Life In Bromley February 2023

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Welcome to contents

As our loyal readers and subscribers are aware, we enjoy spreading cheer, inspiring communities and sharing positive news every month – and this month is no exception. Must-read features include 15 of the most random, funny and wholesome tips for life situations and how to SAD-proof your home, while our community pages showcase this month’s local hero and local author.

This month we welcome Tori Howe to the team as editorial and office assistant. With Tori’s strong background in research and her commitment to wanting to ‘make a difference’ in the community, we’re delighted to have her on the team and know she’ll be a great asset.

And finally, in light of this month’s World Cancer Day on 4th February, and having recently received some personal good news, I’d like to dedicate this issue to an amazing consultant at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Mr Abdul Kasem. Along with his amazing team (which includes nurse Usha, also pictured) and the Chartwell Unit nurses and doctors, they work tirelessly to save and change lives and I take my hat off to them all. A huge thank you also to Ms Marlene See and her team at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Thank you for everything you do.

Lauretta Wright, Editor

PS Don’t forget you can nominate a Local Hero or tell us about a Random Act of Community Kindness – we love sharing your uplifting stories.

If this is the first time you’ve received or picked up this magazine, you’ll find a list of stockists at the back to pick up next month’s issue. Or you can receive a postal copy through your letterbox for £24 a year (email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk) or receive a digital issue at bit.ly/lifeinmagsdigital

THE TEAM

Get to know us: Who is your role model?

Editorial: Lauretta Wright lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

My mum has proved herself time & time again as a tough Northener! If I could be anything like her I'd be so proud!

Design: Nicky Grant design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

My Grandad, his motto was 'work hard, play hard'

Assistant Editor: Steve Tolmie

Gareth Southgate (even though he's younger than me!)

Accounts: Helen Paul accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Both my parents.

Sales: Michelle Simpson sales@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

I have a few but think my top one is David Attenborough.

Office & Editorial Assistant: Tori Howe

Dame Deborah James' courage & positivity was & is something to aspire to.

Community

Write It, Say It, Message It 5

History 6

Noticeboard .......... 8

Local Heroes 13

Tried & Tested 14 Mayor's Voice 17

Lines From Linda 17 What's On ........ 18

A Final Thought 42

Lifestyle

Puzzle Page ........ 23

Pets 26 Health 28

Did You Know 31 Shopping 32 Life Hacks ........ 34 Travel 36 Home & Garden ........ 39

Short Story 41

Our Friends

Thank you to our distributors: Dawn B, Greg, Dawn W, Jack, Kelly, Tara, Malin, Megan, Sam, Sue, Zeenat, Rishon, Harvey, Alice.

Would you like an excuse to do more exercise? We’re seeking volunteers for Life In Bromley to help distribute this magazine. If you think you fit the bill please email: hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Write It, Say It, Message It!

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text us on 07403 550068. You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags

Back the buskers!

I have been searching for more support for the Busker community in Bromley town due to oppressive tactics by some high street outlets. I always abide by the Busker Code of Conduct and there are Busking maps (on the Council website) highlighting areas in Bromley Town Centre where busking is permitted. Just recently I witnessed another busker being physically moved despite abiding by these rules. I might add that the young man is a regular in the town centre and uplifts the community with his lovely songs and singing. A lady who was watching his performance was appalled by the way this young man was being treated. I myself have also endured this kind of treatment and would like both the council and the shop outlets to do more to help support buskers in the community. If any other readers appreciate how buskers can help uplift the community, I would encourage them to support us and send an email to community.safety@bromley.gov.uk and graeme.casey@ bromleylibdems.org.uk

Susan Potter

Cherry treat

I hope you’ll like the picture I took at Cherry Lodge Golf Club. It’s a fly agaric toadstool.

Jane Parker

We love it Jane – it looks like a fairy-tale toadstool – a great spot! (We'd remind children that it's dangerous to eat wild fungi).

Poetry corner

Might you wish to include a poem by Donald Ward (1909 – 2003)? Donald was a local man famed for his poems about local places and his work was featured on BBC radio. I am attaching one of his poems and this month marks the 20th anniversary of Donald’s death at age 93 in February 2003. Jerry Dowlen

Thank you for this Jerry – and a great idea.

The Search No, nowhere have I seen Sweeter massed corn than this. The trees surround it and protect it. The trees are the contrast that it needs. Yet over the hills the houses hoarding fast Change fields to tarmac, and have garages. The drivers carefully lock their cars And are always preoccupied.

Perhaps on Sundays they may glimpse the corn By accident as they tear the hill And turn to the sweating main road To fly from the sweetest view.

The star response ( ) wins a £15 one4all digital gift card courtesy of The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk). Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Spotted on social

Got something to shout about? Maybe you want to respond to an article or want to spread the word about something locally?

History

The birth of women’s football

by PAM PREEDY, historian & author

Football had always been a male preserve, but in December 1915, a match was played between Bromley Boys (National Team) and Vickers Girls: A game that finished up in a comical football match was played on the Queen’s Mead ground last Saturday … The game ended with a large amount of scoring, the Old Boys scoring 17 goals to the Ladies’ 1 … At the start the visitors (the Ladies) showed good form, but just before the interval they got too excited and soon lost their previous form. At half-time the Old Boys had their hands tied behind them, and following this a great deal of laughter from the spectators was caused by the National players’ antics when they went to the ground, and when the girls were pushing their opponents off the ball when they went to kick it. Two or three of the girls were, during the second half, just walking round the field, each talking to one of the National players, and not taking any notice of the game, except when the ball came near them. (Bromley & Kentish Times, 7th July, 1914)

It sounds great fun and was a forerunner of an upsurge of interest in women’s football. At the end of the 1914-15 season the men’s Football League was suspended. It was felt that to continue playing while young men were dying on the battlefields of France and Belgium was morally reprehensible, in spite of the fact that they had raised over £7,000 for the war effort.

Women’s football was not new in 1915; the first ladies’ match was played in 1881 when an Edinburgh-born theatrical agent, Alec Gordon, organised the first association match played at Hibernian’s Easter Road ground. The women’s game would continue to be associated with the theatre throughout the 1880s and 90s. Then, in 1915, there was a national scandal; the frontline troops were being starved of shells. Not enough could be produced. More than 900,000 women stepped forward to work in the munitions factories across the country. Most factories employed a welfare officer to monitor the health,

wellbeing and behaviour of their new female workforce. Sport, especially football, was encouraged and many munitions factories developed their own football teams.

The first ‘munitionettes’ teams were formed in 1916 at the William Beardsmore’s factory at Parkhead near Gretna in Scotland. In 1917 more teams formed around the munitions factories. In the early days, most women’s football sprang from the industrial heartlands in Scotland and the Midlands. Eventually teams were formed in the London area and the nearest team to Bromley was at the Dartford Vickers munitions factory.

The first women’s football tournament took place at Celtic Park on August 4th 1917. More substantial events would follow: the Coventry Cup and the Workington Women’s Football Competition. There was even an attempt at a league in Manchester and district. The most famous of the tournaments was the Alfred Wood Munitions Girls Challenge Trophy or the Munitionettes' Cup held in the North East of England. Blyth Spartans beat Bolckow Vaughan 5-0, with 22,000 spectators turning out at Ayresome Park on May 14th 1918 to see Bella Reay score a hat-trick for Blyth.

Ladies football became popular, attracting large crowdsup to 53,000 in the 1920s. These women were amateurs and received no pay, merely travelling and accommodation expenses plus loss of pay. The money went to charitable organisations. On 5th December 1921 ladies football was banned by the FA as unsuitable for women. Perhaps the men did not like the competition! There were the usual spurious arguments: that football was unsuitable for the female body. Some female doctors thought football physically harmful to women and feared they might be seriously injured. There were accusations of money being diverted to political organisations. The FA simply refused to allow their grounds to be used for women’s matches. The girls were devastated and outraged: if women could do manual work for the war effort, then it was insulting to suggest that they were too delicate to play football. They played for the love of the game.

