hub that will offer residents the opportunity a range of workshops to develop to experience key skills and promote active parti cipation. The Hub will also have a hydrotherapy pool to encourage gym and the health and wellbeing of the resid ents. If you would like to donate £5, £10 or £20 please text HOUSE5, HOUSE10 or HOUSE20 to 70560

Contact details: Email fundraising@ diagrama.org to discuss other way s to support the charity.

Find out more by visiting www.diag ramafoundation.org.uk

Parlour party

Become a Friend!

ISSUE 38 | APRIL 2022

In-depth FOOD HYGIENE RATINGS What’s it all about?

FR

EE

New Products on the High Street

WIN! EASTER COMPETITION FIND THE EGGS

THE HIGHWAY CODE

RULES FOR 2022 YOU SHOULD KNOW

TIME UNITY ONE PAGE AT A INSPI RING THE COMM

#BecauseCom munityMatter s

Would you like to get out and about in your local community?

Do you enjoy chatting with others?

How about having a great reason to increase your steps? Now you can do all 3 by becoming a ‘Friend’ of Life In...Orpington magazine and volunteer as a local distributor.

We were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour at the Civic Centre in Bromley to meet with The Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Russell L. Mellor, the first citizen of the borough who chairs Council Meetings and represents the Queen. We also met with the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Tony Owen. Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor represent the borough across a range of events – from one-off celebrations, to launch events and at community fairs and fetes.

Both the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor have regularly contributed to Life In Magazines with their own dedicated columns and, as their Mayoralty concludes at the end of this month, we would like to thank them both for their valued efforts.

Speaking about the highlights of their Mayoralty, the Mayor, Cllr Russell Mellor, said: “As far as the last year has gone, I’ve enjoyed it enormously, particularly seeing young children receive awards and encouragement for their contribution to the community and their achievements. I’ve also been amazed at the number of people that take on so many different roles within the community.”

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Owen, said: “The Deputy Mayoress enjoyed Eagle Heights in Eynsford and meeting the meerkats. You can go for a walk with an alpaca and also take a husky sled ride.”

If you are able to deliver a minimum of 100 magazines in your local area each month, please write to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk A small fee applies - we have limited space for free charity listings.

share local

news

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 9

community -

NOTICEBOARD

BOOK REVIEW

STAR RATING:

Samantha Nemeth read Adventures At Home

by Zoë Lake, published by Pimpernel Press, £20

SYNOPSIS: Zoë Lake shows how to bring entertainment and excitement into our lives with simple to follow, inspiring ideas for spending quality time with our families, making fun and memorable days, and all in the comfort of our own homes.

SAMANTHA SAYS…”Adventures At Home is a useful book with lots of ideas of how to create special memories with your children that don’t cost a fortune and can be done at home with little or no preparation. Definitely aimed at younger children, my teenagers would roll their eyes very hard if I suggested many of these activities.

“It is beautifully presented with lots of lovely, clear photos that speak of an idyllic summer that we all yearn for. The information is clearly set out and easy to digest. It is a good companion to keep close by for those days that the kids are bored and driving you mad.

“However, it does assume its audience has access to a garden and lots of crafting supplies that may not be the reality. If you take nothing else away, take this. Your imagination is boundless, and this book may just be the nudge you need to use it more.

Pratts Bottom WI The Pratts Bottom Wome n’s Institute meets on the firs t Thursday of every month from 2pm - 4pm at Pratts Botto m Village Hall, providing women wit h fun and friendship plus the cha nce to learn new skills, get involv ed in the community and take par t in a wide range of activities.

We’re looking for readers to join our book panel!

Do you enjoy reading? Would you like to review books?

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

For more information em ail prattsbottom@wkfwi.org.u k

BROADBAND/ PHONE SOCKETS IF YOU ARE READING THIS...

THEN SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

ADVERTISE HERE FROM JUST £32

07403 550068 | hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk 10 Life in... Orpington April 2022

WHY PAY SERVICE PROVIDER PRICES FOR INTERNAL FAULTS? New phone/broadband extensions Fault finding repairs/ improve broadband speeds

G.NUGENT

Cat 5 wiring Internal/external tidying/ re-rounting of cables prior to double glazing

07845 705900

D

E SUR

LY IN

FUL

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Giving your loved ones the service that they deserve Community is important to me and I’m passionate about what I do.

BRIGHTWATER M E M O R I A L

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.

P A R K

a better way to be remembered...

At Brightwater Memorial Park we provide a contemporary final resting place for families who wish to inter the ashes of their loved ones. Our unique, above ground burial facility offers niches for cremated remains, each set behind a stylish stone tablet. Each niche also includes a bespoke, handmade Urn and name plaque. Call us to find out more or pay us a visit.

Old Hill, Orpington, Kent, BR6 6BN 01689 850 880 www.brightwater.group • info@brightwater.group

Other services I offer include: • Weddings & vow renewals

• A ‘Remember Me’ package • Bereavement Café counselling • Grief Care boxes

Contact:

michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrant

Property experts in Orpington

since 1964.

Come in to our branch or give us a call: Sales: 01689 768 531 Lettings: 01689 768 641 300 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0NF Andrewsonline.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 11

Neuter your Cat for £5

Do you live in our Bromley area (BR1 - 5 or SE20, SE23 & SE26) and would like some help to get your cat neutered? We are offering you the chance to have your cat neutered for just £5.

For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on :

www.flinsfitness.co.uk

020 8650 5556 www.cats.org.uk/bromley/contact-us

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland) NEU_2343

RIN

ATE

C NOW

R G FO

TIES

PAR

W cate e also r fo free, r gluten vega keto & n requ dietary irem ents .

Our warm, welcoming deli in the heart of Farnborough Village aims to serve the local community with food that caters for their every whim; from our quality charcuterie selection, to our delicious cheeses and artisan bread. * Hot Salt Beef bagels * Private catering Fresh coffee * Seasonal fruit & vegetables * * Cheese & meat graze boards Pop in for a visit soon – we’re open from 7am-3pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat & 8am-2pm Sun www.nannysmithsdeli.com

12 Life in... Orpington April 2022

nannysmith_deli

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

community

(DEPUTY) MAYOR’S VOICE Being Deputy Mayor provides many great moments but also sadness and pause for thought.

I was very excited to plant my first tree and find out what actually happens. I have seen pictures of Prince Charles in suit and tie and shiny shoes which has never seemed terribly convincing. Nonetheless that is what I wore. It was for ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ by The Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this year. The hole was dug in advance, but I did shovel all the earth back round a Tulip tree which is now installed on the green by the junction of Broxbourne and St Kilda’s Roads and has survived the storms. My wife Rosie also demanded to take part in the shovelling. I can report that shiny shoes were no more! I can remember cleaning my football boots being easier.

I also had the pleasure of opening the new HITIO gym in the Nugent Centre Shopping Park in what was once the Laura Ashley shop. This is a locally owned family run business which offers state-of-the-art machines, martial arts activities, fitness classes and caters for families to get fit together from age 5 upwards (no upper limit!).

I attended the funerals of Barbara Woods, an ex-Mayoress and the wife of my late Council ward colleague Peter Woods. I read a lesson at the service commemorating the life of serving Council colleague, Mary Cooke, who died

Lines from Linda I get very excited when I see daffodils pop their yellow heads up and then bob them about as they celebrate the beginning of springtime.

Sadly, we lost quite a few at the end of February this year, along with the trees that swayed and fell, narrowly missing cars, trains, buses and people from the force of Hurricane Eunice. The last time we saw a hurricane with such force, in this country, was in 1987. I wonder how many of you who were born could forget that one.

suddenly after a heart attack. Both had given years of selfless service to the borough and led extremely full lives warmly remembered by large circles of friends and family.

The Mayor, Russell Mellor, and I were delighted to receive a visit to the Mayor’s parlour from Halle Yangin, her mother and a teacher from her school Chislehurst School for Girls. Halle, despite a hearing impediment reached The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Tony the final 15 of over 9,000 entrants Owen, planting a tree to the Jack Petchey speak out challenge. The Mayor’s attendant led a tour of the Civic Centre (formerly the Bishop of Rochester’s Palace) visiting the Council Chamber, opened by the Queen, and studying numerous historic artefacts.

Many photographs were taken and we were really pleased to show our appreciation of Halle’s splendid efforts.

I have been honoured to participate in a Holocaust Memorial Day with a 100-year-old Polish lady who survived the terrible events lighting a candle in an extremely moving ceremony.

It is sad to see man’s inhumanity to man being repeated.

Cllr Tony Owen Deputy Mayor 2021-22 the hurricane, and our strong brave boys were shaking in terror, having nearly lost their lives. The brandy in the hotel bar was now at its lowest, as one by one, people got up and came to the reception. I can’t remember who quoted the old Irish saying, A tipple of brandy will solve it. Kenny Connor came down at about 5am. He was smiling happily. ‘They say when on honeymoon the earth moves,’ he said with a cheeky wink.

‘Well it certainly moved in that suite last night.’

