Life In Orpington May 2020

FR BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS

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ISSUE 15 . MAY 2020

Your COVID-19 Survival Guide!

CELEBRATING YOUR PETS AT HOME

Satisfying DIY jobs Simple life admin: your how-to plan

AT A T IM E E G A P E N O Y C O M M U N IT E H T G IN IR P S IN www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Nurse Managed Home Care

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www.compassionhomecare.co.uk 2 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Welcome to Life in ORPINGTON... ...your local community magazine that has something to suit all tastes Nicky

CONTENTS

How strange that we are living through a time that will be taught in history lessons in years to come. Where schools and universities were closed, exams cancelled and celebration ceremonies were put on hold; where ‘social distancing’ became a commonly used phrase and pubs, theatres, cinemas and restaurants were forced to shut up shop; where entire sports seasons and events were cancelled and we witnessed a shortage of ventilators for the critically ill; where panic buying and the need for loo rolls and handwash took (most of) us by surprise, and the ‘Stay At Home’ message is something none of us will ever forget.

Lauretta

May 2020

Community News

Getting to know Orpington....................... 4 Write it, Say it, Message it PRIZE GIVEAWAY.................................... 6 Noticeboard.............................................. 8

And during this time we also saw 408,000 people respond within 24 hours to a TV request to become ‘NHS Volunteers’; we witnessed businesses supporting each other and the NHS; and communities coming together to help one another. Neighbours became friends and we all came out of our homes every Thursday at 8pm to applaud the NHS super heroes.

coronavirus survival guide Coronvirus Survival Guide Special ........ 13

The date that this all changed was 11th March; on this date onwards we should remember how all our lives changed. The date should be a reminder to be grateful for the small things – the birds singing, being able to freely walk to wherever we like, to browse in shops, enjoy a meal out, see our families.

What’s On (line) This month ............................................. 16

I’d like to draw your attention to an extract from a book entitled This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick: “When a city finds itself in crisis, people begin to form closer and more caring connections. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, 33% of residents said that the storm brought neighbours together and 36% said they’re now connected to neighbors they didn’t know prior to the storm. These connections are crucial because they help people feel more rooted in the place they live in. So, while cohesion and social connections can’t stave off natural disasters, these human relationships can help people manage stress and suffering, since feeling attached to and invested in others makes us want to help them. Other research revealed that the more a person felt connected to their neighbours, the less they suffered from physical ailments and the better they felt emotionally.”

Lifestyle Puzzle Page - PRIZE GIVEAWAY........... 34 Did You Know......................................... 35 Classifieds.............................................. 36 Eco News............................................... 37 Life Hacks............................................... 38 Home & Garden...................................... 39 Pets........................................................ 40 Health & Beauty...................................... 43 A Final Thought...................................... 44 Stockists................................................. 46

So our final message from us, your local magazine that celebrates community spirit is this; support your neighbours and your ‘micro community’ in these unprecedented times. Enjoy getting to know your neighbours over the fence, keep your fighting spirit alive and your humour intact. We are really very lucky where we live, so let’s make the most of these times and enjoy the benefits that they can bring.

Nicky and Lauretta Published by: Life In Magazines Ltd

Nicky Grant and Lauretta Wright, Editors

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH MAY

PS Our COVID-19 ‘Survival Guide’ starts on page 13.

Get to know us What have you most enjoyed about lockdown?

Nicky: Spending more time with my family, making a garden circuit training workout and lots of arts and crafts.

Lauretta: Family games, movie nights and LEGO challenges! lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

@lifeinmags

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 3

Community News

Getting Orpington to know Farnborough Engineering – aerial view

Farnborough Engineering: TRANCO Valves, Guides and Springs This month we remind ourselves of a large lightindustrial manufacturing company located at the end of Starts Hill Close called Farnborough Engineering Company. They were manufacturers and repairers of valves, valve machinery, valve tools, jigs and piston rings. They were known the world over for their quality valves, guides and springs under the Tranco brand.

These important accessories were often exhibited at annual motor shows in the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

The large white building was visible between the tree line on the right-hand side when travelling on the A21 toward Locksbottom and Bromley, at the junction of Starts Hill Road and Farnborough High Street. Take a look at the aerial view of the factory (c1970) and one can see how large and significant it was to the local area.

Tranco Valves Advert 2

Tranco Valves Advert 1

Did you know?

Employees were given a

At their peak in the 1950s/1960s they employed gold watch after 10 years’ around 800 people – a significant employer for the service and another local area. Indeed, coaches picked up employees from after 25 years. all over the Orpington/Bromley area, with some from as far away as Brixton.

Tranco Valves Advert 3

This was a global company and some very prestigious engine manufacturers of the day used TRANCO valves. In the late 1970s the company was taken over by the US Automotive group TRW. They wanted to expand the operation with 24-hour working. This did not go down well with local residents and the nearby turkey farm due to concerns over noise pollution. So, TRW decided to move the operation to the Midlands near Birmingham and therefore closed the factory in 1984.

Long Service Award Watches

Many jobs were lost and it caused a lot of bad feeling in the area at the time. The whole site was demolished to make way for the 'Broadwater Gardens' housing estate. The aerial photo in this collection is from a copy of the birthday card that the Farnborough Engineering management used to send to each worker on their special day.

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

4 Life in... Orpington May 2020

Then and Now Location Map

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We are open for takeaways and home delivery.

20% Discount for collection orders or Free delivery on all orders over ÂŁ25 (within a 3 mile radius)

01689 855579 354 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent BR6 8NN info@thebankrestaurant.com www.thebankrestaurant.com thebanklocksbottom lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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Community News

Spotted on social

Write It, Say It, Message It!

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

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

You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags

Dear Life In Orpington, To cheer us all up…

The virus is upon us and the shopping it begins, I’m counting chopped tomatoes as I’ve just bought 20 tins.

You cannot find a toilet roll, there are none to be found, Unless you shop on eBay where you’ll now pay £30.

There’ll be no Sunday dinner, roast chicken or a ham, But don’t you fear we’ll get 6 meals just from one tin of Spam.

We’ve washed our hands 10 times a day for 20 seconds each, I’ve cleaned down every surface and now I stink of bleach!

We batten down the hatches as the virus starts to win, But I don’t think I’ll get it as I’m well dosed up on gin!

Jackie Langridge

THANK YOU CORNER

Lockdown!

Just be careful because people are going crazy from being in lockdown!

Actually I've just been talking about this with the microwave, toaster while drinking coffee and all of us agreed that things are getting bad.

I didn't mention anything to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything.

Certainly not to the fridge as he is acting cold and distant.

In the end the iron calmed me down as she said everything will be fine, no situation is too pressing.

The hoover was very unsympathetic... told me to just suck it up, but the fan was more optimistic and hoped it would all soon blow over!

The toilet looked a bit flushed when I asked its opinion and didn’t say anything but the doorknob told me to get a grip.

The front door said I was unhinged and so the curtains told me to ........yes, you guessed it? .....

Pull myself together!

Sent in by Sandra Fallon

Thank you to Naomi from Harle Skin & Aesthetics for giving back my eyebrows after chemo!

Lauretta Wright, editor, Life In Orpington

A huge thanks to Cannon Cars Ltd and their customers for donating £200 raised from their 30th birthday raffle and for their continued support for many years.

Thank you from all at Bromley Mencap.

DO YOU WANT TO THANK SOMEONE? Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Registe red Charity

Chief exec

6 Life in... Orpington May 2020

r 800685

utive

Chairman

the star response ( ) wins a £10 voucher to spend on stationery at tangent office resources www.tangentoffice.com

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Society of Will Writers Member

About us

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: Will Writing, Lasting Power Of Attorney, Probate, Inheritance Tax Planning and Document Storage.

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Telephone and Video Consultations Available

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Phone 020 8114 7111

contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk 23-28 Chatsworth Parade, Petts Wood, Orpington BR5 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 7

Community News - NOTICEBOARD PANTS FOR HEROES

BANK HOLIDAY RECYCLING AND WASTE COLLECTION DAYS

tenews

Check your collection at bromley.gov.uk/was

BP3 Underwear is giving away 100 free pairs of BP3 Pants to key worker heroes including NHS sta ff, supermarket workers, care workers, the police, volunteers, cleaners etc .. You can nominate a woman who is going the extra mile by sending an email to sales@bp3underwear.com

Useful Contacts

Bromley Council : To report a wide range of issues visit www.bromley .gov.uk/report FixMyStreet: To re port issues that ne ed the attention of Bromley Council su ch as potholes, br ok en street lighting, dumped rubbish et c, visit www.fixm ystreet.com Trading Standard s: Report rogue tra ders on 07903 852090 Official police secu rity website: www.securedbyd esign.com Action Fraud - UK Fraud and interne t crime reporting: www.actionfraud .police.uk or 0300 1232040 Childline: 0800 11 11 Samaritans: 116 123 Domestic Violen ce Hotline: 0808 2000 247 Mind: 0300 123 33 93 Age UK: 0800 16 9 6565 La Leche League : 0345 1202918 (fo r mums struggling to get fo rmula milk)

8 Life in... Orpington May 2020

VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations

STAY AT HOME STREET PARTY

Friday 8th May 2020 Decorate your house red, white and blue and enjoy a picnic in your front garden (at a safe distance)

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

al news

c share lo

for just ÂŁ30. We aim to list charity and non-profit notices for free (space dependent), or we offer a 20% discount for a guaranteed listing.

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Community News - NOTICEBOARD JOIN OTHERS TO SUPPORT THE G COVID-19 MAYPOLE PROJECT DURIN and children with complex

ts families The Maypole Project, suppor s the eals for your suppor t as it face app ntly urge medical needs and pandemic.

