Life In Bromley December 2023

FR ISSUE 22 | DECEMBER 2023

Christmas

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Call: 0208 114 7111 Email: contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk

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Thank you, from all of us at Southeast Legacies.

0208 114 7111 Anthony, Peter and the Southeast Legacies team

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We are pleased to announce the opening of our Orpington office.

The Mayor of Bromley officially opened our office on 5th of August.

Will Writing We are delighted to be part of the Orpington community.

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Email: contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk Orpington Office: 256 Highstreet Orpington BR7 0LZ Call: 0208 114 7111

Email: contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk Call: 0208 114 7111December 2023 2 Life in... BROMLEY

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Welcome to

contents Community

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Write It, Say It, Message It........... 4

he nights are drawing in, the weather's getting colder, and there's a festive cheer in the air. And what better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a new issue of your favourite community magazine?

Mayor's Voice........... 6 Lines From Linda........... 6

In this issue, we encourage you to ‘shop local’ for Christmas by highlighting some great gift ideas (See our Christmas special section). We also take a closer look at the bravery and entrepreneurial spirit of one very special girl (See 5 Minutes With…), plus we’ve got a very special prize in this month’s Puzzle Page - a Membership Plus gift card courtesy of Picturehouse. That means 10 film tickets, two membership cards, 10% off food and drinks, plus a range of other perks.

History........... 8 5 Minutes With........... 9 Noticeboard......... 12 Ask The Experts......... 17 Behind The Badge......... 19

In our What’s On calendar of events, we highlight all the happening Christmas markets and events to ensure you make the most of the festive season. Finally, we invite you to share your own stories and reflections of local life – the random acts of kindness from strangers, the local heroes who make our borough a better place to live and work and local businesses who go ‘above and beyond’ for their customers. Write to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Chapter & Verse......... 19 What's On......... 26 A Final Thought......... 43

PULL-OUT-AND-KEEP

Meanwhile, if you know a friend, neighbour or colleague who might be spending Christmas alone this year, think about spreading some festive cheer and inviting them to spend the day with you. There are also many befriending services in the borough that can help – see www.bromley.gov.uk/help-adults/befriendingservices-support-opportunities

We've got Christmas covered......... 21

Lifestyle WIN! Puzzle......... 24

Wishing you all a December filled with warmth, laughter and cherished moments…enjoy the issue and Merry Christmas!

Eco News......... 31 Did You Know......... 32 Health & Fitness......... 35 Home & Garden......... 36 Food & Drink......... 39

Lauretta Wright, Editor

THE TEAM

Get to know us: What’s on your Christmas wish list?

Editorial: Lauretta Wright lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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Omnia Crystalline by Bvlgari

Top of my list is to see my daughter in Australia

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Get a Christmas tree sorted before the 24th!

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Our Friends: A HUGE thank you to the following volunteers who commit

their time to helping contribute to this magazine or help with distribution: Richard London, Elizabeth Adcock, Len Kirby, Mary Cody-Cowdery, Ruth Mansell, Margaret Vos, Sarah Spencer-Adams & Annabel Tyndall.

If you would like to volunteer please email: hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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Thank you for publishing the ‘Teachers are Amazing’ article by Alan Reeves BED & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS (September’s Final Thought). It has been a tough start to the term already and FOR OVER 30 YEARS! I really don’t think that many people appreciate the tough role of a teacher.

When we’re not lesson planning, marking or teaching, we’re offering additional help to students, catching up with admin and parental comms, attending countless meetings, personal and professional development plus issues such EX as classroom management issues and occasionally unsupportive parents. I’m 10%TRA OFF passionate about my job and that I’m helping the next generation, but it’s a tough gig and I appreciated Alan’s piece which highlighted that.

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We couldn't agree more! Teachers do an amazing job and deserve to be recognised and appreciated. Here's a £15 One4All digital gift card to treat yourself.

In a recent magazine you asked for some photos of Orpington. Here is a snowy one of Petts Wood Station - can you remember what snow looked like?!

Sylvie C

Snow seems like a distant memory right now – who’s hoping for a white Christmas?

Here are some photos of my darling Lizzie. We rescued her from a cat shelter in Greece in June 2021. I also went to volunteer at the shelter last November and lived with 50 cats! Lizzie has her own Instagram account at @rescue_ cat_lizzie and I even have a tattoo of her - she is the absolute BEST! Leigh McAlpine

Lizzie is gorgeous! Leigh has provided us with the name of the cat shelter in Greece - letsbesmart.org

JUST RECENTLY WE…

Joined Elizabeth Wakeling (left) and Jane Rogers from the Beckenham Business Association for their annual Beckenham Business Day. For details see beckenhambusinessassociation.co.uk

Attended a Startup Bromley workshop where we learned how businesses can market themselves by turning one great idea into 53 pieces of content.

Enjoyed catching up with Anna Young from Bells Accountants.

4 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 5

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MAYOR’S VOICE In my message to you this month, I want to focus on last month’s Remembrance.

Remembrance is a time when we focus on the huge debt paid by our armed forces on behalf of the nation.

Whilst a sombre occasion in many respects, it is also a time of thanksgiving to those who have served.

I was privileged ahead of Remembrance Day to speak to Peter Lemon, perhaps the oldest veteran in the borough, and I want to thank Peter for sharing his stories, which are now available online at www.bromley. gov.uk/Remembrance.

Whilst I found Peter’s extraordinary tales particularly poignant in the context of Remembrance, I am so pleased we have been able to capture this to look back on at any time, which reveals something new to me upon every viewing. I hope residents will find the time to listen to these extraordinary tales, to reflect on their meaning, and to remember.

Remembrance also reminded me once again of the kindness that is all around us in Bromley. I visited so

many dedicated volunteers assisting with the poppy appeal all across the borough and saw so many generous donations being made on each of these stops, all raising money to support the armed forces community.

Bromley has more veterans than any other London Borough, which underlines the importance of the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year, which renewed our commitment to supporting Bromley’s armed forces community. I have been pleased to see this support developing across the borough during my time as Mayor, with some of this being brought together on our website at www. bromley.gov.uk/Armed Forces.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

Cllr Mike Botting Mayor of Bromley (2023-24) Find out more and stay connected at www.bromley.gov.uk/mayor

Lines from Linda

log. All was well, the potatoes had been boiled and shaken and were now happily roasting in the oven, It’s that time of the year when Christmas along with parsnips, cauliflower cheese and the vegetarian log. Then shopping is never-ending, or we are gearing up the turkey went in to warm through to face airports or motorways, because we are before carving. The stuffing I put in travelling. a pretty dish at the top of the oven to Up until a few years ago, I always spent Christmas away be served separately. Then the doorbell in pantomime. I started as a dancing babe and worked rang. Hubby shouted, ‘I’ll get it.’ Next thing my way up to Principal girl and finally Fairy Godmother.

I knew there was an almighty crash. Hubby, hurrying to Then I discovered Christmas and hung up my wand the door, had tripped on the wire from the Christmas and retired from panto-land. My first Christmas lights, bringing my beautiful tree down on top of ever, at my house, and in charge of catering. (I him. ‘I’ll sort it,’ I cried, failing to keep calm. ‘Just The fairy on invited eight people). I bought an enormous open the door to our guests.’ the top had Christmas tree, no artificial for us, this was my After lifting my tree, with the help of guests, first traditional Christmas since my childhood, to be bent where balls and fairy and fern needles were now and this tree hit the ceiling (well a little too tall sideways splattered over the whole room, we sorted it and actually, because the fairy on the top had to be to fit leaned the tree against the door, leaving the fairy bent sideways to fit). I overdid the décor, and it upside down with her skirt over her head. I then went twinkled like Blackpool promenade. back to the kitchen leaving hubby to pour large drinks.

I shopped for all the presents and spent the evenings I opened the oven door and shrieked. I hadn’t realised the (when I would have been doing two or three shows), bowl I had put the stuffing in was made of plastic. It had wrapping them all beautifully. Next was the food shopping. melted. Now, melting plastic was dripping from the top Every day I did a little in the run up to the big day. I was shelf to every dish below. My dinner was ruined, along with determined to make this a gourmet memorable feast. any hope for my best Christmas ever. We managed to find Came the big day. All was in place. Guests were arriving an Indian takeaway and all of us sat in silence eating it. at noon, plenty of time to have mulled wines or sherry

"

and sit and chat to each other. I was happily cooking the three -course dinner. The turkey I cooked the day before. I am vegetarian but I was going to be the perfect host, and turkey, this day, was on the menu, along with a vegetarian

6 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

Merry Christmas everyone. I am free for panto again.

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

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Protect Your Family Assets A Free Seminar Clarkson Wright & Jakes Solicitors and Notaries

Have you been putting off writing a will? Come along to our seminar to end the procrastination and get guidance from our friendly and experienced lawyers.

Our Wills and Estate Administration team will address the following: • Writing a will • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Planning for the cost of long term community care.

Please do join us at the end of the seminar where our team are happy to answer your questions.

Complimentary refreshments and snacks are provided.

Dates: Thursday 14th December and Thursday 11th January

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Time: 4.00-5.30pm Location: Valiant House, 12 Knoll Rise, Orpington, Kent, BR6 OPG.

