Withall the great local businesses in our borough, we thought it would be a great idea to highlight just a small selection of them for this month’s Mother’s Day. What can be better than treating mum locally whilst helping a local business at the same time – it’s a win-win! Check out our new Live In Loves… feature to discover some unique gifts.
Meanwhile, you might notice that we now carry the Lifestyle Health Foundation logo on this page. This is because we have just partnered with the Lifestyle Health Foundation to share a message of holistic wellness amongst our growing community. The Foundation’s mission to prevent and heal acquired mind injuries through lifestyle health aligns with our commitment to inspire positivity and mindfulness among our readers. By collaborating, we aim to raise awareness about the significance of emotional health and the value of lived experiences in achieving overall well-being and, ultimately, a healthier and more connected community. Talking of healthier communities, we had to include a Health and Fitness feature of course – and thanks to Mytime Active for sponsoring this.
In our mission to create a ‘Community Kindness Movement’ across the borough, we’d love to know what acts of kindness you’ve either made or received lately – email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk – it could see you bag a £15 One4All digital gift card!
Until next month, enjoy the issue!
Lauretta Wright, Editor
PS We’re delighted to announce that we made the shortlist in the Small Business Awards 2025!
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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
Thank you to Jackie Barrie for sending in these wonderful pictures of Beckenham Place Park. Congratulations Jackie – you’ve won a £15 One4All Digital Gift card! Do you have any local pictures that you’d like to send us? Perhaps you’ve read an article that has inspired you or been thoughtprovoking? We’d love to hear from you – email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Just recently we...
Thank you to Michael Mehr for sending in this wonderful picture of some frosty fungi in Jubilee Park, Petts Wood. Keep your local pictures coming and you could see them featured in the magazine!
Attended a VIP event at Copper Ceylon in Bromley to experience the restaurant’s amazing Sri Lankan cuisine. It was hosted by Fred Sirieix of Channel 4’s First Dates and we were entertained by the wonderful Oritsé Williams. Pictured are Sarah MarshCollings (left) from Bromley Buzz and babelMonkey with Jo Chandler from ABC Bookclub and husband Roger.
Spotted our Startup Bromley posters in and around London Railway and Tube Stations. We’re proud to be a Startup Ambassador!
Caught up with advertiser James Broomfield from Our Tech having a read of the Bromley issue!
A BIG thank you
Thank you for personally delivering my prizes from the ’12 Days of Giftmas’ competition that you ran. I would like to tell readers I was amazed at my luck. But I would like to thank the retailers who donated the prizes to this wonderful competition for Life In…Magazines. Andrew Beale
Loving the gratitude Andrew and we couldn’t have run the competition without the wonderful support from local businesses!
Selective Mutism
I want to speak but you won’t let me. You're like a ghost creeping inside me It makes it hard for me to be myself, and I have a lot of anxiety. I wont let you control me, Like puppet on strings, Like you always do. It makes me distant from everyone else. It makes me feel small, And like I am not good enough. I feel like a shadow that wants to hide all the time in the darkness. I want you to go away forever. Stop trying to change me, Of who I am.
by J SELF
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.
Local Hero...
(Because not all heroes wear capes)
Karen Britton
Karen was nominated by Kathy Bance who said: “Karen has spent many years in different volunteering roles. She’s a full-time carer for her husband who had a serious stroke, mum to a teenage daughter who requires lots of assistance and she is someone who devotes all her spare time to supporting others. Amongst her volunteering roles has been marshalling at the lakes, client support at a Monday lunch club and chaperoning children/adults with special educational needs. She never complains about life.
Hey Karen! How does it feel to be nominated as a local hero by Kathy?
I was honoured to be nominated by Kathy who does so much for the community herself.
We hear that you have been involved in a number of volunteering activities and community projects. Could you explain what you’ve been involved in and give us some background on how you have got involved?
I have been volunteering since my 20s on various projects including youth work, food banks, baby banks and church projects. In lockdown I set up a charity bingo zoom game to raise money for a local boy who needed life-changing medical equipment. In November 2022 I decided to set up my own project The Lunch Club. I felt so strongly after the energy prices hike that I would offer a warm space and offer food to those who needed it in Penge. Along with my friend, Kathy, we set up at home at St John’s in Penge. I have a variety of volunteers who make the tea, lay the tables, wash up, serve food and chat to our visitors and I absolutely cherish them. The lunch feeds 25-30 elderly, lonely and vulnerable people in Penge a three-course meal every week. We also offer weekly entertainment from exercise, singing, craft, bingo and the highlight was our D-day celebration. We are non-funded and rely on the kindness of the community. Currently ten of the local Penge businesses contribute food and drink donations to the lunch club – a wonderful example of giving back to their community.
Why is it important for you to get involved in helping the local community – what does it mean to you?
Volunteering is such a wonderful experience. I have met so many interesting and lovely people on my volunteering journey.
What advice would you give to others looking to volunteer locally – either for a local group or charity?
I would urge anyone who is thinking about volunteering to get involved and find your passion. Even if it means just knocking on your neighbour’s door to check in on them.
What projects are you currently involved in? Or do you have any plans on the horizon?
I recently had a meeting with Living Well who do such good work in the community and we are thinking about a way we can work together to help even more people. We are celebrating our three-year anniversary in November and the Mayor is visiting to celebrate our special day.
When you’re not busy donating your time, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
My main interests are spending time with my family and I am a member of a local choir called Strictly All Together Beckenham, who are an amazing community choir. They actually donated profits from their Christmas concert last year to my lunch club.
What does community mean to you?
Community is everyone sharing the same space and trying to navigate life’s trials in the best possible way. A small ripple of kindness can make such a difference and we all have the power to look after our community.
A special ‘Thank You’ to Time For Flowers for sponsoring the bouquets and plants for our Local Heroes.
Karen received a 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
Calling all book lovers!
Books in the Park, Southeast London’s festival for book lovers of all ages, will return to Beckenham Place Park on Saturday 26th April. The full programme will be revealed on Monday 3rd March at www. booksinthepark.org. Festival goers will find captivating author talks and writing workshops, guided walks, exciting children’s events, Food and Farmers Market, and more.
Tickets go on sale Monday 3rd March at www.booksinthepark.org
Save the date - Saturday 26th April 2025 - for a full day of book festival fun and inspiration.
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word 'Shout' to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are available to listen at any time of the day or night and messages won't appear on your phone bill.
‘Humbling
and Inspirational’
Humbling and inspirational were the words used by the Mayor of Bromley to describe this year’s Bromley Borough Rotary Youth Awards. Sponsored by London Biggin Hill Airport, the event saw around 250 proud family members, Rotarians and local dignitaries join together at The Langley Performing Arts Centre to see and hear about 36 young people recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community. Award winners came from 17 secondary schools across Bromley Borough and were presented with a certificate, a voucher and ticket to Bromley Football Club by Cllr Dr David Jefferys, Bromley’s Mayor.
