Life In Bromley February 2026

FR ISSUE 48 | FEBRUARY 2026

EE

10 tricks to get back an

extra hour

COVER STAR Meet Stan from AB Stan’s Heating – the warm-hearted engineer keeping Bromley cosy, one boiler at a time

Brilliant ways to

Get Fit

in 2026

Join us for a 2 week trial at our Friday School!

(using local businesses!)

See what’s on page 14 for details!

IN S P IR IN G T H E

A T IM E T A E G A P E N O C O M M U N IT Y

#BecauseCommunityMatters

2 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

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Welcome to

contents WIN! Write It, Say It, Message It............4

W

elcome to the February issue!

History............7 Mayor's Voice............8

Two things people tell us time and time again are: “I never have enough hours in the day” and “I really want to get fitter.” So this month, we’ve got you covered. Inside you’ll find 10 clever tricks to win back an extra hour today, as well as brilliant ways to get fit in 2026 – all featuring fantastic local businesses who can help you feel your best this year.

Lines from Linda............8 Remarkable Residents..........11 Book Bites..........11

With Shrove Tuesday falling on 17th February, we’ve popped in the perfect pancake recipe to inspire your flipping. You’re welcome. And don’t miss our Behind the Business feature, where this month’s cover star shares their story and passion for what they do.

Behind the Badge..........12 Firefront Line..........12 What’s On..........14 Noticeboard..........18

As ever, we’re all about championing the wonderful independents on our doorstep. We love supporting local businesses – and we’d encourage you to do the same.

Life Hacks..........23 Business..........24

Talking of local businesses, in this month’s Business feature we highlight how accidental discoveries, curiosity and internal problem-solving drive major technological innovation – and what modern businesses can learn from that.

WIN! Puzzles..........26 Behind The Business..........27 Health & Fitness..........28

Until next month, have a great February!

Life In Loves..........31 Final Thought..........33 Advertisers’ Index..........35

Lauretta Wright, Editor

PS If you haven’t yet downloaded the Bromley Life iOS App you’re missing out!

And yes - it’s completely free!

THE TEAM

Download the Bromley Life app

Get to know us: My earliest memory is…

Editorial & Sales: Lauretta Wright lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Design: Nicky Grant design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Leaning on my grandma’s pebble-dash wall when I was a toddler

Having tea & biscuits for breakfast at my Grandparents house.

Project & Engagement Lead The ABBBAs: Aysha Best-Forbes awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk www.the-abbbas.co.uk Walking up my road to go to play group

Admin & Sales Support: Carter Rogers hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

100%

Recyclable FSC® Paper

We’re giving back!

Accounts: Helen Jordan accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Sitting in my buggy with the rain cover on

☺

Floating in a rubber ducky ring in a pool, with my parents waving at me on their honeymoon

Company mascots: Milo & Freya

All our magazines are printed on 100% recyclable FSC paper and we print using vegetable inks. We are also proud to partner with Time4Trees to donate a tree for all those subscribing to a six-month or 12-month advertising campaign.

Play fighting with each other when we were kittens

Thank you to our distributors: Dawn B, Greg, Dawn W, Rob, Jack, Kelly, Tara, Megan, Nicole, Sam, Dylan, Joel, Terri, Gabriel, Pamela, Lorraine, Tom, Lucy, Conor, Tilly, Rosie, Ben, George, Josh and Isaac.

Our Friends: A HUGE thank you to the following volunteers who commit their time to helping contribute to this magazine or help with distribution: Richard London, Len Kirby, Elizabeth Adcock, Mary Cody-Cowdery, Ruth Mansell, Pam Preedy, Ellie Morgan, Thomas Teeluck, Indira Richards, Joy Hodgkinson, Sarah Spencer-Adams & Annabel Tyndall.

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

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9TH FEBRUARY

Interested in advertising?

Scan the QR code to discover our Media Kit! or call 020 3488 9959 February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 3

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For full competition T&C's see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps

Murphy the Mog!

Valuing our animals

I am a loyal reader of your magazine and would like to begin by saying how grateful I am for the work you do. Your articles are often insightful and compassionate, which is why I felt compelled to respond to a recent piece. One article suggested that animals should not be killed because they can help people make money. While I appreciate the intention to protect animals, I found this reasoning troubling. Animals should not be valued for their economic usefulness, but because they are living beings with intelligence, emotions and the capacity to suffer. Through my support of UK animal charities, I have seen how often animals are reduced to commodities, making cruelty easier to justify. My own understanding deepened when I adopted my first cat. He is emotionally sensitive, offering comfort when I’m upset and responding to tension in our home. He is not ‘just a pet’ but a family member. Animals feel pain, fear, love and distress much like humans do. Compassion should never be conditional on profit, but rooted in empathy and understanding.

Mariana M, Bromley We completely agree – animals are valued for who they are, not what they can do for us, and your words about your cat really bring that to life. We’re delighted to feature your letter as this month’s Star Response! As a thank you, you’ve won a £15 drinks voucher from the wonderful people at The Landing Hotel – enjoy!

Here’s a picture of my cat Murphy who is 4 months old. He loves playing with his toys and following around his big brother Milo!

Emma Southon What a cutie Emma – thanks for sending us – he’s adorable!

Just recently we...

Raised a glass to our Friends – kind volunteers who help contribute to the magazine, either by submitting regular features, proofreading or distributing it through people’s letterboxes.

Pictured with Editor, Lauretta Wright (far right) are, from the left: Joy Hodgkinson, Richard London, Mary Cody-Cowdery, Len Kirby and Annabel Tyndall. All of our Friends of this magazine are listed at the bottom of page 3.

Would you like to become a Friend of the magazine and volunteer your time in some way? Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Also raised a glass to Pam Preedy, who has penned around 50 articles to date for our popular history page since she volunteered to write them.

Thank you Pam!

We love receiving your thoughts, ideas, feedback, general comments and pictures!

You can email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403–550068. Remember to include your name and email with the subject line ‘Write It, Say It, Message It’. In doing so, you agree to your comments and pictures being published.

Every month, the Star Response ( ) receives a £15 One4all digital gift card.

4 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 5

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enquiries@easy-gardens.co.uk • www.easy-gardens.co.uk 6 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

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History

The winter of 1947

community

Pam Preedy

by PAM PREEDY, BEd, BA (Open), MA. My parents always said that I was born on the coldest day of the century, but I wondered whether it was just a family myth. Now I know it was real and no myth at all.

The winter of 1947 had been mild until 22nd January.

Then temperatures plunged and snow began to fall. It fell somewhere in the UK every day for 55 consecutive days until March 17th. The weather at that time was severe; long-lasting cold and heavy snowfalls. The weather caused widespread disruptions, including deep snowdrifts up to seven metres deep, causing blocked roads and railways, frozen rivers including the Thames, and resulted in significant power and fuel shortages that, in turn, led to rationing and media blackouts. Villages were cut off, including villages in Kent where hundreds of miles of roads were blocked. The RAF came to the rescue and dropped off bread.

With roads blocked and railways frozen, supplies of coal ground to a halt. Coal could not be delivered to merchants’ yards or homes. At the start of the winter the coal stockpiles contained enough coal to last for just four weeks, compared to the usual supplies for ten to twelve weeks which existed before the war. With critical coal shortages, exacerbated by the snow, the government ordered the complete cessation of electricity supply to industry, leading to the temporary shutdown of factories across the country. Up to four million people claimed unemployment benefits during this period. Ultimately the government introduced rationing of electricity to five hours a day. Families huddled together to try to get warm.