The ban remained in place for almost 50 years and it has taken a long time for women's football to grow in popularity. But now it has arrived - come on the Lionesses!

** https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-ladyfootballers-1918-online to see a film of women’s football in the 1920s.

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

Pam Preedy

First Ladies' Football Club

1921 Dick, Kerr's Ladies

Become a friend!

Bromley’s Community House is inviting residents to join its Friends group to help safeguard the future of Community House. Bromley Council, the owners, are planning to put the building up for auction which houses services of vital importance to borough residents. In addition to providing affordable spaces for long term office use to 14 different charities, there are rooms available for hire, including a large conference room and meeting rooms. There is also a café which is run by CASPA, a charity which supports and provides employment to young adults with autism. Community House has been serving the community since 2000 as a charity support hub and a centre for those looking for help and advice.

To get involved and support Community House email manager@communityhousebromley.org.uk

Want to play CRICKET?

Cudham Wyse Cricket Club is looking for players of all ages and abilities. Join us for:

● Good standard village cricket in scenic surroundings at Cudham Recreation Ground, located next to Cudham Church and behind The Blacksmith’s Arms pub. The nearest towns are Orpington and Biggin Hill.

● Two Saturday teams of varying strength and competitiveness playing in the Kent County Village League and friendly, all ability matches on Sundays and Wednesdays.

● A sociable, family-friendly atmosphere, with drinks in the pub afterwards!

We are now running weekly net practice during the winter, for adults and juniors. If you’re interested please contact: Danny Thomas on 07863 168524 or email Chris Barnes at chrisandrhondda@btinternet.com Visit our website at www.cudhamwyse.co.uk

Coronation street parties

Residents looking to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King on Saturday 6th May will not be charged road closure fees for street parties in Bromley, which will be processed free of charge. Fees will be waived for road closures in association with street parties being planned between Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May 2023. The application deadline will be Monday 13 February, which can be made through the council’s website at bit.ly/3PY80QQ

3 cheers!

Over the last year Petts Wood’s Green Chain Quartet has managed to raise a very impressive £1,400 from donations on the door, for both Bromley Food Bank and the Ukraine DEC appeal. The money for Bromley Food Bank has provided over 1,000 meals plus hygiene supplies. For Ukraine it is used towards access to clean water, food supplies, hygiene kits and healthcare. To see details of their next Jazz & Blues evening, see the What’s On section.

£32.9 million to create national network of active travel experts

Active Travel England is investing £32.9 million to create a national network of experts to work with communities, enhance high streets and make places truly walkable and cyclable for everyone. The fund could see up to 1,300 new green jobs created across England.

The Capability Fund will support local authorities across the country to train and retain local engineers and planners, creating a skilled active travel workforce able to collaborate effectively with local communities and conduct high-quality engagement and consultation sessions. The funding will also be used to give travel choice to a wider demographic by engaging underrepresented groups, provide cycle training and bike rental schemes.

WANTED! YOUR MEMORIES…

To mark Life In…Magazines’ anniversary next month, we’re asking readers to submit their old-time memories from around the borough. It could be an organised event (big or small) that you recall, games that you played when you were young, school memories or medical tales – and humour is always welcome! Please send your submission (maximum 200 words) to lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Looking for George

I’m looking for George Taylor who used to live in Petts Wood, born in 1941 and may well have been the Mayor of Bromley from 2010-2011. I purchased his JAGUAR 1958 XK150 FHC, which he owned for 34 years, and I would love to make contact with him. All documents and history have been lost, but I would be most appreciative of any information. There is a Florida sticker in the car window, so he could have spent a while in the states?

Nick Stone

If you think you can help Nick in locating George, please email him at nick.stone1957@icloud.com

Project High Street

If you’re looking to walk with purpose, get fit and earn some extra cash on the side every month, Life In…Magazines is seeking reliable and enthusiastic distributors. For more information and to apply, email lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Bromley Council has received funding from the Mayor of London’s High Streets for All Challenge to deliver a project for young people at Bromley High Street. The project aims to enhance the experiential offer of the town centre, through a series of events and activities aimed at young people under 25. The project will deliver a new programme of events, including two young person’s markets on Sunday 19th February and Sunday 26th March running from 12pm-7pm which will include stalls, free activities and performances. The council is keen to hear from young people to shape the project programme. If you are aged 16 to 24 you can take part in the survey at https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YGRRYPD

A giveaway delight for car fans

We’ve teamed up with PRO Detailer Magazine to offer one lucky reader a copy of Amazon bestseller ‘Hand Wash Only’ hardback book. Ideal for car fans, the 144-page reference guide, all about detailing, is packed with photos, illustrations and top tips on everything to do with car care. Sections range from kit lists for all jobs, paint types and wash processes to paint protection and interior detailing. Priced at £12.95 it is also available to purchase via Amazon at amzn.to/3YeldIR.

For your chance to win, send an email to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with ‘Hand Wash Only competition’ in the subject line, along with your name, address and telephone number.

SUPPORTING LOCAL AUTHORS…

Bromley resident, Marie Byrne, is 38 years old and a qualified street and freestyle dance teacher. When she’s not busy leading exercise classes for adults with anxiety and depression or helping at a kids’ club, she’s writing poems!

Marie says: “When I was a little girl, I wrote a collection of poems and it was my dream to one day publish a poetry book. I continued to write to express my feelings of gratitude or frustration, and I also wrote to remind myself of valuable life lessons I had learned.”

Where can we buy the book?

Marie has written “Positive Poems,” which she says is for anyone who wants to continue growing and live life. It costs £10.95 and is available at Amazon, Wordery and Authour. It is also available as an ebook for £3.99.

If you’re a local author or know of one, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured.

Local Heroes...

(Because not all heroes wear capes)

Peggy Duffin

Angela Hulm nominated Peggy Duffin as a local hero for “standing up for women in Bromley as a Soroptimist for many decades’. Angela says “Whenever I go to Peggy with a query, she’s always got marvellous stories of practical approaches she’s been involved in and deserves to be recognised.” Peggy grew up during WWII in north London but now resides in Shortlands. She has three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; she says that family and friends are her greatest treasures.

Congratulations on the nomination Peggy! How does it feel to be named as a local hero by Angela?

I’m no hero! I believe our late Queen was. It was so kind of Angela to nominate me - a great surprise!

Can you provide some background on the work you’ve been involved in?

Originally, I trained as a secretary/PA and have enjoyed using the skills gained by working in the City of London, as a “temp” when the children were young. It gave me wide experience. I was a founder member of Bromley Town Twinning, was involved with Shortlands Residents’ Association, fundraised for Bromley Abbeyfield when building work was required and have collected for the British Legion for nearly 20 years. Our Mayor was particularly supportive last November, standing by our sales table for over an hour. I was invited to be a Soroptimist in the 1960s – an International organisation which aims to help locally and abroad, especially women and girls. It runs on similar lines to Rotary. I’d not heard of it! Our more active club members assist with our food banks; recently we have enabled girls in Morocco to have an education by providing safe transport for them. We aim to make the world a better place, having fun in the process. I’ve been President twice and fundraised for St Christopher’s Hospice. It was a privilege to work for the Wellcome Foundation locally; for example, they provided much needed vaccines for Papua New Guinea without financial profit. I later joined the Royal Albert Hall as a steward. It ended when I was 70; I did a one-mile sponsored Adieu to the Albert Hall swim - but we were considered too old to work at that time! I worked as a part time Warden at Buckingham Palace for a further ten years, meeting visitors from all over the world.

What do you particularly love about your job?

