Life In Orpington February 2020

FR BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS

EE

ISSUE 12 . FEBRUARY 2020

UNIQUE IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY COMMUNITY NEWS & WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Double your living space CHORES FOR POCKET MONEY

A T IM E T A E G A P E N O O M M U N IT Y C E H T G IN IR P IN S

www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

UP TO HALF PRICE

Welcome to Life in Orpington

SALE IN STORE

...your local community magazine that has something to suit all tastes

WINTER

Nicky Lauretta

DEC 2019 - FEB 2020

BED & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS! APPROVED STOCKIST

CONTENTS

After a slow start to the New Year, it’s great to be able to get back into a routine and start with purpose and intention this year.

February 2020

We’ve been lucky that Life In Orpington has been so well received since our launch and we’re committed to further improving and growing the magazine this year for as many people to enjoy as possible.

Community News

Getting to know Orpington....................... 4 Write it, Say it, Message it PRIZE GIVEAWAY.................................... 6 Noticeboard.............................................. 8 Local Celebs........................................... 10 Orpington in Focus................................. 13

To encourage even more of you to write in with your thoughts, opinions and ideas (via emails, letters and social media – or just by calling us), we’ve added a new section to our ‘Say It, Write It, Message It’ called ‘Your thoughts on…’.

This month we asked for your comments on potholes following the heavy downfalls in December and January and we were inundated with messages. We particularly liked the eco idea presented by one local resident – have a read on page 6. Feel free to join in the discussion with us by tagging us @lifeinmags on social media or by writing to us hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

What’s On This month ............................................. 14

Lifestyle

Meanwhile, we’ve got some great features for you this month – from unique ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts (some you would never have thought of before!) and local celebs, to our usual life hacks feature and a fascinating ‘Final Thought’.

EXTR

Until next month – have a great February!

10% A OF S WITH ALE PRICEF OUR

THIS

CRAYFORD DA1 4LB 01322 525090

PETTS WOOD BR5 1DQ 01689 830964

SEVENOAKS TN13 2UT 01732 742000

S

AD

SIDCUP DA14 6NF 020 8309 6016

www.the-bedpost.co.uk 2 Life in... Orpington February 2020

Business................................................. 20 Wordsearch - PRIZE GIVEAWAY............ 22 Eco News............................................... 25 Health & beauty...................................... 26 Parenting................................................ 29 Home & Garden...................................... 31 Life Hacks............................................... 33 Shopping................................................ 35 A Final Thought...................................... 36 Stockists................................................. 38

Nicky and Lauretta Nicky Grant and Lauretta Wright, Editors

IF THIS IS THE FIRST TIME YOU’VE SEEN LIFE IN ORPINGTON, YOU CAN SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE DIGITAL EDITION AT tinyurl.com/lionewsletter OTHERWISE, PLEASE SEE PAGE 38 FOR A LIST OF STOCKISTS AND WHERE YOU CAN PICK IT UP!

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH FEB

Get to know us

To advertise in Life In Orpington contact Nicky or Lauretta 07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

What does your ideal Valentine’s evening look like?

Nicky: A meal out without the kids followed by a film.

Lauretta: A nice meal, followed by a quick change into my PJs, a film & chocolate!

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Published by: Life In Magazines Ltd

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags February 2020 Life in... Orpington 3

Community News

Wills

Portrait of Willi

Getting Orpington to know

William Cook: Orpington's most famous poulterer William Cook was born in 1849 in St Neots, Cambridgeshire (formerly Huntingfordshire). As a child and having been raised on a farm, William was well placed to learn the skills that would make him internationally renowned in the Poulterer’s world and leave a legacy for his (then) adopted Village of Orpington.

Poultry Breeder book cover

The Buff Orpington Chicken

William Cook leaves two legacies that are true to this day.

• He was the pioneer of utility poultry keeping in the UK and the Empire. His publications were extensive, widespread and some are still used today.

• He bred the famous Orpington Chickens and Ducks. The Chicken is our Town’s adopted logo and that of the OHO.

Trusts

The Black Orpington Chicken

William Cook is quite rightly credited with creating and breeding the Orpington Chicken and Duck. The Buff Orpington is the most well known, however the ‘Jubilee Orpington’ was his most accomplished, presenting it to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee.

The Cooks travelled extensively all over the world, mainly between northern Europe, the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Due to a number of unexpected events within the family, including the death of William Cook Senior in 1904, the family business split between the eldest son and daughter. Elizabeth Jane continued to trade from Walden’s Farm into the 1930s, while William Henry Cook continued trading from Cook’s Farm in Tubbenden into the 1940s.

To this day the Orpington fowl are considered to be amongst the best, and revolutionised the breed; there are societies and clubs all over the world that breed and celebrate them. If you’re interested in finding out more (as this is a highly abridged account), then we have plenty of information to share at Orpington History Organisation, so please feel free to get in touch.

Will Writing

Probate Inheritance Tax Planning

William moved to Kent in 1870c and initially lived in a modest terraced house in Park Road, Chislehurst. At this time he was a coachman on the Old London to Dover road (now the A20). In 1873 William set up in business as a poultry breeder, and in 1880 the first Orpington (Black) Chicken was shown. By 1884 William traded from a small farm between Sevenoaks Road and Tower Road, and in 1886 the Buff Orpington chicken was developed.

The Cook family moved to St Mary Cray in 1889 and occupied Walden’s Farm and Manor (which was renamed Orpington House). In the early 1890s the firm would expand beyond William’s wildest dreams. By this time his eldest daughter (Elizabeth Jane), eldest son (William Henry) as farm manager, younger sons (Albert Lockley and Percy Alexander) and youngest daughter (Lily) were all working in the family business. The lesser-known Orpington Ducks were now also part of the poultry offer.

W. Cook and Sons’ had huge credibility with countless publications produced and events attended, not to mention hundreds of thousands of birds bred and sold across the British Empire.

We are a family run business with a high street office in Petts Wood, serving clients across Orpington, Bromley and the surrounding areas.

We are proud members of and regulated by the Society of Will Writers and we would be delighted to assist you with:

Lasting Powers of Attorney

A famous legacy

4 Life in... Orpington February 2020

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Secure Your Future in 2020 (OHO)

The Orpington History Organisation www.orpington-history.org | Facebook @OrpHistOrg

Probate

am Cook

The White Orpington Chicken

The Speckled Orpington Chicken and The Jubilee Orpington Chicken as presented to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee

Orpington House with Mr Cook outside

southeastlegacies.co.uk 28 Chatsworth Parade, Petts Wood, BR5 1DE

Open Monday Saturday

£99 Will

Tubbenden Estate – Cook’s Farm

Did you know? By 1882 ‘The Practical Poultry Breeder and Feeder’ was published and many editions and reprints followed, with more than 100,000 copies sold worldwide. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Petts Wood Office

Free Home Visits

LPAs £199 (both LPAs £329)

(Mirror Wills £149) Expires 31/03/2020

Expires 31/03/2020

Code: Lifein20 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

SOUTHEAST LEGACIES

WILLS, PROBATE, LPAs February 2020 Life in... Orpington 5

Spotted on social..

Community News

Stevenson

Write It, Say It, Message It!

SAVE

HEATING LIMITED

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

www.stevensonheating.co.uk

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text us on 07403 550068.

You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags

ON A N BOIL EW ER*

DOES YOUR BOILER NEED REPLACING?

Star Letter Going pothole crazy...

I’m writing in to see if anyone else has been affected by the potholes following the heavy rainfall? I know a couple of people who’ve had damage to their tyres and I had to swerve the other day to avoid damage.

I hate driving especially on Crofton Road at the moment.

IT P A R SC E V A S &

H. Greene, Chelsfield

In response to this month’s star letter, we asked for your thoughts on potholes. Here’s a small selection of your responses…

£500 Most of our boilers have a

12 year warranty 0% interest available

New condensing boilers are more than

90% efficient saving you £££ on your heating bills

Council advice: To report a large, deep pothole (that can potentially damage vehicles), the council suggests calling them immediately on 020 8464 3333 (between 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday) or 0300 303 8671 outside of these hours. If the problem is on a red route, it should be reported to TFL on 0343 222 1234.

Simply book your new boiler installation before 29th February 2020 to be eligible for this special offer. *£500 discount is applied to the final installation price, inclusive of VAT. Cannot be used with any other offer.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

the star letter wins a £10 voucher to spend on stationery at tangent office resources www.tangentoffice.com 6 Life in... Orpington February 2020

•

New or replacement boiler installations

•

Servicing and repairs

•

Power flushing

•

Warm air heating servicing

•

Landlord gas safety inspections/ certificates

•

Electrical installations and repairs

Electric vehicle charging points Workwear that works •

OFFICE RESOURCES

on new boilers (subject to status)

•

Plumbing repairs

0800 781• 7163 Air conditioning

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

QUALIT Y BRANDED CLOTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

£500* off boiler installations booked by end February.

Call us on 020

8462 8822 or email info@stevensonheating.co.uk and quote ORP2902 when booking.

StevensonHeatingLtd @StevensonHtg @Stevensonheating

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 7

Community News - NOTICEBOARD

Community News - NOTICEBOARD DID YOU KNOW THAT YO U CAN PARK AT ORPINGTON CO LLEGE CAR PARK FOR FREE ON SUNDAY?

5K GUNG HO! RETURNS TO KENT

MAKE THE RIGHT CALL The London Ambulance Service reports that if you call 999 and it’s not life-threatening you will be waiting longer for an ambulance.