After ten days of blizzards, drifts of snow up to 23 feet tall covered windows so that people could not see out. How did people cope in these trying conditions? Where possible, men THE GREAT SWITCH OFF IN BROMLEY 15,000 LOCAL CONSUMERS AFFECTED SERIOUS DISLOCATION OF LOCAL INDUSTRY ….In face of the nation's grave fuel shortage, supplies to all but essential users have been cut between 9 a.m. and 12 a.m. and froms to 4 p.m. These cuts have resulted in a saving of 75 per cent. Of the normal consumption during the five-hour period...

Bromley and Kentish Times, February 14, 1947

FRONT PAGE VILLAIN - THE WEATHER SNOW-BOUND NORTH-WEST KENT SHIVER: 23 DEGREES OF FROST ... From Bromley comes news of 23 degrees of frost earlier in the week, and country districts, where temperatures were not able to be taken, complain of even colder conditions, with deep drifts of snow hampering traffic and menacing farm stocks.

FUEL DIFFICULTIES- Coal could not be delivered to the valley recently, but coal carts stopped near the Biggin Hill Post Office and residents provided their own means of conveying the coal...

Westerham hill still blocked by snow and ice, but buses are running from Bromley to the Black Horse at Biggin Hill.

Bromley and Kentish Times, February 14, 1947

BLITZ-ZARD

A Blizzard with a't' in it. That was the effect of the snowstorm that swept over us with such malignant and devastating fury on Tuesday. Its effects were catastrophic. Transport of every kind was brought almost to a complete halt and many unlucky people arriving at local stations after the trials of spasmodic railway travel, found "shanks' mare" was the only method of reaching their homes a mile, two miles or more outside the town.

Bromley and Kentish Times, March 7,

and women struggled miles, to get to work. Few children stayed at home. Teachers encouraged their pupils to play outside in the snow. They made snowmen, igloos and rocketed down snow-covered hills on make-shift sledges.

It was the women who had the hardest time. Snow made pavements and roads very slippery. Few people had cars in 1947. There was a sense of the ‘blitz spirit’ and a sense of community and neighbourliness as people helped each other through the difficulties: collecting coal from the coal merchants in babies’ prams led to difficulties with washing and drying clothes indoors. The women had to balance the needs of their families: food (rationing was still in operation), washing with electricity and coal in short supply, cleaning. It was a non-stop operation.

My mother was pregnant with me. February 25th saw temperatures in Kent dropping to -21°C, which was when I decided to make an appearance. My mother was to be taken from West Wickham to Shortlands where she would give birth: a distance of nearly three miles. The ambulance duly arrived. Dad was going too. Unfortunately the snow was so deep, that he had to help the ambulance men shovel the snow out of the way to keep the ambulance going. Eventually we arrived at the hospital and I rushed to be born. Poor Dad. He had to reverse the journey to West Wickham making full use of his shovel.

On the 10th March the temperature rose and the snow quickly began to thaw, causing flooding. If the snow and cold was bad: flooding caused more damage as the waters rose over 6 feet and people were trapped in the upstairs and the fields were inundated. If the floods were bad, the weather had one more sting in the tail; gale force winds that attacked homes and trees. Warnings of severe weather in August, but instead when August finally arrived it was warm, sunny and balmy. The country indulged in a Royal Wedding; The Queen and Prince Philip.

For more information watch the programme, The Big Snow of ’47 on Channel 5 To purchase Pam’s book, Living Through The Great War: How The People of Bromley Faced The Challenges of War, you can email her at pampreedy@gmail.com

Bromley and Kentish Times January 31, 1947

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 7

community

and possibilities. And if I wasn’t ‘back to work’ mentally beforehand, the chilly winds of the Kent coast certainly woke me up!

MAYOR'S VOICE The start of a new year provides a chance to reflect – on the year just gone, and the year ahead.

After my final engagement of 2025 – attending Cudham Church for the village’s traditional annual Christmas Eve carol service, with the joint benefice of Cudham and Downe very kindly taking collections in aid of my chosen Mayoral charities, CASPA and The Maypole Project – the Christmas and New Year period provided a chance for me and the Mayoress to put aside our busy schedule for a short while, catch up with friends and family, and to rest and relax. I hope many of you also had the chance to do the same, recharging our batteries before the beginning of the New Year in earnest, hopefully full of energy and enthusiasm!

It certainly wasn’t long after the New Year before the Mayoress and I were back to work, attending the traditional Blessing of the Sea alongside Mayors from the length and breadth of Kent. This Greek Orthodox ceremony marks new beginnings, which, despite not being of this denomination, I felt a particular affinity to as the grandson of a proud veteran of the Royal Navy, for whom the sea opened up so many opportunities

The following day, we attended Biggin Hill Community Care Association’s New Year’s Day party for senior citizens - an event organised entirely by volunteers, and an important reminder, among the fun and frivolity (with singing, dancing and even the Locomotion!), of the vitally important work that so many residents carry out all across our borough, often on an entirely voluntary basis.

2026 is now well and truly underway, with the Mayoress and I having visited a great many events across Bromley’s local community groups, volunteers and charities, as they continue their tireless work in service of others. This care and compassion is a powerful example of what we can achieve, through New Years’ Resolutions or otherwise, with determination and a desire to support and better the lives of our neighbours and communities.

Best wishes Cllr Jonathan Andrews Mayor of Bromley (2025-2026) Find out more at www.bromley.gov. uk/mayor With the Mayoress at the Biggin Hill Community Care Association’s New Year’s Day party.

Lines from Linda

It was only a day later, on the very Valentines Day, that I received an anonymous card. The card was ‘Ooh Ma Cherie.’ beautiful it was covered in red roses, We are in the month of love. unsigned, but the wording read: ‘I am your secret admirer.’ I knew it was February is great, after the long cold month of mid-winter from him as the card reeked of stale fish January, the month of love arrives, with Valentine’s Day and chips. I was in seventh heaven. I told my right in the middle. girlfriends and they were giggly, but envious. I wondered how I should approach him to let him know I knew it was As a teenager I used to love all the romancing that went from him and I was up for a date. It was then, at the with it. Anyone remember the cream and lilac Love thought of a 14 year-old girl dating an 18 year-old Heart sweets with the red messages on them? boy that my father confessed he had sent it.

As teenagers, my girlfriends and I would buy He wanted to please me, he said as I cried. a packet and fervently read the messages, We all had a mad He had bought fish and chips and eaten truly believing they were meant for us crush on the boy them off the card, so it would smell of fish so personally. And now that era of posting that served Friday I would believe it was from my secret crush. unsigned Valentine cards to our secret and Saturdays in But then not in a million years, he warned crushes has been taken over by social the local fish and me, would he allow me to date a boy of 18, media and it is much harder to hide your chip shop until I was 18 too. identity on those platforms.

"

I remember having such fun, picking out cards and reading every word to make sure it echoed my secret feeling for my current crush. And the thrill of getting a valentine card was immense. One teenage memory is of my gang of girls, we were around 14 years old, and all had a mad crush on the boy that served Friday and Saturdays in the local fish and chip shop. We all used to go in for our bag of chips on a Friday after school, mainly to drool over his blue eyes, rather than eat the chips. We had found out his name and we all sent him anonymous cards to the shop, all posted in different letter boxes.

8 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

I had then to go back and tell all my friends that the card was from my dad. Talk about a crush. I was truly crushed. However, the story had a happy ending. He fell for one of my girlfriends and they eventually married.

