kicking off this issue with not one but two exciting announcements we’ve been bursting to share!
First up, after months of planning behind the scenes, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Bromley’s first-ever dedicated local app, brought to you by Life In…Magazines! ��
Packed with everything residents love – including instant access to our digital magazines, a jam-packed What’s On calendar, a growing local business directory and brilliant offers – it’s a must-have for staying connected with your community. Best of all, it’s FREE to download on iOS! Just search ‘Life In Magazines’ on the App Store, and don’t forget to enable notifications so you never miss a new magazine launch or a local deal.
And that’s not all… we’re also delighted to announce that nominations and submissions are now OPEN for this year’s Above and Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs), taking place in November. If you’re a resident, two special categories – Community Hero and Business Personality of the Year – are open to public nominations, so if you know someone who deserves the spotlight, now’s the time to shout about them!
Businesses large and small are also encouraged to submit their entries –it’s free to do so and judging is done on a points system – not a popularity contest making it fair and unbiased. The ABBBAs are all about celebrating the hard-working businesses that help keep Bromley buzzing – and we’d love for you to be part of it.
You’ll find more info about both the app and the awards inside this issue… but for now, let’s just say we’re feeling pretty proud of Bromley this month.
Until next time, enjoy the read!
Lauretta Wright, Editor
THE TEAM
Get to know us: The most adventurous thing I’ve done is…
Office & Editorial Assistant: Tori Howe hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Strategy & Operations:
Aysha Best-Forbes Ziplining in Laos
Thank you to our distributors:
Design: Nicky Grant design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Backpacking around Bali, Australia & Thailand
Accounts: Helen Jordan accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Backpacking for a year around Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Rarotonga
Social Media & Comms: Carter Rogers hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Hiking up Mt Agung in Indonesia
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Dawn B, Greg, Dawn W, Rob, Jack, Kelly, Tara, Megan, Nicole, Sam, Dylan, Joel, Terri, Gabriel, Pamela, Lorraine, Tom, Lucy, Conor, Tilly, Rosie, Ben, Eira, Josh and Isaac.
Bromley’s got an App!
Life In…Magazines has just launched Bromley’s first dedicated local app - and it’s completely FREE to download!
Want to know what’s on in your area?
Fancy flicking through the latest digital mags from your phone?
Looking for brilliant local businesses, offers and events all in one place?
We’ve got you.
With our new app you’ll get:
• Instant access to our monthly magazines
• A jam-packed What’s On calendar
• A growing local business directory
• Exclusive offers, discounts & competitions
• Handy links, local news and much more!
Download it now – free for iOS users!
It’s like having Bromley in your pocket! Allow notifications so you
Beckenham & Stanhope Bowling Club Turns 125!
This year marks a major milestone for Beckenham & Stanhope Bowling Club as they celebrate 125 years of bowling at the heart of the community.
The club first took shape back in 1899, when two local enthusiasts persuaded the superintendent of Croydon Road Recreation Ground to create two bowls rinks – and the rest, as they say, is history! Over the years the club evolved, eventually merging with the Stanhope Ladies in 2012 to become the inclusive and welcoming hub it is today.
Based in Croydon Road Recreation Ground, the club continues to offer a great mix of sport, socialising and community spirit – and they’d love to welcome new members, whether you’re a total beginner or seasoned pro. Here’s to 125 years of friendship, fun and fabulous bowling!
Learn more at www. beckenhambowlingclub.co.uk
A chapter of success
Books in the Park 2025 was held on Saturday 26th April at Beckenham Place Park and went down a storm with those who came to enjoy talks, walks, activities, food and refreshments for the second year running. The literature festival had grown its programme for this year and included talks for adults and children, guided walks and writing workshops. Pictured is the team involved in the event’s organisation – from the left: Beth Carter, Angela Himus, Sue Rivas, Frances Frost and Drew Jerrison.
‘In Bloom’ competition!