Community
Roving reporters wanted!
Meet Ellie Morgan! She’s one of our ‘Roving Reporters’ at Life In… Magazines. Would you like to join the fun? If you’re either…
• social media scroller with a knack for finding uplifting stories
• An engaged community player who likes to keep their ear on the ground
• A student looking to get some journalism experience
• Or you just love spotting feel-good stories – whether it’s a local act of kindness, a heartwarming success story or a community initiative…
We want to hear from you! Help us highlight the best of Beckenham by sharing these gems with us. Your discoveries could make it into this magazine, helping spreading positivity across the borough! Drop us an email at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with links, screenshots or details about the stories you’ve found or heard about. Let’s celebrate the good together!
The winners were: Aminat Adekanme, Layla Allen, Maria Chenery, Millie Choy, Sofia Wilson, Oliver Copus, Laura Cox, Jacob Fenwick-Read, Lily Francis, Amelia Freeman, Lachlann Pearce, Rowan Godsell, Gabrielle Grey, Oliver Gustafik, Zyana Haider, Alex Hamblin, Sophie Li, Amelia Johnson, Arunima Karve, Freya Keable, Amaan Miah, Bleddyn Mottershead, Pierreice Powell, Rene Powell, Aneesh Sagar, Ojal Sangle, Preciuus Shaumba, Gabriella Smaizyte, Eythan, Soysa, Chloe Stevens, Pamoda Vitharana, Jade Warwick, Christopher Welch, Charlotte Weller, Aoife West and Thomas Williamson.
Image: Andrew Dunsmore LMPA – BEM, Picture Partnership
Noticeboard
Celebrating International Women's Day
As International Women's Day approaches, there's a buzz of excitement in our community. It's a time to celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of women, everywhere. This year, on Friday 7th March, we invite you to join us at the stunning Beckenham Place Mansion for a special event hosted by Successful Mums Career Academy. The annual event, led by the inspiring Jane Knight, is all about bringing mums together. Jane, the founder of Successful Mums, has helped thousands of women achieve their career goals. Whether you've attended our events before or are joining us for the first time, we welcome you to be part of this inspiring day. Bring a friend and enjoy a day of support, community and celebration. It's a chance to be yourself, share your story and leave with new ideas and a plan to achieve your goals.
See you at Beckenham Place Mansion on 7th March 10am to 12:30pm!
Bromley Scouts needs you!
Bromley Scouts has 44 groups across the Borough offering exciting opportunities to young people aged 4 to 18 and want to do more! Do you have an interesting hobby or job? Can you spare an occasional hour to help teach a new skill? They’d love to speak to you –email dc@bromleyscouts.org.
Life In…Magazines is proud to support the charity CASPA at this year’s Above and Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs).
The annual event attracts over 320 people to highlight and celebrate businesses across the borough that go ‘above and beyond’.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk and early bird tickets for this year’s event (on Thursday 13th November) are now available online at www.the-abbbas.co.uk
Share your favourite recipes!
Always wanted to see your Granny’s favourite apple pie recipe published in a cookbook? Or your mum’s top secret banana bread recipe shared with your neighbours? Charitable trust and local leisure provider, Mytime Active, is working alongside One Bromley to produce a new community recipe book for Bromley residents. The ‘Bromley Community Cookbook’ will include a collection of healthy recipes that have been submitted by local residents. Each recipe will also share the family’s story about the dish and show a picture of the recipe, plus nutritional information.
The cookbook will be focussed on delicious, healthy recipes along with a few more indulgent treats. Residents are being asked to submit their favourite healthy family recipes for possible inclusion at www.mytimeactive.co.uk/recipe-book
When launched, a limited number of free printed copies will be available and there will also be a free online version of the cookbook.
Join our team as a telesales superstar!
Are you an experienced and enthusiastic telesales professional looking for an exciting new opportunity? Life In…Magazines is on the hunt for talented individuals to join our small, friendly and supportive team. We publish 3 fantastic community titles: Life In Orpington, Life In Bromley and Life In Beckenham. This is a commission-only role where you can enjoy unlimited earning potential based on your performance.
Following initial training, you can choose to work in the office or from home – perfect for fitting around your existing commitments. We'll give you all the tools and support you’ll need to succeed to help local businesses thrive by connecting them with their community. If you have…
- Previous telesales experience - Excellent communication skills - A positive, enthusiastic can-do attitude - A passion for community and local businesses
Get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and a brief cover letter to lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Loves…
SUPPORT LOCAL THIS MOTHER’S DAY
We’re always on the lookout for great ideas and great businesses to support locally. Here’s our roundup of ideas for treating mum this Mother’s Day!
Please mention Life In…Beckenham when booking any of these amazing Mother’s Day treats. It helps support local businesses in knowing what’s working for them.
Fabulous facial
Celebrate your special mum this Mother’s Day with a luxurious facial treatment at NVH Aesthetics. Treat her to glowing skin, relaxation, and the care she deserves. Give the gift of beauty and self-care this year. Treatments range from Dermalux LED Light Therapy to Collagen Induction Therapy and everything in between! Visit www.nvhaesthetics.com, email nvhaesthetics@gmail.com for details and to book call 078 18894190.
Say it with flowers
What mum doesn’t love a beautiful bouquet? Beckenham’s Babsela Flower Studio (7 Village Way) can make up a stunning arrangement with mum’s favourite blooms or suggest something that will cater to mum’s tastes if you give them some clues. They even sell candles, vases and even paintings for that extra something special. You can order mum’s flowers online from www.babsela.com or give them a call on 0208 143 2095.
Scrumptious
Afternoon Tea
Tantalise the tastebuds
Treat mum to a taste of fine dining with a visit to family-run restaurant, Bella Roma at 141-143 Croydon Rd. She’ll love the authentic Italian flavours including homemade fresh pasta, handcrafted cocktails and there is even a special Sunday Roast. High quality food, excellent service and a unique atmosphere are sure to be a winner with mum. For details see www.bellaromabeckenham.uk or to reserve a booking call 020 8149 5266.
Indulge mum with Afternoon Tea at The Landing where she’ll enjoy a selection of exquisite teas, savoury sandwiches and delectable pastries in a charming atmosphere, with fantastic views over London Biggin Hill Airport. Prices are £29.95 per person and you can choose from traditional, glutenfree and plant-based options. Booking for Mother’s Day? Mum will be treated to a free glass of prosecco with an Afternoon Tea booking! See www.thelandinghotel.co.uk or to book call 01959-584750.