Me? I too married the man of my dreams. It turned out to be someone very different, but I am glad I waited to find true love. I wish you all warmth and love.

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

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ST OLAVE’S 'Z DD Z ^ ,KK> E d,

KING’S , W > K& d, ^ sKz

WAKEHAM CHORISTERSHIPS

ƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ŽƉĞŶ ŽŶ ϭϬ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ŝŶǀŝƚĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ďŽLJƐ ǁŚŽƐĞ ƚĞŶƚŚ ďŝƌƚŚĚĂLJ ĨĂůůƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ϭ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϱ ĂŶĚ ϯϭ ƵŐƵƐƚ ϮϬϮϲ Under the scheme, run jointly by St Olave’s Grammar ^ĐŚŽŽů ĂŶĚ dŚĞ ƵĐŚLJ ŽĨ >ĂŶĐĂƐƚĞƌ͕ ďŽLJƐ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞ ĂƐ Ă ŚŽƌŝƐƚĞƌ Ăƚ dŚĞ King’s ŚĂƉĞů ŝŶ :ƵŶĞ ϮϬϮϲ ĂŶĚ ŝŶ zĞĂƌ ϳ at St Olave’s Grammar School in September 202ϳ

• ^ŝŶŐŝŶŐ ŝŶ Ă ŚĂƉĞů ZŽLJĂů ŚŽŝƌ • DƵƐŝĐĂů ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ • Admission to one of the country’s best state schools

&ƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ǀŝĂ ǁǁǁ͘ƐĂŝŶƚŽůĂǀĞƐ͘ŶĞƚ

dŚĞ ĐůŽƐŝŶŐ ĚĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ŝƐ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ͕ ϭϳ DĂƌĐŚ ϮϬϮϲ

The Chapel belongs to His Majesty The King as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. It stands on the north bank of The Thames just below the Savoy Hotel. The original Chapel dates back to the Middle Ages and was destroyed in 1381 in the Peasants’ Revolt. The Chapel is the last surviving building of a hospital founded by Henry VII for homeless people, the construction of which was completed in 1512 a few years after his death. It stands on the area of London known as the Savoy.

Over the last 70 years, trebles in the Choir have been drawn exclusively from St. Olave’s and in recent times have been known as Wakeham Choristers in recognition of the 49 years of association that Michael Wakeham had with the Choir.

Applications are invited from boys who have a keen interest in choral singing and whose tenth birthday falls within the academic year 202526. Experience of singing in a choir would be an advantage, although not essential.

Further information about the The King’s Chapel of the Savoy can be found here: https://www.royalchapelsavoy.org/

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 9

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Remarkable Residents

Name: Karen McCandless Age: 39 Lives: Bromley

What’s remarkable? Karen is a dedicated volunteer with ParkBathe, helping people rediscover peace and connection through nature.

How did you get involved with ParkBathe?

I heard about it at the meditation group that Vanessa runs. I had heard of forest bathing before, but I had no idea what it was all about. I was at a loose end one Saturday and decided to give it a go. It was such a transformational experience that I knew I wanted to not only go to more sessions, but also share this experience and its benefits with as many people as possible. That’s why I decided to become an ambassador and then train as a walk leader.

You volunteer your time to help lead the walks – what motivates you to give back?

Firstly, I want to share the sense of peace that I feel when forest bathing. Secondly, the ability to create a safe space where people can come and connect with nature but with a low barrier to entry. You don’t have to do anything, just show up. Then seeing the difference

Book Bites

Literary delights read & reviewed

by Bromley borough residents FICTION

Title: Behind Closed Doors Author: B A Paris Publisher: Harper Collins Reviewed by: Lauretta Wright

From the outside, Jack and Grace have it all – the perfect marriage, the perfect home, the perfect life. But behind the façade lies a disturbing truth that’s as shocking as it is unforgettable. B.A. Paris had me captivated with this psychological thriller from the first page and the chapters switched between ‘past’ and ‘present’ day but not so that things got confusing. Full of suspense - just don’t start it before bed!

I would give this a 4-star rating

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community

it makes on people, even just after one session, it’s like a weight has been lifted. There are people who come back time and time again and talk about the impact it has had on their life.

What’s special about the silent nature of the walks?

It helps you connect to nature on a deeper level and enables you to engage all of your senses rather than being on autopilot or focused on your conversation. It brings you fully into the present.

What’s your favourite local park?

I’m a big fan of Beckenham Place Park. I love the mix of landscaped gardens, water, wild forest and a cafe. Plus, it never feels that busy; you can always carve out a bit of space.

What would you say to someone who’s unsure about joining a walk?

There is no pressure for you to show up in any particular way. You don’t have to do anything, talk to anyone or engage in any of the activities that don’t resonate with you. If you show up and realise within a few minutes that it’s not right for you, you can leave quietly. We understand and won’t try to make you stay. We actively try to make you feel as comfortable as possible and will always try to make any accommodations necessary for you to enjoy your session.

lifestyle NON-FICTION

Title: My Skinny Jab Story Author: Jacqui Flavell Publisher: Self-published (3 Doc Solutions) Reviewed by: Sharon Howard

This honest, personal account of life before and during weight-loss injections first started out as a blog.

Six months into her journey, Jacqui lost almost 4 stones and shares the highs and lows in a diary-like format. I liked that it wasn’t preachy or judgemental, just open and thoughtful, with plenty of self-reflection along the way. It was a thought-provoking and engaging read that felt like a chat with a friend (or a read of her diary!) rather than a sales pitch.

4.5 stars Read an interesting book? If you would like to submit a book review, please email your details, the book title and details to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 11

Behind the Badge

INSIGHTS FROM THE SUPER

I am writing what will sadly be my last column for the ‘Life In’…magazines. I have been posted to a new role working on Neighbourhood Policing Strategy for the Met based at New Scotland Yard.

Whilst I look forward to the opportunity, I will dearly miss working here in Bromley in what has been the most rewarding job of my career. It has been a privilege to serve the communities of Bromley and to try and provide the best possible policing service.

Whilst there is still more to do, I can reflect on some great successes achieved by your teams here in Bromley. This includes a hugely improved focus on prolific offenders, retail criminals and drug supply in which we have seen many more people than previously brought to justice. In the last year, violence is down, as is robbery, burglary and vehicle crime. A key part of this has been the focus on

neighbourhood teams being primarily about crime fighting, a challenge all your teams have warmly embraced, and I am hugely thankful to all my staff and leaders who have brought this about. I am also eternally grateful for our partners, elected officials and community volunteers who do so much in working together to make Bromley as safe and secure as possible.

I would also like to note my thanks to Lauretta Wright, the editor of the magazines for this opportunity to update so many of you each month and to hear your feedback, it really has been useful and something I hope can continue.

My successor is Simon Beardwell, a highly experienced Superintendent of many years who will now take over this column from me. I am sure the Borough is in safe hands.

Thank you all for your support and engagement over the last three years.

Superintendent Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing

Firefront Line

As we begin a new year, everyone at the London Fire Brigade for Bromley would like to wish residents, partners and colleagues a very happy and healthy 2026.

Reflecting on 2025, we are proud to say it has been an extremely productive and encouraging year within the borough. One of our most significant achievements has been doubling the number of Home Fire Safety Visits and Fire Safety Checks. These visits are vital in helping to protect our more vulnerable residents, ensuring they have the knowledge, equipment, and support needed to reduce fire risk in their homes.

