Life In Orpington June 2022

ISSUE 40 | JUNE 2022

FR

EE

IDEAS FOR

CELEBRATING

FATHER’S DAY

Special souvenir

www.bromleypageant.co.uk

12th JUNE 2022 See p19 for details

pull-out-and-keep

WHAT YOUR CAT really thinks ABOUT YOU

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

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2 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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The Team

Welcome to Life In...ORPINGTON

Get to know us: How will you be spending the Jubilee weekend?

...your local community magazine that has something to suit all tastes

Editorial / Sales: Lauretta lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Heading to Market Sq in Orpington to be entertained and then over to Bromley for film screenings and Bromley’s Got Talent!

Design: Nicky design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

At a music festival.

W

e've pulled out all the stops to bring you a very special issue this month. No, I’m not talking about the great ideas for Father’s Day in the Relationships feature. Nor the fabulous opportunities to win a guitar, a cheese hamper, cinema tickets or a £15 App Store & iTunes voucher! June 2022 marks 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II being on the throne - and there’s plenty going on in the borough to mark the Platinum Jubilee. So, to celebrate this momentous occasion (and with the help of Pam Preedy, Steve Tolmie and Nicky Grant), we’ve pulled together to bring you a fantastic pull-out-and-keep souvenir issue. It details a timeline of the Queen’s 70-year reign, local and national photos from the past, plus details of events taking place locally so you can plan what to do in advance.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together. And please do mention ‘Life In Magazines’ if you contact any of our advertisers in the magazine.

Accounts: James accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

I’ll probably head out into the country. I try to stay away from crowds so maybe a hike over to Downe might be just what the doctor ordered.

Assistant Editor: Steve Our street is having a party!

Distributor: Zeenat

Relaxing, buzzing around Bromley to experience the different Jubilee celebrations!

And of course with a glass of champers on hand!

Distributor: Dawn

Enjoying family time hopefully lots of sunshine and a BBQ. I will also be reminiscing when I was there to see the Queen’s parade in her golden coach in 1977!

Distributor: Tara

I’ve organised many events for the village in which I live, so I’ll be making sure everything is going well!

Lauretta Wright, Editor PS Look out for our other Jubilee-related features in the issue including… How to make a showstopping celebration cake fit for a queen (Food & Drink), How to host your own royal garden party (Life Hacks) and our Jubilee related puzzle page.

Community

Lifestyle

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13.

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18.

37.

47.

21.

28.

31.

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JUBILEE 23.

Recyclable FSC® Paper

Helping my mum and dad out as they are putting on events including afternoon tea, entertainment for the children at our church in Sevenoaks.

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.

contents Write It, Say It, Message It History Noticeboard 5 Minutes With...

Local Heroes...

Lines From Linda What's On The George Review A Final Thought

At a family wedding.

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

Special Souvenir: pull-out-and-keep

Puzzle Page Shopping Did You Know?

Relationships Health & Beauty Food & Drink Life Hacks Pets Business Parenting Short Story

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 JUNE To advertise call 020 3488 9959 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

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@lifeinmags

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 3

To what lengths is a person prepared to go?

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

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A GRIPPING THRILLER OF TWISTS AND TURNS

BY JACK WEINSTOCK AND WILLIE GILBERT Based on the French play Trap for a Lonely Man by Robert Thomas

DESIGNED BY

JULIE GODFREY

DIRECTED BY

BOB TOMSON

LIGHTING BY

CHRIS DAVEY

MON 20 — SAT 25 JUNE 2022

Box Office: 0343 310 0020 churchilltheatre.co.uk 4 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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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 Flower power Dear Life In…Magazines, I don't know if you would be interested in the picture below? It was taken of the flower bed beside Barclays Bank in Orpington. This tulip has been there for months, and I think of it, so bright and bold, as a ‘Rebel!’ Many thanks for the magazine.

Anne J How wonderful Anne – and it’s nice to take pleasure in the little things in life and notice details. Long live the red tulip – and thanks for writing in – you’ve bagged yourself a £15 App Store and iTunes voucher.

Picture perfect I've just received my first issue and just wanted to congratulate you on a really interesting and useful publication. I particularly enjoyed your excellent piece on the Bromley Picturehouse. I haven't been to that old cinema (originally an Odeon) for many years as it had become so depressingly run down and scruffy. Now I will look forward to visiting it again - especially after your mouthwatering description of the restaurant menus.

Being in my late 80s, I have very fond memories of "going to the flicks" in the days when you got not just one film but two - plus a Pathe Newsreel, a cartoon (maybe Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, or Tom and Jerry) - all for one shilling and ninepence (about eight pence in today's money!) In the ‘posh’ cinemas there might also be an organ recital. During the War years, sometimes a notice appeared on the screen, telling the audience that an air raid was in progress, so that they could leave and go to the shelter. Not many people did - especially if the film had reached a particularly tense moment!

WIN

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

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‘Just say no’

EX I’m writing to voice my opinion about the new Walnuts 10%TRA OFF WITmy redevelopment. In November last year, myself and H TH IS AD colleague Tim founded the NUTS TO THE WALNUTS campaign and our Facebook group now has over 2,400 members. We are a non-political group and are concerned of the impact the current planning proposals are likely to have on our town centre and the leisure centre. It seems that many agree, with Bromley Council receiving over 3,400 objections to the development plans. We struggle to reach out to people who are not on social media, so we would be grateful if you can print this letter so that more people are aware of what we’re trying to do. Our Facebook group is facebook. com/nutstothewalnuts otherwise people can email us at nuts2walnuts@gmail.com OUR

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Steve Wehrle

Bus tips

I was fortunate to win one of your competitions in 2020.

The prize was a year's family membership at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park. We had never been there, but once we had activated the prize, we made several visits with the grandchildren. They enjoyed themselves so much that at the end of the year we automatically renewed.

Thank you Life In…Magazines!

Having just given up my car. Here are my bus travel tips.

(All gleaned from experience!)

Make sure it is the right number. They all look the same from afar.

If it’s a circular route make sure of the destination on front of bus.

Put your arm out on time or it will whiz right past you.

Let the other passengers off before you try to get on.

Lay your card flat on the card reader or it won’t ping.

If a double decker, do not attempt to climb the stairs.

Sit down quickly or you will be propelled down the aisle.

Choose a seat where you are not blinded by the sun.

Don’t sit in the disabled seat unless you think you qualify.

If it’s not obvious that you qualify you will get tutted at.

Keep an eye on the route periodically just in case.

Press the bell well ahead of your intended stop.

But only if you have passed the previous stop.

Do not try to move until it has stopped properly or you will be propelled down the aisle again.

Make sure you get off through the correct door.

Because not all but some buses have an enter and exit door.

And importantly don’t forget to thank the driver!

Len Kirby That’s wonderful Len – we’re so pleased to hear you made the most of your prize win!

Maureen Perrin We love this Maureen! If you have any local tips you’d like to share email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

David Tindall David it’s great to read about how times have changed and your fond memories.

We have a winner!

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 5

community

History

Pam Preedy

Handling the volume of mail - 1914-1918

by PAM PREEDY, historian & author

In the first half of the 20th century the Royal Mail and the Post Office counter service, which provided essential services such as dealing with stamps, and paying the old age pensions, were all incorporated and came under the title of the General Post Office.

Even before the First World War, the Post Office employed over 250,000 people, handling 5.9 billion items of post. At that time there were up to four deliveries a day.

A letter posted in the morning could expect to get a reply in the post that same evening.

In rural areas, there were up to twelve deliveries a day. It was the way people kept in touch – no mobile phones!

During the First World War World, with the wholesale mobilisation of soldiers from the Reserves and Territorials to swell the ranks of the army, together with enthusiastic volunteering of young men, by the end of 1914, 1,186,337 men had enlisted, including a total of 28,000 postal staff.

Conscription was introduced in January 1916. Between 1916 and 1918, the British army alone numbered over two million men. We cannot forget the sailors and airmen who were also a long way from home. During the war the postal office service was the key to maintaining communications between families and their menfolk fighting at the fronts and in all parts of the world, including prisoner of war camps and ships. Sending and receiving letters was one of the ways of keeping up morale at home and abroad. At the same time the Post Office also had to cope with preserving important military and administrative communications. One can scarcely imagine the magnitude of the task.

To cope with this enormous volume of letters and parcels a vast temporary wooden sorting office was built covering five acres or more of Regent's Park – the London Home Depot. This was the sorting office for all the mail bound for the troops everywhere including the Western Front. With so many men away, 2,500 mostly women were employed in the Home Depot. They handled two billion letters and 114 million parcels in total. Four deliveries a day became a distant memory. Deliveries by road were reduced to

6 Life in... Orpington June 2022

conserve fuel and travelling Post Offices on trains and seabound mail were likewise reduced, the latter in an effort to avoid torpedoes and mines. Apart from official post, letters and parcels carrying food and essential supplies such as socks, travelled across land and sea to reach servicemen all over the world, wherever the men were fighting. They brought good news, exciting adventures from men in distant countries, sometimes on leave enjoying a little sightseeing, and bad news of men taken prisoner, wounded or taken ill, or leave cancelled. The most dreaded sight at home during the war was the telegraph boy cycling up the road knowing that he was likely to be bringing news of a death; husband, son, or father. There could have been few roads in Bromley or Orpington that escaped this death knell.

Post for the Western Front was sent via Le Havre, Boulogne or Calais to forward post rooms close to the front line and most reached the Front within two days; occasionally the post arrived at locations before the Army got there.

19,000 bags of mail crossed the Channel every day. For the soldiers, the arrival of the mail from England in the evening was the highlight of the day.

Letters home were censored, either by the writer’s unit, at the channel port or in Regent’s Park, where 350,000 letters were dealt with each day. Censorship could be evaded however by one soldier asking a soldier going on leave to post a letter in England. Some were able to send coded messages home, agreed while at home in England.

Censors had to decipher codes and discover invisible writing in 130 languages. Each examiner read on average 110 private letters a day and the average number of letters censored in a day was 375,517. Three quarters of the staff were women who were found to have a wonderful memory for detail and could recognise peculiarities in handwriting and expression. A group to censor parcels was housed in Regent’s Park.