However, here are some other ways of getting help if it’s not an emergency.

t for cle course returns to Ken The 5K Gung Ho! Obsta can ts pan tici Par r. summe a fifth successive year this to victory way ir the e slid and ge run, jump, climb, dod of thrills and spills which over this 5km challenge t shows like Total Wipeou TV by d has been inspire at on ce pla es tak nt eve and It's A Knockout. The and is on Saturday 13th June Maidstone's Mote Park To register . rity cha for ney mo e a great event to rais see begung-ho.co.uk

retta, editors of Life In This year Nicky and Lau ng up their friends and ndi Orpington, will be rou ng Ho to raise money for family to take par t in Gu local charities.

Marshals wan

ted

Farnborough Village Society AGM

Farnborough Village Society (FVS) held its Annual General Meeting last month. Updates included news that a defibrillator had been donated and will be installed at The Change Of Horses, the society and volunteers had raised £2,400 for Demelza and the village Xmas lights (with special thanks to Pete and the team at The Woodman) and that the Farnborough Music Festival would be moving to a new site, possibly at High Elms.

The next FVS meeting will be on Thursday 5th March at the Change of Horses at 8pm.

8 Life in... Orpington February 2020

The Chartwell Cancer Trust ar e calling for volunteers to marshal at the Annual Hell of the Ashdown Sportive hosted

by Catford Cycling Club on Sunday 16th Fe The route star bruary. ts from Biggin Hill, through Kent to Ashdow n and back. If you, or if you know anyo ne, who can sp are a couple of hours, plea se get in touc h ASAP. You need to be 16 +, under 16's need an adult to accompany them.

Call 01959 57 0322 or email mcalthorpe@ chartwellcan certrust.co.uk

s cal new o l e r a h s

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

Free community and charity events are listed free of charge or there is fee of £30. email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

MEDICAL HERBALIST Gina Webley MNIMH

Why not try a Medical Herbalist?

Herbal medicine offers a safe and gentle approach to healthcare and wellbeing. Treatment is patient specific and more effective than over-the-counter remedies.

Conditions which may benefit from herbal treatment include: anxiety, depression and insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause and premenstrual symptoms, eczema and other allergies, joint and muscle problems, recurrent infections.

www.ginawebleyherbalist.com phone: 07501 042 528

email: ginawebleyherbalist@gmail.com

Hawes Clinic at Hawes Lane, West Wickham, BR4 0DA

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 9

Community News

Dot: Our stage names are Dot and Leo Bond and we started off as children’s entertainers performing magic shows.

Len: When we got married I was in the army and after our children left home, we both decided on a change of career. The first film I was in was Boys From The Blackstuff and they brought me in to handle the birds in the film. From there our TV and film work took off.

Can you tell us about some of the TV work you’ve done?

Dot: The Bill, London’s Burning, EastEnders, Grafters, Weak At The Knees, Bad Girls, Birds of A Feather, Band Of Brothers and Footballers’ Wives.

Len: There are so many films too - Saving Private Ryan, Les Miserables with Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Our favourite series together is probably Band Of Brothers where we played three different couples – a French, German and Dutch couple over three different episodes. I’ve also worked with the Pet Shop Boys and Robbie Williams. My favourite of all time though is Men Behaving Badly with Martin Clunes.

Was it easy to get into the film industry?

Dot: Because we were ‘yes’ people and did the job properly we were always recommended for new opportunities. We started off as extras and became actors. It all finished in 2003 when we moved to Spain for seven years and the last film we did before we moved was Shakespeare In Love with Judi Dench.

Len: When we returned from Spain, we picked up more work, the last film we were in together being Skyfall.

Potter, so I attend charity events in my uniform to sign autographs and have photographs.

What was the most rewarding thing about working in TV and film?

Dot: Meeting all the stars, some of which are wonderful people. Russell Crowe is a lovely fellow, as is Hugh Jackman.

Len: Meeting Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp and Russell Crowe.

Do you have any favourite actors?

the support I need Exclusively designed for the over 70s, Shepheard’s House is a stunning new development of one and two bedroom retirement apartments. Here, you can enjoy living your retirement to the full, free from the worries of external maintenance or gardening and with like-minded retirees as your neighbours.

Domestic assistance included

Flexible care packages Staff on-site 24 hours a day

Len: Martin Clunes – he’s a good friend of mine. Neil Morissey and Ted Danson are great. I also like Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine.

Tell us something people wouldn’t know

Dot: On the set of EastEnders, they cut squares out of the back of the clothes on the market stalls so that they don’t get taken off the set.

Len: All the food items in the shops are all old too!

Nothing’s in date!

What are your favourite things to watch?

Dot: We don’t tend to watch TV programmes now – we stick with films. My favourite film of all time is The Color Purple.

Len: Any Dean Martin film – and I love Tommy Cooper.

A delicious lunch served daily^

Now that you’re retired, how do you fill your time?

Dot: Seeing the family and our 12 grandchildren! We also do a bit of charity work for Lollipops.

Len: I was the Hogwarts Express train driver in Harry

10 Life in... Orpington February 2020

Typical Living Room

Call 0800 310 0742 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/ shepheards-house

Save £5,000*

Shepherd’s House, Manor Park Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5FT 1 bedroom apartments from £470,000# 2 bedroom apartments from £550,000#

or

Grow young with us

Len: There are a lot of charity shops and coffee shops now.

Dot: The square has changed quite a lot where the college is, but it’s a definite improvement on what was there before.

1 month’s rent free*

Feel the years roll back when you join our retirement community in Chislehurst.

Shepherd’s House Life in Orpington 154x224 (Feb)

It’s a fact that making the move could make you feel 10 years younger†.

What would be your advice to others looking to work in TV or film?

Dot: If you’re not prepared to get bored, don’t do it as there’s plenty of waiting around.

Len: Get a good agent and if you start off as an extra, don’t try to stick yourself in front of the camera if it’s pointing your way!

Typical Bedroom

To find out more,

Finally, what changes have you noticed in Orpington over the years?

Len pictured with Robbie Williams in his album Life Through a Lens.

Shepheard’s House, Chislehurst

SC005384

Tell us a bit about yourselves…

Dot in Nicholas Nickleby

LD SO

Look closely at Dot and Len Hook and they may seem familiar. Having starred in countless TV dramas, sitcoms and films over the years, the St Paul’s Cray couple are now happily retired and regularly attend local charity events for photographs and autograph signings…

Len and Dot

PLUS

% 90

Local Celebs

A place I own

And right now, you can save up to £5,000 or get one month’s rent free, on selected properties.

Len as the Hogwarts Express Train Driver

Would you like to nominate a local hero or celebrity? They don’t have to be well known – perhaps it’s someone who has helped look after you or done something for their local community. Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Hurry, offer ends 29th February 2020 *T&Cs apply. On selected apartments only. For full details see mccarthyandstone.co.uk/offers †Based on a selection of national well-being criteria such as happiness and life satisfaction, an average person aged 80 feels as good as someone 10 years younger after moving from mainstream housing to housing specially designed for later living. #Subject to availability.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 11

Orpington in

Roadworks

My name is Michelle, and I am passionate about what I do.

I work locally as a Celebrant, in and around Orpington. Having been an Orpington resident for most of my life, I feel it is important to work closely with the community that I live in, and as a result of that, I have also co-founded The Bereavement Café in Orpington.

Focus

Tubbenden Lane will be closed to traffic at the junction of Station Road from Monday 13th January for up to six weeks. The road will be closed whilst junction improvement works are made to the junction of Tubbenden Lane and Station Road, and local signed diversions will be in place for traffic. Temporary traffic signals are also due to be in place on Station Road for part of the works.

These are expected to be in place from the week commencing 20th January and are likely to be in place for up to five weeks.

So, my role as a Celebrant is to work with families who have lost a loved one and help them create a unique and fitting ceremony, to help them say goodbye.

But I have also introduced something called, “Remember Me” and that is to help people document their wishes before they die. This is a really simple way of instructing your loved ones with what you want, when that time comes. We can discuss everything from music choices, your life story, colours, themes, and have it all recorded safely, so that when the time comes your family members aren’t left scratching their heads trying to work out what you would have wanted.

Thames Water will be undertaking works from 11th-12th and 19th-20th February on the A21 Hastings Road. Traffic signals will be in place so expect delays. The company will also be working on Crofton Lane from 1st-2nd February with multi-way traffic signals in place. Orpington High Street will also be affected from 10th-14th February, with multi-way signals in place.

If you have any questions about anything please do not hesitate to contact me at michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com

Transport for London will be working on street lighting on the A21, A232 on Farnborough Common and Farnborough from 1st February – 20th March. Traffic controls will be in place (stop/go boards) causing likely delays. The company will also be working on the A232 Croydon Road, West Wickham on the same dates and the A21 Sevenoaks Road in Green St Green - both with stop/ go boards in place.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES

Community News POLICE UPDATES Orpington police report that one of the rough sleepers in Orpington High Street (who has been arrested on numerous occasions for various incidents including antisocial behaviour and indecent exposure) has now been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

This means that he is not permitted in Orpington High Street, The Walnuts Shopping Centre or Priory Gardens and the order will last for two years.

Farnborough and Crofton Dedicated Ward Officers are providing FREE SmartWater Property marking kits to victims of burglary. If residents would also like to feature this sticker (below) in their window to deter burglars they can contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Between 17th February and 21st February, SGN will be working on the A21 and A232 on Farnborough Common and Farnborough where two-way signals will be in place. At the same time, SGN will also be working in Hilda Vale Road and the road will be closed.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Downe, we take pride in our carefully selected choice of real ales and homemade seasonal food.