This success would not have been possible without your continued support. Thanks to the assistance of many of you, we have received an increased number of referrals, allowing us to reach individuals and households we may not otherwise be aware of. These referrals are invaluable in helping us keep people as safe as possible from fire related risks, and we are extremely grateful for your role in this work.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these achievements. We hope you will continue to make use of our Home Fire Safety Checklist and referral process, as they remain key tools in protecting our communities. www.london-fire.gov.uk/home-fire-safety-checker/

12 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

In appreciation of the many people who work within the borough Fire Safety information for businesses can also be found via the following links: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-workplace/ https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/building-safety/ business-fire-safety-awareness-tool/ Looking forward, our aims for the coming year include reducing the number of deliberately set fires within the borough. We will be exploring ways to engage with potential offenders through education, early intervention, and appropriate control measures to help prevent these incidents wherever possible. To support this work, we will continue to cultivate strong connections and collaborate closely with our existing partner agencies.

Please see the links to report rubbish and fly-tipping issues so that residents can play their part in helping us reduce these risks and keep neighbourhoods safer here https:// www.bromley.gov.uk/homepage/37/report-it Together, we can continue to make this borough a place where people feel safe, supported, and proud to live.

Warm wishes, Ian Frame, Borough Commander

London Borough of Bromley, London Fire Brigade

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‘A MUST SEE. JOHN LE CARRÉ’S CLASSIC COLD WAR NOVEL IS BROUGHT TO THE STAGE IN THRILLING FASHION’ The Standard

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 13

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Wellness In Motion – Mixed Abilities Pilates Every Wednesday, 6.30pm–7.30pm

Friday School at Stagecoach Bromley Timings and costs vary depending on age

Hayes Secondary School, West Common Rd, Bromley BR2 7DB Cost: Trial cost £25 for 4-6 year olds (£180 term fee) and £50 for 7-18 year olds (£360 term fee) Contact: Call 020 3151 0119 or email bromley@stagecoach.co.uk Join us for a 2 week trial at our Friday school. This is a chance for your child to shine, make new friends, have fun and create something everyone is proud of. Our friendly and professional teachers will encourage your child to shine whilst developing their skills in acting, singing and dancing. If your child continues attending following the trial, the trial cost is deducted from term fees. It’s a great time to start as we have our end of term performance booked at the Churchill Theatre! For details see www.stagecoach.co.uk/Bromley

Master Williams 7th Dan Taekwondo Club Mon 1pm-2pm (NEW: ladies only Taekwondo), Tues 7pm-8pm, Sat 11am-12pm

Holy Trinity Church Hall, Church Lane, Bromley Common, BR2 8LB Cost: £10 per lesson - PAYG no membership Contact: Email martialartwilliams@gmail.com or call 07952 503 660 Master (Tony) Williams has 42 years of experience teaching self-defence and fitness, a judge at National, European, World and Super League competitions. He has taught a range of nationalities at schools, universities, sports centres and private clubs and has numerous past student successes. He offers 1-to-1 classes.

For details see www.eiat.co.uk

K E V E N

W AT T

Quality Tree Care Ltd

1985 -2025 Celebrating 40 years

Trees in safe hands

Your essential guide for events, activities, clubs & groups

United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY Cost: 4-week course £30 or drop-in class £10 Contact: Email wellness.in.motion.wm@gmail.com or call 07760533239 Friendly, supportive mixed ability classes designed to mobilise and strengthen your body safely. Pilates can improve posture, help prevent injury, enhance balance, define muscles and ease back pain. New venue opening soon with both private and chair pilates classes (Treewall Gardens BR1 5DF). For more details visit www.instagram.com/wellness_in_motion_wm

Bike loans, repairs and sales Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm

The Lodge, Norman Park, Hook Farm Road, Bromley, BR2 9SX Cost: Free bike hire Contact: Call 020 8466 0790 We have a wide selection of bikes for all ages available to borrow. We also have a selection of refurbished bikes for sale. Bike donations are gratefully received so that Bromley Mencap can continue to teach disabled students bicycle maintenance skills. All money raised helps us support disabled people and their families in Bromley.

Wellbeing Through Drama

Friday 6th, 13th 27th February, 10am – 12pm

Bromley Little Theatre, North Street, Bromley, BR1 Cost: Free (donations welcome) Contact: info@questsoultheatre.co.uk Join Wellbeing Through Drama for a welcoming and inclusive weekly session, designed for adults of all abilities. Enjoy 1.5 hours of creative drama followed by 30 minutes of tea and chat — all without the pressure of

Your local, professional reliable company A five star service from your first phone call to the completion of works

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14 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

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what's on

performance. No experience necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to play! For more information, contact Mercedes at info@questsoultheatre.co.uk.

Zumbathon for St Christopher’s Hospice Saturday 8th February, 1pm–2.30pm

Wickham Hall, Sussex Road, West Wickham, BR4 0JX Cost: Donations welcome (participation optional) Contact: Call or text Anastasia on 07876245754 Join a fun Zumbathon and raffle to help raise vital funds for St Christopher’s Hospice. You’re very welcome to donate even if you don’t take part in the Zumbathon, with 100% of all donations going directly to the hospice.

For more information visit www.stchristophers.org.uk

business & NETWORKING

Orpington Campus (LSEC), Orpington Cost: Free Contact: Email StartupBromley@GLL.ORG If you’re thinking about how apprenticeships could benefit your business, join this practical workshop hosted by Startup Bromley and designed for local business owners, managers and HR professionals.

It explores how taking on an apprentice can boost productivity, develop talent and support growth. The session will cover the advantages of hiring apprentices, how they can help your business achieve its goals and, crucially, give you an opportunity to network with other employers and local professionals afterwards. For more information, to register as a member (it’s free to join) or to attend any of the events see https://bit.ly/startupbromleyevents

Bromley Business Network

Wednesday 4th & 18th February, 7am-9am

On Teams or in person at Bromley Football Club (Hospitality Suite), Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF

community & CHARITY Bromley & Chislehurst Cancer Research UK – 65th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday 21st March 2026, 2pm–5pm

How Apprenticeships Can Transform Your Business (Plus Networking) Wednesday 11th February, 9:30am-12pm

Cost: £12.50 on Teams or £23 in person Contact: 07957 819008 or email hello@bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk Fortnightly business networking events. Attendance includes unlimited refreshments and a full cooked breakfast buffet. Attendees can also attend via Teams if they can’t attend in person.

For details see bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

SAVE THE DATE

Bulls Head, Royal Parade, Chislehurst, Cost: Ticket Donation: £35 Contact: Email bandccancerresearchuk@gmail.com Join Bromley & Chislehurst Cancer Research UK to celebrate 65 incredible years of fundraising and community support! The afternoon will feature a finger food buffet, Afternoon Tea, a glass of Prosecco and a raffle. Don’t miss this special milestone – book your tickets and celebrate with the local community while supporting a fantastic cause.

Monthly Bereavement Café

First Saturday of each month, 10am – 12pm

GreenAcres Kemnal Park, A20 Sidcup Bypass, Chislehurst, BR6 7RR Cost: Free Contact: Email info@greenacresgroup.co.uk When you lose someone you love, meeting others who can relate to how you feel can help. We promise you a warm welcome from our experienced and compassionate team. You will find a kind, supportive space with understanding from others who are also living life after loss. Everyone in our local community is welcome. Free coffee and cake.