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 7

Images: Wikimedia Commons

community

History

Pam Preedy

Good King Wenceslas looked out…

by PAM PREEDY

“Good King Wenceslas looked out” starts the traditional Christmas carol which tells the story of Saint Wenceslaus 1, the Duke of Bohemia (907-953). The Holy Emperor Otto (962-973) posthumously conferred on him the royal title, King. Later a preacher from the 12th century wrote that Wenceslaus “rose from his noble bed with bare feet and only one chamberlain (and) went around to God’s churches giving generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of all the wretched.” He was the epitome of piety.

In England the oldest almshouse foundation still in existence is thought to be the Hospital of St Oswald in Worcester founded circa 990. Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond almshouses were built to provide long-term shelter for the disabled and aged infirm. They were founded and supported with donations from kings, church dignitaries, nobles and merchants. Whether these men provided the alms houses out of piety or their ulterior motive was to ease their passage to heaven with good works is not known in every case.

Almshouses can still be found in and around Bromley, dating from as early as the 1660s. During the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell (1653-58), John Warner, Bishop of Rochester, was kicked out of the Bishop’s Palace.

When he was able to return, he wanted to build homes for ‘twenty poore widowes of orthodoxe and loyall clergemen.’ He looked for land, but nothing was suitable.

To aid him, Parliament passed the Bishop of Rochester’s

Penge Watermen's and Lightemen's Almshouses

Charities Act (1670) to enable the college (in the sense of a place to gather or to collect together) to be built anywhere within the diocese. Supported by other contributors, Bromley College was built on a piece of land, now on London Road behind a wall and trees opposite the Magistrates Court to the north of Bromley. The first almshouses, founded in the will of John Warner, were built in 1660-72 around a quadrangle. A second quadrangle was founded by Zachary Pearce and completed in 1821.

Finally land was purchased and improvements made to the grounds. In 1840 Mrs Sophia Shepherd, a wealthy clerical widow, funded the building of a separate block of seven cottages, Shepherd’s College, for the daughters who became homeless after caring for their widowed parents. Today the Colleges contain 47 self-contained dwellings.

In Beckenham, beside St George’s Church is a terrace of three small cottages, built by a City merchant. An inscription reads, "Anthony Rawlins Esq built these Houses for ye poor of this Parish of Beckenham Anno.

Dom. 1694". Rawlins was a wealthy City merchant.

Updated in 1881 and extended and altered in the twentieth century, they provide a small living room, kitchen and shower room downstairs and a single bedroom plus WC on the first floor up a narrow staircase. There is a small communal garden to the rear with three storage sheds.

In Penge (1840-41), founded by the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the City of London, the Royal Watermen’s Almshouses were built for retired company freemen and their widows. The watermen ferried people and their luggage across the Thames and the lightermen transferred goods from one ship to another or to shore. Rules were strict for the almsmen with a relentless regime of prayer and devotion, but the diet was generally good with pleasant surroundings. For those members who could no longer manage life in their own homes, such places offered escape from poverty and danger outside. In 1973 the almspeople were moved to a new site in Hastings and the original buildings were converted into private homes.

A trawl through the internet will show other almshouse trusts founded in the Bromley and Beckenham area from time to time during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Sadly, space is limited and I cannot write about them here.

Bromley College from the air (2021)

8 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

Pay a visit to Bromley Historic Collections on the 2nd floor of Bromley Central Library to learn more about Bromley Borough’s history.

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5 Minutes With...

Betsi

community

Local girl 11-year-old Betsi Powley is a remarkable young lady.

Not only did she beat cancer at the age of nine, but she then went on to raise money for numerous charities and launched her own pyjama range to help other children receiving treatment. Here, we chat with Betsi to find out more…

Betsi, you have had a very remarkable journey. Firstly, can you tell us when you were diagnosed with cancer – and what type it was?

It was November 2021 and Ewing Sarcoma, a rare soft tissue bone cancer. My tumour was on the muscles around my ribs, and it pushed my lungs flat and my heart to one side.

It must have been a bit of a shock to be diagnosed. What symptoms did you have that alerted you?

Yes, it was, but it was quite a while before I was diagnosed.

I was really tired all the time and would get out of breath.

You could hear a crackle as I was breathing. Under my arm, it was burning for about six weeks, which was where the tumour was pressing and causing nerve damage, which still hasn’t come back.

Following your diagnosis, what treatment was planned for you – and how did this impact on your daily life?

I had 14 cycles of chemo, then two weeks of radiotherapy, followed by four weeks of ‘Proton Beam’ radiotherapy. After all this, the tumour had significantly shrunk, so I then had major surgery to partially remove three ribs and shave my lung. I had to spend a lot of time in hospital, so I spent a lot of time off school and away from my friends and family.

When you were in hospital you noticed an issue with accessibility for your meds. Can you tell us more about this?

There are various lines that are permanently attached to you, which are used to administer medicines like chemo etc, directly into your body. A PICC line is a long cannula, in your arm that goes directly to your heart. A Hickman line & Portacath are similar, but on the side of your torso.

I didn’t like it when the nursing staff had to give me my meds, that they were pulling me about and I kept having to take my top off, for them to access the lines. Daddy kept cutting holes in my favourite pyjamas to allow them easier access to the lines. I kept crying and saying ‘I just want to be normal.’

After this observation, what did you decide to do?

I decided I would make my own specially adapted pyjamas, to sort this problem out. My plan is to give a pair of my adapted PJs to every child in the UK that has cancer, to make it a bit easier for them.

You’ve been really heavily involved in fundraising too, haven’t you?

I’ve been raising money to purchase the PJs to give to the other children with cancer, by holding various events and we have more events that will be taking place too. You can also buy one of our hoodies via the Real Eazy website, which has a ‘one for one promise’. Every hoodie sold automatically pays for a pair of adapted pyjamas for a child with cancer.

What’s your message to someone who is going through what you have been through?

Stay positive and try to smile at least ten times a day.

You’re an inspiration to so many people and a bit of an influencer on social media! How did that come about?

Yes, I’m almost at 100,000 Instagram followers! On New Year’s Eve in 2021, I started an Instagram page, to tell people about my experiences and what I was going through, showing positivity videos, like me having chemo or radiotherapy, to try and help others going through it.

Showing them that if I can do it, so can they! I get lots of lovely messages from people, both children and adults, saying that I have helped them while they are going through their treatment.

What’s next for Betsi the entrepreneur?

To push on with my acting, to keep building my Instagram followers and to donate lots of PJs to other children.

Finally, how can Bromley borough residents help or get involved in your fundraising efforts?

They can follow me on Instagram @betsiatthemarsden & help me get to 100,000 followers.

They can also go online to www.realeazy.uk and buy a hoodie knowing that with the ‘one to one promise’ they will also be donating a pair of lovely soft, adapted pyjamas to a child in the UK that’s currently in hospital with cancer. You can also see our new Christmas designs on there now.

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December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 9

10 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 11

community NOTICEBOARD

Optical recycling a success THE equivalent of one million glasses – made up of more than 50 tonnes of eyecare materials, including specs and contact lenses – have been recycled thanks to the support of customers at Specsavers across Southeast London as part of Recycle Week in October. Since the initiative began in August 2022, all stores across the Southeast collected 24 boxes, roughly equally 8,400 recycled eye care materials. Teaming up with MYgroup, collection points have been available in store for customers to recycle their unwanted specs and contact lens packaging.

Once the collection bins are full, the items are sent to MYgroup’s recycling plant, given a second lease of life and repurposed into a wide range of items such as furniture, home and garden accessories, including benches and play park equipment.

12 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

Lights on for Bromley!

Bromley Town Centre’s Winter Light Spectacular proved popular with residents recently, with crowds gathering in Bromley High Street for the light up installations, live performances and a host of other activities delivered by Bromley Council and Your Bromley.

Spark! LED Drummers proved especially popular with visitors, wowing the crowds with their dazzling routines throughout the evening. Residents also made the most of cocktail masterclasses, creating colourful drinks to match the glow-in-the-dark face painting that many had adopted for the evening.

Delivered in partnership with Your Bromley, the Winter Lights Spectacular was the third and final event of the BR1 Lates programme, which followed Bromley’s selection as one of the Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zones. The programme saw an investment of £250,000 in events and improved infrastructure in Bromley town centre including lighting upgrades.

Bromley Council and partners Your Bromley BID are collectively providing match funding to the grant received from the Mayor of London.

Your Bromley BID Manager, Frances Forrest, said: “It was amazing to see our town come to life for Winter Lights Spectacular. We were delighted that several businesses in the town centre opened late too, making the most of the busy evening. It has been really exciting for Your Bromley to be involved in the BR1 Lates events this year and we hope visitors to the town have enjoyed these unique evenings.”

A great place to live!

According to The London Borough Index by Essential Living the Bromley borough has been crowned the best place to live in London for green space. The borough boasts 2,585 hecta res of public green spaces in total, with seven parks having been awarded Green Flag status.