I certainly won’t. I was in Harwich, right on the sea Felix Bowness, who loved playing his jockey front where the storm was at its worst. We had character in the show, was convinced that Hione last day of filming on the Hi-De-Hi series DE-HI was God’s favourite programme, and that that I played a regular character in. Our The holidayGod had sent the hurricane to let us know how fictional holiday camp was based there and all camp chalets upset he was that the show had come to an end. the cast stayed in the same hote. I remember had been And indeed it had. The camp was flattened. I Kenneth Connor’s room was very dark and he flattened by the went there the next day, and rescued one of the didn’t like it, so the management moved him hurricane pink flamingos. He is in my garden as we speak, into the honeymoon suite, which jutted out from surrounded by the daffodils that have sprung us into the hotel over the car park. spring. A reminder that there is always a tomorrow and The storm started in the middle of the night and I lay awake that the sun will come out again. listening to the terrifying gusts and feeling the vibrations And, not only is it spring, but it’s also Easter – Chocolate shaking the building. I got up, fully expecting everyone month, and who doesn’t love chocolate? else on my corridor to be wandering about, but as I walked I have just had the most scrumptious hot chocolate laced along all I heard was snoring. I made my way to reception, with whipped cream and marsh mallows, at Hayes Café in where I found Ruth Madoc, who also couldn’t sleep.

Hayes Street. I so recommend you treat yourself.

About 4am, some of the crew, who had been staying in the For more about me and my crime novels see chalets on the holiday camp, came banging on the hotel door. The holiday-camp chalets had been flattened by www.lindareganonline.co.uk

"

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 13

what's on - APRIL 2022 community & charity

Your essential what's on guide for events, activities, clubs and much more in and around Orpington.

There's something for everyone!

We’re looking to hear about your news, notices and local events!

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Bereavement Café

Message the Facebook page for a call back Meets the last Thursday of every month

Orpington Village Hall, 311 High St, Orpington BR6 0NN Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/bereavementcafe If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one, contact The Bereavement Cafe to talk with qualified bereavement counsellors. All are welcome.

Drop-in Cuppa & Chat for Seniors (over 60s) See the website for 2022 dates

10am-1pm, Thursdays term time only Venue in St Paul's Cray, Orpington.

Cost: Free Contact: 07891 403161 Email: admin@potentialmecoaching.org.uk www.potentialmecoaching.org.uk We have a choice of table activities for you to enjoy while you chat such as adult colouring, board games, playing cards, dominoes, crochet, knitting, seasonal crafts.

Making friends and staying socially active is quite easy if you’re willing to venture out and try new things. Contact us for more information.

Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss Meets the first Thursday of every month

7.45pm - 9.45pm Cost: Free Contact: Sandra - 07519 105354 Email: sosl.orpington@gmail.com www.survivorsofsuicideloss.org.uk Twitter: @ForgetMeNotSoSl Forget-Me-Not offers support for all those affected by suicide loss. The group is self-led and informal, where you can connect with other survivors.

U3A Orpington

Third Monday of the month at 2pm

Crofton Main Hall Cost: £12 a year Contact: chair@u3aorpington.org.uk or 01689 859045 If retired/working part-time, why not join nearly 1,000 other members for access to over 95 different activities.

Refreshments also provided.

Knitting Club

Knitting blankets, mittens & bonding hearts for Special Care Baby Units at PRUH and Kings College hospitals.

2pm-4pm on Wednesdays during term time Crofton Baptist Church, Orpington Contact: Lin Harewood 01689 877010 on Wednesdays Or email lincbc2020@outlook.com Anyone is welcome - you don’t have to be an experienced knitter. No need 2-aPly just come and make friends! We are knitters who natter so come and spin a yarn while you knit a yarn for a worthy cause. We won’t let reality get in the way of a good yarn!

14 Life in... Orpington April 2022

EDUCATION Lipreading classes

Monday afternoons 2-4pm (term time only)

Poverest Centre, Bromley Adult Education College Cost: Approx £7 per class. Concessions available see https://baec.ac.uk Contact: Email lisa.cox@baec.ac.uk One in five people in the UK has hearing loss. It is the most common disability and lipreading classes can be a huge help to many.

HEALTH, FITNESS & MINDSET Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times

Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk Online streaming plus live offerings - 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings, including weekend classes. Outdoor Boot Camp, Circuits, Strength, Cardio, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Total Body Lite, Box Fit and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School.

Mel Crisp Yoga

Monday at 11.15am and Wednesday at 9.45am

(for 1 hour) Orpington Village Hall Hatha Yoga classes mixed ability and beginners welcome.

Tuesday evening 6.50pm

Christ Church URC, Petts Wood.

Vinyasa Flow Class mixed ability and beginners welcome.

Cost: PAYG £12, Block Payment Classes £60 for 6 consecutive classes. First PAYG class is half price.

Contact: Mel on 07504 855 425. Email melcrisp41@ icloud.com www.melcrispyoga.com

libraries Orpington

Contact: 01689 831551 Email: Orpington.library@gll.org www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Open Monday & Thursday 9.30am - 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, Sunday closed

Petts Wood

Contact: 01689 821607 Email: Pettswood.library@gll.org www.bromley.gov.uk/pettswoodlibrary Open Monday, Tuesday & Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm,

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Thursday 9.30am - 7pm, Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, Wednesday & Sunday closed Weekly events:

Bounce and Rhyme for babies:

Tuesday morning (term-time only) 1st session: 9.45-10.15am 2nd session: 10.45-11.15am

what's on - APRIL 2022 Film, theatre & Performances Bromley Little Theatre

Bookings: www.bromleylittletheatre.org

Stay and Play

Thursday morning, 9.45-10.15am (term-time only)

Books Aloud (4-7 year olds)

Friday afternoons 4.00-4.30pm (term-time only)

Lego Club

Drop-in sessions every Saturday 2.15-3pm Monthly events:

Chatterbooks reading group

Age 8 -11 Mondays monthly 4pm-4.45pm.

Hard of hearing club: Second Tuesday of the month 2.15pm-3.15pm

Hobson's Choice

8th - 16th April (not 10th) 7.45pm Written in 1915, Hobson's choice is a classic comedy from the cobbles of Lancashire. Take one bombastic shop owner, a 'plain' daughter, a long suffering boot-maker, a couple more flighty daughters and their suitors - a recipe for a very unlikely love story as newfound fortitude deals a resolution that is Hobson's Choice.

‘Harold Brighouse’s play is both hilarious and thoughtful combining both gusto and grit’ - London Theatre.

Pre-teen/Teenage reading group

Age 11-15 Saturdays monthly 10.30am-11.30am

Tea Time talks

Last Friday of the month 2.15pm-3.15pm

Churchill Theatre, Bromley Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk

Craig Revel Horwood Southborough

1st April at 7.30pm

Contact: 020 8467 0355 www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ southborough-library Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.30am - 1pm & 2pm - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm, Monday, Thursday & Sunday closed.

Cost: £28.50 Strictly sensation Craig Revel Horwood is coming to Bromley to give all the inside knowledge and backstage gossip from his career. Based on his autobiography, The All Balls & Glitter Tour is sure to be filled with all his trademark wit.

Please check websites for the latest library updates and opening times.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

MARKETS Chislehurst Farmers Market Third Sunday of the month

10am and 2pm Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB Cost: Free Contact: 07775 736116 www.myfarmersmarket.co.uk Produce includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, chocolates, cider and alcoholic drinks, bread, meat, cheese, preserves, sauces and much more.

shout about your event...

A listing costs £15 or £60 for 6 months (£10 a month). Charities and non-profits are eligible for a 15% discount.

Life In...Orpington 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.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

5th April at 7.30pm

Cost: From £33 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac are back with a brand new show capturing all the very best of Fleetwood Mac. This is the ultimate tribute to one of the most iconic rock and roll bands.

The Osmonds

26th-30th April, various times

Cost: From £15 A new musical full of nostalgia, drama and all your favourite music from The Osmonds. The story created by Jay Osmond, tells the true story of the family who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create all their smash hits you know and love. Featuring songs Love Me For A Reason, Crazy Horses, Let Me In and Puppy Love.

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE:

6TH APRIL

To advertise call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

@lifeinmags April 2022 Life in... Orpington 15

LOCAL ROOFER ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING CARRIED OUT • Free estimates • No job too small • All new work guaranteed

T: 01689 471001 M: 07956 516899 E: bernardcoleroofing@gmail.com

NEED A HANDYMAN OR GARDENER? Call Tony on

07977 449274 References available

NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE

Only £895 for a fully fitted electric door.

APPROVED

Gotta get a Garolla.

Garolla garage doors are strong and solidly built. They’re made to measure in our own UK factories.

The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage.

Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely Free.

GOTTA GET A GAROLLA NOW ONLY

£895

WAS £1,354 INC VAT

CALL US TODAY ON 01732 430 056

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR:

MOBILE 07537 149 128

FREE EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING TWO REMOTE CONTROLS ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR

16 Life in... Orpington April 2022

Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & inc: 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

www.garolla.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE

WIN A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS IT'S CHOCOLATE MONTH! This month’s competition is based on chocolate. Fill in the answers to the clues in the grid and then re-arrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out the first name of a fictional character related to chocolate - this name is the winning word.

Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403 550068 with your name and address.

WIN

WIN

1 2

Across 2.

