Life In Orpington March 2025 by Life In...Magazines

Welcome to

With all the great local businesses in our borough, we thought it would be a great idea to highlight just a small selection of them for this month’s Mother’s Day. What can be better than treating mum locally whilst helping a local business at the same time – it’s a win-win! Check out our new Live In Loves… feature to discover some unique gifts.

Meanwhile, you might notice that we now carry the Lifestyle Health Foundation logo on this page. This is because we have just partnered with the Lifestyle Health Foundation to share a message of holistic wellness amongst our growing community. The Foundation’s mission to prevent and heal acquired mind injuries through lifestyle health aligns with our commitment to inspire positivity and mindfulness among our readers. By collaborating, we aim to raise awareness about the significance of emotional health and the value of lived experiences in achieving overall well-being and, ultimately, a healthier and more connected community. Talking of healthier communities, we had to include a Health and Fitness feature of course – and thanks to Mytime Active for sponsoring this.

In our mission to create a ‘Community Kindness Movement’ across the borough, we’d love to know what acts of kindness you’ve either made or received lately – email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk – it could see you bag a £15 One4All digital gift card!

Until next month, enjoy the issue!

Lauretta Wright, Editor

PS We’re delighted to announce that we made the shortlist in the Small Business Awards 2025!

THE TEAM

We're a multi award-winning company!

Get to know us: My favourite season is…

Editorial & Sales: Lauretta Wright lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk 100% Summer

Office & Editorial Assistant: Tori Howe hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spring

Strategy & Operations: Aysha Best-Forbes Summer

Design: Nicky Grant design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Summer

Accounts: Helen Jordan accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spring/Autumn

Social Media & Comms: Carter Rogers hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spring, Cherry blossom are my favourite

Thank you to our distributors: Dawn B, Greg, Dawn W, Rob, Jack, Kelly, Tara, Megan, Sam, Thomas, Dylan, Terri, Pamela, Lorraine, Tom, Lucy, Conor, Tilly, Rosie, Ben, Eira, 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, Indira Richards, Joy Hodgkinson, Sarah Spencer-Adams & Annabel Tyndall. If you would like to volunteer please email: hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

We’re giving back! 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.

Write It, Say It, Message It!

Got something to shout about?

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

WINNER

Thank you to Jackie Barrie for sending in these wonderful pictures of Beckenham Place Park. Congratulations Jackie – you’ve won a £15 One4All Digital Gift card! Do you have any local pictures that you’d like to send us? Perhaps you’ve read an article that has inspired you or been thoughtprovoking? We’d love to hear from you – email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Just recently we...

Thank you to Michael Mehr for sending in this wonderful picture of some frosty fungi in Jubilee Park, Petts Wood. Keep your local pictures coming and you could see them featured in the magazine!

Attended a VIP event at Copper Ceylon in Bromley to experience the restaurant’s amazing Sri Lankan cuisine. It was hosted by Fred Sirieix of Channel 4’s First Dates and we were entertained by the wonderful Oritsé Williams. Pictured are Sarah MarshCollings (left) from Bromley Buzz and babelMonkey with Jo Chandler from ABC Bookclub and husband Roger.

Spotted our Startup Bromley posters in and around London Railway and Tube Stations. We’re proud to be a Startup Ambassador!

Caught up with advertiser James Broomfield from Our Tech having a read of the Bromley issue!

A BIG thank you

Thank you for personally delivering my prizes from the ’12 Days of Giftmas’ competition that you ran. I would like to tell readers I was amazed at my luck. But I would like to thank the retailers who donated the prizes to this wonderful competition for Life In…Magazines. Andrew Beale

Loving the gratitude Andrew and we couldn’t have run the competition without the wonderful support from local businesses!

Selective Mutism

I want to speak but you won’t let me. You're like a ghost creeping inside me It makes it hard for me to be myself, and I have a lot of anxiety. I wont let you control me, Like puppet on strings, Like you always do. It makes me distant from everyone else. It makes me feel small, And like I am not good enough. I feel like a shadow that wants to hide all the time in the darkness. I want you to go away forever. Stop trying to change me, Of who I am.

by J SELF

We love receiving your thoughts, ideas, feedback, general comments and pictures! You can email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403–550068. Remember to include your name and email with the subject line ‘Write It, Say It, Message It’. In doing so, you agree to your comments and pictures being published. Every month (courtesy of The Bed Post), the Star Response ( ) receives a £15 One4all digital gift card.

Local Hero...

(Because not all heroes wear capes)

Karen Britton

Karen was nominated by Kathy Bance who said: “Karen has spent many years in different volunteering roles. She’s a full-time carer for her husband who had a serious stroke, mum to a teenage daughter who requires lots of assistance and she is someone who devotes all her spare time to supporting others. Amongst her volunteering roles has been marshalling at the lakes, client support at a Monday lunch club and chaperoning children/adults with special educational needs. She never complains about life.

Hey Karen! How does it feel to be nominated as a local hero by Kathy?

I was honoured to be nominated by Kathy who does so much for the community herself.

We hear that you have been involved in a number of volunteering activities and community projects. Could you explain what you’ve been involved in and give us some background on how you have got involved?

I have been volunteering since my 20s on various projects including youth work, food banks, baby banks and church projects. In lockdown I set up a charity bingo zoom game to raise money for a local boy who needed life-changing medical equipment. In November 2022 I decided to set up my own project The Lunch Club. I felt so strongly after the energy prices hike that I would offer a warm space and offer food to those who needed it in Penge. Along with my friend, Kathy, we set up at home at St John’s in Penge. I have a variety of volunteers who make the tea, lay the tables, wash up, serve food and chat to our visitors and I absolutely cherish them. The lunch feeds 25-30 elderly, lonely and vulnerable people in Penge a three-course meal every week. We also offer weekly entertainment from exercise, singing, craft, bingo and the highlight was our D-day celebration. We are non-funded and rely on the kindness of the community. Currently ten of the local Penge businesses contribute food and drink donations to the lunch club – a wonderful example of giving back to their community.

Why is it important for you to get involved in helping the local community – what does it mean to you?

Volunteering is such a wonderful experience. I have met so many interesting and lovely people on my volunteering journey.

What advice would you give to others looking to volunteer locally – either for a local group or charity?

I would urge anyone who is thinking about volunteering to get involved and find your passion. Even if it means just knocking on your neighbour’s door to check in on them.

What projects are you currently involved in? Or do you have any plans on the horizon?

I recently had a meeting with Living Well who do such good work in the community and we are thinking about a way we can work together to help even more people. We are celebrating our three-year anniversary in November and the Mayor is visiting to celebrate our special day.

When you’re not busy donating your time, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My main interests are spending time with my family and I am a member of a local choir called Strictly All Together Beckenham, who are an amazing community choir. They actually donated profits from their Christmas concert last year to my lunch club.