Please visit the Bromley Historic Collections on the 2nd floor of Bromley Central Library to see a little exhibition entitled, ‘The Art of Letter Writing’.

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£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.

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362 Crofton Rd, Locksbottom, BR6 8NN

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 7

community -

NOTICEBOARD

A call for action on cyclingy

are calling on Bromle Local community groups ate emergency and clim a Council to declare ling infrastructure cyc e rov imp to ion act take n letter published ope an in h, across the boroug Parks groups, of nds recently. Churches, Frie Campaign ling Cyc don Lon of es nch local bra a residents ets, Stre ng Livi and walking charity Bromley and ool association, a primary sch the open ed lish pub tly join te YouthStrike4Clima lk the talk’ ‘wa to ncil Cou letter calling for Bromley , setting a target ncy rge eme ate clim a g by declarin e gas emissions for to reach net-zero greenhous ough, and developing all activities across the bor ore 2050 at the latest. bef et targ a plan to meet the ed online at The open letter is publish co.uk. ley. rom alkb het alkt w.w ww

POPPY APPEAL Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare?

Do you enjoy meeting people?

Would you like to help the Royal British Legion?

The Locksbottom and Farnboro ugh branch of the Royal British Legion are seeking voluntee rs to help on our stall in Sainsburys, Locksbottom, during the Poppy Appeal fortnight starting in October 2022. We are a small, friendly team and we welcome newcomers to help us collect donations for the traditional paper poppies as well as other RBLlicensed merchandise. All donation s generate funds to help our current serving armed forces, and ex-servicemen and women and their families. For mor e information, please contact Catherine Melia (Deputy Poppy Area Organiser) by email at RBLPoppies@gmail.com

Bromley Probus Club is a social club for retired professional business peo ple. If you are newly retired, this could be just the club for you with its wide range of activities wh ich include walking (both rural and urban), visits to places of interest, rail trips (both long distance and more local), monthly lunches with speaker, con tract bridge and weekly swimming. In addition, we have informal pub lunches to which partners are invited.

For more information tele phone 01689 851115 or visit bromleyprobus.o rg.uk

BOOM! SHAKE THE ROOM

king for a job with Are you potentially loo at pay? Boomsky more flexibility and gre atives promoting ent res rep es is seeking sal on the phone.

TV burglar alarms and CC - you only call ng alli d-c col o zer There is d about the uire enq e people who hav sed demand, we rea inc to e Du ct. du pro ancies available for now have fur ther vac rk from home with people looking to wo flexible hours. email your CV and For more information boomsky.co.uk y@ ton to experience

Congrats to our £100 winner!

Seeing double Sipahi

Dr Mac Ogretme sent in this delightful picture of her two cats –Simao (left) and Quaresma saying that they are 11 years old, very affectionate and always up for a lap to sit on. This pictures. We had pet r you for prompted us to ask r 70 pictures ove a tremendous response with over the next m the ning run be ll sent in, so we’ ure for more of feat pet the few issues. Check out ! pics pet e your cut

8 Life in... Orpington June 2022

To mark the debut issue of our new Brom ley magazine launch, we teamed up with Tapi Carpets to give readers the chance to win a £100 Love2Shop Gift Card. The winner was draw n (live on social) and we’re delighted to say that Sue Crichlow (pictured) was the lucky recip ient.

Congratulations Sue – and enjoy spending your gift card! This month, we’ve got some ama zing prizes to be won including a cheese ham per, £15 AppStore & iTunes vouchers, two cinema tickets and a guitar! You’re welcome. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

community BOOK REVIEW

NOTICEBOARD

STAR RATING:

Shirley Bryant read The Money Edit by Makala Green, published by Yellow Kite, £16.99

SYNOPSIS: The Money Edit aims to reduce the shame around mismanaging money, empower people to understand their finances and change their money mindset. Ultimately, Makala’s goal is to help as many people as possible achieve financial freedom so they can gain the confidence and knowledge needed to live their best life.

SHIRLEY SAYS…“The Money Edit was very easy to understand, you just need to take

time to digest all the information. It gave a clear message from page one on what the book covers. There was lots of practical advice on ways to cope with debt and savings. There’s a summary at the end of each chapter for you to interact with, which makes you think of what you have just read. I liked the way that Makala encourages you whatever your situation. She informs the reader about her own journey in the financial world, and there are some nice little quotes throughout the book. The book covers a vast range of financial topics and does make you think. The last pages are made up of financial planning lists to fill in, which I think is a great tool as it does the work for you - it just needs a little input.”

W IN

A GU IT AR !

Makala Green

Community House Art Exhibition In memory of Helen Aitchison Monday 5th September to Friday 9th of Sept

ember

10am - 3pm No booking necessary Community House, South Street, Bromley, BR1 1RH

Charity Quiz Night! ry As a VIP Media Sponsor of Prio Live, we’ve teamed up with the music festival to offer some amazing prizes. This month’s fantastic giveaway is this rare Hofmeister Gretsch guitar*. For your chance to win, all you have to do is quote ‘Life In Magazines’ when you book your tickets for the one-day music and family in festival on Saturday 6th August k Orpington’s Priory Gardens. Boo .uk e.co ryliv at prio

ne's Join us for a Quiz Night in the Garden Room at St. Augusti 7.30pm on Church, Southborough Lane, Bromley, BR2 8AT starting at to raise Thursday 9th June (doors open at 7.15pm). A fun social event prizes with Hill, Biggin at Centre Rescue funds for Foal Farm Animal . for the winning team. Please bring your own drinks and nibbles

Teams of up to six people - entry is £5 per person and booking is essential. Tables/places must be booked in advance by calling 07840-542261.

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

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

a *Shared competition with other medi s T&C' n etitio comp full For sors. spon see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps

share local

news

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 9

community -

NOTICEBOARD

Chocolate galore!

Charity spotlight Nam

e of charity: Princess Royal Universit y Hospital Maternity Voices Partnersh ip

Location: PRUH

What service do you provide? Supp ort

and improvement of maternity services in Bromley

Who is it available to? Anyone preg

Bromley

nant in

How are you funded? NHS Do you accept donations? No Do

you run any events? Yes, quarterly PRUH MVP committee meetings and feedback listening even ts

Are you looking for volunteers? Yes

How

else can people help? Submit feed back on your experiences to help improve the maternity services in Bromley Contact details: PRUHMaternityVoices@ outlook.com www.instagram. com/PRUHMVP www.facebook.com /PRUHMVP

Other need-to-kno

w info: To sign up to attend meetings or complete a survey to provide feedback go to http://bit.ly/PRUHemail Join us to find out how you can help shap e maternity services in Bromley! If you’ve given birth in Bromley in the past 5 years, work with pregnant people or new parents, or work in healthcare, and would like to join the next Princess Royal University Hosp ital Maternity Voices Partnership committee meeting, sign up to the newsletter to be sent log in details of our next meeting! http://bit.ly/PRUHe mail

In our April issue we ran a chocolate giveaway with three wonderful prizes to give away when finding the chocolate Easter eggs. The first prize (sponsored

by John at Keller Williams) was won by Mary Billington, second prize (sponsored by NewtonWood) was won by Gabija Paplaushaite (pictured) and the third prize (sponsored by Faithfully Yours LPG) was won by Anita Laben. Thanks to everyone who took part!

SUPPORTING LOCAL AUTHORS… Written during Lockdown in Bromley, local author, Francesca Spencer, has written a new book: JAFA Just Another Friendly Australian. A restless traveller herself, Francesca writes about wild travel adventures in a time when we were free to have them, this book is set in the early 80s.

Francesca says “I chose to open the book with the 1983 Wham concert (and someone trying to jump on stage and kiss George Michael)” said Francesca, “because it really encapsulates the time. I don’t apologise for the nostalgia in the book because it was a glorious time to be alive. The time of squats, magazines with pin up posters and never missing Top of the Pops. There was an innocence but at the same time a political background fraught with anxiety, which I think will resonate today. ‘We’re here for a good time, not a long time’ was our slogan and Jennie certainly lives by that in the book. Once she’s let loose in the world Jennie finds herself in London Egypt and beyond, bouncing from life-changing moments to tough lessons and hard truths all washed down with cocktails.”

“My travels and the adventures of people I met were so wild, I had to start writing to capture them! This book is to remind us of what we had that we don’t have anymore. For anyone who lived through the early eighties it’s a fun reminder of what life was like, and it provides a window into those years for younger readers. We’ve all been missing our freedom to travel in the last couple of years and I wanted to give people a chance to escape into this book.”

Available on Kindle, paperback and hardback from Amazon.

If you’re a local author or know of one, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured.

10 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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BRIGHTWATER M E M O R I A L

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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

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 11

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12 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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5 Minutes With…

COMMUNITY

Michelle Harvey

Michelle Harvey has been a well-known figure of the community for a number of years. In her day job she’s a Life Celebrant and in her spare time she’s a big believer in giving back to the community. We caught up with Michelle to find out more about her job and ongoing community involvement…

Hi Michelle! Many people will be wondering what a Life Celebrant does. Can you describe the services you offer?

A Celebrant will offer to write, read and deliver a service, whether that be a wedding, funeral, vow renewal or naming ceremony. They will also ensure the service is bespoke, unique and reflects the personality and character of the person/people they are writing about.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I work mainly for funerals and every day I will take details of at least one new service. I contact families to book in visits or arrange online meetings, and then prepare my bag for the services that I have to take that day. Once home, I update my files, make sure that music and running orders are sent to the Funeral Arrangers, and start writing. I always aim to create unique ceremonies and usually carry a notebook to jot down ideas and words that come to mind.

It’s not a 9-5 job at all.

What's the best part of your job?

Without a doubt, helping families. I get to meet so many people, many of whom are probably going through one of the worst times of their lives. They may never have organised a funeral before and it is a great privilege to help them.

And what, if anything, would you change?

People’s perceptions of what a funeral has to be like.

Slowly, people are coming around to understanding that it can be a celebration of life, and basically, that anything goes. But we are still led by what the majority of society expects.

We can imagine that you're surrounded by high emotions daily. How do you cope with this?

Yes, it can be and often is very emotional, and I am not one to follow the belief, that it is ‘not my grief’. When you sit with a family, and they tell you about their loved one and how they died, it is sad. I am lucky that I have the most amazing friends and family and I also work in an industry where colleagues fully understand what it can be like. We are all there for each other if any of us are having a bad day.

What has been one of your most memorable services?

I do enjoy stepping outside of my comfort zone though.

I will learn a phrase in a different language and I’ve been known to take a service wearing Minnie Mouse ears (at the family’s request), but all of them, in their own way, are unique, and memorable.

You're a big believer in supporting the community. What projects are you involved in?

I value the community and believe wholeheartedly, in giving back. The Bereavement Cafe was started in 2017 as a source of help for those families who had lost loved ones and needed to talk to someone, a counsellor, that didn’t have a waiting list or cost an arm and a leg. Since then, and also due to the pandemic, we have grown, and I am forever indebted to our amazing volunteers. I am also a supporter of small businesses, running a network group which is now expanding into other boroughs. We are currently organising a Speed Networking event to help raise money for The Chartwell Cancer Trust and The MumMum Foundation.

What does community mean to you?

Community is the lifeblood of our town – Orpington has always been a great place to live, work and socialise. We have amazing businesses there and using them puts back into the pockets of the community, rather than lining those of large companies that have no interest in our town. Lately, we have seen some fantastic events put on in Orpington and we are looking forward to celebrating our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year too. Community is everything, and we are so lucky to have a great one.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 13

Giving your loved ones the service that they deserve 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.

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

14 Life in... Orpington June 2022

Community is important to me and I’m passionate about what I do.

My work as a life celebrant helps families who have lost a loved one to create a unique and fitting ceremony that’s personal to them.

Other services I offer include: • Weddings & vow renewals

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

Contact:

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

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Local Heroes...

Chandra with Sue (left) & Heather at Time For Flowers

COMMUNITY

Chandra Sharma

Chandra Sharma was nominated by both Darren Weale and Christine Atkinson. Darren said: "Chandra is

the lynchpin of Orpington's business networking scene, creating groups, bringing people together and helping boost the High Street and local charities along the way. He puts a massive amount of time and effort into the community. Orpington and Bromley are better places for Chandra being here." Christine said: “Chandra is without question my ‘local hero’. He is always gracious and generous with his time and a wonderful support in his busy schedule.”

How does it feel to be nominated?

I am deeply honoured and taken aback. It was completely unexpected as I do not see myself as any kind of hero.

You're known as the Orpington business guru for what you do for the local business community.

Can you describe ways you've been involved?

I love the thought of people helping each other, particularly those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Communities often come together during major disasters, but we should all come together in normal times. When I first set up my business, I wanted to do something to bring local business owners together and connect them to the local community. I did this upon the request of the then Town Centre Manager, Cheryl Curr, who asked me to set up a meeting to see what local businesses wanted. From this, the Orpington Business Forum (OBF) was successfully formed, resulting in forging new business friendships and working with the local council to achieve positive changes. This included the launch of the first Business Improvement District (BID) in the borough, for which I was a director for the first few years.

What is one of your most proudest moments?

Being nominated and subsequently recognised by the Safer Bromley Partnership in 2009 for ‘making Bromley safer’.

Another proud moment was celebrating ten years of opening our shop in the presence of my late mum and dad and the then Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Kim Botting.

What would you change locally, if anything?

I would like to see more investment by the council and other stakeholders in Orpington and the small parades that surround our town centre. Businesses need support particularly during these challenging times. It is important that we preserve our local community and our local stores.

When a new business comes to Orpington you personally go and introduce yourself and offer to help them – why is this?

This is something that I have always done and will continue to do. Opening a business is hard and you need all the support. We have some fantastic businesses in the town and they all need reassurance to help them on their way.

What does success mean to you?

It’s being happy whatever you are doing, and for me this starts at home with my family. It also means leaving some kind of legacy for others. Helping charities is important to me and it is something we have done for many years including our popular annual MacMillan Coffee mornings.

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Do you think Orpington has a strong business community?

Yes certainly and this has been made possible by the great work done by the Orpington BID led by Sharon, Chris and the Board of Directors.

When you're not working what do you like to do?

I love spending time at home with my family and our dog, Leo, plus time in my shed fixing and making things.

Tell us more about your business.

Elmcroft Business Services started off on the corner of Elmcroft Rd and Chislehurst Rd in 2005. We supply stationery, inks and toners, office furniture and customised workwear to small and medium sized businesses. Our website has over 250,000 products so there is something for everyone!

You're also a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) volunteer and you run The People Skills Course as well as running a networking group.

How do you keep all the plates spinning?

I love helping other businesses which is why I volunteer for the FSB. The People Skills Course is my passion and something that I started off with my colleague, Zeenat Noorani, during lockdown. We are currently running taster sessions at Startup Bromley in Bromley Central Library on the last Thursday of each month. Spinning plates is difficult and challenging and, occasionally one of the plates can fall, but I try my best for this not to happen!

How important is it that people support local businesses?

Local businesses employ local people who spend their money locally. This is especially true of local independent businesses who need every bit of your support. Their owners are invested in their business and offer expert customer service and some great value.

Chandra at his annual Macmillan Coffee morning.

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

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 15

community

remembering our very first date, now thirty- two years ago.

We met playing husband and wife in a play in Eastbourne. At the end of the season he asked if he could take me out to dinner Life is so different when the sun is shining. Of in a unique and romantic course, as I write this I have no idea what the Italian restaurant. I, of course, weather is currently doing, as the column is written was delighted. After a very lovely a few weeks in advance, and weather conditions candle-lit meal, being the perfect are, nowadays, very different from the hot British gentleman, he said he would walk me to my flat. Again, he very considerately walked on the summers I experienced as a child in the 60s. outside. Here again, that Dracula music flows through my head, because on our romantic walk Being an eternal optimist, I am hoping the sun homewards, another giant seagull flew toward is shining as you read this, as we are planning I now fully us, hovered above Hubby, then before we an early summer holiday. We love the British understand why the could say ‘Shoo,’ it had opened its bowels seaside. Our Kent coasts are so convenient if you live in Bromley, Orpington, or its English are so famous and left the contents on poor Hubby’s for being seen by the bald head. Slithering seagull droppings surrounds. Nothing better than long, lazy, sea in swimming immediately started to slide down the side of sunny days on the beach, and so easy attire and a his head as I speedily fumbled in my handbag to get to. One drawback though, (at this handkerchief over for a tissue to come to his aid. In that few point, Dracula music streams through my their head seconds all the evening’s romance vanished. I head), as I recall one holiday when a giant had to fight to keep a straight face. Hubby’s head seagull swooped down and dived speedily into was bright red with a mixture of embarrassment and the paper-wrapped bag of chips that I was happily the rubbing needed to remove the damage. I now fully eating by the side of the sea. Then it sped off, beak full understand why the English are so famous for being seen of chips, only to come back a minute later to repeat the by the sea in swimming attire and a handkerchief over their crime, and as quickly as I lifted my hand to swipe it away, head, nothing to do with sunburn on their heads, all about the feathered thief had nicked another few chips and was seagulls, bags of chips, and the saving of romance. off, again, then again, until only my greasy paper was left.

Lines from Linda

"

My Hubby now always packs an umbrella, no matter what the weather forecast. Understandable, me thinks,

For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk

Liberty’s is a local

independent boutique, located next to Lloyds Bank just off Orpington High Street.

We stock: Italian fashion including silks in many colours & styles A range of clothing to suit sizes from 6-8 up to 22-24 A wide range of clothing, bags, jewellery and gifts Other products from small local businesses on the shelves, which make this boutique unique!

LibertysFashion

libertysfashionx

Lisa Clark

Owner & Manager

16 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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NEED A HANDYMAN OR GARDENER? Call Tony on

07977 449274 References available

NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE

www.flinsfitness.co.uk

A ray of sunshine from Time For Flowers Gorgeous bouquets to suit every budget

Call 01689 485044

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

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

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 17

what's on

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

business

There's something for everyone!

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

1230 The Women’s Company Orpington 1st Thursday of each month

La Scala, Orpington 12.30pm-2pm followed by open networking Non-members £28 and members £18. This includes a complimentary delicious lunch, plus any workshops and speakers.

Contact: Email jgroundsell@1230.co.uk or call 07930756012 / 020 8650 8015 https://1230.co.uk/calendar/ As a leading businesswomen’s network, we provide on and off-line trading and business growth opportunities across the UK and overseas at local level. Our dynamic networking business helps businesswomen make the connections and find the support needed in business – from meeting locally to share experiences, to working together to grow business through regular vibrant, buzzy networking meetings.

community & charity 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.

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.

HEALTH, FITNESS & MINDSET Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 412027

18 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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 9.30am 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 855 424. Email melcrisp41@icloud.com www.melcrispyoga.com First class is free when mentioning Life In Orpington magazine

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, Thursday 9.30am - 7pm, Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, Wednesday & Sunday closed New Reading Group for Adults Interested in reading? Enjoy discussing books?

Join our NEW reading group Second Thursday of the month 5.30-6.30pm.

Booking essential-Limited spaces Tel: 01689 821607

Southborough

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.

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

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what's on

Music/Entertainment Orpington Symphony Orchestra in Concert Saturday 18th June, 7.30pm

All Saints Church, Bark Hart Road, Orpington BR6 0QD Cost: £10 adults, £5 children Contact: www.orpingtonsymphonyorchestra.co.uk Join Orpington Symphony Orchestra for an exhilarating summer concert. Conductor: Emily Singh Programme: Weber - Overture "Preciosa", Op.78, Weiner - Serenade, Op.3, Bizet - Symphony in C

Orpington Keyboard Club Concert

Tuesday 28th June, 2.30pm-5pm (doors open 2pm)

Crofton Halls, York Rise, Orpington, BR6 8PR Cost: Entrance fees £10 for visitors, Members £8 Contact: Chairman John Parker, 07973 622905 or Secretary, 01689 837044 and Facebook page ‘Orpington Keyboard Club’, email johnparker2a@gmail. com or see www.OrganFax.co.uk/clubs/orpington We are back with a concert featuring Elizabeth Harrison.

The hall is air-conditioned, with free face masks and adequate seat spacing and hand sanitizers. There will be an interval at half-time and cash bar for drinks. Free parking available, plus wheelchair & disabled facilities.

FAMILY DAYS OUT Bromley Pageant of Motoring Sunday 12th June, 09.30am-5pm

Norman Park, Bromley, BR2 9EZ Cost: Bring your classic vehicle from £7, public tickets from £12 Contact: Email bromleypageant@a-me.co.uk or call 07375 554420 For details see www.bromleypageant.co.uk The Bromley Pageant of Motoring has been running for almost 40 years, famous for its One Make Parking.

A classic motoring pageant with car clubs, classic commercial display, trade stands, auto jumble, live action arena, kids’ zone and funfair!

Film, theatre & Performances Bromley Little Theatre

Bookings: www.bromleylittletheatre.org

The Prisoner of Second Avenue

Mel Edison has definitely had better days. The summer heat is unbearable, the air-con is on the blink, the noisy neighbours are driving him crazy, his high-stress job is about to vanish and the television news is getting weirder by the second. Luckily Edna, his loving and supportive wife, is a beacon of hope and sanity. But not for long…

A Walk in the Woods

15th-19th June, 7.45pm (In the bar) Set in pleasant woods on the outskirts of Geneva in the late 1980s two arms limitation negotiators, one Russian and one American, take a stroll. Away from the glare of the negotiating table they develop a relationship even though their personalities are very different. An intriguing and thought-provoking drama as relevant today as it was in 1988.

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

Jersey Boys

7th-11th June, Various times

Tickets from £35 They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again

A Gala Evening of Ballet and Music 19th June, Various times

Cost: £24.50 English Youth Ballet presents an exquisite gala performance of ballet and live music. The gala will star the award-winning concert pianist - Alvin Moisey and the acclaimed violinist – Peter Fisher EYB will present Sleeping Beauty – Aurora’s Wedding and showcase exciting new works from their repertoire.

The Greatest Hits of Motown 18th June, Various times

Cost: £32.50 This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!

3rd – 11th June, 7.45pm (Main auditorium)

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE:

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.

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6TH JUNE

To advertise call 020 3488 9959 email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

@lifeinmags June 2022 Life in... Orpington 19

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Special Souvenir pull-out-and-keep

As you know, we will be celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this month with an extended Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. Special events will be taking place all over the country to commemorate the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and Bromley will be doing its bit to make sure the Queen’s 70 years of service to the country are honoured with beacons, banners and street parties.

As Councillor Peter Morgan says, “This is a great opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate after a difficult couple of years”; we hope you are looking forward to spending time with friends, family and neighbours for this unique occasion - let’s hope the good old British weather plays its part too!

To mark the occasion, we’ve compiled this special pull-out tribute to remind us of the remarkable life and times of our Queen. How many of the events and images included on the following pages do you remember? We hope this special pull-out will help either bring back happy memories or provide an educational insight into the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II – and get you in the mood for a very special few days!

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 23

19th July, 1977 Prince Charles opened the Churchill Theatre

26th March, 1

The Queen op Bromley Civ Centre

6th Feb, 1952

30th July, 1966

The Queen succeeded to the throne

England won the World Cup against West Germany 4-2

1950 5

1960

1970

1980

29th May, 1953 Sherpa Tenzing Norgay & Edmund Hillary reached the top of Mount Everest

20th July, 1969

1960’s Beatlemania the Fab Four

Neil Armstrong & Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, first people to step onto the moon’s surface

September 1969

4th May, 1979 Margaret “Maggie” Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of England

David Bowie appeared at a free outdoor concert in Beckenham

Time in W

1955 - 1958 The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition succeeded in crossing Antarctica via the South Pole, under the patronage of the Queen

24 Life in... Orpington June 2022

4th January, 1967 The Jimi Hendrix Experience perform at the Bromel Club in The Bromley Court Hotel

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

6th February, 2022 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

15th May, 2012 The Queen visits Bromley on her Diamond Jubilee

1986

pens vic

9th April, 2021 The Queen’s consort dies aged 99

22nd October, 1991 The Glades Shopping Centre opens

1990

2000

2010

2020

2000 We entered the new millennium without a computer glitch.

6th May, 1994 The Channel Tunnel opened

2007 The first Apple smartphone revolutionized our lives.

27th July - 12th August, 2012 1989

e Berners-Lee nvented the World Wide Web

31st August, 1997 Diana, Princess of Wales, died in Paris in a car crash

The London Olympics

2022 The Elizabeth railway line is due to open

1997 The first Harry Potter book, The Philosopher’s Stone

by JK Rowling

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 25

Park Avenue 1987 Bromley High Street in the 60s

Flooding in Beckenham, circa 1968

Pedestrianisation was introduced in 1993

Digging out the bus on the 471 route in Cudham, 1952

61 bus during the 1987 Hurricane

Bromley Borough During the Queen’s Re

Coronation Party, Moorfield Road, Orpington

ign

Some momentous events have happened in the Bromley borough during Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign - here are just a few. How many of them do you remember?

We’d love to see your pictures celebrating this year’s Jubilee – send them to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured!

Park Avenue, Orpington 1987 Hurricane

Shoreham Road, St. Paul’s Cray.

Silver Jubilee party 1977

Park Avenue, Orpington

Carlton Parade.

1987 Hurricane

The top of Wimborne Ave 16th Oct 1987 Hurricane

Hillcrest Road/Felstead Road junction in February 2009

Photos: Thank you to the original owners of the prints used in this supplement - Marie Edwards Collection, Bromley Historic Collections, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Graham Wootten, Dave Lowe, Stephanie Tyler, Phil Waller & The Orpington History Organisation

Dates for your Diary

On Thursday 2nd June there will be a full

programme of entertainment in Market Square to reflect the last 70 years. It will begin with a live screening of the Trooping the Colour at 10am. The day will conclude with the lighting of Orpington town centre’s official Jubilee beacon at 9:45pm and a firework display.

For details of more events in the borough see https://www.bromley.gov.uk/platinumjubilee

26 Life in... Orpington June 2022

Note: GLL will be hosting a number of exciting cultural activities to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee across all libraries. Highlights include The #EveryoneARoyal Art Challenge (running until 6th June), where children can design and submit a portrait of themselves as a Royal.

All entries will be displayed in The Glades in June and July. see better.org.uk/bromley-jubilee-events

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1. Check your tax code If you’re a full or part-time employee you’re likely to be paying tax via pay-as-you-earn (PAYE). This means your income tax is deducted at source and goes straight to HMRC. Your tax code is essentially a few numbers and a letter, for example 1257L, and it’s shown on your payslip. Those few digits can make difference to the amount of tax you’re paying, and it’s quite a di not uncommon for errors to creep in. For example, if you once had a company car with a fuel-guzzling engine but have switched to an eco-friendly model, your tax code should be adjusted to ensure you are paying less. If in doubt about your tax code, speak to your employer or call HMRC directly.

2. Claim allowable expenses For self-employed workers, there the are a host of allowable expenses that can help to bring your tax bill down. These expenses include offce running costs, train fares and website fees, and should be taken off your overall proot, meaning you only pay tax on the amount left over after these costs.

3. Check if you’re eligible for tax-free childcare If you have children and pay for nursery, childminding, or wrapa wraparound care, you may be eligible for tax-free childcare.

Under this scheme, the government will pay 20% towards your childcare costs up to a maximum of £2,000 per year, per eligible child. Tax-free childcare is just one of several childcare schemes available – working parents may also be eligible for varying amounts of free childcare and tax credits.

Use the government’s childcare calculator to nd out which option is best for your family. famil

taxable income, so if these contributions keep your annual income below £100,000, you will beneet from the maximum level of personal allowance.

Paying more into a pension pot can have implications for child beneet, too. Currently, monthly child beneet payments are gradually reduced if the higher-earning parent receives over £50,000 annually, annuall and by the time the income hits £60,000 any entitlement disappears completely. By paying more into a pension fund, it might be possible to keep your taxable salary just below £50,000, thus ensuring you receive the full child beneet entitlement, while also boosting your pension savings for later years.

5. Make the most of your marriage or civil partnership The marriage allowance is a tax break that lets a husband, wife or civil partner transfer £1,260 of their personal allowance to the higher earning partner. To qualify, you must not pay Income Tax or your income must be below the Personal Allowance (£12,750). Your partner should pay Income Tax at the basic rate, which means their income is between £12,751 and £50,270 before befo receiving marriage allowance.

The marriage allowance can be worth up to £252 in tax savings per year, yet around 2.4 million qualifying couples are failing to claim the beneet. However, the good news is marriage allowance claims can be backdated up to four years.

4. Pay into a pension

6. Save if you’re single!

Most UK taxpayers get tax relief on the money they pay into a pension fund, which means the government tops up payments into your retirement savings pot. For basic rate taxpayers, the top-up is 20% - HMRC will add £20 for every £80 you pay into a pension fund. As well as this form of tax relief, saving for retirement can actually cut the annual tax bill for those earning over £100,000 a year. This is because the personal allowance (the tax-free annual earnings allowance currently set at £12,570) is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000. Pension contributions reduce your

Living alone can bring its perks. Don’t forget that most local authorities in England and Wales offer a single person’s council tax discount of 25%. This can be worth around £300 a year, yet many residents fail to claim the beneet. To discover more, contact your local council directly, or use this government website.

For help and information about reducing your tax bill, please contact Perrys using the contact information detailed below.

If you require any assistance regarding the information mentioned in this article, please contact your local Perrys office.

www.perrysaccountants.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Orpington 01689 823175

Wrotham 01732 870032

Historic Dockyard Chatham 01634 245900

Tunbridge Wells 01892 543900

Tonbridge 01732 770100

West Malling 01732 870032

London 020 7408 4442 / 020 7259 9339

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 27

lifestyle

Shopping

The nation’s 5 top wardrobe staples revealed

New research from One4all Favourites Gift Cards has revealed the top five fashion items every woman needs in her wardrobe, and celebrity stylist, Mark Heyes, has shared some tips on how to build the perfect wardrobe.

Results from the poll revealed that the one piece your wardrobe shouldn’t be without is a pair of well-fitting jeans, with the overwhelming majority of those polled (80%) saying this is an essential part of their fashion collection, as well as being the item which women would most likely splurge on.

Next to appear on the list was a basic white t-shirt (68%) and a classic trainer (63%) – with both guaranteeing comfort and style with any outfit.

A little black dress, which is a classic wardrobe staple which can be worn again and again, was identified as a must-have for nearly half (49%) of women, followed by black tailored trousers (39%) – which can be dressed up or down for any social occasion.

The research also reveals how often women like to update their wardrobe, with 57% treating themselves to new clothing at least once a month. And it looks like women like to keep it in the family when it comes to getting fashion inspiration, with nearly half (38%) looking to friends and relatives when they’re looking to give their wardrobe a refresh, while only

Top 5 hero fashion items: Well-fitting jeans (80%) Basic white t-shirt (68%) Classic trainer (63%) Little black dress (49%) Black tailored trousers (39%)

£45

29% feel inspired by influencers and celebrities.

It seems the pandemic has had a longstanding impact on our fashion priorities too, with 34% admitting they have learned the importance of a capsule wardrobe and buying fashion pieces which will last, while more than one in three are more aware of the impact clothes have on their overall mood.

Far from being easily influenced, the majority of those polled prefer their wardrobes to represent their personal taste and style, as over half (64%) buy clothes they like and aren’t swayed by the current fashion trends.

Mark Heyes, celebrity stylist, said: “I’m pleased to see that British women really see the value in those timeless classic fashion pieces, which really work to elevate our own personal style and suit every shape, style and budget. There are such great-quality jeans available even on a smaller budget – a hefty price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better jeans, so I’d recommend not spending any more than £50. Instead, shop wherever you find the jeans best fit your figure and choose a style you feel comfortable in. Don’t be afraid to try something different and swap out your favourite pair of jeans in your capsule wardrobe every few years, for example from skinny to wide leg. We can often get stuck in a rut with our style, so opting for an alternative style jean can completely transform the appearance of your favourite outfits”

OUTFIT OF THE MONTH Available to buy from Liberty’s in Orpington is this beautiful pink zebra silk top for £36 with white silk trousers for £34.

For details see facebook.com/ LibertysFashion

Father’s Day gift idea!

This personalised BBQ Caddy is made from solid acacia wood. You can have up to 20 characters with a name of your choice.

It’s from Faithfully Yours LPG – see faithfullyyourslpg.co.uk

28 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 29

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30 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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Did You Know…

lifestyle

Cheese the day!

If you needed an excuse to eat cheese, June 4th marks National Cheese Day. We’ve teamed up with award-winning cheese makers, Kingcott Dairy in Staplehurst (kingcottdairy.co.uk), to bring you these interesting facts to nibble on, plus a great competition…

1. A 2005 study from the British Cheese Board found that eating cheese 30 minutes before bed actually improves sleep, contrary to the popular belief that it gives you nightmares. Cheese contains an amino acid called tryptophan which promotes peaceful sleep.

2. Queen Victoria was given a giant Cheddar wheel that weighed over 1,000 pounds as a wedding gift.

3. People who love cheese are called turophiles.

4. Chilled cheeses should be taken out of the refrigerator one and a half to two hours before serving, the flavour will be at its best when the cheese is at room temperature 5. Cheese production around the globe is more than the combined worldwide production of coffee, tobacco, tea and cocoa beans.

6. During the Roman Empire large Roman houses had separate kitchens for manufacturing cheese only, they were called Careale.

£20 & £50 notes to be replaced The Bank of England will be withdrawing legal tender status of the paper £20 and £50 notes after 30th September this year and is encouraging anyone who has these at home to spend or deposit them at their bank or Post Office.

There are billions of pounds worth of £20 and £50 notes still in circulation. As they are returned to the Bank of England, these are being replaced with the new polymer £20 notes featuring J.M.W. Turner, and polymer £50 notes featuring Alan Turing. After 30th September, people with a UK bank account will still be able to deposit withdrawn notes into their account. Some Post Offices may also accept withdrawn notes as payment for goods and services or as a deposit to an account accessed via them. The Bank of England can also exchange withdrawn notes. For details see bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/ exchanging-old-banknotes

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7. During the Great Fire of London, Samuel Peyps buried his favourite cheese, Parmesan, in his back garden.

8. Cheese can be produced using a variety of milk, including coconut, soybean, nuts, cow, buffalo, goat, donkey, horse and camel!

WIN a Blue Cheese Box

(550g), worth £22!

WIN

Kingcott Dairy’s Blue Cheese Box includes two different handmade blue cheeses, Kentish Crackers and a jar of sweet quince jelly.

For the chance to win, email your answer to hello@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘Cheese competition’ to the following question:

Which one of these cheeses is not a blue cheese?

A. Kingcott Blue B. Gorgonzola C. Brie Full T&Cs can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/lifeincomps

Fly tipping crack down

-

Households will no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste under plans set out by government to change the rules that currently allows some Local Authorities to charge for DIY waste from households. Under the proposals, household DIYers would not be charged to get rid of waste including plasterboards, bricks and bath units.

This is part of a fresh move to crack down on flytipping, which has increased since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Government banned backdoor charges on local residents disposing of household rubbish at household waste centres in 2015 and since then guidance has made clear that this includes DIY household waste.

However, around a third of Local Authorities still charge for certain types of DIY waste, using rules designed for construction waste. The changes outlined in a technical consultation published recently will change this rule and could save households up to £10 for an individual item – for example, a sheet of plasterboard.

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 31

lifestyle

Relationships

10 IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING & MARKING FATHER’S DAY 1. Make a mini scrapbook with pictures of memories with them from the last year.

2. Treat dad to a night out – dinner at Blue Harbour in Bromley followed by a film, perhaps? Or how about a night of live music with Craig Neil at The Bank in Locksbottom?

3. Enjoy a games afternoon – but let dad pick what he wants to play. Popular and fun games to try include Pictionary, Balderdash and Articulate.

4. Have a picnic. Choose a spot that dad loves, pack a picnic with his favourite food and drinks and head off for an afternoon of fun. If it’s raining, opt for an indoor picnic instead.

5. Organise a cheese and wine-tasting session – make it fun by blindfolding dad and getting him to guess the cheeses!

6. Plan movie night! Get the popcorn in, get dad’s favourite film ready and sit down for a night of fun.

7. Entertain dad with a night at the theatre! Bromley Churchill has got some cracking shows on – something to suit all tastes!

8. Send him on a treasure hunt around the house and watch as he tries to figure out clues that lead up to his main present – some cufflinks, magazine subscription or his favourite aftershave perhaps?

9. Buy him tickets to this year’s Priory Live Music Festival. It’s on 6th August and if you quote ‘Life In… Magazines’ when booking, you might even win him a guitar (see the Noticeboard pages).

10. Get him to de-stress with a facial or massage at a local beauty salon. Try Trendy Beauty in Farnborough Village who have a great range of options for men.

SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL DATE

To help singletons across the country prep for their upcoming dates, the jewellery experts at ABELINI have shared their insights about the secret to a successful date and how to enjoy getting back on the dating scene.

1. Listen: One important part of dating is to make sure

you listen. By listening to your date and taking an interest in their life, this will help the conversation to flow more easily and both parties will feel more engaged in what is being said. Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers, being sure to avoid dominating the conversation and talking too much about yourself.

2. Make good eye contact: Eye contact on a date is key, as it helps you to build a connection with the other person which will continue to deepen throughout the date. Eye contact is also a powerful tool to enhance honesty, as you can gather how the date is going and get a greater feel for one another by the look in your partner’s eyes.

3. Compliment them: Who doesn’t love to be

complimented and told they look nice, have dressed well, or are funny on a date? Complimenting your potential future partner is a great way to make them feel good and boost their mood throughout the date, whilst also showing you to be a kind and caring person.

Make sure not to overdo it though, as this can sometimes come across as over the top and might make them feel uncomfortable.

4. Show kindness: Manners and kindness cost nothing, and this is something important to remember when dating. Remember to say please and thank you when required and be kind to your date. Avoid making jokes at their expense or saying something which might upset them – you’re there to make a good impression and that is unlikely to happen if you come across rude or unkind.

5. Show generosity: Whether you’re going out for dinner, starting with a drink, or have an activity planned, there are ample opportunities to show generosity on a date. If you’re the one who asked the other person on a date, it’s the generous thing to do to offer to pay for whatever you had planned, especially if you like the person and are keen to see them again. If you’re the one who has been asked, make sure to offer to split the cost, even if they refuse, as it sets the right tone for another date in the future.

So, whether you’re getting back on the dating scene or just want to prepare for an upcoming rendezvous, remember to just be yourself, show manners, but most of all just have fun.

32 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 33

lifestyle

Health & Beauty All about…microblading

What? The demand for microblading (semi-permanent eyebrow makeup) hasn’t waned in recent years as the trend for bushier brows has taken off – and shows no signs of slowing down. The appearance of thicker brows lends well to a more youthful appearance, but reasons to opt for the procedure vary – from providing more definition to eyebrow shape, to offering the appearance of eyebrows when there’s nothing there at all.

How? The technician applies a numbing cream before using a tattooing tool (with tiny blades) to carefully apply the dye. It’s all planned first and you are able to see the shape of the brows and agree on the colour before committing. Allow about four hours for the first sitting and there’s a follow-up (for a top-up) a month later of about an hour.

Where? Thanks to Sublime Beauty, microblading can

come to you! Simone is a member of the Harley Street Microblading Academy and VTCT Level 4 Qualified (the highest accreditation in semi-permanent makeup). She is also a mobile microblading technician within the boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich and Croydon.

How Much? Prices start from £190.

Our thoughts: Having given microblading a go with Sublime Beauty, we were delighted at the prospect at not having to fill in gaps in eyebrows every morning for the next 1-3 years. We’ve got more definition and, what we particularly love is the subtlety of the shading – it looks completely natural – great for the ‘no makeup look’ and for those who believe ‘less is more’.

Get it booked: For a free consultation contact Simone on 07495 812897, email simone@sublimebeauty.co.uk or see sublimebeauty.co.uk

Personalised supplements If you’re on top of your game and managing to take supplements that complement your diet and lifestyle, that’s great. But given that there is so much choice, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Enter Alyve – personalised supplements designed just for you. The concept is clear and the process is straightforward. You go onto its website to answer a series of questions about health objectives and challenges, and Alyve designs a supplement tailored specifically for your needs. The supplements themselves are made with the highest bioavailable ingredients, are vegan approved, contain no GMOs, fillers or binders and are easily digestible. And the good news is that from just 50p a day, Alyve Dailys cost around 70% less than the average monthly nutritional routine. Check them out at www.alyvewellness.com

The best plants to help improve your sleep • Jasmine has been used for centuries

• Aloe vera releases oxygen at night • The scent of lavender has a alming effect • Peace lilies are approved by NASA to help with air purification Zeal CBD

34 Life in... Orpington June 2022

How to…do a lunge (correctly) Fran Flin of Flin’s Fitness says "Like the squat, there are many variations; each version challenging the legs in differing ways. In its basic static form, the legs should be in a long stride, hip width apart giving you a stable base. Keeping the back upright, drop the back knee towards the floor, as if trying to squash a drink can under the knee! The upright position of the body avoids any over bending at the front knee and you should aim for a 90’ angle at both knees in the down phase.

Return to start for one rep. You can vary the speed of the lunge and add weights for more intensity.

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New trend in searches for collagen shampoo emerge

The trend for collagen shampoo is taking off according to SBC Skincare, with searches increasing by up to 90% over the past month.

The company offers Hydra-Collagen haircare that is enriched with Marine Collagen and Keratin to help strengthen and encourage lift. Marine Collagen contains eight essential amino acids for moisture-binding properties that help enhance suppleness and flexibility of the skin, and prevent hair dehydration. It is also specifically formulated to address signs of skin ageing, as well as dry, thinning and fine hair which looks dull and flat. The Hydra-Collagen Super Boost Shampoo costs £18.50 for 500ml (£12.50 for 300ml) and is free from silicones and sulphates. It is suitable for daily use and colour-treated hair.

A Hydra-Collagen Super Shine Conditioner is also available for £18.50 (for 500ml) to help nourish, detangle and smooth hair. For details see sbcskincare.co.uk

lifestyle

3 things you didn’t know about your scar

1. When treated early, you can lessen the appearance of scars: When you take early action, you can prevent scars from forming or ensure the smallest possible scarring. Silicone treatments have been clinically proven to be effective in this healing.

For example, Kelo-Cote gel helps prevent hypertrophic and keloid scars from forming - but it is important to use it as soon as the wound is closed, or sutures are removed.

2. There are several different types of scars: These different types of scars are defined by shape, depth and characteristics of the scar tissue. The different types of scars are called: Fineline, Keloid, Contractures, Hypertrophic and Pitted Scars. Each different scar has different needs.

3. Scars don't contain Melanin - the pigment that protects skin from UV radiation: SPF protection is important because regardless of skin colour, scars don’t contain melanin – the pigment that protects skin from UV radiation. So, if scars are left exposed to the sun, they can become more pronounced and even disfigured.

For more information see nhs.uk/conditions/scars/treatment kelo-cote.co.uk

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0203 609 2417 or 07496 908 733 June 2022 Life in... Orpington 35

lifestyle

Food & Drink

A SHOWSTOPPING CELEBRATION CAKE FIT FOR A QUEEN!

On the first weekend of June, the Queen will be celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, marking an incredible 70 years on the throne. With the highly anticipated four-day bank holiday weekend, many are planning celebrations with family and friends and cooking up an array of special dishes to impress guests.

To celebrate the Jubilee Weekend, British Apples and Pears (BAPL) have partnered with celebrity chef, Raymond Blanc, to create a showstopping apple mousse cake which rightly champions Britain’s national fruit – the apple.

The cake incorporates three varieties of British apples:

English Bramley, Lilibet and Royal Gala. English Bramleys and Royal Gala can be found in British supermarkets, Lilibet are a little harder to find, but you can easily substitute Lilibet with any other British eating apple.

Commenting on the special recipe development, Raymond Blanc said: “I am very proud to be part of this historical event. Britain produces some of the finest apples in the world and I believe this spectacular recipe is the perfect showcase for this wonderful fruit. Food is at the heart of any celebration, bringing close family and friends together, and this remarkable cake will be sure to impress and delight your guests.”

For the full instructions on how to make this impressive cake see bit.ly/royaljubileeapplecake

WHAT YOUR FOOD PREFERENCES REVEAL ABOUT YOU

Eggs

Chicago Town Deep Dish Pizza

Chips

Crunch – Firm, Assertive, and Headstrong Goo – Spontaneous, Sentimental, and Easy-going

Gravy

Hard boiled - Patient, Resilient, Prudent Soft boiled - Reactive, Imaginative, Energetic Fries - Curious, Trendy, Youthful Chunky - Hardworking, Conservative, Loyal

Peanut Butter

Thick - Deep, Decisive, Objective Runny - Friendly, Humourous, Gentle

Crunchy - Resourceful, Thorough, Warm Smooth - Peaceful, Romantic, Level-headed

Scones

Bacon

Jam first - Dignified, Courteous, Charming Cream first - Adventurous, Colourful, Daring

Steak

Rare - Extroverted, Creative, Excitable Well Done - Considerate, Thoughtful, Assured

Bananas

Ripe - Subtle, Humble, Principled Firm - Charismatic, Confident, Innovative

Avocado

Mashed - Passionate, Honest, Playful Sliced - Reliable, Sophisticated, Methodical

Toast

Golden - Perfectionist, Practical, Popular Dark - Free-willed, Adrenaline Seeker, Self-sufficient

Crispy - Witty, Persuasive, Fun-loving Chewy - Good-natured, Kind, Tidy

Burger

Gherkin - Optimistic, Courageous, Carefree No gherkin - Faithful, Attentive, Idealistic

Chocolate

Fridge - Aspiring, Cultured, Farsighted Room Temp - Dynamic, Simple, Collaborative

Pancakes

American-Style - Action-orientated, bold, dramatic Crepes - Intelligent, Contemplative, Tolerant

Peas

Garden - Honourable, Observant, Shrewd Mushy - Liberal, Personable, Sympathetic

Middle-Eastern inspired treats Bringing the bold, the colourful and the abundant is Ramona’s, a range of Middle-Eastern inspired treats. Whether you’re planning a family feast, or putting on a spread to enjoy with friends, Ramona’s flavoursome falafels and big pots of delicious houmous are ideal for easy entertaining. As an example, the 500g pots of houmous cost £3 and are available in three flavours: Original, Jalapeno and Red Pepper. The range is vegan and gluten free and available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado. See www.ramonaskitchen.com

36 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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community

The George

A review

by JAMIE WRIGHT

Hayes is a popular destination for eating and drinking out in the borough; there is a wide selection of bars and eateries both on Hayes Street and Station Approach. One of the more venerable buildings in the picturesque heart of Old Hayes is the 17th century pub, The George.

Familiar to all who live nearby and even giving its name to the street that it stands on, The George is a fine looking old inn with an impressive gravel covered courtyard out front and a smart tealcoloured portico entrance. Although always a smart building, the recent refresh has really made the exterior pop. This impression is further bolstered by the vibrant geodesic-patterned tile floor which leads into the pub itself.

Service & atmosphere The interiors offer an eclectic mix of different textures and palettes - everything from the glamorous to the industrial both in the soft furnishings and the fixtures and fittings.

The mix is a good one for inspiring feelings of homeliness as well as luxury. The staff were unfailingly helpful and knowledgeable about both the refurb and the menu.

Grub’s up!

The setting is one thing, but the food and drink is what makes a place like The George. There are a range of different menus depending on when you dine and your specific dietary requirements. We picked from the ‘All Day’ menu, but there is also a Lunch menu and a Sunday menu. Vegans are well catered for too with a range of starters, mains and desserts. If you happen to be dining with youngsters, the children’s menu has mains at £5.95 and desserts for £2.95 – great value in a venue as smart as this.

The ‘All Day’ menu contained a number of crowd-pleasers further supported by seasonal dishes from The George’s chef of four years, Mareck Kovalcik. I opted for the pan-fried wild scallops with smoked haddock to start; the buttery scallops were well complemented by the zesty celeriac

puree, with hints of the Maghreb with the use of ras al hanout. My dining partner went for the slow roasted tomato and basil soup (a vegan-friendly version is also available) and crusty bread.

As for mains, I opted for maple-glazed pork belly… accompanied, again, by scallops. The pork belly itself, pure indulgence, was lifted by the sweetness of the apple puree.

Across the table sat my dining partner’s Dirty Burger. Whilst not jealous, I couldn’t help but grab a few of the Billionaire’s Fries (that he swapped out for standard fries) when he wasn’t looking. If you didn’t think that you needed parmesan and prosciutto on your fries, then think again.

For the final instalment, you could opt for a mini dessert with a hot drink; options include chocolate brownie, apple and damson crumble or lemon posset. I thought I would blow the doors off with the Lotus Biscoff Chocolate bomb; a perfect chocolate sphere housing the cinnamon cookie paste which promptly melts with the addition of the hot toffee sauce. Hmmm.

Your need-to-knows • As well as having a well-stocked bar, when we visited, there was a gin station. Bowls of fresh fruit, herbs and even edible flower petals adorned the bar, nestled among gin copas. The George does have an extensive range of cocktails so, if you are feeling adventurous, this would be well worth exploring.

• Sundays are also a destination day for the pub, with the focus on roast dinners - why not head down there with friends and family for a roast with all the trimmings!

• Customers parking in the car park should register their vehicle to avoid a fine.

WIN A MEAL!

WIN

We’ve teamed up with The George to offer you the chance to win a meal for two.

For your chance to win, answer this question: Name one of the additional ingredients that make Billionaire’s Fries different to Standard Fries at The George.

Send your answer by email (with the subject line ‘The George Competition’) to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk T&Cs: Dinner and drinks for two up to the value of £120. Not to be used on bank holidays and weekends. Full T&Cs can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/lifeincomps

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 37

lifestyle

Life Hacks

HOW TO…HOST YOUR OWN ROYAL GARDEN PARTY No one throws a party quite like the Queen and the Platinum Jubilee will be the biggest yet.

Celebrations will be taking place nationwide, but if you prefer to celebrate privately with friends and family in your own home or garden, British Interior Designer Benji Lewis and founder of Zoom That Room, shares his suggestions to ensure your celebrations are fit for a queen.

•

•

•

Think pretty when it comes to planning your royal garden party, it’s about celebration so things should be bright and upbeat to reflect the mood.

• Floral patterns are quintessentially British, so be prepared to get flower fabulous.

• Combining different patterns suggests a casually thrown together look, but do plan what to use and where to use it - don’t contain thoughts to only using strong designs on your linens only, look at patterned china too - florals, checks and stripes are good.

• Matched porcelain tea sets are lovely, but breakages happen; don’t shy away from mismatched pieces, as long as you achieve some kind of harmony with colour or style, things will still look fab.

•

•

• •

Serve tea in a bone-china cup with a saucer; this isn’t some kind of affectation, it’s simply that it’s more pleasurable to drink from a fine china cup than it is from a hefty mug.

Establish how you wish to entertain and what’s achievable with the space you’ve got; if you only have one table and need to it be the place from which you serve tea, offer cake and sit at, then size things accordingly; a vast tray of sandwiches on a small table won’t allow for anything else to happen.

Bowls of coloured sweets provide additional interest, but think about how you present them; sugared almonds in a crystal bowl are lovely.

If you’d like your guests to stay and toast HRH after tea, have a bottle of chilled fizz close to hand, and just as you offer tea in a porcelain cup, provide a crystal Champagne glass for the pleasure, it’s immeasurably chic.

Nothing says Royal Garden party more than bunting.

Source vintage or something made from fabric so that you can re-use it.

Food-wise, opt for the Queen’s favourites: Victoria Sponge, miniature jam scones, sandwiches and chocolate tarts.

INDUSTRY SECRETS: SAVE HUNDREDS AT THE DEALERSHIP the surplus of used cars as quickly as possible.

October to December is also an excellent time to buy a new car as salespeople are looking to smash their final year targets and get as many quick sales in as possible.

2. Find out all the relevant list prices for your chosen model and make of car. This will put you in a better position, especially if you know the average current price, expected mileage and what sort of condition the vehicle should be in.

Consumers often fear the idea of haggling or negotiating at the car dealership. But with the right amount of research and a handful of industry secrets under your belt, you can feel more confident after reading these insightful tips from car finance specialists, Carvine…

3. In recent years, car finance has become the most affordable, convenient and less expensive way to purchase a vehicle. But it’s not just dealerships that offer car finance deals. Before stepping onto the forecourt, compare other deals so you know what’s available. The car dealer might be willing to budge on price if you can highlight comparable deals elsewhere.

1. Know when to strike. Prices tend to be at their lowest or at a more negotiable rate during certain times of the year. In September and March, people are more likely to part exchange their old vehicles for the latest models. To cope with the sudden influx of stock, many dealers are more open to haggling as they want to shift

4. Booking a test drive and getting a feel for the car, while listening to the engine and noticing how well the car handles on the road are all essential. If you notice anything untoward - an oil leak, blue, black or dense white smoke, staining or rust and scratches on the bodywork, you have more power for negotiation.

38 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 39

lifestyle

Pets

by OLIVIA BRIDGEN

What your cat really thinks about you New research shows that despite humans having lived with cats for 9,500 years, us Brits are still completely confused by them. Lily’s Kitchen partnered with cat behaviourist, Rosie Bescoby, to reveal tips on cat’s body language: 1. Making you open the door to let them in (when there’s a cat flap): They know what you can do to make their lives easier and are hoping you will help them.

2. Sleeping on anything you’re reading: Cats will do almost anything to get attention, and this is just one of many clever ways they’ve learnt to do so.

3. Swiping inanimate objects off the side: This is inherent predatory behaviour and if they get a reaction from their owner, well, then their work is done.

Neuter your Cat for £5

Do you live in our Bromley area (BR1 - 4 or SE20, SE23 & SE26) and would like some help to get your cat neutered? We are offering you the chance to have your cat neutered for just £5.

For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on :

4. Drinking water from a glass: Cats can be fussy when it comes to water and prefer for it to not be next to their food bowl, so will often choose a glass instead.

5. Pretending they want a tummy rub, then clawing you: Your cat wants to play rather than have a tummy rub.

6. Squeezing into tiny spaces: They feel safe and sound in hidey holes and want to get away from people for a while.

7. Getting up high: It’s another security reason – they will feel safe when they can survey their kingdom from up high.

8. Tail twitching while you are interacting with them: Your cat politely telling you to back off.

9. Staring: Fixed eye contact is threatening in cat body language. The cat is in full predatory mode and could pounce at any time.

10. Meowing: Cats generally don’t meow at each other; it’s reserved for communication with humans. They usually do this when they want some attention – or food!

11. Purring – A sign of a happy and contented cat but sometimes occurs when they’re in pain to soothe themselves.

12. Kneading – A sign of feeling safe and relaxed.

Lily’s Kitchen

Did you know… there are 10.7 million cats in the UK

Vegan diets ‘healthiest for dogs’

07776667852 w w w. c a t s . o r g . u k / b r o m l e y / contact-us Email:

neutering@bromley. cats.org.uk Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland) NEU_2343

A study by PLOS ONE compared the health outcomes of dogs on a conventional diet compared to those on raw meat diets and those on vegan pet food. It found that dogs fed conventional diets appeared to fare worse than those on either raw meat diets or vegan pet food. The study, which involved over 2,500 dogs, looked at general indicators of ill health including unusual numbers of veterinary visits, medication use, guardian opinion and assessment of health status.

40 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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Your pet pics...

This is Zip. He's a lovely, rehomed cat with a big personality and a very loud voice!

He has rather embarrassingly become infamous in the neighbourhood, for slinking into people's houses and helping himself to their dinners! He then manages to charm them into forgiveness with his affectionate manner!

Catherine Bird

lifestyle This is my Bella who was rescued from a puppy farm. I got her at six months and sadly she had to have heart surgery, but she’s doing great now.

Pauline Gilbert

Conker is a rescued bearded dragon living with Reptile Events Reptile Rescue. She's 11 years old and very sociable. She came to the rescue when her owner went back into nursing early in the pandemic and found himself working 18-hour shifts, so he wasn't able to look after her.

Jane Darnbrough

This is our (almost) one-year-old cat, Ember.

She's the most affectionate cat ever. She's so beautiful with the most striking amber eyes. Her favourite thing to do is try to catch flies, bees and wasps. We also have a lopeared bunny called Splodge who is very daft and once had his hutch left open all day and didn’t even realise!

Davina Burnett

Meet Merlin and Jasper! They are seal point and blue point Siamese cats and are approximately a year old.

Jazmin Saville

This is our sweet boy Spencer. He’s such an angel.

Jenny Nash

Here’s Dolly, a Romanian rescue.

She has had both eyes removed because of sarcoma cancer, but is taking it all in her stride.

Shelley Godenho

This is Meg and Difor. They love all the streams in the borough and have thrown themselves in most of them!

Tina Bynoe

Meet Rio. He is a Tabby X Bengal and is such an affectionate little guy. He loves giving kisses and always wants to snuggle up. He also has a wild side (must be the Bengal in him) and loves jumping onto the top of doors and whizzing around the house at top speed. We have recently had a new baby and Rio is so loving and gentle towards him. He has such a unique and intriguing personality for a cat, he has helped complete our family.

Andrea Michele Bywater

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Bill and Ted are brothers who were feral for the first 16 weeks of their life. When they were rescued they were nervous and shy, but 18 months later they are relaxed and confident.

They fight like cat and dog one minute and love each other the next. Bill is playful and a bit of a bruiser, while Ted just loves to snuggle.

Mischelle Clark

Cute pet pictures – send yours to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 41

lifestyle

Business Selling to humans

by LEE LAM, Founder and Managing Director, Your Startup Partner

Do you remember that you sell to ‘people’?

That might sound a little odd, but it's surprisingly easy to fall into the trap of thinking of a 'customer' as a faceless, emotionless avatar.

Either way, you need to be able to give them a great experience of your business – even if they do not end up buying anything straight away. A warm welcome, some kindness, a little understanding, no pressure enquiries – all help to build a sense of trust in you and your brand which will last long after the conversation ends.

And you can forget that the person you are connecting with is just that - a person.

And while today may not be the day for them to turn from a lead to a customer – it could be any day in the future.

Just because you cared enough to recognise the day they are having and adjusted accordingly. Even though it’s great to have a particular approach that always seems to work or one carefully designed customer experience strategy, the first step is always to understand what is going on for the customer first. And sometimes that means giving them space. Because after the last couple of years, a little compassion will go a long way.

This means that your dealings with them are going to be sitting inside a day that could be every bit as messy and complicated as your own (admit it, we are all a bit messy).

And this will affect how they want to interact with you and whether they are genuinely ready to become a customer.

They may be really open and pleased to see you and hear about how you can help them. Or they may not.

The year of the young entrepreneur A new generation of entrepreneurs is appearing in 2022 and they have high aspirations to succeed in the world of business according to IW Capital. This year is set to welcome the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurs - with 70% of 16 to 25-year-olds planning to start their own business. Research has found that 89% of Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) say they would like to run their own business and 86% believe that 2022 will be the year of the entrepreneur.

WIND DOWN ON FRIDAYS! Could your business do with more business?

Would you like to meet with other like-minded people who are also looking to grow their business? Do you like the idea of collaborating with other businesses to grow?

The Friday Wind Down takes place bi-weekly on a Friday from 4.30pm - 6pm. The meetings cost a nominal fee of £5 plus booking fee to attend and everyone will get a 60-second opportunity to 'sell the sizzle' about their business followed by a collaboration round. To find out more email fridaywinddown@gmail.com

42 Life in... Orpington June 2022

The benefits of local collaboration

BY CHAS JORDAN, BROMLEY BUSINESS NETWORK

Increasing numbers of businesses are looking to collaborate with each other as a means of boosting business and reaping the benefits of strong business relationships. If you haven’t considered collaboration before, here’s three reasons why you should rethink your strategy: 1. It boosts efficiency: When there’s a particularly demanding project in the pipeline, teaming up with others means that you’re held accountable. And this works wonders for both your productivity and how efficiently you get the job done.

2. Access to new opportunities: Working with new people – both within or outside your organisation means that you have the opportunity to hear about new ideas, meet new people and discover new processes or ways of working – a win-win.

3. It’s cost-effective: If both parties can benefit from services that will benefit their business and no money needs to change hands, then it’s a great way of saving money. Not only that but it also helps build trust with other companies as they get a taste of what you can offer and how you work – it’s just up to you to impress them. Why not pop along to the Bromley Business Network to explore more about collaboration with local businesses? See bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

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lifestyle

Small Business sector set for a 'boom' in 2022 Britain's economy saw its fastest annual growth rate on record last year - rising by 7.5% throughout the year. This comes after businesses throughout the UK showed great resolve by adapting to restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic.

According to Luke Davis, CEO of IW Capital, one of the most impressive sectors in the UK business scene is the small business sector. SMEs throughout the UK saw impressive growth throughout 2021 and have continued this momentum into 2022 with more than half of SMEs reporting a rise in earnings in the last quarter of 2021 versus the same period of 2020. The small business eco-system is predicted to be a 'boom' sector this year for UK business with SMEs looking to drive employment and investment numbers.

SME investing represents an exciting opportunity for UK investors, providing them with tax benefits and a realistic chance to maximise their returns. In 2021 there were a record 319,000 new

businesses registered in the UK, with the overall number of small businesses now standing at 5.5 million, with recent research showing that two-thirds of the UK workforce want to start their own company. This shows a continued desire, caused by the pandemic, for individuals to start a business of their own in the UK. Davis said: "The UK small business sector is in an exciting time.

SMEs have worked so hard throughout the last year, not just to survive but to prosper and with restrictions ending the small business sector looks set to revel in the opportunity to grow significantly throughout 2022.

"SMEs are set to drive employment and investing throughout 2022 - with nearly half of UK SMEs looking to hire new employees after a promising start to 2022 and UK investors ready to back start-ups and newly formed businesses SMEs are ready to make 2022 an impressive year and grow as much as possible.”

THE ’DREAM JOB’ New research by flatshare site, SpareRoom, reveals that the ‘dream job’ for Gen Z’ers and Millennials is no longer one they are passionate about and love doing, but one that provides security, money and good work-life balance.

The results show that nearly a quarter (22%) of young people aged 18-40 now crave a career that offers job security over one they actually like. In fact, 60% of 18-40-year-olds say they have changed the features they look for in a job after a year living in the pandemic; 86% now see a pandemic-proof career as key going forward and 61% see a good work-life balance as more important after living in a pandemic.

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Short Story

lifestyle

A NEW CHAPTER

by MADELEINE LEHANE Tennis? Choir? Water-colour painting? Julie pored over the possibilities on her laptop as she researched ideas for a new hobby.

Her daughter Immy had gone to read English at university and Julie had time to do something new for herself, and to distract her from those pangs she felt about Immy living away from home.

It had been a long time since Julie had taken up any hobby for her own enjoyment. Life had been full and satisfying enough with family, work and running a home.

Something to do with children wondered Julie... In the past she'd helped at Brownies and been a school governor. But she remembered her husband Mark's suggestion that she consider trying something purely for herself. Or did he say that so he wouldn't feel guilty with all the time he spent at the bowls club?!

Julie couldn't make a decision, there wasn't anything she felt passionate enough about. “That's enough of sitting at the laptop,” she thought. She needed some bits and pieces of shopping and loved the buzz of the high street on a Saturday.

"Sorry I'm not much company," she said, "I want to finish this before my book group on Monday evening."

Julie didn't mind not chatting, she breathed in the smell of roasting coffee, drank in the lively atmosphere at the café and admired the décor which was a terracotta colour and a bright blue mirroring the sky outside.

Julie was about to leave and was wondering whether to interrupt to say goodbye when the woman at her table exclaimed: "Finished! That was excellent."

The triumphant look on her face made Julie ask about the book. A long conversation ensued. More coffee was ordered for both of them. An hour passed easily.

"Goodness, I've taken up a lot of your time and I should go home," said Julie "But I have so enjoyed discussing books and authors with you. My daughter's gone to read English at university and I'm beginning to wish I'd done that."

"Well, we have space for a new member in our book group," said the woman.

The two of them swapped names and telephone numbers and Julie promised to consider it.

The brilliant blue sky had brought plenty of people out. The sun shone on the Victorian buildings making them look more impressive than usual. The shops were busy but Julie didn't mind queueing as she enjoyed people-watching and saying hello to neighbours and acquaintances.

Back home alone in the house Julie went to Immy's room.

She looked anew at the books on the shelves and wondered with a pang (a happier pang) whether she might be able to discuss some of these with Immy. Julie was lost in reading when Mark came home.

“Oh, there's a new café on the corner of Church Street,” thought Julie. She ordered a latte at the counter and looked in vain for a spare table at which to sit down.

He thought he'd find Julie in there tidying what didn't need tidying and trying to feel close to Immy; he missed her too.

And he was surprised to find not tears but a dream-like smile on Julie's face.

"Excuse me, would you mind if I shared your table?" asked Julie of the lady sitting quietly with her head in a book. The woman looked up and said "No, I mean yes, of course, please sit down."

Julie pondered hobbies again as she drank her coffee. “Just one good interest would do to start with,” she thought, “I'll have time for more when I retire.” The woman continued reading.

"I have found a new hobby and I'm going to start it on Monday!" said Julie.

Over their meal, Julie told Mark how she'd discovered the book group.

"Here's to a new chapter - pun intended!" said Mark as he smiled - with some relief - and raised his wine glass to his wife.

Would you like to submit a short story? Send your idea to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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June 2022 Life in... Orpington 45

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS CLUBS, ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES AQUAKIDS

Aqua kids – swimming lessons that last a lifetime.

Summer intensive course (25th-29th July) - places going quickly. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk

THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON

Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media

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

PETS TOP KNOT TOYS

We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops.

See @top_knot_toys on Instagram or email top-knot23@outlook.com To submit a classified listing please call 020 3488 9958 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.

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Competitions: In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. For full terms & conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps Disclaimer: Luna Creative Media Ltd assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Luna Creative Media Ltd. Therefore, Luna Creative Media Ltd carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2022 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

Life In Orpington is available at over 50 pick up locations. For a full list of these see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk.

The main stand locations are Chelsfield Railway Station | Family Shopper (Cotmandene Crescent) | Lidl Locksbottom | Iceland – Petts Wood & Orpington | Tesco Orpington | Valentine & Tuner (Orpington High St) | Nugent Shopping Centre (HITIO Gym) | The Walnuts Shopping Centre | Walnuts Leisure Centre | Morrisons Petts Wood | Petts Wood Railway Station. For a postal copy (£24 a year) email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

46 Life in... Orpington June 2022

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COMMUNITY

A Final Thought…

Building better mental wellbeing

You can listen to Zeenat’s Mindset Matters radio show at www.channelradio.co.uk/two/ shows/mindset-matters

by ZEENAT NOORANI

Are you looking to boost your mood, handle your emotions better or build resilience?

Mental health influences how you think, feel and behave in daily life. It affects your ability to cope with stress, anxiety, challenges, relationships and recover from life’s setbacks.

Over a lifetime, most of us will at some point encounter a degree of mental and emotional challenges.

People who are mentally and emotionally healthy tend to have: • The ability to bounce back from adversity • A sense of meaning and purpose • A sense of contentment • A zest for life • Self-confidence and self-worth • The flexibility to learn new skills and adapt to change • A balance between work, rest and play Resilient people tend to have tools for coping with difficult situations and maintain a stronger positive outlook, remain focused, flexible and productive, in bad times as well as good.

Solid mental health doesn’t mean that you never encounter bad times. We all go through ups and downs, loss and change. While these are normal parts of life, they can still cause stress, anxiety and heartache.

Often, the emotional messages we tell ourselves are ignored. Instead, many distract themselves or self-medicate, bottling-up problems in the hope they’ll disappear or that others won’t notice, to avoid the fear of judgment. Telling ourselves “This is just the way I am,” isn’t the solution.

Whether you’re looking to cope with a specific mental health problem, handle your emotions better, or simply to feel more positive and energetic, there are plenty of ways to take control. Start today!.

There are six areas to boost one’s overall mental health: Meaning and Purpose; Staying Active; Social Connection; Quality Sleep; Managing Stress; Healthy Eating.

The good news is that there are practices that you can adopt to elevate your mood, become more resilient and enjoy life more.

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You can empower yourself through:

- Social connections as a priority, especially in-person.

Humans are social creatures. We’re not meant for isolation. And remember, reaching out is a sign of braveness.

- Interact with good listeners who will listen without interruption, judgement or criticism.

- Be proactive in arranging meet-ups.

- Detox from your screens.

- Join networks, social or special interest groups.

- Stay active as it’s as good for the mind as it is for the body. Perhaps partake in your favourite activities for no reason other than that it makes you feel great.

- Acquire tools to keep stress levels at bay by using your senses - listen to music to help feel calm; enjoy the scent of your favourite smell; use a stress ball for touch; or practice gratitude, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, breathing or muscle relaxation that can put the brakes on stress and bring back a state of balance.

- Eat healthy foods to support strong mental health.

- Don’t sacrifice on sleep. Getting sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. It matters more than you think!

- Find purpose and meaning in life. It helps generate new cells and create new neural pathways in the brain. It also strengthens your immune system and keeps you motivated to pursue the other steps to improve an all-rounded wellbeing.

- Engage and partake in activities that challenge your creativity and make you feel productive. This can also offer a great sense of meaning and purpose.

- Care for a pet. Yes, pets are a responsibility, but caring for one makes you feel needed and loved.

You should always seek professional help if your mental and emotional health are still not functioning optimally at home, work or in your relationships.

June 2022 Life in... Orpington 47

THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER

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

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

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

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