Can you complete the old advertising slogan: "Thank -------- it's Friday!"?

(8) 4. What is a key ingredient of Bounty bars? (7) 5. Which chocolate flavour biscuit is named after a French royal family? (7) 6. Which Easter Cadbury treat first appeared in 1971? (5, 3) 9. What minty chocolate treat sounds like it shouldn't be eaten at 7pm?

(5, 5) 11. What three things did adverts claim that a "Mars a day" would help you to do? (4, 4, 3, 4) 13. Which chocolate bar is shaped like a triangular prism? (9) 14. What type of coffee drink often has chocolate sprinkled on top? (10)

3 4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12

Down 1.

13

sponsored by 14

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.

@BromleyPicturehouse @Bromley_PH

Text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

12. In which northern city did Rowntrees start? (4)

Last month’s answer - JAMES BOND All competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Which popular selection box includes those lovely green triangles? (7, 6) 3. Which village near Birmingham was founded by the Cadbury family and gives its name to a bar of chocolate?

(10) 7. Which chocolate pastry treat was first made in France? (6) 8. Which African country is one of the world's main producers of cocoa? (5) 10. In which Tom Hanks film did the main character's mother tell him that "life was like a box of chocolates"? (7,4) 12. In which northern city did Rowntrees start? (4)

07403 550068

BY 15TH APRIL

for your chance to win!

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 17

community

Local Heroes...

Sue Catterall MBE

Michelle Harvey nominated Sue Catterall MBE, a volunteer Sea Cadet and member of the Royal British Legion, as a local hero.

Michelle said: “I have known Sue for a couple of years now, she is involved heavily with the local Royal British Legion, heading up their Poppy Appeal every year. Sue also runs the local Sea Cadets in Orpington, giving local kids out of school activities and learning vital life skills. Sue is such a kind person; she always has a friendly smile for everyone and is a very humble person, and there is a lot more about her, I am just having difficulty finding it out.”

Congratulations on the nomination Sue! How do you feel about Michelle’s nomination?

I was quite taken aback to think Michelle could do such a kind gesture. I am dedicated to my volunteering groups and I didn’t think any more about rewards because it shows on the faces of those we help along their way.

Can you provide some background on your community and volunteer involvement?

I worked for 24 years in Orpington’s Peacocks and I’m now retired. I joined the British Legion in 1996 and I later volunteered with the Poppy Appeal 2011 as a stall volunteer.

In 2019 I took over as Poppy Appeal Honorary Organiser and I have a magnificent team of volunteers working alongside me. Without them, Poppy Appeal would not happen. Tesco Orpington lets us have a stall in their foyer for two weeks in November, as does the Walnuts Shopping Centre. In November 2021 we raised £38,923.63 for the Poppy Appeal. I also joined the RBL Women’s Section in 2015 and two years later I took on the job as treasurer, which I still hold.

Why was it important for you to get involved in both the Royal British Legion and the Sea Cadets?

I believe strongly in the youth of our future and helping them to become responsible citizens. The RBL has a lot to offer all our Armed Forces and I will continue to raise funds for a worthy cause. We have a monthly meeting in our headquarters, Church Hill, as well as all sorts of functions.

What is it you love most about our local area?

And how important are community schemes and local charities do you think?

I love to take walks around Orpington with a friend most Sundays. In these trying times it is good to get out and about. Local charities are important to keep on going to help all ages of people in and around Orpington. Community schemes are a good thing as well as they keep us informed about what is available to all.

We understand you also run the local Sea Cadets in Orpington. How did that come about and what does it offer young children?

I joined Potters Bar Sea Cadets 1965 and stayed there for four years. One of my highlights from that time was going to Old Covent Garden Market for a book launch of Sir Alex Rose on his round the world solo voyage. I met Sir Edward Heath there. In 1977 I moved to Clacton and took up the post as a 3rd Officer and later I took up a post with the Orpington unit where I became Commanding Officer. There has been lots of highlights from my time there including seeing cadets challenging and establishing themselves. One cadet, a large lad, was uncertain of getting into a canoe. It took 30 mins to build up his confidence up and get into his canoe; he then took off and never looked back for the rest of the day. I retired from uniform in 2005 as a Lieutenant and went on to the main committee. I now hold the post of Vice-Chairman. My MBE was awarded to me in 2018. I went with my daughter, two grandsons and a very close friend of mine to Buckingham Palace to receive it from Prince William for 40 years volunteering with Sea Cadets. All Sea Cadet Staff and committee members are all 100% volunteers.

18 Life in... Orpington April 2022

Sue at Time For Flowers

A special ‘Thank You’ to Time For Flowers for sponsoring the bouquets for our Local Heroes.

Nominate a local hero – it could be a friend, neighbour, local business or a member of your family! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Traditional shave and specialist in all kinds of hair

EST 2000

Afro haircuts, cut-throat shave, hair singeing, nose & ear waxing, wet shave, hot towel shave Gift vouchers available Easy parking Free refreshments

Tel: 01689 851665

344 Crofton Road, Locksbottom BR6 8NN

Appointments & walk-in available

Open: Mon-Wed 9am-6pm Thur-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm Last Sunday of the month 10am-4pm

THIS MONTH’

S LIFE IN ORPI

NGTON

www.hussbarbers.com

OFFERS: (To MAGAZINE’S

wel shave, Haircut, hot to rsday Monday-Thu

£25

ng with you) t voucher & bri redeem, cut ou

der 13) Dad & son (un day Monday-Thurs

£25

Collect 10 stamps to get a free haircut or shave

Balloons Flamingo and Events Balloons, decor and events.

Birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions etc.

Orpington-based.

Contact: 07596 334074

FlamingoBalloonsAndEvents

FR

Great reasons to take out a subscription!

ISSUE 37

Business Women In ias #BreakTheB

| MARCH

2022

EE ISSUE 38 |

Mother’s Day gifts

In-depth FOOD HY GIENE RATINGS What’s it all about?

IN G IN SP IR

6 WAYS

THE HIGHW AY CODE

UN ITY

YOU SHO

#Bec ause

Com mun ityM

R 2022

ULD KNO W

A TIM E GE AT ON E PA

atter s

INSPIRING THE COMMUNI TY ONE PAGE AT A TIME

1. Never miss an issue 2. Keep up to date with what’s happening locally 3. Free delivery to your door

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

on the High Stre et

RULES FO

YOUR POOC

MM TH E CO

EE

WIN! EASTER COMPET ITION FIND THE EGGS

TO SPOILH

LOCAL HERO!

FR

New Products

s! sinesse local bu – from

Meet this month’s

APRIL 2022

#Be caus eCo

mmu nityM

atte rs

Just £24 for 12 issues

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 19

NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE

Save on your bills and move into one of our energy efficient apartments

LODGE MANAGER • GUEST SUITE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY • LIFT LANDSCAPED GARDENS • OWNERS' LOUNGE

Be in by Spring with our 100% Home Exchange promotion* We understand that moving could be daunting. To make it as hassle free as possible, take advantage of our offer where you can receive up to 100% of your property value*.

Churchill can find a guaranteed cash buyer for your property so there’s never been a better time to make the move.

Register your interest today.

01689 769192

churchillretirement.co.uk/edinburgh-lodge ORPINGTON Edinburgh Lodge 20 Station Road BR6 0SD Open by appointment only

Visit us and receive a £20 M&S gift card* 20 Life in... Orpington April 2022

*T&C’s apply. Visit our website to find out more.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Life Hacks

lifestyle Image: Shutterstock

5 TIKTOK HACKS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF FLOWERS

by OLIVIA BRIDGEN

Even though flowers can stay fresh for up to a week, it can be so hard to bid farewell to your petals once they sadly begin to wilt. With this in mind, Nick Drewe, trends specialist at WeThrift, has revealed five flower hacks that are taking the social media world by storm…

1. Vodka It turns out that our flowers like a boozy pickme-up. When added to a vase, vodka helps to preserve flowers due to its ability to inhibit ethylene production.

Alcohol is also an antibacterial agent, which further makes the spirit a rejuvenating drink for your flowers. Simply add a few drops of vodka to your flower vase and watch them blossom as the days go on.

2. Sprite Known as the most effective way of keeping your flowers fresh, Sprite (and other sodas) are your flowers’ best friend. This is because the drink makes the water in your vase more acidic, enabling it to travel up the stem more quickly. What’s more, the sugar acts as flower food. Put ¼ cup (60ml) of sprite into your vase - you’ll notice your flowers will also start to smell very sweet!

3. Apple cider vinegar & sugar It’s an interesting combo, but adding apple cider vinegar and sugar to your flowers is just as effective as adding store-bought flower food to your vase. This is because the vinegar acts as an antibacterial agent while the sugar acts as additional flower food. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar into the water in your vase before adding your flowers.

4. Copper penny Ever heard of adding a copper penny to a fresh bouquet of flowers to extend its life? Well, now you have! Dropping a penny into the middle of your vase works wonders because copper is a fungicide and naturally kills bacteria growth in your flower arrangement.

After a couple of days, you’ll find that the blooms with the copper penny will have opened up quite nicely.