What does community mean to you?

Community is everyone sharing the same space and trying to navigate life’s trials in the best possible way. A small ripple of kindness can make such a difference and we all have the power to look after our community.

A special ‘Thank You’ to Time For Flowers for sponsoring the bouquets and plants for our Local Heroes.

Karen received a bouquet from Time For Flowers

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

Birthday celebrations for Madlani

To celebrate its first anniversary, Madlani Cancer Support hosted a special coffee morning with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley, along with MP Gareth Bacon. The event saw inspiring speeches, a cake-cutting ceremony and community support. Madlani Cancer Support has hosted a variety of workshops and events in its first year including a Wellness Day, nutritional talks, a festive wreath-making event, as well as its monthly coffee mornings and the quarterly Pamper Days. New events will be offered this year including Online Chair Yoga by Sarah Cross who is a specialist in Yoga for Cancer.

Life In…Magazines is proud to support the charity CASPA at this year’s Above and Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs).

The annual event attracts over 320 people to highlight and celebrate businesses across the borough that go ‘above and beyond’.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk and early bird tickets for this year’s event (on Thursday 13th November) are now available online at www.the-abbbas.co.uk

Teatime treats

Rotary Orpington District E Club held a Tea Party at BR6 Restaurant in Orpington recently to offer a selection of tea, treats and great company – and more importantly to raise money for a great cause – Swanley Therapy Centre (SUMS). A total of £276.60 was raised on the day. The centre offers predominantly oxygen therapy, but also Pilates, beauty treatments and social events, with new treatments coming soon (see swanleytherapycentre.org). Pictured is Jo Gregory (left) from Rotary Orpington District E Club with Lindsey Johnson from SUMS.

Bereavement café at Orpington Village Hall

On the last Thursday of each month, grief counsellors and volunteers come together to offer a safe and supportive environment for those who have lost someone. Brought to the community by Michelle Harvey Life Celebrant and GM Valentine Family Funeral Directors, the free sessions run from 11.30am1.15pm and offer tea, coffee, biscuits, spiritual healing and group support as well as 1-2-1 support with qualified counsellors. There is no need to book –just turn up at Orpington Village Hall.

Bromley Scouts needs you!

Bromley Scouts has 44 groups across the Borough offering exciting opportunities to young people aged 4 to 18 and want to do more! Do you have an interesting hobby or job? Can you spare an occasional hour to help teach a new skill? They’d love to speak to you –email dc@bromleyscouts.org.

Noticeboard

Mayor’s support for Primrose Centre

The Primrose Centre, a charity based in Orpington, that supports those with a breast cancer diagnosis, welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley, Cllr Dr David Jefferys and Ann-Marie Jefferys at a recent coffee morning. It was an opportunity for them to look around the centre and see the support that the centre offers, which includes access to holistic therapies, lymphatic drainage and support, as well as chat with visitors.

Pictured from the left are: The Mayor of Bromley, Jette Oakes, Mayoress of Bromley, Suzanne Beacom, Jo Gallier, Maria Velasco, all centre team members. For more information see https://primrosecentre.org.uk

Share your favourite recipes!

Always wanted to see your Granny’s favourite apple pie recipe published in a cookbook? Or your mum’s top secret banana bread recipe shared with your neighbours? Charitable trust and local leisure provider, Mytime Active, is working alongside One Bromley to produce a new community recipe book for Bromley residents. The ‘Bromley Community Cookbook’ will include a collection of healthy recipes that have been submitted by local residents. Each recipe will also share the family’s story about the dish and show a picture of the recipe, plus nutritional information.

The cookbook will be focussed on delicious, healthy recipes along with a few more indulgent treats. Residents are being asked to submit their favourite healthy family recipes for possible inclusion at www.mytimeactive.co.uk/recipe-book

When launched, a limited number of free printed copies will be available and there will also be a free online version of the cookbook.

Are you an experienced and enthusiastic telesales professional looking for an exciting new opportunity? Life In…Magazines is on the hunt for talented individuals to join our small, friendly and supportive team. We publish 3 fantastic community titles: Life In Orpington, Life In Bromley and Life In Beckenham. This is a commission-only role where you can enjoy unlimited earning potential based on your performance.

Following initial training, you can choose to work in the office or from home – perfect for fitting around your existing commitments. We'll give you all the tools and support you’ll need to succeed to help local businesses thrive by connecting them with their community.

If you have…

- Previous telesales experience

- Excellent communication skills

- A positive, enthusiastic can-do attitude

- A passion for community and local businesses

Get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and a brief cover letter to lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

History

Door to door

by PAM PREEDY

As I sit in my front bedroom study, looking for inspiration for my next article, I watch a variety of vans and cars driving up our little close, drivers checking for the address for their next delivery. Oddly enough, it hadn’t occurred to me that families are still taking delivery of a variety of items. Deliveries in the 21st century are different from those in previous centuries. When we look back over time and delve a bit deeper, we realise that these changes coincide with social and technological advances.

For us in the 21st century, technology has been the driving force for change. Those of us born in the middle of the 20th century have seen the death of the coalman keeping our coal holes filled for warmth and for some, cooking. The milkman has almost, but not quite, disappeared from our streets. Postal workers and newspaper boys are disappearing. Instead of up to 12 postal deliveries a day in the 19th century, today we might see the postman maybe once a day or every other day. I see the newspaper boys delivering to one or two homes in our street each day. When I was a newspaper girl in the late 1950s we used our bikes and expected to deliver papers to several homes in each road. We must have been stronger then because at the weekend publishers added magazines to their newspaper. We still managed to get them to the customers. How much longer can newspapers and the deliveries last? As people switch to the internet, smart phones and television for their news fewer people buy

newspapers removing the need for the newspaper delivery boy. But it is not only advances in technology that has created the decline of deliveries, but also growing concerns for the safety of the boys and girls so employed and the establishment of a free paper.

Open All Hours provides a glimpse into the ubiquitous Corner Shop in which David Jason as Granville made the deliveries on his bicycle. It broadcast between 1976 and 1985. Food shopping has gone through its own metamorphosis into the large self-service stores, where the majority of shoppers buy their groceries. In spite of all the changes, it seems the Corner Shop has survived, and it is estimated that there are in the region of 50,000 convenience stores still thriving. As the size of the stores grew, they began to deliver their goods. The Croydon Sainsbury branch introduced deliveries in 1882 and from 1999 began online groceries. Ocado started in 2000 for Waitrose, while Amazon opened their service in 1997 and expanded to Amazon Prime in 2005. Today, Deliveroo works with around 182,000 restaurants, grocers and retailers.