The annual Coolings In Bloom competition is now open for entries! Whether you’ve been gardening for years or just starting out, now's the time to celebrate and showcase all the hard work with In Bloom – a free to enter competition, encouraging everyone from amateur gardeners to seasoned pros to showcase their gardening achievements.
To take part, download the form from the Coolings website and indicate which category you are entering by 30th June. The categories include Best Front Garden, Best Back Garden, Best Planted Pot, Trough or Hanging Basket, Best Allotment Plot, Best Pollinator Friendly Garden, Best School Garden Best Community Garden and Best Commercial Garden or Horticultural Display. There is no limit to the categories that can be entered and all applications receive a Coolings voucher (one per entrant) to put towards any plant or garden product to help get their garden project started.
Entries will be judged during July. For full details and to enter visit https://bit.ly/coolingsinbloom25
Clean power by 2030 Community
The UK is stepping up its clean energy game with major reforms to the government’s renewables scheme. The aim? More wind farms, cheaper energy and a greener future. Plans include faster offshore wind projects (relaxing planning rules to get them up and running quicker), better funding and longer contracts to boost investor confidence. With recordbreaking renewables projects already in place, the UK is powering ahead to hit its 2030 clean energy targets. The Contracts for Difference scheme will be key in making this happen, helping break free from expensive fossil fuels while creating jobs and economic growth.
community NOTICEBOARD
Help Bring ‘Sharing Joy’ to Bromley Supporting Youth Wellbeing
Gro Health is a new initiative now underway to provide in-person and digital support, helping children and young people to reach a healthy weight and develop skills to help maintain this long-term.
As part of a continued drive to improve access to services for young people in the borough living with excess weight or obesity, Bromley Council is using DDM’s Gro Health platform, to support children living in the borough, up to the age of 18, with a weight management service with tailored programmes that encourage healthy eating, support physical activity, and enhance mental wellbeing. Gro Health will provide two pilot programmes over two years to deliver a 12-week programme with schools in the borough, and a targeted communitybased programme of age-specific education for eligible users via referrals through their primary care service or through self-referrals.
Interested residents can access the service by self-referral. To check eligibility and register visit: www.grohealth.com/ bromley or call 0330 133 0307. Parents who are concerned about any aspect of their child’s health are encouraged to approach a health professional for advice if needed. For further helpful information and health advice for children aged 0 to 19, visit: www. bromley0to19.co.uk. Support for adults seeking support in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can also find more information by visiting: www.bromley.gov.uk/HealthyWeight.
Vamos Theatre’s transformative show for those affected by dementia will be performed in October 2025. We need to raise £2,200 to make it happen. Can you sponsor or donate to support this unforgettable performance? Find out more from www.questsoultheatre.co.uk/sharing-joy
Better protection for those using safety alarms
The country’s most vulnerable, including elderly people relying on personal alarms to call for help, will be better protected during the switch from analogue to digital landlines, thanks to a new government agreement reached with the telecoms industry late last year. This will include a new requirement for companies to offer an engineer visit to vulnerable customers, who will personally test the vital alarm and ensure it continues to work once a household has moved to the digital network.
Personal alarms are lifesaving buttons connected to phone networks and are known as ‘telecare devices’. They offer remote support to elderly, disabled and vulnerable people, sometimes living in remote and isolated locations. Nearly two million people use these vital alarms in the UK. Last year Telecoms Minister, Chris Bryant, called on telecoms companies to complete a strict checklist of safeguards before transferring customers from old analogue phone lines onto a digital network, reducing the risk of them being disconnected during the migration. In a round table at techUK’s London HQ attended by representatives from the sector including BT, Virgin Media, Vodafone and Sky, the minister also urged companies to extend the power of battery back-up solutions beyond the existing one-hour minimum, maximising their resilience as far as possible and access to emergency services in the event of a power outage.
Behind the Badge
INSIGHTS FROM THE SUPER
We have now delivered the next phase retail crime operation, known as “Operation Kelleher.”