5. The fridge Last but not least, we have the fridge method. Due to the cool temperature of your fridge, it will slow down the ageing process of your flowers, which will delay the time they take to wilt and die. That said, try the method of putting your bouquet in the fridge every night before bed, typically for a duration of eight hours.

Easy tips to look after your phone battery

Drain phone completely: Keeping the battery level between 20% and 80% is the best level for a long-lasting device.

Don’t overcharge: Be mindful about keeping your phone on charge overnight as it can cause pressure to build up in the battery.

Manage your apps: Keeping several apps open whilst you’re not using them can put excess strain on the battery. To keep on top of things you can set a reminder on your device a couple of times a day to remind you to close things down consistently.

Change to dark mode: By switching from 100% to dark mode it is estimated that you can save upwards of 30% of battery power.

Utilise airplane mode: Putting the phone on airplane mode can halt calls, texts, and notifications without the battery strain.

Hold push notifications: By switching or limiting notifications in settings, more battery power will be saved.

Use the right cable: Unbranded alternatives can cause lasting damage to the phone and have been known to cause electrical fires too.

Utilise cloud-based systems We’ve all got photos, videos and other memories clogging up our storage. By transferring this data and storing it on a cloud-based system you could help save your battery’s life.

HOW TO STAY AWAKE WHEN YOU’RE REALLY TIRED

by JAMES WILSON, beingwellfamily.com

Light it up

Expose yourself to natural daylight! It sets us up for the day and enables us to feel more energetic and less prone to bouts of sleepiness.

Make a move

Get the body and brain going by taking a ten-minute brisk walk. Or, if you're pushed for time, simply get up and stretch every hour.

At work

Taking five minutes to compose yourself and find something more stimulating can prevent your eyes from feeling heavy.

Food is fuel

Sugar and caffeine can affect both your sleep and daytime functioning. Take note of what meals give you energy for the day ahead and eat more of them. If these tips don’t work, then this might be an indication you have an underlying sleep issue which should be addressed.

TelephoneSystems.Cloud

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 21

lifestyle

An in-depth

report

FOOD HYGIENE RATINGS – WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? The Food Hygiene Ratings System (FHRS) was formally launched in England, Northern Ireland and Wales in November 2010 (a similar scheme also operates in Scotland). The idea was, and still is, to give consumers key information about outlets serving food.

THE HYGIENE RATINGS 5 4 3 2 1 0

– – – – – –

Very Good Good Generally Satisfactory Some Improvements Necessary Major Improvements Necessary Urgent Improvements Required

Many businesses display a green and black sticker on their door or window, telling us what their hygiene rating is. It is important to remember that businesses in England are not legally obliged to display their hygiene rating.

It is obvious that a business with a rating of 5 has much better hygiene than a business rated 1 or even 0, but what exactly are these ratings based on?

First of all, the Hygiene Rating is not based on customer service, culinary skill and presentation or the quality of the food. You can use the system to understand how hygienically a café or restaurant are working, but not as a guide to how tasty your meal might be.

The Hygiene Rating is based on a ‘snapshot’ of the standards of food hygiene observed by a Local Authority Food Safety Officer at their most recent inspection.

The officer will be basing their judgement on: • The handling of food • The storage of food • The preparation of food • Cleanliness of facilities • How food safety is managed The three major elements of an inspection are: the handling of food (how it’s prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled, stored etc); physical conditions of the business (cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, pest control etc) and management of food safety (processes, training and systems).

The rating will be published online as well on the stickers that businesses display. The date of the last inspection should be on the back of the sticker. If you cannot see a

22 Life in... Orpington April 2022

sticker on display, you can ask a member of staff what the business’s rating was at the last inspection or check online at ratings.food.gov.uk.

Sometimes there might be a difference between the rating displayed on a sticker and the rating shown online. This can be because the Local Authority hasn’t yet uploaded the most recent rating or because the business has appealed against its most recent rating and is waiting for the outcome.

The types of business covered by the FHRS usually fit into one of the following categories: • Restaurants, pubs and cafes • Take-aways, food vans and stalls • Canteens and hotels • Supermarkets and other food shops • Schools, hospitals and care homes The frequency of inspections range from six months to two years, depending on factors such as the type of food handled by a business, the number of vulnerable customers served, the food processes operated by the business and the standard of hygiene seen at the last inspection.

Local Authorities can monitor businesses in between inspections as well.

There are some businesses that get visited by Food Safety Officers but don’t get food hygiene ratings. These include ‘low-risk’ businesses like newsagents or chemists that sell pre-wrapped goods that don’t require refrigeration, as well as childminders or businesses that offer caring services at home.

If you have any concerns about the hygiene of a business or other questions and issues, you can contact Bromley Food Safety Officers by emailing food@bromley.gov.uk or see bromley.gov.uk/info/407/food_safety. Also see food.gov.uk/ safety-hygiene/food-hygiene-rating-scheme If you ever have a case of suspected food poisoning, contact your GP in the first instance as it is a notifiable infectious disease. Also consider contacting your local environmental health or food safety team.

It looks like the pandemic has changed the way we think about hygiene. According to a poll by P&G Professional, 80% of us didn’t look into how clean a shop was before buying a takeaway.

Now, however, 64% rank a clean shop and good hygiene rating higher than price or customer service when deciding where to buy food from.

Source: Independent.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

All of the restaurants and cafés listed below carry a five-star food hygiene rating.

Why not try one of them next time you’re eating out?

Cafe | Bakery | Patisserie NEW MEN U AVAILABLE

258-260 High Street, Orpington T: 01689 874 269

ATLAS RESTAURANT

01689 871111

www.scalarestaurant.com

info@scalarestaurant.com

132 High Street, Orpington Kent, BR6 0JS

01689 871111

www.scalarestaurant.com

scalaorpington@gmail.com

132 High Street, Orpington Kent, BR6 0JS

COFFEE CAKES & MORE

Moroccan & Mediterranean Cuisine

TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA

T: 01689 637077 | E: info@atlas-restaurant.co.uk 205 Petts Wood Road Orpington, BR5 1LA

RESTAURANT

T: 01689 852288

405 Crofton Rd, Locksbottom, BR6 8NL thedrawingroomlocksbottom

VEGAN MENU AVAILABLE

Authentic Thai Restaurant in Hayes

The ‘Indian’, as Indians know it.

Authentic regional Indian cuisine and recipes 42 Station Approach Hayes, Kent BR2 7EJ

T: 020 8037 0329 www.tharathai.co.uk

294 High Street, Orpington BR6 0NF 01689 601 429 | info@masaladabbas.co.uk www.masaladabbas.co.uk @masala_dabbas

5 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

VERY GOOD

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 23

Make our home your home Exceptional facilities, dining, activities and care, Signature at Beckenham offers everything under one roof for an independent life well lived.

Residential, nursing and dementia care is delivered in the most luxurious of surroundings by highly qualified staff who have a true passion for care. From little assistance with washing, dressing and taking medication to those residents who have greater needs, we pride ourselves on providing unrivalled care and support, with bespoke care plans tailored to the individual’s needs.

As with all our homes, we offer industry-leading staff to resident ratios that allow us to give holistic, person-centred care that takes into account both physical and mental wellbeing.

ASS I ST E D L IVING | NURSING | DE ME N TI A C A R E | R E SPI TE

To find out more about how Signature at Beckenham can provide total peace of mind for you and your loved ones, please contact our Client Liaison Manager Laura today.

0204 530 7986 | enquiries.beckenham@signaturesl.co.uk | signature-care-homes.co.uk 24 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

5 Minutes With…

Photos by Pete Bresser, Bresserphotos

Will Ely

Bromley Mencap’s Education and Employment Service provides training and support for disabled people to secure paid employment opportunities.

Will Ely, who works at Bromley Football Club (BFC), is just one of many people the charity has helped. We sat down with Will to chat about his role and career aspirations and the people who’ve helped him along the way…

Will, congratulations on the job! How did you become involved in working at BFC? It was through an employment service at Bromley Mencap which runs a job club. It’s run by Ian and Sharon and the aim is to get disabled people into employment, so I took this option. I’ve been with Bromley Mencap for a while and I’ve known Ian for a long time. He looks out for me.

So what exactly is your job and what are you responsible for?

My role is Breakfast Meeting Host and I’m responsible for cleaning the tables, washing up, making sure the cutlery is polished and tables are laid for the next day. I also meet and greet Bromley Business Network members.

What days and hours do you work? What time do you get up?

I work every Thursday and every other Wednesday. I get up around 5am. I love getting up early before the sunrise.

What do you love about your job?

I get to meet new people and I enjoy seeing my colleagues.

I like to make the most of my time and of course earning, spending and saving money.

If you were the boss, what would you change?

I would have a suggestion box for staff to suggest new ideas into the club.

Do you have any stories of your time here?

On Boxing Day, I got a surprise as I went to watch a game at the club and I was chosen to select the ‘Man of the Match’ on behalf of Bromley Business Network.

What are your aspirations?

I’d like to try different areas of hospitality and maybe even work on cruise ships. I also want to one day own my own fitness centre and long-term, I would love to be an actor.

Will with Ben from Bromley Football Club

COMMUNITY Will Ely

I’m going to get myself out there and talk to people about getting into films.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do with your time?