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community NOTICEBOARD

SUPPORTING LOCAL AUTHORS…

76-year old Jon Sansom live s in Bromley and started out as a journalist on the Croydon Advertiser, before moving to Fleet Street on the Daily Mail. After a stin a travel industry newspaper, t on he set up a PR consultanc y firm and also worked as photographer, which he still a enjoys doing. John has writ ten a series of books includin The Rose Tattoo, The Loc g k Keeper, The End of the Pie r and The Last Laugh, all published in the last five yea rs.

He said: “I decided to star t writing because the idea s just occurred to me and demanded that they be writ ten - usually at about 3am . It was a roller coaster experience, from exhilaration when the plot was taking off in a direction I hadn’t planned, but less fun whe n checking for errors and typos. The one thing I lear that writing a novel is a lot ned is different to writing a new stor y. Surprise surprise!”

John’s books are all differen t and appeal to a wide aud ience. They are available via Amazon as paperbacks (£7£12) or Kindle downloads (£2-£4).

For more details see www.s ansombooks.com

If you’re a local author or kno

w of one, email hello@lifeinma

gazines.co.uk for the chance

to be featured.

Dobbies spreads some festive cheer

Dobbies is spreading Christmas joy to local schools and nursery groups in Keston with real tree donations as part of its Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with sustainable real tree grower, Needlefresh.

Set to twinkle corridors and delight children with yuletide cheer, the store will be donating Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to local schools and nurseries to create a centrep iece for celebrations.

All of Dobbies’ Christmas trees are sustainably grown in environm entally-managed fields across Scotland where the growing team do everything from planting , pruning and harvesting by hand to reduce the impact on surrounding environment, wildlife and plants.

Futures Week at LBHA

es Week Hosted by London Biggin Hill Airport, Futur s, ar-old 18-ye to 15 at is a bi-annual event aimed r caree a der consi to le peop young e inspir to designed ies rtunit oppo us vario in aviation and explore the ience available. During the week, participants exper ational a range of interactive activities, hear inspir in talks from industry professionals and take part resident immersive sessions with the airport’s many aerospace businesses. n that Feedback from previous participants has show many of h launc the rted suppo has Week es Futur k their aviation careers, and enabled them to unloc will take Week es Futur next rt’s airpo The tial. poten visit place in February 2024. For more information ers -care early .com/ irport nhilla biggi

Fri 8th - Sat 16th December, 7.45pm Matinée Sat 9th Decemb er, 2.30pm Tickets £14 (non members), £10 (memb

ers)

For more details and to bo

ok, visit

bromleylittletheatre.org December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 13

community NOTICEBOARD New Santa experience at Bluewater Bluewater is set to unveil a new enchanting Santa experience this Christmas. Opening on 1st December, Believe will have a magical makeover with a new story, theming and family activities but, most importantly, children will still get to meet Santa.

On arrival, guests will discover Santa’s enchanting post room where they’ll be immersed in festivity and fun with the mischievous elves as they sort through Santa’s letters from children around the world ready for the big day. Children will be able to decorate their own delicious Christmas gingerbread treat* and capture Christmas cheer at the Elfie Selfie posting point before being invited to meet the big man himself. Families will be hosted personally by Santa in his warm, cosy study where they can share their Christmas hopes and dreams, pose for professional photographs as well as receiving a special present to take home.

Guests are advised to book tickets early to avoid disappointment at bluewater.co.uk/believe

Meanwhile, Bluewater’s Ice Rink is set to return to the centre, with tickets now on sale. The family friendly attraction will remain open until Sunday 7thJanuary 2024 and will be located outside the Village, near Zizzi’s.

Household support fund Applications are being welcomed from those most in need, with the additional support being part of the latest phase of the Household Support Fund.

Applications for the £200 of support are now open to any resident across the borough who may be eligible.

The previous phase of Bromley’s Household Support Fund, which is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, from June 2023, was targeted exclusively for residents who had been referred for eligibility reasons, with residents who have already received support since June 2023 not being eligible for further support.

If you have previously benefitted from earlier rounds of the Household Support Fund prior to 1 April 2023 you can apply in this round provided you meet the eligibility criteria. This is a one-off award with one award per household, whilst funds last or until the end of March 2024. For details see bromley.gov.uk/ householdsupportfund Thank you to Mary Cody-Cowdery for sending this to us. Seen something interesting or useful to know locally? Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

14 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

Net zero workboats planned for River Thames

The Environment Agency is set to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions of commercial workboats in the UK. The organisation has just secured four electric workboats and two charging points as part of the Zero Emission Workboat Network (ZENOW) project. The project helps winning partners like the Environment Agency adopt zero emission commercial maritime vessels, developing technology and products to help the UK dominate the rapidly growing zero emissions sector worldwide.

Lisa Craddock, a national navigation senior advisor for the Environment Agency, said: “We are incredibly excited to have secured this funding. It means we can now trial four electric workboats and two charging points, free of charge, on the River Thames and in East Anglia, for the next three years. These will be the first electric boats of their kind in our fleet. They will be used for river enforcement, monitoring and maintenance and will make a significant contribution to our pledge to reduce our fleet boat emissions by 50%.”

Project partners will monitor and analyse usage data until 2028 to demonstrate the efficacy of zero emission solutions in a real-world environment and across a range of operational states. The outputs of these projects will help to develop the wider clean maritime sector as well as inform future policy and regulatory decisions.

New taskforce to tackle teacher workload

hers and leaders Work is underway to support teac the government as , load work ary cess to tackle unne teachers and ns, unio of e forc establishes a new task help support the will e forc task The ers. lead or sect reduce working hours government’s wider ambition to s per week within hour for teachers and leaders by five three years. load, the Department Alongside measures to tackle work ate to its teacher upd an ning plan also is n for Educatio inue to attract, cont to tegy stra recruitment and retention teachers needed ed skill ly high the lop deve and support report from earlier this to inspire the next generation. A hers reported that they year found that two-thirds of teac on tasks other than time ing work their of spent over half y teachers. ndar seco of teaching, rising to 77%

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Looking for the perfect Christmas present?

Gift vouchers for our afternoon tea experiences are also available.

Our kitchen is run by

£29.95 per person (add a glass of prosecco for £6 each) Available from 25th November to 7th January 2024

CONTACT US TO BOOK NOW 01959 584750 enquiries@thelandinghotel.co.uk @LandingHotelBQH thelandinghotel.co.uk

Indulge in the magic of the season with our enchanting Festive Afternoon Tea

Deli open late on Thursdays from 30th November

Visit this Christmas The Estate Deli & Cellar Door

Estate-reared meats, cheeses and local artisan products Squerryes vintage sparkling wines and still wines Christmas gifts and hampers Estate foliage decorations The Winery Restaurant

Celebrate in the AA Rosette award-winning restaurant Scan here to find out more about Christmas at Squerryes, including opening hours.

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Beggar’s Lane, Westerham, TN16 1QP squerryes.co.uk

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 15

4.8/5 Over 60,000 reviews October 2023

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Ask The Experts

community

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’ Q: What’s the best way to keep my jewellery clean?

Nick: Firstly, a gentle soap and warm water solution works wonders for most metals and gemstones. A soft toothbrush can be used to reach intricate areas. For silver, a specialised silver polish does the trick, while a microfiber cloth works wonders on gold and platinum. Remember to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. Regular cleaning not only maintains the shine but also helps identify any loose stones or clasps that might need attention. Once a year it’s a good idea to have your jewellery professionally cleaned which is something that we can do.

Nick Foreman, Nick Foreman Jewellery | nickforemanjewellery.co.uk

Q: I’m retired and would like to stay in a winter sun destination for a couple of months when the weather turns really cold. Where would you recommend?

Liz: Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, offers pleasant temperatures year-round, making it a top pick. Cyprus, with its mild winters and rich history, also offers an ideal blend of relaxation and exploration. For a touch of glamour, head to the French Riviera where Nice and Cannes greet you with sunny days and stunning coastlines. Malta, with its ancient temples and clear waters, is another hidden gem.

Don't forget the Algarve in Portugal - it's a haven for golfers and beach lovers alike, but my personal favourite for winter sun, walks and views to die for is the beautiful island of Madeira.

Liz Engel, Travel Counsellors | travelcounsellors.co.uk/liz.engel

Q: What are some great daily healthy habits I can teach my children?

Gopy: Empowering children for a successful future hinges on instilling healthy daily habits. Start by defining vivid goals, aligning with your child's aspirations, fuelling motivation for consistent efforts. Utilise habit stacks - a series of positive actions - to seamlessly integrate habits into their routine. Employ non-nagging reminders like visual cues or alarms to prompt conscious thought. You can also construct a consistent routine, using visual timetables to enhance engagement and memory retention. It’s important to embrace positive reinforcement, rewarding good habits with praise or incentives. Allocate dedicated study time, fostering effective time management early on. Cultivate holistic well-being through balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise. Encourage daily reflection to ignite enthusiasm by acknowledging achievements and visualising future goals. Finally, for academic excellence and habit-building support, we can talk to you about our tutoring programmes to help empower children for success in and beyond the classroom.

Gopy, NumberWorks | numberworksnwords.com/uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Q: With Christmas nearly here, visitors to the house start increasing – and sometimes unexpectedly! Can you offer any tips if I literally have 5 minutes before someone arrives?