9 ID-1 COV the of s time g blin risk of closure during these trou funds, It now faces a devastating loss of elled canc g bein ts even ng raisi with all fund future and or postponed for the foreseeable streets. volunteers unable to collect on the receives that ity char ent To a local, independ ort is supp your ing, fund ent rnm gove no of closing ever ything. The charity is at risk eal where app cy rgen eme an up set has and the public of bers mem ing they are encourag to donate. socialYou could even set up your own The like e leng chal dly frien distancing ael Storie, Maypole Project supporter, Mich dmill and who run a half marathon on his trea ess. proc raise over ÂŁ1000 in the You can dionate to The Maypole

project here

.co.uk/fundraise/gifts/ https://w ww.themaypoleproject

Classic Newsreels abou t Orpington and the Surrounding Ar ea

Balm beauty Dr Paw Paw has launched a new initiative for Front-Line Staff.

The company is offering two free balms to NHS workers (they just need to cover postage.)

NHS staff are suffering from sore and cracked hands from the hand washing and hand sanitizer and the balms help to hydrate, soothe and nourish lips and skin. If you have an y friends or family or know any front-line workers that could also benefit from this see drpawpaw.com/fro ntline

CROFTON ROMAN VILLA NEWS

As well as making a wide variety of films including dramas, documentaries and comedies, for over 30 years Orpington Video & Film Makers (OVFM) has been filming in and around Orpington to produce a newsree l of the previous year’s events to include in our Spring Show. To try to relieve any boredom you may be feeling during the lock down we have made our two oldest newsreels available and we hope these will interest and entertain you.

Look back at events such as The Great Storm of 1987 as captured by our members or the end of the red telephone box in 1988; see how the shops in the area have changed and watch out in case you recognise people, perhaps yourself, in any of the scenes.

virus outbreak, Due to the current corona ision not to dec we have have taken the eye on our an p kee ase Ple t. sen open at pre for up to ok ebo Fac website, Twitter and opening date. new our on tion rma info date opportunity to We would like to take this e to see you hop wish you you all well and as soon as possible.

Stay safe. aru.org.uk/crofton_ w.k ww te: bsi We villa.html. an_ rom Twitter: @CroftonVilla. a@gmail.com Email: crofton.roman.vill

To join in this activity click https://www.ovfm.org.uk/ovfm -classic-newsreels/

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 9

Community News - NOTICEBOARD

MEALS FOR THE NHS

entrepreneurs in London A small group of tech workers and tify, Deliveroo and Spo like es (who worked at compani ch Meals For The NHS. laun to up ed team have y) inse McK to deliver free meals to The new group is raising money g local restaurants in ortin frontline NHS heroes, whilst supp down. They need shut e rwis othe have t migh that the process l costs £5, so mea age aver An hip! donations and sponsors zing) hospital ama (and tired £500 will feed up to 100 hungry, list so needs ing wait its on itals hosp 27 staff. The project has to the local tly direc go will ey to raise funds quickly. The mon the food to the ering deliv and aring prep are who businesses had to go out of business hospitals, who may otherwise have during the current crisis. .com For details see mealsforthenhs

Plastic is not fantastic

Tesco has announced tha t it will replace plasticwrapped multipacks with plastic-free multibuys on tinned food, eliminating 350 tonnes of plastic from the environment every yea r. The change applies to both the supermarket’s own brand products and branded products, like Hei nz Beans. The move contributes to the food giant’s commitment to remove 1bn pieces of pla stic from its own brand products by the end of 2020.

10 Life in... Orpington May 2020

THREE CHEERS FOR MILLIE!

Millie Harrison, 22, a personal assis tant from Bromley, first signed up to become a donor for Germany company, DKMS in 2016 after visiting PricewaterhouseCoopers and spea king with the blood cancer charity at the pop up registry in the canteen. After her meeting with DKMS, Millie started thinking about her own family.

What would happen if one of them received a diagnosis of blood cancer? Wou ld her family members be able to donate to each other, or would they have to rely on a dona tion from selfless stranger? This thought insp ired Millie to register with DKMS, never cons idering that she might actually be called as a donor. Once a person is on the register, you have a one in 800 chance of being asked to donate.

Your chance of being selected depends on your age and sex.

A young man, for example, aged 16-30, has a higher chance - one in 200 - of being asked to donate. Millie received a call last year; they needed her donation as a matter of urgency as the recipient was very ill. Millie was more than ready to donate, in fact she was very excited at the opportunity to save someone ’s life.

Millie says: “After receiving the call, my initial feeling was fear because I didn’t know much about the process. However, once it was all explained to me, I was so eager to get started.

I underwent various blood tests to make sure I was a 100% match for the recipient.

Once these were complete, I had a really shor t turn around because the patient was deteriora ting quickly.”

Millie is now ‘reserved’ for the sam e recipient for the next two years in case they need another donation. She wishes that person all the very best and has even sent them ‘get well soon’ card.

Summarising the donation process in three words, Millie would describe it as: “Rewarding, amazing and unreal…an experienc e like no other.”

For more information on becomi ng a potential lifesaver visit dkms.or g.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

When you say goodbye to a loved one, it’s important that you get the right service that’s fitting to them.

My name’s Michelle and I’m passionate about being a life celebrant. The way I work is by gaining a better understanding of the life of a loved one so that I can present a ceremony that is both bespoke and unique. A ‘Remember Me’ package also offers the option to plan a service in advance.

My second passion is the community I’ve been part of for many years; I co-founded The Bereavement Café in Orpington to offer support to those who have lost loved ones. If you need to talk about any issues relating to the loss of a loved one, please know that I am here to support others.

You can contact me by email at michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 11

Community News Local business

group is welcoming guests ...online Despite the current circumstances, there are still opportunities to meet and enjoy the company of new people and businesses. Our local BNI* Group usually meets at High Elms Golf Course and for the time-being, we’re meeting online via Zoom.

Richard Nudd of QED Consulting Engineers, says “We meet at breakfast time every Thursday and we love having new people from local businesses and organisations join us to share what they do. We already have over twenty five members from a whole range of sectors and industries. If we can help or advise our guests, we will. Our motto is ‘givers gain’ and we live up to it.”

Sam Diamond

Chris Cooke

Telecoms World PLC has been in the industry of hosted telecoms for over 15 years and deal direct with leading manufacturers and distributors.

We are extremely proud to provide an award-winning range of products and services for all sizes of business, backed up with a UK-based sales, order provisioning team and highly-commended customer support team.

We reach our customers through a network of independent members, working with people on a 1-2-1 basis to support and help people develop longterm sustainable lifestyle changes.

Nutritional Supplements

Voice and Data Solutions

T: D: E: W:

We are committed to making a difference in their lives through good education and accountability.

Message us now to start your personal health journey.

0800 043 0800 0345 459 4530 sam@telecomsworldplc.co.uk telecomsworldplc.co.uk

Independent Herbalife Member

M: E: IG: W:

07872 509 395 chriscookehbl@gmail.com @chriscookehbl chriscooke.goherbalife.com

You’ll meet people including Sam Diamond of Orpington-based business Telecoms World and nutrition expert Chris Cooke.

What have our recent guests said?

Claire Bromley of Claire Alexandra Designs says, “I’ve been to a few meetings at Lightning now.

They’re friendly people who are helping keep business local. I look forward to going back.”

Lauretta Wright, Editor of Life In Orpington, adds, “I attended a meeting recently. If you’re with a local business which would like to get more work, get in touch with BNI Lightning and attend a meeting or two. You’ll have a great time. I couldn’t believe how much energy there was in the ‘room’ even at 6.30 in the morning! When I went at Easter, they were all wearing Easter ‘bonnets’.”

BNI Lightning Chapter

Currently meeting online on Thursday mornings 6.30-8.30am Usually meets at High Elms Golf Course, High Elms Road, Downe, Orpington, Kent BR6 7JL If you would like to visit us online please contact: Debbie Beaven on 07833 640938 or email debbiebeaven@bsandb.co.uk *Business Networking International

12 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide

Your 17-page

Coronavirus Survival Guide Special!

Inspiration, advice and information to help you through the next few weeks…

The coronavirus has affected us all, dictating how we live our lives at home, at work and in our personal life.

Never could we have envisaged how impactful the virus would be on our dayto-day lives. But with Life In Orpington being a source of positive information that fundamentally focuses on the community, we wanted to showcase the silver lining to the dark clouds that hang above us. So welcome to this 17-page special section, where we’ll be spreading the good news, good vibes and good advice. There’s something for everyone – stay safe and enjoy the read!

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 13

Coronavirus Survival Guide

Something nice…

I just saw this wonderful family who run a fish and chip shop in Orpington ‘Crispy Cod’ who obviously have plenty of fresh produce. They made well over 100 fish and chips and donated all to the NHS staff at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Locksbottom. Nice to know the right people are still holding us together!

Harry Wines

Good news in these difficult times – overflowing donations from generous customers at Waitrose Bromley South. @livingwellbromley

Chandni Indian Cuisine in Orpington donated takeaway food to NHS workers at PRUH.

National acts of kindness…

• Fully Charged is providing eBikes to NHS workers for free for their commute in the capital. The bikes can be hired for three months at no charge.

• Free Headspace or Calm meditation session – a subscription normally costs £50-£60 a year, but both apps have released free content to help people through the coronavirus crisis.

• The National Lottery is diverting £300 million to support Britain’s most vulnerable amid coronavirus crisis.

• A free six-week trial with Chris Hemsworth where you can work out at home, stay healthy and seek calm. See https://centr.com/join-us • Free health & wellness classes from Creative Live – see creativelive.com/wellnessclasses 14 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide

Some old classics

Fancy playing a game but live alone? Don’t despair!

• Scrabble app – play a friend or a stranger • Chess.com – get feedback after your game • Funbridge.com – for all levels of bridge

25 THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU’RE SELF-ISOLATING

Let’s have a laugh…

1. Read a book 2. Start a new hobby – take up knitting, pilates 3. Grow your own fruit or veg 4. Decorate – pick one room at a time 5. Watch a film, boxset or TV series 6. Do some online learning 7. Try a new recipe 8. Start meditating 9. Sort out your paperwork & admin 10. Write your travel bucket list 11. Declutter – start small and work up to

whole rooms 12. Download some new podcasts to listen to 13. Get outside and go for a walk – remember

your social distancing 14. Clear your inbox – and unsubscribe to

emails you never read 15. Expand your magazine reading subscribe to Life In Orpington for just

£24 a year and have it put through your

door every month 16. Write a few letters and send to friends 17. Have a spring clean – remembering door

handles, light switches & your mobile!