For details see www.greenacresgroup.co.uk

Bromley based inclusive dance sessions for ages 3+ A range of sessions for all abilities - no experience needed.

FREE

info@magpiedance.org.uk

Taster session! www.magpiedance.org.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 15

what's on community & CHARITY u3a Talks – Optical Illusion, Art and the Brain by Mike Sheehan 17th February, 10.30am-12pm

Whitfield Hall, United Reformed Church, Widmore Road, Bromley, BR1 1RY Cost: Members free, visitors £5, just turn up.

Contact: Email membershipsecretary@u3abromley. org.uk or call 0300 102 7978 u3a Bromley holds a monthly talk on a diverse range of topics and we welcome members of the public. We have over 70 different interest groups from Walking to Talking, Gardening to Genealogy, Philosophy to Psychology, Science to Singing - the choice is endless.

Dementia Café

1st Wednesday of the month, 10.30am-12pm

Avenue Baptist Church, 96 Avenue Road, Beckenham, BR3 4RX Cost: Free Contact: Claire on 07872 302907 Monthly group for people living with Dementia/ Alzheimers and their Carers/Loved Ones. Each month we have different activities such as crafts, singing, quizzes. You are welcome to take part or just come for a cuppa and a chat. Support provided. No booking necessary, just pop along and join us!

Love Poetry

Tuesday 10th & Tuesday 24th February, 2.30pm–4.30pm

The Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, BR1 2PX Cost: £2.50 (includes refreshments) Contact: See www.poetrypf.co.uk/shortlands.html Join the Shortlands Poetry Circle – loving poetry since 1911 – for relaxed and friendly poetry afternoons held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays during term time. Bring along poems to share in a read-round, from old favourites to newly published works, each session with a different focus, followed by lively discussion, tea and biscuits.

Visitors are very welcome. For full details and the programme visit www.poetrypf.co.uk/shortlands.html.

Thinking About Fostering?

Tuesday 11th & 25th February, 12.30pm–2pm Online event Cost: Free

Contact: fostering@bromley.gov.uk or call 020 8461 7701 Join Bromley Fostering Team for a free, informal online information session to learn more about becoming a foster carer. Hosted by social work professionals alongside experienced foster carers, the session is ideal whether you’re considering applying or simply want to find out more. Learn how fostering works, ask questions, and discover how you could help change children’s lives.

theatre & Performances Churchill Theatre, Bromley Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk

The Rocky Horror Show

Monday 9th – Saturday 14th February Cost: Tickets from £25 Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show comes to Bromley as part of a new world tour! Book now for the biggest party featuring timeless classics, Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp. Age recommendation 12+

Murder She Didn’t Write Tuesday 17th February

Cost: Tickets from £22 Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready as Degrees of Error, are back with their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure. At each show this extraordinarily talented company uses audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do is guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed!

Celebrating Celine

Saturday 21st February Cost: Tickets from £37.50 Celebrating Celine is the ultimate live concert experience honouring the legendary music of Celine Dion. This spectacular touring production has captivated audiences across the UK, bringing to life the passion, power, and unforgettable songs that have defined Celine's extraordinary career.

Submit your event for free on our App and online! Submit yours at

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE:

bit.ly/bromleyevents or scan the QR code.

A listing in the magazine costs £17 or £72 for 6 months (£12 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’ve done our best to make sure everything’s spot on at the time of printing, but it’s always a good idea to double-check details with the venue or event organiser, just in case! Prices exclude vat.

16 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

9TH FEBRUARY

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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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 17

Community Mottingham Library reopens

Mottingham Library’s upgraded facilities have been revealed, which include a new ‘Transformation Library’ featuring a podcasting studio, 3D printer, VR headset and a Cubbie sensory pod for quiet, calm time. A new children’s area, set against a mural, has been revelaed, while the outdoor space has also been updated, including new table tennis facilities. by Essential repairs and upgrades were delivered , system g heatin new a ing Longley Group, includ flooring and accessible toilet, as part of the £11m borough-wide refurbishment programme.

Roving reporters!

Always loved writing? We're seeking voluntary 'roving Reporters' for Life In Bromley!

Get in touch by emailing hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

On the cover

Stanley Bayntun – better known locally as Stan from AB Stan’s Heating – says staying close to home is at the heart of everything he does. After working all over London (and spending far too long stuck in traffic!), he now feels lucky to serve the Bromley community right on his doorstep. For Stan, community is simple: “I’m community-based because it’s my community. You put in, and you get out.”

18 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

Run for change

Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid (BCWA) are starting the year with a powerful campaign to help you reach your 2026 fitness goals while supporting local women and families. Sign up to a discounted RunThrough road race – whether you’re starting with Couch to 5k or aiming for a marathon – and fundraise to make a real difference. A recent survivor shared: “BCWA saved my life. I was broken, afraid, and completely alone but they saw me, believed me, and helped me rebuild from scratch. I truly don’t think I’d be here today without their support, their warmth, and the safe space they gave me to heal.”

Email fundraising@bcwa.org.uk to sign up or learn more.

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Noticeboard

Property for Good Conference

Building inclusive workplaces Join us for an inspiring event focused on creating opportunities and breaking barriers in the workplace for people with SEND (special educational needs and/or disabilities or physical or mental health conditions)

YOU WILL

OPPORTUNITIES

JOINED BY

Learn about assistive technology and how it supports inclusion.

Hear from Microsoft Showcase accredited The Oaks Specialist College on innovative approaches to accessibility.

Discover AssitiV, an innovative app designed to help individuals with additional needs thrive at work.

Discover how Bromley Works, Bromley's Connect to Work service is helping people into employment.

Network with professionals committed to inclusion.

Explore practical tools and strategies for supporting diverse talent.

Be part of shaping a more inclusive future in Bromley workplaces.

Leaders from Bromley Council sharing their vision for inclusive employment.

Experts from The Oaks Specialist College, and representatives from the Connect to Work programme supporting people into employment.

Scan the QR code to register

5th February 2026 10am to 12pm Clockwise Bromley, BR1 3FE

SEND.Employment@bromley.gov.uk

Potters House Bromley (Kirkwood Connect), together with Verity Commercial Services and Faithful, recently hosted a press conference to highlight the Property For Good initiative – a programme using a legally approved business rates mitigation model to transform vacant commercial spaces into safe, faith-led environments for young people.

Speakers included Pastor David Darkwah and Youth Leader Dylan Barrett, who discussed the challenges facing young men in Bromley and the importance of positive role models and safe social spaces. Simon Dresdner, CEO of Verity Commercial Services/Faithful, explained how the scheme creates a ‘win-win’, benefiting both landlords and the community. Attendees also heard powerful firsthand accounts from three young people – Darren, Archie and Tapiwa – whose lives have been positively shaped through faith, mentoring and entrepreneurship opportunities offered at the centre.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON

SUNDAY SHOPPING Do you remember life before Sunday shopping?

Life In…Magazines’ resident historian, Pam Preedy, is researching how Sundays were spent before Sunday trading hours came into force – and she’d love your memories as research into writing one of her features.

If you’re old enough to remember, how did you spend your Sundays back then?

Thousands to get free digital training Communities across the country are set to benefit from free digital skills support, helping people get online, shop around for better deals, book NHS appointments and stay in touch with loved ones.

The government is backing 80 local schemes with £11.7 million from the new Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, aiming to make sure everyone has the access, skills and confidence to use technology safely.

