Life In Bromley March 2022

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ISSUE 1 | MARCH 2022

Love local

ng Bromley Why we’re celebrati

Welco

to your me comm new u magaz nity ine!

SHOP LOCAL: Mother’s Day gifts she’ll love

MEET OUR

COVER STAR p25

Local Celebs...

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

#BecauseCommunityMatters

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The Team

Welcome to

Get to know us: What’s your favourite hidden gem in Bromley?

W

elcome to the very first issue of Life In Bromley, your new monthly magazine that celebrates local people and really gets behind the concept of community.

Editorial / Sales: Lauretta lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk A cuppa & cake at South Street Café (run by CASPA Bromley) at Community House in South Street

We’ve got everything from an interview with Bromley resident, Emma Raducanu, to your chance to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher courtesy of Tapi Carpets (p49) and everything in between.

We’d love to hear your thoughts - what you’d like to see in an upcoming issue, your community stories, local hero nominations, local photos or you can even send us a poem or a picture of your pet! The ‘Star Response’ each month (p7) will receive a £15 App Store voucher, courtesy of The Bed Post – and there’s every chance it could be you!

The aim of Life In…Bromley is to inspire the community. How? By celebrating local people; reporting on positive, uplifting news; highlighting local events; and encouraging people to shop local. Why is this important? Well, it’s estimated that for every £1 spent locally, 63p of that stays in the local economy, meaning that you’re helping to make where you live a better place – for yourself, family and friends.

Meanwhile, to get your mitts on the April issue (out in March), you can do one of 3 things: 1. Pick up a copy from the wonderful stockists located throughout Bromley town centre who are equally passionate about supporting the community. You will find a list of these on page 48.

2. Sign up to receive a digital copy straight to your inbox – for free.

Visit https://bit.ly/lifeinmagsdigital 3. Receive a postal copy through your letterbox every month for just £24 by emailing us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Thanks for reading Life In Bromley - and we hope you’ll enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it!

Lauretta & the Life In…magazines’ team PS We’d love you to connect with us on social – we’re at @lifeinmags

contents - MARCH 2022 Community 7.

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Write It, Say It, Message It Noticeboard History What's On Mayor's Voice Lines From Linda Local Heroes...

Shop Local: Mother's Day 5 Mins With...

Love local: Celebrating Bromley What’s Your Take Local celebs Stockists

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

49.

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Win £100 love2Shop A Final Thought

Lifestyle 21.

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Puzzle Page Eco News Money Savers Food & Drink Business Life Hacks Home & Garden Did You Know?

Short Story Pets

1917 Chill Café in Widmore Rd

Accounts: James accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Pearson & Hearn In Chatterton Village

Assistant Editor: Steve

It’s not really a hidden gem but I really like the library – friendly helpful staff, loads of books & very interesting displays

Office Assistant: Isabelle Watching any show at the Churchill Theatre!

Work Experience: Olivia The Lavender House Café is a little gem of its own

FRONT COVER IMAGE: KATE DARKINS PHOTOGRAPHY FSC® certified: Life In…Bromley is

printed using vegetable-based inks and we print on FSC® certified paper meaning Recyclable that it has been sourced from sustainably FSC® Paper managed forests and its site of origin is proven and traceable under certification from the Forest Stewardship Council. In addition, every tree felled for paper is replaced by significant growth of new trees in Forestry Commission managed forests.

100%

And talking of supporting your local community, please do pay special attention to the advertisers in this issue. Every time you shop with a local business, they do a celebratory dance in their head. For this month’s Mother’s Day have a look at page 22 for some great gift ideas from local businesses. And if you do reach out to buy from them, please mention that you saw them in Life In Bromley magazine.

Design: Nicky design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Life In...Bromley is published

by Luna Creative Media (Ltd)

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 4TH MARCH

To advertise call 07403 550068

or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Ad spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 3

COMING UP AT THE CHURCHILL THEATRE

© Ragdoll/Wildbrain

TUE 15 - WED 16 MARCH

THU 17 MARCH FRECKLE PRODUCTIONS AND ROSE THEATRE PRESENT

© Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

LIVE ON ST AG E

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

MUSIC & LYRICS BY JOE STILGOE · ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY EMMA KILBEY

FRI 18 MARCH

THU 24 - SAT 26 MARCH Zog and the Flying Doctors © 2016 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books

BOOK NOW AT churchilltheatre.co.uk BOX OFFICE 0343 310 0020 4 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER

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

DAILY CARE, LIVE-IN CARE OR RESPITE CARE Our careers can help you with: • Help with getting up or going to bed • Washing, showering and bathing • Assistance with medication • Getting to social outings and meeting up with friends • Preparing and cooking meals • Overnight and respite care • Cleaning, housework and shopping • Laundry and Ironing • Or just popping in for a chat if you’d like some company

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

01689 825155

1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH lifeinmagazines.co.uk

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 5

6 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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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

Star response

community the star response ( ) wins a £15 ApP Store & iTunes voucher courtesy of The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk).

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk UP TO HALF PRICE

WINTER

SALE IN STORE

WIN

DEC 2019 - FEB 2020

BED & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS! APPROVED STOCKIST

I thought I’d write in to show a couple of pictures of the sort of things our Community Knitting Club produces. Since the inception of the Knitting Club at Crofton Baptist Church in January 2018, as at November 2021 we have delivered 1,739 knitted blankets and 981 Mittens for Special Care Baby Units at PRUH and Kings College hospitals. The angels EX 10%TRA (290) were a one-off requested project last November and we knit different garments depending on the hospitals’ OFF WITH THIS requirements. At the moment we are knitting cardigans and cot blankets for premature babies at Darent Valley Hospital.

AD I would like to say a big “thank you” to all our knitters for without them I could not achieve aims and goals which is to knit for a worthy cause. Not only do we knit but we do have social get-togethers too!

OUR

CRAYFORD DA1 4LB 01322 525090

PETTS WOOD BR5 1DQ 01689 830964

SEVENOAKS TN13 2UT 01732 742000

SALE

PRIC

ES

SIDCUP DA14 6NF 020 8309 6016

www.the-bedpost.co.uk

Lin Harewood (Details of Lin’s Knitting Club can be found in the What’s On section – page 12)

A BIG shout out!

Thanks to the young man at Bromley South station who helped carry my heavy case up the stairs when I was struggling.

Winnie Matthews

Thanks Pete! He came out to collect me from Sevenoaks after my car broke down - I owe him.

Jon Townsend

Thank you to Pat, my neighbour, who took my parcel in - the delivery man had left it on the doorstep & it could have been nicked!

T Stevens

Want to thank someone? Give them a BIG shout out!

Email your message to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403 550068

What’s Your Take...?

I am sending you some of my scary pets! I have had reptiles for 26 years.

Michael Maxted Thanks Michael – send us your pet pictures for the chance to be featured. See p47 for this month’s pet feature.

We ask for your views on topics that matter. This month’s question:

What local event would you like to see introduced on an annual basis?

A Bromley Buzz Annual Showcase, bringing together exciting, diverse people and organisations in the London borough of Bromley who would benefit from being shared. The Bromley Buzz Podcast Team – listen at bromleybuzz.podbean.com or Spotify, Amazon, Audible, Apple, Tune In, and Listen Notes.

Next month’s question…

If you could invent a new 'neighbourhood scheme' what would you choose?

HearToday event was great for the first time in 2021 in Orpington. Would love to see it every year. @deafgirlwalking

A dog show or a food festival.

Helen Terry

An annual travel event showcasing latest travel deals and offers would be great, especially around Blue Monday in January to perk people up.

Anna Short

Tag us in @lifeinmags or email a short response to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 7

community -

NOTICEBOARD

Bravo for Baxter!

