Both Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and Finance) – 40 Pages of Paperwork
Both Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and Finance) – 80 Pages of Paperwork
Single Trust Will – with the addition of a trust to add further protection for assets/ beneficiaries
Both Lasting Powers of Attorney (Health and Finance) – 40 Pages of Paperwork
Couples Trust Wills – with the addition of a trust
of Attorney (Health and Finance for 2 people) - 80 Pages of Paperwork
As the 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!
We're a multi award-winning company!
THE TEAM
A HUGE thank you to Nola Sutton 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?
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
We’re giving back! All our magazines are printed on 100% recyclable FSC paper and we print using vegetable inks. We are also proud to partner with Time4Trees to donate a tree to all those subscribing to a six-month or 12-month advertising campaign.
To advertise call 020 3488 9959 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Write It, Say It, Message It!
Got something to shout about?
Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text us on 07403 550068. You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags
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.
Come along and try this sport SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER from 10am to 2pm
All are most welcome Ages from 8 upwards
Bowls is a gentle healthy exercise spor t.
Come and have a look round the club with its 8 air-conditioned rinks, well stocked bar and restaurant.
Then have a FREE TAS TER SESSION with one of our qualified bowls coaches. We’ll provide the bowls all you need is a clean pair of flat soled shoes.
If you are unavailable on this date just call our reception team on
83 43 41 from 10 o ’clock to 12 o ’clock Monday to Friday to arrange a time and date convenient to you.
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
5 Minutes With Dr.PAWPAW community
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.
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
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
What's on
ACTIVITIES
Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes
See website for class dates & times
Cost: PAYG £5 – £8
Contact: Fran on 07976 412027
Online streaming plus live offerings, 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings including weekend classes. Box Fit, Total Body Conditioning, Yoga Mobility & Yoga Flow, Pilates, Zumba, Cross-training, Back2Fit, Pump and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School. I also offer a free monthly ‘Dance Because Nobody’s Watching’ event on the first Sunday of the month, 11am, at Tubbenden Junior School – all are welcome. See www.flinsfitness.co.uk for details.
Mel Crisp Yoga
Tuesday evening 7pm at Christ Church URC, Petts
Wood - Vinyasa Flow Class (1hr)
Cost: PAYG £12 or 4 classes for £40.
Tuesday at 8.15pm at Christ Church URC, Petts
Wood – Hatha Flow (45mins)
Cost: PAYG £9 or £30 for a block of 4 classes Wednesday at 9.45am at Orpington Village HallHatha Yoga classes (1hr)
Mixed ability and beginners welcome at both classes.
Cost: PAYG £12, Block Payment Classes £40 for 4 consecutive classes. First PAYG class is free. Contact: Mel on 07504 855 424. Email melcrisp41@ icloud.com www.melcrispyoga.com First class is FREE when mentioning Life In Orpington magazine
Mel has partnered with the Primrose Centre (based in the grounds of PRUH) to offer Yoga For Breast Cancer patients on Tuesdays 2pm-3pm. Once registered with the charity (see www.primrosecentre.org.uk) the class is free
to attend. For those who have finished treatment and have returned to work, a four-week block booking costs £8 per class and runs on Wednesday evenings from 7pm-8pm.
The Wednesday Club
Every Wednesday, 12.30pm onwards
Sovereign of The Seas, 109-111 Queensway, Petts Wood, BR5 1DG
Cost: Free
Contact: 020 8462 2569 (Joyce)
This friendship club meets weekly and gives people the opportunity to enjoy a social get-together. There is the opportunity for people to purchase lunch and arrange outings at other times with each other.
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
The Free Café & Hub, run By Rotary District E-Club
Where Craft, Coffee, Cake and Chat are brought to you for free. Community coming together and making friends – all are welcome. For more information see www.orpingtondistrict-e-club.co.uk
Petts Wood Playgroup Coffee Morning
Saturday 19th October 10am-2pm
St James The Great RC Church, Petts Wood, BR5 1AY
Cost: free to attend, donations welcome
Contact: Email hollynorrispwpg@outlook.com
A coffee morning/cake sale to raise money for Petts Wood Playgroup, a nursery for children with special needs aged 0-5. There will be plenty of hot drinks, homemade cakes, tombola items and plenty of opportunities to donate to this amazing local 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 variety of speakers and a mixed and diverse programme.
The Elderberry Café
Every Wednesday, 9.30am-12 noon
Church Hall, St Paul’s Church, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 8JE
The café serves hot drinks, home-made cakes and much more. The Elderberry Café – where friendship, food and faith meet. Everybody is welcome.
u3a Orpington
3rd Monday of the month at 2pm
Crofton Main Hall, Orpington, BR6 8PR
Cost: £12 a year
Contact: Membersadmin@u3aorpington.org.uk or call 07732 005819
If you are retired or working part-time, why not join nearly 1,000 other members for access to over 95 different activities. Refreshments are provided.
Madlani Cancer Support
Stress Management Workshop
Thursday 24th October 1pm-3pm
Orpington Village Hall, Orpington, BR6 0NN
Cost: Free
Contact: Email Office@madlanicancersupport.org. uk or call 07926 696 006 to book a place. Spaces are limited and MUST be booked in advance.