This has been utilised to great effect in Orpington, the Crays and more recently Anerley which I have written about. This time we focussed on Beckenham on Friday 25th April following community concerns and data analysis leading us to identify a number of prolific offenders. We carried out the operation utilising specialist officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group, alongside your local neighbourhood policing teams, showing the Met’s commitment to tackle this issue. As I’ve said before, we focus on generally harmful people using retail offences as the most solvable crime to bring them to justice and seek Criminal Behaviour Orders to control their behaviour in future.
The operation was a success, we plotted up at frequently targeted stores in plain clothes and made 7 arrests for people caught in the act. Several of these have now
been charged and either remanded or bailed to court. ITV featured this operation on the news and the report is available online and the approach is getting a lot of interest due to its effectiveness.
Every time we run this operation, we refine our approach becoming more efficient and effective. I hope in time this will become part of our normal daily business and bring retail crime under much greater control. I am confident this will make Beckenham a sustainably safer retail space for staff and customers alike.
We aren’t done yet; we have a long way to go and know that for many areas you still see unacceptable levels of shoplifting and associated violence and intimidation from the perpetrators. Be assured that area by area, we will continue to get a grip of this problem and provide the support needed to our retailers and communities.
Superintendent Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing
Firefront line..
As Borough Commander for Bromley, I recently led a Fire Safety Day at The Glades Shopping Centre. It was a proactive initiative to engage directly with local businesses and the wider community. Alongside our fire safety teams and Bromley Borough firefighters, we provided guidance and inspections, helping businesses understand their responsibilities and improve their fire safety measures.
For many businesses, fire safety can feel like a box-ticking exercise, but it’s so much more than that. A working fire alarm, a clear evacuation route and properly maintained fire doors can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster for the business. Our role is to support you in getting these basics right.
We spoke to over 100 business owners about checking their risk assessments, training their staff on fire procedures and ensuring escape routes are always clear and accessible. Simple steps like regular alarm testing, keeping combustibles away from heat sources and having a nominated fire warden can significantly reduce your risk.
This initiative is part of a wider London Fire Brigade strategy to support businesses in protecting their people, their premises and their livelihoods. Whether you’re running a high street café, a retail shop or an office space, fire safety must be part of your daily routine.
If you're unsure whether your business complies with fire safety legislation, we’re here to help. Our Fire Safety Team offers free guidance and advice. It’s better to ask now than to face enforcement later – and more importantly, it keeps people safe.
Let’s continue working together to make Bromley a safer place to live, work and trade.
Ian Frame, Borough Commander London Borough of Bromley, London Fire Brigade
Wills, Probate & LPAs
Southeast Legacies is a fully qualified Estate Planning firm with a team that includes full STEP members, chartered legal executive lawyers and full members of the Society of Will Writers. We hold professional indemnity insurance and draft hundreds of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney every year.
*disbursements will be added to the final invoice *LPAs are subject to government registration fees
ABC is local charity that provides pre-loved books to schools and builds libraries in primaries to inspire children to read for pleasure. Join us this half term by sponsoring your child to read for 5 hours and donating the money they raise to ABC. For details visit https://bit.ly/3YBrxvR
Crumbs – A Comedy by Steve Tolmie
Thursday 5th – Saturday 7th June, 8pm
St. Francis Church Hall, Ravenswood Avenue, West Wickham, BR4 0PW
Cost: £8.50 (children £6)
Contact: 07432 742209
Get ready for a night of laughs as The Matchbox Theatre presents Crumbs, a brilliantly funny comedy written by Steve Tolmie and directed by Victoria Pearce. Taking place over three nights at St. Francis Church Hall, this light-hearted production promises witty dialogue and quirky characters –the perfect recipe for an entertaining evening out. To book visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thematchbox-theatre or call the box office.