Samantha: First, allocate tasks to other family members, set the timer on your phone and turn it into a Xmas game challenge to make it fun and feel less like a chore. Start with the entrance hall as it’s the first place your guests will see. Gather up shoes and bags, put them in a black bag and then into a cupboard – hidden from view. Take a dustpan and brush and sweep away any debris from outside. In the kitchen, place any dishes in the dishwasher if you have one. If not, the black bag trick can work wonders for fast decluttering to be stashed under the sink. Take your kitchen spray and a microfibre cloth and clean your counter tops and sink area, then get some coffee on the go to create a welcoming aroma. Have a quick spruce up of the lounge (tidy the coffee table and plump cushions) and bathroom (put some bathroom cleaner in the toilet pan, put out a clean hand towel and clean the sink and taps), before lighting a festive candle or spraying some festive room spray. Ensure all your rubbish bins are emptied. If your home is far from guest-ready, we are still taking bookings for deep cleans right up until the week before Xmas, so why not give us a call?

Samantha Herelle, | Bright & Beautiful Orpington. brightandbeautifulhome.com/ locations/orpington

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 17

18 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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Behind the Badge

INSIGHTS FROM THE SUPER

After six months in the job as Superintendent - Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing, we get the lowdown from Supt Luke Baldock on how things are shaping up locally..

How have the first 6 months in your new role been – what have been your priorities?

It has been challenging, but rewarding. My focus has been building strong partnerships, and listening to the public to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. I intend that we achieve this by focussing on problems, and solving root causes rather than simply responding to the consequences. We have strong partnerships across the Local Authority, the London Fire Brigade, community groups, Councillors and more. I am hugely thankful to our partners who have been so receptive in working on our shared mission to make Bromley’s communities safer and stronger.

What feedback have you received from the public?

The early feedback was that the Met didn’t always listen, and set priorities centrally. Also, that we weren’t as visible as we should be. I have worked with my teams to meet communities, listen to their concerns and ensure they are

Chapter & Verse FICTION

Title:

The Christmas Book Club Author: Sarah Morgan Published: 26/10/23 Publisher: HarperCollins No of pages: 416 RRP: £8.99

If your guilty pleasure is like mine and you love a Hallmark Christmas movie, then look no further as here is the book version! Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Sarah Morgan’s new festive novel. By page 130 I was googling ‘cosy winter breaks’: how does Morgan do it?! This is an emotional and uplifting story, one of friendships old and new. We follow three best friends; Erica, Claudia, and Anna as they get together for their annual book club trip away. This year they arrive at the idyllic Maple Sugar Inn, which is run by Hattie. Hattie has no idea how her life will intertwine with the three friends when they arrive but soon everything becomes clear. If you’re a fan of Morgan’s previous books then this is a must read, and if you’ve never read one of her Christmas books before and you want to settle down with a cosy story for the festive season, then this is the book for you!

4 festive stars

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community

setting our priorities. We are also looking to roll out posters in every ward with the details and photographs of your local teams, placed in key locations to ensure people know who their team is and how to contact them.

What local issues are on the increase and how are you tackling them?

Motor vehicle crime and burglary have sadly increased. We are giving communities crime prevention advice, and doing everything we can to gather intelligence to tackle the problem.

Finally, what are you particularly proud of?

I feel we have shown that we are ready to listen to what communities want from their local police. I have received several pieces of feedback recently that we are more visible, and listening more which is fantastic to hear. We can always improve, but I have to thank my teams for their efforts in delivering this, and I intend that we will continue to strive to improve.

Superintendent Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing

Local resident and bookworm, Zoe Hill, gives us the lowdown on what she’s reading – and more importantly, if it’s worth picking up!

NON-FICTION

Title:

Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas Author: Adam Kay Published: 17/10/19 Publisher: Pan Macmillan No of pages: 160 RRP: £9.99 Adam Kay’s first book ‘This is Going to Hurt’ was a huge success and covered his diary entries while he was working in hospitals.

This book is more of his hilarious diary entries, but covers his time working in the hospital over Christmas time and is an ode to all those working on the front line during the festive period. It will make you truly grateful for the NHS and all they do all year round but especially at a time when people want to be with their loved ones.

It’s very, very funny, but also still has the shocking moments and would make a perfect stocking filler at only 160 pages long!

4 shining stars

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 19

IN THE LOUNGE THU 7 DEC & FRI 22 DEC 7.30PM

THU 14 DEC & SAT 16 DEC 8PM

BOOK NOW AT churchilltheatre.co.uk BOX OFFICE 0343 310 0020 20 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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We’ve got Christmas covered!

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In this special pull-out-and-keep section, we highlight a range of tips, tricks and gift ideas to help make Christmas Merry & Bright!

THE UK’S TOP 10 XMAS MARKETS (according to Google searches) 1.

Bath Christmas Market - 140,000 UK Searches Features over 150 chalets, each housing high-quality handmade crafts, food items and decorations.

2. Manchester Christmas Market - 137,000 UK Searches. As one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the UK, Manchester's event offers a diverse range of stalls distributed across ten different sites in the city, encompassing world foods, handcrafted gifts and festive drinks.

3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 136,000 UK Searches. Offering a German twist on festivities, this market is recognised for its German food stalls.

4. Edinburgh Christmas Market - 136,000 UK Searches Edinburgh's market stands out for its stunning location, under the shadow of the historic Edinburgh Castle. The mix of unique gifts, festive food and drinks and a jovial atmosphere make it a must-visit.

5. Lincoln Christmas Market - 129,000 UK Searches Emulating the traditional German Christmas Market, Lincoln’s market is famous for its medieval square, illuminated by light decorations providing a unique atmosphere.

6. Leeds Christkindelmarkt - 128,000 UK Searches Another German-styled Christmas market, the Leeds Christkindelmarkt is renowned for providing a colourful programme of entertainment along with an extensive range of seasonal treats.

7.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 112,000 UK Searches Held in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, this market offers a festive experience framed by history and tradition. The market is known for its excellent standard of beautiful British craft stalls.

8. Glasgow Christmas Market - 98,000 UK Searches Scots and tourists alike love Glasgow's Christmas market for its friendly vibe and a wide range of food and craft stalls, wrapped in a cocoon of sparkling lights.

9. York Christmas Market - 95,000 UK Searches York's famous St Nicholas Fair has a mix of artisan gift stalls and festive foods, interspersed with traditional carol singing, all set within the medieval city walls.

10. Cardiff Christmas Market - 95, 000 UK Searches Established for over 20 years, Cardiff's Christmas market brings together talented artists, craftspeople and food and drink producers from across Wales, adding a unique charm to the festive season.

International Drivers Association

How to create a wildlife haven with your real Christmas tree

and place onto soil or leaves under large shrubs, trees Whether you’ve got a Nordmann Fir standing pride of place, or a Fraser Fir is your tree of choice, Dobbies’ Keston store is encouraging you to repurpose your Christmas centrepiece once the festivities are over.

The company’s Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, outlines how people can recycle their cut Christmas trees to create a wildlife haven for small animals and insects to shelter in during the winter months: Remove the tree from your house carefully to stop any loose needles from dropping. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands.

Using a good quality pair of secateurs, starting from the topremove each branch as close as possible to the main trunk.

Stack the branches together four or five pieces high

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or hedges.

Repeat this process until all the branches are used.

This will provide a great shelter for small animals and insects to protect them from the worst of the winter weather. Marcus points out that the needles and branches will breakdown over time to produce organic matter than will enrich the soil.

For the main trunk of the tree use a pruning saw to cut into 30cm lengths, which can then be stacked to make a mini log pile which is a great habitat for wildlife to shelter in.

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 21

ep

o pull How to create

an Insta-worthy Christmas tree • Choose a theme: Decide on a colour

scheme or theme that resonates with you. It could be traditional, modern, rustic or even based on a specific colour palette.

• Lights, lights, lights: Start with a good

base of lights. They add that magical glow to your tree. For a 7ft tree, 400-700 lights are recommended.

• Layering technique: Place your largest ornaments first, spreading them evenly around the tree. Then, add medium-sized ornaments and finally, the smallest ones.

This creates depth and visual interest.

• Mix textures & shapes: Combine

different textures and shapes to add visual interest. Mix glass, metallic, and fabric ornaments for a dynamic look.

• Add a topper: A stunning tree topper can be a real showstopper. It could be a star, an angel or even something quirky like a large bow.

• Incorporate personal ornaments:

Hang ornaments that hold sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. It adds a personal touch.

• Garlands & ribbons: Wrap garlands or ribbons around the tree for an extra layer of decoration. It ties the look together.

• Balance & proportion: Step back

occasionally and make sure the ornaments are evenly distributed. Avoid clustering them all in one area.

Did you know…?

The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace comes from a story about St. Nicholas. It's said that he threw bags of gold coins down a chimney, which landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry. It was this tale that inspired the modern tradition!

Source: History.com

NEED MORE GIFTS

Christmas gift ideas for all the family

Whether you’re looking for a one-off find for a tech-obsessed uncle or need something for your own sanity, here are some interesting gifts that could be just the ticket this Christmas…

The family game

Roll out the red carpet, set up the game board, and prepare for a year of gaming excitement!