I like keeping myself fit, meeting my friends and socialising.

I play for a football club and I also belong to a boxing club.

Do you think a good sense of community is important?

It is so important. It is all about networking and making connections and friends. It is important for people to be aware of people with disabilities too and to offer opportunities for us.

What do you love about living in the borough?

I love that everything is on my doorstep in Bromley. I am also close to my job and my friends, which is very important.

“Will has a wicked sense of humour and turns up smiling even at 6.30am. He’s a great asset to the club’s catering team.”

Chas Jordan, Bromley Business Network

“Will has been a welcome addition to the team at Bromley FC. He works hard and completes his tasks to a high standard. Will is always happy and greets all guests and clients with a massive smile. When Bromley Mencap suggested Will it seemed like a natural fit – and he’s a massive football fan too. Ian ensured that there was a smooth transition integrating Will when he first started and that's a really positive thing.”

Ben Hayward, Bromley Football Club

“Will is a brilliant ambassador for people with disabilities.

He has shown that everything and anything is achievable with the right support and he has opened the door for other people with disabilities to come into employment. There’s many opportunities at the football club and the relationship that we’ve worked up with them is all thanks to Will.

Hopefully we’ll be able to inspire other people to take that leap of faith to find employment.”

Ian Breslin, Bromley Mencap

Bromley Mencap encourages potential employers to get in touch so that suitable employees can be matched with job vacancies, and the charity offers ongoing support when it’s needed. For more information see www.bromleymencap.org.uk or call 020 8466 0790.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 25

lifestyle

Did You Know…

by STEVE TOLMIE

All change on the highway!

Are you aware of the new Highway Code rules that came into force on January 29th?

Vehicle finance specialist Carvine has been analysing the changes. Alex Thomas, a spokesperson for the company, said: “Despite legislation and Highway Code amendments coming into force, most motorists will be unaware of the new rules.

Among the fresh set of rules is the major ‘Hierarchy of Users’ regulations. Split into three rules, H1, H2 and H3, everyone from car drivers, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists are affected.

The government’s policy states that the new ‘H’ rules will ‘tackle some of the safety issues pedestrians encounter or perceive when walking.’

Rule H1 places greater responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to take more care of vulnerable road users and ‘bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.’

Name that car

When you go for a drive, do you just go in ‘the car’ or do you pull away in ‘Kermit’ or ‘ZZ Top’ or even ‘The Beast’? A new DVLA survey reveals that: • 1 in 6 motorists surveyed name their car – and those aged 35 to 53 are most likely to do so • Disco Dave, Lady Patricia, The Beast and ZZ Top among most unusual names • The most popular names that the survey’s 2,095 respondents gave their vehicles included Betsy, Pablo, Max, Ruby and Doris Whatever you’ve called your beloved vehicles, you must tell DVLA you are no longer the owner when they are sold and the quickest and easiest way to do this is online at www.gov.uk/soldbought-vehicle.

Send in a picture of your car and what name you call it for the chance to win a free air freshener for your card! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

26 Life in... Orpington April 2022

Rule H2 focuses on pedestrians crossing at

junctions. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider, ‘you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from you are turning.’

Lastly, Rule H3 concerns drivers and motorcyclists turning into a ‘junction or changing direction or lane.’

Motorists should not cut across and cause any cyclist, horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle to swerve or be forced to stop. Instead, you should wait until there is a safe gap before making your manoeuvre.

We’ve only got room for a summary of some of the changes here – full details about H1, 2 and 3 and other changes can be found on the official government website https://bit.ly/highwaycodegov You can also get a summary at the Carvine website at: https://bit.ly/carvine

Royal Mail Group has introduced special barcodes to stamps with the aim of connecting letters with the digital world. Barcodes can be scanned in the Royal Mail app and customers will eventually be able to watch videos, access information about services and view birthday messages and other greetings from senders.

Quality of life A recent report compared different countries in terms of quality of life and concluded that Sweden came out top. The ‘Quality of Life Index,’ produced by Global Citizen Solutions, aims to rank countries based on the aspects that make a country ‘desirable’ for expats, international retirees and digital nomads. Categories considered include happiness, environmental factors, migration acceptance, sustainable development and levels of freedom. According to Patricia Casaburi, Managing Director of Global Citizen Solutions, Sweden has “an emphasis on the importance placed on life outside the office and on a healthy work-life balance.”

Finland came second, while Britain was at number 7. The top non-European country was Canada, ranked 4th.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

COMING UP AT THE CHURCHILL THEATRE

THU 7 APRIL

FRI 8 APRIL

SUN 1 MAY

TUE 10 - SAT 14 MAY

BOOK NOW AT churchilltheatre.co.uk BOX OFFICE 0343 310 0020 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 27

ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS OR SOLE TRADER?

Business owner?

Receive a free, no obligation assessment & advice for your gas and electricity.

Want to join a friendly network group which actually works for you and doesn’t cost a fortune?

We search all UK suppliers to obtain the best prices.

Contact Gail Gulvin: 07946 024449 www.smartswitchutilities.co.uk

00 - Kings Accounting - Advert.ai

1

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Contact us: pibnetwork@outlook.com | 07984 179892 Facebook PIB Network | www.pib-network.com

2021/12/15

15:00 15:0

Would you like a physiotherapist to visit or video call you at home?

Our team provides rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Follow many different conditions. ing a

ll govern m guidan ent ce.

C

M

Contact us on 07951 025208 to find out more www.jlinks.co.uk

Y

CM

MY

Mobile Senior Nail Care

CY

CMY

K

• Manicure • Pedicure • Thick toenail cutting • Diabetic nails • Gel polish

10% off your first treatment

Call Lena to book your appointment on

0203 609 2417

28 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Business

lifestyle

1

Bromley Busines Network

s

5 tips to successful networking Chas Jordan from Bromley Business Network outlines five tips to getting the most from a networking event: 1) Ask questions & listen – opportunity sometimes knocks very softly as Jackson Brown Jr once said.

People love talking about themselves and by allowing them to do that you’ll create a great rapport and others will naturally warm to you.

2) Relationship building – networking isn’t about selling but rather getting to know what people do, who they’re looking to meet and what they need – that way you can help them and allow others to help you.

3) Consistency is key – attend events and do so regularly. People do business with those they know, like and trust. If you show up once, you’re not allowing people to get to know you – and vice versa.

Government backs ‘help to grow’ scheme The government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme – designed to support smaller businesses in adopting digital technologies so they can grow – is open for applications.

Under the scheme, eligible businesses can now receive discounts of up to £5,000 off the retail price of approved Digital Accounting and CRM software from leading technology suppliers. This software will help them to effectively manage their finances and build customer relationships, ultimately levelling up the way businesses are run and helping them to scale up.

Businesses can also access practical, specialised support and advice on how to choose the right digital technologies to boost their growth and productivity through a new online platform. The new Help to Grow: Digital scheme sits alongside the Help to Grow: Management scheme launched in 2021 as part of wider government efforts to back businesses and level up the economy.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

4) Change your mindset – approach a networking event without any expectation of getting new business Instead go with the idea of meeting new people and building relationships with those you already know.

5) Follow up – If you make a connection with someone, send a note afterwards to thank them. If you promised someone you’d email or call them – do so. And always return emails – even just to acknowledge you’ve received them - people are not mind readers.

For details on Bromley Business Network, which meets every two weeks at Bromley Football Club, visit www.bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

Be Inspired, Be Empowered!

Life In…Magazines (that’s us!) and iVerbalize have teamed up to mark last month’s International Women’s Day by hosting a free event for women in business. It will offer an inspirational and empowering event with a great line-up of local speakers and panel guests offering great business advice and insights on upcoming business trends.

The event is being sponsored by Community House, where it is also being hosted, located in South Street, Bromley BR1 1RH. It takes place on Wednesday 30th March from 11am-2pm and there is limited availability.

To register for the event, please visit https://bit.ly/beinspiredbeempowered or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Ladies Who Latte Bromley Ladies Who Latte meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Community House in South Street, Bromley from 10am-12pm.

To attend the next event (27th April) or for more information email bromleyladieswholatte@gmail.com

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 29

lifestyle

Health & Fitness APRIL SHOWERS? DON’T SLIP UP!

by JOANNA WARD, JLINKS (WWW.JLINKS.CO.UK)

As the weather potentially becomes wetter, now is a good time to check the condition of any walking aids and footwear to prevent any trips or slips.

Walking sticks, walking poles, crutches and indoor walking frames should all have a rubber ferrule on the bottom to ensure a good ‘grip’. The ferrule should have between three and five concentric rings or a series of raised ‘bobbles’ or ridges visible.

Over time, with regular use, the rings or bobbles wear down, rather like the tyres on a car and, just like with a car, if that happens it can increase the risk of an accident!

New blood test could detect over 50 types of cancer The Galleri blood test, which has the potential to detect cancer earlier by looking for abnormal DNA in blood, is being trialled to find out if it can spot cancer in people without symptoms. ​​​​​​​ According to Cancer Research UK, the test has the potential to detect cancer earlier when more treatment options may be available. The test looks for abnormal DNA shed from cancer cells into the blood. But, so far, it has only been trialled on people already diagnosed with cancer.