Research shows around eight million adults in the UK lack basic digital skills, with 1.6 million living offline entirely. This can mean paying more for everyday essentials, missing out on job opportunities and struggling to use online services. These new schemes will help change that including Age UK, which will help thousands of older people use the NHS app to manage their health.

Email Pam at pampreedy@gmail.com

12 DAYS OF

Giftmas WINNER!

Rebecca Cogan was the lucky winner of our 12 Days of Giftmas, winning over £370 in prizes!

Thank you to everyone who took part in our reader survey which was published in the December 2025 issue!

February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 19

community NOTICEBOARD

Bromley resident honoured in King’s New Year Honours

Chislehurst launch for girls’ football

Bromley FC Community Trust, the charitable arm of Bromley Football Club, has launched a brand-new girls’ football programme in Chislehurst, offering local young people a chance to get involved in the sport. Open to all abilities, the programme focuses on enjoyment, wellbeing and inclusion, providing a clear pathway into football through Bromley FC. The Trust hopes the scheme will help boost girls’ confidence, break down barriers to participation, and create future opportunities in football regardless of background or ability.

For more information see @bromleyfctrust on social media.

✃

- Good Friday Friday, April 3 - Easter Monday Monday, April 6 - Early May Bank Holiday Monday, May 4 - Spring Bank Holiday Monday, May 25 - Summer Bank Holiday Monday, August 31 Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day) Scotland - New Year's Day Thursday, January 1 - 2nd January Friday, January 2 - Good Friday Friday, April 3 - Early May Bank Holiday Monday, May 4 - Spring Bank Holiday Monday, May 25 - Summer Bank Holiday Monday, August 3 Monday, November 30 - St Andrew's Day Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)

20 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

Joe, a multiple World and European Masters Athletics champion and world-record holder in sprint hurdles, received the honour for his outstanding services to sport, public health and public service. As well as his incredible achievements on the track, Joe is a passionate advocate for prostate cancer awareness, using his own experience to encourage early checks and open conversations – particularly within the black community.

From volunteering in schools and supporting young people into careers, to representing athletics at every level while working in the Civil Service for over 36 years, Joe’s recognition is richly deserved.

Bank Holidays for 2026! (cut out & stick on your fridge!)

A huge congratulations to Bromley resident Joe Appiah, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours – alongside sporting legends including Paula Radcliffe.

A brilliant example of local dedication, resilience and giving back – Bromley couldn’t be prouder.

Library help needed!

The Bromley Home Library Service is currently looking for volunteers. You would help source and deliver books for people who cannot attend the library on their own and often stay for a nice chat. We will provide training and a DBS check.

Ring Shauna Teevan on 078 2651 1094 or bromley.hls@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk for more information.

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 21

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Life Hacks

lifestyle

10 TRICKS TO GET BACK AN EXTRA HOUR TODAY

Ever wish you could add an extra hour to your day? While we can’t actually bend time, a few clever hacks can help you claw back precious minutes and make your day feel that bit longer.

Here are ten easy ways to do just that:

⏰ down Plan tomorrow tonight: Spend five minutes jotting your to-do list before bed. You’ll start the next day focused instead of faffing around deciding what to tackle first.

⏰ Bemails, atch your tasks: Group similar jobs together – like errands or phone calls – to avoid constant

⏰ Arecurring utomate what you can: From bill payments to grocery orders, automation is your secret weapon for reclaiming time.

⏰ Stoetfilltime limits: Parkinson’s Law says work expands the time available. Give yourself a shorter deadline and watch how much quicker you move.

⏰ TPomodoro ake breaks: Ironically, resting boosts focus. Try the Technique: 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes off.

Small tweaks, big difference – and voilà, there’s your extra hour!

switching, which eats up time.

⏰ Uthanse two the two-minute rule: If something takes less The perfect

minutes (replying to a message, tidying a surface), do it immediately. It stops little jobs piling up.

pancake recipe!

clutter can reduce productivity by up to 40%.

Ingredients (makes about 8 pancakes): • 200g plain flour • 2 tbsp sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • 300ml milk • 2 large eggs • 50g melted butter (plus extra for cooking) • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

⏰ Dfewer eclutter your workspace: A tidy area means distractions and faster decisions. Studies show ⏰ concentration.

Mute notifications: Constant pings break Check your phone and emails at set times instead.

⏰ lunch Prep meals or outfits: Spend half an hour prepping or planning clothes for the week – it’ll save time (and stress) every morning.

⏰ Uoverse ashortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts can save hours year. For instance, Ctrl + Shift + T reopens a closed browser tab – lifesaver!

Method:

Lemon hacks!

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar,

🍋 SSqueeze anitise your wooden chopping board: half a lemon over your board and let the juice absorb for 10 minutes. Use the other half to scrub the surface and then rinse thoroughly.

🍋 Wlaundry hiter whites: Add lemon juice to your to tackle stains the natural way. The

bonus is that it leaves them with a nice scent too.

🍋 Lwith et loose on limescale: Create a spray bottle half lemon juice and half water. The citric acid in the lemon is great for removing limescale on things like taps and shower heads. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

baking powder, and salt.

2. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until smooth — don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.

4. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and brush with a little butter.

5. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, swirling slightly to spread. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.

6. Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while cooking the rest.

💡 Serve with: maple syrup, fresh berries, a

sprinkle of sugar, or your favourite toppings.

February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 23

lifestyle

Business

FROM FROG TO PHONE (& LESSONS TO LEARN)

by JAMIE DOBSON, author of ‘Visionaries, Rebels and Machines: The story of humanity’s extraordinary journey from electrification to cloudification’ In the late 18th century, two Italian scientists – Luigi Galvani and Alessandro Volta – debated why a dead frog’s legs twitched when touched with metal instruments. Galvani believed there was a special ‘animal electricity’, while Volta argued that contact between different metals and moist tissue created a circuit. To prove his point, Volta invented the ‘Voltaic Pile’, the first true battery. That battery later powered telegraphy – and without the telegraph, you wouldn’t have your mobile phone.

This pattern – revolutionary innovations emerging from curiosity, accident or attempts to solve entirely different problems – repeats throughout technological history.

Understanding how serendipity shapes innovation matters more today than ever. But how do we turn curiosity and lucky accidents into innovation?

Pay attention to internal problems In the early 2000s, Amazon found its rapid growth had created an IT infrastructure bottleneck that was throttling innovation. Its solution – automated systems that allowed developers to quickly provision computing resources – turned out to be something other companies needed too.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched in 2006 and now generates over $80 billion annually, powering everything from Netflix to NASA. Internal pain points can often signal wider market opportunities.

Create space for curiosity-driven exploration Google’s famous ‘20% time’ policy allowed engineers to spend one day a week on personal projects, leading to innovations such as Gmail and Google News. Even small amounts of unstructured time can produce unexpected insights.

Get innovations into users’ hands early The most creative applications often come from outside your organisation – Volta’s battery was little more than a curiosity until someone else found a use for it. Open APIs, pilot programmes and beta communities allow external creativity to shape innovation. Many breakthrough technologies take years to find their killer application.

Maintain diverse research portfolios Companies that encourage cross-pollination between teams and stay connected to academic research are more likely to spot opportunity when it appears. This requires cultures that support experimentation, tolerate failure and reward curiosity. The most innovative organisations create psychological safety that allows people to pursue interesting problems without fear.

Nail your email etiquette Email is still one of the most common ways we communicate in the professional world – but not everyone gets it right. Here are some simple ways to boss your email etiquette and make sure your messages land just right: • Subject lines matter – Keep them clear and specific so the recipient knows exactly what your message is about.