Vegan menu le availab

If simple, tasty food is on your menu of choice, then pop over to our traditional country pub to sample our mouthwatering mains. We simply make stuff that tastes good.

Did you know... we now offer a great selection of homemade vegetarian and vegan dishes including: Mushroom Stroganoff * Three Cheese Vegetable Pie Spinach & Falafel Burger * Spiced Chickpea Sausages Vegetable Curry * Vegetable Lasagne * Vegan Vegetable Chilli

01689 889030

Call us on to ask about our specials or to book a table.

www.georgeanddragondowne.com 12 Life in... Orpington February 2020

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Network Rail will be carrying out works on the bridge in Tudor Way, Petts Wood from 5th-6th February where the road will be closed.

Rookery Road in Downe will be closed from 17th-20th February due to works by UK Power Networks.

North End Lane in Downe will be closed on 18th February due to works by BT.

Transport

The team is also hosting community contact sessions on the following dates: • Thursday 6th February 1-2pm at the PRUH (canteen) • Wednesday 12th February 9.30am- 10.30am, Sainsbury’s Locksbottom (at the Customer Service Desk) • Tuesday 18th February 12pm-1pm, Crofton Bakery, Crofton Lane • Saturday 29th February 10.30am- 11.30am, The Café, High Street, Farnborough

On Saturday 15th February and Saturday 22nd February buses replace trains between Lewisham and Orpington as engineering work is taking place between Hither Green and Petts Wood, closing all lines.

On Sunday 16th February, buses replace trains between Bromley South/Chislehurst and Orpington/Sevenoaks due to engineering work between Bickley/Chislehurst and Sevenoaks. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 13

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

what's on - FEBRUARY 2020

There's something for everyone!

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

ARTS & CRAFTS IndiGo Art Club for children aged 9-16 Wonderful Winter Art in Acrylic Paint Wednesday 19th February 10am - 12pm St John's URC, Orpington, BR6 0BG Cost: £14 (all materials provided) Contact: info@indigoartclub.com All abilities welcome.

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.

Orpington Photographic Society Tuesday Evenings (until April 2020)

7.45pm - 10pm Small Hall, Christchurch, Charterhouse Rd, Orpington Cost: Up to 3 meetings free (see website for full details) Contact: www.orpingtonphotographicsociety.co.uk The Orpington Photographic Society is an active and progressive club that welcomes photographers at all levels who are interested in sharing photographic interests, talents and ideas with others during club nights and informal meet ups.

community & charity Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss

Meet 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.

Bereavement Café

Last Thursday of the month

11.15am - 1.15pm Orpington Village Hall Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/bereavementcafe If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one why not come along to The Bereavement Cafe to meet other people who feel the same and qualified bereavement counsellors? All are welcome.

14 Life in... Orpington February 2020

National Trust Orpington & Chislehurst Centre - Monopoly’s Lowest - The Old Kent Road Thursday 13th February

2.15pm Method Church, Prince Imperial Road, Chislehurst, BR7 5LX Cost: Centre members £3 / non-members £4 Contact: 07717 170067 (for information about how to join the centre) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ orpington-and-chislehurst-centre Generally thought of as the card no one wants in the game of Monopoly, there is much to discover as the talk embarks on an end to end tour of the famous road.

National Trust Orpington & Chislehurst Centre - Here Be Dragons - Medieval Monsters Thursday 27th February

8pm Methodist Church, Sevenoaks Road, BR6 9JH Cost: Centre members £3 / non-members £4 Contact: 07717 170067 (for information about how to join the centre) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ orpington-and-chislehurst-centre The talk tells about the many monsters, mythical beasts and grotesques rampaging through the carvings of medieval churches and pages of manuscripts.

ECO

www.facebook.com/groups/greenerandcleaneruk An eco craft workshop hosted by Charlotte English and Greener & Cleaner Bromley (& Beyond). This event is aimed mostly at adults.

what's on - FEBRUARY 2020 money, socialising & positive behaviour strategies with your child. Free crèche, free lunch and the possibility of free driving lessons.

Kids Eco Craft Drop In Workshop Tuesday 18th February

Mixta Art Cafe, 230 High St, Bromley BR1 1PQ 1pm - 4pm Cost: Free (please email to reserve a space) Contact: Email: gcbbcharlotte@gmail.com or gcbbparisa@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/greenerandcleaneruk An eco craft workshop hosted by Charlotte English and Greener & Cleaner Bromley (& Beyond). Drop in session with the activity taking 30-40 mins.

history Adult Lecture Series

Tuesday 25th February

St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, Main Road, Biggin Hill, TN16 3EJ 7pm - 9pm Cost: Tickets are £11.25, £9 for members Contact: 01959 422414 www.bhmm.org.uk/events Monthly lectures in St George’s RAF Chapel - February's speaker us Bob Ogley on V1 and V2 Rockets. Come learn more about the history of Biggin Hill, the RAF, the Second World War and more.

family Just Babies

Every Tuesday

1.30pm - 3.30pm St Nicholas Church,14 Leamington Avenue BR6 9QB Cost: Free Contact: Rosemary Fordyce on 01689 854 261 or rosemaryian@btinternet.com New mothers share experiences and offer each other support.

Home-ed Group

Every Tuesday & Thursday until 13th Feb

9:30am – 11.45am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free but must be a home-schooled child Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Various weekly classes and structured sessions designed to teach children everyday learning.

Monday 3rd February

Upstairs at the Shortlands Tavern, Station Road, Shortlands, BR2 0EY 7.30pm - 9.30pm Cost: Free (please email to reserve a space) Contact: Email: greenerandcleaneruk@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/greenerandcleaneruk Twitter has an impact that no email or letter or FB rant can parallel. It's very public and our local & national potential change makers care about engaging with us all there. Come to our workshop, get a Twitter account and help us fight for change - even ten minutes on Twitter a week will make a huge difference.

Valentines Ready Eco Craft Workshop Wednesday 5th February

Mixta Art Cafe, 230 High St, Bromley BR1 1PQ 7.30pm - 9.30pm Cost: Free (please email to reserve a space) Contact: Email: gcbbcharlotte@gmail.com or gcbbparisa@gmail.com lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Friday 28th February

The Nightingale Café, Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, Main Road, Biggin Hill, TN16 3EJ 6pm - 8pm Cost: Tickets are £8, £6 for members Contact: 01959 422414 www.bhmm.org.uk/events quiz-evening-a-piece-of-pizza-and-a-slice-of-history/ A fun-filled quiz & pizza evening with something for everyone: the RAF, history and contemporary general knowledge. There will be the opportunity to look round the museum before the quiz starts at 6:30pm.

North West Kent Family History Society (Bromley Branch) Every third Saturday of the month

9.45am (doors open) 10.30am start Bromley Methodist Church, College Road, Bromley, BR1 3NS Cost: Free (but donations welcome) Contact: Email: publicity@nwkfhs.org.uk www.nwkfhs.org.uk Talks on family and social history. Experts available for advice. Free parking.

Teen Parents Group

Save The Planet: Use Your Voice - Twitter Beginners Workshop

Quiz Evening: A Piece Of Pizza And A Slice Of History

Every Friday

1pm - 3pm Blenheim Children and Family Centre, Blenheim Rd, BR6 9BH Cost: Free (pregnant or a parent aged 19 or under) Contact: 01843 447177 A fun, informal group offering advice and support with

BROADBAND/ PHONE SOCKETS WHY PAY SERVICE PROVIDER PRICES FOR INTERNAL FAULTS? New phone/broadband extensions Fault finding repairs/ improve broadband speeds

G.NUGENT

Cat 5 wiring Internal/external tidying/ re-routing of cables prior to double glazing

07845 705900

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

D

E SUR

LY IN

FUL

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 15

what's on - FEBRUARY 2020

Cost: Free Share and develop your creative skills. All welcome.

Tea Time Talk by Kerry Barrett (local author)

Thomas Dunton Solicitors

2.15-3.15pm Cost £1 - refreshments provided Please ring the library to book your place: 01689 821607 Come and listen to Kerry talk about her two new books.

The Secret Letter is about a brave and determined Suffragette called Esther, who falls in love with the wrong man in 1910. The second book, Hope Comes to Emmerdale, is written under a pen name, Kerry Bell. It is set in the village from the television show during the second world war.

Tuesday 25th February

libraries Orpington Library

2pm – 4pm Cost: Free Protecting your family assets.

Contact: 01689 831551 Email: Orpington.library@gll.org www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary

Storytime

Mondays and Fridays

Petts Wood Library

Contact: 01689 821607 Email: Pettswood.library@gll.org www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley

Craft & Chat

2pm For 2 – 4 year olds.

Every Monday

Shortbites

Tuesday 4th February

10.30am - 12pm Cost: Free Goldsmiths Textile Collection and Constance Howard.

Crafty Crochet

Wednesday 5th February

10.30am - 12.30pm Cost: Free Share your love of crochet with friends over a cuppa.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme Every Thursday

10am – 10.30am and 11am – 11.30am Age 0-2. Spaces limited, first come first served.

Lego Club

First and second Saturday of the month 10.30am - 11.30am For children aged eight-11. (please book).

Chess Club

2pm - 3.45pm Cost: Free Bring along a craft project and exchange tips with others.

Baby Bounce & Rhyme

2.30am – 4pm Cost: Free - For children aged 7-11 A club for beginners (please book).