Pamper & polish
A relaxing massage
Treat your mum to a choice of a 60-minute deep tissue, sports, Swedish or pregnancy massage with Becky Clark Sports Therapy. Massage is designed to alleviate pain and tension whilst promoting healing and circulation. It is beneficial for the body but also for the mind. Let her have a well-deserved hour to relax and unwind. Visit www. beckyclarksportstherapy. co.uk for more information and to book mum in.
Glamorous Nails believes in creating a luxurious and relaxing experience that will leave mum feeling pampered and beautiful. The salon specialises in manicures, pedicures, acrylics, gel nails, nail art, biab nails, sns and more! Whether mum wants a simple polish or an intricate design, their talented nail technicians will bring her vision to life. Call 020 8658 9958, see @glamorous_nails_beckenham on IG, visit 169 Beckenham Road or visit www.glamorousnailsbeckenham.co.uk
History
Door to door
by PAM PREEDY
As I sit in my front bedroom study, looking for inspiration for my next article, I watch a variety of vans and cars driving up our little close, drivers checking for the address for their next delivery. Oddly enough, it hadn’t occurred to me that families are still taking delivery of a variety of items. Deliveries in the 21st century are different from those in previous centuries. When we look back over time and delve a bit deeper, we realise that these changes coincide with social and technological advances.
For us in the 21st century, technology has been the driving force for change. Those of us born in the middle of the 20th century have seen the death of the coalman keeping our coal holes filled for warmth and for some, cooking. The milkman has almost, but not quite, disappeared from our streets. Postal workers and newspaper boys are disappearing. Instead of up to 12 postal deliveries a day in the 19th century, today we might see the postman maybe once a day or every other day. I see the newspaper boys delivering to one or two homes in our street each day. When I was a newspaper girl in the late 1950s we used our bikes and expected to deliver papers to several homes in each road. We must have been stronger then because at the weekend publishers added magazines to their newspaper. We still managed to get them to the customers. How much longer can newspapers and the deliveries last? As people switch to the internet, smart phones and television for their news fewer people buy
newspapers removing the need for the newspaper delivery boy. But it is not only advances in technology that has created the decline of deliveries, but also growing concerns for the safety of the boys and girls so employed and the establishment of a free paper.
Open All Hours provides a glimpse into the ubiquitous Corner Shop in which David Jason as Granville made the deliveries on his bicycle. It broadcast between 1976 and 1985. Food shopping has gone through its own metamorphosis into the large self-service stores, where the majority of shoppers buy their groceries. In spite of all the changes, it seems the Corner Shop has survived, and it is estimated that there are in the region of 50,000 convenience stores still thriving. As the size of the stores grew, they began to deliver their goods. The Croydon Sainsbury branch introduced deliveries in 1882 and from 1999 began online groceries. Ocado started in 2000 for Waitrose, while Amazon opened their service in 1997 and expanded to Amazon Prime in 2005. Today, Deliveroo works with around 182,000 restaurants, grocers and retailers.
My husband remembers the Corona delivery lorry bringing bottles of Tizer to his home. Its original name was ‘Pickup’s Appetizer’ and was often advertised as “It’s a red thing.” It was invented by Fred and Tom Pickup and launched in 1924. The original recipe included lots of additives and E numbers. When they changed the recipe to eliminate the additives there were complaints, such as “DON’T DRINK IT! It tastes of fruit now and ruined my childhood memories of fizzy chemicals. Ecologically sound, the red drink came in a bottle and the empties taken away.”
In the first half of the 20th century, several entrepreneurial shopkeepers, bakers, butchers and grocers would deliver their goods to homes in the local area. According to my aunt (aged 101), children could go to the local shop with a bowl to collect Walls ice-cream. Another delivery came in the form of the laundry. In Bromley one of the most successful laundries was started by Henry Podger, but this is the cliff-hanger - more of him later. This is merely an introduction. From time-to-time I will be writing about the history of several iconic deliverymen.
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
Coal delivery man on Flickr
Milk float on Facebook
The pace has already quickened for Mayoral events as we stride further into the New Year, which follows a comparatively light 42 events for myself and the Mayoress at the start of the year.
Raising money for my mayoral charities has been progressing nicely especially following the annual Bromley Mayoral quiz, which took place at Beckenham Halls. It was a most enjoyable evening, which included a special round on unusual facts about Bromley as it is our 60th anniversary as a borough this year, with many guests displaying their acute knowledge of unusual buildings and sites in Bromley.
An important part of the mayoral role is to support and encourage local businesses. I held a meeting with the three Bromley Deputy Lieutenants and one of the items we discussed was increasing the visibility of Bromley as a good place in which to start and develop a business and how we can attract more inward investment. On this theme I was pleased to join a dinner at Mansion House and help promote Bromley as a great location for businesses. It is always a pleasure to attend the opening of new restaurants and businesses in the borough.
I must highlight the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. This year was the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on the 27th January 1945. I joined the London commemoration held at City Hall and was privileged to host our own commemoration in the new council chamber, with attendees
Lines from Linda
And here is where, the much looked forward to, season of spring, comes marching in. I love this month when everything starts to get lighter and blossoms are all around on trees, and where flowers have popped up and are shaking their colourful heads to say hello.
And, of course this also hints that it is spring cleaning time. I have been doing a lot of decluttering lately and have been rearranging furniture and getting the house nice for the coming summer months. I disposed of some dark furniture I had and ordered a lovely light cabinet and bookcase to take its place. What I hadn’t bargained for was the arrival of this new furniture in a small box –meaning I had to put it all together before I could use it! However, my lovely hubby said it wasn’t a problem. ‘Lots of furniture comes in pieces in boxes,’ he assured me, and there were full instructions as to what bit goes where. We unpacked and read the instruction manuals and immediately disagreed on what they meant. ‘No, you’re wrong,’ he told me. ‘That goes on the top, not the bottom.’
I’m hoping I’m not the only one who squabbles with their hubby over this kind of thing, but I admit to being useless at putting things together and hubby is quite good at DIY, so I said I would leave him to it. ‘You go and do the shopping,’ he told me. ‘And I’ll have it all up and finished by the time you get back.’
including a Holocaust Survivor. In my speech, I highlighted that we must never forget the truly horrific events which took place in the camps, including the brutal murder and extermination of 6 million Jews. We all need to commit to ensuring that such events can never take place again and work towards building a better future. Turning to my Mayoral themes for the year, it was great to join several events and initiatives helping those living with dementia. I would particularly highlight the session on innovative care where we saw the use of virtual reality to improve the lives of those living with dementia and helping their carers.