Jackie Baxter, a Bromley Council staff member and borough resident, has been recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Jackie, who works as the Environment Campaigns Officer, has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her work, particularly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when national lockdown restrictions were in place. Jackie led on matching volunteers with vulnerable and isolating residents who needed help during a stage of unprecedented national challenge.

Between March 2020 and March 2021, Bromley Council had over 4,600 offers of help from local people willing to volunteer to support local residents and enable them to gain access to care during lockdown and restrictions of movement. Jackie worked tirelessly with more than 1,500 of these volunteers and supported more than 1,500 local people to get vital food supplies, essential prescriptions and access to a person to talk to or to walk their dogs.

She said: “The most recent period of our lives has been immensely challenging for all of us. It was a great privilege to support residents during that time, and it is a huge honour to be recognised in this way.”

Previously, Jackie has been recognised nationally for her pioneering work on how the council treats deceased cats that have sadly been found on the highway, by working to reunite them with their owners.

HEARD OF COMMUNITY HOUSE?

ant resource and Community House is a vibr dents of Bromley. resi the for voluntary centre years ago, and Established more than 20 s Court in South rate gist Ma old situated in the rities including cha of ge Street, it is home to a ran ociation Ass t Ken Age UK, Citizens Advice, The high s.

Link nity mu Com for the Blind and lism benefit visitors and iona fess pro of ds dar stan y not pay them a visit service providers alike. Wh th Street Café?

Sou at and stop for a cuppa

Call 020 8315 2501 or see romley.org.uk www.communityhouseb for more information.

S… her first book, Living Through CAL AUedyTHhasOR TING LO SUPPOR published t jus Pre of 74, local historian Pam r. Pam has always been

At the age Challenges of Wa ple of Bromley Faced The rse she took with the Oxford the Great War; How The Peo to enter into print was a cou ger trig her but , tory his in interested ent on local history.

Continuing Education departm s one of the most as history went, Bromley wa far as t tha ieve bel to e pened here. I was wrong.

Pam said: “I had com historical significance hap any of e littl as , ain Brit in boring towns ct to the great events of the le people’ everywhere rea ‘litt the as in y, mle Bro of ple The peo king great changes, people dabbling in religion and ma religion n ow ir the for up nd time. When the Tudors were sta ns about what to do: isio dec n ow ir the g kin ma Bromley were , or ‘go with the flow’.

Times. I had intended to and suffer the consequences er, The Bromley & District pap al loc g the ugh thro r Wa y Memorial. I started lookin mley and the Great are recorded on the Bromle and , r “I became interested in Bro oes wa 8 her d 4-1 dea 191 the the for in g s kin given their live fight. Instead of loo and up join to g , erin research the men who had etc nte ers n volu of gallantry, lett nd references to lots of me weddings, deaths, awards through the paper and fou n mentioned in the paper; me y itar s covers both wars, mil Thi ). the erts all adv of t ets o.uk (free and withou rs.c sto I created Excel spreadshe nce rya ilita men to record, w.m ww o my search site papers looking for service which are now entered ont I naturally had to read the ch ear read straight res be this can ing it Dur and 5. k te 194 is the basis for my boo s Thi . tion though I still have to comple rma info and lots of wonderful stories enjoyed writing it!” and in the process, I found enjoy it as much as I have you e hop I . out and in ' through or you can 'dip ck and via Kindle. on Amazon – both hardba tured.

You can find Pam’s book uk for the chance to be fea hello@lifeinmagazines.co. ail em , one of w kno or If you’re a local author

8 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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community -

NOTICEBOARD

OMGosh!

Pantomime audience members at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley helped to raise £12,867.

94 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) as part of the theatre’s annual Christmas charity bucket collection.

Starring Lee Mead as Prince Harry of Holby and Bonnie Langford as The Fairy Lilac, Sleeping Beauty ran from 4th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 and was watched by over 27,000 people across the show ’s run.

Picture: Christy/Craig Sugden Photo graphy

Ramp up your retirement!

CHAIN REACTION

1 Strictly Come Dancing’s 202 If there’s one impression that rt from her (apa with us e leav will , winner, Rose Ayling-Ellis s ing awareness about deafnes amazing dancing), it’s rais mission is in’s Cha y mle Bro ity. mun and the deaf com n, inform and raise deaf to suppor t, sponsor, campaig the charity has recently and h, oug bor the awareness in r training of a teacher of -yea two awarded a Bursary for the ool in Orpington. the deaf at Darrick Wood Sch

It’s no secret that staying active in retirement benefits both ph ysical and ment al health and it also offers an opportunity to dis cover new hobbies, talents and hidden skills . Cue in U3A Bromley, an orga nisation for peop le who are no longer working ful l time. The grou p offers the chance to pursu e a diverse rang e of activities at very little cost in a social setting – both in faceto-face meeting s and also onlin e. From walking to talking, comp uting to gardening , philosophy to psychology - th e choices are en dless.

they can help Get in touch to see how chain.org.uk ley rom @b by emailing info in.org.uk cha ley rom w.b ww see or

Help find a physio!

Get in touch by emailing membershipsec retary@u3abrom ley.org.uk calling 020 8464 5920 or see www.u3abromle y.org.uk

WISH GRANTED JLinks Physiotherapy is see king physiotherapists from all specialities who would like to work with them and continue a career in a thriving and friendly tea m. The company is made up of a small tea m of physiotherapists who visit people across the boroughs of Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham and Kent County.

rs over If you were one of Hever Castle’s visito prebooking Christmas and made a donation when e helped raise tickets online - congratulations! You’v charity, which a total of £14,705.24 for Make a Wish ill children. ally critic for es wish ing hang life-c grants

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

Contact Jo or Jayne at adm in@jlinks.co.uk to hear more about the role .

share local

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk A small fee applies - we have limited space for free charity listings.

news

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 9

community -

NOTICEBOARD

Looking to volunteer?

Joshy’s Heart of Gold is seeking volunteers to join its team to help meet its new and exciting aims for 2022. The company ’s founder, Victoria Battman, set up the charity in memory of her son Josh, who was sadly killed by an elderly unlicensed drive r on Orpington’s Court Road. The char ity helps families who have lost a child or young person with aftercare, including coun selling.

Going forward, they plan to prov ide a service for mental and financial wellbeing .

If you can volunteer your time to help, visit joshysheartofgold.godaddysites.co m/ volunteer

SMALL BUSINESS MARKETPLACE!

Rotary’s Youth Awards Earlier this year, Bromley Rotary Clubs held its 7th annual Youth Awards evening to recognise young people's outstanding contributions to the community. The Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Russell L Mellor, attended to present recognition certificates to children from various schools. They included Wafi Ali and Alfie Beston from St Olave’s Grammar School; Alfie Brown, Oliver Buck, Ayishia Green, Rebecca Hall, James Kennell, Josh Merchant and Abigail Muckle from Charles Darwin School; Elizabeth Czachowski-Celis, Lara Karabulut and Marley Succi from Bromley High School; Libby Davis, Jaylen Josephs and Ellie Mercer from Langley Park School for Boys; Vedish Gurung, Harris Academy Beckenham; Lauren Holliday from Farringtons School; Otis Marshall-Harris from Bishop Justus; Annabel Reid-Hudson and Chloe Tzanetis from Harris Girls’ Academy Bromley; Serena Strickland from The Ravensbourne School; and Archie Suggett from Hayes School. A huge congratulations to all those children.

The evening also saw cheques totalling over £18,000 presented to a range of charities including St Christopher's Hospice, St Vincent Paul Beckenham, The Royal National Lifeboat Association, The Maypole Project, The 23rd Scouts Bromley, CASPA and The Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The prize winners from Rotary's 2022 Youth Awards pictured with the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Russell L Mellor, the Mayoress and members of Bromley Rotary Clubs.