18. Go shopping – online! Browse the aisles

of your favourite online shops 19. Try adult colouring 20. Look through old photos and sort them

out in folders or albums 21. Sort out your wardrobe 22. Have a clear-out of your toiletries or makeup 23. Get connected – chat with friends on

apps like Houseparty 24. Make a mood board by using old magazines 25. Pamper yourself – have a bath, meditate

or have a nap lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 15

Coronavirus Survival Guide

Virtual ways of staying in touch • Houseparty

• Slack

• Facebook Messenger

• Google Home

• Zoom

• What’s App

Fab tips

@dailyexpress

Stuck inside and running low on essentials? This quarantine calculator will help you to avoid running low and helping you to avoid panic buying in the supermarkets. See freetips.com/quarantine-calculator 16 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide A HUGE THANKS…

@lynseyh123 for helping with magazine distribution! Plus a special thanks to the following people for their offers of help with distribution: Anthony from Southeast Legacies, Gareth from Clearview Glazing, Mel from Soulistic We’d like to thank the Therapy and Michelle Harvey, Life community for the support and Celebrant. understanding in this difficult time.

Nicky & Lauretta They have all been wonderful with Life In Orpington helping us to obey the Government guidelines with social distancing and limiting stock for us to be able to 'Feed the Nation'.

My neighbour who checks on me every day – even if its just a shout over the fence! @ecodomestics

Sainsbury’s Locksbottom

Get cultured!

Holidu, the search engine for holiday rentals, has compiled a list of ten of the most popular museums and art galleries in Europe, all of which have collections that can be viewed from the comfort of your own home – enjoy!

1. Le musée du Louvre, Paris

6. Musei Vaticani, Vatican City

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art and antiques museum, holding world famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa or the Victory of Samothrace, and is actually the most popular museum in Europe on Instagram, exceeding 4 million posts! louvre.fr

The Vatican Museums, located in The Vatican City, a citystate located in the heart of the Italian capital of Rome, hosts a grand collection of public art and sculpture which was gathered by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries. museivaticani.va

2. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

7. Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris, Paris

The collection comprises more than three million works of art and artefacts of world culture, all of which can be viewed virtually on their extensive online platform. hermitagemuseum.org

Going by the name of MAM Paris for short, this museum holds a collection of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art. Browse the online archives to view the works of the most prominent of artists, such as Henri Matisse, Robert Delaunay and many others. mam.paris.fr

3. British Museum, London Older than the United States itself, this museum contains one of the most important collections in the world, illustrating the evolution of Man from his beginnings to present day. Scroll through the ages as you explore art, history, religion, conflict and more. britishmuseum. withgoogle.com

4. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Meaning ‘Amsterdam State Museum’, Rijksmuseum is the most important museum in the country, both in terms of the number of visitors and the number of works on display.

It is dedicated to the fine arts, crafts and history of the country. google.com/partner/rijksmuseum

5. Musée d'Orsay, Paris Musée d'Orsay holds the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works in the world. google.com/ partner/musee-dorsay-paris

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8. Tate Britain, London The online portal offers virtual tours around the rooms showing a chronological display of Britain’s greatest artists of all time. tate.org.uk

9. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam Dedicated to the works of van Gogh, this museum has a great online section allowing you to access resources including the life and works of van Gogh and a wide variety of child-friendly resources to keep the younger ones entertained and educated! vangoghmuseum.nl

10. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid Spain’s national museum of 20th century modern art, the Museo Reina Sofía is named after and dedicated to Queen Sofía. The online site offers a wide range of content, including a multimedia section with hundreds of videos and audio pieces. museoreinasofia.es

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 17

Coronavirus Survival Guide

Families & parenting 25 Things To Entertain the Kids

1. Bake a cake 2. Get the colouring pens out 3. Make a home cinema 4. Sign up to receive digital books 5. Write letters to grandparents 6. Do some weeding 7. Make a video together 8. Write a song or poem 9. Make some rock art (Google it!)

10. Sow some seeds 11. Declutter the wardrobe 12. Have a dress up day 13. Watch a movie 14. Write a wish-list 15. Go for a walk 16. Create a memory box 17. Make a bird feeder 18. Host a dance competition 19. Make a scavenger hunt 20. Learn origami 21. Enjoy a spot of painting 22. Make a family tree 23. Build a den 24. Let them do your makeup 25. Do some star spotting

30 Day LEGO Challenge

Follow the instructions for each day. The only rule is to have fun and use your imagination!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

You enter a contest to build the world’s tallest tower. Will you win?

You are stuck on Mars and need to build a new ship to get home.

Ford hires you to create the toughest pick up truck in the world.

You and 4 friends are stranded on an island. Build a boat to find a way home.

Captain Hook You and your needs a new pirate friends decide to ship and wants build a tree house. you to build it.

Prince Charming hires you to build a castle for him & Cinderella.

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Dr. Who hires you to build a new TARDIS.

You are asked by the President to build a new monument to George Washington.

Mr. Hilton hires There is a circus you to build a new in town. Build a hotel. place for the performance.

Help your fellow pioneers build a wagon to make it across the country.

Build the fastest car around and join the big car race.

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Do you wanna build a snowman?

Get in the winter mood and build a snow scene.

The city wants you to build a bridge to connect one side of the town to the other.

Pizza party! It is up to you to make a pizza for all the guests.

You are hired to build a brand new hospital.

Day 26

Day 27

Day 28

The fence is broke and the dog keeps escaping. Build one he can’t get out of.

You are now in medieval times.

You are commissioned to build a jousting arena.

The local bank keeps getting robbed. Build a safe no one can crack.

You are elected ruler. Build a flag for your land.

Aliens are invading and you need to build a war robot to defeat them.

The aliens have taken over. They are impressed by your robot. They want you build one for them.

You are hired to build a house entirely out of yellow Legos.

There is blizzard.

You will need to build a snowmobile

You were hired NASA needs you to by an amusement build a new rocket. park to create a new roller coaster.

Day 29

Day 3

Day 4

Your parents want to build a new home and they want you to build it.

Hollywood hires you to build a movie set for a new Star Wars movie.

Day 10

Day 30

Day 11

Day 25

Design and build your dream bedroom.

What was your favorite day?

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The National Literacy Trust has launched a free comprehensive online zone for parents seeking ideas and guidance for activities that will engage their children at home, whilst also benefiting their reading, writing and language development. See literacyfamilyzone.org.uk

To help keep the kids busy, The Entertainer has launched The Boredom Busting Ideas Hub which is frequently updated. It includes activity and colouring sheets, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference and word searches. See thetoyshop.com/boredom-busting-hub

18 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide 10 fab apps for distance learning 1. TimeTable RockStars 2. Duolingo 3. YouTube Kids & Planet Earth 4. Dragon Box 5. Suduko Puzzle Games 6. Spelling Stage 7. Your Spelling KS2 8. Free Flow 9. Tappity Science for kids KS1 10. Homer Reading

IT’S FREE! •

Amazon has cancelled the subscription of books and audio stories for children for as long as schools are closed. Kids can instantly stream a collection of stories that will help them continue dreaming, learning & just being kids. See https://stories.audible.com/start-listen

• Rosetta Stone is offering school children free access to its language courses for three months to help kids who are learning from home. See rosettastone.co.uk/lp/ freeforkids •

Looking for fun ways to help your child with SPAG (Spelling Punctuation and Grammar) throughout the lockdown? There's an app called Sir Linkalot that offers fun quizzes and challenges to make spelling fun.

Normally it costs £6.99 a month but you can access it for free until June 12, 2020. Simply sign up to its mailing list at sirlinkalot.org/spellathome/

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 19

Coronavirus Survival Guide

Spotted on social

Help your children with their mental wellbeing 1. Encourage them to use social media in a healthy way

Social media often receives a lot of criticism in today’s society and is regularly cited as being one of the causes of mental health problems in young people. However, in times such as these, using social media in a healthy way could actually be incredibly beneficial for children and young adults, by allowing young people to maintain good communication with their friends and classmates and share their concerns. Encouraging your kids to get involved in group chats with close friends and use video calling services such as FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat or Skype can help them to remain close with their peers and engage in regular, healthy social interaction. You could also introduce them to other apps, such as HouseParty, which enable larger groups of people to enjoy group video chats with added functions – this will help your children to interact with more of their peers at one time, rather than limiting their communication to one-on-one conversations.

2. Play games with them

As the majority of children will now be spending a lot more time at home for the foreseeable future, now is the best time to dust off those board games or break out the pack of playing cards. While nothing can truly replace real-life social interaction with peers, playing games with your kids is a fantastic way to maintain their social development and will help them to improve useful social skills such as negotiation, explanation and strategizing.

3. Ask for help & give them projects

As they spend more time away from school, many kids will become frustrated at their lack of progress and will become lazy and demotivated due to the lack of structure. Enlisting your kids’ help with household tasks and giving them projects to complete, such as cooking, painting, basic DIY (supervised of course!) will provide them with vital structure and goals to achieve. This will also translate over into keeping them productive and helping them stay on track with their academic work.

4. Give them some space

While it may be very counterintuitive, sometimes kids need to spend time alone to develop vital tools and coping mechanisms which will allow them to cope with solitary moments and difficult periods in the future. While long term loneliness is detrimental, giving your children some space and resisting the urge to constantly check in and be present during this time may in fact help them to come to terms with the situation and build resilience. Ensuring you are available to answer any questions or discuss any concerns they have, while not forcing them to talk about the situation, will go a long way to helping them negotiate this tricky period.