'Juno Beach' by Simon Waterfield
Thursday 5th June, 2.30-3.30pm
Beckenham Methodist Church, BR3 5JE
Cost: (£5 if you join our group)
Contact: Email hello@ntbbcentre.org.uk
Visitors welcome at this talk, just turn up. NT Beckenham & Bromley Centre, a National Trust supporter group. Talks and visits to places of interest. Membership £15 to December 2025. For details see www.ntbbcentre.org.uk
Dementia Café
1st Wednesday of the month, 10.30am-12pm Avenue Baptist Church, 96 Avenue Road, Beckenham, BR3 4RX
Cost: Free
Contact: Claire on 07872 302907
Monthly group for people living with Dementia/Alzheimers and their Carers/Loved Ones. Each month we have different activities such as crafts, singing, quizzes. You are welcome to take part or just come for a cuppa and a chat. Support provided. No booking necessary, just pop along and join us!
Macular Society Bromley Support Group
1st Tuesday of every month (except January & August) 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
Submit your event for free on our App and online! Submit yours at bit.ly/bromleyevents or scan the QR code.
affected. We have a variety of speakers and a mixed and diverse programme.
MUSIC, entertainment & FOOD
Beckenham Chorale Summer concertA night at the Opera!
Saturday 14th June, 7pm – 8.45pm
St George’s Church, High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1AX
Cost: £15, £10 [£5 concessions]
Contact: beckenhamchorale@hotmail.co.uk
The Chorale is performing a selection of favourite Opera Choruses, including works by Verdi, Donizetti, Bizet, Wagner, Purcell and Gilbert and Sullivan. Ticket price includes free drink and programme. Tickets available online, www.ticketsource.co.uk/ beckenhamchorale and on the door from 6.15pm. For details see www.beckenhamchorale.org.uk
Hayes Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert
Saturday 21st June, 7.30pm
St Francie of Assisi Church, Ravenswood Road, West Wickham, BR40PW
Cost: Tickets £12.50 online or at the door. Under 18s free
Contact: Email treasurer@hayessymphony.org.uk
Celebrate summer with some beautiful music performed by your local community orchestra : Mozart’s sparkling ‘Don Giovanni’ overture, Bruch’s stunning and muchloved Violin Concerto no 1 (soloist Andrew Sherwood) and Dvorak’s captivating Symphony no 8. Enjoy homemade cakes in the interval! For details see www.hayessymphony.org.uk/concert-diary
Line Dancing - Carolina Country Music Club
Line Dance Classes – beginners and intermediates (Every Wednesday) 13th June (Steve Cherelle) and 22nd June (Daniel Berry)
7.30pm-10pm on Wednesdays and 7.30pm-11pm 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
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In...Beckenham cannot
responsible for any changes or cancellations of an event. We’ve done our best to make sure everything’s spot on at the time of printing, but it’s always a good idea to double-check details with the venue or event organiser, just in case! Prices exclude vat.
Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. @lifeinmags
THE BRIGHT SIDE
Mid-year moments: A time to reflect & reboot
by LAURETTA WRIGHT
It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through the year already – wasn’t it just January? June has a funny way of sneaking up on us. The days are longer, the air’s warmer and there’s a sense of calm before the full swing of summer kicks in. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect and reset.
Mid-year moments offer a gentle nudge – not the pressure of January resolutions, but a quieter opportunity to check in with ourselves. How’s the year going so far? Have we done the things we said we would? Or has life (as it often does) taken us in a different direction?
The good news? If you made any resolutions, there is still plenty of time. Whether it’s recharging your energy, rekindling your goals or simply reconnecting with what matters – June is a lovely, low-pressure window to do it. Even a small change – like trying something new in the
Lines from Linda
Can you believe we are halfway through the year? I thought it was only birds and planes that flew. June is such a lovely month. No guarantee of the weather these days, but long light evenings and the month of tennis. What I love most about tennis is the strawberries that are always provided. I love strawberries. I had a little dog once who I named Strawberry. She was extremely naughty and she too adored strawberries. If I got a basket of them, she often crept up and stole one from the basket as I unpacked shopping. Naughty. She didn’t touch any other fruit, just strawberries.