Having secretarial skills has opened many doors. In 2012 I volunteered to assist with the extra correspondence in our late Queen’s Jubilee Year, usually twice a week. It was a huge privilege.

Have you been involved in anything else community-related locally?

I was a Beckenham Parochial Charity Trustee for 20 years until recently, my role being to help local schools give a broader education to their pupils - another huge privilege.

What does community mean to you?

It means helping each other. Friends and neighbours are exceptionally supportive to me. During Covid, our church, St Mary’s Shortlands installed a kitchen at the back of the church when safer. Everyone welcome at the Community Café 11-1pm on Wednesdays. These coffee mornings still demonstrate the need for a chat and refreshments in a pleasant environment. I help with flowers at festival times. Mothers and Toddlers are another important community aspect. There is always some way in which one can help.

What’s new on the horizon?

I’m nearly 89 – the plan is to stay on my feet!

What do you enjoy about living in the Bromley Borough?

It’s clean and green and a wonderfully central place, with lots of activity and a good shopping centre. There is easy travel to London or to the countryside. I have represented Bromley in our twin town, Neuwied, on the Rhine. There is always a very warm welcome on these visits and I recommend them.

What message would you like to give people reading this?

Embrace opportunity. Be kind. Go the extra mile.

A special ‘Thank

Local Heroes.

Nominate a local hero – it could be a friend, neighbour, local business or a member of your family! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

You’ to Time For Flowers for sponsoring the bouquets and plants for our

Tried & Tested

TRIED THE BLT?

by TANIA TODD

We went along to Bromley Little Theatre to watch Nigel Slater’s Toast. Here’s what we thought…

It's increasingly rare to be gripped by a play as the years go on, but I was utterly drawn in from the outset by the captivating acting of Alfie Gosling in the December production of Nigel Slater's Toast, at Bromley Little Theatre.

Here was the most idyllic nuclear family - with the mother we have always wanted - and wanted to be - and the brilliant relationship she shares with her son; inspiring, loving and fun (with plenty of recipes to mull over, to boot). The brilliant Alfie Gosling had full command of the stage, using every inch in wonderfully animated flair, speaking to the audience at the fourth wall, and creating this character of Nigel Slater, that we couldn't help but fall just a little bit in love with.

The first half was a wonderful ride on a high of halcyon days, when family was everything, the characters full of fun, and the audience enjoyed plenty of

laughs - until the heartbreak set in: the acting twisting to a violently darker hue, and we were all both gripped, and aching, for our new friend.

Throughout the play, the supporting actors had the enjoyment of creating many excellent characters, all superbly performed. Particular highs were the fabulous mother, played delectably with humour, light - and that heart-breaking paleness by Abigail Moss - and the show's director, the excellent Roxana Graves as the terrifying allcommanding Home Economics teacher, Miss A.

A huge credit must also be given to the backstage crew (well done that arm!), to the set creators - and mostly, to the lighting department who could  transport us to very different scenes and feelings, just by the flick of the beautiful coloured lighting effects. Superb.

And also to BLT, who created a special, Taste-Along box, which the audience could pre-order and, at certain cues throughout the play, normally an absolute no-no at any play, Barratts and Swizzles sweet wrappers (donated by both companies) were twisted noisily throughout the audience, giving us all a giggle.

So to the director, I can't say I have enjoyed a play more, a huge congratulations to you all, but most especially to Alfie Gosling, the star of the show - and the name to watch. For upcoming events at Bromley Little Theatre see bromleylittletheatre.org/whats-on

Photos: Robert Piwko Photography (robertpiwko.co.uk)

For me, the year began with the chance to enjoy the many floats and performers of the London New Year’s Day Parade. This was an eclectic treat full of colour, fun, music and pageantry that really lifted what was quite a drizzly and damp start to the year.

I was also invited to the Blessing of the Seas by the Mayor of Margate. Celebrated on Epiphany, this ceremony is when Margate’s Greek Orthodox Christian community mark the baptism of Jesus by blessing coastal waters surrounding the seaside town. It was fascinating.

Closer to home, I joined Bromley citizens at St Mark’s Church to mark the

Lines from Linda

February is a great month. The month when little, coloured, snowdrops start popping up from the ground. Daffodils too, are often seen waving their yellow heads about to say ‘Hello, spring is on its way.’

It is also a very short month, which means spring certainly is just around the corner. Best of all, February is the month of love – Valentine’s Day. And, who doesn’t love a bit of romance?

Personally, I have been married for nearly 30 years, but it seems like yesterday, and I so remember my single, dating days prior to meeting my Mr Right.

In those days, ladies had to wait to be asked; nowadays women have more freedom and can be more forward.

I remember having a massive crush on an actor

I had been working with on a film. After many dropped hints from myself and other fellow actors, he finally asked if I would like to go for a drink with him after filming on the Friday and then on for an Italian dinner. My heart did a double flip, and despite the fact we had been working long days, from 5.30 in the morning until about 7pm for the past four weeks, I jumped at the chance. I was both nervous and excited. I brought a glamorous outfit to the studio on the Friday and I noticed he had brought a

turning of a New Year with a wonderful tea party, and also joined some of our Ukrainian residents for a coffee and a chat to learn more about their lives in the borough and how we have been able to assist them.

This being a time of beginnings, I was delighted to be present for the opening of the Daisy Grey coffee shop, Beckenham High Street, which I hope will have a brilliant future and will become another thriving Bromley business.

We have also been raising funds for my charities, Everybreath and the Bromley Care Leavers Come Dine With Us project. Swiftly after Burns Night, I held a whisky tasting evening at the Civic Centre. Guests sampled five fantastic Scotches, each with their own unique flavours and aromas. A great evening was had by all.

There’s another brilliant fundraiser coming up later this month, my Quiz Night at Crofton Halls on 24 February. If you would like to show your support and have a laugh with friends, there’s information on my pages of Bromley. gov.uk. I would love to see you there.

Cllr

Hannah Gray Mayor of Bromley (2022-23)

smart jacket. Filming finished, we both got dressed up. He opened the car door for me (a perfect gentleman), and off we went.

Now, when I get nervous, I have a habit of talking too much, so in the pub over our drink, I gabbled away. We drove to the restaurant, me still gabbling. The waiter seated us at a romantic corner table, with a red rose in a vase and a lit candle, and I gabbled on. Our pasta was served and I still kept talking. Then in mid- sentence, I noticed his eyelids close and he fell, face down into his spaghetti. I thought he was dead. As the waiter rushed to our aid, Laurie, (That was his name), lifted his face which now had tomato sauce dripping from it. I was nearly in tears. I said, ‘Phew, I thought for a minute, you were dead. It has been a long tiring week…’ He then lifted one hand to stop me talking, as, with the other hand, he wiped his sauce-laden face, then looked straight at me and said, ‘Don’t you ever shut up?’

A lesson here for all the nervous Valentine first daters. But to each and every one of you - enjoy - because despite the shortages and rising cost of so many things in our country, romance is free and tastes so good.

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

Now, when I get nervous, I have a habit of talking too much...

"

I very much hope your new year has started well and that January 2023 has been a month of hope, optimism and opportunity.

what's on

community & CHARITY

The Arts Society Bromley

6th February - Australia’s Aboriginal Rock Art, The World’s longest unbroken Art tradition 7.30pm-9.15pm

Bishop Challoner School, 228 Bromley Road, Shortlands, BR2 0BS

Cost: First lecture is free. £49 per season of 9 lectures.

Contact: info@theartssocietybromley.org.uk or see www.theartssocietybromley.org.uk

Do you enjoy the Arts and want to know more? The Arts Society Bromley is the place of discovery and lectures take place on the first Monday of the month (unless a Bank Holiday). Illustrated lectures by accredited experts on a wide range of Art topics. A quarterly Arts Society magazine, visits, tours and much more.