RAINBOW PAINTING AND SPOTTING Children all over the country are connecting with each other by painting colourful rainbows and putting them in their windows for others to see. Get your kids to make their own rainbow or maybe go for a social distancing walk and spot the rainbows.

Smart TMS

20 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide

Business How businesses & working parents can succeed at work and parenting Virtual connection points:

Involve everyone in the team to talk about the possible times of day when everyone could be available e.g. to have a team call. This might only be for half an hour or you might have to run an A and B shift to stay connected.

Work in shifts:

If you have a partner and they are working from home also, taking shifts is a no-brainer. Becoming an early riser is also an option if your kids sleep well, as is bringing in an evening shift if they wake with the lark.

Chunk it down:

Don’t try and do everything - if you’re able to, have parts of your day where you’re absolutely focused on work, parts where perhaps you’re semi focused whilst supervising home schooling and parts where you totally disconnect and just be with the children.

actually increase your output while you're home with the kids by carving out two sets of time for deep work.

A flexible to do list:

Sit down and look at what needs to get done each week, rather than each day. Break them down into quick tasks that don't involve a lot of brainpower and longer ones that demand deeper thinking.

Work with your body:

If you work best in the morning, try and work then, accepting that in the afternoon you may not get to work as much but you’ve made hay at your most productive time.

Be kind to yourself (and your children!):

Create boundaries:

Working with children in the house is not going to be perfect (or even close). They’ll be interruptions, spillages (and worse) and hours will get away from you.

Be kind to yourself and celebrate the small wins (and stuff you got done) each day.

Don’t plan too far ahead:

The current COVID-19 situation will mean that we’re looking through a new window into each other's homes, families and wider lives. Embrace that and use it as an opportunity to connect on a more human level - if your kids burst into a video call, let them say hi!

If you’re able to because there’s two of you on the job at home, create boundaries to help you focus when working. If there’s just one of you and your kids are older, talk openly and agree on those boundaries. Try noise-blocking headphones and a ‘do not disturb sign’.

Make individual and team plans by the day or week (at most). COVID-19 and children are both highly unpredictable so plan too far ahead and you’ll set yourself up for failure.

Be fully present:

That means that if you’re having a stint with the family, do that 100%. When you’re working, give that your total focus (using boundaries above). You’ll feel much better for it (and get more done).

Power work for productivity:

According to a study of 185 million workers, the average person is productive for two hours and 48 minutes each day. Schedule your day well and you can

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Embrace a different lens:

Be realistic and honest:

We’re all in this crisis together so there’s no need to hide your practical limitations and challenges - leaders being open and honest about their own working patterns (and limitations) can really set the tone for this.

Be human:

'Words create worlds’ and at times like this how we make people feel is everything. Remember the human beings behind the laptops, the challenges they might be facing and help each other out as much as you can.

The Culture Builders

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 21

Coronavirus Survival Guide Heads up:

HMRC has set up a help line for the self-employed and businesses and can advise on issues such as tax and benefits you can claim for.

Call 0300 456 3565 or see gov.uk/business-supporthelpline

Help from Bromley Council:

Bromley Council has launched a Business Rates helpline in case you are having difficulty getting your Grant or need any assistance Call 0208 313 4897.

10 TIPS TO WORKING FROM HOME 1. Find a work space 2. Prioritise your workload 3. Make a list of to-dos 4. Limit your emails 5. Turn off your notifications while working 6. Keep business hours 7. Take frequent breaks 8. Get a schedule and stick to it 9. Cut out distractions 10. Use automated tools & apps

to help workflow

22 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide 10 business communication tips during quarantine 1. Do not ignore the problem: A pandemic will inevitably affect your company and employees, thus talking about security and any foreseen plans during quarantine with clients, employees and partners should be a priority.

Everybody needs to know clearly what your business plans are, whether the team will now work remotely or you will temporarily be out of business, how you can be contacted and how you are willing to help the others. This will allow the company to maintain seamless communication and provide clarity in shaping future communications.

2. Plan internal communication: In times of panic, the reluctance to take on responsibility may begin, thus it is important to appoint a person or a team that will be responsible for sharing the information with employees.

Staff should receive all mandatory information regarding the critical points and risks of a crisis, how to ensure a safe and responsible environment and how the work will look like from this point. Any communication with remote workers should be especially empathetic - create open communication, understand that a person is working from home and may have other family members in the same room, thus the environment may not be very professional.

claims that the number of online shoppers has increased by 2.5 times compared to February last year. Consumer habits are about to change, thus keep that in mind when choosing your further strategy. Business communication will also undoubtedly change - unique, value-creating content is going to be even more important than ever.

7. Work with the right professionals: Choose those communication professionals who have the best knowledge about your niche. In the time of crisis, start with an internal newsletter for employees and customers, and then move on to a niche message for your target audience.

Think about how you can help people in crisis: “Microsoft” and “Google”, for example, have provided free access to conference tools to facilitate remote work, while some airlines have agreed to waive the fees for flight information exchange and cancellation.

3. Maintain contacts: Do not stop fostering relationships with clients, partners and investors. Use various communication channels, such as social networks, just to chat and show that you are responding to the situation.

Clients need to understand that in spite of temporary troubles, the company is still in business and you are ready to help and answer any questions. The communication should take place regularly and be available at all times. It is important to stay open about the challenges ahead and how you are prepared to deal with them. Crisis can be a great time to re-communicate your company's core values.

8. Choose partnership: In a crisis, finding the right partners is more important than ever, especially if you are a small business. Instead of choosing competition, look for partnerships - help each other, share resources and ideas, and this may get you out of hard times even faster. One great example of open collaboration is the cryptocurrency company “Coinbase” - it has openly shared its internal communication plan with the world, including daily tips for employees and answers to everyone's concerns, from the latest news about the virus to general advice about pet care during quarantine, etc.

4. Continue communication with the press, offer help and expertise: While the first instinct in a crisis is to get away from it all, long-built communication efforts should not be suddenly dropped. Do not push the press away - continue talking about your company by fine-tuning your tone, as people need empathy and sensitivity at this moment. A good way to help is by actively offering your comments and company expertise. For example, if you are a virtual educator, offer tips on what to do with children at home, and if you are a private clinic, share insights on health care, etc.

9. Prepare an external communication plan: In the global context, all businesses face the same situation - only an attitude and preparation will differ. Now is a great time to build a communication plan that will help to address different audiences. If your business is not localized, this is a great opportunity to look for partners in wider and unexplored markets. It is worth considering communication abroad as well - perhaps your business solutions could address some specific consequences of a pandemic. For example, fintech companies can help create new solutions for remote billing, translation agencies could employ more freelancers who now can only work from home, and so on.

5. Share achievements: Despite the stress, understand that the crisis will not last forever, thus keep reminding your customers and partners about it. During this time, it is important to continue sharing company achievements and success stories. Inspire people and help them understand that this phase is temporary. Of course, achievements need to be communicated in a sensitive manner when many other companies are experiencing difficulties. This requires empathy and diplomacy at every step.

6. Find the right strategy for your business: Global crisis does not mean your customers are no longer interested in your business. For example, trade giant “Alibaba” lifeinmagazines.co.uk

10. Contribute to community: There probably are people around you who need help - take a chance to find ways to contribute safely. Perhaps you can provide food aid to those who have returned from abroad and are in compulsory two-week self-isolation, or assist elderly people struggling to get the essentials - there are many safe opportunities to contribute to the community. Do good deeds and communicate about them, and it will encourage others to join in as much as they can.

Blue Oceans PR

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 23

Coronavirus Survival Guide

Health & wellness 5 of the best natural herbal solutions to support immunity

SELF-CARE TIPS Take this opportunity to look after yourself – your health and wellbeing are even more important right now

Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash

Echinacea: Can be particularly helpful for fighting infections of the respiratory tract. It may have a preventative action but also help relieve symptoms and speed recovery.

Elderberries: Bursting with brightly coloured pigments that act as natural antioxidants, elderberries are a natural source of vitamin C. Elderberry is a powerful fruit shown to ‘de-activate’ viruses, helping to stop them spreading through the body. It may also help the immune system in a similar way to Echinacea.

Sipping on herbal tea is a great way of incorporating these two ingredients.

Vitamin C: Plays an important role by improving the activity of some white blood cells such as ‘natural killer cells’, allowing our immune system to communicate and co-ordinate its attack against viruses.

•

Get enough sleep – keep your room well ventilated and don’t eat or exercise just before bed. Getting enough sleep helps strengthen the immune system

•

Lower stress – exercise is a great way of lowering stress levels. If you can’t get out for a daily walk you can potter around the garden or opt for meditating or following an indoor exercise regime

•

Eat well – make sure that you are getting plenty of fruit and vegetables, fibre and healthy fats in your diet and drink plenty of water; a healthy diet is one of your body’s best defences against illness.

Andrographis: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote the production of antibodies and reduce the severity of infection, andrographis contain compounds that rally the immune system to fight effectively against invaders such as viruses.

Mushrooms: There are approximately 400 species of fungi that have been identified with medicinal properties, and many have antiviral, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory qualities. Mushrooms are high in beta glucans – natural substances found to help ‘prime’ our immune system, making sure it’s ready for action to fight off infection.

Did you know…

Dancing video games burn the most calories per 30-minute sessions – a whopping 240 for men and 209 for women.

Faraway Furniture

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24 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Guide

Work on your mental health 1.

Keep lines of communication open. Speak or video call someone every day and have a chat with them.

2.

Ask for help – from friends, family, neighbours, colleagues.

You’ll be surprised to see how many people are willing to help.

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 25

Coronavirus Survival Guide

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10 self care activities in 12 minutes or less (before the kids wake up!)

If you’re craving some ‘me-time’ and are looking for ways of clawing back a brief moment for yourself, here’s some practical advice on self-care in 12 minutes or less that parents have shared…

1. Mindful breathing - bringing attention to only your breath is a great relaxation technique - Sesh Naidoo, Mum, Science Teacher and Co-Founder of the Circle of Alphas App, shares a simple activation for mindfully controlling breathing.