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.
‘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
what's on
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
MUSIC, entertainment & FOOD
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
American Contra dancing
1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month, 2-4pm Liberal Club, 7 Station Road, Orpington BR6 0RZ (opp entrance to Tesco car park)
Cost: £5 pay on the door
Contact: Email janetmaile@rocketmail.com or call 01689 836407
American Contra dancing is a fun, low impact form of exercise. No partner or experience needed. All dances are walked through first, and the steps called throughout the dance. Join us for a fun afternoon. For details see https://juiceofbarley.weebly.com
Into the Daylight – Jazz and Blues evening, Green Chain Quartet 3rd October, 8pm Daylight Inn, Station Square, Petts Wood, BR5 1LZ
Cost: £5 admission (supporting Bromley Food Bank, Ukraine Appeal & MSF - Doctors without Borders).
Contact: 01689 877402.
The Green Chain Quartet performs with special guests: Steve Brayne, Chicago Blues and the debut of Antimattaz.The club is on the first Thursday of every month. For details see www.greenchainquartet.com
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...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. shout about your event...
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
theatre & Performances
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
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.
NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 7TH OCTOBER
To advertise call 020 3488 9959 email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
@lifeinmags
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
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.
Anyone for Tai Chi?
Dr Dong Barraclough is offering free Tai Chi and Health Qigong exercises on Saturday mornings from 9am10.30am on Zoom. For more information email dong.barraclough@gmail.com
Orpington’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
Help the 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 Farnborough branch of the Royal British Legion are seeking volunteers to help man our stall in Sainsburys, Locksbottom, and Morrisons, Petts Wood during the Poppy Appeal fortnight running from 25th October - 10th November inclusive. We are a small, friendly team and we welcome newcomers to help us collect donations for the traditional paper poppies as well as other RBL-licensed merchandise. All donations generate funds to help our current serving armed forces, and ex-servicemen and women and their families.
For more information, please contact Catherine Melia, Deputy Poppy Area Organiser by emailing RBLPoppies@gmail.com
Noticeboard
What’s Contra dancing?
Contra dance is a family friendly social event, similar to a barn dance. Our afternoon sessions are aimed at people of retirement age and above. We take things at a gentle pace. Studies have shown that dancing strengthens the bones, improves muscle tone, helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and reduces stress.
Contra Dancing takes place on 1st and 3rd Thursdays. 2-4 pm at the Liberal Club 7 Station Rd, Orpington BR6 0RZ. For more details, see https://www.juiceofbarley.weebly.com
Topping
it off nicely…
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
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.
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
11th - 13th October 2024
internationally
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
5 ideas to try in October...
1. Try out new recipes for comfort foods like soups, stews, and baked goods.
2. Take up a new indoor hobby or craft project to stay entertained.
3. Schedule a haunted house or ghost tour for some spooky thrills.
4. Find a new podcast to entertain you (or a new TV series)
5. Volunteer for a local charity or an event coming up
Karen Moore, National Trustee of the TG Bear Post Box Topper which should be featured in the exhibition.
The world's most beautiful music performed in the heart of Bromley by
acclaimed artist
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
4 stars
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
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.
If you’ve read a book you’d like to review, please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details It's 4 stars from me.
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
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
Get ready for a night to remember at the Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards 2024!
The night doesn’t stop there –
Taking place on Thursday 7th November, this is your chance to celebrate the best of Bromley’s business community in style.
With tickets now on sale, this prestigious event includes a pre-drinks reception to kick off the evening, followed by a mouth-watering three-course meal. Rub shoulders with over 300 local business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals, giving you the perfect opportunity to network and make new connections.
Following dinner, we’ll honour Bromley's top businesses during a glittering awards ceremony, celebrating the hard work, innovation and achievements of the local community. Plus, with fantastic entertainment lined up throughout the night, it’s bound to be an unforgettable evening. Whether you're supporting a finalist or simply looking to be inspired, don't miss your chance to be part of one of Bromley's biggest business events of the year. Secure your tickets now and be a part of the celebration!
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
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
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).
Date:
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.
Across
The BIG General Knowledge Crossword
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
olve 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?
Either text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
7. How many feet are in a yard?
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?
10. What company was originally called 'Cadabra'?
07403 550068 BY 16TH OCTOBER for your chance to win!
12. How many ghosts chase Pac-Man at the start of each game?
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.
Behind The Business community
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.
Making
it bespoke!
We would like to thank our bespoke sponsors who have gone out of their way to make The ABBBAs a unique, inspirational and highly sought-after event for the local business community.
Thank you to the following organisations and companies:
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 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 Final Thought…
The reluctant evacuee
by GLYNIS WATKINS
In the spring of 1944 my mother told my small brother and I that we were going to Yorkshire. It meant nothing to us, of course , but our lives were like that — things happened, like sleeping in a sort of cage in the front room for a while. I think these were called Anderson shelters. No-one explained very much as to why we were going to Yorkshire , something to do with doodlebugs, whatever they were. It was only much later we heard how lethal these new bombs were.