A new trial, run by Cancer Research UK and King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, will use 140,000 participants to find out if the test can spot cancer in people without symptoms. This will rely on the test being very sensitive, as only tiny amounts of abnormal DNA are found in the blood during the early stages of cancer.

If successful, the Galleri blood test could spot cancers early on when they can be easier to treat, potentially saving lives.

For details see news.cancerresearchuk.org

30 Life in... Orpington April 2022

If the surface of the ferrule is smooth, either all over or in certain patches of heavy wear, it might slip, particularly on wet or icy pavements, and could lead to a fall. Even if you only use a walking aid inside, it is still important to check for signs of wear.

Most mobility shops hold a stock of ferrules in various sizes and will be able to assist you in choosing and fitting the correct size.

When it comes to walking frames, if you have an outdoor one with three or four wheels and grip-style brakes, now is a good time to check that the brakes are working properly and to get them serviced if necessary.

Meanwhile, footwear should be supportive and well fitting, with a non-slip sole. Slippers often become stretched and loose over time, which can make them a trip hazard and increase the risk of falling. Shoes with worn soles or heels can also become very slippery in wet and icy conditions.

PILOT SCHEME OFFERS INCENTIVES FOR HEALTHIER LIVING

A pilot scheme is currently underway to help motivate people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle. The app encourages people to make positive changes to their diet and physical activity, with the pilot seeing users wear wristworn devices that can generate personalised health recommendations, such as increasing their step count, eating more fruit and vegetables and decreasing portion size. Users will collect points for healthy behaviours which will unlock rewards.

These could include gym passes, clothes or food vouchers and discounts for shops, cinema or theme park tickets.

Following a competitive tender process, HeadUp was chosen to deliver the new scheme, with £3 million also coming from the Department of Health and Social Care to provide incentives. Evidence suggests that financial incentives can improve rates of physical activity and inspire healthier eating so HeadUp will work with a range of organisations to provide rewards which could also include gift cards.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Award winning care homes

Our highly trained care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. With some of the highest care ratings in the UK, we’re here to help you and your family at every step of your journey.

If you’re considering care, call Dorothy on 01689 768640 or email dorothy.ayonmike@careuk.com

Trusted to care.

Foxbridge House care home Orpington careuk.com/foxbridge-house

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 31

JAPANESE RESTAURANT & BAR

PROSECCO BRUNCH £25 per person

LUNCH OFFER “Omakase”

unlimited prosecco for 2 hours

Six tasting courses £14 per person

12:30pm to 3:30pm

with a glass of bubbles

(last sitting)

12:30pm to 5:00pm Wednesday to Sunday

ZEN AFTERNOON TEA

£18 per person or £23 per person with Champagne (minimum of two) Over 18s. T&C’s Apply. Our Sushi and Konro Food Menu is available for takeaway via UberEats and Deliveroo.

For bookings and more information, please visit our website at

www.xeniarestaurantbar.com 362 Crofton Rd, Locksbottom, BR6 8NN

32 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Shopping

lifestyle

5 fab reasons to shop local

1. Building communities & strengthening economies: When you support a local business, you are supporting your friends, family and neighbours. The availability of local shops is especially important for the elderly, vulnerable, young people and those without access to private transport. Plus, the more money that local councils make in rent and rates, the more they can spend on supporting local infrastructure and public services.

2. Celebrating individuality: A small business or boutique shop adds character to a town. In a world that has become increasingly dominated by chain stores, a local business’s branding is unique and often quirky, adding something different to your High Street.

Independent retailers offer an alternative experience, and bring a much needed breath of fresh air into areas populated by generic stores and companies.

3. Creating job opportunities: A local business that becomes a success will grow, and as they grow they’ll recruit more staff from the local population. In addition,

their success will encourage other local businesses to open up to take advantage of the footfall, encouraging other people to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs too!

4. A personalised service: Local business owners are friendly and engaging, they get to know their customers at a personal level and can often provide better advice about their products and services. Local traders value your business more since their survival depends on their good reputation and repeat business. They can often adapt their products to suit your personal requirements or source something bespoke, which big chains won’t do.

5. Better for the environment: Shopping local means fewer mileage and petrol costs, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Plus, local shops often stock locally sourced goods which not only support the local economy but also reduce transport times and costs of the goods, which impacts positively on their carbon footprint.

New products on the High Street

Product of the month

The Happy Soul Perfume is available to purchase from selected ChloBo stockists and at www.chlobo.co.uk for £30. This flirty, fig-infused scent is reminiscent of coastline walks along the Cote d’Azur, dotted with wild fig trees, coupled with the subtle array of woody barks and earthy tones.

Peperami has launched a new meaty snack for adults looking for a more sophisticated snack choice. Peperami Chorizo 5 Pack offers a delectable mix of spices and punchy paprika flavour to ramp up the taste. With just 99 calories per portion and made with 100% pork, the new variety costs £2.30 and is available in Tesco and other retailers at a later stage.

Heinz has launched a new bundle on its Heinz to Home website. The ‘Made from Plants’ bundles feature a selection of products featured in the new series, including some of the most iconic plant-based Heinz products (think Heinz Beanz and Heinz Tomato Ketchup) and newer innovations, including Plant Proteinz. Prices start from £13 plus £3.50 delivery.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

These Letterbox Easter Eggs from Faithfully Yours LPG make it so much easier to deliver to someone who is busy or out and not able to receive a gift in person. You can have up to three lines of 30 characters on each line for a personalised message – all for just £12.99. See www.faithfullyyourslpg. co.uk to order. This month you also have the chance to win one in our Easter Egg Hunt - see page 3 for details.

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 33

Beat the price hikes! Get financial help to improve home energy efficiency.

If your household income is under about £25,000 (contact us for more details), and your home is inefficient, you'll be eligible for a grant of an average of £10,000 (maybe more) for efficiency improvements. Find out your 'Energy Performance Certification' at: https://gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. Find out more info and apply at: https://bit.ly/beat-the-hikes

At AA Cooper, we’re known as ‘the bathroom installation company’. Our expert team is ready to tackle your bathroom needs head on – from a leaking tap to an entire bathroom installation.

We pride ourselves on offering bespoke bathrooms as well as maintenance, repairs, fittings & refurbishment.

Call us for a quote on 01689-485007 or email

info@aacooper.co.uk www.aacooper.co.uk

34 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Successfu successio i th famil busines

ADVERTORIAL

how to build a successful succession Steve Hale, Partner at Perrys, who has worked with many family businesses over the years, explains an area that can cause some consternation is the planning for succession.

Cranfield School of Management says that, in the UK, two thirds of all private sector firms are family businesses, contributing over half of GDP and around 40% of private sector employment. Yet, according to PwC, the professional services group, 43% of family businesses don’t have a succession plan in place.

Sadly, without such a plan a family business is, at best, unlikely to realise its true potential and, at worst, to cease to exist when it’s time for the current management to retire.

What do we need to consider to build a successful succession?

• Time. Succession planning should be a long-term process built up over a number of years. It’s never too early to start.

• Outside experience. It is often beneficial for the younger family members to obtain experience working away from the family business to build up knowledge and enable them to bring this back to the business.

• Skills gaps. It is quite likely that all the skills needed for the business are not available solely from the family. These gaps should be identified and, where necessary, individuals brought in from outside of the family to fill them.

• Fairness. It is important that family members and those who are outside the family are not treated differently in the operational running of the business. Doing so can lead to the feeling of unfairness and the business losing key members of the team, family and non-family alike.

www.perrysaccountants.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

• Openness. Ensuring that everyone feels their voice is heard and dealing with conflict quickly and transparently.

Business matters and private family matters should be kept completely separate. Something that, in practice, may be hard to achieve as there is of course an emotional tie between family members.

• Ownership v Management. Succession of management and succession of ownership are not the same thing and do not have to occur at the same time. Bringing in the younger generation to work within the business and take up management positions before taking ownership has many benefits. However, it is generally wise to have an outline early on of when it is expected that ownership will pass to avoid any disincentive. I am sure that few sons and daughters will wish to work too hard for too long to make their parents richer!

• Advice. Take advice from those around you. There is a wealth of advice out there; from older generations who themselves may have passed down the business, other business owners that have gone through a similar process, your accountant and other business advisors, and the internet.

• Tax. While this certainly shouldn’t be the ‘driver’ for succession, it is worthwhile ensuring that the tax implications of passing ownership to the next generation are understood and planning undertaken.

It is, of course, an adage that the older we get the quicker time seems to pass. Having a succession plan now will reap rewards in the future.

For help and information about successful succession, please contact Perrys using the contact information detailed below.

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 35

lifestyle

Eco News A TREE-MENDOUS EFFORT

An initiative to plant 5,000 street trees in the Bromley borough got underway towards the end of last year. The £1.35 million investment, which is the largest single arboriculture investment in Bromley’s history, supports the council’s commitment to reach the ambitious net zero emissions objective by 2029.