On the environmental theme, I was delighted to join two further litter picks and to attend (and help) at several events organised by Thames 21 on the River Ravensbourne and the River Beck at Park Langley. It is great to see the difference that has all already been made at these two sites and along these rivers. I also attended a discussion about further work to be undertaken on our local rivers. The environment theme and my interest in local history is coming together as we head towards the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the creation of the London Borough of Bromley. To mark the occasion, the Mayoress and I are undertaking a walk of the boundary of Bromley to raise money for my charities and in celebration of this great borough. Keep an eye on my social media channels and our website for more about this and the wider 60th anniversary activities soon, including how to get involved.
Best wishes
Cllr David Jefferys Mayor of Bromley (2024-2025)
Find out more at www.bromley.gov.uk/mayor
So off I went, returning an hour or so later. And yes, it was all finished and hubby had put it in the place we decided on in the now lighter looking room. Only slip up being, hubby hadn’t lived up to his reputation of being good at DIY, as he had put the top of the small cupboard on the bottom of it, and the wrong way up. Same with the bookcase. Instead of the shiny cream surface that we had agreed would lighten the room, the wooden underside on the shelves was glaring out at me. Well one was wooden side up and the other displayed the shiny cream, making it look even more of an eyesore.
‘Looks great, doesn’t it,’ he said with a pleased grin, ‘You ordered well. It really brightens the room.’
I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was the wrong way up, and that the bookcase was lopsided. It leaned in similarity to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Anyway, he was pleased with himself so who was I to criticise, and as hubby had said earlier, ‘Men are better at this sort of thing!’
For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk
What's on
Your essential guide for events, activities, clubs & groups
ACTIVITIES
Transformative in-person Yoga Sessions
Weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays10am-11am
Melvin Community Hall, Melvin Road, SE20 8EU (free parking)
Cost: £10/session per person or Block book for a week for £18
Contact: Email sha@shakaliyoga.com or call 07949 064 983
Have you ever wondered how the mind, spirit and body are interlinked? It’s time for us to embrace the timeless wisdom offered to us by Mother Earth through Yoga and Ayurveda. Join me for weekly group yoga sessions either online or in person to discover the inner harmony within us and the key links to our health and wellbeing. For details see www.shakaliyoga.com
Kate Summers Pilates
Mixed Ability, Gentle and Chair Pilates
Classes at Christ Church Beckenham and St John’s church, Eden Park.
Cost: Taster £12. £11.50 each session, when you pay for the term or £12.50 PAYG.
Contact: Email: Katesummerspilates@yahoo.com
Pilates has many benefits: It can help with strengthening your core, improve balance and correct poor posture. Pilates can help improve flexibility and create more mobility for everyday life. Pilates can help with back pain as well as being a stress reliever. Suitable for Beginners. For details see www.katesummerspilates.com
Ballroom Dance Classes
Every Thursday, 8.30pm-10.30pm
Main Hall, Beckenham Baptist Church, Elm Road -opposite the Beckenham Spa
Cost: £10 per class pay as you go. No membership or pre-payment required
Contact: Email lionssamba@virginmedia.com or call 07939 542758
We are a social dance class with one or two short sessions of instruction, alongside general social dancing. No partners required and beginners welcome.
business & NETWORKING
In Conversation with Dave Fishwick
'The Bank of Dave.'
Tuesday 25th March, 5:30pm-8pm
Bromley Central Library, High St Bromley, BR1 1EX
Cost: Free
Contact: Email StartupBromley@GLL.ORG
The business journey of Dave Fishwick, founder of Burnley
Savings and Loans Ltd, The Bank of Dave. This is already gearing up to be a full house and Chandra Sharma from Startup Bromley will be leading this Q&A session, offering an insight into Dave’s life. To book visit the Startup Bromley page on Eventbrite.
Startup Bromley Procurement Event
Tuesday 25th March, 12pm-4pm
Bromley Central Library, High St Bromley, BR1 1EX
Cost: Free
Contact: Email StartupBromley@GLL.ORG
This highly anticipated event is a must for anyone looking to do business in Bromley. A variety of organisations will be attending including Newable and FSB, sharing everything from identifying needs and selecting suppliers to negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. Laurence Downes, Assistant Director Governance & Contracts / Interim AD Commissioning & Programmes at Bromley Council will also be delivering a presentation. Book via the Startup Bromley page on Eventbrite.
International Women’s Day with Successful Mums
Friday 7th March, 10am – 12.30pm
Beckenham Place Mansion, Beckenham Pl Park, Beckenham, BR3 1SY
Cost: Free
Contact: hello@successfulmums.co.uk
Join Successful Mums Career Academy and special guests at Beckenham Place Mansion for an event to celebrate International Women's Day. Jane Knight will host our annual, inspirational networking event celebrating this year's theme of Accelerate Action and will share how she’s supported thousands of women achieve personal success. For details see our events page on our website successfulmums.co.uk
Bromley Business Network
Wednesday 12th & 26th March, 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 full cooked breakfast buffet. Attendees can also attend via Teams if they can’t attend in person and the first meeting is discounted. For details see bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk
community & CHARITY
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 affected. We have a variety of speakers and a mixed and diverse programme.
'Secrets of a Crossword Setter' by
Tim Moorey
Thursday 6th March 2.30-3.30pm
Beckenham Methodist Church, BR3 5JE
Cost: £7 (£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
Location: Available on the ME Learning platform and requires free registration.
Cost: Free
Contact: Call Bromley Children Project admin team on 020 8461 7259 or email parentingcourses@ bromley.gov.uk
The Reducing Parental Conflict course is free, convenient and includes interactive tools and videos. The course offers information on: What is parental conflict and its negative impact on children's outcomes; How to recognise conflict triggers in everyday life and how to keep arguments healthy; Overview of the free support and tools available in Bromley. For details see www. bromley.gov.uk/BromleyParentingHub
Books in the Park - SAVE THE DATE
Saturday 26th April
Cost: Free
Contact: enquiries@booksinthepark.org
Books in the Park returns to Beckenham Place Park for its second fun-packed year on Saturday 26th April 2025. Festival goers will find captivating author talks and writing workshops, guided walks, exciting children’s events, Food and Farmers Market, and more. Tickets go on sale Monday 3rd March. For details see www. booksinthepark.org.