Ginger Fox has launched Ant & Dec's Limitless Win Board Game, priced at £24.99, that will keep you glued to your seats, dice in hand, and minds abuzz! See gingerfox.co.uk

A friend-ly reminder

Got a friend who could do with a ‘Hug in a Mug’? As an award-winning women’s wellness brand, HotTea Mama offers a selection of teas, specifically aimed at supporting women’s monthly cycles, from early teens, through to 30s and beyond!

Keeping mother earth in mind, every HotTea Mama organic tea bag ismade from corn starch meaning they areplastic free, gluten free and vegan friendly, not to mentionheat sealed (avoiding the use of any glue) and biodegradable. They cost from £6 and are available from hotteamama.com

The Xmas Day lunch

If you’re cooking for Christmas and expecting guests, making sure you’ve got the gear (and well as the idea!).

Stellar has just launched its new Eclipse Bakeware, which includes a Roasting Tin ideal for festive roasts.The 40 x 28 x 6cm roasting pan with rackis made from aluminised steel to offer exceptional heat conduction and longevity, with a durable, abrasion resistant non-stick coating on all items. It is also dishwasher safe, rustresistant and comes with the company’s lifetime guarantee.

Costing £40, it’s available from stellar.co.uk

For the techie geeks

For those on the lookout for some great tech, IMOU’s Knight 4K Ultra HD Wi-Fi Outdoor Security Camera won’t disappoint and provides a practical solution to keeping homes safe. With an RRP of £149.99, the gadget comes complete with smart colour night vision, AI-based detection, built-in floodlight, an alarm and two-way talk capabilities.It is currently available atCurrysandVery with a £50 saving at the time of writing. For details see imoulife.com/uk

For the foodie fan

If you haven’t heard of how great air fryers are, where have you been? The 6L Turbo Blaze Air Fryer is a new launch from COSORI and features a dynamic DC motor that cooks food up to 46% faster than previous models. It’s equipped with nine cooking functions and five fan speeds, making it an ideal gift for those looking for a versatile appliance that achieves delicious results. It’s available from Amazon for£159.99.

22 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

-ke d n a ut

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A

SHOP LOC

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It’s always nice to support local businesses to keep our local economy thriving. So here are ten ideas on buying local to help give back to our community.

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Looking to gift someone a bespoke piece of jewellery? Or maybe you want to get a sentimental piece repaired to surprise a loved one? Nicholas Foreman Jewellery offers repairs, alterations, new commissions and everything in between. For details see nickforemanjewellery.co.uk or give Nick a call on 07753-611769.

2.

Theatre lover? You can’t go wrong with the gift of a great show at The Churchill Theatre. And there are plenty coming up – from Cinderella and comedy shows, to Calendar Girls and One Night of Elvis – take a look at churchilltheatre.co.uk For something really unique and practical, check out Petts Wood Interiors at www.pwilimited.co.uk where brothers Michael and Richard can carve that special something for that special someone. See www.pwilimited.co.uk or call 07725 806461.

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The cost-of-living crisis has meant that most of us have had to watch the pennies this last year, meaning that important household purchases have been put on the backburner. Why not club together with fellow family members if someone has a bad back and could do with a new mattress or bed? The Bed Post offers Life In readers special discounts when you show their advert.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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Got someone who’s a foodie? Treat them to a Prosecco Brunch at Japanese restaurant, Xenia, based in Locksbottom.

It will set you back just £30.

See xenialoungebar.com

Got a travel fan in your household? Treat them to a mini staycation perhaps?

Something they can look forward to. Give travel agents Jude Greene-Steward from Aspire Travel or Liz Engel from Travel Counsellors a call and they’ll sort you out with a trip to remember. Jude can be reached on 020 8331 5995 and Liz is on 020 8663 6717.

Got a friend with their own business? If they work from home, offer them a change of scenery by booking in a coworking space at Newman Flexible Workspace or Devonshire House Flexible Workspace. If you book a day, you can get the second day completely free – and who doesn’t like a freebie – especially at Christmas! www.newmanbusinesscentre.co.uk

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If you want to treat someone special to a destination restaurant then you’ll love Shampan Group’s awardwinning Indian restaurants, based locally in Bromley, Westerham and Welling. See shampangroup.co.uk Is someone doing lots of hard work over Christmas?

Perhaps they’re hosting the family or giving back to the community in some way? Book a clean up session with Bright & Beautiful, where Samantha and her team will help get homes looking slick in no time at all. Call 01689 414961 or see brightandbeautifulhome.com

8.

Everyone loves a bunch of flowers – and if you’re visiting friends or family this Christmas, make sure you show your appreciation via a bouquet. Both Time For Flowers (01689 485044) and Green on The Green (01689 851666) are ready, willing and able to get the perfect bloom for you.

For a unique night out, give Bromley Little

shows include Time 10. Theatre a go.andUpcoming the Conways and The Picture of Dorian Gray for starters see bromleylittletheatre.org

12.

Treat someone to a gorgeous gift from Newton Wood Epsom Salts – their 1kg Quintessential Jar makes a fabulous gift for a mum, daughter, sister or wife and costs just £15.

See newton-wood.co.uk/product/ quintessential

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 23

sponsored by

lifestyle

Puzzle WIN

WIN

It’s the festive season! This month’s wordsearch includes words associated with Christmas – all you have to do is find them! However, one of the words below is missing from the grid – this is the winning word.

Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403 550068 with your name, number and address.

prize is a special one indeed as the generous people at Picturehouse have upped The Prize December’s the ante and are giving you the chance to

Name: _____________________________________________________

Date: _______

win a Membership Plus gift card!

Christmas word search

Benefits are numerous and include… 10 film tickets Two membership cards Priority booking 10% off all food and drink Plus a range of other perks including no booking fees and great discounts at a range of National partners C

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November prize word: Sparkler October winner: Corrine Watson Strictly one entry per person. All competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps

24 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

REINDEER christmas CHRISTMAS reindeer NATIVITY nativity SCROOGE Scrooge FESTIVE

festive

SNOWMAN

snowman TURKEY

turkey

CAROLS

carols

NOEL

holly

HOLLY

merry

MERRY

Gifts

GIFTS

Either text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk 07403 550068

BY 16TH DECEMBER for your chance to win!

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December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 25

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

what's on community & CHARITY

There's something for everyone!

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Nuthatch Retreats 1st Sunday of the month, 10am

Alternates between Spring Park in West Wickham, High Broom Woods in West Wickham and Addington Hills.

Cost: Pay what you can from £5+ booking fee Contact: Neil neil@nuthatchconsultants.co.uk Why not take some time for yourself to slow down, meet new people and connect with nature? Our monthly woodland Walk and Talks with Mindfulness offer a gentle stroll through the woodland, with introductions to mindfulness in nature and the chance to talk to others in the group. If you'd like to stay on for a chat at the end, we'll have some free drinks!

Events can be booked via Eventbrite (Search for Nuthatch Retreats) or visit linktr.ee/nuthatchretreats

Macular Society Bromley Support Group

1st Tuesday of every month (except Jan & Aug)

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 and introduce yourself 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. No need to book - just come along and introduce yourself!

cHRISTMAS Family Christmas Concert 9th December, 4.30pm

All Saints Church, Bark Hart Road, Orpington, BR6 0QD Cost: Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door.

Unwaged and 18-25 years £5. Under 18 free.

Contact: Call 07947 061761 for tickets and information.

The Orpington Chorale are delighted to be once again joining with the children of St James Primary School Petts Wood for our Christmas concert in Orpington Parish Church. The performance starts at the family friendly time of 4.30 pm and includes extracts from The Messiah.

For details see orpingtonchorale.org.uk

Festive Craft Fair at The Oak

23rd November & 13th December 5.30pm-8.30pm 206 Widmore Road, BR1 2RH Cost: Free entry Contact: 020 8466 0525

Special offer: Quote ‘LIFE’ to receive 10% off your food bill when dining in. T&Cs apply.

The Oak on Widmore Road is a place where great food meets a great time and your new Bromley social hub!

We’ve lots going on throughout the week and our festive craft fairs feature plenty of stalls, mulled wine/cider, music and food. Perfect for buying original Christmas gifts.

See www.theoakbr1.co.uk for details.

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Beckenham Chorale Christmas Concert

what's on

Saturday 2nd December, 7pm - 9pm

St George’s Parish Church, High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1AX Cost: Tickets £15, £20 includes programme and free drink during the interval Contact: Please visit www.beckenhamchorale.org. uk for further details The Chorale will perform highlights from Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by St Paul’s Sinfonia and a soprano soloist. We will also sing a selection of carols and seasonal music, some well-known, some less so, and some for the audience to sing as well. For details see www.beckenhamchorale.org.uk

The CASPA Drama Christmas Show

Saturday 2nd December, 1:45pm - 3:30pm

Bromley Little Theatre, BR1 1SB Cost: Tickets £5 Come and join us to share in some festive dramatic fun with the CASPA Drama groups, and special guests performing songs from our 16+ and 22+ clubs.

Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/caspa/1043313?#

Pre-dinner theatre menu – Ocean Basket

Offered daily during all theatre show days and at any time. Please quote "Theatre Menu" when booking.