2. Take an epsom salts bath - not original, but super effective right now. We’ve spoken to many parents who feel like their only sanctuary is their bathroom; sound familiar? Why not make the bathroom a regular safehaven in the morning before little feet make an entrance, by running yourself a relaxing bath. Epsom salts optional.

Lavender essential oil is also nice but it gets slippery.

3. Create your own indoor running circuit - these are extraordinary times so you might need to resort to extraordinary measures to accomplish your daily run. This is exactly what Maud Hodson did and ran a marathon in her back garden!

4. Do namaskars or sun salutations - grab your yoga mat and head out to the garden to greet the rising sun.

The Yoga Journal suggests that the roots of modern sun salutation rituals can be traced back 3,500 years; Namaskars were first described in the Rig Veda, the oldest collection of sacred Indian scriptures.

5. Quick EFT - EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique, and is also known as Tapping which can be a great stress reduction tool. By simply stimulating the acupressure points on your face and upper body (much like acupuncture, but without the needles) you send a signal to your brain that you're safe. And by talking about how you feel at the same time, you can dissolve any unwelcome feelings, simply by acknowledging them and then letting them go.

26 Life in... Orpington May 2020

6. Make a gratitude list - when we are anxious or stressed or even just lost in our own negative thoughts, making a list of everything that we are thankful for in our lives helps to ground and calm us. The list can include physical items “my phone”, “my laptop”, as well as people “the love of family and friends”, and organisations “the NHS”.

7. Barefooted gardening - eccentric? Absolutely! Helpful?

Yes. Being out in the garden early in the morning when the dew is still on the grass is a great energy booster and brings many health benefits.

8. Write it all out - wrap yourself in a blanket and find a quiet spot where you can journal and set your intentions for the day; if specific things are bothering or giving you anxiety, just writing them out can help to clear away thought patterns that aren’t serving you in a positive way.

9. Escape into a poem or write your own - Intuitive Energy Mentor, Oneness Sankara, says: “Reading, and writing poetry especially, is great for self care because it opens up that creative faculty that is necessary for embracing possibilities”.

10. Make a mug of raspberry tea - for a quick-win, mood booster, herbal teas are really healthy and super easy to make; just add about 5 or 6 frozen raspberries to hot water and you’ll have a refreshing vitamin-boosting drink to enjoy.

Nurturey.com

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Coronavirus Survival Guide

Home Sweet Home How long it takes to binge 20 of Netflix’s most watched series Stranger Things – As the most-binged Netflix show,

The Santa Clarita Diet - To get through three

13 Reasons Why – One day, 12 hours and 51 minutes is how much time you’ll need to get through all three seasons (39 episodes).

Big Mouth - Three seasons and 31 episodes will take you 14 hours and 19 minutes.

Queer Eye - Two seasons and 27 episodes will take you 20 hours and 48 minutes.

fans will need to plan for 21 hours and 49 minutes to watch all three seasons (25 episodes).

Orange Is the New Black – This show will take up a lot of your time at over 90 hours (three days, 18 hours and 21 minutes) to binge seven seasons and 91 episodes.

Lucifer – This show takes the second-longest amount of time to get through. To watch all four seasons (67 episodes), you’ll need to set aside two days, one hour and 57 minutes.

You – To get through two seasons (20 episodes) you’ll need 15 hours and 29 minutes.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - This series

requires 19 hours and nine minutes from your schedule for two seasons (20 episodes).

The Ranch – Set aside one day, 11 hours and 54 minutes to get through all seven seasons (70 episodes).

Marvel’s Jessica Jones – For all three seasons and 39 episodes, you’ll need one day, nine hours and seven minutes.

Marvel’s the Punisher - It will take 22 hours and 51 minutes to binge two seasons and 26 episodes.

The Umbrella Academy - To watch the first

season’s 10 episodes you’ll need nine hours and seven minutes.

seasons, 30 episodes, it will take you 14 hours and 19 minutes.

Mindhunter - There are two seasons and 27 episodes to get through, which will take 16 hours and 59 minutes.

Designated Survivor - The three seasons and 53 episodes of this fan-favorite will take a total of one day, 15 hours and 53 minutes to binge.

Grace and Frankie - This delightful comedy consists of six seasons and 78 episodes so far, which will take you one day, 14 hours and 5 minutes to watch. There will only be one additional season of this one unfortunately.

Dead to Me - Jen and Judy’s story will continue into a second season, which is just around the corner! To get caught up on the first season, which consisted of 10 episodes, you’ll need four hours and 53 minutes.

Black Mirror - To get through this brilliant mindbending anthology series, you’ll need 21 hours and 31 minutes to binge 22 episodes over its five-season run.

Fans are awaiting news of a sixth season but nothing has been confirmed...yet.

Atypical - There are three seasons, 28 episodes of this show, which will take 14 hours and 36 minutes to binge.

One Day at a Time - You’ll need 18 hours and five minutes of watch-time to binge through three seasons and 39 episodes.

Forbes.com

Experts at cleaning and laundry company Dr Beckmann have advised regular washing of clothes at 60 degrees to help eliminate the spread of bacteria and viruses. As the UK continues to selfisolate due to COVID-19, the cleaning experts say household linen, towels and underwear should all be washed at a temperature of 60°C to reduce the spread of germs. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 27

Coronavirus Survival Guide

Stress-free cleaning A recent YouGov poll shows 49% of people are cleaning and tidying more now than before the lockdown! According to the stats, there’s an average of 5,400 Google searches for ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ per month and a 160% increase in searches for the company Minky, producers of Mrs Hinch’s famous ‘Minkeh’ cloth. To find out the best cleaning products and hacks guaranteed to get your house in tip top condition, End of Tenancy Cleaning London put together a list of ten of the best Mrs Hinch-approved products and hacks and asked 1,473 people to vote on their favourites. Key findings revealed that Brits voted putting ‘bicarbonate soda on the mattress’ as the most useful Mrs Hinch cleaning hack, at 26.32%; Zoflora is the standout cleaning product everyone should be using according to a third of Brits; and 81.58% of respondents said they would recommend Mrs Hinch’s hacks and products to others.

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om

Top ways Brits intend to ‘home improve’ 1. Learn to cook / bake 2. Work out at home every day 3. Learn a language 4. Go on a diet 5. Yoga 6. Learn to grow vegetables 7. Learn to garden 8. Family tree research 9. Master an instrument 10. Take an online university course 11. Learn to draw properly 12. Read up on English history 13. Learn to play new board games 14. Learn to Facetime/video chat 15. Learn how to cut your own hair 16. Learn how to use mindfulness apps 17. Take on expert level jigsaw puzzles 18. Learn how to use social media apps such as

Snapchat or House Party 19. Learn how to do press ups 20. Learn a coding / programming package like Scratch

or Python

28 Life in... Orpington May 2020

21. Work out how to manage finances online 22. Master painting/watercolours 23. Learn to write a novel 24. Learn how to upload YouTube videos 25. Learn to colour in properly 26. Learn how to run a small business 27. Learn how to knit 28. Learn to crochet 29. Learn how to sew 30. Learn how to make podcasts 31. Learn how to play kid's computer games 32. Learn an online design / CAD package 33. Learn higher maths 34. Learn to type 35. Learn to make cocktails / certain drinks 36. Learn how to use a drill 37. Learn to sing 38. Plumbing 39. Learn how to do keepie uppies 40. Learn how to change a car tyre Lottoland

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Coronavirus Survival Guide 10 ways to make the most of staying home Our hectic lifestyles rarely leave room to slow down and appreciate the small things. But, as we contemplate the quiet weeks ahead in our own homes, there are lots of things we can do to turn a difficult situation into a positive one.

1. Cook: Having time at home is a great opportunity to cook delicious meals, get more confident, and enthused and to encourage children to get involved in the process.

Technology means we can now watch video recipes instead of wading through stodgy cook books. A video allows you to see the end product and stop and start the video as you progress.

2. Become friendly with your local producers or retailers: If you want to avoid the

supermarkets then local deliveries could be the best option all round. Chickens won’t stop laying eggs, cows will continue to produce milk, and veg won't stop growing, so potentially, there should be plenty of local food around. In wake of cafe and restaurant closures there will also be lots of businesses offering new delivery services.

3. Grow Your Own: We’ve been growing food

for thousands of years and it’s within our souls to get satisfaction from producing a bountiful crop. We would all feel a lot more secure if we grew and shared food locally.

So why not start up your own veg patch? If you're short on space invest in a Veg Trug, or create some window boxes.

4. Fermenting food or drink: Fermenting food was very popular, and essential, in the past, both to preserve food for shortages and add flavour to meals. Fermented foods are also very healthy as they contain many essential gut bacteria to help increase immunity. They are also extremely easy to make and could even develop in to a nice home business. Look online for items on what you can ferment and how to use your stock in every day meals.

5 Get baking: If you’re lucky enough to have a flour stash, then try your hand at baking. Not only is it healthier,

but it is also a great way to relax and you can get the kids involved too. Healthier, satisfying, self sufficient and saving money, should be enough reasons for this activity. There are hundreds of videos on bread making and sourdough on You Tube to help you get started.

6. Have a clear out: This could be difficult if you have crammed recent purchases on top of old foods, but lockdown is a great time to get organised. Eat the old food first and list everything you have to see how long you could last before you need to shop again. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people have enough food to last months!

7. Forage: Since we are still allowed to enjoy one

outside activity a day, this could be a great opportunity to forage for some free goodies. Over the next month you could look out for wild garlic, sorrel, elderflowers and even nettles. It's also a great family activity that even the kids will enjoy!

8. Join your community: This is a great opportunity to rebuild our local communities. Sharing food, seeds and seedlings if you have them, or offering neighbours help with essential shopping. Join a local Facebook group to see how you can help out.

9. Exercise: We must stay fit and active to fight off bugs. Although the gym is closed, there is no reason why we can’t exercise at home, or practise yoga. Experts say that if we all spent just minutes a day doing the Sun Salutation the NHS would save millions in back pain treatment. With lockdown now enforced, many PTs and fitness experts are offering videos to keep both adults and children moving.