My husband remembers the Corona delivery lorry bringing bottles of Tizer to his home. Its original name was ‘Pickup’s Appetizer’ and was often advertised as “It’s a red thing.” It was invented by Fred and Tom Pickup and launched in 1924. The original recipe included lots of additives and E numbers. When they changed the recipe to eliminate the additives there were complaints, such as “DON’T DRINK IT! It tastes of fruit now and ruined my childhood memories of fizzy chemicals. Ecologically sound, the red drink came in a bottle and the empties taken away.”

In the first half of the 20th century, several entrepreneurial shopkeepers, bakers, butchers and grocers would deliver their goods to homes in the local area. According to my aunt (aged 101), children could go to the local shop with a bowl to collect Walls ice-cream. Another delivery came in the form of the laundry. In Bromley one of the most successful laundries was started by Henry Podger, but this is the cliff-hanger - more of him later. This is merely an introduction. From time-to-time I will be writing about the history of several iconic deliverymen.

Pam Preedy

Coal delivery man on Flickr

Milk float on Facebook

Loves…

SUPPORT LOCAL THIS MOTHER’S DAY

We’re always on the lookout for great ideas and great businesses to support locally. Here’s our roundup of ideas for treating mum this Mother’s Day!

Please mention Life In…Orpington when booking any of these amazing Mother’s Day treats. It helps support local businesses in knowing what’s working for them.

Fabulous facial

Celebrate your special mum this Mother’s Day with a luxurious facial treatment at NVH Aesthetics. Treat her to glowing skin, relaxation, and the care she deserves. Give the gift of beauty and self-care this year. Treatments range from Dermalux LED Light Therapy to Collagen Induction Therapy and everything in between! Visit www.nvhaesthetics.com, email nvhaesthetics@gmail.com for details and to book call 078 18894190.

Say it with flowers

What mum doesn’t love a beautiful bouquet or a stunning houseplant? Orpington’s Time For Flowers (The Mall) and Green on The Green (Green St Green) can make up a stunning arrangement with mum’s favourite blooms or suggest something that will cater to mum’s tastes if you give them some clues. To order see www. greenonthegreen.co.uk (tel: 01689 851666) and www.timeforflowerskent. co.uk (tel: 01689 485044).

Scrumptious Afternoon Tea

Tantalise the tastebuds

The Orpington Café & Record Store have recently opened for dinner bringing their unique style to evenings on the High Street. And treating your mum doesn’t need to be limited to just one day, so the Orpington is offering readers of this magazine an exclusive 30% off food and drink* for any dinner reservation made between now and 29 March 2025! *Excluding the dinner set menu. By booking only and please quote ‘‘Life in Orpington Magazine’. To book call 01689 666900.

Award-winning The Drawing Room of Locksbottom (405 Crofton Rd), offers a delectable Afternoon Tea, perfect to delight not just your mum, but those who you’d like to feel special in the week running up to Mother’s Day or the following week. Afternoon Tea consists of a selection of delicious homemade scones, cakes, brownies, sandwiches and more! For details call 01689 852288 or see @ thedrawingroomlocksbottom on IG or email justine@the drawingroomlocksbottom. co.uk

Bespoke jewellery

Relaxing reflexology

Treat your loved one to the ultimate relaxation this Mother’s Day with a soothing reflexology and massage experience with Soulistic Therapy. Relieve stress, improve circulation, and promote overall wellness with personalised, rejuvenating treatments. Give her the gift of tranquillity, helping her feel refreshed, recharged, and deeply appreciated. See www.soulistictherapy.co.uk @soulistictherapy on IG or call 07930-667449 to book a treatment.

Nick from Nicholas Foreman Jewellery makes a wide array of jewellery, specialising in handmade rings, necklaces, pendants, brooches and tiaras, as well as carrying out repairs and alterations. You can commission Nick to make a bespoke item of jewellery as a real treat for mum. Email Nick at nick@ nickforemanjewellery.co.uk or give him a call on 07753- 611769.

Term Time Sessions

Open 8am until 3 30pm

We offer Montessori teaching, fostering early literacy and maths, and regular sessions for BLAST (Boosting Language Auditory Skills and Talking)

Guided by our

and experienced

your child's natural potential will be developed so they can have the head start they deserve

Behind the Badge

INSIGHTS FROM THE SUPER

This month I want to talk about crime prevention. Ultimately, to prevent crime is the primary objective of the police.

Making use of our data insight platform (which is now available to all officers,) we are precisely analysing trends as to where crime is concentrating.

This means right down to a street level we can identify hotspots, which naturally move and shift all the time. Each month we will identify the top roads which are being affected by burglary and motor vehicle crime. These roads will be visited by our officers and bespoke crime prevention leaflets will be delivered with advice to protect your homes and vehicles based specifically on the current offending types. You will know these aren’t generic leaflets as it will be produced specifically for your street and clearly marked as such, so you know it is important.

If you receive one of these, they are not designed to cause worry, but to let you know that we are spotting a trend and what you can do to make your home and belongings safe. This is based on research and is produced as a result of advice provided to us by Professor Jason Roach of Huddersfield University. This approach has been proven to work in reducing burglary and car crime elsewhere, so we are simply adopting things that work. Should you receive one, please feel free to reach out to your local team if you have questions. We are committed to using innovative techniques to prevent crime. As an example, the retail operation I mentioned last month has now led to a 30% reduction in vehicle crime in January. We believe this is because the same people committing retail crime are also breaking into cars, and by targeting the retail offences we are seeing benefits in other offence types.

Superintendent Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing

Firefront line..

BEING SAFE IN YOUR HOME

As I write this month’s article I am once again looking at our prevention work across the Borough.

I wanted to take a moment to share that I will be moving on from my role here as the Borough Commander in Bromley as I take on a new role as Deputy Assistant Commissioner within the London Fire Brigade.

It has been an incredible experience over the past few years here in Bromley. Together, we’ve worked on initiatives that have truly made a difference in our communities, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. The trust, professionalism and shared commitment to making a positive impact have been key to our successful partnership and a benefit to Bromley residents, visitors and those that work here. The London Fire Brigade will remain to be a key player in our partnership work for the safety of those we protect. My crews are once again looking at our prevention work across the Borough. Working together we can look at the risks we face and prepare for their impact, both at home and in the community.

Cooking: Even if you're a very careful cook, accidents can happen, so it's a good idea to know what to do. If a pan

catches fire, there are 4 steps to take to stay safe:

• Don't tackle the fire yourself and don't try to move the pan.

• Never throw water over a fire as it could create a fireball.

• Turn off the heat – but only if it's safe to do so.

• Leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others and call 999.

Candles: Over 200 fires at home involved candles last year. Although they create a gorgeous warm glow, candles need handling with care. In 2020, over 200 fires in London were connected to candle use. That's why we recommend you swap your wax candles for 'flameless' candles such as LED tea lights.

Our online home fire safety checker tool allows you to carry out a thorough check of your home in only a few minutes. It’s simple and practical, giving you specific advice for your family and your home. Check it out here and other safety tips on our website: www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/ the-home/home-fire-safety/homefire-safety-checker-hfsc/ or call us free on 0800 028 4428 to arrange an in-person visit.

Chris Line, Borough Commander London Borough of Bromley, London Fire Brigade

What's on

Your essential guide for events, activities, clubs & groups

ACTIVITIES

Master Williams 7th Dan Taekwondo Club

Every Tuesday 7pm-8pm.

Every Saturday 11am-12pm

Holy Trinity Church Hall, Church Lane, Bromley Common, BR2 8LB

Cost: £10 per lesson PAYG

Contact: 07952 503660 or email martialartwilliams@ gmail.com

Master (Tony) Williams has 42 years of experience teaching self-defence and fitness, and as 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 also offers 1-to-1 and black belt enhancement classes.

Flin's Fitness: Group | On Demand | Online

See website for class dates & times

Cost: from £6 PAYG, or memberships available

Contact: Fran 07976 412027

All genres of fitness class, for every type of lifestyle: group classes, streamed online, and an exceptional On Demand platform. Cross Training, Pilates, Yoga, Body Conditioning, Zumba and more.

Mornings and evenings locally, at Westcombe Park RFC or Tubbenden & Crofton schools.

FREE monthly "Dance Because Nobody's Watching" event, aiming to bring people together for mental health & well being, and FUN. All are welcome. See www.flinsfitness.co.uk

Mel Crisp Yoga

Tuesday evening 6.55pm at Christ Church URC, Petts Wood - Vinyasa Flow Class (1hr)

Cost: PAYG £13 or 4 classes for £40.

Tuesday at 8.15pm at Christ Church URC, Petts Wood – Hatha Flow (45mins)

Cost: PAYG £10 or £34 for a block of 4 classes

Wednesday at 9.45am at Orpington Village Hall - Hatha Yoga classes (1hr)

Mixed ability and beginners welcome at both classes.

Cost: PAYG £13, Block Payment Classes £40 for 4 consecutive classes. First PAYG class is free. Contact: Mel on 07504 855 424. Email melcrisp41@icloud.com www.melcrispyoga.com

First class is FREE when mentioning Life In Orpington magazine.

Mel has partnered with the Primrose Centre (based in the grounds of PRUH) to offer Yoga For Breast Cancer patients. Tuesdays 2pm-3pm (free if receiving treatment) or small donation, Wednesdays 6pm-7pm and 7.15pm8.15pm. Wednesday evening classes are for those who have returned to work, where possible a donation of £10 per class.

business & NETWORKING

In Conversation with Dave Fishwick 'The Bank of Dave.'

Tuesday 25th March, 5:30pm-8pm

Bromley Central Library, High St Bromley, BR1 1EX

Cost: Free Contact: Email StartupBromley@GLL.ORG

The business journey of Dave Fishwick, founder of Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd, The Bank of Dave. This is already gearing up to be a full house and Chandra Sharma from Startup Bromley will be leading this Q&A session, offering an insight into Dave’s life. To book visit the Startup Bromley page on Eventbrite.

Startup Bromley Procurement Event

Tuesday 25th March, 12pm-4pm

Bromley Central Library, High St Bromley, BR1 1EX

Cost: Free

Contact: Email StartupBromley@GLL.ORG

This highly anticipated event is a must for anyone looking to do business in Bromley. A variety of organisations will be attending including Newable and FSB, sharing everything from identifying needs and selecting suppliers to negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. Laurence Downes, Assistant Director Governance & Contracts / Interim AD Commissioning & Programmes at Bromley Council will also be delivering a presentation. Book via the Startup Bromley page on Eventbrite.

Bromley Business Network

Wednesday 12th & 26th March, 7am-9am

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

Cost: £12.50 on Teams or £23 in person

Contact: 07957 819008 or email hello@ bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

Fortnightly business networking events. Attendance includes unlimited refreshments and a full cooked breakfast buffet. Attendees can also attend via Teams if they can’t attend in person and the first meeting is discounted. For details see bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

community & CHARITY

Digital Hub

Every Monday, 2pm-4pm Orpington Methodist Church, 19 Sevenoaks Road, Orpington, BR6 9JH

Cost: Free

Contact: Email info@clearcommunityweb.co.uk or call 07523-646277

Come along every Monday for free and informal help you build confidence with your laptop, smart phone or tablet. We can also help you access online services and support

to use the NHS App. We can also provide access to donated devices and free data. Open to all. For details see https://clearcommunityweb.co.uk/bromley

The Orpington Hub, run by Rotary District E-Club

Tuesday 11th & 25th March, 9.30am–midday

Orpington Methodist Church, Sevenoaks Way, Orpington, BR6 9JH

Cost: Free

Contact: Email theorpingtonhub@gmail.com

Where Coffee, Cake and Chat are brought to you for free. Community coming together and making friends –all are welcome. For more information see www.theorpingtonhub.co.uk

Macular Society Bromley Support Group

1st Tuesday of every month (except January & August) 10am for tea/coffee & biscuits. Meeting starts at 10:30am, finishing at 12pm Bromley Town Church, 2 Ethelbert Road, Bromley, BR1 1JA

Cost: Free

Contact: No need to contact - just turn up

We are a local support group for people suffering with Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Being diagnosed with AMD can be devastating, so we look to provide social interaction and mutual support to those affected. We have a variety of speakers and a mixed and diverse programme.

MUSIC, entertainment & FOOD

American Contra Dancing

6th March: Club afternoon. 2pm-4pm

20th March: Spring dance with live band, raffle and refreshments. 2pm-4.30pm

Liberal Club, 7 Station Road, Orpington BR6 0RZ

(opp entrance to Tesco car park)

Cost: Club afternoon: £6. Spring dance: £10.

Contact: Email janetmaile@rocketmail.com or call 01689 836407

American Contra dancing is a fun, low impact form of exercise. No partner or experience needed. All dances are walked through first, and the steps called throughout the dance. Join us for a fun afternoon. For details see https://juiceofbarley.weebly.com

Into the Daylight – Jazz and Blues

evening, Green Chain Quartet Thursday 6th March, 8pm-11pm

Daylight Inn, Station Square, Petts Wood, BR5 1LZ

Cost: £5 admission (supporting Bromley Food Bank, Ukraine Appeal & MSF - Doctors without Borders).

Contact: 01689 877402.

Green Chain Quartet with special guest Jimmy Beckley - Ghanaian sax player and singer. The club is on the first Thursday of every month. Book a table or walk in: www.thedaylightinn.co.uk. For details see www. greenchainquartet.com

theatre & Performances

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk

One Night Of Elvis - Lee Memphis King

Sunday 9th March, 7:30pm

Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, recreates the essence of the King with stunning authenticity - the voice, the passion and the energy that Elvis put into his songs. Pure entertainment and Pure Presley.

Murder, She Didn't Write Friday 14th March, 7:30pm

Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure. Laugh along as you, the audience, become the author of your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece. But will you guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed?

Girl On The Train

Tuesday 18th – Saturday 22nd March, 7:30pm

Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Life In...Magazines now features an online events calendar where you can submit your event for free! Submit yours at lifeinmagazines.co.uk/events or scan the QR code

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...Orpington 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.

lifestyle Puzzle WIN

Win a pair of tickets to see Menopause The Musical 2 on 25th April.

To celebrate this month’s International Women’s Day, we’ve listed 15 amazing women from past and present. All you have to do is find their names in the grid. Names can run forwards, backwards and diagonally. However, one of the names is missing from the grid. This is the winning name.

Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘puzzle’ or text only ‘WIN’ with your answer, full name, telephone number and address to 07403-550068.

Helen Keller

Simone Biles

Anne Frank

Ariana Grande

Oprah Winfrey

Ada Lovelace

Joan of Arc

Greta Thunberg

Serena Williams

Michelle Obama

Malala Yousafzai

Frida Kahlo

Marie Curie

Taylor Swift Cleopatra

Malala Yousafzai Greta Thunberg Cleopatra

January winner: Salma Begum February answer: GLARE

Joan of Arc Taylor Swift Frida Kahlo

Michelle Obama Serena Williams Ada Lovelace

Oprah Winfrey Ariana Grande Anne Frank

Simone Biles Helen Keller

Strictly one entry per person. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps

Join the fun & stay in the loop! By participating in our monthly puzzles, you're in for a treat! You'll automatically be added to our database to receive our fantastic monthly newsletter, complete with digital issues straight to your inbox. We love keeping our community engaged and informed. If you ever fancy opting out, just give us a shout. Happy puzzling!

Either text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

BY 16TH

for your chance to win!

The pace has already quickened for Mayoral events as we stride further into the New Year, which follows a comparatively light 42 events for myself and the Mayoress at the start of the year.

Raising money for my mayoral charities has been progressing nicely especially following the annual Bromley Mayoral quiz, which took place at Beckenham Halls. It was a most enjoyable evening, which included a special round on unusual facts about Bromley as it is our 60th anniversary as a borough this year, with many guests displaying their acute knowledge of unusual buildings and sites in Bromley.

An important part of the mayoral role is to support and encourage local businesses. I held a meeting with the three Bromley Deputy Lieutenants and one of the items we discussed was increasing the visibility of Bromley as a good place in which to start and develop a business and how we can attract more inward investment. On this theme I was pleased to join a dinner at Mansion House and help promote Bromley as a great location for businesses. It is always a pleasure to attend the opening of new restaurants and businesses in the borough.

I must highlight the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. This year was the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on the 27th January 1945. I joined the London commemoration held at City Hall and was privileged to host our own commemoration in the new council chamber, with attendees

Lines from Linda

And here is where, the much looked forward to, season of spring, comes marching in. I love this month when everything starts to get lighter and blossoms are all around on trees, and where flowers have popped up and are shaking their colourful heads to say hello.

And, of course this also hints that it is spring cleaning time. I have been doing a lot of decluttering lately and have been rearranging furniture and getting the house nice for the coming summer months. I disposed of some dark furniture I had and ordered a lovely light cabinet and bookcase to take its place. What I hadn’t bargained for was the arrival of this new furniture in a small box –meaning I had to put it all together before I could use it! However, my lovely hubby said it wasn’t a problem. ‘Lots of furniture comes in pieces in boxes,’ he assured me, and there were full instructions as to what bit goes where. We unpacked and read the instruction manuals and immediately disagreed on what they meant. ‘No, you’re wrong,’ he told me. ‘That goes on the top, not the bottom.’

I’m hoping I’m not the only one who squabbles with their hubby over this kind of thing, but I admit to being useless at putting things together and hubby is quite good at DIY, so I said I would leave him to it. ‘You go and do the shopping,’ he told me. ‘And I’ll have it all up and finished by the time you get back.’

including a Holocaust Survivor. In my speech, I highlighted that we must never forget the truly horrific events which took place in the camps, including the brutal murder and extermination of 6 million Jews. We all need to commit to ensuring that such events can never take place again and work towards building a better future. Turning to my Mayoral themes for the year, it was great to join several events and initiatives helping those living with dementia. I would particularly highlight the session on innovative care where we saw the use of virtual reality to improve the lives of those living with dementia and helping their carers.

On the environmental theme, I was delighted to join two further litter picks and to attend (and help) at several events organised by Thames 21 on the River Ravensbourne and the River Beck at Park Langley. It is great to see the difference that has all already been made at these two sites and along these rivers. I also attended a discussion about further work to be undertaken on our local rivers. The environment theme and my interest in local history is coming together as we head towards the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the creation of the London Borough of Bromley. To mark the occasion, the Mayoress and I are undertaking a walk of the boundary of Bromley to raise money for my charities and in celebration of this great borough. Keep an eye on my social media channels and our website for more about this and the wider 60th anniversary activities soon, including how to get involved.

Best wishes

Cllr David Jefferys Mayor of Bromley (2024-2025)

Find out more at www.bromley.gov.uk/mayor

So off I went, returning an hour or so later. And yes, it was all finished and hubby had put it in the place we decided on in the now lighter looking room. Only slip up being, hubby hadn’t lived up to his reputation of being good at DIY, as he had put the top of the small cupboard on the bottom of it, and the wrong way up. Same with the bookcase. Instead of the shiny cream surface that we had agreed would lighten the room, the wooden underside on the shelves was glaring out at me. Well one was wooden side up and the other displayed the shiny cream, making it look even more of an eyesore.

‘Looks great, doesn’t it,’ he said with a pleased grin, ‘You ordered well. It really brightens the room.’

I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was the wrong way up, and that the bookcase was lopsided. It leaned in similarity to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Anyway, he was pleased with himself so who was I to criticise, and as hubby had said earlier, ‘Men are better at this sort of thing!’

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

Remarkable Residents community

Name: Anna Young

Lives: West Wickham

What’s remarkable?

Anna Young & Jo Bell, from Bells Accountants teamed up with Ruby Tuesday Books, to co-author a series of children’s books on money and finance – things that are not necessarily taught in schools. Anna is the Operations Manager at Bells Accountants. She also volunteers weekly as mentor in a school through the Bromley Mentoring scheme, is a WI committee member and a road steward for WWRA. In her role at Bells she helps fundraise for the Chartwell Cancer Trust and also hosts a local Business Mastermind group for business owners.

How does it feel to be a published author? It is an odd feeling, as when writing them we were just passionate about getting money education into schools, hearing the reaction to how needed these books are, has been so rewarding.

What was your favourite part about creating this book series? The feedback! Hearing young people say they now understand budgeting, taxes, mortgages and what all those complex and confusing financial terms are. Debt can cause mental health problems so if they help children realise the importance of understanding managing money then it was worth all the days and hours of research and writing.

When and why did & and Jo start the Money & You book series? We were approached to contribute to an exciting project to write three books in this six book series by Shan from Ruby Tuesday. We have always said there should be financial education in schools, so we leapt at the chance.

What ages is it relevant to and where can people buy them? 9-16 year olds but adults enjoy them too! LIM Readers can use BELLS15 for a 15% discount www.rubytuesdaybooks.com/product/ money-and-you-set/

lifestyle

Book Bites

Title: The Memories of Us

Author: Vanessa Carnevale

Publisher: Avon

Reviewed by: Klesta Selmani

Gracie’s life takes an unexpected turn and everything she ever knew is wiped out of her memory. Who does she turn to for help? Will she live the same life twice? Or will she restart down a completely different path? Due to a car crash she is left with severe amnesia, forcing her to put her trust into the memories of others to help her settle back down. Gracie decides to leave everything and everyone behind and move to her late mother’s flower farm in order to learn who she is now. This opens her up to a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love as she meets a handsome neighbour. Overall, a captivating read filled with clues and plot twists.

I would give this a 4-star rating.

Did you face any challenges when creating Money & You? If so, how did you overcome them? The trickiest part was thinking of ways of explaining complex terms simply, so we added in relevant illustrations, fact boxes and a quiz as finance can be a dry subject.

What does community mean to you? Community to me means connecting to local people, being kind and helping out where you can. The more you give in life the more you get back I have found.

Would you like to be considered as a Remarkable Resident?

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Literary delights read & reviewed by Bromley borough residents

Title: Your Own Personal Time Machine

Author: Ian Child

Publisher: Equeum

Reviewed by: Lauretta Wright

If you’ve ever wished for more hours in the day, this is packed with practical advice, witty insights and real-life strategies. From having ‘an outsourcing mindset’, to the difference between working on ‘THEM’ tasks and ‘ME’ tasks – not something we normally think about. The author, Child, is a former corporate leader turned productivity expert, and in this 328-page guide, he breaks down time management myths and offers a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your schedule. His engaging style makes complex concepts easy to grasp, and his humour keeps things light. By the time I’d finished reading this book, there were plenty of dog-eared pages for me to refer back to – and even pages I wanted to print to stick next to my desk as a reminder.

It’s 4.5 stars from me.

If you’ve read a book you’d like to review, please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details

community

Ask The Experts

TORI HOWE

You asked – and they answered! Send your need-to-know questions to our local experts by emailing hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘Ask The Experts’ by

Q: Can you tell me more about direct cremation and what are the pitfalls of this?

Michelle: Direct cremation takes place without a formal funeral ceremony or visitation. The body is collected from the place of death and taken directly to the crematorium, where it is cremated and the ashes returned to the family. But there are a number of implications on those left behind, with many families feeling cheated from saying a proper goodbye. The person enquiring may not realise that the cremation will not be held locally, and their family won't be told when it is, or even where. Nearly all are held in a manner which may not be deemed as acceptable by loved ones. These are also not flexible, and once the form is signed, there is not a get out clause, causing distress for many families and a very high cancellation fee if there is one. If this is something that a loved one, relative or friend is considering, gently ask them a few questions and ensure they know what is going to happen. A traditional, attended funeral gives families, friends and loved ones the opportunity to come together and mourn, as well as express personal memories which all play an important part in the healing process. I recently did a talk on Direct Cremation and asked attendees who had considered it for themselves. Around 65% put their hand up. I then asked those who had put their hands up, if they would consider it for their loved ones, and they all put their hands down. I think that tells you that we are not considering those we leave behind, and they are the ones that will count the cost of their grief.

Michelle Harvey, Michelle Harvey Life Celebrant Facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrant

Q: What are the holiday hotspots for 2025 and what’s your top travel tip?

Q: I’m having a clear out and want to know what items are acceptable to take to the tip?

Mark: Most items are acceptable, but there are some exceptions. Waldo Road doesn’t accept tyres, gas bottles (eg for barbecues and caravans) and there are restrictions on items such as mattresses (twice a year) and fridge freezers (once a year). You can take asbestos, but there are rules around the way it is wrapped. If you are not aware, Waldo Road is now closed for a year for refurbishment. The nearest tip for residents is Churchfields in Beckenham, but you now have to use a booking system. If you are looking to get rid of a lot of waste, you could consider using a waste clearing company like myself, but if you do, please ensure that they carry a waste licence, which means that they are eligible to visit commercial waste management sites.

Mark Scoates, Mark’s House Clearance (07952-716936)

Q: I’m looking to return to work after spending the last 10 years raising my kids, but I’m struggling to get interviews due to the gap in my CV. What advice do you have?

Jude: For 2025, some of the top holiday hotspots include Japan, with tourists eager to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes and culinary delights, especially during cherry blossom season. Greece also continues to be a favourite, while New Zealand is known for its breathtaking scenery and adventure activities. Other hotspots for 2025 include Portugal with its charming cities, beautiful coastline and great food and wine and Costa Rica, where eco-tourism is booming. Costa Rica is a leader with its stunning biodiversity and commitment to sustainability, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. As a top travel tip, always check for local festivals or events during your visit. Participating in these can enhance your experience and offer a deeper connection to the culture. Plus, it's a great way to meet locals and discover hidden gems.

Jude Greene-Steward , Aspire Travel Facebook.com/AspireTravelbyJGS

Jane: Firstly, don't underestimate the skills and experience you've gained over the last decade. Parenting is full of valuable skills that should be reflected on your CV. Think about the parenting skills that can be used in the workplace. You've likely honed your negotiation, organisation, event management (think of all those kids’ parties you’ve planned!), budgeting, networking and even creative problem-solving (like turning a cereal box into a robot). And let’s not forget conflict managementessential with kids around! Beyond these transferable skills, if you’ve been involved in the PTA, the local football team or any volunteering, these experiences should also be highlighted. Employers value these contributions. Consider framing your parenting role as a job – because it is! Something like “Parenting from 2014 to Present” works well, followed by an overview of the skills you’ve developed. More and more employers are recognising the diverse skills that come with parenting and many are open to flexible working arrangements too. So, showcase your skills confidently – being a mum is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, jobs out there.

Jane Knight, Successful Mums Career Academy Successfulmums.co.uk

Health & Fitness

A BIG TICK FOR OUR LEISURE CENTRES

Mytime Active awarded mark of excellence for Bromley Leisure Centres.

Mytime Active has been awarded The Active Standard (TAS) from ukactive, a new mark of excellence that demonstrates its commitment to ensuring quality, safety and inclusivity.

Mytime Active’s Steve May says: “Our family-friendly facilities aim to support every segment of our communities, from children and parents to golfers and older people, on their journey to a more active lifestyle. The TAS certification

10 tips for building healthy habits

1. Start with a health boost: Kick off your mornings with a vibrant green smoothie or a warm, nutrientpacked elixir like ginger tea and a delicious bowl of fruit with granola and yoghurt. Getting those essential fruits and vegetables in early in the day is a great way to fuel your energy and vitality.

2. Fill half your plate with veggies: At every meal, aim for half your plate to consist of colourful, fresh or cooked vegetables. This simple rule boosts fibre intake (90% of of UK adults don't eat enough fibre), as well as adding in more essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Prep like a pro: Batch cook in advance. Cook soups, roast sweet potatoes or prep lentil-based curries to ensure healthy options are always within reach to help avoid giving into the temptation of fastfood takeaways or sugar-laden snacks when you are feeling hungry.

4. Think global: Explore traditionally veg-heavy cuisines like Thai, Indian or Mediterranean. These naturally centre on fresh, plant-based ingredients and bold flavours destined to tempt your taste buds.

5. Steer clear of processed: Seek out recipes which represent natural, wholefoods rather than eating purchased meals with ultra processed ingredients,

tells the public and healthcare partners, who refer people with a wide range of needs to us, that we take their health, wellbeing and safety seriously.”

Lew Ralph, 52, from Petts Wood, was referred to Mytime Active for cardiac rehab after a heart attack. He says: “It’s best thing I’ve ever done. It’s not just about exercise – the team go through your medications and help make it all less alien, and nurses monitor your blood pressure during class, so you feel safe to push yourself.

“Mytime’s classes should be compulsory for cardiac patients. They allayed my fears and reassured me I could get back to normal. My confidence went through the roof. We all came out as different people; it’s life changing.”

To find out more about Mytime Active’s services including gyms, swimming pools, exercise classes, golf courses and much more, visit: https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/

as these will not only be healthier, but since ultraprocessed foods are likely to make you feel hungrier, you may find yourself consuming more calories which can lead to weight gain.

6. Move more: Humans are not designed to be sedentary! Physical activity is key to vitality. Make moving an absolute priority. Take a brisk morning walk, find time for a cheeky dance break to your favourite playlist or take up a new hobby such as yoga or pilates.

7. Try meat-free Mondays: If you’re a real meat lover, why not initially try experimenting with just one plant-based meal a week to make a more seamless transition to incorporating more plant-based ingredients into the diet? They’re healthier for you and your budget!

8. Snack smart: Switch out nutritionally poor snacks for healthier (and more filling options) like carrot sticks and hummus, or roasted chickpeas with tamari and nutritional yeast. Simple swaps like these will make all the difference and will soon become a habit.

9. Reconnect with nature: Spend time outdoors, even in the winter. A stroll in the fresh air can work wonders for your mental and physical health.

10. Involve your community: Share your goals with friends and family or join a healthy living challenge. Accountability makes sticking to changes much easier.

Source: The Happy Pear (www.thehappypear.ie)

Food & Drink

WHY PAY MORE?

With the cost of living continuing to rise, consumers are turning to supermarket own-brand products to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Here are some of the most cost-effective supermarket snack dupes…

McVitie's Jaffa Cakes Original Biscuits (110g)

Boasting a high review score of 4.8 out of five and a cost of £0.06 per serving (£1.35 per pack), Morrisons Jaffa Cakes (24 Pack, 300g) are a must-try alternative. This ownbrand alternative earned a higher review score than that of McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes, which, on average, also cost more than double (£0.14 per serving).

Twix Caramel & Milk Chocolate Fingers Twin Biscuit Snack Bars (Multipack 4x40g, 160g)

For Twix lovers, Tesco’s Crunchy Caramel Chocolate Bars (210g) are an ideal option. This dupe has a higher review score of 4.7 out of five compared to Twix’s 3.6 and are priced at £0.29 per bar (£1.45 per pack). Twix, on the other hand, costs £0.46 per bar (£1.83 per pack) and offers one less chocolate bar in comparison.

Walkers Quavers Cheese (Multipack Crisps Snacks, 6x16g)

Tesco Cheese Curls (10 Pack, 150g) are the ultimate

dupe when craving a cheesy snack. These crisps offer 10 packs compared to Walkers six, for a fraction of the price, costing just £0.14 per bag (£1.35 per pack) and scoring 4.8 out of five according to reviews. Quavers come in at £0.19 per serving (£1.15 per pack), but with a smaller overall portion size and a lower review score of 4.4.

Cadbury Chocolate Mini Rolls Cakes (x10, 260g) Essentials Waitrose 10 Chocolate Mini Rolls (268g) have a review score of 4.4 out of five, just 0.2 points lower than the Cadbury version, and a cost of only £0.15 per serving (£1.50 per pack) offering exceptional value compared to the Cadbury version, which, on average, costs £0.31 per serving (£3.08 per pack).

McVitie's Digestives the Original Biscuits 360g Sainsbury's Digestives (400g) are a great alternative for tea dunkers. At just £0.02 per biscuit (£0.55 per pack), they cost less than half the price of McVitie's (£1.84 per pack) while boasting the same impressive review score of 4.4 out of five.

Source: CritiqueJeu

Chocolate Orange Pancakes

To celebrate this month’s Pancake Day (4th March!), The Happy Pear has provided a scrumptious recipe from their new book The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings from the first 20 years, published by Gill Books and priced at £23.99.

These easy pancakes are sweet and crispy, topped with some chocolate, orange zest and a squeeze of juice. We use wholemeal flour to make them a little healthier but they’re still a total treat!

Serves 3–4 (makes 6–8 pancakes)

120g wholemeal or brown flour (use buckwheat for GF option)

270ml non-dairy milk

1 tbsp ground flaxseeds

2 tbsp cacao powder

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp baking powder

zest of 1 orange

a little oil for the pan

To serve 50g chocolate of choice 2 oranges

Make the batter: In a blender, add all the ingredients for the batter (apart from the oil) and blend till smooth. If you don’t have a blender, mix all the ingredients well in a bowl, and leave to sit for 3–4 minutes for the flax to thicken the batter.

Cook the pancakes: Heat a pan on a high heat. Once hot, reduce to medium. Coat the bottom with a little oil. Pour in a light coating of batter and spread evenly. Cook on one side until bubbles start to form and the edges start to dry out. Turn the pancake (a silicone spatula works best) and add a few small pieces of chocolate and a squeeze of juice from the orange and cook until the chocolate has melted and the bottom is golden. Remove to a warm plate and repeat with the rest of your batter.

Serve: Use a spoon to spread the melted chocolate, sprinkle with some more orange zest, then serve.

Short Story

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND LOST OPPORTUNITIES

by KLESTA SELMANI

Isla’s heart was pounding, almost trying to climb out of her mouth. There he stood, panting out of breath, drenched from the rain, his eyes only on her.

Rewind a decade

“Isla, he’s just a crush, do you really think this is something serious?” her friends questioned her as they sat in her room, watching the excitement on Isla’s face as she told them about a boy she met online. Isla thought he was the boy of her dreams, however distance disrupted everything. He lived abroad, far from Isla’s reach. After all, Isla was just a 14-year-old girl who was smitten with a somebody she could not have. She wasn’t sure, at first, if he was interested in her at all. His replies would take hours, maybe even days sometimes, but Isla ignored this and still made the effort to talk to him.

This carried on into summer. He acknowledged her more; even asked for her number. This drew the two of them closer, making it harder for Isla to let this fantasy of them go. Isla couldn’t wait to call him in the evenings; 5 minutes went by. Nothing. That’s okay, Isla will wait. 30 minutes. Nothing. Two hours. Isla was getting tired. The sun would rise and Isla would wake up to an apology and a promise to call next time. When he did call, all you could hear was laughter and the smile on Isla’s face did not drop. It was hinted he had fallen for her, however he continued to confuse her, but Isla chose to stay.

A year later Isla decided to cut off contact with him. He reached out to her on other platforms asking what happened, that he didn’t want to lose contact with her, that he loved her. He. Loved. Her? It was all so confusing for a young girl. He was never clear with her, he would drive her insane yet he knew how to make her stay. He

loved her? But he could not be her boyfriend. Isla wanted to get away from this confusion and let go of him. But she didn’t. Very soon after, she started talking to him again. It became like an anniversary that every year she would get rid of him, but somehow they both went back to each other. Two magnets that just could not be separated no matter what pulled them apart. They did not know what they were to each other. Friends meant too little, lovers sounded incorrect, but what they knew was that they did not want to lose each other.

Soon after her 17th, Isla found somebody else. A boy that loved her ever so much. But in the back of her mind, there he stayed. She cut contact with him in respect of her relationship, yet again, she contacted him as soon as it ended.

As the years went on by, they decided to meet a couple of times, moving on from the childish past.

“I’m engaged Lucas. My wedding is in four months.” She tilted her head slightly to the side and pressed her lips. He looked at her and smiled, congratulating her although his heart frowned. It was never possible, right? A chance wasn’t lost when it was never had.

It was her wedding day. She was feeling unsure. It was pouring down with rain outside which made her think that this wedding was going to end up in a disaster. She had a weird feeling in her gut. Something she couldn’t ignore. There she stood, face to face with the love of her life, about to say her vows.

“I, Isla Adi-” the church doors slam open.

“I object” he announces.

Isla’s heart was pounding, almost trying to climb out of her mouth. There he stood, panting out of breath, drenched from the rain, his eyes only on her.

Feeling creative? We’re looking for your short stories. Send a brief synopsis to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your idea and contact details.

Colour Your World lifestyle

Spending just 20 minutes colouring works wonders for the soul. Make a start with this wonderful picture and inspirational message, then stand back and admire your handiwork!

A Final Thought…

A history of high-flying women

by ARTEMIS AEROSPACE

Women have been taking to the skies since the dawn of aviation, but their contribution isn’t as well-known as it should be.

If asked to name a female aviator, you’d probably pick Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia, or Amelia Earhart, the first to fly across the Atlantic - both pioneering and record-breaking pilots who captured public imagination and tragically died in their cockpits. However, women have been taking to the skies unsung from the beginning of powered flight.

It's uncertain who the first woman pilot was. Blanche ‘Betty’ Stuart Scott is a contender, possibly becoming the first American woman to fly a plane in 1910 — albeit unintentionally. During a lesson meant to be groundbased, a gust of wind lifted her plane, a ‘Curtiss Pusher’, forty feet in the air, and she executed a textbook landing. She later became the first woman to complete a longdistance flight, covering 60 miles in a ‘Baldwin Red Devil’.

Another candidate is American Bessica Raiche, who made the first accredited solo flight by a woman in America in 1910, piloting a bamboo-and-silk plane assembled in her sitting room. Frenchwoman Raymonde de la Roche became the first woman to earn a pilot’s licence in 1910, and Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel in 1912.

As aviation gained popularity, more women began to explore the skies. In 1929, the Ninety-Nines organisation was founded in New York to advance aviation and create a record of women pilots. Two years later, Amelia Earhart was elected the first president. The group’s name reflected its 99 charter members, with membership open to all licensed pilots.

The Second World War propelled women into aviation roles on a broader scale. In the UK, the women’s section of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was formed. This civilian organisation transported new and repaired aircraft between factories, maintenance depots and airfields, as well as ferrying service personnel, medical supplies and mail. In the US, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) performed a similar role.

In 1940, the first eight women joined the ATA, collectively flying over 15,000 miles a week. Initially limited to Tiger Moths, they eventually flew every type of aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancasters, and even the massive American B17 Flying Fortress. The ATA became known as the pilots who fly ‘from anywhere, to anywhere’,

Amelia Earhart in her first training plane in 1920

delivering aircraft to thousands of airfields across the UK to safeguard them from potential attacks on factories. For instance, a Spitfire factory in the West Midlands produced 320 planes a month at peak capacity, all requiring immediate relocation to safety.

A June 1941 report in the Aberdeen Press and Journal describes a typical ATA pilot’s day: delivering a bomber from southern England to Scotland in the morning, transferring a Hurricane to the West Country by lunchtime, flying a reconnaissance aircraft to East Anglia in the afternoon, and perhaps ending the day with a fourengined giant headed for Northern Ireland.

Throughout the war, ATA pilots transported 309,000 aircraft of 147 types, often under challenging conditions. With no radio contact and the ever-present threat of Luftwaffe attacks, they navigated unlit fields and blackout conditions, always keeping the ground in sight. Unlike RAF pilots, who specialised in specific aircraft, ATA pilots adapted to whatever was available. Remarkably, ATA women received the same pay as men of equal rank, the first time the UK government implemented equal pay in one of its organisations.

Post-war, women continued breaking aviation barriers. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. In 1977, ten women graduated from the US Air Force Pilot Training Programme, with the RAF following in 1990. In 1987, Lynne Barton became British Airways’ first woman pilot, and in 1995, Eileen Collins piloted the Space Shuttle.

Today, women pilot military and commercial aircraft, work in air traffic control, and design, build and maintain aircraft. With a global shortage of qualified pilots, their skills are in demand. The UK Civil Aviation Authority reports a 26% increase in pilot licences issued to women between 2019 and 2023, with a 43% rise in commercial licences and an 11% increase in general aviation licences.

For aspiring female pilots, it’s exciting to know the sky is no longer the limit.

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.’

In next month’s issue…

Pay less, travel more (by bus!)

What’s On locally –plan April’s social calendar!

Win a pair of theatre tickets plus a £15 One4All gift card!

Ask the Experts is BACK!

Print run: 7,000 copies every month

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