• Double-check addresses – Make sure your email

• Add a signature – Include your name, job title and

• Reply promptly – Don’t leave people hanging.We’ve

contact info. It looks professional and makes you easy to reach.

• Keep it short – Nobody loves long-winded emails.

Stick to the point.

• Check your spelling & grammar – It’s a small detail but makes a big difference to how you’re perceived.

• Tone it right – Be polite and professional. Avoid emojis, slang or text-speak.

• Format for impact – Use bullet points, bold or italics to make your email easy to scan.

• Call to action – End with what you want them to do (reply, confirm, arrange a meeting).

24 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

goes to the right person!

all been on the receiving end of an email that seems to disappear into a black hole. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also make the sender feel undervalued. If you can’t provide a full response straight away, it’s good practice to acknowledge the email within 24–48 hours. A quick note such as“Thanks for your message, I’ll get back to you by the end of the week”shows courtesy, manages expectations and reassures the sender that their email hasn’t been forgotten. Timely responses build trust, demonstrate professionalism, reliability and respect for other people’s time.

Good email etiquette isn’t just about words, it’s about how you make others feel. The way you communicate over email reflects on you and your business, so a little attention to detail goes a long way!

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 25

lifestyle

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Puzzles

The Prize

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Below is a list of words associated with February. Can you find them in the word grid below? Answers can run forwards, backwards and diagonally. However, one of the words isn’t included - this is the competition answer.

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Untitled

A I R V S O E C Q E K X U G L G R

Y S U J H S F H C D O R B B Z O A

W I S E E O D L O R F W Y L A I C U D A L J E W Z I B A M N S R E Y

N I G C T P A F Z E B N N G F E P

T E R W P B P F X Z I K C R Y V E S T M T I J W L O K N R W B T F M T R T D D W R E W R C A Q S O F C R M W N F C D G L W O L F A E L G

A Q P Z O B D Z K E P I B B L N Q

L F A W N J R R U O T T N Z X E M

K F N L T I G E R A I A D K D Z S

S T M J E H C A K B M U H R J C F O A W V D F T H X A J D P M Y X W Y R W B M E T X S C O S O N Z M B

S T E K N A L B X R Y A Y J J H M

S T S S I K Z V A L E N T I N E S

VALENTINES FLOWERS PANCAKES LEAP YEAR ROMANCE FIREPLACE SNOWDROPS WARM DRINKS WINTER WALKS PICES SHORTEST MONTH BLANKETS HOT WATER BOTTLES COSY SELF CARE

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Behind The Business

community

AB Stan’s Heating

Born and bred in Bromley, with more than 20 years in the trade, Stanley Bayntun has built AB Stan’s Heating on old-school workmanship, honesty and a whole lot of graft. We sat down with him to learn more about the man behind the business…

Stan, can you tell us a bit about your background?

I’m a Bromley lad through and through. I went to Ravensbourne and then moved to a tuition centre where I was only in a few hours a day. School didn’t really suit me as I’ve never been great at being told what to do, so by 16 I was already working on an apprenticeship. By 18 I’d qualified, CORGI registered and properly started in the trade. These days I live in Bickley with my fiancée and we’re renovating our home. And yes – I’m doing all the heating myself!

How did AB Stan’s Heating begin?

I started working for AC Wilgar and then British Gas, but the big-company structure felt too much like being back at school. I liked the work, just not the lack of control. So I went self-employed young, around 19 or 20, and a few years later created AB Stan’s Heating. I chose the name because it put me at the top of the Yellow Pages back then! I built things up slowly, working on leisure contracts, subcontracting and eventually focusing on my own customers. Now I’ve got over 1,000 positive reviews and a business built on reputation.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

An old engineer once told me: ‘If you wouldn’t do it in your own home, don’t do it in someone else’s.’ That stuck.

I never cut corners. I still bring a towel to wipe my feet before I walk into a customer’s home. Those little details matter.

Stan and fiance Zoe

What do you enjoy most about running the business?

I love meeting people, solving problems and the satisfaction of doing a proper job. The challenge is juggling everything – the diary, calls, messages, quotes – but I’ve learned not to say yes to everything. Being honest and transparent works far better.

Any memorable moments over the years?

Plenty! I’ve come face to face with giant cockroaches.

Another time, a lady’s bright pink personal item nearly hit my head as it shot out of a cupboard while the customer was standing right next to me. And then there was COVID. It was intense, but I kept working safely and helped hundreds of people who had no heating. That period really strengthened the business.

What do people often misunderstand about gas safety?

Servicing is vital. Get your boiler checked every 12 months – spring or early summer is ideal.

It's cold season! What would be your best tip to battle the big freeze?

Don't let your house get too cold. I know everyone wants to save money, but if you have a burst pipe you're going to feel the cost of that. The idea is to keep the house at a moderate temperature.

You’re known locally for supporting the community. Why is that important to you?

Staying local means I’m able to look after people quickly.

I also like to give back by sponsoring youth football teams, helping vulnerable residents and supporting local charities.

I try to help and give back when I can.

Do you plan to grow the business?

Maybe, but slowly. People call AB Stan’s Heating because they want myself or a member of my small team, so I’m careful about expansion as I'm mindful about removing the personal element.

And finally… do you still enjoy the job?

About 90% of the time! I like installations best because it’s proper hands-on work. For me, it’s simple: do the job right and the rest follows.

Stan and the team

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Find out more about Stan’s services by visiting www.abstans.co.uk February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 27

lifestyle

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1 Take a 30-minute walk Physical activity is a powerful tool for boosting mental health. Even a short daily walk can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality and support emotional balance. Experts recommend pairing daily movement with seven to nine hours of quality sleep to help regulate mood and cognitive function.

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28 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

Leisure Centre will also feature EGYM when it opens this Spring.

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steps, like sending a message or making a brief call, can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing.

3 Make time for yourself Taking regular time out for hobbies and activities you enjoy is vital. Whether it’s reading, cooking, practising mindfulness or getting active, even 15–30 minutes a day can reduce stress and refresh your mind. Short breaks during the day can be just as effective, helping you feel calmer, more focused and energised.

4 Plan activities to look forward to Having positive events on the horizon boosts mood and motivation. This could be as simple as a walk to your favourite café, a meal out or planning a future holiday. Short-term and long-term plans alike give your mind something enjoyable to focus on.

5 Start a journal Journaling is a simple yet powerful way to process your thoughts and emotions. Writing down your feelings each day helps you identify patterns, release stress, and gain clarity. Even just ten minutes in the evening can make a meaningful difference to your mental wellbeing.

By taking small, consistent steps, you can turn February into an opportunity to nurture your mind and boost your mood.

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 29

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30 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

At Kumon Bromley, we develop your child’s skills step-by-step through daily practice and personalised support. Our FREE assessment identifies exactly where your child should start and how we can help them progress with confidence and independence.

Call Sabine on 07944 009215 or visit www.kumon.co.uk/bromley or scan the QR code

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Loves…

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Flin's Fitness classes offer a variety of strength training type sessions on the weekly timetable: Body Conditioning, Pump, Cross Training along with hybrid sessions such as Box Fit. There are classes both in person and online, with a catalogue of On Demand offerings too. There is something for everyone, beginners and advanced alike - all welcome. The instructor team is experienced and loyal, creating varied, excellent classes every time you come! Contact Fran: fran@flinsfitness. co.uk Website: flinsfitness.co.uk

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Ready for a fresh routine this year? Equinim’s classes offer strength, balance and motivation for everybody.