Holistic eating & welln ess ting a Spring Start Up Bromley is hos 19th March at ay urd Marketplace on Sat field Road. The free Elm in rks Wo t gen Contin h the public and other event will be open to bot and engage with the businesses to network asing their products wc sho are o businesses wh ng to suppor t them alo go and ser vices – please m – 4pm. on the day between 11a

Start Up Bromley For details contact the @gll.org or visit ley rom pb team on startu -up-bromley art ww w.better.org.uk /st

10 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

Zen out in the comfor t of your own space wit h Naani Maa’s Kitchen and Pow er Talk. Learn how to inc orporate mindfulness and gratitu de into your daily rou tine and create wellness tea ble nds and wholesome foo d.

The relaxation sessio n, which incorporates me dit ati ve breathing, takes place on Wednesday 9th Ma rch from 6pm-8pm online and costs £75.

To book call 07508-82 2019 or 07884-00819 0.

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History

community Photos: Jane Cameron, curator of the Bromley Museum at Bromley Central Library, Bromley Historic Collections

Pam Preedy

A romp through the history of Bromley – from mammoth’s teeth to the Tudors

Mammoth Tooth

Anglo Saxon Gilt Fastener

by PAM PREEDY, historian & author

On 15th December, 1922, the Bromley and District Times announced that a Mammoth’s tooth, about five feet long, had been discovered in a gravel pit at Green-Street-Green.

It seems quite amazing that mammoths were roaming over our local landscape until the end of the Ice Age over 12,000 years ago. Perhaps early people living in Bromley would go out to hunt one of these huge mammals, or an early species of rhinoceros and hippopotamus. Throughout human history people must have lived in the area, usually in isolated family groups. Evidence of their occupation has been found from the first flint implements such as ‘the Pounder’, a piece of flint similar in size and shape to a cricket ball, and the ‘pot-boiler’ rather like the ‘pounder.’

The pounder was heated in the fire and dropped into water to heat it.

The Romans also left traces of their occupation. In June, 1864 the Bromley Record announced the discovery of a Romano-British burial ground at ‘Beechfield,” in the village of Widmore. After the Romans came the Saxons, dating back about 1,500 years ago. They left their traces in place-names. Bromley is supposed to have derived its name from the Saxon word Bromleag, in Latin Bromlega, signifying a field, or heath, where Broom grows. In the 1909 edition of Kelly’s Directory it claimed that a sufficient quantity of the plant still existed in waste lands, to corroborate the theory.

Some of the oldest historical records mention a Manor given to the Church of Rochester around 967. Following a dispute between King Ethelred II and the Bishop of Rochester (987) the land was given to Æthelsine, one of the king’s ministers, though subsequently returned later

that year. It was again seized after the conquest of England

by William the Conqueror following the Battle of Hastings (1066). Odo, Bishop of Bayeux and half-brother of William, seized the possessions of Archbishop Lanfranc, including those at Bromley. It was soon transferred to the Norman Bishop Gundulph in 1076. A few fragments of Norman pottery have been found in the foundations of the Parish Church. The Domesday Survey (1080) states that the manor of Bromley comprised an area of ‘ten plows,’ (a plow was the taxable amount of land that could be ploughed by a team of eight oxen) and 13 carucates (637 hectares).

A population of at least 56 farm labourers; villeins and borderers lived here. In 1272 -1307 there was a moated medieval Manor, Simpson’s Manor, demolished around 1870.

Bromley continued to survive through the Wars of the Roses and the religious upheavals under Tudors; Henry VIII, in his desire to marry Anne Boleyn, changed the religion of the country to Protestant. Mary I reverted back to Catholicism. Elizabeth I, a Protestant, had been threatened by her cousin Mary Queen of Scots and Spain. Then there was the English Civil War (1642-1651), the beheading of Charles I and, finally, the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 following the puritanical rule of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth.

Men and women of Bromley may have had to make worrying decisions that could affect their safety and the safety of their families. Perhaps they just went about their own business, keeping their heads down trying to keep out of harm’s way. There was bound to be gossip and speculation. Which religion did you support? Would you support the Roundheads or the Cavaliers? While there is little evidence of events of national importance happening in Bromley, the people would have had to face the national challenges to daily living as we do today.

Sherd Roman Samian Ware

Simpson's Manor

Neolithic Flint Handaxe, Denmark

Romano British Amphora

We welcome you to Bromley Historic Collections in the Bromley Library Museum (1st Floor)

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 11

what's on - MARCH 2022 ART Art on Parade, Easter Art Days 6th, 8th, 13th & 14th April

From 10am-3pm Ripley Arts Centre Contact Nicky – 07736400763 Email: info@artonparade.co.uk Fun art days with Easter-themed activities for children aged 5 to 15. Participants will sketch, paint, design, sculpt, create and decorate Easter-themed activities.

community & charity Bereavement Café

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

Orpington Village Hall, 311 High St, Orpington BR6 0NN Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/bereavementcafe If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one, contact The Bereavement Cafe to talk with qualified bereavement counsellors. All are welcome.

Bromley Mencap Services

Contact: 020 8466 0790 Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Email support: enquiries@bromleymencap.org www.bromleymencap.org.uk Call for advice and a friendly voice. Please phone our helpline should you require any support or need advice.

Bromley Well

Monday - Saturday, 9am-5pm

Contact: 0808 278 7898 www.bromleywell.org.uk Email: spa@bromleywell.org.uk Bromley Well provides help for you to stay emotionally and physically well and to remain independent.

Drop-in Cuppa & Chat for Seniors (over 60s) See the website for 2022 dates

10am-12pm Cost: Free Contact: 07891 403161 Email: admin@potentialmecoaching.org.uk www.potentialmecoaching.org.uk We have a choice of table activities for you to enjoy while you chat such as adult colouring, board games, playing cards, dominoes, crochet, knitting, seasonal crafts.

Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss Meets the first Thursday of every month

7.45pm - 9.45pm Cost: Free Contact: Sandra - 07519 105354 Email: sosl.orpington@gmail.com www.survivorsofsuicideloss.org.uk Twitter: @ForgetMeNotSoSl Forget-Me-Not offers support for all those affected by suicide loss. The group is self-led and informal, where you can connect with other survivors.

12 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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

There's something for everyone!

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

U3A Gardening themed talk by a Sweet Pea Specialist Wednesday 2nd March

St Marks Church, Westmoreland Rd, Bromley BR2 0TB 2.30pm Contact: 020 8464 5920, email membershipsecretary@ u3abromley.org.uk or see www.u3abromley.org.uk

Knitting Club

Knitting blankets, mittens & bonding hearts for Special Care Baby Units at PRUH and Kings College hospitals.

2pm-4pm on Wednesdays during term time Crofton Baptist Church, Orpington Contact: Lin Harewood 01689 877010 on Wednesdays Or email lincbc2020@outlook.com Anyone is welcome - you don’t have to be an experienced knitter. No need 2-aPly just come and make friends! We are knitters who natter so come and spin a yarn while you knit a yarn for a worthy cause. We won’t let reality get in the way of a good yarn!

BEAUTY Cheryl Huggins Make Up Masterclass Saturday 26th March

Start Up Bromley, Bromley Central Library (1st Floor), BR1 1EX 10.30am -12.00 Cost: £12 Contact: 07947 821 991 or email makeup@cherylhuggins.com Update and create your makeup look for spring / summer 2022! Class includes a live demo of natural or glam professional techniques. Perfect for business events, social media presentations, public speaking, job interviews, weddings and beginners who wish to start their makeup journey. Claim your free virtual skincare consultation when you book your space.