Bereavement Café Message the Facebook page for a call back Meets the last Thursday of every month

Orpington Village Hall, 311 High St, Orpington BR6 0NN

Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/bereavementcafe

If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one, contact The Bereavement Cafe to talk with qualified bereavement counsellors. All are welcome.

Bromley Well

Monday - Saturday, 9am-5pm

Contact: 0808 278 7898 www.bromleywell.org.uk Email: spa@bromleywell.org.uk

Bromley Well provides help for you to stay emotionally and physically well and to remain independent.

Bromley Mencap Services

Contact: 020 8466 0790

Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Email support: enquiries@bromleymencap.org www.bromleymencap.org.uk

Call for advice and a friendly voice. Please phone our helpline should you require any support or need advice.

Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss

Meets the first Thursday of every month

7.45pm - 9.45pm

Cost: Free Contact: Sandra - 07519 105354 Email: sosl.orpington@gmail.com www.survivorsofsuicideloss.org.uk

Twitter: @ForgetMeNotSoSl

Forget-Me-Not offers support for all those affected by suicide loss. The group is self-led and informal, where you can connect with other survivors.

Knitting Club

In accordance with changing requested requirement, we knit blankets of various sizes including other knitted items

looking to

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

for Special Care Baby Units at various hospitals including the PRUH. 2pm-4pm on Wednesdays during term time Crofton Baptist Church, Orpington

Contact: Lin Harewood 01689 877010 on Wednesdays OR email lincbc2020@outlook.com for further information. Anyone is welcome - you don’t have to be an experienced knitter. No need 2-aPly just come and make friends! We are knitters who natter so come and spin a yarn while you knit a yarn for a worthy cause.

Love is in the Air this Valentine’s Day 13th-17th February Bromley High Street Your Bromley’s #LoveBromley campaign, celebrating the brilliant businesses in Bromley and the wonderful town, will run throughout half term. Keep an eye on the Your Bromley website and follow @yourbromley on social media to find out how you can get involved and help spread some love.

Orpington 'Drop In' Parkinson's Café 1st Thursday of each month, 10.30am - 12.30pm Sanctuary Café, Orpington Baptist Church, Station Road BR6 0RZ Cost: Free Contact: bromleyparkinsonsbranch@gmail.com Pop in for a cuppa and a chat, share information, experiences and meet new friends.

Orpington Unit St John Ambulance Volunteer First Aid Training Every Tuesday, 7.15pm - 9pm Park Road, St Mary Cray BR5 4AS Cost: Free Contact: John Matthews John.Matthews1@sja.org.uk A weekly meet for the volunteers to learn and develop their first aid skills in preparation for providing first aid at local events in and around Orpington.

Open Table Bromley Meets every 2nd Sunday of the month from 12th February for an act of worship being at 4pm with refreshments. For more details please contact 020 8464 7674 With a time of fellowship and prayer. Open Table is a Christian worship community that genuinely welcomes and affirms people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and allies. All are welcome.

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

We’re

hear about your news, notices and local events!

Orpington Quilters

Second Thursday of the month

7pm - 10pm

Crofton Halls, Crofton Road, BR6 8PR

Cost: £5 to visitors at meetings when we have a speaker, and £4 on other evenings. Contact: www.orpingtonquilters.co.uk A group of enthusiastic quilters who meet to discuss and extend knowledge of patchwork and quilting.

u3a Talks – General Meeting

21st February, 10.30am-12pm

Cost: Members free, visitors £5 United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Rd, Bromley, BR1 1RY

Contact: 020 8777 6345, email membershipsecretary@ u3abromley.org.uk or see www.u3abromley.org.uk A talk by Peter Thompson (retired barrister) – You…the Jury

Health, fitness, mindset

Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes

See website for class dates & times

Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk

Online streaming plus live offerings - 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings, including weekend classes. Outdoor Boot Camp, Circuits, Strength, Cardio, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Total Body Lite, Box Fit and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School.

PB Dodgeball

Adult Social Dodgeball sessions, every Tuesday in Bromley

Tuesdays: 8.30pm - 10pm at Bromley College, Rookery Lane, Bromley, BR2 8HE

Cost: First session is free, then £6 per session with membership available

Contact: Email info@pbdodgeball.co.uk or call 07742136221. Also see www.pbdodgeball.co.uk, Facebook: @ PBDodgeball Instagram: @pbdodgeball

Interested in trying a new sport? Want to meet new people while getting active? Join us for a friendly game of Social Dodgeball in Bromley. Come along for a free first session to give it a go and see what the sport is about!

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

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

Penge

Contact: 020 3915 7066 Email: penge.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

MUSIC & entertainment

Into the Daylight – Jazz and Blues evening Thursday 2nd February, 8pm - 11pm

Daylight Inn, Station Square, Petts Wood, BR5 1LZ Cost: £5 admission (supporting Bromley Food Bank and Ukraine Appeal

Contact: 01689 877402. Book a table or walk in:  www.thedaylightinn.co.uk Jazz and Blues with the Green Chain Quartet and special guest Jane Keane, a compelling jazz and blues vocalist. For details see www.greenchainquartet.com

NETWORKING

1230 The Women’s Company Bromley

3rd Wednesday of each month

Kekik Kitchen, Bromley 12.30pm-2pm followed by open networking

Non-members £28 and members £18. This includes a complimentary delicious lunch, plus any workshops and speakers.

Contact: Email jgroundsell@1230.co.uk or call 07930756012 / 020 8650 8015 https://1230.co.uk/calendar/ As a leading businesswomen’s network, we provide on and off-line trading and business growth opportunities across the UK and overseas at local level. Our dynamic networking business helps businesswomen make the connections and find the support needed in business –from meeting locally to share experiences, to working together to grow business through regular vibrant, buzzy networking meetings.

NETWORKING

Bromley Business Network

Hybrid meetings - Face-to-face (at Bromley Football Club) and online Doors open at 6.30am every other Wednesday. Cost: £23 in person or £12.50 online. See bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk Includes a full cooked breakfast, unlimited tea/coffee.

theatre/ Performances

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk

Cirque

2nd – 4th February, Various times

Tickets: From £20 Cirque is the award-winning smash hit circus musical that is fun for all the family. The biggest hits from the greatest

musicals of all time, from The Greatest Showman to Moulin Rouge, Hairspray to Rocketman, are brought to the stage in unique, spellbinding style.

Spirit of the Dance 21st February, 7:30pm Tickets: £33.50

This international smash hit takes you round the globe with the spellbinding world of dance. Scottish, Flamenco, Latin, Salsa, Street Dance, Hip Hop, Techno Can Can and American Tap are all set to the same dynamic rhythms as the heart pounding thunder of Irish dance.

Wish You Were Dead 16th – 18th February, Various times

Tickets: From £19

The work of best-selling author Peter James returns to the Churchill Theatre with the world premiere stage adaption of Wish You Were Dead. An all-star cast includes George Rainsford (Casualty), Clive Mantle (Game of Thrones) and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here winner, Giovanna Fletcher.

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.

Whatever your plans may be, Unflatpack can Customise to fit:

• Cut down your wardrobes to fit a lower ceiling height.

• Tailor your furniture to fit eaves and angles.

• Retro-fit an existing wardrobe to appear built in.

• Create custom walk-in-wardrobes without the manufacturer pre-drilled holes, for an even more premium finish.

• We work with the IKEA PAX wardrobe system which keeps our customers on an IKEA budget.

Last month’s answer - SNACK Last month’s winner: Blythe Couldridge

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

I?

be

Health Check

An interview with senior audiologist, Ana Rodrigues, Hearbase Bromley, 4 East Street, BR1 1QX

Why should I have my hearing tested?

Not being able to hear seriously impacts your quality of life, not to mention talking with friends, family and others. I recommend if you show any of these early signs, you should get it checked. If you are concerned about someone close to you who struggles to hear, speak to them about getting a free hearing test and why not join them to offer support if they need a little bit of encouragement?