Oddfellows

Hard of Hearing Club

10am - 10.45am Meet other parents, play and have fun with your child.

There will be lots of activities to try that will help with your child’s development.

Every First Tuesday of the month

11am - 12pm Cost: Free The programme may include arts and crafts, games, quizzes, talks, practising or learning basic sign language etc.

Stay & Play

Books Aloud 4pm - 4.45pm Age 4-7 with parents/carers Story and craft.

8.45pm Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NE Cost: Free Contact: 01689 852631 www.yeoldewhytelyon.co.uk Featuring the infamous Ravi - a fun blend of rock, pop, soul & reggae covers.

Saturdays monthly

Last Tuesday of the month

The Belles

Saturday 29th February

Lego Drop In

Natty Knitters

2.15-3pm Age 3+ with parents. Spaces limited, first come first served.

10.30am - 12pm

SHOUT ABOUT YOUR EVENT

Want to join a network group which actually works for you and doesn’t cost a fortune?

Want to know more?

Written & Directed by Guy Unsworth Based on the TV series by Raymond Allen

From just £15 per listing

Starring

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

16 Life in... Orpington February 2020

9:30am - 3.30pm Crofton Halls, 27 Crofton Rd, BR6 8PR Cost: £1 Entrance fee (free parking) Contact: Chris on 07812 903667 Email uk.vinylvault@ sky.com or facebook page Orpington Record Fair Over 50 stalls with thousands of records. Everything from cheap n' cheerful bargain crates to some of the most collectable vinyl in the UK.

Alternate Mondays

7.45pm The Orpington Conservative Association, 6 Sevenoaks Road, BR6 9JJ Cost: Free to attend the first meeting Contact: Dennis Nicholas for details (after 6pm) 01689 827284 Friendly people and great music. The programme from January to July is now available.

Adults Scottish Dancing Beginners Classes 8pm - 10:15pm St Paul's Church Hall, Crofton Road BR6 8JE Cost: £5.50 (1st session free!)

Contact: www.orpingtonscottishdancing.com Friendly teachers & experienced dancers will help you learn the steps, formations and dances. Come on your own or with friends for a free taster session. No partner needed.

You can be assured of a warm welcome & lots of fun!

sports, outdoors & NATURE This Mum Runs

Sunday mornings -

8am at High Elms (BEECHE car park)

Wednesday evenings -

7:30pm at Tubbenden Park Cost: Free www.facebook.com/groups/thismumrunslondon Friendly group of mums meeting twice a week for social, chatty runs. All abilities welcome.

ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS OR SOLE TRADER?

ON OUR WHAT'S ON PAGES

We list school, church, charity, community service or non-profit events for free

First Sunday of the month

Every Monday evening during term time

Bouncer

Newspapers, Coffee & Chat

Orpington Record Fair

Orpington and District Caledonian Society​

music, dance & film 8.45pm Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NE Cost: Free Contact: 01689 852631 www.yeoldewhytelyon.co.uk Classic rock/Indie covers. Expect some Waterboys, Bowie, James, Radiohead, The Verve and more.

2.15pm - 3pm Age 18 months upwards Playtime, story and craft.

9.30am - 10.30am Chat about the week’s news.

2pm - 4pm An afternoon social group.

Fridays

Saturday 15th February

Thursdays

what's on - FEBRUARY 2020

Orpington Recorded Music Society

Contact: 020 8467 0355 www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ southborough-library

Stay and Play

9.45am -10.15am & 2.15pm - 2.45pm Ages 0-2. Spaces limited, first come first served.

Saturdays

Tuesday 11th February

SOUTHBOROUGH Library

Tuesdays

Fridays

Every Saturday in February

Friday 21st February

Joe Pasquale

K2K Stars Performing Arts Academy based at Bishop Justus School on a Saturday with classes in musical theatre, dancing, singing, acting, ballet, tap & acro for children aged 2 to 16

K2K Stars also has an talent agency Contact us for more information stars@k2kstars.com

Susie Blake Sarah Earnshaw www.k2kstars.com

Contact us: pibnetwork@outlook.com | 07984 179892 Facebook PIB Network | www.pib-network.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

WED 26 – SAT 29 FEB churchilltheatre.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 17

what's on - FEBRUARY 2020 6 Nations Rugby @ Ye Olde Whyte Lyon Showing this February

Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NE Cost: Free Contact: 01689 852631 www.yeoldewhytelyon.co.uk

Orangutan Talk by Ashley Leiman Thursday 27th February

2pm The Garden Room of St. Augustine's Church, Southborough Lane, Bromley, BR2 8AT Cost: Entry is free but a donation of £3 towards the cost of running the event and the work of the Friends would be welcomed Contact: 07840-542261 Join the Friends of Jubilee Country Park for a highly informative talk by Ashley Leiman who will tell us all about orangutans and the work of the Orangutan Foundation which she set up in 1990 to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species. Refreshments will be served.

Bromley Ramblers: Walking For Health Every Wednesday

2pm - 3pm Darrick & Newstead Woods & Tugmutton Common Meet outside the cricket pavilion Tugmutton Common Cost: Free Contact: samwalsham@hotmail.com www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Walks are led by trained volunteer leaders and provide a friendly and sociable atmosphere. No booking needed, but if it is your first visit please arrive ten minutes before.

Short Mat Bowls Every Friday 2pm - 4pm

Crofton Halls, Orpington, BR6 8PR

Cost: First session free Contact: 020 8466 6894 or email msthrn@yahoo.co.uk New players welcome. We play in a relaxed and informal environment. A selection of communal bowls is available, so all you need to bring is flat shoes with a smooth sole.

theatre/ Performances An Evening Of Marvin Gaye Wednesday 5th February 7.30pm

Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: Tickets from £29 Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk Wayne Hernandez and live band take the audience on a journey of reminiscence, calling upon some of Marvin Gaye’s most iconic hits including How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), Ain’t That Peculiar, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, What’s Going On, Let’s Get It On and many more in this celebration of the Prince of Soul.

Dance To The Music Friday 7th February

7.30pm Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: Tickets from £30 Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk Dance To The Music is a beautiful dance show created, directed, choreographed and starring ex Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff. Hosted by heartthrob Jake Quickenden (The X Factor, I’m A Celebrity, Dancing On Ice), It's the first and only dance show in the UK to portray the evolution of dance through musical eras and genres.

T.Rextasy

Thursday 13th February

7.30pm Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: Tickets from £29.50 Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk Sweeney Entertainments presents T.Rextasy - the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, perform a rock’n’roll concert for all ages.

Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era; if you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you!

Saturday 15th February

8.00pm Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: Tickets from £21.50 Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk Dom Joly is best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV. Now the writer and broadcaster is undertaking his first UK tour since 2011, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots. From North Korea though the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he’s visited some of the most unusual places on the planet. Armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger.

For just £15 per listing. We list school, church, charity, community service or non-profit events for free (space dependent or 50% discount for a guaranteed listing).

Life In Orpington 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.

18 Life in... Orpington February 2020

Mac and PC Repair Quick and Easy Repairs that won’t disrupt your life

Broken Smartphone, Tablet or Computer?

We Can Fix That

We Beat Any Quotes

6 Months Warranty on ALL Repairs

> Low Price Guaranteed

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps

submit an event...

We Fix All Devices All Problems

THE NEXT COPY DEADLINE IS:

10TH FEBRUARY

Contact Nicky or Lauretta on 07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk @lifeinmags

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

> Free Collection & Drop off > Over 10,000 Devices Repaired > Premium Grade Parts > 15 Years of Experience > 100% Satisfied Customers

01689 422523 www.orpingtonitcentre.co.uk 92 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0JY @orpingtonitcentre lifeinmagazines.co.uk

OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 8:00pm Sat: By Appointment

5

£

OFF ANY REPAIR

WITH THIS ADVERT Valid until 31st March 2020

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 19

lifestyle

Business

6 steps to financial security for the self-employed 1. Hire an accountant

Having to complete an annual tax return fills even the most able of us with dread, so why not make the process easier by hiring an accountant to do this for you? If you’re selfemployed you need to register with HMRC first!

2. Build a savings buffer

If you’ve decided to save a bit of money every month and are regularly contributing to a savings fund, make sure you’re not just putting this into a cash account. Look at a stocks and shares ISA which can potentially offer much better returns.

3. Get savvy advice

There are plenty of opportunities to get extra help if you’re a small business - just a quick look online will throw up some opportunities. As a starting point check out smallbusiness.co.uk, greatbusiness.gov.uk and smallbusinessadvice.org.uk

4. Get a pension

If you haven’t got a pension then start now! Just a little bit of money put away into a private pension will offer greater peace of mind. You’ll also benefit from 20% tax relief on anything you pay into a private pension plan, so it’s a no brainer! See gov.uk/tax-on-your-private-pension/pensiontax-relief

5. Open a business account

SMALL BUSINESS

TIP

“A great CRM system really helps keep you focused. We use OnePage, which is really intuitive and easy to use.”

Nicky Grant, Designer, Life In Orpington

Why you should ask an accountant to write your Will Perrys Accountants explain why it’s essential to have a Will written as it’s revealed that 60% of British adults don’t have one.

We can help you make a Will

It’s estimated that 60% of British adults don’t have a Will, which means that more than 30 million are in danger of dying intestate.

CAN’T GET THE STAFF? Businesses that used words like ‘management’, ‘team’, and ‘project’ in their job advertisements and news articles were more likely to have high growth than those that used words like ‘tax’, ‘law’ and ‘pension’, according to free text analysis of websites by the Office for National Statistics’s (ONS’s) Data Science Campus.