Ocean Basket Bromley, 12-13 Market Square, Bromley BR1 1NA Contact: Call 020 3370 6065 or email bromleyuk@oceanbasket.com Three-course meal (choice of starters, main & desserts) at £23pp and two-course meal (choice between starters/ mains/desserts) for £20pp. Kids menu for £10pp.

Dive into a sumptuous pre-dinner theatre seafood experience at Ocean Basket. Our specially curated twoor three-course Theatre Menu offers guests a variety of delectable seafood dishes to choose from - before or after your theatre event. Bookings are essential.

Visit uk.oceanbasket.com to view our menu.

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Bromley Christmas Market

Bromley Town Centre – from now until 2nd January 2024

Cost: Free Contact: Email admin@yourbromley.com Bromley’s popular Christmas market is back in the town centre with festive food and drink plus funfair rides. The market is a great way to start feeling festive, providing entertainment for all the family and, with its seasonal food offerings, really creates a Christmas buzz in town.

The market is open daily. For details see www.yourbromley.com

Health, MINDSET & Beauty Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times

Cost: PAYG £6 - £8 or cheaper bulk options.

Contact: Fran on 07976 412027 Online streaming plus live offerings, 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings including weekend classes. Box Fit, Body Conditioning, Yoga Flow, Pilates, Zumba, Cross Training, Bounce Fitness, Pump and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings & Sat at Tubbenden School. I also offer a free monthly ‘Dance Because Nobody’s Watching’ event on the first Sunday of the month, 11am, at Tubbenden Junior School – all are welcome.

See www.flinsfitness.co.uk for details.

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 27

what's on libraries Did you know that the borough’s libraries run a variety of events throughout the month?

Check their websites via www.better.org.uk/library/ london/bromley or call them for more information.

Beckenham

Contact: 020 8650 7292 Email: beckenham.library@gll.org

Shortlands

Contact: 020 8460 9692 Email: shortlands.library@gll.org

Southborough

Contact: 020 8467 0355 Email: southborough.library@gll.org

West Wickham

Contact: 020 8777 4139 Email: westwickham.library@gll.org

Bromley Central Library Contact: 020 3931 0900 Email: central.library@gll.org

Burnt Ash

Contact: 020 8460 3405 Email: burntash.library@gll.org

Chislehurst

Contact: 020 8467 1318 Email: chislehurst.library@gll.org

Hayes

Contact: 020 8462 2445 Email: hayes.library@gll.org

Penge

MUSIC, entertainment & FOOD BOES Autumn Charity Concert

Saturday 25th November, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

St. Mary’s Church, College Road, Bromley BR1 3QG Cost: Tickets £10 on the door, under 16s free.

Contact: www.boesbromley.org.uk. We are also on Facebook and Instagram Come and join us for a special evening of choral music including Sir Karl Jenkins’ Stella Natalis and featuring soprano Matilda Osborn. Interval refreshments will be available and we are delighted to be supporting Bromley Homeless as our chosen charity.

Contact: 020 3915 7066 Email: penge.library@gll.org

28 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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what's on Ceilidh with live band

14th December, 2pm – 4.30pm

Liberal Club, Station Road, Orpington, BR6 0RZ Cost: £10 Contact: Tel: 01689836407 Email: janetmaile@rocketmail.com Join us for a great afternoon of Ceilidh dancing to a live band. Everyone welcome. Come on your own or with a partner.

For details see https://juiceofbarley.weebly.com

Line Dancing - Carolina Country Music Club Line Dance Classes – beginners and intermediates (Every Wednesday) 1st & 15th December (Live Music With Dancing) Cost: £6 Wednesday, £10 Friday Times: 7.30pm-10pm Wednesdays, 7.30pm-11pm Fridays Location: Pickhurst Infant School, Pickhurst Lane, West Wickham, Bromley BR4 0HL Contact: 020 8462 5314 or email: jbhorniblow@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

Puss In Boots – A Christmas Adventure Sat 9th – Sat 23rd December 10:30am and 1:15pm

Cost: Tickets from: £12.50 It’s Christmas and Puss in Boots finds himself alone and lonely and so he embarks on an exciting journey back to his past! Along the way he meets new pals, has colourful adventures and learns what it means to find friendship again. Filled with original music, interactive fun and larger than life characters this show is the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family. From the creators of sell out shows A Storymakers Tale and The Chronicles of Buster Bunny. Age 2+

Calendar Girls

Wed 10th – Sat 13th January 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk

Cost: Tickets from £22 Inspired by the true story of the Calendar Girls. Following the death of a much-loved husband, a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute are prompted to do an extraordinary thing and set about creating a nude calendar to raise money for charity.

The story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon: a million copycat calendars, a recordbreaking movie, stage play and now a musical written

by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth which coined the term "craughing" - the act of crying and laughing at the same time! With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for Blood Cancer UK and prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.

Cinderella

Spirit of the Dance

Cost: Tickets from £22 You shall go to the ball this Christmas with musical theatre star and television personality Brenda Edwards as The Fairy Godmother in the spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella. Brenda will be joined by comedian and ventriloquist John Kimmons as Baron Hardup and the hilarious Steven Dalziel as Buttons.

Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Bromley audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-outloud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and plenty of boos and hisses.

Cost: £33.75 The International smash hit "Spirit of the Dance" celebrates 25 fabulous years as one of the most successful dance shows ever and now, their new spine tingling anniversary show is touring the world with added new material which will have its debut in the UK 2024 tour. It will feature new numbers, with the same exciting and heart pounding choreography but set to recognisable, loved and well know songs.

theatre/ Performances Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Sat 2nd - Sun 31st Dec, Various times

shout about your event...

A listing costs £15 or £60 for 6 months (£10 a month). Charities and non-profits are eligible for a 15% discount.

Life In...Bromley cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations of an event. We recommend you double check times, places & dates if attending an event listed.

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Wed 17th January, 7:30pm

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE:

11TH DECEMBER

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

Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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Eco News

lifestyle

A GUIDE TO ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT-WRAPPING With sustainability being increasingly important, the founders at needi (needi. co.uk) share some great tips on how to be more sustainability focussed when it comes to wrapping gifts this year…

Odd shapes: Tissue paper is your best friend when it comes to wrapping awkward shaped objects. Another tip is to keep all boxes from deliveries; cardboard boxes are great for wrapping candles or glasses as they help to protect fragile gifts, and boxes are easier for wrapping spherical shaped presents. If the box has an unsightly address label stuck to it, a few seconds of a blast with a hairdryer will allow it to peel off easily.

Eco-friendly wrapping: Craft paper makes an excellent substitute to the heavily patterned and plastic-

Did you know…

London Gatwick has achieved Level 4+ ‘Transition’ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme

coated wrapping paper we find in the shops. Wallpaper is another great alternative and the thickness means it is better quality than traditional wrapping paper so less chance of tearing. Another reusable wrapping material is a vintage scarf. They can be found in abundance in charity shops and markets. Place the gift in the middle of the scarf, pull each corner up to the top and secure with an elastic band, allowing the corners to drape over the gift like an exaggerated gift tie. You can add a Christmas decoration or even a pretty brooch for the finishing touch.

Wrapping accessories: Always keep the inside

packaging from deliveries you have throughout the year.

Put it in a shredder and ‘hay-presto' you have wrapping hay! Ribbons are a pretty and sustainable way to secure gift wrap too. Pull each length of material through a pair of hair straighteners to remove any creases and you have a brand new beautiful looking ribbon to use.

The only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. The global scheme independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through six levels of certification: ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimisation’, ‘Neutrality’, ‘Transformation’ and ‘Transition’.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR SINGLE-USE PLASTIC Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet due to the rapid increase in production of single-use plastics. The good news is that reducing your consumption of single-use plastic can be incredibly easy. If we all try some simple hacks to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic, we can together make a huge impact. Here are some ideas from experts at The Breteau Foundation*:

T-Shirt to tea towel: One of the major sources of plastic pollution is our clothes, with materials such as polyester, nylon and other synthetic fibres all being forms of plastic.

So, when your favourite t-shirt has had its day, think twice about automatically throwing it in the bin. Old clothes and materials make great cleaning rags and cloths. Simply tear them or cut them up. Not only does this reuse your clothes, it will also save you money on cleaning rags – a win-win!

Get loose: When shopping for groceries, choose loose fruit and vegetables where possible, instead of prepackaged ones in plastic bags. The more we all switch to doing this where possible, the more our supermarkets will get the idea that we don’t need plastic for our veg!

Embrace reusable water bottles: Whilst it may seem like a small swap, humans use approximately 1.2

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million plastic bottles per minute in total, so switching to a reusable water bottle can save billions of plastic bottles going to landfill each year.

Bamboo brushing: Plastic toothbrushes contribute to the growing plastic waste problem. Make a sustainable switch by opting for bamboo toothbrushes. Bamboo is a biodegradable and renewable resource, offering a planetfriendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes.

BYO bags: Avoid single-use shopping bags where possible and opt for reusable bags, which are sturdy and longer lasting. It’s a good idea is to have a foldable bag in your regular handbag, your car or work bag, so that you always have one with you.