I have an embarrassing memory of taking her to a tennis match that we had been invited to as VIP guests and, holding her on a longish lead in one hand, while we sipped the arrival glass of Champagne we were handed.All was fine. We took our seats and enjoyed the first part of the game, then we all stood up and made our way to the VIP tent for our strawberries and cream. However, we were met by strawberry cheeked faces from the hospitality staff, explaining that all the strawberries were inedible as it looked as if some creature had bitten through them, tossing baskets over as they devoured the contents. Now it was my turn to be strawberry faced. I glanced down at Strawberry, and the giveaway was her whiskers. They were pink, even her eyebrows looked as if she had
community or carving out a little more “you” time – can make a big difference. Examples include starting the day tech-free, walking somewhere new, drinking an extra glass of water, supporting a local business, clearing out a drawer or cupboard, trying a new recipe, sending a kind message to a friend or neighbour and ending the day with gratitude. This month, why not take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come already this year – even if it doesn’t feel like much. Every small step counts. And if things haven’t gone to plan, there’s no rule that says you can’t start fresh in June.
Let’s embrace this mid-year milestone with positivity, purpose and a little playfulness. After all, summer is just beginning – and who knows what good things are still to come?
painted them with rouge. I should have kept her on a shorter lead. I flicked a glance to my hubby, he too wore a look of deep embarrassment.
I had a little dog once who I named Strawberry. She was extremely naughty "
We were given another glass of Champagne, which we truly didn’t deserve, as a substitute. There were other dogs there and we were too embarrassed to admit it was our naughty dog’s doing, so we made our way back to the next half of the matches. As VIP guests, we were seated next to the president of the club. The second half had barely begun when one of the hospitality staff, arrived at the side of the president. ‘Sir, I don’t know what to say,’ she said nearly in tears. ‘They were there in the interval, but the strawberry cupcakes that were made especially to be served with the tea after, are inedible. Someone’s eaten all the strawberry icing off them’ She lowered her voice. ‘I fear we may have mice. I am sorry but I can’t serve them.’ I looked at Strawberry, her tummy had definitely expanded.
We left without staying for tea.Strawberry was sick all the way home in my car. It took me hours to clean the strawberry jam stains away. My just punishment, yes, I agree.
For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk
5 Mins With community
Macy Henry
At just 14, Macy Henry has been crowned the British Champion kickboxer in her age and weight category. Macy lives in Bromley with her parents, younger brother and two dogs. At school her favourite subjects are maths and business.
Macy, what first sparked your interest in kickboxing and what age did you start?
As a child, I tried finding interests and hobbies, yet none kept my interest. My parents mentioned martial arts, so at eight years old I trialed my first session. I now train four to five times a week.
Who has been your inspiration and why?
My inspiration has always been my coach Az. As a lower belt I looked up to those who were higher belts, but now I am a black belt, my opinion on my coach has never changed. One day I would like to achieve the accomplishments he has. My biggest supporter has also been my dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without both of them.
What advice would you give to others wanting to learn?
Not to expect your desired outcome if you’re not willing to be patient and put in the effort.
How did you feel when you won? And how did you celebrate?
It feels great to know my training has paid off! After the fight I felt tired but it was worth it knowing the results I came out with. Afterwards, our group headed back to the hotel to eat and enjoy a nice conversation to end the day.
Is there a special moment you were particularly proud of?
It would be winning double British champion in 2022, alongside a silver in the weight class above. This is special to me as it was my first time winning a gold at the British championships let alone two golds. Fighting girls who were stronger and heavier than me in the weight class above and resulting with a silver was amazing.
What benefits has kickboxing brought you?
It has taught me to be disciplined; facing situations I don’t necessarily want to face, but taking them on anyway makes you stronger.
What’s your next goal?
After completing the championships, it would be to go international to compete.
Coach Az Miralay at Warrior Martial Arts gives us the lowdown…
Where do you think Macy’s strengths lie and how did you feel when she won the British Champion title?