The most common reason people give for not writing a Will is that they’re planning to do it later, according to researchers. A further 20% of those questioned for the survey didn’t think they had enough assets to make writing a Will worthwhile, while others thought getting one drawn up would be too expensive. And it’s not only younger people who put off making a Will - three quarters of the 35 to 54 age group have not had a Will written despite having dependents and financial commitments to consider.

Why it’s worth having a Will written

Under the laws of intestacy in the UK, only spouses, civil partners and other close relatives can inherit, which means if you’re co-habiting without a Will, your estate may go to a distant cousin rather than the one you love. If you have stepchildren or children from previous relationships, they could end up receiving nothing.

SPOTTED ON SOCIAL

When you start a business it’s a great idea to open a business bank account so it’s separate from your personal account. You’ll be grateful that accounting and tax returns will be made much easier going forward.

You can use your Will to tell people about your wishes, such as who should look after dependent children in the event of

6. Spread your income

If you’re prepared to take the rough with the smooth (and who isn’t when you’re self-employed?), then it makes sense to spread your income across busy and slow periods. Averaging your pay across the year can pay off when you’re quiet - or need some unexpected time off.

20 Life in... Orpington February 2020

your death. You can also express your wishes regarding your funeral, burial or cremation, along with information such as what should happen to family pets.

Having a Will can also help reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable on the value of the property and money you leave behind.

How we can help

If your family is small and you want to leave everything to them, making your Will should be a straightforward process, but more complicated family situations, such as those where trusts or overseas properties are involved, require careful planning.

Many people are unaware that accountants, as well as solicitors, are able to help clients draw up a Will. It’s important to choose an accountant who specialises in probate (the right to deal with a deceased person’s estate).

Here at Perrys, we have a highly-qualified and accredited team of accountants with a great deal of experience in probate and inheritance tax issues. If you’re thinking of writing a Will, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Orpington

01689 823175

Tunbridge Wells

01892 543900 Photo: Piyush Patel

Local businessman and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Rep for the Borough of Bromley, Chandra Sharma, arranged a roundtable discussion for a small group of local businesses to present their ideas, concepts and suggestions to Lord Harris on topics that affect them. Lord Harris is meeting with the Chancellor and Home Secretary and will be conveying some of the issues affecting local businesses.

advertorial

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

West Malling

01732 870032

www.perrysaccountants.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Wrotham

Historic Dockyard Chatham

01634 245900 City

020 7256 9339 Mayfair

020 7408 4442

01732 882488 February 2020 Life in... Orpington 21

WIN

lifestyle - WORDSEARCH

SELLING OR LETTING AROUND

ORPINGTON?

WIN ONE OF THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE BABY SHOW WORTH OVER £100 IN TOTAL When you have found all the words, decipher the anagram using 8 of the unused letters to find something that describes 2020.

Tip: Each consonant is used once and each vowel is used twice.

A A Y S U I R A U Q A L

E D S V A D A R W I N D

T A N H A S I R I R E E

S Y E O D L O C R L V C

E T A E C L E T A N O I

T E P D P E S N P O R M

R L I E S Y S E T S H A

O O S P H E P R R I S L

H I C T Y Y U R A D N P

S V E R S E R T L E A E

A M S W E D N E S D A Y

A F E B R U A R Y R A A

To celebrate The Baby Show turning 18 this year, we are offering three lucky winners the chance to get their AMETHYST PEPYS hands on a pair of day tickets to the show at London’s PISCES ExcelAQUARIUS from 28th February – 1st March.

The UK’s leading and longest running pregnancy and parenting event celebrates reaching adulthood with an exciting new collection of features and partners for 2020, helping parents and soon-to-be parents save both time and money. Offering the largest selection of leading and boutique brands, advice from world-renowned experts, plus exclusive show offers, new parents can find everything to help and support them on their new adventure.

The Baby Show, with Lidl, will take place at ExCeL London from Friday 28th February until Sunday 1st March 2020. For more information visit https://www.thebabyshow.co.uk/excel.

ASH SECOND COLD SHORTEST DARWIN SHROVE DECIMAL TUESDAY EDISON VALENTINE Last month’s answer - 'FOOTBRIDGE' VIOLET FEBRUARY All competition winners are listed on our website.

Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents IRIS WEDNESDAY only. For competition terms and conditions see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

AMETHYST AQUARIUS ASH COLD DARWIN DECIMAL EDISON FEBRUARY IRIS PEPYS PISCES SECOND SHORTEST SHROVE TUESDAY VALENTINE VIOLET WEDNESDAY

Call Philip O'Neil

01689 872926

Email: orpington@your-move.co.uk or pop in: 282 High Street, Orpington BR6 0ND Your Move O'Neil are pleased to support Life In Orpington magazine

Never miss an issue of

WIN FREE

ISSUE 2

. APRIL 2019

LIVE, LOVE,

LOCALLY

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE...

E

TREASUR

Text or email your answer, name and telephone number to

07403 603569

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

BY 10TH FEBRUARY

IN AND

LOCALLY

LOCALLY

travel tips

for august

er this summ ion Burglary prevent

IT'S THE COMPETITION ISSUE!

BEAUTY

AROUND

TING

www.tharathai.co.uk

ON ORPINGT

azines.co.uk www.lifeinmag

co.uk

www.tharathai.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Win tickets LOCAL HEROES

POSITIVE PAREN see page 39

GUIDE

EE

EE

what's on

WIN...

T'S ON L WHA

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE...

garden jobs

HUNT!

TS CINEMA TICKE A PAIR OF GIFT SET ATHERAPY AN AROM HAMPER CLEANING A SPRING

ESSENTIA

ER 2019 .

ISSUE 9 NOVEMB

FR

2019

LIFE...

LIVE, LOVE,

Stress free

Page 12

HEALTH &

ISSUE 8 . OCTOBER

LIFE... LOCALLY

LOCALLY

TRY OUR NIGHT THURSDAY SUPPER CLUB

EASTER

FR

2019 .

ISSUE 6 AUGUST

EE

ISSUE 5 . JULY 2019

2019

Y. LIFE... LOCALL

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE...

YOUR

FREE

FR

FREE

ISSUE 3 . MAY

LIVE, LOVE,

WIN...

A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS YOUR ESSENTIAL WHAT'S ON GUIDE IN AND AROUND ORPINGTON www.lifeinmagazines

.co.uk

- page 3

to the - page 9

SUMMER GARDEN

7 things you can’t recycle

IDEAS

GUIDE TO BEAUTY RECYCLING

2020 home interior trends

NEW ROBOT TECHNOLO

GY

YOUR ESSENTIAL WHAT'S ON GUIDE IN AND AROUND ORPINGTON www.lifeinmagazines.co.u

k

YOUR

T'S ON L WHA

ESSENTIA

GUIDE

IN AND

AROUND

ON ORPINGT ines.co.uk

www.lifeinmagaz

Smart home tech: privacy protecti on HALLOWEEN

ETIQUETTE FOR

KIDS

YOUR ESSENTIAL WHAT'S ON GUIDE IN AND AROUND ORPINGTON www.lifeinmagazin

es.co.uk

Sign up to our newsletter

https://tinyurl.com/lionewsletter

scan here

Xmas light

up events

VIP Travel for less

TMAS GIFTS UNIQUE CHRIS

w Theatre Revie Churchill T'S ON NTIAL WHA

GUIDE

IN AND

YOUR ESSE

AROUND

ON

ORPINGT

azines.co.uk

www.lifeinmag

or visit

www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

for your chance to win!

Visit lifeinmagazines.co.uk for answers.

22 Life in... Orpington February 2020

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 23

PILATES WITH NAAMA Pilates class for utter beginners suitable for men & women.

TUESDAYS 18:00 – 19:15 Its never too late to start! Limited spaces available.

07989 578819 | naama@pilateswithnaama.co.uk www.pilateswithnaama.co.uk

CHEF CEYLON UK AUTHENTIC SRI LANKAN FOOD LOCKSBOTTOM | 07766 608493 www.chefceylonuk.co.uk

Professional Travel with a Personal Touch

One gift that never fails to impress

Shore Travel Professional Travel with a Personal Touch

Time For Flowers

01689 485044

Shore Travel

Jude Greene-Steward

T: 0208 331 5995 M: 07958 602110

www.timeforflowerskent.co.uk

44b The Walnuts, BR6 0TW

jgs_travel

ShoreTravelbyJGS

E: jude@shore-travel.com www.shore-travel.com

DREAM • CREATE • INSPIRE

Eco News

2020s ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS Eco-friendly building materials are expected to increase in 2020 with many people building or remodelling their homes making them more sustainable.

What is an eco-friendly building material?

A material that increases energy efficiency while reducing the impact on the environment. We've listed some of the main eco-friendly building materials that are set to be on the rise for 2020:

Bamboo

Sell House Fast found that 74% of experts believe bamboo is the ecofriendly building material that will experience the greatest use in the property industry in 2020.

Bamboo is fast-growing, light-weight and has tensile strength. It is a great alternative to concrete and can be used for framing buildings.

Straw Bales

Straw bales are also expected to have a strong inclusion in construction projects scheduled in 2020.

Straw bales can provide very high levels of insulation and are naturally fire-retardant. As straw is a rapidly renewable resource it is sustainable and affordable. It can be used to replace concrete, plaster, wood, fibreglass, stone and gypsum when building walls.