Top tupperware: If you know you will have to eat lunch on the move, why not plan ahead and prepare your lunch at home in a Tupperware or reusable container. By doing so, you will not only save yourself a hefty Pret sandwich price tag, but you will avoid the plastic waste that comes with shop-bought sandwiches and lunch items. *The Breteau Foundation aims to inspire and empower over 1 million primary school children around the world to take action against plastic pollution in their homes and communities. For details see breteaufoundation.org/fight-against-plastic

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 31

lifestyle

Did You Know...

BLT IS 85 YEARS OLD!

by BRUCE WALLACE, chair of Bromley Little Theatre Where in Greater London can you see brilliant live theatre for less than 15 quid?

I’ll tell you where, Bromley Little Theatre (or BLT – yes, we know!)

Our home, just a stone’s throw from Bromley North station and peeking out from behind the Railway pub (could there be a better location?) was once a Victorian bakery, but from 1938 our daily bread has been performing award-winning drama.

We put on all sorts of plays, from brand new, to old favourites, occasionally a musical, but never a pantomime” Oh no we don’t”!

There’s a play every month on our main stage and 5 or 6

Half of Brits unaware of Vit D guidelines

A new survey from the British Nutrition Foundation reveals that half of us are unaware of the UK Government’s guidelines for vitamin D supplements. The UK Government recommends that everyone should consider taking a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement from October to March to ensure we get enough to keep bones and muscles healthy.

Some 50% respondents said they weren’t aware of this recommendation and, according to the survey, while 28% people are fully aware of this recommendation, only 7% of all Brits admitted to taking them between October and March. While 24% said they take Vitamin D supplements all year round, 44% people said they never take vitamin D supplements, the main reason (22%) being that they were unaware of its benefits.

32 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

times a year we run smaller, more intimate, productions in our bar area, where audiences literally get close to the action – and the actors.

This year we’ve been celebrating our 85th birthday and we want to secure the theatre for future generations for another 85.

In late 2022 we started on a programme of re-developing our quirky, memorable building to make it fit for the future.

We’ve made good progress this year and the ground floor has been completely remodelled – and we even paid for it all ourselves.

The next phase sees the arrival of a new lift, foyer, entrance and an accessible staircase - we certainly won’t miss the free step-class the old staircase demanded.

Next year will be busy – so if you’re interested in watching or taking part in a play, or getting involved with helping us raise funds, don’t be a stranger!

90% say high street is vital for healthy communities New research by flexible workspace provider, SiGNAL, reveals that the UK public’s passion for the local high street is as strong as ever, with shoppers keen to support local businesses, but that innovations such as mixed-use space and later opening hours are required to attract people to visit more frequently.

When asked if they believe that a vibrant local high street is an essential part of a healthy, connected local community, an overwhelming 90% responded with ‘yes’. Furthermore, an even larger majority of people (95%) say that they think it’s important to support local businesses in their area. So why is it that so many are choosing not to shop on their high street, and what might tempt them to do so more often? Some 66% of respondents said they would be more likely to do so if they were already there for another reason, such as working in their office, attending the cinema, or visiting the dentist.

To this end, 81% say that they would welcome a mix of office space and workspace being introduced to the high street alongside retail, services, leisure and hospitality. What’s more, not only would people welcome workspace being added to the high street, but 55% say they would actively make use of such space, including co-working and micro-offices.

When asked about other ways in which the high street could be improved and thus attract them to shop there more often, 43% of respondents said that later opening hours would make a big difference, with a further 11% saying that earlier opening hours would help.

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Contact me for a no obligation, initial meeting at no cost to you call 07767 818 665; email john.winters@fosterdenovo.com or sharon.cain@fosterdenovo.com; or visit fosterdenovo.com The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice. Accessing pension benefits early may impact on levels of retirement income and your entitlement to certain means tested benefits and is not suitable for everyone. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.

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December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 33

A lifestyle tailored to you

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34 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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Health & Fitness

lifestyle

A COMMUNITY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY Mytime Active’s Primetime programme has transformed where and how the over 60s access wellbeing throughout Bromley.

Mytime Active’s Ann Wilbourn explains: “Everyone locally knows our leisure centres - The Pavilion, The Spa at Beckenham, Walnuts, West Wickham, Darrick Wood Swimming Pool - but we're so much more. We understand the challenges some people face merely reaching a venue, so we also take activities into community spaces, such as Crofton Hall, Wickham Hall, Blundells, St. Marks Church Hall and Farnborough Village Hall. These smaller locations can be less intimidating for frailer customers, and many have easy access, ensuring inclusivity.

Wellbeing Wednesdays

by RUBY BARROW

Being mindful of our wellbeing isn’t just for Wednesdays and the key to keeping your wellbeing safe is that one rule doesn’t fit all. Don’t be disheartened if you try an activity to relax and you feel as though it didn’t work. It’s natural and normal for your body to take time finding what is best suited for you. Here are ten ideas to try instead: 1. Learn to understand and manage your feelings.

2. Be opened-minded to new experiences.

3. Treat sleep as a necessity not a chore.

4. Talking to someone about how you feel and understanding that it doesn’t make you weak is one of the first steps in looking after your mental health. It is also one of the hardest as it is overcoming societal pressures and expectations.

5. Be mindful of not only yourself but others; create strong connections that you trust.

6. One of the most important ones is Be You and never feel you have to change the way you are.

There is room for you to grow and learn but never become disconnected with yourself.

7. Be in the present, allow your mind to focus on one thing at a time.

8. Some people find listening to music helps create a time for the mind to relax.

9. Keep active, whether that be by going to the gym, cleaning, making the bed etc. Everyone takes things at their own pace and that is okay.

10. Try to remember that it won’t last forever, there will be a breakthrough however small it may be. It will still be there and remember you can do this - your well-being is yours to take control of.

Source: Every Mind Matters

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“Many of our more physically able Primetime customers take advantage of the 60+ free bus travel to attend classes and socialise each day at different venues around the borough. This holistic, interconnected approach allows customers to visit 11 sites for physical and social activity, nurturing a vital sense of community.”

Under the one Primetime umbrella, members can engage in everything from senior football, line dancing, table tennis, Pilates, dementia-friendly golf, senior circuits, Zumba Gold and strength and stability exercises to social gatherings like coffee meet-ups and Christmas and summer gatherings.

Plus, caregivers attend for free.

For more information see www.mytimeactive.co.uk/ activities/primetime

The top 5 foods damaging your teeth

by Dr Richard Marques, Devonshire Place Dental

1. Tomatoes are surprisingly acidic, causing tooth erosion and damage to the enamel. If eating them raw, always consume with other foods such as in a salad, so as not to directly expose your teeth as much.

2. Crisps are full of starch that ultimately turns into sugar in the mouth. This then gets trapped between the teeth and creates bacteria causing plaque.

Always floss after eating!

3. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons have high acid contents which damages the tooth enamel. Try swap ping citrus fruits for bananas and watermelons which are much less acidic and aim to drink fruit juices through a straw.

4. Popcorn, much like crisps can get stuck in the spaces between your teeth causing a build-up of plaque.

You should also be wary of un-popped kernels that can chip the teeth. If you do choose to snack on popcorn, avoid adding salt or sugar.

5. White bread contains simple carbohydrates including sugar which dissolve in the mouth, creating erosive acids when you chew. Food particles also get trapped easily between the teeth. Rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash and use dental floss to prevent build ups.

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 35

lifestyle

Image: No Revisions, Unsplash

Home & Garden THE COUNTDOWN TO CLEAN-MAS

‘Tis the season to be jolly – but with Christmas just around the corner, many families across the country are feeling the stress of the festivities, as they begin to get their homes ready for the holidays.

Whether you’re readying your house for the arrival of the family, or you’re tackling that tedious mulled wine stain on your carpet, cleaning and laundry expert, Dr. Beckmann has given the gift of cleaning this Christmas, with a festive 12-day Countdown to Christmas top tips, to ensure your humble abode is merry and bright this festive season:

the alcohol with a cloth until the liquid is absorbed, then sponge with cold water.

DAY 6: Tackle the teapot

Descale your kettle ready for the winter warming hot drinks.

Fill your pot with a mixture of half water and half vinegar, leave to soak overnight. Rinse thoroughly in the morning to remove any lingering odours, then boil up some fresh water.

DAY 7: 5-star appliances

DAY 1: Dreaming of a white Christmas

First things first, it’s time to rescue your Christmas decorations from the attic and give them a well-needed dust.

Tackle the dishwasher and washing machine with a good clean. Home appliances are on a never-ending cycle during the holiday season, so using a specialised cleaner to banish the bacteria will ensure your clothes and dishes are left fresh and clean.

DAY 2: A truly clean Christmas

DAY 8: The Molar Express

Pop your favourite Christmas classics on and go through your house top to bottom and get rid of anything you don’t need - ready for the new year! Don’t forget to clean those usually forgotten items such as handles, doorframes and skirting boards.

DAY 3: Winter windows

Give your windows a spruce with a glass cleaner, ensuring those mucky fingerprints are eradicated before the celebrations begin. If you don’t have any in the cupboard, simply mix white vinegar, distilled water and a drop of essential oil, then shake. Spray the solution lightly over the affected area and wipe to rid your windows of any unsightly marks.