MUSIC, entertainment & FOOD
Beckenham Chorale Spring Concert
Saturday 22nd March, 7pm-9.30pm
St George’s Church, High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1AX
Cost: £20, £15 and £5 concessions
Contact: Tickets online www.ticketsource.co.uk/ beckenhamchorale and on the door from 6.15pm Mozart C Minor Mass and other works. We are delighted to welcome Guest Conductor, James Morgan for what is generally considered to be Mozart’s greatest choral work after the Requiem. With soaring melodic arias and dramatic choral dialogue it is by turn powerful, exhilarating and profound. Perfectly matched with Exsultate, Jubilate! For details see www.beckenhamchorale.org.uk
Line Dancing - Carolina Country Music Club
Line Dance Classes – beginners and intermediates (Every Wednesday)
7th March (Bacardi & Coke), 21st March (Wayne T), 29th March (60s night - charity)
7.30pm-10pm on Wednesdays and 7.30pm11pm on Fridays
Pickhurst Infant School, Pickhurst Lane, West Wickham, Bromley BR4 0HL
Cost: £7 Wednesday, £10 Friday
Contact: 020 8462 5314 or email: jdhorniblow@ btinternet.com
Come along and give us a try, make new friends, keep fit and have fun! We cater for all abilities and all ages. Refreshments available (tea, coffee, biscuits). For more information see www.facebook.com/ CarolinaCountryMusicClub
theatre & Performances
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
One Night Of Elvis - Lee Memphis King
Sunday 9th March, 7:30pm
Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, recreates the essence of the King with stunning authenticity - the voice, the passion and the energy that Elvis put into his songs. Pure entertainment and Pure Presley.
Life In...Magazines now features an online events calendar where you can submit your event for free!
Submit yours at lifeinmagazines.co.uk/events or scan the QR code
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NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10TH MARCH
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Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. @lifeinmags
Health & Fitness
A BIG TICK FOR OUR LEISURE CENTRES
Mytime Active awarded mark of excellence for Bromley Leisure Centres.
Mytime Active has been awarded The Active Standard (TAS) from ukactive, a new mark of excellence that demonstrates its commitment to ensuring quality, safety and inclusivity.
Mytime Active’s Steve May says: “Our family-friendly facilities aim to support every segment of our communities, from children and parents to golfers and older people, on their journey to a more active lifestyle. The TAS certification
10 tips for building healthy habits
1. Start with a health boost: Kick off your mornings with a vibrant green smoothie or a warm, nutrientpacked elixir like ginger tea and a delicious bowl of fruit with granola and yoghurt. Getting those essential fruits and vegetables in early in the day is a great way to fuel your energy and vitality.
2. Fill half your plate with veggies: At every meal, aim for half your plate to consist of colourful, fresh or cooked vegetables. This simple rule boosts fibre intake (90% of of UK adults don't eat enough fibre), as well as adding in more essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Prep like a pro: Batch cook in advance. Cook soups, roast sweet potatoes or prep lentil-based curries to ensure healthy options are always within reach to help avoid giving into the temptation of fastfood takeaways or sugar-laden snacks when you are feeling hungry.
4. Think global: Explore traditionally veg-heavy cuisines like Thai, Indian or Mediterranean. These naturally centre on fresh, plant-based ingredients and bold flavours destined to tempt your taste buds.
5. Steer clear of processed: Seek out recipes which represent natural, wholefoods rather than eating purchased meals with ultra processed ingredients,
tells the public and healthcare partners, who refer people with a wide range of needs to us, that we take their health, wellbeing and safety seriously.”
Lew Ralph, 52, from Petts Wood, was referred to Mytime Active for cardiac rehab after a heart attack. He says: “It’s best thing I’ve ever done. It’s not just about exercise – the team go through your medications and help make it all less alien, and nurses monitor your blood pressure during class, so you feel safe to push yourself.
“Mytime’s classes should be compulsory for cardiac patients. They allayed my fears and reassured me I could get back to normal. My confidence went through the roof. We all came out as different people; it’s life changing.”
To find out more about Mytime Active’s services including gyms, swimming pools, exercise classes, golf courses and much more, visit: https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/
as these will not only be healthier, but since ultraprocessed foods are likely to make you feel hungrier, you may find yourself consuming more calories which can lead to weight gain.
6. Move more: Humans are not designed to be sedentary! Physical activity is key to vitality. Make moving an absolute priority. Take a brisk morning walk, find time for a cheeky dance break to your favourite playlist or take up a new hobby such as yoga or pilates.
7. Try meat-free Mondays: If you’re a real meat lover, why not initially try experimenting with just one plant-based meal a week to make a more seamless transition to incorporating more plant-based ingredients into the diet? They’re healthier for you and your budget!
8. Snack smart: Switch out nutritionally poor snacks for healthier (and more filling options) like carrot sticks and hummus, or roasted chickpeas with tamari and nutritional yeast. Simple swaps like these will make all the difference and will soon become a habit.
9. Reconnect with nature: Spend time outdoors, even in the winter. A stroll in the fresh air can work wonders for your mental and physical health.
10. Involve your community: Share your goals with friends and family or join a healthy living challenge. Accountability makes sticking to changes much easier.
Source: The Happy Pear (www.thehappypear.ie)
Remarkable Residents community
Name: Anna Young Lives: West Wickham
What’s remarkable?
Anna Young & Jo Bell, from Bells Accountants teamed up with Ruby Tuesday Books, to co-author a series of children’s books on money and finance – things that are not necessarily taught in schools. Anna is the Operations Manager at Bells Accountants. She also volunteers weekly as mentor in a school through the Bromley Mentoring scheme, is a WI committee member and a road steward for WWRA. In her role at Bells she helps fundraise for the Chartwell Cancer Trust and also hosts a local Business Mastermind group for business owners.
How does it feel to be a published author? It is an odd feeling, as when writing them we were just passionate about getting money education into schools, hearing the reaction to how needed these books are, has been so rewarding.
What was your favourite part about creating this book series? The feedback! Hearing young people say they now understand budgeting, taxes, mortgages and what all those complex and confusing financial terms are. Debt can cause mental health problems so if they help children realise the importance of understanding managing money then it was worth all the days and hours of research and writing.
When and why did & and Jo start the Money & You book series? We were approached to contribute to an exciting project to write three books in this six book series by Shan from Ruby Tuesday. We have always said there should be financial education in schools, so we leapt at the chance.
What ages is it relevant to and where can people buy them? 9-16 year olds but adults enjoy them too! LIM Readers can use BELLS15 for a 15% discount www.rubytuesdaybooks.com/product/ money-and-you-set/
lifestyle
Book Bites
Title: The Memories of Us
Author: Vanessa Carnevale
Publisher: Avon
Reviewed by: Klesta Selmani
Gracie’s life takes an unexpected turn and everything she ever knew is wiped out of her memory. Who does she turn to for help? Will she live the same life twice? Or will she restart down a completely different path? Due to a car crash she is left with severe amnesia, forcing her to put her trust into the memories of others to help her settle back down. Gracie decides to leave everything and everyone behind and move to her late mother’s flower farm in order to learn who she is now. This opens her up to a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love as she meets a handsome neighbour. Overall, a captivating read filled with clues and plot twists.