184 Petts Wood Road, Orpington, BR5 1LG

Tel. 01689 873259 www.miyu-salon.com

Timbercrete

MAKE YOUR NEXT HAIR APPOINTMENT A RELAXING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.

miyusalon

20% 24 Life in... Orpington February 2020

UNT DISCO

en ew cli

for n

IYU1

ote M ts: Qu

Timbercrete is an eco-friendly building material made of sawdust and concrete mixed together. It is lighter than concrete and therefore reduces transportation emissions. The sawdust replaces some of the more energy-intensive components found in traditional concrete.

Recycled Plastics

We use Sustainable natural hair products. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Concrete can be made from ground-up recycled plastics. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates a new way of utilising plastic lifeinmagazines.co.uk

waste instead of clogging up landfills.

Ferrock

Ferrock uses recycled materials such as steel dust to create a concrete like building material that is even stronger then concrete. During the drying and hardening process, it also absorbs and traps carbon dioxide, making it less CO2 intensive than normal concrete.

Hempcrete

lifestyle

a green wedding If you're looking at tying the knot in 2020 but you're worried about the impact on the enviroment here are some tips on how you can have a more sustainable green wedding:

Hempcrete is formed from the woody inner fibres of hemp plants - hemp is a fast-growing, renewable resource which is bound with lime to create strong, lightweight concrete-like shapes. The blocks are superlightweight, which dramatically reduces the energy used to transport them.

Go for paperless invitations

Cork

One of the biggest carbon footprints of a wedding is travel, so choosing a location near to the majority of your guests will make a huge difference to your wedding's carbon footprint.

Made from the tree bark of cork oak, cork does not absorb water or rot. If it is left uncoated – it is naturally fire resistant. Cork has excellent shock absorption attributes making it ideal for flooring and insulation sheets.

Mycelium

A futuristic looking building material that is completely natural – comprising of the root structure of fungi and mushrooms. Mycelium can be encouraged to grow around a composite of other natural materials or in moulds or forms. It is then air-dried to create strong but lightweight bricks or other shapes.

Robby du Toit, managing director of Sell House Fast, said: “The property industry is more eco-conscious than ever before. This has led to a surge in the innovation and development of eco-friendly building materials.

As professionals become better acquainted with the properties and benefits of different eco-friendly building materials, their adoption rate in construction projects can expect to see a positive increase. This research certainly highlights the eco-friendly building materials that will have a big impact in 2020.”

Online, email wedding invitations are an easy way to save paper and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many beautiful design templates to choose from, many with RSVP tracking.

Wedding venue considerations

Fewer guests This can be difficult but fewer guests means less waste - plus it can also save you some money!

Give guests plants or seeds as wedding favours.

These not only make great gifts where your guests can grow the love but they also help the future of our native nectar-hungry bugs, bees and butterflies.

Encourage guests to use biodegradable confetti There are many companies now that supply real flower petal confetti that are 100% biodegradable. Or why not make your own leaf confetti using your favourite shape of hole punch? Start punching!

Go for a vintage or preloved dress This is a great eco-option that can also save you money - remember to recycle your dress after too so that it can be enjoyed by someone else.

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 25

lifestyle

Listen up!

Health & Beauty Get a bedtime routine

Struggling to wind down before bedtime? Give this hour’s routine a go before you hit the sack and you’ll be snoozing in no time…

10.05pm

9.30pm If you’re peckish eat a banana as it helps produce serotonin which is essential for sleep.

Make yourself a cuppa. Camomile is perfect as it contains an antioxidant that can promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia.

9.35pm

10.15pm

Turn off the telly - and your phone. The blue light these omit stimulate your brain, making it harder to sleep. Plus you won’t get wrapped up in a two-hour documentary losing track of time.

10.20pm

9.40pm Run yourself a bath and lie back and enjoy the warmth.

Make it extra special by lighting candles and choosing lavender scented salts or bubble bath.

Get your clothes ready for tomorrow - everything from your underwear to the jewellery you’ll be wearing. One less thing to think about.

Is your body in need of a vitamin D boost?

10.10pm

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting a healthy immune system and contributing to normal muscle function. These innovative Vitamin D Oral Sprays provide a fast and effective alternative to traditional methods of vitamin D supplementation. A Complete Wellness Pack contains a range of vitamin oral sprays to provide complete nutritional support for you and your family and contains DLux 3000 Vitamin D Oral Spray (15ml), Boost B12 Oral Spray (25ml) and MultiVit Oral Spray (25ml).

Make a list of everything that you want to achieve tomorrow - it will help clear your mind.

See betteryou.com/complete-wellness-pack

Spray some lavender mist on your pillow and sit back to enjoy ten minutes of reading to help you relax.

10.30pm Lights out - sweet dreams!

Tuesday

• • • • •

Thursday

Reflexology & rejuvenating facial treatments in Orpington, specialising in maternity & hot stone reflexology.

10am Total Body Lite 10.15am Mat Yoga 11am Gentle Pilates 7pm Pilates 7.35pm Mat Yoga

Friday

• • • • •

9.45am Yogalates 2pm Circuits 2.45pm Stretch & Relax 7pm Total Body Lite 8pm Fitness Pilates

• 10.45am Fitness Pilates

Soulistic THERAPY

Contact Melanie Alford

Memberships deals available on the website booking dashboard, or PAYG

07930 667449

mel@soulistictherapy.co.uk www.soulistictherapy.co.uk

26 Life in... Orpington February 2020

@soulistictherapy

@solelistic

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

HEADSPACE

• 10.30am Zumba Gold • 11.15am Essential Pilates

Wednesday • 2pm Zumba Gold • 6.30pm Pilates

soulistic therapy

GLO-FIT TEENS | KIDS

Monday

www.flinsfitness.co.uk

@SolelisticReflexology

U’18’s BOX

LIGHT INTENSITY FITNESS TRAINING

"Lift heavier weights!

Strength training over a period of time will help prevent osteoporosis, as well as help define those muscles!"

Flinsfiness.co.uk

NEW - UNDER 18 CLASSES

THE LIFT PROGRAMME -

FRAN’S FITNESS TIP

Try this…

Self Care 101 is a new podcast that helps the listener. Presented

by NLP wellbeing coach, Puja K McClymont, the podcast offers advice on the work-life balance, mental health and mindset. It offers a mix of coaching support for common challenges and inspiring interviews with real people. The three most popular shows include what to do when you’re feeling stuck, how to build self confidence and when travel is the best therapy for your mental health.

www.flinsfitness.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

GYM GRID CIRCUIT LBA – LOWER BODY, ABS

SEE ITE WEBS SS A L C FOR ONS TI A C O L

PAYG & membership options, 6 WEEK TERM - £48: Unlimited access to all sessions Siblings £30 for the term!

View the timetable: www.flinsfitness.co.uk February 2020 Life in... Orpington 27

Parenting

Would you like a physiotherapist to visit you at home?

We’re a team of highly skilled community physiotherapists who visit people with mobility or neurological conditions.

0800 781 7163

QUALIT Y BRANDED CLOTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS 0800 781 2163

www.tangentoffice.com

@tangentworkwear

tangentworkwear

A recent study by Currys PC World revealed that the average parent will carry out seven different jobs for their children before 9am, and another seven during the rest of the morning. They will also fulfil nine roles between lunchtime and the end of the day.

Contact Joanna on 07951 025208 to find out more. www.jlinks.co.uk

ASH Mobile Auto Electrics & Mechanics 07845 115954

More than six in ten of us act as a taxi driver, ferrying our children to school, clubs and friends’ houses ten times each week. And the teacher hat is put on for three hours each week as they help their children complete their homework.

Children have even taken to labelling their parents with certain jobs roles, with almost one in five saying they have been called a taxi driver by their offspring. Around

servicehaska@gmail.com

The average child will have travelled 3,754 miles around the world by the time they reach 15 – almost twice as far as their own parents had at the same age.

www.ashmobilemechanic.co.uk Over 20 years experience

Newby Plumbing & Heating Family run business established over 30 years

ALL HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES

• GAS SAFE REGISTERED • COMBINATION BOILERS DIAGNOSTIC & REPAIRS • BOILER REPAIRS • SERVICING • BOILER REPLACEMENT • SYSTEM INSTALLATION DESIGN & UPGRADE • POWER FLUSHING • GAS WORKS • CP12 LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • UNVENTED HOT WATER SYSTEMS • RADIATORS RELOCATE & REPLACE • BATHROOMS REPLACE & INSTALL

Contact Robert Newby

T: 0208 249 2642 M: 07973 391671 28 Life in... Orpington February 2020

servicehaska

IS YOUR DRIVEWAY SLIPPERY, DIRTY AND IN NEED OF REVIVING?

Over 20 years experience

Professional and courteous service

lifestyle

The many hats we wear

Workwear that works W O R K W E A R

Japan

Did you know - we can also jet wash your fence and decking!

Heathrow Express

Top 10 words parents hear their kids saying 1 Obvs meaning ‘obviously’ 2 Sick meaning something great 3 Awks meaning ‘awkward’ 4 Squad meaning ‘a group of friends’ 5 Savage meaning someone who has done

something considered bold or feisty

6 Safe meaning something is good or to agree

with something

No harmful chemicals used

7 Rage quitting meaning when a person

No mess left behind

07791 622576

Call Jon for a free quote or email touchagrass@hotmail.com GARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

quits a video game because they're losing

8 Lit meaning when something is fun/cool 9 Deep meaning emotional 10 Triggered meaning something that has

annoyed them

ODEON lifeinmagazines.co.uk

one in six have been referred to as a chef while the same number have even had their children call them a cleaner.