What is an audiologist?

An audiologist is a clinical health care professional responsible for helping those who have problems with their hearing and balance disorders. It’s a highly qualified role, and each day an audiologist could be assessing and fitting hearing aids, providing ear protection, tinnitus support and advising on balance and wax removal.

How long have you been at Hearbase?

I have been at Hearbase for nearly 4 years now and I enjoy my work, especially meeting and helping so many people in the local community, old and young, from all walks of life. I am based at the Hearbase Bromley branch, 4 East Street, BR1 1QX (opposite the old Post Office).

What are the first signs of a hearing problem?

Some of the early signs are when you struggle to keep up with conversation in noisy places, when your family tell you the TV is too loud, or when you have difficulty hearing people clearly. If you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears, or head, or a feeling of blockage, these can also be early signs of hearing loss. Also, if you find you can hear better when you look at people’s faces that can be a red flag and you should get your hearing tested.

Why should I go to Hearbase Bromley?

Well, to start, our hearing tests are completely free. This isn’t unique to us, you can get your hearing tested elsewhere, but as we are expert audiologists, if we find anything of concern after your free hearing test, we will point you in the direction of specialist services quickly. We are a really friendly bunch of people and our focus is to listen and help you to manage your hearing.

How should I look after my hearing?

If you notice any change to your hearing, large or small, then always get it checked. Having a hearing test should be done regularly like you do with your teeth and eyes. This is important however old or young you are. If you work in a noisy place or have a history of hearing loss in your family, have a hearing test, it only takes 30-60 minutes. Call us on 0208 460 8954 or email admin@hearbase.com and book your free hearing test at Hearbase Bromley today!

Why does excessive ear wax need to be removed?

All too often in my clinics I see first-hand how poor ear health can affect someone’s social interaction and quality of life. Excessive build-up of ear wax can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort. It may also contribute to ear infections. Patients using hearing aids may find that they are unable to use these effectively. Occasionally ear wax can also be hiding an undiagnosed issue and an appointment with your Hearbase hearing specialist will alert you to any findings.

What should someone do if they think they have ear wax?

In all cases please do not use any cotton buds or other devices to manually remove the wax yourself, and do not use home irrigation kits, devices or ear candles. If you think you have excessive ear wax, I strongly advise you to contact me at Hearbase Bromley so I can remove this safely, quickly and hygienically using micro-suction (like a small hoover) or water irrigation.

Winter care for pets Pets

Winter is a time when our animal companions need a bit of extra care and attention. Here are some top tips on how to keep your pet safe this winter from Laura Roberts, a specialist lecturer at South Devon College…

• Remember that onions, cooked bones, raisins and chocolate are all toxic for dogs.

• To help relieve stress from outdoors (eg from fireworks) ensure your pets are safely inside, close the curtains, put on the TV and sit calmly with your animal.

• Hamsters are prone to going into torpor (semihiber nation) when it’s too cold so make sure they are away from drafts and are kept warm with extra bedding.

• Rabbit hutches should be winter proofed with tarpaulin or even better put inside a shed or covered area or moved into your home, with plenty of space for them to move around.

• All animals that live outside will benefit from extra bedding to keep them warm and well through the cooler months.

• Check water bowls and bottles daily to make sure they are not frozen. Bottle covers can be placed over the bottles to prevent this. Alternatively bubble wrap is a good insulator

Did you know…?

There's a Hawaii animal shelter that lets tourists adopt dogs for a day. Visitors to the Kauai Humane Society can 'check out' dogs wearing vests that say "Adopt Me" to give them exercise and social interaction and gain the interests of passers-by. About four times a month, the tourists themselves go home with a new dog.

• When it gets really cold fish ponds are at risk of freezing over. An easy fix is to place a plastic ball that floats into the pond to help break up any forming ice. Ponds freezing over poses risk of being under oxygenated.

• If you keep livestock (goats, sheep) check their hooves more regularly. The wet weather causes the ground and mud to be wet and if they are stood around in mud for long periods of time they can get hoof rot or mud fever.

• It is important to keep rabbits and guinea pigs off of the grass early in the mor nings when we have frost. It can upset their tummies if they eat frozen grass due to the higher water content.

• If bad weather stops you walking your dog be sure to provide enrichment to stimulate them in other ways. Scattering some of their feed onto a towel and rolling the towel up can encourage them to use their noses to seek out their food. A simpler option is to simply scatter some of their dry biscuits in a hallway or on the kitchen floor – this is called scatter feeding and encourages them to find their food.

Hug your cat!

Studies have found that simply petting or cuddling a cat can release oxytocin in the body, which is the hormone responsible for making people feel happy and loved. Cats also can be the perfect nonjudgmental companion to pour your heart out to, since they will still be there to love you and cuddle with you no matter what. Whether you are going through a tough time personally or professionally, or you want to have a pet to rely on throughout your daily struggles, cuddling your cat offers great therapy for free. In addition, research has shown that bonding time is great for the immune system. Cat dander can cause sneezing, watery eyes, and itchiness in some people but by allowing your cat to be close to you the human body is able to develop a tolerance. This in turn can help with seasonal allergies and asthma.

Your pet pics...

This

This is Storm the puppy and Blusie

Stephanie Daniel

My boy Ralph who is nearly two. Sophie Murrell

Our cats age 9. Splodge on the right is very playful like a kitten, and Napoli is a soppy sack!

Yvonne Clark

Valgrays Jazz and Tinkabelle Deborah Fisher

Hello, I’m Jasper and 13 years old Julie Clements

is Colin on his own chair at his place at the table, waiting for Christmas dinner in his festive bow tie!

Katie Green

My 10-year-old Chihuahua, Honey Laura Lehec

Poppy at Excel Deborah Fisher

Stewie on a Kent beach Deborah Fisher

Phoebe at Winchelsea Beach Deborah Fisher

The fur kids in Cudham Deborah Fisher

Pops, Roxy, Lily & Jazz

Deborah Fisher

Tess and Percival Jo Pembery

Florence is our nine-year-old ginger queen who ‘hid’ from the fireworks last night, while staying warm Christine Southern

Health

SAD-PROOF YOUR HOME

As wonderful as the transition into autumn and winter can be, the winter blues are no joke.  Sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder will often feel unmotivated and depressed during the winter months.

Symptoms include a persistent low mood; a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities; irritability; feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness; feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day; sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning; craving carbohydrates and gaining weight; decreased sex drive; and difficulty concentrating.

The experts at Essential Living have come up with five rent-friendly environmental changes to try if you are prone to suffering from SAD.

1. Light therapy: Invest in a UV lamp (SAD lamp). UV lamps simulate natural sunlight and trigger the brain to release serotonin - the happy hormone.  Use a SAD lamp for around 30 minutes every morning - this is said to improve your symptoms within two to four days of use.

2. House plants: The benefits of adding plants to your home are a lot more than you think. They can help reduce stress, and in turn, increase levels of creativity and self-esteem. Real house plants also enhance the air

quality of your home, circulating more oxygen. Try plants such as Aloe and Lavender which have been shown to have calming effects and help battle fatigue.

3. De-clutter: While some might abide by the term, “tidy room, tidy mind”, others prefer to live in a more creative but chaotic environment. However, clutter can trigger anxious feelings and depression for some. If this is you, start small, such as picking five items to declutter every day. Your mindset will start to improve as you have less to clean each time.

4. Invest in your bed: Make sure you have a good quality mattress or mattress topper if you’re renting, as well as fluffy pillows you can sink into each night. A good night’s sleep can boost your mood, improve concentration and inevitably relieve the symptoms of SAD.