Councillor Will Harmer, Chairman of Environment and Community PDS Committee said, “It is fantastic news that the council is now delivering on its commitment to plant even more street trees. We know that residents value the tree-lined streets that give colour and vibrancy to our streets

all year round. Tree lined streets do so much to improve our environment, both now and for future generations. A big thank you to Tree Friend resident volunteers who are already coming forwards and who have committed to helping with maintenance in the crucial early period of the trees’ lives.”

New tree species being planted have been chosen to fit their surroundings, while prevention of roots spreading at pavement level (damaging paving) and species with upwards growing branches are prioritised. Trees have also been selected for their visual appeal.

The ‘tree-mendous’ planting initiative will also support the health of residents, with research also showing that people were more likely to walk or cycle to work if the streets were lined with trees and live longer and feel better as a result.

ZERO EMISSION FLIGHTS IN THE MAKING Passengers could one day fly to the other side of the world with zero carbon emissions and just one refuelling stop, thanks to governmentfunded technology that has been unveiled by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).

The FlyZero project, led by the ATI and funded by the government, has developed a concept for a midsize aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen. It is capable of flying 279 passengers halfway around the world without a stop or anywhere in the world with just one stop to refuel.

We made a boo-boo Thank you to Robert Harris who wrote in about the recycling feature we published in last month’s issue. We mentioned that plastic juice boxes couldn’t be recycled as cardboard (because of their plastic coating), but Robert pointed out that they can be recycled under plastic waste – thanks Robert! For details see www.bromley.gov.uk/ downloads/file/2521/recycling_guide

36 Life in... Orpington April 2022

This means that a zero carbon, non-stop flight could be operated between London and San Francisco, or that passengers could fly around the world from London to Auckland, New Zealand with just one stop, at the same speed and comfort as today’s aircraft.

The project showcases the huge potential of liquid hydrogen powered aircraft as the UK drives for a cleaner and greener air travel future and builds on progress already achieved by the Jet Zero Council, a partnership between industry and government with the aim of delivering zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation.

3 cheers to Kellogg’s Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal packaging is going fully paper based with the trial of a paper liner in the UK that can be widely recycled.

The pilot is taking place with Tesco in a small number of stores, with the results helping to shape Kellogg’s future packaging plans.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Give the gift of flowers

this Easter!

Sunday 17th April

01689 485044 | www.timeforflowerskent.co.uk 44b The Walnuts, Orpington BR6 0TW

DOMESTIC EPC’S | FLOOR PLANS | PHOTOGRAPHY

Mob: 07711597759 | Email: ollygreenwood@mac.com www.greenwoodpropertyphotography.co.uk

by Jude Greene-Steward

We at Gracious Care understand difficult situations. We deal with them all the time.

Sometimes we need a little help to do even the basic things.

It’s a big world out there and we would like to help you explore it!

We are experts at finding the very best deals for your holidays, flights & tailor-made travel.

Call Jude Today 0208 331 5995

From cruises, safaris, snorkelling, trekking tours to city breaks and sand dunes, Disney World and the rest of the world.

jude@shore-travel.com www.shore-travel.co.uk

With the help of Gracious Care, our customers remain independent, giving their relatives peace of mind.

Call Christine on

01689 854747

for a free care assessment

www.graciouscare.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 37

38 Life in... Orpington April 2022

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Parenting

lifestyle

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD

by MICHAEL STAINSBURY, Rushmore House Preschool

Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the big decision parents make. Not only is it important for the happiness and development of your child, it is also a significant financial commitment. To help, the Government provides four schemes: two-year old funding, 15 hour funding, 30 hour funding and tax-free childcare.

Two-year old funding is offered to families claiming benefits. It gives you 15 hours of preschool sessions for 38 weeks each school year. You have to apply in the term when your child has their second birthday and funded sessions will start the following term. There is an eligibility checker on the Bromley Council website.

All children receive 15 hours of funded sessions for 38 weeks a year from the term after they are three years old. This is a universal benefit which every child receives.

You need to provide the preschool with your child’s birth certificate and sign a Parents Funding Contract with Bromley Council.

Families where both parents work may be able to claim 30 hours funding. This is an additional 15 hours on top of the 15 hours funding. This funding can affect other benefits, so you need to check it is worthwhile to apply using a calculator on the Government website.

Families where at least one parent is working and paying tax may benefit from tax-free childcare. With this scheme you have a special account where for every £8 you put in, the Government adds £2 which is paid directly to your preschool. You are allowed to save £500 every three months with a maximum of £2,000 per year, per child. You can spend this money in any approved provider including After School and Holiday Clubs. Tax-free childcare continues until your child is 11 years old.

Tips for parents: •

Check the Bromley Council and Government websites as these are the best sources to check eligibility and information.

• Your child’s birth certificate is needed to apply for 15 hours funding. Make a scan or photocopy so you can find it quickly.

For more information visit www.rushmorehouse.co.uk/ tax-free-childcare-and-funding

Did you know… In a study linking exams and financial success, teens who improve their GCSEs by just one grade could earn over £200,000 extra in their lifetime.

MyTutor

3 TIPS ON HOW TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR TEEN

1. Conversation: Conversation is key to a good relationship, to understanding the world around you and how you fit into it, and to the exploration of new thoughts and ideas. The more you interact in a positive manner with your teen, the more understood they will feel. The more they feel like you get them, the more they will trust you to have their back. The more they trust you, the more they’ll open up to you, even when the conversation is difficult.

2. Where to begin: Sometimes the best way to engage your teen in conversation is to use an outside source

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

to generate a topic. Choose an article, a song or even a comic strip to share with them. After you share your tidbit, engage in a short, five-minute conversation on how they, their best friend, and maybe other friends or family would react to that. Listen without judgement. Their ideas and opinions are theirs, and they are entitled to them. The proper response from you is, “That’s interesting!” Lastly, give them a hug, tell them how much you enjoy the person they’re becoming, and sail out of the room, leaving them in the warm, fuzzy wake of a positive interaction.

3. Position Your Conversation: Set the stage to invite conversation. Go for a stroll together and see where the conversation leads you, do a chore together, or even have them pick a recipe for you to experiment on together. When your activity ends, tell them how much you enjoyed their company and thank them for spending it with you especially when they have so much on their mind.

Deborah Ann Davis – author & parenting skills coach

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 39

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS 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 AND ACTIVITIES AQUAKIDS

Aqua kids – swimming lessons that last a lifetime. Easter Intensive Week 4th-8th April – a few places remaining.

Check our social media and the website for the latest updates. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk

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

THE SUNDAY SESSIONS: ACTING

She Soars Productions hold monthly Sunday acting workshops for children aged 12-18. Our fun full-day workshops are led by industry professionals and previous guest workshop leaders include Casting Directors and Film and Theatre Directors. Check out our socials for the latest updates and visit our website to book in advance for 2022 dates!

Email: office@shesoarsproductions.com Instagram @shesoarsprodltd Facebook @SheSoarsProductionsLtd

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 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.

40 Life in... Orpington April 2022

VINTAGE SCRIBE Beautiful handcrafted invitations and cards for any special event. For that stylish, individual touch.

Call Vintage Scribe on 07716-837874

HEAlTH, BEAUTY & MINDSET CHERYL HUGGINS MAKEUP ARTIST + SPECIALIST

London’s popular professionally licensed makeup artist, for special events, weddings, photography, Prom, business images and makeup masterclasses.

Natural or glam looks available. I also offer FaceClays relaxation facials for all ages and all skin tones. FREE CONSULTATION with this advertisement.

Call 07947 821 991, email makeup@cherylhuggins. com or see www.cherylhuggins.com

FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY

Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and Teens.

For more information email faye@fayecoxcoaching. co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793.

GEO SPORTS MASSAGE

Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist, providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771299123.

SUBLIME BEAUTY

Mobile service for semi-permanent eyebrows, lips, eyeliner and collagen induction therapy. I am VTCT Level 4 Qualified - the highest accreditation in Semi-Permanent make-up (Micropigmentation). Gift vouchers also available.

Email simone@sublimebeauty.co.uk or see www.sublimebeauty.co.uk

HOBBIES 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

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

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Short Story

lifestyle

Patricia Latter

A BIT OF HUMANITY

by PATRICIA LATTER The music was loud and the dark room was stuffed with zombies shambling to the beat. It was the Art Director’s idea to celebrate the production wrap with a zombiesand-aliens party.

“Busman’s holiday for you, Steff?” someone called out.

I had to agree: I had run the effects make-up workshop for the film At the bar, there was someone I didn’t recognise from the crew. “Great look”, I said. “Subtle but unearthly.”

“I understand that is a great compliment - as you are the master of the art.” The stranger introduced himself as Alain, and bought me a drink. “I would like to ask you a favour.”

My face must have fallen. “I like to encourage talent, but hate to raise hopes. Jobs are scarce, I’m afraid.”

“I am not looking for work. The truth is, I can’t help looking like this, but you could help me.”

“Hey - I make people look weird for a living.”

“The skills to give the illusion of normality are surely similar. I will pay for your materials and expertise to teach me how to stop looking … unearthly.”

Perhaps I’m a soft touch for hard-luck cases - I wasn’t going to take his money for this - but perhaps I liked the challenge too. Whatever the reason, he persuaded me.

And after a few sessions of teaching him how to shade a skin tone, he was competent to create his own ‘normal’ look.