EDUCATION Lipreading classes

Monday afternoons 2-4pm (term time only)

Poverest Centre, Bromley Adult Education College Cost: Approx £7 per class. Concessions available see https://baec.ac.uk Contact: Email lisa.cox@baec.ac.uk One in five people in the UK has hearing loss. It is the most common disability and lipreading classes can be a huge help to many.

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HEALTH, FITNESS & MINDSET

what's on - MARCH 2022

Dr Bike Cycle Maintenance Session Saturday 5th March

Norman Park, Hook Farm Road BR2 9SX 9am-12pm Cost: Free Contact: road.safety@bromley.gov.uk or see www.bromley.gov.uk/DrBike Get a free MOT for your bike. Qualified DR BIKE cycle mechanics will check your bike and fix minor faults such as brakes, chain, cables, gears and tyre pressure. Bring your bicycle along to the Cow Shed in Norman Park near the Mencap Community Hub at the Hook Farm Road (A21) entrance. The event will have strict social distancing enforced and a queue system.

Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times

Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk Online streaming plus live offerings - 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings, including weekend classes. Outdoor Boot Camp, Circuits, Strength, Cardio, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Total Body Lite, Box Fit and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School.

Grace Rose Pilates

Monday: 7pm Tuesday: 9.45am Thursday: 5.30pm (Beginner) and 6.30pm

Christ Church Hall, Tudor Way, Petts Wood BR5 1LH Claim your FREE trial class at www.gracerosepilates.co.uk or contact 07913 912411 email gracerosepilates@hotmail.com Facebook: Grace Rose Pilates Classical & contemporary trained advanced Pilates teacher. Live classes. 1:1s available.

libraries Bromley Central Library

Contact: 020 3931 0900 Email: central.library@gll.org www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/bromleycentral-library Open Monday - Friday 9.30am -7pm Saturday 9.30am -5pm Please check websites for the latest library updates and opening times.

shout about your event...

A listing costs £15 or £60 for 6 months (£10 a month). Charities and non-profits are eligible for a 15% discount.

Life In...Bromley cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations of an event. We recommend you double check times, places & dates if attending an event listed.

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

The Addams Family 1st-5th March

Various times Cost: From £21.50 Everyone’s favourite kooky family are coming back on stage in The Addams Family, the spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, starring Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing and The Rocky Horror Show) as Morticia.

Private Peaceful 8th-12th March

Various times Cost: From £18 The Peaceful brothers, Tommo and Charlie, have a tough rural childhood facing the loss of their father, financial hardship and a cruel landlord. Their fierce loyalty to each other pulls them through, until one day they both fall for the same girl. And then the Great War comes. Set against the epic backdrop of WW1, we join 18-year-old Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he takes us on a journey through his most cherished memories and tells his story of courage, devotion, family and friendship.

Twirlywoos

15th & 16th March

Various times Cost: Adults £17, Children £15 Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us!

Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat. The funny, loveable Twirlywoos are brought to life on stage with beautifully inventive puppetry promising an hour of colourful fun and laughter.

NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE:

4TH MARCH

To advertise call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

@lifeinmags March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 13

community

MAYOR’S VOICE

owner, was quite outstanding.

The Mayor, Cllr Russell L. Mellor took office as Mayor of the borough from May 2021. Councillor Mellor was elected to the Copers Cope Ward of the Council in May 1998 having previously served two terms for the Ward of Bromley Common and Keston from 1978 to 1986.

It is an honour to be appointed as Mayor of Bromley, and I am hugely impressed by the beneficial community work done by so many local voluntary organisations. It also gives me great pleasure to contribute to Life In Bromley, the new community magazine that celebrates local people and highlights events and matters of local interest. I wish the publishers every success in promoting Life in Bromley as an excellent means of communication to the residents of our fantastic town.

It is vitally important for the office of the Mayor to be perceived as representing the interests of all of our residents, and this article is an opportunity to share with the readers the engagements and events that I have visited within the borough.

Along with the Mayoral Party, I recently attended a charity dinner at Ming Restaurant in Petts Wood to help raise funds for my two charities – The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society and The Beckenham Parochial Charity. It was a highly entertaining and enjoyable evening with a superb raffle selection for the guests. The food prepared by Jenny, the

Lines from Linda I feel like I’ve been hibernating and just woken up. As I write this, good things are around the corner. Covid is on the wane, and spring is about to bounce into our lives.

However, BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH, or in my case it’s March Winds.

I have newly moved and, last year, having been in the house less than two months, you’ll understand I hadn’t yet got to know my lovely neighbours.

The players of West Wickham Pantomime Society staged an outstanding pantomime for a delighted audience. The cast produced their own costumes which were incredibly original in their presentation.

The Youth Awards Ceremony was originated by the Rotary Club of Bromley in recognition of volunteer work undertaken by young people. The entire range of contributions that the nominees offer to our society vary from assisting elderly people through to litter picking. With children of this high calibre, our future society is in good hands.

I was also invited to attend Community Links Annual General Meeting as President of the organisation, which was held online. It was very informative, highlighting the valuable work which they undertake on our behalf. The efforts of Community Links are very much appreciated and provide much needed support, particularly to those less fortunate than us.

And finally, I accepted an invitation to attend Beckenham Rotary Club’s Weekly Lunch which was a very successful and enjoyable occasion. Their street collection for Poppy Day is an outstandingly successful contribution for Bromley’s financial aid to the British Legion.

Cllr Russell L. Mellor Mayor 2021-22 g-strings kept disappearing off our washing line, so we suspected a knickernicker. To test our theory, we pinned large, BridgetJones-style, knickers on the line. And, yes, the large, unattractive bloomers stayed put, but the bright red tiny ones didn’t. We all took turns to keep watch, but our knicker-nicker was too clever for us. We decided to report the incidents to the police, who giggling like hyenas, took our statements, but nothing happened.

After a March night of pretty ferocious wind, Then, one day, as we walked to the theatre, we I walked into my garden to discover three very passed a house with a magpie sitting on the roof, sexy, leopard print and bright green g-strings, and the little devil had red material hanging from I walked into plus two pairs of black Y-fronts, bearing the his beak. The police were informed so they could my garden to inscription COME ON IN TIGER, in large white cross it off their ‘criminals wanted’ list. They discover three block letters: (They definitely weren’t mine!) called the fire brigade. The fire officer found the bright green They had obviously blown in from a magpies’ nest and remnants of red g-strings that neighbouring garden. But which one? I g-strings had been used to make it. didn’t feel I could go around knocking on my Perhaps a local magpie bit off more than he could carry neighbours’ doors, holding up the garments, and last year, and dropped some of his thieving in my garden. asking each neighbour if they were theirs, lest they thought I’ll never know. But the happy ending to the Torquay story I was an Ann Summers saleswoman. is: the fireman that discovered the remnants of our knickers It brought back memories of a show I was in, many years in the magpies’ nest, dated, fell in love, and then married ago, in Torquay. There were four of us ladies in the show my friend in the show. I hope he bought her underwear for and we all wore shiny red mini outfits, hence we all had Valentine’s Day. bright red g-strings to wear under them. We all shared a For more about me and my crime novels see house, and brought our undies home to wash and hang on the line. It was a hot sunny summer, so no wind, but our www.lindareganonline.co.uk

"

14 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 15

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16 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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Local Heroes...

COMMUNITY

Michelle Simpson

from The Chartwell Cancer Trust Anna Young nominated Michelle Simpson, the sales and marketing consultant for The Chartwell Cancer Trust, a local charity that supports both adults and children with cancer and leukaemia.