I would give this a 4-star rating.
Did you face any challenges when creating Money & You? If so, how did you overcome them? The trickiest part was thinking of ways of explaining complex terms simply, so we added in relevant illustrations, fact boxes and a quiz as finance can be a dry subject.
What does community mean to you? Community to me means connecting to local people, being kind and helping out where you can. The more you give in life the more you get back I have found.
Would you like to be considered as a Remarkable Resident?
Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Literary delights read & reviewed by Bromley borough residents
NON-FICTION
Title: Your Own Personal Time Machine
Author: Ian Child
Publisher: Equeum
Reviewed by: Lauretta Wright
If you’ve ever wished for more hours in the day, this is packed with practical advice, witty insights and real-life strategies. From having ‘an outsourcing mindset’, to the difference between working on ‘THEM’ tasks and ‘ME’ tasks – not something we normally think about. The author, Child, is a former corporate leader turned productivity expert, and in this 328-page guide, he breaks down time management myths and offers a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your schedule. His engaging style makes complex concepts easy to grasp, and his humour keeps things light. By the time I’d finished reading this book, there were plenty of dog-eared pages for me to refer back to – and even pages I wanted to print to stick next to my desk as a reminder.
It’s 4.5 stars from me.
If you’ve read a book you’d like to review, please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details
The ABBBAs 2025
lifestyle Puzzle WIN
Win a pair of tickets to see Menopause The Musical 2 on 25th April.
To celebrate this month’s International Women’s Day, we’ve listed 15 amazing women from past and present. All you have to do is find their names in the grid. Names can run forwards, backwards and diagonally. However, one of the names is missing from the grid. This is the winning name.
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.
Helen Keller
Simone Biles
Anne Frank
Ariana Grande
Oprah Winfrey
Ada Lovelace
Joan of Arc
Greta Thunberg
Serena Williams
Michelle Obama
Malala Yousafzai
Frida Kahlo
Marie Curie
Taylor Swift Cleopatra
Malala Yousafzai Greta Thunberg Cleopatra
January winner: Salma Begum February answer: GLARE
Joan of Arc Taylor Swift Frida Kahlo
Michelle Obama Serena Williams Ada Lovelace
Oprah Winfrey Ariana Grande Anne Frank
Simone Biles Helen Keller
Strictly one entry per person. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps
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!
Either text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
BY 16TH
for your chance to win!
Behind the Badge
INSIGHTS FROM THE SUPER
This month I want to talk about crime prevention. Ultimately, to prevent crime is the primary objective of the police.
Making use of our data insight platform (which is now available to all officers,) we are precisely analysing trends as to where crime is concentrating.
This means right down to a street level we can identify hotspots, which naturally move and shift all the time. Each month we will identify the top roads which are being affected by burglary and motor vehicle crime. These roads will be visited by our officers and bespoke crime prevention leaflets will be delivered with advice to protect your homes and vehicles based specifically on the current offending types. You will know these aren’t generic leaflets as it will be produced specifically for your street and clearly marked as such, so you know it is important.
If you receive one of these, they are not designed to cause worry, but to let you know that we are spotting a trend and what you can do to make your home and belongings safe. This is based on research and is produced as a result of advice provided to us by Professor Jason Roach of Huddersfield University. This approach has been proven to work in reducing burglary and car crime elsewhere, so we are simply adopting things that work. Should you receive one, please feel free to reach out to your local team if you have questions. We are committed to using innovative techniques to prevent crime. As an example, the retail operation I mentioned last month has now led to a 30% reduction in vehicle crime in January. We believe this is because the same people committing retail crime are also breaking into cars, and by targeting the retail offences we are seeing benefits in other offence types.
Superintendent Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing
Firefront line..
BEING SAFE IN YOUR HOME
As I write this month’s article I am once again looking at our prevention work across the Borough.
I wanted to take a moment to share that I will be moving on from my role here as the Borough Commander in Bromley as I take on a new role as Deputy Assistant Commissioner within the London Fire Brigade.
It has been an incredible experience over the past few years here in Bromley. Together, we’ve worked on initiatives that have truly made a difference in our communities, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. The trust, professionalism and shared commitment to making a positive impact have been key to our successful partnership and a benefit to Bromley residents, visitors and those that work here. The London Fire Brigade will remain to be a key player in our partnership work for the safety of those we protect. My crews are once again looking at our prevention work across the Borough. Working together we can look at the risks we face and prepare for their impact, both at home and in the community.
Cooking: Even if you're a very careful cook, accidents can happen, so it's a good idea to know what to do. If a pan
catches fire, there are 4 steps to take to stay safe:
• Don't tackle the fire yourself and don't try to move the pan.
• Never throw water over a fire as it could create a fireball.
• Turn off the heat – but only if it's safe to do so.
• Leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others and call 999.
Candles: Over 200 fires at home involved candles last year. Although they create a gorgeous warm glow, candles need handling with care. In 2020, over 200 fires in London were connected to candle use. That's why we recommend you swap your wax candles for 'flameless' candles such as LED tea lights.
Our online home fire safety checker tool allows you to carry out a thorough check of your home in only a few minutes. It’s simple and practical, giving you specific advice for your family and your home. Check it out here and other safety tips on our website: www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/ the-home/home-fire-safety/homefire-safety-checker-hfsc/ or call us free on 0800 028 4428 to arrange an in-person visit.
Chris Line, Borough Commander London Borough of Bromley, London Fire Brigade
community
Ask The Experts
TORI HOWE
You asked – and they answered! Send your need-to-know questions to our local experts by emailing hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘Ask The Experts’ by
Q: Can you tell me more about direct cremation and what are the pitfalls of this?
Michelle: Direct cremation takes place without a formal funeral ceremony or visitation. The body is collected from the place of death and taken directly to the crematorium, where it is cremated and the ashes returned to the family. But there are a number of implications on those left behind, with many families feeling cheated from saying a proper goodbye. The person enquiring may not realise that the cremation will not be held locally, and their family won't be told when it is, or even where. Nearly all are held in a manner which may not be deemed as acceptable by loved ones. These are also not flexible, and once the form is signed, there is not a get out clause, causing distress for many families and a very high cancellation fee if there is one. If this is something that a loved one, relative or friend is considering, gently ask them a few questions and ensure they know what is going to happen. A traditional, attended funeral gives families, friends and loved ones the opportunity to come together and mourn, as well as express personal memories which all play an important part in the healing process. I recently did a talk on Direct Cremation and asked attendees who had considered it for themselves. Around 65% put their hand up. I then asked those who had put their hands up, if they would consider it for their loved ones, and they all put their hands down. I think that tells you that we are not considering those we leave behind, and they are the ones that will count the cost of their grief.