Macy has many strengths. For her age, Macy shows incredible maturity and, as a result, is able to really understand the importance of deliberate practice and shows amazing fight IQ when on the mats. Beyond this, she is a natural athlete who works extremely hard. I see a lot of talented people come and go, but few are willing to put in the level of work that she does. When it comes to how I felt when she won, I was extremely proud. I am of everyone who steps on the mats, but to be able to win at this level in an increasingly competitive sport is very admirable. I’m also always impressed with her level of empathy towards her opponents and the way she treats officials. She’s always respectful both in victory and defeat. This is more important to me than any title she’ll ever win.
As a former European champion where do you see Macy’s accomplishments taking her?
She could go all the way. Recently, kickboxing has been recognised by the IOC, making it an Olympic sport for the first time. Macy is of that first generation of athletes who could represent the UK at such a prestigious event. I’m excited to see what’s next for her!
What is your advice to people looking to try the sport?
My advice would be just that: try it! It's an amazing sport with a fantastic community around it. I appreciate it can sound intimidating, but the reality of it is that it's very safe when practiced properly and can do wonders for your fitness and mental well-being. I think everyone should do some martial arts at some point in their life, and there has never been a better time to give it a go.
Health & Fitness
EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY & THE POWER OF BALANCE
by Dr. Neil Bindemann, Founder and Director of the Person-Centred Neurosciences Society & Lifestyle Health Foundation
How does it feel to be told you are neurodiverse? For many, it’s clarity—an opportunity to better understand themselves and their experiences. But it can also be a time of reflection, revealing both challenges and strengths that come with a neurodivergent mind.
Neurodiversity Awareness Week isn’t just about recognising conditions like autism or ADHD; it’s about celebrating the incredible diversity of human thought, creativity, and innovation. From artists and musicians to scientists, teachers, and healthcare professionals, neurodivergent individuals make extraordinary contributions to society. During this year’s awareness week, we had the pleasure of meeting Joulie, the founder of Yummzy – Sinfully Guiltless Desserts, and her husband Adrian at their keto and lowcarb café in Canary Wharf. A conversation about food and lifestyle soon turned into a fascinating discussion about health, neurodiversity, and the body’s response to sensory overload.
For Joulie, her diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes in childhood was something she had long managed, but only recently learned of her autism diagnosis. This revelation provided a new perspective on her lifelong health journey. Could hypersensitivity/sensory overload be connected to immune
system responses and inflammatory conditions?
An interesting theory—one aligning with growing research into autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, arthritis, eczema, and even migraines. If our immune system overreacts to certain stimuli, could our nervous system react similarly?
While these questions are still being explored, one thing is clear—balance is key. Whether through diet, lifestyle changes, or reconnecting with nature, there are ways to reset our senses, support emotional well-being, and nurture overall health. Many neurodiverse individuals find deep comfort in animals, nature, and structured lifestyles— indicating some solutions lie in the natural world.
At the Person-Centred Neurosciences Society and Lifestyle Health Foundation, we’re dedicated to exploring these connections and supporting people in finding their own path to wellness. Through lifestyle neuroscience programmes, dietary approaches like keto, and focuses on emotional and immune system balance, we aim to help individuals thrive, not just manage.
Neurodiversity isn’t a limitation—experiencing the world differently. And by understanding it better, we can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
Myths and Facts About Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition affecting over 190 million women worldwide. Let’s debunk some common myths about endometriosis.
Myth 1: It is normal to have painful periods.
Fact: While mild cramping is common, severe period pain that disrupts daily life is not. If your period pain prevents you from working, attending school, or carrying out regular activities, you should see a doctor.
Myth 2: Endometriosis only affects the uterus and ovaries.
Fact: Endometriosis can develop outside the reproductive system, including the ureter, bladder, kidneys, bowel, diaphragm, appendix, pancreas, lungs and even brain
Myth 3: Endometriosis only affects women of childbearing age.