Anna said: “Michelle raises awareness and funds for this very important local charity. She particularly loves supporting families that have been affected by cancer and works tirelessly, often in her own time. She always has a smile on her face, even though the subject matter is heart-breaking and encourages local firms to get involved to help make a difference to families affected by cancer. She is a kind, giving and fun person to be with and works so hard to help everyone, leaving little time for herself - a very deserving local hero.”

Congratulations on the nomination Michelle! It’s fully deserving! How does it feel to be nominated as a local hero?

Wow, I was really surprised, but also chuffed to bits to have been nominated – thank you to Anna.

Can you provide a bit of background about how you became involved in the Chartwell Cancer Trust and why it’s important to you?

My story is one of fate, as I’ve had two cancer scares myself. I received the all clear from the Chartwell Unit at PRUH back in 2015 and felt extremely relieved, but I wanted to do something to make a difference, but had no idea what.

And then, literally the very next day, the charity approached me and asked me to join them. They wanted me to help them raise their profile and grow the advertising in the magazine. How could I say no? It’s been a privilege to be part of such an amazing charity ever since.

What do you love about your job? And how do you focus on staying positive for the families that you help?

I really love working closely with the families, running the support groups and being able to make a difference to them.

It’s the most rewarding thing in the world to see the massive smiles on their faces when we are doing fun things and making special memories, which helps make their nightmare journey that little bit easier. I am generally a very positive person, so I always try and put myself in the shoes of the child or the parent, as I know how tough it is for them. So, I put a brave face on and try to save any of my own emotions until later.

University Hospital. We have currently raised £660k, so the final push is to now raise the final £90k.

What do you most enjoy about living in the Bromley borough?

It’s a great place to live, really friendly and, certainly in the business world, everyone knows each other and works together.

How can people help when it comes to being involved in the Chartwell Cancer Trust?

As a charity we are always looking for people to fundraise, volunteer at one of our events or charity shops or just spread the word about what we’re doing and our various projects.

What goals/achievements are you as a charity aiming for this year?

To complete the Lily Pad Appeal and then hopefully move on to a children’s project closer to home.

For more information visit chartwellcancertrust.co.uk Michelle receiving her gorgeous blooms from Sue at Time For Flowers

What does a typical working day for you look like?

No two days are the same; one day I’ll be in meetings trying to raise funds or awareness for the charity or networking somewhere in Orpington, Bromley or Croydon.

Another day, I’ll be on one of our children’s wards that I look after (Kings & Croydon) or be doing an AV1 robot handover, with a family or in a school.

What’s new on the horizon?

We’re really focusing on our Lily Pad Appeal at the moment, a £750k fundraising project towards the cost of a new four-bedroom children’s oncology unit in Croydon

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

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

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 17

ADVERTORIAL

Natural Wellbeing GRANNY KNOWS BEST:

Why natural (and local) wins hands down Turns out grandma was right – and her granny too. For more than 400 years Epsom Salts have been used worldwide for their therapeutic healing properties. But it has only been in the last decade that people have really sat up and paid attention to the many ailments that Epsom Salts can be used for – from bloating and hair loss to jet-lag and hangover cures, plus everything in between it seems – and, in the case of Newton Wood, 100% naturally.

But how? Well, you might recall from chemistry lessons that when salt dissolves in water it releases chemical components. When Epsom Salts dissolve, they release magnesium, oxygen and sulphur. And now for the biology lesson; although our skin is waterproof, it also allows fluid and oil absorption. So, when sulphate ions and magnesium are absorbed into the body, they can then help serve important bodily functions. In fact, magnesium alone is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions that benefit the heart and nervous system.

Newton Wood’s Epsom Salts offer unique crystals that dissolve optimally in warm water, allowing them to be used for a plethora of applications. Here are just a few: • Fitness: Magnesium increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), the energy packets made in cells. Epsom

Salts can also aid in sports recovery too, such as easing aching joints and muscles.

• Haircare: With their unique, crystalline structure, Newton Wood Epsom Salt crystals make a great natural exfoliator and deep cleanser so that, when mixed with shampoo or conditioner, hair is left soft, shiny and volumised.

• Skincare: Epsom crystals can be used as part of an everyday routine to cleanse and exfoliate skin. They also boost natural radiance and ensure skin remains hydrated year-round.

• Health and wellbeing: Epsom Salts help restore the body’s natural pH balance, making it better equipped to fight diseases, illnesses and bacteria.

Epsom Salts haven’t escaped the clutches of celebrities either, with fans including Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow, who’s quoted as saying “I love Epsom salts baths to detox, revive muscles and de-puff my skin.”

Being an eco-conscious and ethical (vegan) brand, Newton Wood has developed a refill pack containing 1kg of its beautiful crystals packed into 100% biodegradable bags.

And just recently, a line of organic bath and body oils was launched following demand for fragranced crystals.

The moral of the story? Listen to your grandma! She’s got a wealth of wisdom passed down from generations – something that we could all benefit from.

Did you know…?

Epsom Salts were discovered in our neighbouring county of Surrey (in Epsom) in the 17th century when Henry Wicker noticed that his cattle refused to drink from a body of water on Epsom Common, even in hot and thirsty weather, despite the water looking clean and clear. On tasting it, Wicker discovered that it had a bitter taste. But luckily, he also observed that small wounds on those cows which ventured into the spring-fed pool seemed to heal more quickly than usual.

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18 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

What you’ve been saying...

“Newton Wood Epsom Salts are the finest quality Epsom Salts I've ever tried. I use it for all sorts of things, such as to detox and heal myself or just simply relax and soothe my body, mind and soul...”

Agnes, Kent

“This product is absolutely fabulous. It left my skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated. I particularly enjoyed adding it to my shower gel and giving my body a really good exfoliate pre-moisturising as it really removes that dead skin barrier. It’s vegan which is great and totally cruelty free - 5* from me!”

James G, London

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 19

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

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

• • • • • • • •

Financial planning Trust and estate planning Savings and investments Retirement planning Pension options at retirement Mortgages Protection Small business solutions

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

Why Foster Denovo?

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

For a fee free, no obligation initial meeting to discuss your immediate or long-term financial planning requirements, please:

call John Winters or Sharon Cain on 01689 868 163 or 07767 818 665 or email john.winters@fosterdenovo.com or sharon.cain@fosterdenovo.com.

Website: www.fosterdenovo.com

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

If you seek advice there may be a fee involved, full details will be provided prior to any work undertaken. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. Accessing pension benefits early may impact on levels of retirement income and your entitlement to certain means tested benefits and is not suitable for everyone.

You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.

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

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

20 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE

WIN A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS Solve the puzzle for your chance to win a pair of Bromley Picturehouse cinema tickets!

Unscramble the words below – which are all names of films – and then, using the first letter from each answer, write it down to spell out the name of a famous film character.

WIN

Email the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk by 15th March with your name, telephone number and address for the chance to win.

1. JCASSIUR KAPR 2. ALINE 3. AMMMA IAM 4. EAVIT 5. KFLLSYA 6. HEATRRVBEA 7. IOERVL 8. IGHTN AT HET SUMUEM 9. IED ARHD sponsored by

WIN We’ve teamed up with Bromley Picturehouse to give one lucky winner a pair of cinema tickets to watch a film of their choice. For details see www.picturehouses.com This is a monthly competition, open to residents in the Bromley borough only. Ts & Cs apply. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk 07403 550068

BY 15TH MARCH

for your chance to win!

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 21

Feeling great

community

Every mum needs a bit of TLC, so why not give her every excuse to get treated. Trendy Beauty in Farnborough Village offers everything from pedicures and facial treatments, to luxury massages and tanning. We’ve bagged 10% off all treatments for mum – just quote 10formum when you call up to book & pay. Call 01689 637220 or see trendybeauty.co.uk

1

2 Looking good

One thing that all women appreciate is the opportunity to look good in some great clobber.