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Mytime Active offers a revolutionary smart training solution at The Pavilion and The Spa at Beckenham. EGYM equipment is like having a personal trainer built into the machine – it personalises every workout for every user.

EGYM sets up workouts automatically, just tap in and it adjusts to you, ensuring a safe, effective training session, every time. See www.mytimeactive.co.uk/ activities/egym

6. ZUMBA 2. MARTIAL ARTS

Warrior Martial Arts & Studio brings fitness and fun to the whole family. With dynamic kickboxing classes, flexibility sessions and S&C, our club helps every age grow stronger in body and mind. Our dedicated coaching team are ready to get you started regardless of your current experience/ fitness level. Join our community today!

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At Anastasia’s Zumba Fitness, we offer high-energy Zumba for Zumba fans and active participants, plus Zumba Gold for seniors and beginners wanting a lighter pace.

A fun, welcoming place to move, dance and feel amazing. For details see www.zumbabromley. co.uk or call 07876 245754.

Instagram: anastasias_zumba_ fitness · Facebook: Anastasia’s Zumba Fitness.

February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 31

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At Westmeria Counselling Services in Bromley, we offer affordable private counselling in a calm, confidential, and supportive environment. * Affordable rate : £45 per session * Qualified, experienced counsellors * A safe space to talk, heal, and feel heard Based at 2 Cobden Court, Wimpole Close, BR2 9JF

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32 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

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A Final Thought…

lifestyle

Tribute acts

BY LINDA REGAN

Whilst flicking through my local theatre’s forthcoming attractions brochure, I couldn’t help but notice the amount of Tribute Acts that are currently filling theatres.

For many years we’ve enjoyed Elvis impersonators, there has also been Marilyn Monroe lookalikes. However, now, bands are recreating the magic of other famous groups and while looking like these idols, they are bringing us the music we love to remember.

ABBA impersonators seemed to be one of the busiest of these tribute acts, and understandably, because their music appeals to all age groups.

I decided to take a trip back into the 70s and check out a few ABBA Tributes – and what fun it was! The band ABBAMAGIC completely bowled me over. As I shut my eyes, I truly could have been listening to the real thing.

I waited at the stage door and when the band’s Agnetha came out, I asked if she could give me a few minutes to talk about ABBA and her personal journey into ABBAMAGIC. She very kindly accepted my invitation, and we settled comfortably down in the lounge of the local hotel.

By now the perfect Agnetha wig and stage clothes were packed away and the actress/singer, Miranda Richards, was telling me about her journey into showbusiness. She came second in a talent competition at the age of four where she sang, ‘Don’t Dilly Dally on the Way.’ She was spotted by a touring vaudeville producer and was invited into his show. At the time she was still four years old.

Even through her school life she worked singing, but also following her mother around the country. Her mother, Anna, was a cabaret singer and sang many ABBA songs in her act. At an early age, Miranda would sing with her, doing the harmonies to the ABBA songs.

After school and Musical Theatre college, Miranda worked endlessly in musicals, up and down the country and many West End shows: Forty Second Street, Forbidden Planet and West Side Story, to name a few.

Then she married her school sweetheart and a baby came along. Although she loved touring and working in London she wanted to be at home with her family.

‘It was like fate,’ she told me. ‘As soon as I decided to be a stay-at-home mum, I saw an advert in a local paper for an Agnatha lookalike to join the band ABBAMAGIC. It stated it was mainly weekend work, so, knowing I could have best of both worlds, I applied and got the job. Of course, nowadays ABBAMAGIC has expanded, we have worked all over the world, festivals, holiday resorts. One highlight was playing the WATERLOO FESTIVAL in Belgian as a tribute to ABBA.’ I asked why the name, ABBAMAGIC, although very appropriate – the night I saw them they certainly brought the magic of the real ABBA back. The audience were on their feet dancing and screaming for more.

‘Because the real ABBA were magical,’ she told me, ‘and we, as a band, have worked to get everything 100% perfect out of respect for that, from the harmonies to the look even to the way each of them moved.’

After having watched this band in action I agreed they had succeeded in every point. They come out as a ten out of ten. They look and sound exactly like the originals, and being a big ABBA fan, I don’t say that lightly.

‘What’s next in your career?’ I asked her.

‘I love being part of ABBAMAGIC, I can’t ever imagine leaving them. I love the music. I grew up with my mother singing those songs and I get goosebumps every night hearing how alike the real thing we sound.’

Well, listening to them gave me goosebumps too. It really could have been the real thing.

ABBAMAGIC’s own magic took me back to the days of flared trousers and shoulder pads. A night to truly remember.

Do you have a passion for something – a hobby or cause that you want to raise awareness of? Perhaps you just want to share your (positive or inspiring) thoughts on a subject or life in general? Send your idea to hello@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘Final Thought.’

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February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 33

34 Life in... BROMLEY February 2026

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Advertisers' Index

A little reminder... When you choose to use the businesses that advertise in this magazine, you’re doing something brilliant. Not only are you helping to keep trade local, but you’re also supporting the very people who make this magazine possible. It’s a lovely little circle of support – and it starts with you.

💜

Builders Benco Builders ................................................................. p22

Business Devonshire House & Newman Flexible Workspace.......... p34 FOUNDRY.......................................................................... p21

Carpets & Flooring Tapi Carpets....................................................................... p17

Charities Magpie Dance.................................................................... p15

Counselling Services Westmeria Counselling...................................................... p32

Decorators Eden Decorators................................................................ p25 James & Lamont Decorators............................................. p30

Dentists Hayes Dental Specialists................................................... p36

Electrician S Cloud Electrical Services................................................. p6

Food & Drink Squerryes....................................................................... p22

Financial Planning Supportive Financial Planning............................................. p2

Funeral directors Valentines........................................................................... p10

Home & Garden Easy Gardens....................................................................... p6

Mark's Garden Services.................................................... p29 Quality Tree Care............................................................... p14 Unhinged Door Doctor...................................................... p29

Home Care Ardent Wellbeing................................................................ p29 Home Instead.................................................................... p29 Radfield Home Care.......................................................... p30

IT Our Technician................................................................... p25

Jet Washing/Gutter Cleaning LBS Pressure Washing & Gutter Cleaning........................ p25

Music St Olave's Grammer School & The Kings Chapel of The Savoy........................................................................ p9

Plumbing & Heating AB Stan's Heating............................................................. p25 Solution Homes................................................................. p30

Solicitors Judge & Priestley............................................................... p32

Theatre Churchill Theatre................................................................ p13

Travel Travel Counsellors............................................................... p9

Tuition Kumon Bromley................................................................. p30 NumberWorks 'n Words...................................................... p5

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In next month’s issue…

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: The BIG spring clean (in places you haven’t thought of!)

History: The unsung heroines of World War 2 35 ways to keep the spark alive

9TH FRBRUARY

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Print run: 7,000 copies every month Estimated readership: 18,000+ including digital Life In Bromley is available to pick up from the following locations: Bromley Central Library | Bromley Churchill Theatre | Bromley North Railway Station | Bromley South Railway Station | Bromley United Reformed Church | Community House, South Street | Contingent Works, Elmfield Road | Newman Flexible Workspace (Devonshire House Elmfield Road & Newman Road) | The Warren. For a postal copy (£24 a year) email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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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. © 2025 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

February 2026 Life in... BROMLEY 35