It emerged 83% believe being a parent means you must be an ‘expert’ in multiple jobs. While mums tend to take charge of much of the parenting ‘careers’, dads are more likely to act as the family mechanic, sports coach and technician.

Mums and dads equally share the responsibility of being the lawyer – dishing out the punishments -and careers advisor with their children. While 55% of parents reckon their children appreciate all they do for them, 17% believe it’s a thankless task.

Chores for pocket money Need some help around the house? Here’s 25 ideas on how you can get the kids to help out for a few quid…

1. Take out the recycling 2. Do the weeding 3. Empty the dishwasher 4. Clean the downstairs windows 5. Empty the bins around the home and replace the liners 6. Clean & polish their school shoes 7. Clean the kitchen surfaces 8. Tidy their bedroom 9. Plump up cushions 10. Make their bed 11. Do five minutes of vacuuming 12. Polish wood surfaces 13. Clean window sills 14. Water the household plants 15. Clean inside the car 16. Load the washing machine 17. Change the bedsheets on their bed 18. Help put the shopping away 19. Replacing toilet rolls 20. Help organise and clean a kitchen drawer/ cupboard 21. Folding laundry clothes 22. Feed/walk the pets 23. Help make dinner 24. Do the washing up/drying up 25. Clearing out their book bag February 2020 Life in... Orpington 29

New now rang ava e of p ilab rod le o uct nlin s e!

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CONSULTANT FULL DESIGN SERVICE FOR >

Home and Garden

6 tips to double your living space

> Extensions > Loft conversions > Structural alterations > Project management

1. Use large wall mirrors to bounce and reflect light. Using light-infusing paint colours or silk/satin paint will also help bounce light around.

INITIA CONSU L LTATION

A high quality domestic cleaning service, using only environmentally friendly non-toxic products, providing a clean and healthy environment for you, your family and your pets.

FREE

Planning and Building Regulation approval

CONTACT Richard Simpson (Chartered Surveyor)

07941 308995 | 912richard@live.co.uk

Call 07415 288664 www.eco-domestics.com @EcoDomesticsCleaning @ecodomestics

2. Use the same flooring throughout the whole of your downstairs to give the impression that rooms are bigger.

3. Use glass or see-through furniture for side tables and coffee tables.

4. Opt for multi-use furniture such as ottomans or footrests with hidden storage.

5. Don’t over clutter rooms – keep accessories to a minimum and make sure items are tidied away regularly.

6. Stick to a simple colour palette – ideally using just a couple of colours to create an illusion of space.

DID YOU KNOW…?

TRY THIS: REAL GOOD KETCHUP

3 Kelvin Parade, BR6 8BS 01689 822362 | Cycle42.co.uk

The RHS provides a soil analysis service to check what kind of soil is in your garden so that you’ll know what plants will grow best. It tests texture, pH, organic matter and three major plant nutrients – potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. See www. rhs.org.uk/membership/rhsgardening-advice/soil-analysis The service costs £35 for non-members and £30 for members.

This little beauty offers 100% natural ketchup with 80% less sugar and 78% less salt meaning a healthier alternative for all the family. It costs from £16.50 and is available online and at selected Co-op stores.

Feel free to stop by for a coffee and cake in our café and let us help you find what you need.

STOCKISTS OF: Mafiabikes, Frog, Genesis, Ridgeback, Saracen, DeRosa, Dolan and many more.

@EcoDomestics

Bromley’s newest bike shop... We have everything from your little person’s first balance bike to custom builds and everything inbetween.

30 Life in... Orpington February 2020

lifestyle

BUY A NEW-BUILD THE RIGHT WAY BIKE SHOP CA FÉ WO R KSHOP

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

•

If you’re buying off-plan (before the build begins) you might like to opt for alternative fixtures and fittings in kitchens and bathrooms and even the flooring if the standard is not to your taste.

•

Make sure whatever beds/furniture you are considering buying fit. Showhomes are often very minimalist so measure twice to double check they’ll fit – and remember that less is more.

•

There might even be the option to alter the layout of the rooms or go for more open-plan living or closed rooms. Think ahead and ask ahead – it might mean waiting longer or paying extra, but it’s worth doing so before the building begins.

•

Make sure you get any snagging issues corrected when you inspect the property – speak to your builder to arrange an inspection closer to the time of completion, but don’t leave it too late.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 31

Life Hacks

lifestyle

The happiest day of your life?

Getting married is one of the most memorable days of our lives, so American Express has put together some tips on how to keep everyone happy on your big day – including your finances.

- Shop on the high street: Affordable bridal wear is the new big thing with many high street chains now offering bridal wear collections. The high street often has cheaper alternatives for many key wedding purchases including the groom’s suit, bridesmaid’s dresses, shoes and the wedding cake.

- 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.

- Friday fun: Saturdays are the most expensive day to tie the knot, so why not consider a Friday? If you’re wed to a Saturday wedding, consider getting married in a morning or have an early evening ceremony which can be cheaper than their traditional afternoon counterparts.

- 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.

How to save money on your weekly shop 1. Eat before you shop. An empty stomach means that you’re more likely to impulse buy, so have a meal or a snack before you go.

2. Plan out your meals for the week. Better organisation will mean less food waste - and better savings. Make sure you check what’s in your cupboards and fridge before you leave so that you don’t end up buying twice.

3. Keep an eye out for money-saving vouchers.

These can be found in supermarkets’ magazines, online, via newsletters and on apps.

4. Try supermarket brands. If you’re used to buying branded goods, give the supermarket’s own brand a go.

It’s typically much cheaper and you might not notice the difference - a win-win!

5. Read the labels. When you’re comparing products in the supermarket, always check the ‘price per unit’ label as it will give you an idea on what offers better value.

6. Look up (and down). Supermarkets play a few tricks on consumers - one of which is putting their most profitable items at eye level. So when you’re looking at products, remember to check out the lower and higher shelves, not just what’s straight in front of you.

7. Use comparison websites to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Try mysupermarket. co.uk where you can compare individual items - or load up a whole trolley to compare which supermarket will offer you the best value. This works well if you’re bulk buying or specifically going on a shop for a specific product.

32 Life in... Orpington February 2020

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Use your commute more effectively!

Rather than aimlessly scrolling on your phone whilst you’re commuting, think about catching up on some of those tasks that you’ve been putting off. It could be texting or calling someone you’ve been meaning to contact, clearing some of your emails, reading a book to help you relax, researching holiday ideas or listening to a podcast.

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 33

WIN a 7 night stay with Half Board in MAURITIUS !

Shopping

lifestyle

2

Private dining at home

Instead of braving the cold, why not give eho chef a go and enjoy private dining from the comfort of your home? Over 200 chefs and cooks are registered on the platform, from Michelin trained professionals to passionate enthusiasts, and each has their own profile which outlines their experience, speciality and previous testimonials/reviews from customers.

Simply post your request and available chefs will contact you with their offers.

If you opt for the premium package you can also escape the washing up as it’s included in the price. Visit ehochef.com

1

Curtain call

Book a night out at the theatre as an alternative Valentine’s gift. There’s plenty to choose from to suit all tastes.

February’s shows include Milton Jones in Milton: Impossible on 14th February, Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps on 15th, Friendsical from 20th-22nd, Jack Dee: Off the Telly on 23rd and Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em from 26th-29th February to name a few.

Visit churchilltheatre.co.uk

Destination Discovery Show

3

Put your best foot forward

Did you know that we put around 900lbs of pressure on our feet with each step? So why not take the pressure off and gift your loved one a reflexology treatment? The health benefits are numerous, including its ability to improve the nerve functions, raise energy levels and increase circulation. And conditions where reflexology can help range from stress and anxiety related conditions, to back pain, migraine, insomnia and menopause symptoms. Local reflexologist, Melanie Alford, can be booked in for a therapeutic session - see soulistictherapy.co.uk

Sunday 9th February 2020 11:00 - 14:30 Chislehurst Golf Club

Capturing memories

If you want to capture a happy moment what do you do? Take a picture of course! So why not celebrate your relationship by capturing happy memories with the help of a professional photographer? You can choose your location - at home, among wild flowers in the outdoors or at Harriet Buckingham’s Orpington studio and what type of photo you’d like - a picture of the two of you? Your children? Or something really unique like a picture of their favourite place locally - the bench they always sit on at the local park perhaps? The choice is yours.

See buckinghamphotography.co.uk

Discover where you could be off to next !

Free Entry & Free Parking

Market Stalls & Presentations

Bacon Rolls on arrival

5

Make it personal

Refreshments

Exclusive Discounts

If your Valentine likes flowers, then flowers it must be! But why not get creative and put a personal spin on the bouquet? The ladies at Time 4 Flowers in Orpington can design a bouquet according to your needs and budget. You could choose to get flowers in the shape of a heart or their initials - the possibilities are endless. And to make it extra special, why not choose to add a gift to the bouquet to make it extra special? The owner, Sue, carefully selects tasteful gifts from local businesses, to complement your bouquet or floral arrangement including items such as photo frames, vases, candleholders and other small gifts. See timeforflowerskent.co.uk

Prize Draw

Register your Free place - Scan QR code to or call 020 8828 3699 or visit gotravel.uk.com/events

34 Life in... Orpington February 2020

ALTERNATIVE VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

4

Camden Park Road, BR7 5HJ

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

6

Home is where the heart is

We tend to juggle a lot in life - shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, child care, work, family, a social life, exercise…the list goes on.