5. Electric blankets: Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, electric blankets are now a familiar, cheaper alternative to spending your pennies on central heating. Using an electric blanket at night is said to let your body know it’s time to sleep by creating a warm and cosy space, keeping you at a consistent temperature all night long. As well as helping us drift off to sleep at night, they can also help with pain relief throughout the day, helping to heal any soreness, stiffness or cramps.

WHAT IS NATUROPATHY?

by Cristiana Sanna, www.thedetoxmaster.com

science of disease treatment and prevention using natural therapies, including hydrotherapy, detoxification programmes, bodywork (posture), tissue salts, Bach flower remedies, homoeopathy, herbs, nutrition and lifestyle advice, emotional and energetic healing, health promotion and disease prevention.

Naturopathy is a distinct primary healthcare system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature, and it supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathy is the art and

Naturopathy helps people with all health concernsfrom acute to chronic illness and from the physical to the psychological and emotional. It can be beneficial for anyone looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies, for those who have been diagnosed with an illness, often severe or chronic, and are looking for supportive treatment options or those who are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments to minimise side effects of drugs, surgery or medical treatments.

Did You Know...

THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH? SPEND TIME OUTDOORS

Nearly half of Brits are experiencing challenges to their mental health once a week or more, according to new research commissioned by GO Outdoors, in partnership with the mental health charity Mind. The findings have identified the cost-of-living crisis (36%), relationship issues (14%), and work pressures (13%) as some of the factors having the biggest negative impact on mental health at the moment.

Way to go London!

When finding solutions for this, more than two thirds of Brits (65%), claim that physical exercise and spending time outdoors has a positive impact. Data has further revealed that we struggle to get outdoors as a nation, with one in five Brits only going outside once a week for exercise or a similar activity. Additionally, nearly a third (28%) say that the traditionally poor British weather makes it hard to get outside.

15 random, funny & wholesome tips for life situations

1. If you find a toilet in your dream, don’t use it.

2. If your kids suddenly start getting along and are nice to each other for no reason, be very suspicious.

3. If you hear weird noises in the night, simply make weirder noises to assert dominance.

4. Never use your favorite song as an alarm. You'll start to hate it.

A new study has ranked London amongst the most cultured cities in Europe, with the city home to the most museums, theatres and music venues overall. The study, from Bounce, analysed cities across Europe on factors such as the number of museums, music venues, libraries and theatres. London offers 238 museums, one of the most iconic being the Natural History Museum, which is free to visit. One of the most prominent exhibits is that of the 4.5-tonne blue whale skeleton, nicknamed Hope. In terms of theatres, London is home to a choice of 208, 39 of which are in London’s West End theatre district alone and the city is home to 206 different music venues.

5. If no one comes from the future to stop you from doing it, then how bad a decision can it really be?

6. If you don’t know where your kids are in the house, turn off the internet and watch them magically appear.

7. My father once told me, "Son, if you want people to listen to what you have to say, claim it's something your father told you."

8. Put a teabag in your whiskey, so you can day drink without being judged.

9. Writing. Like. This. Doesn't. Make. Your. Point. Any. Stronger.

10. In case of fire, exit the building before tweeting about it.

Having nuts before bed, such as peanuts, almonds and pistachios, can increase the speed of your metabolism and raise your body heat, therefore warming you up for bed. As well as this, these nuts contain melatonin, a natural hormone that helps to control your sleep cycle and therefore helps you get some shut eye.

Bed Kingdom

11. Eggs are good for your health. But sometimes we get fed up with them. Add some butter, chocolate, sugar, flour, and then bake. Now it’s not so boring to eat them every day.

12. Never walk on icy pavements with your hands in your pockets.

13. If you wait until the last minute to do it, it only takes a minute to do.

14. If you are not happy where you are, move. You are not a tree.

15. If you can’t blind them with brilliance, baffle them with nonsense.

Matt Bradford-Aunger, Unsplash

Source: Bored Panda

Shopping

With grocery price inflation at a record high, here are some top tips that could save you hundreds of pounds on your food bills…

Shop at the cheapest supermarket

Every month, Which? analyses the prices of popular groceries at the UK’s biggest supermarkets and often finds big price differences. In October last year, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket, with a basket of 48 groceries costing an average of £75.79. The same or equivalent items from the priciest supermarket in the analysis, Waitrose, cost £101.17 –that’s a £25.38 saving.

Opt for supermarket-own brands

Shoppers can make significant savings by opting for supermarket own-brand products over more expensive branded items.

Avoid convenience stores

Did you know that a basket of groceries from Tesco Express costs on average £279 more than a Tesco supermarket store over the course of a year? For those who have the option of going to a regular supermarket rather than a convenience store, it pays to make the switch.

Stock up when you can Grocery prices can vary from week to week. Price fluctuations, or ‘yo-yo’ pricing, means that it is often worth shoppers stocking up when items they buy regularly are discounted. This approach can work particularly well for store-cupboard items and products that can be frozen.

Get rewarded

Shoppers can sign up for supermarket loyalty schemes

to earn points and save money on their shopping. Many schemes offer exclusive discounts, rewards, charity donations and competitions to loyal customers. However, beware that these savings could easily be cancelled out if the shop’s prices are higher than those of its competitors.

Don’t be duped by discounts

Supermarkets often place vertical signs with offers on them in the middle of the aisle, with the intention of catching shoppers’ eyes. While special offers can be helpful, they can also encourage shoppers to purchase items they hadn’t intended on buying. When working out whether the price is actually a bargain, look at the unit or ‘per 100g’ cost rather than the overall pack price – this makes it much easier to compare the product against alternatives.

Write a list & stick to it

Taking the simple step of making a list and trying not to be distracted by other products is an easy way for shoppers to save money. However, this can be more difficult to stick to in unfamiliar stores. As a rule of thumb, in most stores dairy products and bread can be found at the back, fruit and vegetables are at the front and drinks and frozen items are at the far end.

Search different aisles

Some products, including rice, sauces, and baking ingredients, can be found in several supermarket aisles at different prices. For example, rice and chickpeas can be cheaper in the world foods aisle than they are in other parts of the shop. Similarly, sultanas and cashew nuts often cost less in the baking aisle than they do on the snacking shelves. It’s also worth checking every shelf; supermarkets often place their less-profitable items on the higher and lower shelves, and the ones they want to promote at eye level.

Life Hacks

How to batch cook safely

Rising food prices and being strapped for time have meant many of us are no longer prioritising our nutrition. In fact, yfood found that the nation is too busy to eat with 16% of Brits saying they don't have enough time during the week to do a full food shop. A good way to tackle the problem is resorting to methods such as batch-cooking which allows us to make larger amounts of food for cheaper, to store and use later. However, this process involves freezing and re-heating food, meaning there are rules to be aware of to ensure it's safe to consume. So, with the help of yfood, here’s how to avoid common meal-prepping mistakes…

1. Pack it small

When you're freezing cooked ingredients in freezer bags, flatten the bags out as much as possible before freezing to reduce the space they take up in the freezer – and reduce the thawing time.

2. Get rid of air

You don't want all of your hard batch-cooking work to be put to waste by freezer “burn” – the term used for when air damages frozen food. Take time to get as much air as

WEDDINGS:

Couple’s Cashback:  Put your  wedding  costs on a card that earns you rewards and cashback for spending. This way you will be able to save up for a special treat when you celebrate your first year of wedded bliss.

Bring your own band:  Although music is essential to any  wedding  reception, create your own playlist instead of hiring an expensive band. You can even ask your guests for their music contributions to keep the party going all evening long.

Keep guest numbers low:  Guest numbers soon add up and it can be hard to keep everyone happy. Keeping numbers low may involve some awkward conversations with distant relatives; however most will understand the costs involved in  weddings.

American Express

possible out of packaging before you freeze food.

3. Cool before you freeze

Once your recipes are ready, it’s important to cool them completely before freezing portions. Experts recommend to leave the food at room temperature for no more than two hours before storing it in the freezer. Leaving the food out for longer could be dangerous.