Whether it’s a new scarf, some loungewear with a sparkle or a nice dress for special occasions, Liberty’s Fashion in Orpington offers some one-off pieces to suit all styles and sizes. See facebook.com/ LibertysFashion or call 07826-527835

Make it personal 8

Faithfully Yours offers a whole range of personalised gifts so you can really put mum’s name on it – from jewellery to chocolate and everything in between, with prices starting from just £5.99 – there’s something for everyone.

See www.faithfullyyourslpg.co.uk

BUY LOCAL:

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

7

Spa at home

Mum truly deserves to be pampered, so ensure she gets a bit of TLC at home.

Have a look at Newton Wood Epsom Salt (newton-wood.co.uk), which can help with anything from tired muscles to ailments such as eczema.

The 100% natural salts can be used both in the bath or shower and are sure to leave mum feeling truly spoilt.

6

No need to go searching high and low for suitable gifts to tell mum you love and appreciate her this Mother’s Day. Some things can be found right on your doorstep – literally. Here are 8 gift ideas that you can buy mum – and help to support the local economy at the same time!

Home help

5 Flower power

Go traditional and buy mum her favourite blooms. Choose anything you like – and any colour. Time For Flowers delivers within the borough and they also offer a range of gifts and silk flowers for blooms that last. Call 01689 485044.

Is mum struggling at home? Perhaps she could do with some help with chores, meal preparation or shopping? Compassion Homecare (www.compassionhomecare.co.uk) can help and it would be one less worry for mum. Or if it’s a handyman or gardener she’s looking for, try Tony on 07977 449274.

22 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

3

A night on the town

Treat mum to tickets to Bromley Churchill Theatre for a night to remember.

With a huge selection of shows on offer, there’s something for everyone – and what a memorable evening it would make!

See churchilltheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0343-310 0020.

4

Time to relax

When mum can’t get out but wants to feel pampered and relaxed, Body Oil from Houses of Nature could be just the ticket. The range of oils, all sustainable, ecofriendly and organic, can help relieve pain, anxiety, stress and tension and balance heart and lung energy. Prices are £24.99 including delivery and mum will be well and truly spoilt. Order from www.housesofnature.com

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Treat mum for

Mother’s Day! Surprise her with a Swedish Body Massage, one of the most relaxing treatments available.

Guaranteed to leave mum feeling relaxed and pampered, a Swedish Massage offers firm yet gentle pressure to ease muscle tension and help maintain physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Choose from 30-minute appointments up to 75 minutes.

Deep tissue massage is also available.

Alternatively, if mum prefers a facial, our new Hydro 7 Microdermabrasion Facial is specifically designed to leave skin feeling lifted, smooth and hydrated with an amazing glow.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR ALL TREATMENTS Call 01689 637220 email info@trendybeauty.co.uk

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 23

IDE A PER AF F OR ECT PET GIFT LO VE RS

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ROOMS FOR HIRE! Community House offers professional space in the heart of Bromley. Our space is suitable for charities, small businesses and all voluntary organisations to hold events, meetings and socials. Please visit our website here to find out more.

ROOMS AVAILABLE: Meeting room

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Conference room

South Street Cafe

To book please email manager@communityhousebromley.org.uk

24 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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5 Minutes With…

COMMUNITY

Stepanka (aka Stephanie) Not only is Stepanka Your Bromley’s Town Ambassador, she’s also the face on our cover shot for this very special first edition. It seemed appropriate to have Stepanka on the cover, welcoming people to Bromley, offering support and being positive about everything we have on our doorstep - as that’s exactly what she does in her day job! We sat down with Stepanka to get to know more about her - and the important role she plays in the town centre…

What exactly is a ‘Your Bromley Ambassador’ and what does this involve?

need to be resolved and from 11am to 1pm I’m usually a visible presence in town to advise and support visitors in town with local information they might need. After lunch I focus on visiting local businesses to tell them about the latest BID events, initiatives and upcoming meetings they can join. I return to the office at the end of the day to file paperwork and send any outstanding responses to management in regards to business interactions or incidents in town.

As an Ambassador I’m here to support the Business Improvement Districts (BID) and the local business community and provide a visible presence within the town centre.

My duties are varied and I often provide I witnessed a staff advice, support and guidance to businesses on issues such as waste member from Bromley management, environmental issues School Wear following and crime reduction initiatives. I also a flock of ducklings encourage businesses to get involved in local BID events like our Food Festival. through Bromley

"

Tell us about a memorable moment while you’ve been working.

During the easing of lockdown measures in summer 2021, I returned to work and on arriving in Bromley, I witnessed a staff member from Bromley School Wear following a flock of ducklings through Bromley South South. I went outside again a bit later and saw What made you apply to become the young lady still escorting these ducks and not Your Bromley’s town centre knowing what to do. I helped her guide the ducklings to ambassador? the local park along with some others who had taken time Having over 15 years’ experience in the retail and catering off work to help. The community in Bromley is fantastic. event sector I was looking for a position that would combine my interest in working with the general public and being outdoors, together with learning new skills. Being an ambassador fulfills this and I’ve been doing the role for over five years now.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Generally my day starts at 8:45am when I sign in, create reports and plan my day. My day usually includes business visits, general interactions and incident reporting. I also do radio checks with Bromley CCTV. In the morning I have a walk around town to identify any issues that might

Do you ever get mistaken for a police officer?

Yes, on numerous occasions. Most commonly it is when the public want to complain about dangerous cyclists on the pedestrian part of the high street. On a few other occasions I have been notified of aggressive individuals shouting at members of the public. If this happens I notify CCTV so they can watch and call the police if needed.

What’s the best thing about being an ambassador?

No day is the same. I love concentrating on building good relationships with local businesses and getting to know the local community and I really feel part of it. I also get to be nosey which I enjoy!

Finally, what does community mean to you?

Having a good community is so important. It is thanks to the local business community that we can work together to ensure that our town is safe and welcoming for all. As a community we are able to work together to identify local population issues and prolific offenders targeting Bromley.

Building a partnership with local businesses truly makes a huge difference and brings a sense of community to Bromley businesses.

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 25

Part of history

Great shopping

B

romley, historically part of the Kent county, has plenty to offer history buffs. The arrival of the railway at Shortlands in the middle of the 19th century changed Bromley’s destiny to be an important local centre of commerce.

E

ach of the town centres in the borough has its own character; the villagey feel of Petts Wood, Hayes and Chatterton Village; the champions of the independents like West Wickham and Orpington; and the larger town centres of Bromley and Beckenham. Add on Orpington’s Nugent retail park and Bromley’s The Glades and there’s really something for everyone.

Green spaces

Keeping healthy

A

s the largest London borough by area, Bromley has over 100 parks and open spaces.

These range from the iconic like Crystal Palace Park and High Elms to unspoilt nature reserves like Jubilee Country Park, Farnborough Fields and Keston Common to name a few.

W

ith so many green spaces, parks and cycle facilites, plus a range of leisure facilities, there’s no shortage of places for fitness enthusiasts to walk, run, swim or cycle. Plus we’ve got outdoor gyms in places like Anerley and Farnborough – and not forgetting the abundance of golf centres – including mini golf options for the kids!

Housing for all

G N I V O L AL: LOC

Celebrating

B

romley has a staggering array of different housing options from rented flats, affordable family homes all the way up to enviable mansion-like piles.

Great reads

A

ll of the borough’s town centres have some sort of library offering and there are a number which offer meeting rooms and coworking spaces, plus interesting exhibitions, talks and events.

A creative spark

W

e’re proud that the legendary David Bowie called Bromley home and we’re certainly keeping his artistic legacy going throughout the borough. From the creative workspace that Contingent Works offers, to venues such as The Ripley Arts Centre and more drama, crafting and singing workshops than you can shake a stick at.

Places of worship

Family days out

F

rom Christmas Tree Farm for animal lovers, to Crofton Roman Villa and Charles Darwin (Down House) for history fans, there’s a whole host of things to do with the kids, many of them free or very affordable. And when rain is forecast, we’ve always got the theatres, leisure centres and cinema complexes to keep us entertained!

New developments

T

he borough is continually developing in response to demand – and we’re not just talking about residential property. In Bromley’s Elmfield Road for example, the Commercial Park Group is overseeing an ambitious commercial development. In Phase 1 alone, the redevelopment of Wells House will deliver 96,213 sq ft of Grade A office space. Exciting times ahead!

B

romley is home to around 130 churches of all denominations, some of which date from the 11th century. Other religions are also represented in the borough like the Bromley Reform Synagogue and the Al-Emaan Centre.

26 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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Transport links

T

he borough is served by 26 railway stations which lead into London and out into Kent, plus there’s a comprehensive bus network - and even trams in the west of the borough.

Famous faces

T

here is a glittering list of stars that either call Bromley their home or who hail originally from the Borough. Sporty Emma Raducanu lives in Orpington (read our interview with her on p41), while pop star Pixie Lott is a Petts Woodien! Meanwhile, Enid Blyton, Richmal Crompton and HG Wells all have local connections.

ion Outstanding educat

B

romley is home to around 20 state secondary schools and over 70 primary schools, many of which are rated outstanding or good. There is also a number of Independent or specialist schools and Further Education is provided by London South East Colleges which has campuses in Bromley and Orpington.

hts Gastronomic delig

A

e A buzzing nightlif

A

fter having filled your belly, the larger Bromley and Beckenham towns in particular are home to a number of nightspots including bars and nightclubs. Alternatively, you can enjoy live entertainment at the Bromley Churchill Theatre, one of the South East’s top entertainment venues or explore more intimate settings like the Bromley Little Theatre.

Bromley

s you might expect from a borough the size of Bromley, every corner of the globe is represented locally. As well as this, residents enjoy everything from modestly priced cafés up to destination fine dining. Local markets provide opportunities for exciting street food and Bromley’s location next door to Kent means a wealth of local produce.

We’ve got a million and one reasons to love about living in the borough of Bromley. Here’s just 20 of them!

creativity Music, culture &

W

e’re lucky to have a thriving musical and artistic scene with live music in a number of local pubs, live entertainment including theatres and comedy shows, insightful exhibitions at the borough’s libraries, plus great venues such as Crystal Palace Museum and Bethlem Museum of The Mind, to name a few.

Quirky & quaint

B

romley isn’t all about large town centres.

One of the charms of the borough is that you can stumble across idyllic villages with quaint teashops such as St Mary Cray’s The Croft Tearoom and quirky pubs, complete with quirky locals!

Green & clean

A

Technology

B

romley’s Economic Development plan for the next ten years highlights and emphasises the need for improving connectivity and tech infrastructure. This will mean promoting access for all (provision in libraries and Business Lounges) and encouraging 4G and 5G rollout, even in more rural areas. We really are getting connected!

s well as benefitting from a large number of green spaces, Bromley is also among the ‘greenest’ Boroughs in London, ranking number two in 2019 when taking into account household recycling, composting and expenditure on environmental initiatives.

Quality of life

A

nother great reason to live in Bromley is how safe it feels. It’s among the safest boroughs in South London and, as of 2021, the sixth safest in the whole of London.

We’d love to know what you love about living or working in the borough. How has Bromley developed over the years? What are you looking forward to – and what would you love to see?

Send your ideas, responses and thoughts to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 27

community

LOVEAL: LOC

What's Your Take?

We asked some of the most influential people in the borough what they love about living or working in Bromley. Here’s what we can get excited about!

Bromley Town and Bromley Borough have so much to offer! It’s a great place to live, work and thrive. Let’s make it even better by working on bringing world class infrastructure to our town centres, all the while enjoying beautiful rural green spaces on our doorstep - and still retaining connectivity to London and all it has to offer.

Lee Thomas, Managing Director, Fairlight Group

I’d have to say that being brought up locally, it would be the people, our passengers and the friendly atmosphere Bromley has.

Jarrod Curtis, Station Manager, Bromley South

There is so much the Your Bromley team love about working in leafy, green Bromley. The town centre has a huge variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options on offer, all within a short walk of each other.

Frances Forrest, Your Bromley BID Manager

I’ve lived in Bromley for over 40 years and still appreciate the great local entertainment facilities (Churchill Theatre of course!), excellent local shops and restaurants, frequent public transport services, ease of travelling up to London and close proximity to beautiful country walks. It really does have something for everyone!

Janice Hinton, Bromley Churchill Theatre

I am proud to live in and represent Bromley as we have an incredible community spirit caring for others, especially during recent difficult unprecedented times.

Cllr Hannah Gray, Bromley Economic Partnership Executive Assistant for Renewal, Recreation & Housing and Small Business Champion

For me personally, it’s how easily and quickly I’m able to get into central London from Bromley (16 mins on the train as we often declare in the office!).

You feel like you get the best of both because you’re close to all of the exciting things going on in the city but then you can also be at home and live a more suburban life that isn’t quite so fast paced and chaotic as central London.

Megan Kinsey, Bromley Churchill Theatre

Bromley has lots of hidden gems and history that are just waiting to discovered.

Zeenat Noorani & Darren Weale, The Bromley Buzz Podcast Team

I enjoy all the green outdoor spaces within the borough. We’re lucky as Bromley is one of London’s greenest boroughs and, of all the capital’s boroughs, it has the largest tree stock, with around 36,000 street trees comprising 200 species and over 24,000 trees in parks.

Lorraine McQuillan, Bromley resident

28 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

The quality of life is outstanding for the largest London borough to the great benefit of our residents.

Russell Mellor, Mayor of Bromley - 2021-2022

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GARDEN TIDY-UP? GARDEN CLEARANCE?

LET US DO ALL THE HARD WORK! Based in Bromley and with over 30-years of experience, Easy Gardens are experts at undertaking garden clearances and ongoing maintenance.

From small suburban gardens to country mansions, no job is too big or too small.

FREE QUOTATIONS We always love to visit a customer's garden in the first instance to walk around and understand your exact requirements, after which we will provide a detailed written quotation of the work that has been agreed.

Very often, we can arrange to complete the work within 2-3 days of your instruction.

We pride ourselves on delivering a very professional and competitive service and look forward to your call!

Call us on: 07878 938 265

enquiries@easy-gardens.co.uk • www.easy-gardens.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 29

advertorial

Health Check

GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL

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

Why should I have my hearing tested?

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

What is an audiologist?

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

How long have you been at Hearbase?

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

What are the first signs of a hearing problem?

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

30 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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advertorial Why should I go to Hearbase Bromley?

Well, to start, our hearing tests are completely free.

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

How should I look after my hearing?

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

Call us on 0208 460 8954 or email admin@hearbase.com - book your free hearing test today! www.hearbase.com

Don’t forget to mention ‘Life In Bromley’ when you book!

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 31

lifestyle

Eco News

NEW HUB ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO THINK GREEN

The Greener and Cleaner Bromley and Beyond team is set to launch a new Community Green Hub, located in The Glades. The ambitious three-year project, has raised £270k of funding in donations for the lifespan of the project and is now seeking a further £30K to cover fittings and running costs for the first year.