DAY 4: Cleaning down the chimney

One of the cosiest parts of the Christmas is gathering round the fireplace, but charcoal often has a nasty habit of getting everywhere! You can eradicate these grinch-worthy stains by blotting the blemish with cool water mixed with normal washing up liquid. Finish by dabbing the area until the liquid is absorbed.

DAY 5: Merry mulled wine

Everyone loves a chocolate Advent Calendar in the run-up to Christmas, but with kids around there is bound to be chocolate trodden into the carpet or spilt onto the sofa. Be sure to scrape any excess chocolate off the stain, then blot the mark with a damp cloth. Finally apply a stain remover or detergent to the stain and scrub!

DAY 9: Tinsel toilet treatment

Spritz your toilet and get in all the nooks and crannies to ensure a sparkling bathroom for when the guests come over. Pop in a reed diffuser and it’s ready to go.

DAY 10: Paw-fectly clean

Spruce up your pet’s bed ready for the Christmas fun, pop it in the washing machine for a deep cleanse, then give any stubborn marks a scrub.

DAY 11: Overwork that oven

Deep clean your oven ready for Christmas dinner. Squirt oven cleaner all over the exterior and interior of the oven.

Leave overnight, then use a cloth to scrub the spillages away. Your oven will be shining clean and fresh in no time!

DAY 12: Christmas magic

Alcohol stains can be a nightmare before Christmas to get out of your carpets and furniture, especially mulled wine.

If you have an unfortunate spillage, make sure you blot

Pop all of the family’s Christmas jumpers in the wash ready for the big day! Pop the kettle on and sit down and enjoy a cuppa – you’ve earned it!

6 ALTERNATIVES TO AN ELECTRIC BLANKET 1. Heated Throws 2. Wool Duvets 3. Weighted Blankets 4. Warm Duvets 5. Mattress Toppers 6. Mattress Protectors Sleepseeker

36 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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Because your holiday means the world to me!

Your holiday should be one that you remember for life (and for all the right reasons).

From a beautiful barefoot paradise to the sights and sounds of African safaris and everywhere in between.

Call Liz for friendly, personal service to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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020 8663 6717/07812 150832 @LizEngelTravelCounsellor www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/liz.engel Tel:

Looking forward to helping you plan your next adventure.

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December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 37

38 Life in... BROMLEY December 2023

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Food & Drink

lifestyle

Festive Cranberry Trifle

This delicious Festive Cranberry Trifle is a real crowd pleaser, plus it’s not a tricky one to try. It's a real treat for the taste buds and sure to spread some Christmas cheer…

What you’ll need: • • • • • • • •

1 packet of trifle sponges 300g fresh cranberries 100g sugar 500ml custard 300ml double cream 2 tablespoons of sherry (optional) Handful of flaked almonds Grated zest of an orange

To make:

Cranberry Compote: Place the fresh cranberries and sugar in a saucepan with a splash of water. Simmer gently until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool.

Swap the sugar!

It’s often the hidden sugars in our food that catch up unawares, including mealtime favourites such as ketchup.

The average ketchup may contain around 4g sugar per serving, which leaves quite a dent in the recommended 30g daily amount. That’s why switching to a healthier alternative is just one easy way to reduce your intake. Real Good Ketchup is produced with 100% natural ingredients and no added sugar, meaning it can boast 75% less sugar and 80% less salt than regular ketchups. It’s available in a BPA-free, 100% recyclable and child-friendly easy squeezy bottle from £2.40 from Ocado, Wholefoods Market and Amazon. For details see www.realgoodketchup.com

Fancy a mulled wine?

Custard: If you're making custard from scratch, bring 500ml of milk to a simmer. In a bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornflour until smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat gently until it thickens.

Assembling the Trifle: Layer the trifle sponges at the bottom of a glass dish. If you like, drizzle sherry over them for an extra kick. Add a layer of cranberry compote on top of the sponges. Pour the custard over the cranberries.

Whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks and spread it over the custard. Sprinkle flaked almonds and grated orange zest for a lovely crunch and zesty kick.

Chill: Pop it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavours meld together.

Serve: Just before serving, garnish with a few extra cranberries and a dusting of icing sugar.

CHRISTMAS PUD

TOPS DESSERT CHOICE

An age-old tradition, and a stalwart for Christmas dinner, the humble Christmas pudding remains the most popular sweet option for the festive table, according to research.

Artisan Christmas pudding brand, LillyPuds, commissioned the SMPL research into Christmas food and drink trends, which reveals details on Christmas purchasing, planning and eating. And, although it’s the meat and potatoes that come out on top for most respondents, Christmas pudding was ranked as top choice for dessert, ahead of mince pies and Chocolate Yule Log. Alongside Christmas pud, 60% of those surveyed will also buy another dessert, with a chocolate-based pudding being a top choice, with dietary requirements, personal preference and quality ingredients also being key considerations.

Did you know that mulled wine has a long history dating back to ancient Rome? The Romans would heat wine with spices to ward off winter chills and illnesses. It was also believed to be a sign of wealth and social status. Today, it remains a popular winter beverage, especially in Europe and is often enjoyed at Christmas markets and festive gatherings. Besides being a delightful winter warmer, mulled wine has some potential health benefits. The spices used, such as cinnamon and cloves, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. We’ll drink to that!

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Meetings are held every two weeks at Bromley Football Club in Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF. To book visit bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON Fun and inspirational arts & crafts sessions for babies, children, teens and adults, as well as provision at events and award-winning arty parties. Call Alix on 07906 078840 or email alixpurton@thecreationstation.co.uk. www.thecreationstataion.co.uk/alix-purton; social media @TCSSevenoaks

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In next month’s issue….

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The ABBBAs 2023 Souvenir Issue Celebrating the finalists & winners of the Bromley Borough's best businesses

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Revamped: What’s On section All the not-to-be-missed events & places to be seen!

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Ask The (Local) Experts Your questions answered Plus so much more!

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The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Luna Creative Media Ltd. Therefore, Luna Creative Media Ltd carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2023 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

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A Final Thought…

The worst driver on the road is the distracted driver

by DEBBIE PALMER

Analysts have been paid millions by insurance companies to predict which group of drivers is the most likely to have an accident. I can tell you, without doubt, it doesn’t matter which group you belong to, if you are not concentrating on the road ahead, you are going to have an accident at some point soon.

Speed: You need to be at the correct speed for the hazard, as well as always being able to stop in the distance you see to be clear, on your own side of the road.

I like to think of myself as a safe driver, but last Thursday night, I was travelling home from the Kent RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Advanced Drivers and Riders AGM, where I had just been made Chairwoman.

I had just come off the A2 and was on home ground. In my head I was composing an email to all our members.

Suddenly, I found I had to break hard to avoid a car coming around the mini roundabout. The word ‘suddenly’ should alert all good drivers. Things don’t happen suddenly, things evolve. I should have been aware of the car approaching the roundabout, not when it was on it. I got away with it.

But that is the problem; because we don’t suffer, we don’t learn from our mistakes.

Put into simple terms, think what you are doing, look further ahead and slow down earlier for the hazard. This gives you more TIME to react.

Your car can have all the safety features in the world, but if the nut behind the wheel is not looking what is happening around them, your driving is not safe.

The most important thing is that your driving is safe and legal.

There is a simple formula to safe driving using the following sequence to any potential hazard.

Information: Look further ahead, more than you usually do, the saying is ‘Eyes on main beam’. Look to the sides, check all three mirrors. Once you are aware of what is going on, use the information to plan. Let other drivers know your intentions by signalling in plenty of time, so they can react. The information stage runs through every phase of the system.

Position: ‘See and be Seen’. When taking a bend to

the right, come further over to the left to see more. When taking a bend to the left, if it is safe, come out to see further. But never put yourself in a dangerous position. If you can’t see, you can’t go.

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Gear: ‘Brakes are for slow, gears are for go’ - lose the speed before you select the correct gear to negotiate the hazard.

Acceleration: To keep the car stable, wait to increase your speed until the wheels are in a straight line.

How many of us have got in the car, exhausted, our only thoughts are about getting home and putting our feet up? The Highway Code rule 91 states ’Driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision.’ Most of us would never drive over the legal alcohol limit, but how many of us have driven home tired, is there anyone that hasn’t?

RoSPA has a saying: ‘Accidents don’t have to happen.’

Our Kent Group are all volunteers who wish to promote driver education and driver improvement. We cover all of Kent and Southeast London. If you join us, you will be given a demonstration drive, then be assigned to a tutor for one-to-one coaching in Advanced Driving Technique, which enables you to reach test standard.

If you are having too many ‘suddenly’ moments, need some help or want to be an even better driver, contact the Kent Advanced Driver at www.kentrospa.org.uk.

I have learnt my lesson, will you?

Would you like to put your thoughts on paper and contribute to ‘A Final Thought’? Perhaps you’re passionate about a local cause or want to raise awareness of an important issue. Or maybe you’d like to educate others about your unusual hobby.

Write to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your idea!

December 2023 Life in... BROMLEY 43

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