So it was that we found ourselves living in a relative’s large house, set in the middle of a Yorkshire village. The word ‘Invasion’ began to be spoken, and adults began to look happy.
“But people are still getting killed,” mum said anxiously. And then we went to school. Still no real explanation of why or for how long.
The school was a single storey building, surrounded by fields but with a concrete playground. My brother and I would stand close to the gate each morning, shaken by the noise and the fighting and yelling, not realising that the school was taking in groups of evacuees from all over London. It was full to bursting. I thought the school looked more like a church, with its arched windows, reddish bricks, and small porch with typical Victorian tiling. It also had a small wooden bell tower. The elderly caretaker rang the bell briefly each morning. The noisy boisterous groups would begin to calm down...
…and filter through the archway and into the hall. Every classroom opened on to it. Most alarmingly, at the end of the hall at a huge desk, sat a black-haired, bespectacled, unsmiling lady. She appeared to be there all day and was the headmistress, Miss Hegarty. There was a large flagpole beside her and each morning we warbled and grunted our way through the National Anthem.
She terrified me. A look from her quelled the toughest fighter so I decided to keep my head down, both in class and certainly the playground. The class chanted tables, wrote endless lists of spelling, fidgeted and squirmed, so
my brother decided he’d had enough and went down with one of his mysterious illnesses.
“You’ll have to tell Miss Hegarty he’s poorly”, the teacher said, as the class started the table chanting. “The invasion's started luv, cheer up!”
What was she talking about? I had no idea. The walk up the hall to the desk seemed endless. Miss Hegarty was reading a small piece of paper and didn’t look up. “Sit there,” she said, pointing to a chair. And so I waited, then slowly realised that she seemed to be crying, or rather, trying not to as she raised a handkerchief discreetly to her eyes… I was horrified — an adult crying is unsettling enough for a child, but Miss Hegarty...!
“Well,” she said, not looking at me.
“Please, my brother is,” I started trying to remember the local word “is ill, no, poorly!”
She wasn’t listening — her head in her hands, she was sobbing. I fled.
After all these years I can still remember the rawness of the sound she made.
At playtime she was at her desk looking like her usual self. A few weeks later we returned to London. Life went back to some normality.
But poor Miss Hegarty, in a time of war, alone with her grief and a stunned child who couldn’t help her.
Had she had a younger brother, too?
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.’
Local Maths Tutor
GCSE & A-level
Tuition for School
Years 10-13
BSc PhD qualified DBS cleared
Contact Phil: 07960 767794 | 01689 859789
Email: starts.tuition1@gmail.com
Spiritual Healer
Sarah Miller
Spiritual Healing and Guided Meditation to relax your body and soothe your soul.
Spiritual Healing with Sarah Miller
Classified Listings
BUSINESS & NETWORKING
BROMLEY BUSINESS
NETWORK
Bromley Business Network is a place where everyone feels comfortable building connections with fellow business leaders – whether you’re a first-timer or a serial networker. Meetings are held every two weeks at Bromley Football Club in Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF. To book visit bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk
EDUCATION
MATHS
TUITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS
I’m a secondary school student who is studying Maths and Further Maths at A-Level. I’m offering tuition for children in years 7-10 to help with their confidence and ability. Sessions can either be in person or online (£20 per Text or WhatsApp me (Nadja) on 07734-667797
Spiritual Healing is an energy therapy that can help you achieve a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Spiritual Healing with Sarah Miller
sjmiller@ntlworld.com 07941-297072
Spiritual Healing is an energy therapy that soothes, balances and strengthens mind, body and spirit.
Spiritual Healing can help with anxiety, insomnia and general wellbeing.
Spiritual Healing is an energy therapy that soothes, balances and strengthens mind, body and spirit.
Experience the tranquility of Spiritual Healing in a 20 minute taster session - £15.
Breathe, relax and heal.
Spiritual Healing can help with anxiety, insomnia and general wellbeing.
Experience the tranquility of Spiritual Healing in a 20 minute taster session - £15.
Breathe, relax and heal.
adventure. In partnership with The Holiday Village who are ABTA P6710 and ATOL bonded, providing 100% consumer protection, we have access to 1000’s of fantastic deals for any type of holiday. Tell us where you want to go and we’ll do the rest, your own personal travel agent. Follow us on Facebook @VashTheHolidayVillage or vash@theholidayvillage.co.uk or call 0330 8807812.
Revealed!
The most affordable supermarket own-brands What’s on locally Plan your November diary
Plus so much more!
Print run: 7,000 copies every month
Estimated readership: 18,000+ including digital
Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In...Orpington are subject to copyright, 2024.
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
Life In Orpington is available to pick up from the following locations. Chelsfield Railway Station | Family Shopper (Cotmandene Crescent) | Lidl Locksbottom & Sevenoaks
(M&S Café) | The Walnuts Shopping
| Morrisons Petts Wood | Petts Wood Railway Station. For a postal copy (£24 a year) email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