Just keeping on top of home chores is challenging enough.

So how about gifting your better half a home cleaning or clearing session with Eco Domestics? You can create a bespoke list of chores such as wardrobe organising, bathroom cleans, ironing, hoovering and oven cleaning for starters.

And the great thing is that Eco Domestics only uses plant-based, natural cleaning products, meaning a safer clean for your home. See eco-domestics.com

February 2020 Life in... Orpington 35

lifestyle

PLUMBING & HEATING

A Final Thought…

Foleys Plumbing & Heating are professional, friendly and tidy engineers with an extensive knowledge of plumbing processes and products.

We provide a reliable high quality service completing all work quickly, efficiently to the highest standard... with extra care and attention taken to protect your home.

Cray Wanderers: a railway’s sporting legacy

by RICHARD DJJ BOWDERY In 1860, when the London, Chatham and Dover Railway company built a nine-arch viaduct across the Cray valley, little did they realise this brick edifice wouldn’t be its only lasting legacy. The railway also gave birth to Cray Wanderers FC London’s oldest and the world’s second oldest association football club.

Formed by an Act of Parliament in 1859, the company had a Government remit to connect London’s suburban rail network to Rochester in Kent.

Leaving Bromley, the first major obstacle it faced was to cross the valley which took its name from the river Cray which flowed through it. The solution was to build a viaduct but that would require a larger workforce. So locals were drafted in from the twin villages that nestled in the valley St. Mary Cray and St. Paul’s Cray - to work alongside the migrant workers.

After long hours of back-breaking work the labourers must have looked forward to a break from their toil. It was during one of these breaks that someone produced a ball and a kick-about followed. This wasn’t unusual because football in various guises had existed for hundreds of years.

It was from those kick-abouts that a team was formed and soon they were playing friendly matches against other village teams. From these early beginnings a football club emerged.

Initially the team wore a chocolate coloured kit – hence their Victorian nickname, the ‘Chocolates’ – and a permanent pitch was laid out on land alongside the viaduct — today it’s the site of Star Lane cemetery.

The players would change in a coffee house in St. Paul’s Cray high street then walk a couple of hundred yards to the ground. Sadly, a lack of archival records means little else is known about the club during this period.

which remain their colours to this day.

Cray Wanderers continued in the Kent League, on and off, until they gained promotion to the Isthmian League earlier this century.

1898 saw the club move to Fordcroft on Cray Avenue, once the site of Tip Top Bakery. They remained there until 1936 and this would be the longest period they stayed at any one ground.

Then followed several years where the club lived up to its name – Wanderers. They moved to Twysdens Meadow, in Foots Cray, until the outbreak of the war in 1939. During the 1940s and early 50s they played their matches at various locations in St. Mary Cray.

36 Life in... Orpington February 2020

Email us on: info@foleys.london

However, their roving days seemed to be over when they settled at Grassmeade in 1954, also in St. Mary Cray. That was until their landlords sold the ground for redevelopment in 1973. The Wanderers hit the road again and moved back to Foots Cray. During the 1997-98 season the league announced they were introducing a premier division and its clubs would require suitable floodlights.

Cray Wanderers’ lighting wasn’t up to the league’s standard and they couldn’t afford to replace them. So once again they had to move; this time to the stadium belonging to Bromley FC who agreed a ground share with the Wands.

Today the club still plays its home matches at Bromley but not for long. The club aims to be in their new home at Flamingo Park, Chislehurst from the 2021/22 season. Visit www.cray-wanderers.com for more information.

Oh, and I almost forgot. The railway line opened on 3rd December 1860. Like Cray Wanderers it is still going strong and continues to ferry passengers between London and Rochester.

Cray Valley viaduct with Cray River running underneath

The club was originally called St. Mary Cray, after the village. Then in January 1887 the name Cray Wanderers was attributed to the club by the local press. Some have speculated that this came not only from the area but from comments made by one of the club’s supporters, Arthur ‘Bowser’ Price. He is said to have remarked after a game: ‘You look like a bunch of wanderers!’ This cutting remark stuck and so a legend was born.

In 1894 Cray Wanderers become one of 14 founder members of the newly formed Kent League. In 1895 the club changed its kit from chocolate to amber and black,

CALL FOLEYS 07834 158 411 • 24/7 EMERGENCY CALLOUT WE’RE HERE TO HELP THIS WINTER

Cray Wanderers team photo circa 1890/91

FRE

E

ISSUE 5

. JULY 2019

BECAUSE

Why choose Life In Orpington magazine to promote your business?

LIVE, LOVE,

ALLY

COMMUN

LIFE... LOC

ISSUE 11 .

New Year

ON ISSUE!

MPETITI IT'S THE CO

TO ILY TICKET WIN A FAM TREE FARM - page 3 CHRISTMAS

Food Resolu

COMMUN ITY NEWS & WHAT ’S ON GU IDE

ITY MATTE RS

FR

EE

JANUAR Y 2020

tions

How to hav e your bes t year yet NEW: AS !

K TH E EXPERT

S

Win tickets to the - page 9

DEN IDEAS

SUMMER GAR

YCLING BEAUTY REC GUIDE TO LOGY HNO

TEC NEW ROBOT

YOUR

AT'S ON

IAL WH

ESSENT

GU

ON PINGT

ND OR

D AROU

AN IDE IN

es.co.uk

gazin www.lifeinma

INSP IRING THE COMM UNIT Y ONE PAGE AT A TIME www.lifei

nmaga

zines.co.

uk

Attract new customers Boost your brand awareness Build on a trustworthy reputation Get in front of a 15,000+ readership every month from just £24

Call us on lifeinmagazines.co.uk

07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk February 2020 Life in... Orpington 37

Next month...

stockists

FR

MUNITY BECAUSE COM

We ask most cafes, dental surgeries, barbers, hairdressers, doctors etc to take copies of Life In Orpington for customers to pick up. Below are some of our main stockists –

Biggin Hill

• Cherry Lodge Golf Club • Foal Farm

chelsfield

• Chelsfield Railway Station

Downe

• Christmas Tree Farm • George & Dragon Pub

Farnborough & village

• High Elms Country Park • One One Seven • The Café @ Farnborough Village • The Post Office

Green St Green

• Co-op Food (Crescent Way)

Locksbottom

• Darrick Wood Swimming Pool • DenCare • Lidl • PRUH (Costa & canteen) • Sainsbury’s • Thara Thai • Ye Olde Whyte Lyon

• Co-op Food (Carlton Parade) • Crofton Halls • Fab House • Groom Barbers • Iceland • Orpington Library • Orpington Railway Station • Orpington Village Hall • Tesco • The Orpington Restaurant and Record Store • The Nugent Shopping Park • The Walnuts Shopping Centre

Petts Wood

• Arabica Coffee House • MIYU Boutique Salon • Morrisons • Iceland • Petts Wood Library • Petts Wood Railway Station • Royal British Legion

St Paul’s Cray

• Co-op Food (Cotmandene Crescent) • Cotmandene Community Resource Centre

Contact us to request a stand 07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Never miss an issue of Sign up to our newsletter

www.tinyurl.com/lionewsletter

www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk 38 Life in... Orpington February 2020

EE

CH 2020 .

ISSUE 13 MAR

Orpington

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STOCK LIFE IN ORPINGTON MAGAZINE?

or visit

MATTERS

RESTAURANT an made easy

The big spring cle

FUTURE FOR WHAT’S THE SMART TECH?

ts ideas Mother’s Day gif

es of 2020 Meet the heroin

IN IN SP IR

M M UN G TH E CO

A TI M E PA GE AT IT Y ON E

With Authentic Ingredients

nes.co.uk

gazi www.lifeinma

Coming up in the MARCH Issue of Life • • • •

Delectable Thai Cuisine

In Orpington…

The big spring clean made easy What’s the future for smart tech?

Mother’s Day gifts to put a spring in her step Meet the heroines of 2020

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH FEB Contact Nicky or Lauretta

07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags

PROSECCO BRUNCHES available 7 days a week with a 2 course meal and

Life in Orpington is printed every month and is distribution to residents via household deliveries and businesses. It has a monthly readership of over 15,000 people including the digital edition.

Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In Orpington are subject to copyright, 2020.

Competitions: In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. For full terms & conditions see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk Disclaimer: Life In Magazines Ltd assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

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 Life In Magazines. Therefore, Life In Magazines 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. © 2020 Life In Magazines. All rights reserved.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

UNLIMITED PROSECCO for 2 hours - just £22 pp

VEGAN MENU NOW AVAILABLE

LUNCH TAPAS - SET FROM £9.95 Monday to Saturday 12nn - 3pm

For bookings please contact Locksbottom branch

Hayes branch

01689 857111

0208 0370329

www.tharathai.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@thara.thai

@tharathai.co.uk February 2020 Life in... Orpington 39

Nurse Managed Home Care

At Compassion Homecare we provide the very best in home care We would all like to continue to enjoy independent living within the comfort of our own home. Our qualified staff can help you with those day to day tasks that you are finding harder to cope with.

We know how big a step having home care is so we offer a free home care assessment to help you decide what is best for you.

Daily Care, Live-in Care or Respite Care Our careers can help you with: • Personal care • Getting up and ready for bed • Bathing, washing and showering • Assistance with medication • Cleaning and housework • Cooking • Ironing and laundry • Shopping • Social outings

01689 825155

1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk Life in... Orpington February 2020

lifeinmagazines.co.uk