A week later he called and asked to meet in a nearby pub. He looked so happy as he walked in with a second man - I wondered if it was a new boyfriend. The subtle make-up job had made Alain surprisingly good-looking.

He excitedly told me he had got a new job.

“It is thanks to you that I am accepted. I have told my friend how you have helped me. He has a similar problem. He is Alain too.”

“Ordinary is not the same as normal,” the second Alain said. His intonation was slightly off - as if he was reading out the words. “People think I am odd.”

“I can’t teach you to sound normal,” I said, disconcerted by the pair of them.

“I hoped we might have conversations,” Alain One said.

“Alain will learn how to be more natural.”

This was seriously weird but what the hell, I thought, they were buying the beers. Over the course of the next few weeks, the second Alain learned to express himself in a more relaxed way and no longer maintained an unnerving stare whenever he spoke.

It was probably foolish of me to continue to frequent the same pub, but the next time I was there, the two of them came in and made a beeline for me.

“I am becoming more natural”, said Alain Two. “However, someone told me I was like ‘Down to Earth’. I said ‘No. I am like ‘Up with Earth!’”

I had to explain the idiom was not an insult and they looked thoughtful.

Alain One spoke hesitantly. “We have another friend...”

“And he’s called Alain as well, I suppose?” I said flippantly. They looked embarrassed. “So what’s his problem?”

How had I accepted the role of guiding these gentle misfits to blend into an unfriendly world? I could say I was cheaply bought by the steady supply of beer, but their joy in their newly confident selves and stories of small social triumphs were the real rewards.

The third man was followed by a steady trickle of oddball characters - each introduced to me as another Alain. I told myself that it didn’t matter where they came from.

They were strangers who were a bit strange, but they were all - more or less - nice guys. They just needed someone to show them a bit of humanity.

“But he - excuse me - you, look pretty ordinary,” I said, trying not to sound rude.

Keen to write a short story yourself?

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for details.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 41

stockists

Next month...

FR

ISSUE 39 | MAY

Our usual stockists include most cafes, dental surgeries, barbers, hairdressers, doctors etc in and around Orpington. Below are some of our main stockists. *These shops/establishments have a floor standing unit or counter top stand, so there’s plenty of magazines to go around. We appreciate your support.

Biggin Hill

• Biggin Hill Memorial Museum (The Café) • Cherry Lodge Golf Club • Foal Farm

chelsfield

• Chelsfield Railway Station*

Downe • • • •

Christmas Tree Farm George & Dragon Pub Holwood Farm The Queen’s Head

Farnborough village/surrounds • • • • • • • • •

Change of Horses FAB Cycle Services High Elms Country Park Café High Elms Golf Club Nanny Smith’s Deli The BEECHE Centre, High Elms The Café @ Farnborough Village The Post Office The Woodman

Green St Green

• Co-op Food (Crescent Way) • The Rose & Crown

Locksbottom • • • • •

Darrick Wood Swimming Pool Hus Barbers Lidl* PRUH* The Whyte Lyon

Orpington

• Co-op Food (Carlton Parade)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STOCK LIFE IN...ORPINGTON MAGAZINE?

• Crofton Halls • Fab House* • Iceland* • Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe • Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre • Orpington IT Centre • Orpington Library* • Orpington Railway Station • Orpington Village Hall • Tesco* • The Nugent Shopping Centre (HITIO Gym) • The Walnuts Shopping Centre* • Valentine & Turner* • VTB Mobility

Petts Wood • • • • • • • •

Arabica Coffee House Gibsons Dry Cleaners Morrisons* Iceland* Petts Wood Library Petts Wood Railway Station* Royal British Legion Southeast Legacies

St MARY’s Cray • • • •

Croft Tea Room Pavilion Hotel St Andrew's Church St Mary's Church

• Best Kebab & Pizza (Cotmandene Crescent) • Co-op Food (Cotmandene Crescent) • Cotmandene Community Resource Centre • Family Shopper (Cotmandene Crescent)*

• St Paul’s Cray library

Never miss an issue of Sign up to our newsletter https://bit.ly/lifeinmagsdigital www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

42 Life in... Orpington April 2022

EE

ROL

NT RECLAIM CO

OF YOUR TS

UGH NEGATIVE THO WHY SHOPPING LOCAL BENEFITS YOU

Ask the experts!

t advice their bes esses offer Local busin

IN

M M UN G TH E CO SP IR IN

A TI M E PA GE AT IT Y ON E yMa tters #Be caus eCo mm

unit

Coming up in the next Issue of Life In...Orpington…

• • • •

Why shopping local benefits YOU New cyber laws offer protection from hackers Reclaim control of your negative thoughts Ask the experts! Local businesses offer their best advice Life In...Orpington is published

by Luna Creative Media (Ltd)

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 6TH APRIL To advertise call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Ad spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

@lifeinmags lifeinmagazines.co.uk

St Paul’s Cray

Contact us to request a stand 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

or visit

LAWS NEW CYBER offer protection ERS FROM HACK

2022

The print run for Life In Orpington is 7,000 copies every month, with an estimated readership of 17,800 including digital.

Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In...Orpington 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 www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk 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.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

A Final Thought…

COMMUNITY

Shall we dance?

by JANET MAILE

“I believe we must have some conversation, Mr Darcy. A very little will suffice,” Miss Bennet gently chides the taciturn Mr Darcy during Mr Beveridge’s Maggot in Pride and Prejudice. Maggot in this sense means a fad or whim.

The instructions and music for the dance were included in The English Dancing Master by John Playford.

The first volume was published in 1651, with further volumes published over the years up until about 1850.

The complete set gives instructions for over 1,000 dances with such delightful names as The Devil’s Dream, Green Sleeves and Yellow Lace and An Old Man Is A Bed Of Bones. King Charles II’s favourite is included: Cuckolds all a row, a dance for four couples in a square formation.

Over the years, choreographers have created dances in a similar style, giving dancers even more choice.

The majority of dances are for as many as will: couples stand in lines facing their partners and progress up or down the set, dancing in turn with the other couples.

Playford’s instructions are quite difficult to understand, and various people over the years have produced an interpretation of the moves. Historical sources tell us that there were some quite complicated steps, but these days, we walk the dances, or, for faster ones, skip or hop.

Dances were sociable affairs, but it was a time of formality and etiquette. A lady could not ask a gentleman to dance, for example, or even cross the dance floor by herself. In the days when ladies were chaperoned, dances provided a rare chance to try to catch the eye of the man of your dreams, or impress the lady with your dancing skills. In many dances, a couple stands out for a turn, giving a rare opportunity for an intimate conversation.

These days, there is a caller who reminds the dancers of the steps, but in the past, they had to rely on their memory. There were dancing classes for the better off. The lower classes relied on more simple dances that they could remember. A dance fan was a useful reminder: each leaf of the fan contained the instructions for one or more dances but the fan had to be held correctly. In 1768 Matthew Towle published The Young Gentleman and Lady's Private Tutor in which he

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

suggested six ways to hold it, depending on whether you were sitting standing, or giving a curtsey.

Dances were held in church halls, large country houses or Assembly Rooms. Each Assembly Room had its own set of rules. Derby, for example, stated that No shopkeeper, or any of his or her family, shall be admitted except Mr. Franceys and All young Ladies in mantuas shall pay 2s. 6d. In Bath, Ladies proposing to dance minuets, shall announce their intentions to the master of the ceremonies on the day preceding the ball, and shall be in the rooms appropriately dressed punctually at half-past eight o'clock. Now we have but one rule: a couple wishing to dance must join the bottom of the set.

Like every aspect of life, dances were the subject of humour. In 1792 the Derby Mercury published a joke: At a late ball given at Richmond, a finish'd coquette asked a gentleman near her, whilst she adjusted her tucker whether he could flirt her fan which he held in his hand: No, madam, answered he, proceeding to use it, but I can fan a flirt.

I first got into folk dancing at the end of 1990 when my knee was smashed in an accident. It was more interesting than physiotherapy exercises! I loved it and have continued ever since and In November 2021, I started the Orpington Folk Dance Club. Head over to our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/orpfolkdance -where you can see a clip of Miss Bennet and Mr Darcy dancing.

For more information about the Orpington Folk Dance Group, which takes place on the first and third Thursday of each month from 11.45am1.45pm at Farnborough Village Hall call 01689 836407 or email janetmaile@rocketmail.com. The next sessions take place on 7th and 21st April.

April 2022 Life in... Orpington 43

THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER

At Compassion Homecare we provide the very best in home care We would all like to continue to enjoy independent living within the comfort of our own home. Our qualified staff can help you with those day to day tasks that you are finding harder to cope with.

DAILY CARE, LIVE-IN CARE OR RESPITE CARE Our careers can help you with: • Help with getting up or going to bed • Washing, showering and bathing • Assistance with medication • Getting to social outings and meeting up with friends • Preparing and cooking meals • Overnight and respite care • Cleaning, housework and shopping • Laundry and Ironing • Or just popping in for a chat if you’d like some company

We know how big a step having home care is so we offer a free home care assessment to help you decide what is best for you. Please give us a call.

01689 825155

1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk