Welcome to
Asthe weather continues to change and the shops start promoting Halloween, there are a couple of mindful dates to consider this month. One of which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to promote early detection. For all our readers, if you do anything this month make time to check yourself and if you feel anything unusual, then do make an appointment to see your GP. For men, the most common cancer is prostate. Please educate yourself at www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer and www.nhs.uk/conditions/ prostate-cancer
October is a time of cosy fires, favourite jumpers and hearty recipes, so this month we’re sharing a warming spiced pumpkin & apple crumble tart recipe. Well, we’ve always got to have something to look forward to, right?
Until next month, enjoy October!
Lauretta Wright, Editor
PS If you’re attending this year’s ABBBAs (7th November), we look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the best of our local businesses!
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THE TEAM
A HUGE thank you to Wendy Fairbank for submitting this month’s front cover image. Send yours to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Get to know us: What’s your favourite TV show of all time?
Editorial: Lauretta Wright lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Cobra Kai for comedy value
Sales: Michelle Simpson sales@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Virgin River
Office & Editorial Assistant: Tori Howe hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
BreakingBadAlanPartridgeTheOffice – if I put them all in one word can I get away with it?
Strategy & Operations: Aysha Best-Forbes This Is Us
Design: Nicky Grant design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
The Umbrella Academy or Yellowjackets
Accounts: Helen Jordan accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Outlander, with Walking Dead a super close second
Social Media & Comms: Carter Rogers Cherry Magic
Thank you to our distributors: Dawn B, Greg, Dawn W, Rob, Jack, Kelly, Tara, Megan, Sam, Penny, Thomas, Dylan, Terri, Pamela, Lorraine, Tom, Lucy, Conor, Tilly and Rosie.
Our Friends: A HUGE thank you to the following volunteers who commit their time to helping contribute to this magazine or help with distribution: Richard London, Len Kirby, Elizabeth Adcock, Mary Cody-Cowdery, Ruth Mansell, Pam Preedy, Indira Richards, Joy Hodgkinson, Sarah Spencer-Adams & Annabel Tyndall. If you would like to volunteer please email: hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
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WINNER
Star response:
There’s no such thing as a bad photo…
"There’s no such thing as a bad photo", is what the photographer leading a course I attended said to me. He went on to say, what you saw at that moment in time, you wanted to capture and it meant a great deal to you then. I enjoy seeing angles and views of everyday objects in different ways and if I can catch that, I feel I’ve taken a good picture. I love the outdoors and walking the dog in the morning has given me the joy of seeing some gorgeous sunrises around the locality particularly over Hayes Farm.
In our neighbourhood, there have been in recent times some fantastic decorations on top of the local postboxes. The people that knit these postbox toppers clearly put in a lot of hard work and I can see this in the results that they put on display. These photographs of the toppers show recent events and a celebration of those times and again I like to catch that in a picture.
Whenever I see a rainbow it always gets me a little bit excited. I think it’s because they are so rare that you feel it’s a privilege to see them and the bright colours themselves go to make a great photograph (provided you are quick)! I once heard someone say, "No rain, no rainbow" and that’s stuck with me because rainbows to me are a sign of hope and a promise that better things are on their way, like sunshine!
John Morsley
Thank you for the lovely local pictures and great back story John. We’re sure other readers will delight in seeing them! As our Star Response this month, here’s a One4All digital gift card – enjoy the spend!
Feathered friends
This lovely family were walking in front of me at the Priory Gardens a few weeks ago! Ruya Foley
Something to flag up
Many citizens of Great Britain do not realise that the British flag is so many times being held/flown upside down. No one is at fault as we are not taught, but why are we not taught in our school years? Many also do not realise that if the flag is flown upside down it actually means Great Britain is in distress and needs help. How can we let the people of Britain know that their flag has a right way up?
Julie F It’s a great question Julie, but we’ve printed the flag here to show the correct way the flag should be shown, which will hopefully raise awareness.
In the half of the flag nearest the flagpole, the wider diagonal white stripe must be above the red diagonal stripe.
Source & image: flaginstitute.org
Thanks to Pam!
Thank you to Pam Preedy for mentioning the Southlands Lido. It brought back very happy memories of sitting in the back garden on hot summer days listening to hundreds of children playing happily 1/4 mile away. The simple things in life mean so much to me...all gone now.
Colin Evans
We love receiving your thoughts, ideas, feedback, general comments and pictures! You can email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403–550068. Remember to include your name and email with the subject line ‘Write It, Say It, Message It’. In doing so, you agree to your comments and pictures being published. Every month (courtesy of The Bed Post), the Star Response ( ) receives a £15 One4all digital gift card.
Live in care agency.
As a small, family-run introductory care agency, we look at things a bit differently. We promise to find you an exceptional carer(s) who are right for you. We always arrange a face to face assessment with you and your loved one. In our experience this is crucial to finding the right carer(s). From simple companionship to 24/7 live-in dementia care, we offer a comprehensive range of specialist live-in care packages to manage live-in care costs, which will be tailored to the exact needs and individual requirements of your loved one.
History
Napoleon III in Chislehurst
by PAM PREEDY
The name, “Napoleon!” was enough to strike terror in the hearts of children and adults alike in Britain in the nineteenth century.
After a disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812 Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island of Elba. He returned to power in his Hundred Days campaign. Defeated at Waterloo (1815), he abdicated and was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena where he died aged 51. While in power he liked to raise members of his family to power. From his marriage with Marie Louise, Archduchess of Austria, their son, Napoleon, became Napoleon II, King of Rome (1811- 1831). For a few weeks in 1815, Napoleon II was the disputed leader of France. After his abdication he lived the rest of his life in Vienna. He was known in the Austrian court as Franz, Duke of Reichstadt. He died of TB at the age of 21.
The connection of the Napoleons with Chislehurst was Louis Napoleon III. While he was in exile in London (18361840), he often visited Emily Rowles whose father owned Camden Place at the time. He also paid attention to another English girl, Elizabeth Howard. Her father settled property on her to support her son via a trust whose trustee was Nathaniel Strode. Strode bought Camden Place in 1860 and spent large sums of money transforming it into a French chateau.
Meanwhile, Napoleon III pursued his political ambitions. After a second coup on 20th December 1848, he was elected President of France in a landslide victory. He was popular with French people, who hoped he would emulate his uncle Napoleon Bonaparte’s glory. Finally in 1852, he crowned himself Napoleon III Emperor of France and the Second French Republic was born. He was a popular monarch and he could count a number of achievements; he modernised the French economy; filled Paris with new boulevards and parks; expanded the French colonial
empire; the French merchant navy became the largest in the world and he engaged in two wars: the 2nd Italian War of Independence and the Franco-Prussian war. The latter war was disastrous and saw Napoleon captured by the Germans under Otto von Bismark. Two days later the forces of the Third Republic deposed his government in Paris. He was held in a German prison for 195 days. Finally, he was released into exile in March 1871, and joined his wife Princess Eugenie and son in Camden Place.
By that time Camden Place had been upgraded to a French chateau by Nathaniel Strode, perhaps seeing ahead to a time when Napoleon III would need a haven in England. England became a place of retreat for political refugees. They were welcomed to the country and allowed freedom of movement and speech. The imperial family had a close friendship with Queen Victoria. It was also close to France. Chislehurst became the centre of the French Court flying the French flag. Politicians came from across Europe including Czar Alexander. In Camden Place plans to regain the French throne were debated. It is interesting that Republican spies were posted up a windmill on the edge of the property to report on visitors. Napoleon also had spies watching the spies.
Napoleon lived the life of a gentleman, walking to church and watching cricket. He spent time writing and designing a more energy efficient stove. In the summer of 1872, his health worsened. Doctors recommended surgery to remove his gallstones. After two operations, he became very seriously ill. His final defeat in Sedan (1870) would haunt him to the end. His last words were "Isn't it true that we weren't cowards at Sedan?” He died on 9 January 1873 and was buried with great pomp and crowds of mourners, in the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Chislehurst. After he died, in 1879, his son died fighting against the Zulus in South Africa. Princess Eugenie moved the remains of her husband and son to the Imperial Crypt at St Michael’s Abbey, Farnborough, Hampshire in 1888.
To purchase Pam’s book, Living Through The Great War: How The People of Bromley Faced The Challenges of War, you can email her at pampreedy@gmail.com
Pam Preedy
Camden Place, Chislehurst, 2011
Portrait of Napoleon III, 1862
Camden Place, Chislehurst taken 1916 as a golf club
With the limelight fully on The Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs), we chat with two of the Gold sponsors, Clockwise Bromley and Amphlett Lissimore, to find out more about their background, support for local businesses and future plans.
With years of experience in forging strong relationships across the commercial property industry, Catherine King is now General Manager at Clockwise Bromley…
Catherine, can you give us some background information about Clockwise Bromley?
Clockwise Bromley, our largest space to date, provides shared workspaces and meeting rooms with brilliantly flexible membership plans. Clockwise Bromley serves regional SMEs, entrepreneurs and founders, offering exceptional facilities with a local focus.
How do you see The ABBBAs benefiting the local business community in Bromley?
The ABBBAs play a crucial role in celebrating the exceptional efforts, dedication and innovation of businesses across Bromley. Through our support of these awards, we're helping to create a thriving, dynamic business environment that makes Bromley truly special. We're passionate about nurturing exceptional businesses. These awards offer a brilliant platform to showcase outstanding local enterprises
Vursha Joye is a residential property solicitor and has worked in Bromley since 2015. As a Bromley resident, Vursha knows the importance of local businesses and the impact they have on the community…
Vursha, can you share some background about Amphlett Lissimore and who your typical customers are?
Amphlett Lissimore is a law firm with offices in Crystal Palace, Bromley, and West Wickham. We are your local solicitors on the high street and have specialist teams of lawyers dedicated to conveyancing, family law, wills and probate, civil litigation, and commercial property. I’m a solicitor specialising in residential property law. Typical clients are local individuals and businesses. They want to be able to meet their solicitor and trust that they not only have the legal expertise, but also the local knowledge to ensure a smooth conveyancing transaction. I act for a broad range of clients. We have a lot of first-time buyers coming
What makes Bromley a unique place for businesses to thrive?
Bromley stands out as a unique business hub, blending urban convenience with green spaces just 20 minutes from Central London. It offers a diverse, highly skilled workforce and excellent quality of life. Bromley Council's strong support for businesses, evident through initiatives like the Night Time Enterprise Zone and comprehensive Business Hub resources, fosters growth from start-ups to corporations.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re involved in?
We remain steadfast in nurturing the success of Clockwise Bromley to provide a supportive workspace environment for entrepreneurs, startups and businesses in the local area. We are also expanding our presence across Europe.
Finally, what message would you like to send to the businesses and entrepreneurs in Bromley?
Our message is one of unity and the belief in the collective strength of local businesses. We pride ourselves on being a valuable resource for the local community. Whether you need a virtual set up, a hot desk to fire up your next project, a dedicated spot to dive into deep work, or a private office that expresses your company culture; we’ll make sure everything works, so you can do your best work.
into the area now. It’s lovely to know that we are helping young families get on to the property ladder in Bromley.
What inspired you to become a sponsor for The ABBBAs and why is it important for you to support local business awards?
When my colleague Ally initially spoke to Lauretta for the ABBBAs in 2023, it was a no brainer for us. As a firm, we are committed to supporting our fellow local businesses – the unsung heroes of our high street!
How do you see The ABBBAs benefiting the local business community in Bromley?
The ABBBAs give recognition to local businesses, raising awareness of the brilliance of our high street to the wider community. Plus, the ABBBAs night itself brings our business community together for a night of much needed celebration.
In your opinion, what makes Bromley a unique place for businesses to thrive?
Bromley more so than other London Boroughs has so many distinct communities within it. From Orpington, to Beckenham, to West Wickham – each have their own feel and their own personality. In addition you have Bromley town centre that continues to move with the times, to grow and develop with its community.
5 Minutes With
Pauline and Johnny Paterson are the co-founders of Dr.PAWPAW, the beloved British brand known for its multi-purpose balms that have become a staple in many households. The company has expanded into skincare and hair care and has even created its own trademarked ingredient, Papayaluronic™. We sit down with the husband and wife team to chat about the brand's meteoric rise, the secrets behind its natural formulas and how a little bit of kindness goes a long way…
Firstly, can you tell us about how Dr.PAWPAW came to be?
It started when our baby daughter suffered from eczema and we were recommended steroid cream which we thought would be too harsh for her delicate skin. So we wanted to find a more natural alternative and we found balms from Australia that used PAWPAW fruit and they worked so we decided to make them here.
Why the name Dr.PAWPAW?
PAWPAW fruit is papaya and it rolls off the tongue really well. We also wanted a brand that people really trusted so ‘Dr’ and ‘PAWPAW’ together just sounded wonderful.
What’s great about papaya and what it can do?
The PAWPAW fruit has the same nutrients and antioxidants as aloe vera, so for all the problems aloe vera can soothe PAWPAW fruit is just as good. It also has three times the amount of vitamin C that oranges have and is a natural ingredient that people have been using for hundreds of years to heal, nourish and soothe the skin. We try to keep all our products fragrance free, which makes them ideal to use on sensitive skin.
Where can we get Dr.PAWPAW from?
It's probably better to say where you can't pick it up like Morrison’s, Asda and Iceland because maybe those retailers might give us a call! You can find us in retailers such as Superdrug, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Boots, Tesco, WHSmith, Oliver Bonas and online from places like Amazon and Look Fantastic. And our own website of course, plus other independent outlets.
Sustainability is of growing importance. How do you approach this issue?
We have always had sustainability at the heart of everything that we make, so all our packaging is made of 30% PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic) and we make sure all of our cardboard is 100% recyclable. We use as many natural and sustainable ingredients as we can: we specifically buy our Shea butter from suppliers that support the Ghanaian Women’s Project, making sure that the women are given safe conditions to work in and fair pay. We support charities at home too like Crisis, Teenage Cancer Trust and the Eve Appeal, where a percentage of our sales for certain products go to them. Everything we do is about being sustainable, but also giving back.
What other charitable events do you get involved in?
Pauline and I did a 100km walk in September. We've done the Marathon and the Three Peaks Challenge, all for the Teenage Cancer Trust. We don't just give them money, we make sure we get involved. We've also participated in local volunteering days. At the moment we’ve just got involved with Bromley Food Bank and encouraging others to chip in too.
Dr.PAWPAW recently won the Sunday Times’ Best Places To Work award. What do you think clinched the win?
The team nominated us, so for us this accolade means so much. We try to create an environment where people don’t feel that they are coming into work, but rather coming to their second home. So we aim to make work fun and enjoyable. We offer monthly massages, run summer and winter events, offer health benefits and motivational speakers. We had our official charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust come in to talk to the team about how we’ve managed to raise £139,000, so the team know the impact they’re making.
What’s next for Dr.PAWPAW?
We’re working hard on the Far East at the moment and over the next six months we’re looking at expanding in India.
Finally, what do you love about the Bromley borough?
We don’t call it the Garden of England for nothing, it’s lovely and green, we have great schools, amazing history and easy access to London.
What's on
Your essential guide for events, activities, clubs & groups
ACTIVITIES
Get Started Climbing Sessions
Adults 18yrs+ – every Tuesday & Thursday from 19:15-20:15.
Youth 8-17yrs – every Saturday & Sunday from 12:45-13:45 & 15:15-16:15.
Little Rhinos 4-7yrs – every Tuesday from 16:1517:15 and Sundays from 10:00-11:00.
Rhino Boulder, Unit 6 & 7 The Mall, Bromley, BR1 1TR
Cost: £21.50pp – use discount code IGS30M1 for 30% off your Get Started session!
Contact: Email bromley@rhinoboulder.co.uk or call 0208 0508720. See @rhinoboulder_bromley on Instagram and Rhino Boulder Bromley on Facebook. Our Get Started session is a fun-filled taster of what bouldering is all about. Designed for those with little to no experience in bouldering, or if you’ve climbed before but feel a little rusty. A qualified instructor will get you exploring the climbs around the centre in a fun and relaxed environment.
For details see www.rhinoboulder.co.uk
Ballroom Dance Classes
Every Thursday, 8.30pm-10.30pm Main Hall, Beckenham Baptist Church, Elm Road -opposite the Beckenham Spa
Cost: £10 per class pay as you go. No membership or pre-payment required
Contact: Email lionssamba@virginmedia.com or call 07939 542758
We are a social dance class with one or two short sessions of instruction, alongside general social dancing. No partners required and beginners welcome
business & NETWORKING
Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards
(The ABBBAs) 2024
Thursday 7th November, 6pm-12pm Oakley House, Bromley Common, BR2 8HA Cost: £90 or table of 10 for £750 including vat Contact: Email awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or call 020 3488 9959
This not-to-be-missed annual Black-Tie event highlights and celebrates businesses large and small across the Bromley borough. Book now to celebrate and support the best of Bromley’s businesses, network with over 300 businesses and be entertained for what is sure to be a fantastic memorable evening! Our chosen charity this year is The Primrose Centre. For more information visit www.the-abbbas.co.uk
Bromley Business Network
Wednesday 9th & 23rd October, 7am-9am
On Teams or in person at Bromley Football Club (Hospitality Suite), Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF
Cost: £12.50 on Teams or £23 in person
Contact: 07957 819008 or email hello@ bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk
Fortnightly business networking events. Attendance includes unlimited refreshments and a fully cooked breakfast buffet. Attendees can also attend via Teams if they can’t attend in person and the first meeting is free. For details see bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk
How to put together a compelling pitch
22nd October, 10am-12pm
Bromley Central Library, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EX
Cost: Free but pre-registering is required
Contact: Email StartupBromley@GLL.ORG
This workshop will look at how to start and structure a great business pitch and close it in the most effective way in line with current trends and demands. Amongst other things, it will cover how to present your problem and the solution, how to demonstrate your product in the best way, how to present your financials and how to represent your team. To register or for details see https://bit. ly/3ZfSBSp
community & CHARITY
Macular Society Bromley Support Group
1st Tuesday of every month 10am for tea/coffee & biscuits.
Meeting starts at 10:30am, finishing at 12pm Bromley Town Church, 2 Ethelbert Road, Bromley, BR1 1JA
Cost: Free
Contact: No need to contact - just turn up
We are a local support group for people suffering with Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Being diagnosed with AMD can be devastating, so we look to provide social interaction and mutual support to those affected. We have a mixed and diverse programme.
Commemorating Flip Fraser: Black History Trailblazer
25th October, Doors open 7pm, close 9.30pm
The Shaw Theatre, 110 Euston Road London NW1 2AJ
Cost: From £19.99 + booking fee
Contact: Email info@blackheroesfoundation.org
Flip Fraser's legacy continues to inspire! Celebrating the captivating journey of Flip's early days in Jamaica to his influential role in London where he became first editor of The Voice newspaper and creator of the iconic show 'Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame'.
For details see https://bit.ly/4e7s4eo
Bromley & District Floral Society
Our Beautiful World – A Flower Arrangement Show Saturday 26th October 2024, 1.30pm-4.30pm
United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY (next to Boots)
Cost: £2.00
Contact: 020 8467 6637 or email bdm.phillips@outlook.com www.bromleyfloralsociety.wordpress.com
We are very excited to be holding a show again this year. Come and join us to see a wonderful Array of floral exhibits. Tea and cakes from 2pm.
u3a Talks: Shakespeare– A talk by Tony Harris
Tuesday 15th October, 10.30am-12pm 4th Floor, Bromley Central Library, High St, Bromley, BR1 1EX
Cost: Members free, visitors £5
Contact: 020 8777 6345 or email membershipsecretary@u3abromley.org.uk
Tony Harris is a very popular professional comedian, raconteur and actor who specialises in historical talks with a hysterical twist. His aim is to trick people into learning by making them laugh, but every point he makes is historically accurate. Tony will bring Shakespeare to life in this talk.
Black History Month Celebration in Bromley Town Centre 19th October, 11am – 8pm
Bromley High Street, The Glades and Bromley Central Library
Cost: Free of charge
Contact: Email admin@yourbromley.com
Your Bromley will host African drumming and textiles workshops on Bromley High Street alongside food and craft stalls from black makers and live music. Bromley Central Library will host a Start Up Bromley event and charity activities will take place in The Glades Atrium. For details see www.yourbromley.com/bhm
EVENTS, FAIRS & SALES
New Scientist Live 2024
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October
ExCeL London
Cost: From £30
Contact: Email live@newscientist.com
Featuring over 70 expert speakers, including geneticist Adam Rutherford and astrophysicist Jo Dunkley, the event offers groundbreaking discoveries and interactive exhibits, from VR nuclear reactor tours to Red Arrow Hawk cockpit experiences. With over 80 exhibitors, it's perfect for science enthusiasts, students, families, and curious minds. Schools Day on 14th October provides a special opportunity for children and teachers. For full event details visit https://live.newscientist.com/
Exhibitions at Bethlem Museum of the Mind and Bethlem Gallery
From 8th June: 'A World Apart'; and from 16th October: 'Unescorted #12'
Wednesday to Saturday, 9.30am-5pm (except public holidays)
Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, BR3 3BX
Cost: Free admission, donations welcomed.
Contact: Call 020 3228 4227. Workshops and free tours are also available to book online.
‘A World Apart’ is an exhibition of paintings by art therapist and artist Charles Lutyens, great nephew to renowned architect Edward Lutyens. ‘Unescorted #12’ is an annual exhibition showcasing work by patients from Bethlem Hospital's Forensic Services.
For details see www.bethlemgallery.com and www.museumofthemind.org.uk
Gingham Goose Craft Market
Saturday 5th October, 10am–3.30pm
Hayes Village Hall, Hayes Street, BR2 7LE
Cost: Free entry
Contact: Email ginghamgoose1@hotmail.co.uk
Craft Markets with an emphasis on handmade goods. There is a wide variety of stalls, with a warm and friendly atmosphere and a Tea Room serving home-made cakes and savouries.
Ever Thought About Fostering?
(Information event)
16th October, 12.30-2pm, Online event
Cost: Free
Contact: Call 020 8461 7701 or email fostering@ bromley.gov.uk
Have you ever thought about fostering? Would you like to know more? Join us at our next online information session to learn more about becoming a foster carer and fostering with Bromley.
For details see www.bromley.gov.uk/fostering
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Beginners Tai Chi Classes in Bromley
Every Thursday 7-8pm
Location: St. Mark’s School, Bromley BR2 0QR
Cost: £10 per class
Contact: Text or call Julian on 07957 925 506
Traditional Tai Chi taught in a relaxed and friendly environment. Lessons begin with soft exercises which are designed to balance the body’s structure. The remainder of the class will focus on learning the first part of the Tai Chi form.
Wellness In Motion Pilates classes
Every Wednesday. Classes at 5.15pm, 6.15pm and 7.15pm
Community House, South Street, Bromley, BR1 1HR
Cost: Intro offer: 4 classes for £25
Contact: Email elettra.piaggi.office@gmail.com or call 07760533239
This class aims to mobilise and strengthen the body in a safe and supported way. Pilates is known to improve posture, injury prevention, improve balance, define the muscles and reduce back pain. The instructor, Elettra, is also qualified in yoga and ballet and can offer online and private classes. For details see www.instagram.com/ wellness_in_motion_wm
what's on
MUSIC, entertainment & FOOD
Bromley Chamber Music Festival 11th & 12th October 7pm, 13th October, 6pm
St Peter & St Pauls Parish Church, Church Road, Bromley, BR2 0EG
Cost: Adult tickets £20 on the door or in advance (via website). Children under 18 go free.
Contact: Email katherinejenkinson@icloud.com
The world’s most beautiful music performed in the heart of Bromley by internationally acclaimed artists. For details see www.bcmf.co.uk
Line Dancing - Carolina Country Music Club
Line Dance Classes – beginners and intermediates (Every Wednesday) 4th & 18th October (Live Music With Dancing)
7.30pm-10pm on Wednesdays and 7.30pm11pm on Fridays
Pickhurst Infant School, Pickhurst Lane, West Wickham, Bromley BR4 0HL
Cost: £7 Wednesday, £10 Friday
Contact: 020 8462 5314 or email: jdhorniblow@ btinternet.com
Come along and give us a try, make new friends, keep fit and have fun! We cater for all abilities and all ages. Refreshments available (tea, coffee, biscuits). For more information see www.facebook.com/ CarolinaCountryMusicClub
Young Entertainers in the Community Awards!
Saturday 26th October, 5pm-9pm Goldsmiths, University of London.
Cost: £25 – tickets bookable in advance
Contact: Email info@yeaawards.com
Get ready to be entertained and inspired by the amazing performances and achievements of our young performers. Tickets include the booking fee, drinks and nibbles. For details see youngentertainersacademyawards.com
theatre & Performances
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
Charity Comedy Night
Wednesday 9th October, 7.30pm
Churchill Theatre Main Auditorium, Bromley High Street, BR1 1HA
Cost: £35.50 admission (supporting Greener & Cleaner's Community Hub)
Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
Talent includes MC, Catherine Bohart (Late Night Mash, LOL Ireland); Josh Widdicombe (Last Leg, Parenting Hell podcast); Lou Sanders (Taskmaster, Unforgivable); Phil Wang (Netflix, Taskmaster); Michael Odewale (Live at the Apollo); Rhys James (Mock the Week); and Ellie Taylor (Strictly Come Dancing, Bake Off the Professionals). For details see https://bit.ly/3XumI7h
An Officer and a Gentleman
Monday 28th October – Saturday 2nd November 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Cost: Tickets from £29
Based on the award-winning 80s’ movie An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical tells the story of love, courage and redemption. Set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and many more, the power of music will carry you through the highs and lows of this extraordinary love story, including the award-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong.
Fastlove - The Tribute to George Michael Saturday 26th October, 7:30pm
Cost: Tickets from £38.50
Direct from London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael celebration with a brand-new show for 2024! Make new memories whilst reliving old classics, this one is for the fans as we celebrate one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen.
The Sensational 60's Experience
Sunday 27th October, 7:30pm
Cost: Tickets £37.25
Join us for the musical phenomenon of 2024 with this festival of nostalgia. The show with the definite feelgood factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960s.
A listing costs £17 or £72 for 6 months (£12 a month). Charities and non-profits are eligible for a 15% discount. Online listings are also available from £5. Life In...Bromley cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations of an event. We recommend you double check times, places & dates if attending an event listed.
Behind the Badge
INSIGHTS FROM THE SUPER
We are now continuing work on the Borough as to how we engage better with local communities, so that you know who your teams are, how to contact them and how to become involved in making sure your police teams are responding to what matters to you.
You may have seen in the local press recently that we have been engaging more with local journalists to keep you up to speed, and have spoken about how intelligence led patrols in hotspot areas has led to a 35% reduction in robbery and a 15% reduction in knife crime over the summer. These things really matter and we need to be better at updating you.
We are also looking into a programme of more localised events where you can come and meet your local teams. On October 3rd we are trialling a combined event for the Wards of Beckenham, Shortlands, Kelsey and Eden Park and Clockhouse at Eden Park High School. This will bring
police and communities together, talk about how you can join a local Ward Panel and how this can be rewarding, and give you a chance to have your say. If successful, we will look to roll this out further to other regions of the Borough.
By the time this article is published we will have held the Safer Neighbourhood Board Crime Summit, looking at crime trends in the Borough and how to tackle them. We also look ahead to the Problem Solving Conference on the 8th November at the Warren where we have some fantastic guest speakers to help us develop in our capabilities to problem solve and cut crime. We will release information should you wish to attend nearer the time. If you have any feedback on this then please get in touch by emailing SSNMailbox-.BromleyNeighbourhoodSLT@met.police.uk
Superintendent Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing
Firefront line..
Open Days & Junior Citizens
The summer period has been busy for all of us across the Bromley borough and I wanted to share a few of our highlights:
Bromley and Orpington Fire Station open days: There was a fantastic turnout from our community on the 16th August when we opened our doors for our open day at Orpington Fire Station. Lots of activities from colouring, bouncy castles and a look around our fire engine. We were even joined by 2 princesses and Spider Man who were in the neighbourhood. We then held an open day at Bromley on the 23rd August which again was well supported by you, with our control room officers holding an interactive stand on how to call 999 and how we send our fire engines to incidents. The Nerf Gun stand was also a huge success with our firefighters having an attempt on their target skills. Both these days were a huge success with an
opportunity to pass on our safety messages so thank you for your support. We enjoyed the open day at Beckenham Fire Station last month.
Junior Citizens:
Our staff alongside our partners including the MPS facilitated 3 weeks of the Junior Citizens scheme. We have visits from our year 6 pupils across the borough to our locations to discuss safety messaging around fire safety in the home, safer transport use from TFL and community safety from the police to name a few. These events were hosted at Orpington and Beckenham Fire Stations alongside Bromley FC also. A big thankyou to all the volunteers who gave up their time to come and represent their organisation. It is really important for us to focus on our youth across the borough to ensure we develop safer citizens of the future.
Our Firefighters have also been operationally busy at a number of incidents within Bromley and wider over the past month. Please follow us on X (formally twitter) - @ BromleyLFB or go to our website www.london-fire.gov. uk for the most up-to-date news items and safety advice.
Chris Line, Borough Commander London Borough of Bromley, London Fire Brigade
Remarkable Residents community
Name: Joyce Fraser OBE FRSA, Hon D.Ed, MBA Henley
Occupation: Just retired from being a lecturer for The Open University
Lives: Bickley
What’s remarkable? Joyce founded The Black Heroes Foundation following the death of her husband, as a legacy to the work he did and his positive influence on the lives of many. With Black History Month Celebration in Bromley taking place this month (see the What’s On listings), Joyce’s motivation to raise awareness this month is particularly important...
How and when was the Black Heroes Foundation (BHF) created?
BHF was founded in October 2016 in order to preserve the legacy of my late husband Flip Fraser, first editor of the Voice newspaper, and creator of the epic show Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame.
What do you hope to achieve and what impact have you had so far?
We use the Arts to tell the stories of Black Heroesit has had a tremendous impact. The production of three plays, creation of a film, numerous exhibitions and award winning Black Heroes Soul Food Cafe,
Book Bites
FICTION
Title: The Trap
Author: Ava Glass
Publisher: Penguin
Reviewed by: Annabel Tyndall
An engaging political thriller, centered around a G7 summit in Edinburgh, British spy Emma Makepeace is tasked with stopping the Russians carrying out an assassination. Ava Glass allows the reader a tiny snapshot of a spy's mission; the risks she has to undertake, the personas she has to adopt, as well as the invisible layers of support and strategy. The story is interwoven with just a few main characters and while Emma plays her cards close to her chest and appears to have few friends or confidantes, the gradual sisterly friendship which grows between her and Mackenzie allows the reader to see a more sensitive side to her. If you're into this genre, this is a delightful read
have all contributed to engaging across generations, improving knowledge, confidence, empowering and well-being.
How can the community help support the Black Heroes Foundation? Donating to our Fundraiser page at localgiving.org/ fundraising/flipfraser or engaging us in projects – see blackheroesfoundation. org/corporate
You used to be a teacher – how has your life changed since continuing with Flip’s legacy? Yes, from a science teacher to setting up a charity and becoming creative, writing plays and putting on productions - unbelievable! You just never know what you can do until pushed, with a wonderful team behind you! I’m forever grateful for the experiences I have been exposed to, most notably receiving an OBE - meeting the King and becoming an Hon Doctor of Greenwich University. We are having a commemorative event on Flip’s birthday, 25 Oct at the Shaw Theatre, Euston, my 3rd play, The Story of Flip Fraser.
For more information on BHF see www.blackheroesfoundation.org or email joyce@blackheroesfoundation.org
Literary delights read & reviewed by Bromley borough residents
NON-FICTION
lifestyle
Title: Life Lessons from Hip-Hop
Author: Grant Brydon
Publisher: DK
Reviewed by: Lauretta Wright
A great one to showcase on the coffee table and sure to be a conversation starter. Hip-hop meets self-help in this unique book, where the author interviews the biggest names in hip-hop – from Bog Sean (P Diddy) talking about how to talk to someone, to Mac Miller on reinvention. Spanning topics across creativity, motivation, self-belief and productivity, this dip-in, dip-out book is full of tips, advice and the inner thoughts of some great stars; whether you choose to take this advice is of course up to you, but it makes for some interesting insights and contemplation about life in general.
It's 4 stars from me.
If you’ve read a book you’d like to review, please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details
A HUGE thank you to the companies, individuals and organisations who have supported this year’s Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs) which highlight and celebrate businesses who go ‘above and beyond’.
With London Biggin Hill Airport being a Secondary Sponsor of this year’s event, here we ask some all-important questions to its Chief Executive Officer, David Winstanley…
Can you provide a brief history about London Biggin Hill Airport and your team?
London Biggin Hill Airport prides itself on being London’s pre-eminent fullservice business aviation airport and a leading centre for technology and enterprise. Over the last decade, we’ve invested in hangars and infrastructure to attract global business, so today there are over 70 companies employing more than 1,700 people on site, which is up 80% since 2012.
opportunities, working closely with local schools and colleges to engage young people and opening doors to a career in aerospace and engineering. From apprenticeships to work experience, school visits and our Futures Week, we have an opportunity for every learning style and career path. This month, our latest group of Futures Week students will spend a week at the airport learning about career opportunities in the aviation industry.
How does sponsoring The ABBBAs align with your company’s values and mission?
We’re proud to sponsor The ABBBAs as they incorporate our values of innovation, nurturing talent and empowering individuals to help them realise their potential.
What inspired you to become a sponsor of The ABBBAs?
As one of the largest employers in the borough, we share The ABBBAs’ passion for celebrating the hard work, dedication and innovation of Bromley businesses. These businesses are the backbone of our community and together we attract investment, support economic development and create jobs for local people.
How do you see The ABBBAs benefiting the local business community in Bromley?
The ABBBAs celebrate the very best of our local businesses, and the individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on a local level. The event fosters a sense of pride, enhances the reputation of local businesses and promotes collaboration within the community, ultimately driving economic growth within the area to benefit all.
Can you share any personal experiences or success stories from last year’s event?
It was an honour to hear about the diverse range of businesses that call Bromley home, and the incredible people who dedicate their lives to improving accessibility to services throughout the borough. We were also delighted to present all winners with champagne from local supplier, Squerryes.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives LBHA is involved in (or planning)? We’re committed to investing heavily in training
In what ways do you go ‘Above and Beyond’ at LBHA? We remain deeply committed to fostering strong ties with our community. Since 2015, we’ve donated over £100,000 to local community projects. We’re also passionate about championing equal opportunities for women and girls, and our collaboration with Bromley Football Club has seen a 200% increase in women and girls playing recreational football at a local level.
What are your future plans?
We are laser focused on investing in the airport to create more job opportunities and provide an economic boost both locally and nationally; enhancing our position as a leading centre for technology and innovation. Perhaps most excitingly, we have plans to build a solar farm on-site and have set aside a 60-acre area of land to support emerging aviation technologies that will lead to cleaner, greener, quieter electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Finally, what message would you like to send to the businesses and entrepreneurs in Bromley?
London Biggin Hill Airport has a rich history of continuous innovation, which has led us to become the international aerospace technology business we are today. We are always looking to connect, support and collaborate with our local community and encourage anyone who is interested in hearing more about the airport to sign-up to our quarterly e-newsletter: bigginhillairport.com/newsletter
There is still time to purchase a ticket to attend The ABBBAs on 7th November. For more information email awards@lifeinmagazines. co.uk or visit www.the-abbbas.
A roaring win!
Congratulations to Bromley resident, Patricia Braithwaite, who won the ROAR card game, courtesy of children's author and illustrator (and local Bromley borough resident) Allison Parkinson. The competition was run in the July issue.
Bromley’s beautiful bees
by MAIYAN TANTRIGE (aged 10)
Bees are the most numerous pollinators on Earth, with 200,000 different species worldwide, but they are slowly dying out all around the world due to air pollution, less varied diets and habitat loss. In this article, I will explain why bees are dying out, as well as ways to help stop their numbers declining. Bees are dying out mainly because of air pollution, which damages their sense of smell. Bees find flowers by using their sense of smell and find it harder to do so because they cannot smell them. This means that the bees cannot collect enough food, and so the colony eventually dies. When flower fields die out or are destroyed, there are less different species of flowers that are readily available to the bees. This causes the bees’ diet to become less varied, which makes them more vulnerable to diseases and dangerous microbes such as the American foulbrood, a bacterial disease that is damaging to the larvae and pupae of bees. Pesticide also makes bees sick, and is one of the main reasons why bees are dying out.
There are many ways to stop bees dying out, including:
1.Letting a small patch of your lawn grow freely.
2.Growing large, open flowers like oxeye daisies and sunflowers.
3.Making small bee hives.
Do you want to be a roving reporter like Maiyan for this magazine? Email your details – name, age and street name/town to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
SUPPORTING LOCAL AUTHORS…
Young Entertainers in the Community Awards 2024!
The Young Entertainers Academy Awards are proud to present the 4th Young Entertainers in the Community Awards at Goldsmiths, University of London on Saturday 26th October. The night will be spent celebrating talented young individuals making a difference in our community. Get ready to be entertained and inspired by the amazing performances and achievements of our young performers from 5pm-9pm. Tickets are bookable in advance and cost £25 (includes booking fee, drinks and nibbles). For all the details see https://bit.ly/yeaa-awards-2024
Fancy a laugh?
Bromley’s Churchill Theatre will play host to a Charity Comedy Night in aid of Greener and Cleaner, a local Bromley Charity on Wednesday 9th October. The entertainment kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets are £35.50 (supporting Greener & Cleaner's Community Hub). For details see https://bit.ly/3XumI7h
Anna Young, 52, and Jo Bell 37, of Bells Accountants both live in West Wickham and have published three children’s books as part of a ‘Money & You’ series of six books, aimed at those aged 9-12. They include Earning Money & Paying Taxes, Running A Business and Spending & Budgeting. Jo was initially approached by publisher Ruby Tuesday Books following a talk she did on business numbers without the jargon and was delighted to accept. Anna and Jo said: “We are passionate about helping children understand day to day finance and how the business world works, as it is not taught in schools. We felt there was a gap in education on these subjects. We would love the opportunity to write more books, maybe aimed at start-ups, on how to avoid pitfalls and all the financial paperwork required to ensure you have ticked all the boxes needed by the government/HMRC, as well as top tips and ideas on making your business as successful and smooth running as possible from the off.
Jo and Anna’s books are available for £8.99 from www.rubytuesdaybooks.com. School orders receive a discount when emailing Anna@bellsaccountants.co.uk
If you’re a local author or know of one, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured.
Anna Jo
Noticeboard
Topping it off nicely…
Karen Moore, National Trustee of the TG Bear Post Box Topper which should be featured in the exhibition.
We’re lucky that the Bromley borough is adorned with wonderful postbox toppers for us all to admire, some of which have been lovingly made by members of Townswomen’s Guild. But now you can admire these and hundreds more hobbyists’ collections at a free exhibition in London, which is open until 20th October. ‘Come As You Really Are’ is an exhibition by artist Hetain Patel held at The Hobby Cave, Grants, Croydon, 14-32 High St, CR0 1GT. Tickets are available via www.artangel.org.uk
11th - 13th October 2024
New sponsor for Bromley FC Women’s team!
London Biggin Hill Airport is delighted to kick off the 2024/25 football season as the title sponsor of Bromley Football Club’s Women’s Team.
The collaboration is the next step in the airport’s ongoing commitment to promote gender diversity and champion increasing female accessibility, to both football and aviation, within the London Borough of Bromley. As title sponsor, the airport is providing significant financial backing over the 2024/25 season, including sponsorship of the women’s team kit and support for wider initiatives to enhance the visibility and aspirations of female athletes in the borough
The world's most beautiful music performed in the heart of Bromley by internationally acclaimed artist Ticket price adult £20, Under 18 Free Admission, and to mention we are a registered charity. For more information or to book see www.bcmf.co.uk
Bromley Council and CASPA are inviting all Bromley-borough based businesses and organisations to sign up to the Autism Promise Partnership and help improve inclusion for autistic residents across the borough. Those signing up will receive free consultation, support and training from CASPA BROMLEY, the Community Autistic Support Pride and Advocacy charity, to improve your inclusion efforts and confidence to support Autistic customers and staff.
For details email liezel@caspabromley.org.uk
Jackie Andrews Local Hero...
(Because not all heroes wear capes)
Mikki Bate nominated Clock House resident Jackie Andrews. Mikki said: “Jackie wanted to get to know more people so she formed the Beckenham Appreciation Group on Facebook. She has brought the community of Beckenham together and has also been instrumental in setting up the Beckenham Art Trail where local artists display their works in pubs, restaurants, church halls and shops all over Beckenham. Jackie and her daughter Natalie will soon be moving to Margate where I’m sure she will also set up community activities. It would be wonderful if she was given some well-deserved acknowledgement before leaving our borough.”
Congratulations on being nominated Jackie! How did you feel when you heard about it? I am really honoured and somewhat surprised to be nominated by Mikki to be a local hero!
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you set up the Beckenham Appreciation Group?
I have lived in the Clock House area since 1976 and taught piano in schools in Penge, Beckenham and Bromley for over 30 years. I created the Beckenham Appreciation Group when I turned 60. I felt the need because, although I had many friends, very few of them, apart from the neighbours, lived in Beckenham. I felt there must have been many who were in a similar position, and, perhaps, a group would bring them together. I have been overawed by how the group has taken off. We now have over 50,000 members. I just cannot believe it!
Can you share any memorable moments about the group that showcase its impact on the Beckenham community?
We began by just inviting friends to join the group but one of the greatest challenges and puzzles was how to grow it. I managed to do so by creating ‘Dog of the Day’: every day I would find a dog and owner, complete strangers, and ask if they would like their dog to feature on the site as ‘Dog of the Day’. There was a great deal of positivity and 80 dogs took part. Then we had to have a best cat competition too. I am still friends with the winner and her cats!
Can you tell us more about the get-togethers you organise and why you think this is important?
Yes we do sometimes have meet ups. They have to be during the week as restaurants/cafes are emptier and therefore happier to accommodate us as we never know
how many people will turn up. As we hold these during the day the people who come are generally retired and I hope they have made friends on these occasions. I certainly have!
What role do you think social media plays in fostering a sense of community?
Social media has been fabulous in bringing people together. I know it has its problems but, for this community, it has been brilliant. During Lockdown the site came into its own. People who needed help would post, and locals would respond with help.
It sounds like it must be a lot of work running the group! Have there been any challenges in doing so and how have you overcome them?
It’s been a huge amount of work but I would not have missed it for the world. I would not have been able to do it without the fabulous admin people who’ve worked alongside me over the years. I cannot thank them enough. We are all volunteers. We have come up against problems when we have made decisions which were not popular. We do have to ban people if they contravene our rules, which are strict!
Finally, what do you love about living in Beckenham? What should people know about it?
Beckenham is a great place to live. It is so lively and has so much going on. People support each other here. The people make the place! I must also just mention the friends of the local parks. They work so hard to make the places beautiful.
A special ‘Thank You’ to Time For Flowers for sponsoring the bouquets and plants for our Local Heroes.
Jackie receiving her bouquet from Time For Flowers
Nominate a local hero – it could be a friend, neighbour, local business or a member of your family! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Behind The Business
James McMillan
Gold sponsor of The ABBBAs, Redinet, was founded in 1996, and offers Managed IT and Cyber Security services to SMBs. Here, we chat with the company’s co-founder and CTO, James McMillan, to discover more about the company …
Hi James, can you tell us what strategies Redinet employs to build and maintain strong relationships with your clients in the IT sector? Our mission is to enable our customers by committing to do the right thing through excellence in technology and people. This is backed up by living our core values: Be Inclusive; Be Curious; Act With Integrity; Respect Our Community. Redinet has evolved into an amazing team of people we're really proud of.
How do you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of technology?
Constant education - through our incredible vendor
partnerships, the tech community etc. Within the last couple of years, the Cyber Essentials accreditation (backed by the National Cyber Security Centre) has had a significant impact for those adopting it, in reducing risk from cyber crime. It should be a baseline for all SMBs and is an important part of our service.
Do you actively engage in the local community?
We're a proud sponsor of Bromley FC! Look out for us on your tickets, the giant TV, and around the ground.
We love our community and enjoy sponsoring events such as Pride 'Picnic In The Park', or helping local schools and sports teams to fund activities.
We are also sponsoring the ABBBAs this year as part of our commitment to our community which includes local businesses.
What are your plans moving forward?
To continue to grow and be known as the leading MSP for providing excellence in service.
MAYOR’S VOICE community
While the summer is often relatively quiet as many residents enjoy their holidays, there was plenty to keep us busy in the Mayor’s team, with 21 engagements for the Mayor and a similar number for the Deputy Mayor.
We have now finalised my programme of events for the year to raise funds for my three charities - Welcare in Bromley, Alzheimer’s Research UK and Bromley Youth Music Trust. Thank you to all those who have supported the events and I look forward to seeing many more of you at the remaining events as we raise important funds locally for these outstanding charities.
This month I want to highlight some of the wonderful young people of our borough and record some of the youth activities undertaken across Bromley – and to thank the volunteers who provide so many wonderful events, especially during the school holidays. We have joined groups at scout and guide camps and seen both the enjoyment from those involved and the important life skills being taught. I spent a full day, along with other Mayors, at the South East London Army Cadet summer camp on Blackheath and then the expedition training at Mereworth Woods, which brought back memories from
Lines from Linda
And now it’s officially autumn, as this is the month the clocks leap forward. Ghouls, and skeletons and witches are decorating the windows of most of the shops, declaring Halloween is happening too. And as the leaves from the trees turn to gold and start to line all our pavements, I am reminded of the old saying, ‘Catch a falling leaf and your wish will come true.’
So, naturally this time of the year will see me leaping up and down as I try to catch a golden leaf. However, with the help of the ever- changing wind our country brings at this time of the year, I never manage that.
Meanwhile, my Hubby has been moaning about the amount of bird seed we go through. We love to feed our little wild birds, but annoyingly we are over run with greedy pigeons.
my own days in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force).
The Annual Parade and Awards ceremony of our Bromley Police cadets held at The Warren was another highlight this summer, seeing the range of activities undertaken by the cadets.
We also visited the Bromley Youth Support Programme events in Mottingham and Orpington and the Community Celebration of Holiday Activities in Clock House. A sporting theme was also very evident when I reopened Southborough Library, which has a dedicated early learning area with a fantastic mural depicting sport through the ages in Bromley. There was a large attendance by young children at the opening, some attracted by the display of the trophy won by Bromley FC on their promotion to the English Football League, with team members attending.
I look forward to sharing news in future editions of our plans for commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the creation of the London Borough of Bromley next year and do look out for the first of our videos filmed at Waldo Road giving an insight into recycling and other matters in Bromley.
Cllr David Jefferys Mayor of Bromley (2024-2025)
Find out more at www.bromley.gov.uk/mayor
There the ugly owl sat, or wobbled merrily, looking as if it had drank a barrel of brandy.
‘It’s working,’ Hubby announced happily, as not a pigeon in sight.
He was wrong. Pigeons are very intelligent, that’s why they were used in the war. And within an hour, the owl looked like Nelson’s column. It was covered in resting pigeons.
Pigeons are very intelligent, that’s why they were used in the war "
‘Enough is enough, Hubby declared in a macho tone he rarely uses. ‘I have solved the problem. I have ordered a large plastic owl and will attach it to one of our high trees and it will frighten pigeons away.’
‘Really,’ I thought to myself, as I watched our ever -patient gardener climb the ladder and tie the ugly large owl to a heavy branch. Gardener and I exchanged glances, neither daring to voice our thoughts because Hubby was happy.
I decided to pretend I hadn’t noticed and carried on, trying to catch a falling leaf. I needed to wish the pigeons away.
As I was leaping up and down in the wind, still swiping and missing, I looked up and saw the owl was no longer secure, the weight of the many pigeons had broken the string. And with one mighty bang, the owl crashed to the ground, bring with it a load of autumn leaves. And YES, I caught one. I looked up, my wish was granted, the pigeons had taken flight and the garden was clear of pigeons.
However, no one said how long a wish lasts… The next day, our garden is full of fat pigeons and yet again, my bird feeders are empty.
For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk
PhotoWarren King Photography
A HUGE thank you to the companies, individuals and organisations who have supported this year’s Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs) which highlight and celebrate businesses who go ‘above and beyond’. This year’s event takes place on Thursday 7th November at Bromley’s Oakley House. See www.the-abbbas.co.uk for details.
This month we find out more from one of our Platinum Sponsors, Better - part of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), where we ask the company’s Business Support Manager, Chandra Sharma, some all-important questions...
Can you provide some background about Better and Startup Bromley?
GLL were requested to provide a brief for a business support project in early 2021 drawing upon their experience of running the SiLL (Start up in London Libraries) programme in Greenwich. The Bromley Central and Orpington Library Business Lounges were launched in June and July 2021 together with a workshop room, two meeting rooms and an office in Bromley Central. Biggin Hill Business Lounge was launched on 7th October. Start Up Bromley has now been running for three years and is currently funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We help our members with expert led 121 support, workshops and webinars, free networking events and free use of our meeting rooms and business lounges, marketplaces, mentoring programmes and much more.
What inspired you to become a sponsor of The ABBBAs?
Start Up Bromley exists to support aspiring entrepreneurs and start ups. Part of this is recognising and celebrating success which aligns with our values and those of the ABBBA's awards. The ABBBAs showcase the local business community, highlights their successes and through recognition amongst their peer group raises their profile.
Can you share any personal experiences or success stories from last year’s event?
It was great to see that our very own Imogen Loucas was recognised for the fantastic work she did for aspiring entrepreneurs and start ups, in addition to recognition given to some of our members such as Ollie Polly Play Café.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives Startup Bromley is involved in? We typically hold around three to four events every month to help support our members. We have got some amazing
events in the planning stages including celebrating Black History Month, Entrepreneurs’ Week and Small Business Saturday. As well as sponsoring the ABBBAs, we are also sponsoring Beckenham Business Day. We have several examples of success stories including one of our members who has recently signed on the dotted line with a major supermarket and will be launching his products in their top 350 stores soon.
How does sponsoring The ABBBAs align with your company’s values and mission?
Celebrating success totally aligns with our values. There is nothing we love more than an individual who comes up with an idea, we help them develop it and, as a result of which, they set up and register a company and then start growing the business by taking on team members. We give individuals the space, time and resources to help nurture and develop their ideas
What are some of the challenges your typical customers face – and how does Startup Bromley help them overcome these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges our customers face is getting access to finance. Although, we only give non-financial support, we are able to point them in the right direction. Starting a business can be quite difficult especially in challenging times, so a sounding board and the experts that we have who provide 121 support, plus our workshops really help.
There is still time to purchase a ticket to attend The ABBBAs. For more information email awards@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk or visit www.the-abbbas.
Want to get involved in The ABBBAS? For more information email awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or visit www.the-abbbas.co.uk
Puzzle
WIN
Ready to give your brain a workout? Dive into this month’s general knowledge crossword and put your trivia skills to the test! Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle pro or just fancy a fun challenge, this crossword is packed with questions covering a bit of everything. Once you have filled in the answers to the clues below, write down the letters in the shaded squares (from top to bottom and left to right) to reveal the name of a famous river.
The Prize
Date:
We’ve teamed up with Churchill Theatre & Trafalgar Theatres to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see A Vision of Elvis (on 29th November at 7:30).
Across
The BIG General Knowledge Crossword
Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘puzzle’ or text only ‘WIN’ with your answer, full name, telephone number and address to 07403-550068.
3. A car with the international registration letter E comes from where?
5. Solve this anagram: RETU
8. What character have both Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch played?
9. What is the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet?
11. Pink Lady and Granny Smith are types of which fruit?
13. Where would you be if you were standing on the Spanish Steps?
14. Brian Jones was in which pop group?
Down
1. Simone Biles is famous for her skill in which sport?
2. Which country will play host to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games?
4. What colour are Mickey Mouse's shoes?
6. What planet is closest to the sun?
7. How many feet are in a yard?
10. What company was originally called 'Cadabra'?
12. How many ghosts chase Pac-Man at the start of each game?
August winner: Jaime Lalley-Smith September answer: BCF Forum
ss car with the national registration
r E comes from where?
13. Where would you be if you were standing on the Spanish Steps?
Strictly one entry per person. All competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps
lve this anagram: RETU hat character have both
rt Downey Jr. and dict Cumberbatch played? hat is the 4th letter of Greek alphabet?
14. Brian Jones was in which pop group? Down
1. Simone Biles is famous for her skill in which sport?
6. What planet is closest to the sun?
7. How many feet are in a yard?
Either text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
10. What company was originally called 'Cadabra'?
Join the fun & stay in the loop! By participating in our monthly puzzles, you're in for a treat! You'll automatically be added to our database to receive our fantastic monthly newsletter, complete with digital issues straight to your inbox. We love keeping our community engaged and informed. If you ever fancy opting out, just give us a shout. Happy puzzling!
Pink Lady and Granny h are types of which fruit?
2. Which country will play host to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games?
4. What colour are Mickey Mouse's shoes?
12. How many ghosts chase Pac-Man at the start of each game?
07403 550068 BY 16TH OCTOBER for your chance to win!
Life Hacks
10 IDEAS ON HOW TO BE AN AWESOME NEIGHBOUR
Whether you've just moved in or have been living in your neighbourhood for years, being a great neighbour can make a world of difference. Strong community ties create safer, happier and more vibrant places to live. Here are some easy tips to help you become the kind of neighbour everyone loves!
1. Introduce yourself
Taking the time to say hello shows that you're friendly and approachable. You don’t have to become best mates, but knowing each other's names and faces helps build a sense of community.
2. Be considerate of noise levels
We all have different routines but it’s important to be mindful of noise, especially late at night or early in the morning. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or mowing the lawn, try to keep the noise down during unsociable hours. If you’re planning a party, consider letting your neighbours know in advance – a little heads up can go a long way!
3. Keep your outdoor space tidy
A well-maintained garden not only makes your home look great but also contributes to the overall appearance of the neighbourhood. Regularly mow the lawn, trim hedges and clear any rubbish. If you have a communal space, like a shared driveway, doing your bit to keep it clean shows respect for your neighbours.
4. Offer help
Being an awesome neighbour means lending a hand when someone could use a bit of help. Whether it’s offering to pick up post while they’re on holiday, carrying shopping bags or shovelling snow from their path, small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
The nation’s top annoying neighbour habits
• Playing loud music – 45.7% agree.
• Creating litter – 35.4%
• Children screaming and shouting – 35.2%
• Not keeping their garden well maintained – 32%
• Leaving noisy pets outdoors – 23%
• Throwing balls or toys over the fence –20%
• Throwing gatherings without prior notice – 18%
• Cooking outdoors whilst washing is on the line – 17%
Survey conducted by Harbour Lifestyle
5. Communicate openly
If any issues arise, whether it’s a parking dispute or a noisy dog, address them calmly and directly with your neighbour. Avoid passive-aggressive notes or gossiping with other neighbours. Open and honest communication can resolve most issues before they escalate and keeps the relationship friendly.
6. Participate in community events
Joining in on local events is a fantastic way to get to know your neighbours better. Whether it’s a street party, neighbourhood watch meeting or a local cleanup day, participating shows that you care about your community. It also gives you a chance to connect with people you might not interact with otherwise.
7. Be mindful of parking Parking can be a common source of tension. Make sure you're not blocking driveways, taking up more than your share of space, or parking in spots that are reserved for others.
8. Share resources
Got extra vegetables from your garden, a surplus of eggs from your chickens or tools that you rarely use? Sharing resources with your neighbours is a generous gesture that can foster goodwill. Plus, it might encourage others to share with you, creating a supportive and connected community.
9. Keep an eye out
Looking out for your neighbours doesn’t mean being intrusive. It’s about being aware of what’s going on and offering support if needed. If you notice something unusual, like a strange car parked for a long time or post piling up when a neighbour is away, checking in can be a thoughtful way to ensure everyone’s safety.
10. Be inclusive
Every neighbourhood is made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Being inclusive means embracing this diversity and making everyone feel welcome. Whether it’s inviting all your neighbours to a barbecue or simply making an effort to learn about different traditions, inclusivity fosters a positive and united community.
If you're trying to save money, try the 52-week challenge. This involves saving a certain amount of money each week, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it each week. This can help you build up a savings fund over time.
Planning
a celebration?
Look no further!
Our diverse party packages cater to every taste, from the vibrant flavours of the Taste Of The 80’s to the classic comforts of English Classics.
Whether you're hosting a corporate event or a personal gathering, we provide the perfect venue, delicious food, and refreshing drinks to make your celebration unforgettable. Let us help you create lasting memories!
Did You Know?
HOW TO BAKE A SPICED PUMPKIN & APPLE CRUMBLE TART
Ingredients:
For the pastry:
• 200g plain flour
• 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 medium egg yolk
• 1-2 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
• 400g pumpkin puree (fresh or tinned)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 100g light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of ½ orange
For the crumble topping:
• 75g plain flour
• 50g rolled oats
• 75g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 50g light brown sugar
• 50g chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the pastry: In a large mixing bowl, rub the flour and butter together with your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar. Add the egg yolk and 1tablespoon of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. If necessary,
add another tablespoon of water. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.
2. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.
3. Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sliced apples, brown sugar, spices, orange zest and juice until well combined.
4. Roll out the pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to fit a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin. Carefully line the tin with the pastry, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork and line it with baking parchment and baking beans or rice. Bake the pastry blind for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and bake for another 5 mins until lightly golden.
5. Add the filling: Spoon the pumpkin and apple mixture into the baked pastry case, spreading it out evenly.
6. Make the crumble topping: In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats and sugar. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture forms clumps. Stir in the chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the filling.
7. Bake: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm with a dollop of clotted cream or vanilla ice cream!
by TOM MCGUIRE & HENRY CODRINGTON
• Non disposable Cup Day on 4th October, with the aim of educating people on the impact that throwing away disposable cups have on our environment. In the UK we throw away more than 7 million disposable cups every day! So let’s make an effort to use a reusable cup, spread the word and encourage others to do so.
• World Mental Health Day on 10th October – a day to talk about mental health and show everyone that it matters. With approximately one in four people suffering from a mental health problem every year, it’s an important topic to address. See www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Ask The Experts
by TORI HOWE
You asked – and they answered! Send your need-toknow questions to our local experts by emailing hello@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘Ask The Experts’
Q: My goal is to get fit and stay fit but in the past I have lost motivation after just a couple of months. How do I keep myself on track and motivated?
Fran: Firstly, it's all about finding something that you like to do, in a place or space you enjoy - or going with a person you love to train with! If you try a class or the gym and you’re not feeling it, try a different one. Mixing it up also avoids boredom setting in! Next, be realistic about your life and the time available for YOU. Try to resist the temptation to go all out as this might not be sustainable long term and possibly leads to guilt and negative feelings with regard to exercise. Carve out some time for your fitness and book in the diary as an appointment! You are far more likely to stick with a firm plan than a half formed one, and over time this commitment to your health becomes a long term, happy habit!
Fran Flin, Flin’s Fitness
Q: Our boiler has broken down and we need to find an engineer asap but are new to the area. What questions should we be asking to ensure we find the right person for the job?
Q: My employer has had a ‘protected conversation’ with me and offered me a settlement agreement? What should I do?
Stanley: Always ensure when you search you look for a boiler and breakdown repair specialist local to your area. It’s worth considering using a site that verifies customer experiences before booking, like Trust a Trader or Check a Trade and reading the reviews and doing your research. They must have the correct accreditation to carry out the work too, you can check this via The Gas Safe Register. Not all engineers are able to carry out all types of work. Make sure to call at least a couple of people and get quotes to compare. Ask them how long they think it will take them to carry out the work and if there will be any hidden costs.
Stanley Bayntun, AB Stans Heating
Paul: This will be a stressful time. Your employer will have talked to you about you leaving your job and it may be a complete surprise. The first thing to do is ask for a written summary of what was discussed. It will have been an uncomfortable conversation and you probably weren’t able to fully focus on what was said. A written summary will give you something to focus on. Don’t be shy to ask for as much information and clarity as you need. This will help you understand what is happening and why. Then, seek professional advice as soon as possible. There’s usually a tight deadline to respond, so the sooner you can get some guidance, the better. A good employment solicitor will help you assess your options. Many will offer some initial free advice. And, if a settlement agreement is agreed, your employer will usually pay your reasonable legal fees. Most importantly, try not to worry. You cannot be forced to agree or accept the offer. Your adviser will work with you to negotiate and get the best outcome for you.
Paul Coulson, PMC People Support
Q: What are the benefits of immersing yourself in creativity and who can benefit from it?
Alix: The simple answer to this question is that anyone can benefit, regardless of their age, gender or perceived talent! Research has shown that spending time on mindful activities such as crafting, painting or other creative pasttimes aids wellbeing and mental health. The great thing about creativity is that there is no right way to do something, so it's totally non-competitive, and gives the freedom for self-expression. At our classes and parties, the focus is on trying something new, having fun, and being proud of what you achieve. We'll start with a blank canvas and provide the appropriate materials to use, and guidance if needed, then stand back and watch as the finished piece takes shape! In all our classes we bring together people of all ages who wouldn't necessarily meet or spend time together, so it is also a very important way to build social skills - particularly in younger children, or adults who live alone away from family.
Alix Purton, The Creation Station
Home & Garden lifestyle
IT’S LAURENCE LLEWELYN-BOWEN!
Ahead of this year’s South East Property Expo, we were lucky enough to bag an interview with the the headline speaker and interiors guru, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, where he reveals his predictions for our homes going into 2025…
What interior trends do you predict for 2025? Gin. I think gin is going to be one of the principal design trends. Facetiousness aside, it's been very interesting. Some of the most dominant aesthetic trends don't necessarily come from interior design at all. They come from films. Films like The Gentleman have really galvanized people into wanting a new take on lux, a new take on posh. That is very comforting, very elegant, very sophisticated. And I think this chimes perfectly with the fact that people are working very hard, the fact that the world outside feels a bit scary. I think for them, the idea of coming home and having this wondrous sparkling drinks trolley in the corner of the room is actually quite an icon. What might be perceived as sort of posh decorating or old money decorating are becoming increasingly important. The joy these days is that it's the sort of decorating that you don't necessarily need to spend an enormous amount of money on. Weirdly, conversely, based on the idea that it's all about looking a bit upper class, actually, it's exactly the sort of thing you find in a thrift store or a junk shop. So hoorah for that.
What would be the quickest way to transform a room on a budget?
Well, colour is always the big thing. Colour paint is still the most dramatic transformation you can make to a space for the smallest investment. And paint gets better and better. It's got a lot more sustainable. It's something that is not anything like as pollutant as it used to be. But, yeah, you take a very ordinary, blank, bland space and you colour drench it (which is where you're using the same colour paint on everything) with whatever you want. Orange, tobacco, gin bottle green. That colour is exactly the sort of thing, I think, that gives you a real sense of of revivification in a space. So you're not picking out the woodwork, you're not picking out the doors. Everything is painted the same colour. I think it makes a room feel much bigger as a result.
Any memorable design disasters or regrets?
Well, I am that bloke off Changing Rooms, so you just need to spend five minutes on YouTube and you'll certainly find a lot of brouhaha. I mean, one of the things that I always feel with making such high profile designs is that it's something that happened very early on, that people were galvanized by this idea that actually some things you like and some things you don't like. Back in the nineties, interior design was such a quiet, bland concept. And there was suddenly a show that really got people to get so engaged with the aesthetics. And they were going, yeah, well, that did work, or that didn't work. Funnily enough, there were only three schemes that people didn't like, out of all those hundreds of programmes.
What is your best achievement/proudest moment professionally?
In interior design terms? I think that's very simple because that's always the thing that you've just finished, and that's exactly how it should always be. If you get to the stage where you've just done a scheme or, in my case, designed, arranged, furniture or duvets or whatever, or done a painting, and you think, oh, that's nothing like as good as the last one, then you stop. You've reached the end of your capacity. But I feel, even at 60, lucky enough to say that I still feel that everything is still giving me the same amount of pleasure as it used to.
Best kept interiors secret in the South East?
Well, we lived in Greenwich, I used to spend an enormous amount of time at Greenwich Market, which I always think is a really interesting kind of nursery for young, new startup, particularly interiors, brands. Lush started there. That's always a good place to keep your eye on. I don't know how secret it is, but certainly a favourite of mine
Laurence will be the headline speaker at this year’s South East Property Expo which takes place on 23rd September. For details visit https://sepropertyexpo.co.uk/
Homebuyers value transport links more than square footage
UK homebuyers are placing far greater emphasis on transport links when looking for a home, according to new research from Market Financial Solutions. Broadband and mobile connectivity were cited by 82% of homebuyers as ‘important’ or ‘very important’, replacing the garden and/or outdoor space (76%) as the single most important factor. The factor that has risen the most is transport links (74%), which has jumped eight places, while the square footage of a property (72%) has fallen from second in 2021 to seventh this year.
A Final Thought…
A 98-year old’s recollection of Jazz in West Wickham
by BILL TONKIN
My first introduction to jazz was when I joined a jazz appreciation class at night school (Evening Institute). The instructor brought along a turntable and amplifier and played jazz and swing records with the class. In those days there was no such thing as a live British jazz band playing. All I can remember is Joe Loss and Geraldo who played a strictly dancing tempo. In 1912, an American band, The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, came over for a short visit but their style of music didn’t catch on. It was not until 1942 and I was 17 that a British band first played jazz. They played once a month at a pub called The Red Barn at Barnhurst. This was the first time I heard live musicians playing New Orleans type jazz and I was hooked for life!
The band was called The George Webb Dixielanders. George was exempt from the call-up as he was doing essential work at Vickers Armstrong as a milling machine operator and he formed a band of musicians with the liking for jazz. Sometimes he brought along his apprentice, young Fred. George’s jazz caught on and this started the jazz revival which swept the world. Before long there were many bands playing New Orleans style jazz — Claud Luter in France and Grahame Bell’s Dixieland Jazz Band in Australia (1945) to name but a few.
America was fortunate in that many of the great jazz musicians of the 20s were still alive and playing, and a whole flock of record companies were formed to cash in on the jazz revival. By this time, I had built up a sizable collection of records. There were currency restrictions, which meant you could not purchase records from abroad. This was got around by the publishing of a magazine called ‘The Record Changer’, which was no more than a list of collectors wishing to exchange records worldwide.
Soon I was exchanging records with the collectors in Australia, France, Switzerland and the USA. Usually a
box of 10 records at a time. A 78 then cost two shillings and six pence farthing and I would select a couple and take them down to a shop in Woolwich where I got 25 shillings for each record. This was a time when my record collection really took off.
Many years later, about 1991, when I was very involved in collecting exhibition postcards, I was talking to a member of the Festival of Britain’s society, and it turned out he used to go to the Red Barn. It was George’s apprentice Fred, now an explosives expert. Fred Pester became one of my closest friends until his death in April 2023.
I cannot remember when I first visited the West Wickham Jazz Club. It was run then by a lady called Madge. They met at several venues, a football clubhouse, the Hayes Country Club and lastly at the current venue, Wickham Park Sports Club. When Madge retired, my daughter Alison took it on, bringing her small son with her and she has been running it now for about 30 years.
West Wickham can take credit for hosting the vintage jazz band for possibly around 40 years and I have no doubt this is a record that will never be beaten. Naturally over this length of time there have been changes in the band as members retire. Alison’s son, James (my grandson), was about three when he was introduced to jazz and used to sit tapping the table in time to the music. This was noticed by the drummer of the band, Dipper Dudley, who gave him a pair of drumsticks and it was not long before James owned his first drum kit and he was invited to sit in with the band and play a few numbers. When Dipper had to retire through ill health, the band changed their name to the Vintage Tribute Jazz Band. James was later to join the Bromley Youth Orchestra — as a drummer of course.
West Wickham Jazz Club meets twice a month In the Wickham Park Sports Club behind 228- 230 Pickhurst Rise, where there is ample off-street free parking available. For more information call 020 8460 8876 or 07940821271.
Do you have a passion for something – a hobby or cause that you want to raise awareness of? Perhaps you just want to share your (positive or inspiring) thoughts on a subject or life in general? Send your idea to hello@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘Final Thought.’
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