4. Change containers

You should also transfer the food to a new dish once it has been cooked, as leaving it in a hot dish means it takes longer to cool down, allowing time for any bacteria present to grow.

5. Keep your freezer organised and label

Another key mistake that people make is to store things in the freezer for too long, with experts recommending to not leave meals for longer than a month. The labels will help you keep track of what needs using up next. To avoid food getting forgotten at the back of the freezer, it can be useful to put your newest portions at the back and in turn bring your older items to the front.

According to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), in October last year, the cost per pence/kWh of electricity was approximately 52p after the energy price increase. Each electric blanket will have a different power rating and the overall cost will depend on the rating on your blanket’s label. For the sake of this example, we’ll use an approximate power of 100W as this is most common for an electric blanket.  First, you need to convert to kW. 100W is 0.1kW (or 100 divided by 1000). Then you multiply this by the pence/kWh unit, which is 0.1*0.52 = £0.052. This means that running an electric blanket for one hour would cost just over 5p – or 42p a night based on eight hours of use.

Sleepseeker

How much does it cost…to run an electric blanket?

lifestyle

The benefits of singing have long been documented – we know it feels good to sing, but did you know that singing can be used as an effective treatment for achieving younger looking and more glowing skin? Swedish skincare powerhouse FOREO joined forces with The British Academy of Sound Therapy to study the effects of singing out loud to your favourite songs on your skin. The good news is that singing along to your favourite tracks is not only the perfect mood booster but it's also great for your skin, in fact just five minutes of singing a day could combat signs of ageing and here’s why:

A natural glow: An increase in Dopamine can elevate our mood and when we’re happier we glow. Every time we experience chills or goose-bumps when listening to our favourite track we are giving ourselves a shot of this ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. When we are happier, not only are the muscles in the face lifted but the skin glows and we glow from the inside out.

Tone the face: Research showed that 30 days of singing each day (which mimics the exercises in a recent study) resulted in an improvement in the facial muscle tone and helped to counterbalance ageing effects. Singing will help to increase blood flow to the skin and exercise the mouth, tongue and throat.

Goodbye acne: Stress has also been thought to be one of the primary causes of acne but those suffering with acne can get into a feedback loop – stress causes acne and acne causes stress.  In these cases, it is really important to break the cycle as quickly as possible by singing along to your favourite tracks regularly.

Duration is key: It is important that you sing for a certain length of time for optimum effect. Make sure you sing for at least five minutes to feel the uplifting benefits of singing.

1.

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (lyrics)

Mark Ronson Ft. Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk (rhythm)

Wham! - Wake me up before you go go (rhythm)

Household

Dr. Beckmann has partnered with renowned television presenter and household hack enthusiast, Anthea Turner, to produce four top tips to help Brits protect and prolong the lifespan of their appliances and furniture, to avoid having to splash the cash in getting them replaced.

1. Banish stubborn stains: Old school remedies such as baking soda and white vinegar work great on stains, simply mix with water and blot the blemish with a damp cloth.

up to

2. Clean out the hoover: Cleaning out the hoover every few weeks is a good way to avoid any unwanted breakages.

3. Deep clean appliances: The fridge and freezer need a thorough deep clean, along with the washing machine, dishwasher and oven.

THE BEST EUROPEAN AIRPORT IS…

According to a study from Bounce, the best airport in Europe for pre-flight experience is Istanbul Airport, with an airport score of 8.88. One of the busiest airports on the list with just over 37 million annual passengers, the airport has 94 outlets plus 41 restaurant choices and retains an 8.3 service quality rating.

40 million already planning trips

The second best airport in Europe is Athens International Airport, with an airport score of 7.83. It’s home to 99 shops and 26 restaurants and scores 9 out of 10 for service.

Parking at the airport for four days costs an average of £56. Heathrow Airport is the highest-ranking UK airport, with an airport score of 5.99. It welcomes 19.4 million passengers a year and is home to 66 shops and 32 bars and restaurants.

Did you know…?

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has launched a new ticketing option that offers a quick and affordable route across the River Thames between various piers. The £3.80 Cross River fare is available on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps, as well as when touching in and out with an Oyster or contactless card.

New research from American Express reveals that 61% of UK adults have already begun planning and booking their overseas trip for this year. A quarter (25%) of Brits have already booked at least one element of the trip; be that flights, transport or accommodation.

The main reason Brits are already thinking about their 2023 trips is because they want to secure hotels, flights, and excursions before they get booked up (36%). Some 27% are also eager to book their holidays to give them something to look forward to during the cold winter months. As many as a quarter (25%) of people are still booking holidays to catch up on those missed during the pandemic.

Beach holidays topped the list of holiday types for 2023 (44%), followed by city breaks (37%) and multi-stop trips (13%). Meanwhile, 3% will be bringing out their charitable side with volunteering excursions.

World’s first net zero transatlantic flight to fly from

London

The first ever net zero transatlantic flight will take off from the UK this year, with Virgin Atlantic receiving government funding to fly across the pond using solely sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Later this year one of Virgin Atlantic’s flagship Boeing 787s, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, will take off from London Heathrow and make the journey to New York’s John F Kennedy Airport. When fully replacing kerosene, SAF can slash lifecycle carbon emissions by over 70% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel. This flight is expected to be fuelled by SAF made primarily from waste oils and fats, such as used cooking oil. The use of 100% SAF on the flight, combined with carbon removal through biochar credits – a material which traps and stores carbon taken from the atmosphere – will make the flight net zero.

Foster Denovo is a multi-award-winning firm of financial advisers that provides financial advice to individuals and families.

Our local financial advisers based at our office in Bromley, specialise in providing financial advice in the following areas.

• Financial planning

• Trust and estate planning

• Savings and investments

• Retirement planning

• Pension options at retirement

• Mortgages

• Protection

• Small business solutions

Why Foster Denovo?

Working in partnership with your local Foster Denovo financial adviser can help you make the right financial planning choices.

Our advisers are friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable and our priority is to help our clients achieve their immediate financial planning needs and longer-term financial aspirations.

For a fee free, no obligation initial meeting to discuss your immediate or long-term financial planning requirements, please: call John Winters or Sharon Cain on 01689 868 163 or 07767 818 665 or email john.winters@fosterdenovo.com or sharon.cain@fosterdenovo.com. Website: www.fosterdenovo.com

Devonshire House, 29-31 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LT.

If you seek advice there may be a fee involved, full details will be provided prior to any work undertaken. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. 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.

Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered Office: Ruxley House, 2 Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2SA. Telephone: 01932 870 720 Email: info@fosterdenovo.com Website: www.fosterdenovo.com

Home & Garden

5 ways to clear the clutter

by ACCESS4LOFTS

1. Have an action plan: Decide which room you’re decluttering and why – to free up more space, improve the flow of the room or just to change a look. If you know your goal first, you’ll keep it forefront of your mind.

2. Ready, Set, Glow: You should aim to have 3 piles –Keep, Donate and Bin. At the end of the declutter your ‘donate’ pile should be the highest ideally, followed by your ‘bin’ pile and then your ‘Keep’ pile.

3. Get your Kondo on: When decluttering, decide if each item you want to keep is something that either you use (i.e need) or if it’s something that has a connection (emotional) to you. If it’s just ‘pretty to look at’ or ‘goes with the décor’ then it should go on the ‘Donate’ pile.

4. Out with the old: To keep on top of keeping your home in tip top shape, every time you bring a new item into your home, try to get rid of two old items from your house.

5. Call in the pros: Your loft may have more space than you think! Bromley-based loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is 'Creating Space The Easy Way' can offer simple solutions on making the most of what you’ve got. The company provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area. For the full works, customers can get a retractable 3-section ladder, a new hatch, a floating floor over the loft insulation and lighting. Give Ryan or Kit a call on 0208 914 7597 to find out more!