Michelle Harvey, Michelle Harvey Life Celebrant Facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrant
Q: What are the holiday hotspots for 2025 and what’s your top travel tip?
Q: I’m having a clear out and want to know what items are acceptable to take to the tip?
Mark: Most items are acceptable, but there are some exceptions. Waldo Road doesn’t accept tyres, gas bottles (eg for barbecues and caravans) and there are restrictions on items such as mattresses (twice a year) and fridge freezers (once a year). You can take asbestos, but there are rules around the way it is wrapped. If you are not aware, Waldo Road is now closed for a year for refurbishment. The nearest tip for residents is Churchfields in Beckenham, but you now have to use a booking system. If you are looking to get rid of a lot of waste, you could consider using a waste clearing company like myself, but if you do, please ensure that they carry a waste licence, which means that they are eligible to visit commercial waste management sites.
Mark Scoates, Mark’s House Clearance (07952-716936)
Q: I’m looking to return to work after spending the last 10 years raising my kids, but I’m struggling to get interviews due to the gap in my CV. What advice do you have?
Jude: For 2025, some of the top holiday hotspots include Japan, with tourists eager to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes and culinary delights, especially during cherry blossom season. Greece also continues to be a favourite, while New Zealand is known for its breathtaking scenery and adventure activities. Other hotspots for 2025 include Portugal with its charming cities, beautiful coastline and great food and wine and Costa Rica, where eco-tourism is booming. Costa Rica is a leader with its stunning biodiversity and commitment to sustainability, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. As a top travel tip, always check for local festivals or events during your visit. Participating in these can enhance your experience and offer a deeper connection to the culture. Plus, it's a great way to meet locals and discover hidden gems.
Jane: Firstly, don't underestimate the skills and experience you've gained over the last decade. Parenting is full of valuable skills that should be reflected on your CV. Think about the parenting skills that can be used in the workplace. You've likely honed your negotiation, organisation, event management (think of all those kids’ parties you’ve planned!), budgeting, networking and even creative problem-solving (like turning a cereal box into a robot). And let’s not forget conflict managementessential with kids around! Beyond these transferable skills, if you’ve been involved in the PTA, the local football team or any volunteering, these experiences should also be highlighted. Employers value these contributions. Consider framing your parenting role as a job – because it is! Something like “Parenting from 2014 to Present” works well, followed by an overview of the skills you’ve developed. More and more employers are recognising the diverse skills that come with parenting and many are open to flexible working arrangements too. So, showcase your skills confidently – being a mum is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, jobs out there.
Jane Knight, Successful Mums Career Academy Successfulmums.co.uk
Food & Drink
WHY PAY MORE?
With the cost of living continuing to rise, consumers are turning to supermarket own-brand products to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Here are some of the most cost-effective supermarket snack dupes…
McVitie's Jaffa Cakes Original Biscuits (110g)
Boasting a high review score of 4.8 out of five and a cost of £0.06 per serving (£1.35 per pack), Morrisons Jaffa Cakes (24 Pack, 300g) are a must-try alternative. This ownbrand alternative earned a higher review score than that of McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes, which, on average, also cost more than double (£0.14 per serving).
For Twix lovers, Tesco’s Crunchy Caramel Chocolate Bars (210g) are an ideal option. This dupe has a higher review score of 4.7 out of five compared to Twix’s 3.6 and are priced at £0.29 per bar (£1.45 per pack). Twix, on the other hand, costs £0.46 per bar (£1.83 per pack) and offers one less chocolate bar in comparison.
Tesco Cheese Curls (10 Pack, 150g) are the ultimate
dupe when craving a cheesy snack. These crisps offer 10 packs compared to Walkers six, for a fraction of the price, costing just £0.14 per bag (£1.35 per pack) and scoring 4.8 out of five according to reviews. Quavers come in at £0.19 per serving (£1.15 per pack), but with a smaller overall portion size and a lower review score of 4.4.
Cadbury Chocolate Mini Rolls Cakes (x10, 260g) Essentials Waitrose 10 Chocolate Mini Rolls (268g) have a review score of 4.4 out of five, just 0.2 points lower than the Cadbury version, and a cost of only £0.15 per serving (£1.50 per pack) offering exceptional value compared to the Cadbury version, which, on average, costs £0.31 per serving (£3.08 per pack).
McVitie's Digestives the Original Biscuits 360g Sainsbury's Digestives (400g) are a great alternative for tea dunkers. At just £0.02 per biscuit (£0.55 per pack), they cost less than half the price of McVitie's (£1.84 per pack) while boasting the same impressive review score of 4.4 out of five.
Source: CritiqueJeu
Chocolate Orange Pancakes
To celebrate this month’s Pancake Day (4th March!), The Happy Pear has provided a scrumptious recipe from their new book The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings from the first 20 years, published by Gill Books and priced at £23.99.
These easy pancakes are sweet and crispy, topped with some chocolate, orange zest and a squeeze of juice. We use wholemeal flour to make them a little healthier but they’re still a total treat!
Serves 3–4 (makes 6–8 pancakes)
120g wholemeal or brown flour (use buckwheat for GF option)
270ml non-dairy milk
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
2 tbsp cacao powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp baking powder
zest of 1 orange
a little oil for the pan
To serve 50g chocolate of choice 2 oranges
Make the batter: In a blender, add all the ingredients for the batter (apart from the oil) and blend till smooth. If you don’t have a blender, mix all the ingredients well in a bowl, and leave to sit for 3–4 minutes for the flax to thicken the batter.
Cook the pancakes: Heat a pan on a high heat. Once hot, reduce to medium. Coat the bottom with a little oil. Pour in a light coating of batter and spread evenly. Cook on one side until bubbles start to form and the edges start to dry out. Turn the pancake (a silicone spatula works best) and add a few small pieces of chocolate and a squeeze of juice from the orange and cook until the chocolate has melted and the bottom is golden. Remove to a warm plate and repeat with the rest of your batter.
Serve: Use a spoon to spread the melted chocolate, sprinkle with some more orange zest, then serve.
Colour Your World
Spending just 20 minutes colouring works wonders for the soul. Make a start with this wonderful picture and inspirational message, then stand back and admire your handiwork!
Short Story
STELLA’S STORY
by VAL PORTELLI
Hello people.
I’m Stella. I live in Beckenham, a leafy part of London, which was once Kent. Everyone knows me as I like to walk around town and greet my followers.
‘Be a good girl, Stella. We’ll see you later. The cat flap is open but don’t wander too far, okay?’