10. Reconnect: Most of all, this quiet, at home time we're all embarking on is a great time for rediscovery, whether that be of yourself or your family. Use the time to slow down, play with your children, engage with your partner and do games and activities together such as cooking, dancing, gardening or painting. Look at the positives and the next few weeks will be gone before you know it.

Bigbarn.co.uk

Switch off – naturally Scented candles are traditionally used to reduce stress and slow down after a busy day - exactly what we need during these uncertain times. What most people don’t know is that most scented candles are bad for our health as they contain paraffin that releases unwanted chemicals. The scented candles by Holistic London are made from natural ingredients, vegan and are not tested on animals.

A wide selection of fragrances are available, with prices starting from £14. See thisisholisticlondon.com

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 29

what's on (line) - MAY 2020

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

There's something for everyone!

ARTS & CRAFTS

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

IndiGo Art from Home for children aged 9 and above

Art projects posted out to you for £5 AND FREE Art Projects emailed to you.

For more info email Selena and Sarah: info@indigoartclub.com or check us out on Facebook or our website: http://selen30.wixsite.com/indigoartclub For all abilities.

community & charity Bereavement Café

Message the facebook page for a call back

Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/bereavementcafe If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one, contact The Bereavement Cafe to talk with qualified bereavement counsellors? All are welcome.

VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations STAY AT HOME STREET PARTY Friday 8th May

Commemorate the end of WW2 by decorating your house red, white and blue and enjoy a picnic in your front garden (at a safe distance).

Orpington Village Halls Dementia support

The Dementia Cafe is closed during COVID-19 but we still want to support our cafe friends.

Cost: Free Contact: Either call the halls on 01689891828 and leave your name and number, or send us an email to remotesupport@orpingtonvillagehall.org.uk We have put together an email-able pack of resources that may be useful to our cafe visitors as well as any new friends currently confined to their homes. Our Cafe volunteers would also like to phone any of our cafe visitors should you be welcome of a call! Please let us know if you would like to receive this information or a phone call from one of the team of volunteers.

Request to volunteer

Contact: www.bromley.gov.uk Bromley council is adopting the lead coordinating role amongst all interested parties and individuals seeking to do their bit to help. Residents who would like to assist our response to Covid-19 by volunteering their time and services in support for those in need are being encouraged to register via the Bromley Council website: https://www. bromley.gov.uk/VolunteerApplicationForm.

Please note that this is a community coordinated response led by the council, should your help be called upon, you should continue at all times to follow the advice given by Public Health England and the council.

Help Orpington NHS

Scout Hut at 207 Crofton Road daily 7am-10pm.

Contact: Facebook Orpington Covid 19 Mutual Aid A local group supporting the Orpington Community & Hospitals throughout the CoVid-19 Pandemic. We match volunteers with those in our community needing support with shopping, collecting medication, or just a friendly chat.

We have now expanded our offering to include "Help Orpington NHS". We provide a doorstep drop shopping service for NHS staff who are in isolation, and are about to open free pop-up shop where they can collect a bag of essentials before or after shifts to try and make life a little easier. We also provide a cooked meal for NHS staff housed in the Premier Inn who can't go home because they live with someone who is high risk.

If you need support for yourself, or for a family/friend/ neighbour please fill in this form for them: https://bit.ly/OC19AR A volunteer will then make contact and arrange help.

If you can offer support for a a member of our community please let us know here: https://bit.ly/OC19SF All volunteers must be registered for safeguarding.

To make a donation visit: www.opencollective.com/ocma

Workwear that works Tel: 07717 740 072 harriet@buckinghamphotography.co.uk www.buckinghamphotography.co.uk @harrietbuckinghamphotography

30 Life in... Orpington May 2020

W O R K W E A R

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what's on (line) - MAY 2020 ECO Greener & Cleaner Bromley (& Beyond)

Follow theim on social media for projects and tips, ideas and information - working to leave a better environmental legacy for our little ones and future generations.

Facebook: Greener & Cleaner Bromley (& Beyond) Instagram: GreenerandcleanerUK Twitter: GreenerandcleanerUK

COOKING The Cooking Shed

Every Thursday at 4pm and Saturday at 12 noon

Cost: Free Contact: Facebook: @thecookingshed www.thecookingshed.com Free adult and child cook-along on Facebook live until schools return.

libraries Orpington Library

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

Petts Wood Library

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

SOUTHBOROUGH Library

Contact: 020 8467 0355 www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ southborough-library Due to the impact of COVID-19, libraries across the borough are now closed until further notice, with all activities suspended and library fines being waived during this period. We are closely monitoring all updates to keep you informed and we hope to welcome you back as soon as it is safe to do so. For more information, visit: https:// www.better.org.uk/coronavirus

Computers • File Management • Photo & Video Editing Websites • eCommerce • Animation • 3D Printing Arduino • Raspberry Pi • Microcontrollers • Electronics

For Library Customers who use the Library to access other Council services e.g. to pay their Council Tax or to use Library computers to access housing or benefits information, support and advice is available from Bromley Council by phone or e mail-see details below For customers who make cash Council Tax payments using the kiosk at Penge please call 0300 303 8670 For Housing queries please call 020 8313 4098 For Social care enquiries please call either Social care ( adults) 020 8461 7777 Social care (children) 020 8461 7373 For benefit queries and information please call 0300 303 8670 For general enquiries please contact the LBB switchboard who can re-direct your query to the relevant department Tel 020 8464 3333 Please be patient as due to the national situation regarding COVID-19, the Council can only operate a restricted service via our phone lines and may offer reduced opening hours.

Whilst this is a temporary situation, if at all possible, please use our online services if you can www.bromley.gov.uk or follow the links below https://www.bromley.gov.uk/apply Apply for Services https://www.bromley.gov.uk/pay Pay for Services https://www.bromley.gov.uk/report Report issues For general library enquiries please check out he Better Website for further details or via our social media accounts https://www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley https://www.facebook.com/BromleyLibraries https://twitter.com/BromLibraries Check out the GLL Better website for more details www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ beckenham-library/alerts/21529

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what's on (line) - MAY 2020

sports & nature Flin's On-line Fitness Classes

ONLINE library SERVICES AVAILABLE Though we cant open our Libraries ,our events are still on...online. Dont miss our Live bounce and rhymes,craft activites,storytimes, book reviews and much much more from the comfort of your home https://www.facebook.com/BromleyLibraries; https://twitter.com/BromLibraries

Virtual Workouts

Cost: Free We're pleased to let you know, that we're offering all of our members free access to a fantastic range of virtual classes and at home workouts via the Better UK app - so you can continue to exercise during this time.

Simply download the free Better UK app, sign in with your online membership details and use the access code BETTERFREE, so you will be able to enjoy free at home workouts and virtual classes today.

Courses & Activities

Cost: Free There is a wide range of resources which cater for all age-groups and tastes. You can look up facts; download great novels and music; or even take an online course – all from the comfort of your home.

Our libraries will also be running an online programme which will include activities for children and adults. We’ll also be sharing lots of free online activities for you to access – follow your local library on social media to keep up-to-date: Bromley Libraries: Twitter | Facebook

Borrow ebooks & Audiobooks

Cost: Free Enjoy free access to a large range of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eComics as part of the Better Libraries Digital Consortium. Browse via our library catalogue, our Overdrive website or via the Libby app. All you need is your library card number and your PIN. If you aren’t already a member of Bromley Libraries you can become a member of Bromley Libraries by joining online

See website for class dates and times

Cost: PAYG £4 or 10 classes for £35 Contact: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk/online-classes/ A new online streaming service offering 40 online classes, starting at 7am right through the day and 5 classes over the weekend. All your instructors doing their thing, in the comfort of your own home! Calsses include: HIIT, Body Conditioning, Cardio, Strength, Pilates, Yoga, Teens, Zumba, Low Impact Fitness

AquaKids

Contact: Instagram @aquakids.uk Folow Aquakids on instagram for swimming at home tips.

BEECHE (High Elms) Activity Packs

Contact: www.bromleyparks.co.uk/beeche/ Facebook @BEECHEhighelms BEECHE has temporarily closed following government social distancing regulations but they have lots of free indoor and outdoor activity guides on their website. From grow veg at home to a butterfly and caterpillar activities.

Orpington Priory & Gardens

Conatct: https://tinyurl.com/bromleyparks Facebook @orpingtonpriory Visit the website above or see their facebook page to see guidance on the new etiquette if visiting Orpington Priory & Gardens and parks and green spaces throughout Bromley borough for your daily exercise during the Coronavirus pandemic, with thanks to The Royal Parks.

Isolation Nation Sunflower Project

Facebook Isolation Nation Sunflower Project Adults/kids, whatever your age....get involved! Let's get some fun and colour in the world and grow some sunflowers. Post your pics and see how others are doing via the facebook group.

Activity Sheets from The Glades, Bromley

Contact: www.theglades.co.uk/activity-sheets Free activity sheets for kids (and adults!) to keep everyone entertained during these hard times of physical distancing. There are puxxles, nature hunts and around the block scavenger hunts.

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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.

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Did you Know

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Our subconscious brain processes 11 million pieces of information per second.

Completing simple life admin Two thirds of adults admit to getting a sense of achievement, fulfilment and calm – from completing some simple life admin. So, courtesy of TV platform, Freeview, who worked with productivity coach, Juliet Landau-Pope, here’s how to tackle your life admin.

1. Be accountable One of the best ways to motivate yourself to get life admin done, especially when you’re working from home, is to make yourself accountable to someone else. Committing to a deadline and sharing that promise can help you to overcome procrastination.

2. Change views If you don’t have a separate home office, you’re likely to be using the same desk or kitchen table. It might seem impossible to differentiate between roles, but one solution is to sit in a different place so that you vary the view of the room. Another option might be to listen to music while you’re dealing with personal admin but turn it off while you’re working.

3. Bullet point & prioritise Whether you’re a pen-and-pencil person or an app aficionado, nothing beats the sense of overwhelm than making a list. Write down all the things that you’d like to accomplish while you’re stuck at home. Be realistic and prioritise projects that you can manage on your own or with help available.

4. Divide and conquer Piles of paperwork cluttering up desks, surfaces or even floors is daunting. Now’s a great opportunity to regain control. The best approach is to divide and rule, or rather sift and sort into three categories: keep, recycle and shred.

5. Digital decluttering

try changing the settings to sort by sender. Then you can easily delete entire conversations or mailings from specific companies.

6. Listen to your body clock We all suffer from dips in energy at certain stages of the day; neuroscience explains this as circadian rhythms, levels of wakefulness that rise and fall during each 24-hour period. That’s why it’s so important to understand your own body clock and to know when you’re likely to be most (or least) productive. Instead of waiting till the end of a busy day to renew your car insurance or fill in a loan application, it might be better for you to set an alarm and wake up an hour earlier in order to deal with your admin.

7. Schedule appointments with yourself When you’ve found the right time of day for you, planning can make all the difference. Rather than waiting for a day when you might feel like completing life admin (which may never come), schedule a date and time in your diary or calendar and hold yourself to it.

8. Stop the clock Tasks such as opening post or paying household bills can sometimes feel tiresome and tedious. One solution is to set a timer - on your phone or laptop, perhaps - and see how much you can accomplish within 15 minutes. You’ll be surprised how many envelopes you can open or how many bills you can deal with when you’re up against the clock.

Instead of scrolling through emails in the order received,

Over 70% of unmarried couples with children under 18 don’t have a will. Without a will, your partner won’t inherit anything from your estate and you have no say in who will care for your children.

Research from SpareRoom.co.uk reveals the average person could own 20,172 items of clothing over a lifetime, needing a wardrobe over three times the length of Tower Bridge to house it all

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 35

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Eco News

lifestyle

all about toilet roll

Toilet paper is only actually used by around 30% of the world's population. In the UK it is thought of as a necessity for many of us, with fears of running out sparking the recent panic buying, but why are some toilet papers so bad for the environment and what are the eco-friendly alternatives?

Why is toilet paper so bad?

Soft toilet paper (made from virgin woods) is said to be bad for the environment. It takes a huge amount of trees and water to produce this toilet paper - leading to deforestation. There is also the issue of chlorine dioxide, which is used to bleach and soften some toilet paper.

This can be considered an environmental hazard which can get into the sewage system and can apparently pollute the water.

However some brands of toilet paper made from virgin woods are now giving back to the environment and working on projects to plant more trees.

What are the eco-friendly alternatives?

Family cloths: A family cloth is a truly reusable and affordable alternative to toilet paper. Basically it's a piece of cloth that is washed and reused. There are many different family cloths available to buy or you could just use a flannel.

Bidet: Although the bidet requires water, another valuable resource, it actually requires far less water than the amount used to produce a roll of toilet paper and is generally more hygienic.

STOP BURNING, SAVE LIVES During these unprecedented times we are all fighting a respiratory virus that puts pressure on our lungs and on our heroic emergency services.

Smoke from BONFIRES & other home burning, particularly affects those with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthmatics, as well as exacerbating symptoms in Covid19 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Recycled: Recycled toilet paper can seem like a better alternative to non-recycled for today's eco-conscious consumer but are there hidden dangers?

Recycled paper products including toilet paper, kitchen roll etc can contain very small amounts of BPA. This is because we recycle receipts, lottery tickets, shipping labels etc. They all can contain BPA and get mixed in with our other paper products so the BPA eventually ends up in our recycled paper products.

Hemp: Made from hemp plants that consist of hemp cellulose fibres that are easily renewable and more economical than producing tissues from trees. Hemp toilet paper is biodegradable and it actually decays faster than normal tissue paper made from trees.

Bamboo: Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, growing 30 times faster than trees and absorbing 30% more carbon and producing 30% more oxygen makes it extremely sustainable. It can grow on any type of land and it doesn't need help from fertilisers or pesticides.

By using bamboo products, trees are left alone helping the deforestation problem. Bamboo is bio-degradable and also incredibly soft and absorbent.

Plus, many of the bamboo toilet rolls available come in cardboard boxes and are either supplied naked or wrapped in recyclable paper packaging instead of being wrapped in single use plastic.

sufferers and those recovering at home.

We are all in this together and all on Lock Down - so we ask residents to PLEASE STOP BURNING for the duration of the pandemic.

Thank you for looking out for your neighbours and our heroes in the NHS and Fire Service.

Greener & Cleaner Bromley (& Beyond) May 2020 Life in... Orpington 37

lifestyle

Life hacks

3 ways with ginger

• If you’re making sweet potato mash, give it an extra kick by grating a thumb-size piece of ginger, frying it with a knob of butter for a couple of minutes and then mashing this into the sweet potato once they’ve been boiled.

• For an alternative pudding, add grated ginger and the juice of a lime to fresh pineapple slices and serve with some Greek yoghurt and muscavado sugar.

• Make a smoothie! Mix 1 banana, 2 apples, 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk and ½ inch of peeled ginger to a blender. If you put the apples in the freezer ½ hour before making, it will help make the smoothie cold!

Save on fuel!

Did you know you can save up to 30% on fuel by limiting how often you brake? By thinking about ahead and anticipating when you should be using gears to slow down gradually, you’ll be more fuel-efficient!

KEEP SPIDERS AT BAY Use natural spider deterrents Spiders detest the smell of citrus fruits, so try placing slices of fresh lemon or lime or rubbing the peel across your windowsills and doors as a natural bug repellent. If lemon isn’t the scent for you, you could also try some essential oils, like peppermint, cinnamon or tea tree oil to keep the spiders away.

Alternatively, a water and vinegar spray will have a similar effect, especially when applied into any cracks or crevices in your home that spiders are likely to lurk and want to lay their eggs.

Keep windows closed Spiders are typically nocturnal creatures that aim to search out a warm atmosphere once the sun sets in order to find food and mating opportunities. If you, or anyone else you live with, is in the habit of keeping a bedroom window open, it might be worth relying on a fan to stay cool at night instead.

and tidy as possible. By keeping up to date on your dusting and hoovering, you are not only going to keep cobwebs at bay, you are also keeping spiders food options to a minimum.

Keep areas of bright light to a minimum Whilst spiders themselves aren’t attracted to the light (preferring darker and colder spots), the food they prey on are.

So, keeping your garden lights switched off and your blinds or curtains shut to block out your home's appeal will help to reduce the number of spiders making their way to your windows and doors.

Get a cat

Stay on top of your cleaning

Whilst we’re not suggesting for one second buying yourself a cat for the pure reason of keeping spiders out of your home, if welcoming a feline friend has been something you’re considering, then the fact they are masters at spotting and catching spiders is just one of the many benefits of welcoming one into your family!

Spiders are looking for bugs and flies that they can eat, and these are not going to be as present in a house that is as clean

Hillarys

38 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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Home and Garden

lifestyle

3 ways to cut your water bill With Thames Water slowly making the change to water meters over the next few years, it makes sense to start thinking of ways to reduce your water usage.

•

•

•

Choose water efficient sanitary ware where possible in bathrooms.

There’s so much choice – from dual-flush toilets to flow meters and aerated showerheads.

Every time you run the dishwasher or washing machine, make sure it’s full or use the ‘half load’ or ‘eco’ option if you’ve got a dishwasher that allows that option. Avoid pre-rinsing if possible.

Install a water butt in the garden and use the water collected for watering plants and flowers. Alternatively, rather than use a hose, use a watering can. Consider using bath water in the garden – but not on fruit or vegetable plants.

National Children’s Gardening Week takes place from 23rd-31st May.

The aim of NCGW is to get as many schools, children and their families involved, gardening and having fun in their gardens. For activity sheets, craft projects and fun ideas see childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

THE TOP 20 MOST SATISFYING DIY JOBS

1. Planting seeds, bulbs or plants 2. Mowing the lawn 3. When flatpack furniture slots perfectly into place 4. Weeding 5. Jet washing the patio 6. Painting with a roller 7. Hanging up a picture perfectly 8. Painting a fence 9. Painting the final layer of paint 10. Oiling a noisy hinge 11. Stripping wallpaper 12. Filling in holes with polyfilla 13. Polishing surfaces until they shine 14. Fixing something with glue 15. 'Cutting in' - perfect lines when painting 16. Getting wallpaper perfectly lined up 17. Trimming a hedge perfectly 18. Getting a shelf perfectly lined up 19. Hammering nails into wood 20. Smashing down walls

DREAM PROPERTY WISH-LIST • A front garden with a neatly mown lawn • An attractive front door and porch • Extra space to build an extension • A decent drive with off-street parking What’s on your wish-list?

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or tag us on social @lifeinmags Research by TSB

HERB GARDEN IDEAS Don’t have room for a vegetable patch?

Why not create a herb garden instead?

Plus you can spruce up your homemade meals too. Opt for perennial herbs for longevity including oregano, rosemary, chives and mint. Keep your herbs well watered in a sunny location. Complete the look by opting for pretty pots and containers.

Draper Tools commissioned the research of 2,000 adults

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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 39

lifestyle

Pets

Wonky as a kitten

Sponsor Wonky!

Wonky as an adult

Wonky lives at Romney House Rescue Centre in Downe, along with many other cats who are not suitable for rehoming. He came to us as a 3-month old kitten, with both back feet pointing in the wrong direction. He’s had one leg amputated below the knee but can get around just fine now. Romney House needs help to look after its sanctuary cats. You can support us from just £5 a month by visiting www.romneyhousecatrescue.org.uk/sponsor.

AVOID THOSE PET REGRETS

Despite being a nation of animal lovers, new research from Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance found that more than a fifth (22%) of pet owners have regretted choosing their pet’s breed. Reasons for regret included that they didn’t have enough time to look after the animal (31%), they turned out to be allergic to the pet (18%) and because they didn’t like their pet’s personality (16%).

The study also reveals that more than half of cat and dog owners don’t research their pet’s breed before ownership and only 18% spent more than a week researching the right breed for their lifestyle. More than a fifth (22%) of pet owners have rehomed an animal and dog owners are more likely to regret their pup (26%) compared to cat owners (16%).

Top 5 cat names in 2020 1. Oliver 2. Bella 3. Simba 4. Chloe 5. Luna kittycatter.com

The stark statistics echo latest RSPCA figures as the charity rehomes over 40,000 pets in a year.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance has launched a new tool to enable future pet owners to make informed decisions when choosing the most suitable breed for them.

See bit.ly/pawfectpetmatch

On the shelves

New to Wilko is Tail Twisters Doggy Choc Woof Bar, a chocolate treat for dogs that offers added vitamins and minerals and costs 50p.

Dog owners working from home To ease dog lovers into working-from-home, here’s some top tips from London Dog Week experts, to make it a more enjoyable experience: •

Walk your dog in the park – practise social distancing. If you see a friend/neighbour in the park, just keep walking and give them the phone sign to let them know you will call them soon! Keep at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with.

40 Life in... Orpington May 2020

•

•

•

Time for a movie – a tail-wagging list of cute dog related films like Benji, Hotel for Dogs and Pup Star will remind you of the time you first set eyes on your four-legged friend and fell in love!

Pamper your Pooch – try out a range of skincare and pampering products for both you and your dog!

Glam up your Pooch – with London Dog Week’s very own online shopping platform which offers an inspiring mix of winter and summer fashion, so that your four-legged friend is stylish in every season. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle

Your cute pet pics…

Nala and Molly are British Shorthairs and will turn one this month! Nala (grey spotty) is very cheeky and is known by everyone at the vets as 'Miss Sassy Pants'. She loves to play fetch and will often bring her favourite ball all the way upstairs if she wants to play! Molly (tortoise shell) loves attention; sometimes she leaves the room to meow so that you follow her and she’s the centre of attention again! She loves nothing more than to be picked up and made a fuss of.

Sophie Gray

Here’s Deano! He’s 9 years old, loves barking at pigeons and getting as muddy as possible.

Back in his younger years he was a ranging dog and still enjoys showing off his moves.

This is Mitten the kitten, who is a much-loved pet/partner in crime of our little boy, Scott.

He’d be so thrilled if you included Mitten in Life in Orpington. Sadly he’s no longer a cute kitten, but he is a very handsome cat!

Sandra Conway

Katie Knowles

Send your pet pictures to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

FOR ANY ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE WORK

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Rem ote Con sult atio ns

Celeste Boutique recently closed its doors in Locksbottom after 43 years but you can still buy online at

MEDICAL HERBALIST Gina Webley MNIMH

Why not try a Medical Herbalist?

www.celesteboutique.co.uk

Herbal medicine offers a safe and gentle approach to healthcare and wellbeing.

Treatment is patient specific and more effective than over-the-counter remedies.

C E L E ST E To join our mailing list please email celeste@celesteboutique.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Instagram celeste_ladieswear celeste@celeste2004

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

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Full details & info on the “Online Classes” page of my website www.flinsfitness.co.uk

Message Fran 07976 412027 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Health & Beauty

lifestyle

What Herbal Medicine can offer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As GP surgeries and hospital departments become overwhelmed you may want to look for complementary treatments during these difficult times. If you catch the virus you need to manage its symptoms and reduce its severity. But social distancing and remaining at home are stressful and can cause poor sleep, anxiety, and depression. Herbal medicine is not competing with conventional treatment and we need to be clear about the distinctions.

Herbal medicine cannot prevent infection or cure the respiratory disease caused by the virus.

Here's what we medical herbalists can do: Individuala are treated with a unique blend of herbal medicines selected to be the most beneficial for you. Some modulate and enhance our immunity. Other herbs have an antiviral action that has been shown to prevent viruses from entering cells or replicating within the cell. Many different herbs can treat symptoms of respiratory infections. These include herbs to soothe sore throats, reduce coughing, ease breathing, reduce congestion, and bring down a temperature. Herbs with anti-inflammatory action also reduce the severity of the infection.

Herbal medicine can also help us manage our mental health. Herbs that act on the adrenal gland improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. Borage is particularly good for giving strength in times of fear and worry. Herbs such as valerian and passionflower help relax and can be taken as part of treatment for poor sleep and insomnia. A good night's sleep helps mental wellbeing and ensures a healthy immune system. For those who experience low mood there are herbs such as St John’s wort and Vervain which are effective antidepressants Gina Webley MNIMH, Medical Herbalist, www.ginawebleyherbalist.com

"Now the warmer weather is finally here, remember the wonderful fresh air endorphins you can get by exercising outdoors! Run, walk or cycle – and look up not down at your phone! Look up at the sky, look around you ...breathe deeply and fully. Appreciate the simpler things in life - even for just a few moments! It does wonders to lift your mood - and your health!"

Fran, Flin’s FItness www.flinsfitness.co.uk

APP TO TAP

A therapy app is encouraging users to reduce the risk of depression, which affects 300 million people worldwide, by changing their eating habits to a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds - and low in sugar and saturated fat. Based on the latest clinical psychology and nutrition research, the FlowDepression app helps users to understand, treat and reduce the risk of depression - and is free to download on iOS and Android.

Foods that could improve symptoms of depression 1. Vegetables 2. Fruit 3. Fresh fish or fish eggs 4. Berries 5. Unsalted nuts 6. Legumes

7. Herbs 8. Whole grain 9. Seeds 10. Olive oil (cold pressed

virgin oil) flowneuroscience.com

Go wild for Wild

Support the planet by opting for Wild’s natural and sustainable deodorant, which is both vegan-friendly and free from nasties such as aluminium salts, parabens and phthalates. A refillable starter pack subscription costs £12 (one case and one refill), while a trial pack (non-subscription) costs £25 and comprises one case and three refills. There are five new natural fragrances to choose from and all packaging is 100% recycled and aluminium free. For every deodorant sold, Wild makes a contribution towards a global tree planting initiative through charity OnAMission.

See wearewild.com

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2020 Life in... Orpington 43

lifestyle

A Final Thought…

Working in pyjamas: When being at home feels like work

by Lee Lam

For many years there have been countless campaigns to encourage businesses of all sizes to help their staff work more flexibly.

As technology has improved, there are fewer good reasons to reject the notion of people from working from home occasionally, or even as part of a regular working pattern and many families now rely on one or both working parents being able to work remotely to help navigate their busy lives.

But in today’s pandemic scenario, the perk of working from home has become compulsory and this can make you feel that there is no real sense of where your home life and your work life begin and end. You may feel pressure from your work to continue to perform as if you were in the office (maybe even doing more than you would normally, without the additional commuting time). You may also be very aware of making home life as enjoyable as it can be when you are with the same people and the same four walls for long periods of time. Having to travel between your home and your place of work normally provides you with a natural break between these worlds and you may be finding that walking from your kitchen into the lounge is not really setting you up for an effective working day.

But there are things that you can do to help you create a separation between your work and your family life, to help you and your family live and work in harmony: - Structure your day. Make sure that your family knows when you are ‘at work’ and when you have finished for the day. Set your hours of working and stick to them you still need to set a ‘going home’ time!

-

Get dressed. This sounds obvious, but the ability to slouch around in a pair of pyjamas might be tempting – I mean, who is going to see you?! But the act of putting on fresh ‘work’ clothes can really help set your mind into work mode, and help you appear sharper and more prepared for work, particularly for those last-minute video calls.

-

Structure your home. Create a space in your home that is for your work. This helps you get mentally prepared for starting your work day, and is a gentle reminder to everyone else that you are concentrating on that work and should not be disturbed unless urgent. It doesn’t have to be taking over a whole room and locking yourself away – sometimes even a particular mug for your tea can be enough of a reminder that you are at work!

-

Structure your work. In the office you may have a regular routine and always know what you need to do when. If working from home still feels unusual for you, make yourself a list of the things that you need to get done during each day, so you can stay on track by crossing each thing off the list. This will help you see that you are still being productive, even if it feels like you are constantly distracted with the home life around you.

Lastly, remember that home life never runs smoothly If you are at home, the chances are the lines between work and home will get blurred from time to time. While it benefits everyone when you are able to focus on your work and then walk away from it at the end of the day, when the two worlds merge every now and then, it is easier to expect this and run with it, than try to create a perfect work/life separation that is impossible to implement. These are strange times and you are doing the absolute best you can. Even in pyjamas.

Want to write a piece for A Final Thought?

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk 44 Life in... Orpington May 2020

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What’s the future for your business?

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Next month...

stockists

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MUNITY BECAUSE COM

Our usual stockist for our printed magazine include most cafes, dental surgeries, barbers, hairdressers, doctors etc in and around Orpington. Below are some of our main stockists (please note, during lockdown we will only be producing a digital magazine)

Biggin Hill

• Cherry Lodge Golf Club • Foal Farm • The Lookout Coffee Shop

chelsfield

• Chelsfield Railway Station

Downe

• Christmas Tree Farm • George & Dragon Pub

Farnborough & village

• High Elms Country Park • Hign Elms Golf Club • 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 • Iceland • Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre • Orpington IT Centre • Orpington Library • Orpington Railway Station • Orpington Village Hall • Tangent Office Resources • 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

2020 .

ISSUE 16 JUNE

d books of 2020

The most anticipate

BEAT THE GUT ISSUES:

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h at home Make extra cas Creative kids

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Coming up in the june Issue of Life In Orpington…

• • • •

The most anticipated books of 2020 Gut issues: Beat the bloat Make extra cash at home Creative kids activities

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH MAY Contact Nicky or Lauretta

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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

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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 Ltd. All rights reserved.

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It’s simple; if people can’t find you, they’ll choose your competitor instead. You can rely on repeat business or word of mouth to a certain extent, but to really grow a business you need to invest in marketing.

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