HOW TO…WINTER-PROOF YOUR PAVING STONES

by Rowan Cripps from Infinite Paving

Clean stones regularly  Regular cleaning will help make your stones less slippery and protect the sealant. The first step is to remove any fallen leaves or twigs before giving your paving a good sweep and washing it down. Some materials are also easier to clean than others. For example, sandstone  paving stones are very low maintenance, often only requiring soapy water to rinse the slabs clean. Products dedicated to the removal of mould, lichen and algae are your best bet during the winter months. These will specifically target problem growth and keep your stones at their best.

Fill in cracks

Make sure you select a dry day and remember, the longer you leave your cracked stones, the more likely water will penetrate through to the base and worsen the cracks.

Did you know…?

A study highlighted by sciencedirect.com found  a bacterium in soil  called Mycobacterium vaccae that triggers the release of serotonin, which lifts mood and reduces anxiety.

Remove moss & mould

Moss often forms when you leave weeds, which then rot and become slippery.  Left unchecked, this is likely to rapidly spread across your paving stones and become a significant problem, especially if the debris freezes, creating uneven and slick ridges which can lead to accidents.

Re-seal your stones

You should reseal your paving stones every three years. However, the time required between each reseal is dependent on several factors, such as foot traffic and the severity of the weather. If you leave them unsealed, debris like moss and algae can enter the stones and cause complications.

Classified Listings

BUSINESS & NETWORKING

PRODUCTIVITY POD

If you’re a small business or sole trader and work alone –or just want some incentive to get your admin, accounts or social media done, join one of the Productivity Pod’s FREE sessions on Zoom! You continue to work with sound off but cameras ON & after the session you tell the others what you managed to get done in 2hrs!

From 11am-1pm every Monday. Email helenjmanchip@gmail.com to register your interest.

CLUBS, ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

AQUAKIDS

Swimming lessons that last a lifetime. We offer classes with a friendly and personal approach to swimming and cater for all abilities - from beginners to advanced and even nervous first-timers. Please check the website at www.aquakids.co.uk/ for the latest updates or our social media. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.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

Distributors

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

We’re now offering leaflet distribution at Life In… Magazines and looking for regular and reliable people to deliver them throughout the borough, alongside our popular magazines. You should be of reasonable fitness, be able to drive and have access to a smart phone for GPS tracking while delivering.

For details or to apply email lauretta@lifeinmagazines. co.uk with your name, location and phone number.

HEAlTH, BEAUTY & MINDSET

FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY

Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and Teens. For more information email faye@fayecoxcoaching.co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793.

THE HEALING HUT

I am a Spiritual Healer offering guided meditation and spiritual healing in my Healing Hut. Spiritual Healing is a gentle non-invasive therapy that can help with anxiety, sleep and overall wellbeing. So come along and relax your tired body, calm your mind and soothe you soul in the peace and tranquillity of The Healing Hut. To book an hour’s session (£25) call 07941-297072 or email sjmiller@ntlworld.com.

by MAUREEN HILLIER

‘Please can we keep her mummy?’

Ruth looked at her eight-year-old son Tom. She knew she should say no, but he had been so withdrawn and quiet since his father left them a year ago, perhaps taking in this dog would make all the difference.

They first noticed the dog a week ago. It was sitting across the road watching the house, then suddenly appeared at the back door. She was a black and white mongrel with the name Bess on her collar, but no address. They had put an ad in the local paper and the shops, but no one had come forward.

Ruth discussed it with her mother.

“It's strange” she said, “Bess is very good with Tom but she seemed to be watching me all the time, she follows me from room to room.”

Ruth's mother laughed “Maybe she is deciding whether this is the suitable home for her?”

Tom was overjoyed when Ruth said he could keep Bess. The dog wagged her tail but then turned to look at Ruth. Their eyes met, Ruth felt uneasy.

At first the dog seemed content but after a few days she began to scratch at the garden gate. Not knowing how she would react on a lead, Ruth decided to try her in the park. Once inside the gate she slipped off the lead, but Bess ran back onto the road. When Ruth reached her Bess ran on further. Ruth wondered if Bess was leading her back to her original home.

It was not long before they came to an old bungalow. Bess disappeared through a gap in the fence. Ruth knocked at the door but there was no answer. She could hear barking inside so looked through the letter box. There was a figure lying on the floor at the end of the corridor. A phone call from a neighbour’s house soon brought the police and ambulance.

Ruth stayed out of the way until a policeman came to her. He said it looked like the lady had died from a heart attack. ‘I thought that maybe the stray dog we had taken in came from here’ said Ruth. ‘No’ said the constable, ‘That’s not possible. The lady’s dog had been dead for some time. It looked as though she had deliberately gone without food and water so there would be enough for her puppy.’

At that moment another policeman came out carrying a tiny black and white puppy. "What was the name of the dog that died?" she asked.

‘Oh I can tell you that’ the neighbour said. ‘It was Bess’.

Ruth never told anyone what had happened. Who would ever believe that Bess had chosen her as a suitable home for her puppy?

A Final Thought…

Intuitive breathwork

by SUSIE SMITH

Nature gives us winter as a teaching season and we need to embrace and embody these natural cyclical rhythms, because nothing can live in a perpetual summer.

Flowers cannot bloom all year round, animals cannot go without their hibernation and our rivers cannot always be fast flowing and full. What an exhausting feat it would be to push on and on without rest. Nature would burn out and all of nature knows this except us silly humans - nature's very own Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because we want it ALL, all of the time, every damn day. Happily normalising it - but we sure as hell can’t sustain it.

We’ve been cleverly hoodwinked into thinking we do not need these cyclical rhythms?! PAH we are far too wise and important for such inconveniences, yet we can find ourselves so very often feeling stuck, disjointed, exhausted - and why? Because we work hard to avoid loss or release, holding on to things/people/situations in fear and panic of what would fill its place, overthinking, stressing about what happens if we do let go, but let go of what? In truth, control of course.

Freefalling isn’t something we are taught or are overly comfortable with in this human existence, but Nature knows, there’s spectacular beauty in the shedding and releasing of autumn, leaves proudly explode in vibrant colour as they die off in a beautiful celebration of what’s to come; it does not fight loss, it freely lets go.

You don’t see a 200-year-old oak tree tremble and complain it might need those leaves next year clinging onto

as many as it can just in case. No, the wise old tree trusts the process! No doubt, it just knows, the oak tree doesn’t overthink it. It is nature and so are we.

To follow these cycles on an internal and external level is how we were born to live, trusting the cycles of life the same way we trust the breath, our own internal cyclical rhythm never doubting the inhale or questioning if the exhale follows. We let this natural rhythm happen breathing in and out, no thinking, no doubting, just an automatic knowing one breath follows another.

We allow our breath to breathe us, bringing us health and aliveness. Matching exactly the cyclical rhythms of nature’s wisdom because we ARE nature. Yet when was the last time you thought about the way you breathe? Do you ever give yourself permission to stop, unwind, close your eyes and just breathe?

Let the busyness go, shed the leaves just like the oak tree allowing your next season to begin, breathing in stillness just like nature in winter. It's OK to let it all go, it's OK to stop, there's no growth without release, you cannot inhale without an exhale. There is no spring without winter. Learn from nature as it waits to bloom again, silent, exposed, vulnerable and resilient. During winter nature weakens and yet strengthens itself simultaneously, ready for its next triumphant transformation.

To evolve and grow fully and deeply into our best selves, to get unstuck and rejuvenated we cannot fear the dark dear ones, embrace the winter, let go of what holds you back, trust the cycles and breathe deep.

This is not a season to avoid, internally or externally. It is a necessary rhythm just like the breath, within these natural cycles if you are wise enough you will be still, and it’s there you find a place to heal.

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