Stella watched her hoomans depart, while she pondered which of her favourite venues to visit. It was cosy indoors, but even if it was chilly out, she was the local celebrity and her fans needed her.
Giving her paws a final lick she set off down the street, but soon heard a neighbour calling her.
‘Morning, Stella. How are you today? It’s a bit cold so find somewhere warm for your visits. See you later.’
This was one of her regulars, so she enjoyed some fuss before they parted company on the corner. Other locals greeted her as she planned her day, and decided who to honour with her presence.
Sometimes newbies panicked, and posted on Facebook about a cat wandering into their home. Should they feed her, scan the tag on her collar, call out the local animal charities, give her some treats, or just leave her be?
She had more fans than many TV personalities, and her followers were quick to confirm Stella had a good home, was well fed, but liked to wander. Their advice was to give her some fuss, then let her on her way.
The warmth of the supermarket in the High Street enticed her inside. It was packed with shoppers buying more food than they would eat in a month, because of the forthcoming holiday.
‘Hey, Stella. Good to see you again, but we’re very busy today so take care you don’t get trampled near the checkout.’
The shelf stacker was an old friend, so after allowing him to give her a cuddle, she moved further into the store. One customer kicked up a fuss about allowing animals in, until it was politely explained this wasn’t any animal, this was Stella!
After I was away for a few nights, my hoomans told everyone not to let me in their houses, or feed me. They had spent time looking for me, and been upset when I didn’t return home. I hadn’t meant to worry them, but some people didn’t realise I had somewhere nice to live, and thought they were helping by keeping me locked in their house overnight.
I wore a collar so they would know I wasn’t a stray, and it even had a tracker device. I knew my way around, but for a while kept to the larger premises, where I was known but wouldn’t be dragged off to a vet for scans to find out where I lived.
Talking of vets reminded me I hadn’t been to the hospital for some time, so I made my way to the Beacon. In reception I noticed some patients looking worried.
‘Hello, Stella. How are you keeping?’ the receptionist said, as she bent down to give me a nice scratch behind the ears. ‘Do me a favour. That little girl over there is really upset because her Mummy had an accident and injured her arm. It’s being bandaged and she shouldn’t be long, but could you comfort her daughter while she’s waiting?’
I saw the girl watching me, so I wandered over and rubbed up against her legs. She stopped crying, and a smile lit up her face as she bent down to give me a hug. After a few minutes a lady with her arm in a sling came towards us, and the little girl jumped up and ran towards her.
‘Mummy, Mummy, look at my new friend. Can we take her home with us?’
‘Hello, Stella,’ the lady said as she recognised me. ‘No darling, she already has a lovely home and family. Thank you for keeping my daughter company, Stella. See you again soon.’
My duty done, I gave a flick of my tail to wave goodbye, and wandered back outside while I decided where to go for my next adventure.
Copyright Val Portelli March 2023 https://author.to/ValPortelli
Feeling creative? We’re looking for your short stories. Send a brief synopsis to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your idea and contact details.
A Final Thought…
A history of high-flying women
by ARTEMIS AEROSPACE
Women have been taking to the skies since the dawn of aviation, but their contribution isn’t as well-known as it should be.
If asked to name a female aviator, you’d probably pick Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia, or Amelia Earhart, the first to fly across the Atlantic - both pioneering and record-breaking pilots who captured public imagination and tragically died in their cockpits. However, women have been taking to the skies unsung from the beginning of powered flight.
It's uncertain who the first woman pilot was. Blanche ‘Betty’ Stuart Scott is a contender, possibly becoming the first American woman to fly a plane in 1910 — albeit unintentionally. During a lesson meant to be groundbased, a gust of wind lifted her plane, a ‘Curtiss Pusher’, forty feet in the air, and she executed a textbook landing. She later became the first woman to complete a longdistance flight, covering 60 miles in a ‘Baldwin Red Devil’.
Another candidate is American Bessica Raiche, who made the first accredited solo flight by a woman in America in 1910, piloting a bamboo-and-silk plane assembled in her sitting room. Frenchwoman Raymonde de la Roche became the first woman to earn a pilot’s licence in 1910, and Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel in 1912.
As aviation gained popularity, more women began to explore the skies. In 1929, the Ninety-Nines organisation was founded in New York to advance aviation and create a record of women pilots. Two years later, Amelia Earhart was elected the first president. The group’s name reflected its 99 charter members, with membership open to all licensed pilots.
The Second World War propelled women into aviation roles on a broader scale. In the UK, the women’s section of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was formed. This civilian organisation transported new and repaired aircraft between factories, maintenance depots and airfields, as well as ferrying service personnel, medical supplies and mail. In the US, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) performed a similar role.
In 1940, the first eight women joined the ATA, collectively flying over 15,000 miles a week. Initially limited to Tiger Moths, they eventually flew every type of aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancasters, and even the massive American B17 Flying Fortress. The ATA became known as the pilots who fly ‘from anywhere, to anywhere’,
Amelia Earhart in her first training plane in 1920
delivering aircraft to thousands of airfields across the UK to safeguard them from potential attacks on factories. For instance, a Spitfire factory in the West Midlands produced 320 planes a month at peak capacity, all requiring immediate relocation to safety.
A June 1941 report in the Aberdeen Press and Journal describes a typical ATA pilot’s day: delivering a bomber from southern England to Scotland in the morning, transferring a Hurricane to the West Country by lunchtime, flying a reconnaissance aircraft to East Anglia in the afternoon, and perhaps ending the day with a fourengined giant headed for Northern Ireland.
Throughout the war, ATA pilots transported 309,000 aircraft of 147 types, often under challenging conditions. With no radio contact and the ever-present threat of Luftwaffe attacks, they navigated unlit fields and blackout conditions, always keeping the ground in sight. Unlike RAF pilots, who specialised in specific aircraft, ATA pilots adapted to whatever was available. Remarkably, ATA women received the same pay as men of equal rank, the first time the UK government implemented equal pay in one of its organisations.
Post-war, women continued breaking aviation barriers. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. In 1977, ten women graduated from the US Air Force Pilot Training Programme, with the RAF following in 1990. In 1987, Lynne Barton became British Airways’ first woman pilot, and in 1995, Eileen Collins piloted the Space Shuttle.
Today, women pilot military and commercial aircraft, work in air traffic control, and design, build and maintain aircraft. With a global shortage of qualified pilots, their skills are in demand. The UK Civil Aviation Authority reports a 26% increase in pilot licences issued to women between 2019 and 2023, with a 43% rise in commercial licences and an 11% increase in general aviation licences.
For aspiring female pilots, it’s exciting to know the sky is no longer the limit.
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Spiritual
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