Fact: Symptoms can start as early as adolescence, but diagnosis is often delayed. Menopause may reduce symptoms, but because oestrogen continues production in small amounts, endometriosis can persist after menopause.
Myth 4: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cure endometriosis.
Fact: Pregnancy may temporarily reduce symptoms through hormonal changes but is not a cure. Symptoms often return after childbirth or breastfeeding.
Myth 5: Hysterectomy cures endometriosis.
Fact: Since endometriosis lesions can exist outside the uterus, removing the uterus does not guarantee symptom relief.
Myth 6: Severe periods mean severe endometriosis.
Fact: The severity of symptoms does not always match the stage of the disease. Some women with mild endometriosis experience extreme pain, while others with advanced cases have minimal discomfort.
Understanding the truth about endometriosis can help women seek early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Do you have a question for Dr Hashmi? Send an email to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line Ask The Doc
A Final Thought…
A Brave New World?
by Dr NICOLA BAILEY
Like many ‘baby boomers’, now septuagenarians, we felt that in our heyday of the 1960s we were changing the world to become a more acceptable and free brave new world for the younger generation. How times have changed since then though, especially with the exponential increases in technology and communications. It has made me reflect on those early days again and wonder if we have established a brave new world – or just a new world order which is more reminiscent of Aldous Huxley’s vision in his Brave New World or George Orwell’s vision in 1984?
When comparing Brave New World and 1984 to the present day, there are several striking similarities and thought-provoking differences. Both are dystopian novels, written in the early to mid-20th Century, exploring the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individual freedom following a turbulent period after World War I. Both were written in the early days of the technological revolution but could already picture societies where governments control every aspect of people’s lives, manipulating them through surveillance, propaganda and the suppression of individual thought.
Whilst Brave New World presented a future where people were conditioned from birth to be content, docile and unquestioning through satisfying citizens’ desires with material comforts, mind-altering drugs and a hedonistic lifestyle; 1984 portrays a society ruled by an omnipresent government known as Big Brother, where surveillance is pervasive and thought manipulated through a controlled form of communication known as Newspeak.
It is evident that some elements of these dystopias resonate with our reality today. Surveillance technologies, such as CCTV cameras and digital tracking have become commonplace in many societies. Whilst they are often advocated as beneficial to identify criminal activity as they can surely be, they also offer a vision of Big Brother too. Government and
corporations also collect vast amounts of personal data, once again advocating the benefits of using loyalty cards and cookies, but conveniently ignoring the increased invasion of privacy and the potential for abuse and manipulation.
The big elephant in the room is the propaganda and manipulation of information through social media platforms, as strikingly made clear in the USA by Donald Trump and his claims of fake news (by whom!) and the social disturbances in the UK following the tragic murders in Southport. It has highlighted to Western governments that whilst Brave New World and 1984 focused on government control, we are in fact in danger of being controlled by large corporations such as Google (Alphabet), Amazon, Microsoft and X with their soft sell of more convenient and immediate control of data and information, whilst benefiting from storing that data and information many times over. When Sir Francis Bacon coined the saying: "knowledge itself is power" in 1597, he most likely wanted to transmit the idea that having and sharing knowledge is the cornerstone of reputation and influence, and therefore power; not the manipulation we see today. This has also extended to media corporations, where misinformation and trust in traditional new sources is increasingly evident with, for example, the BBC News now having to use its Verify label to many news items.
However, it is essential to recognise that I believe we have not fully descended into the nightmarish worlds depicted in these novels. The power of individual thought, critical thinking and resistance still exist strongly today. While challenges to freedom and democracy persist in many parts of the world, so does the human capacity for change and progress, as evidenced very dramatically by Alexei Navalny’s sacrifice in Russia.
The lessons from Brave New World and 1984 should serve as cautionary tales, to remind us to remain vigilant and actively participate in shaping a society that values individual freedom, diversity and the pursuit of truth – all goals which we in the 1960s felt we were challenging –and hopefully the youth of today will still champion.
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