The aim of the Hub is to encourage residents to be more mindful about sustainability and climate change, as well as the benefits of a sharing economy. It is hoped that the model can be used as a blueprint that can be adopted in other parts of the country. For details see greenerandcleaner.co.uk

REPAIR DON’T REPLACE With so many laptops and devices in circulation and now a vital tool in our everyday life, keeping them working and running is ever so important. Making a decision between replacing or repairing is an important decision, not just financially but environmentally. Always consider repairing your devices especially if they're under seven years old and when they're no longer viable or no longer supported consider the next best option and that’s to donate. One person’s rubbish is always someone else’s

gold and plenty of schools and charities would be glad to accept a donated laptop to be repurposed and reused. Our Technician can support you through the entire eco process of your laptop.

Visit www.ourtechnician.co.uk for information.

SEVEN Things You Can’t Recycle

REDUCING FOOD WASTE

1) Pizza Boxes

Over one third of all food produced around the world goes to waste. In the UK alone we waste more then we think - throwing away 25 million slices of bread every day along with 6 million potatoes and 1.4 million bananas. Over half of all food waste in the UK is happening at home.

They are often tainted with food and grease causing problems for the quality of the paper and the binding of the fibres.

2) Juice Boxes The plastic coating on much of the cardboard renders them unsuitable for recycling.

3) Styrofoam Styrofoam is a petroleum product and highly flammable.

It’s considered a danger to most recycling centres.

4) Wire Hangers Most recycling centres are not set up to handle wire.

5) Ceramics Ceramics have a higher melting point than other types of glass so can't be recycled. Consider giving them a second life with a houseplant or in your garden.

6) Books Books are bound together using some form of glue which can ruin the pulping process and cause a whole batch of potentially recycled paper to be wasted.

7) Some Types of Wrapping Paper Wrapping paper that is foil, glittery, or shiny is not recyclable as it cannot be mulched.

32 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

Much of our food waste ends up in landfill and 40% of the UK's methane gas comes from biodegradable waste. When food waste decomposes without access to oxygen it creates methane which is 23 times more deadly than carbon dioxide. It takes water, energy, fuel and packaging to produce the food we all love and buy, so even if you use the council’s food waste collection service, it still uses many resources and is an inefficient waste of energy. Food that is never eaten accounts for 25% of all fresh water consumption globally.

It has been said that the average UK family throws away around £500 worth of food each year that could have been eaten. In the last three years we've reduced our food waste by 7% but we still need to do more. If we all make a few small changes and start using up the food we buy, together we can make a big difference.

Planet Earth does not have the resources to feed the additional 2.3 billion people that will be joining the planet by 2050 – We need to act now and stop throwing away our food!

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Giving your loved ones the service that they deserve Community is important to me and I’m passionate about what I do.

My work as a life celebrant helps families who have lost a loved one to create a unique and fitting ceremony that’s personal to them.

Other services I offer include: • Weddings & vow renewals

• A ‘Remember Me’ package • Bereavement Café counselling • Grief Care boxes

Contact:

michelle.harvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrant

A BETTER WAY TO BE REMEMBERED...

Welcome to Brightwater Memorial Park

BRIGHTWATER M E M O R I A L

P A R K

At Brightwater Memorial Park we appreciate the comfort that people take from remembering their loved ones in the right setting. We have therefore created the very first indoor, above ground burial facility of its type in the UK. Brightwater is a modern, uplifting alternative to traditional cemeteries and crematoria.

Combined with an exemplary level of service and a serene natural setting extending to over 14 acres of private gardens and natural woodland, Brightwater Memorial Park is the ideal location to create your legacy.

You can now reserve your final resting place at Brightwater Memorial Park. For more information please visit our website at www.brightwater.group or email: info@brightwater.group | 01689 850880 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 33

lifestyle

Money Savers

5 ways to bring your monthly living costs down 1. Re-assess your broadband and TV packages and

4. Do online food shops where you can; that way you

consolidate them where you can. Do you really need all of them on top of your basic TV package?

2. Take fewer showers, keep the central heating down when not needed and turn the lights off when you leave a room.

3. Utilise any two-for-one deals when going out for dinner/ drinks – a taste card is usually great for deals.

are monitoring what you are spending and don’t have the temptation of putting items you don’t need in your basket.

5. Switch to SIM-Only talk plans; for example, with providers like Lebara, they offer competitive rates and monetary incentives when you refer a friend.

5 charity shop bargain -hunting tricks

mobile.lebara.com

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEEKLY SHOP 1. Eat before you shop. An empty stomach means that you’re more likely to impulse buy, so have a meal or a snack before you go.

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

3. Keep an eye out for money-saving vouchers. These can be found in supermarkets’ magazines, online, via newsletters and on apps.

4. Try supermarket brands. If you’re used to 1. Look out for detagged surplus stock from high street shops as many donate samples and excess stock, plus some designer names do too.

2. Follow them on social media as you can get insider knowledge on flash sales, new products and great bargains.

3. Head to charity shops in swanky areas - chances are, many items will be designer. Hot favourites include Edinburgh, Chelsea, Oxford, Tring, Bath, Cheshire and St Andrews.

4. Go little and often – and aim to visit during the week and in the morning as you’re most likely to nab a bargain. If you can’t get out, you can shop online if you have to; for example, Oxfam has an online shop, while many organisations also sell on eBay such as the British Red Cross, British Heart Foundation and the Royal British Legion.

34 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

buying branded goods, give the supermarket’s own brand a go. It’s typically much cheaper and you might not notice the difference - a win-win!

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

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

7. Use comparison websites to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. This works well if you’re bulk buying or specifically going on a shop for a specific product.

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Food & Drink

lifestyle

AN ALTERNATIVE PANCAKE DAY RECIPE Spread the energy with Nut Blend this Pancake Day (1st March) by trying something new: Coconut, Macadamia & Almond pancakes! Nut Blend was created with a mission to be indulgent, feel-good and mood-boosting without having to rely on sugar. The distinctive flavours are a blend of just nuts and a pinch of spices, nothing else – to naturally satisfy, brighten and boost your energy, without the sugar high. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs • 20g of Nut Blend’s Coconut, Macadamia & Almond Butter

• 130g almond flour • 50ml almond milk • 1 tsp baking powder

Method: 1. Mix the almond flour and baking powder in a bowl.

2. Mix the almond milk, nut butter and eggs in another bowl.

3. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until evenly combined.

4. Heat some oil on a large skillet on medium heat and pour a ladle of the batter into the pan.

5. Let cook for about 2-3 minutes, until little bubbles start to form on top. Then flip and cook for another minute.

6. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as blueberries, yoghurt and nut butter!

HEALTHIER TAKEAWAY OPTIONS

15.48pm vegetables is snack time!

Seasonal

Swapping your usual takeaway for a healthier option may be a good way to cut down on fat, salt and sugar. Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK, has some great tips for doing just that…

Here’s the nation’s favourite their that Researchers polled 2,000vegetables adults and and discovered availability and 15:48pministhe theUK time weIreland! prefer to enjoy a little treat ahead of dinner time. The study, commissioned by Mushrooms, potatoes, carrots and lettuce: Available Peperami, found that there was also a divide when 365 days it came to the preferred snack, with 43% enjoying savoury and 42% preferring a sweet option.

Top snacks Broccoli, peppers, onions, cucumber and tomatoes: included toast, bananas, Travel 1,119crisps, miles min. when out ofdigestives season and nuts.

The prep work Compare the menus for takeaway food outlets and try to choose one that provides some healthier options. Some takeaway food outlets list calories on their menus and this can help you to make a healthier choice.

Choose wisely Try to avoid foods that are deep fried, such as fish in batter, chips and fried chicken. Swap large deep-pan pizzas and pizzas with stuffed crusts for smaller pizzas.

Select lower fat pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, peppers, sweetcorn, chicken and ham, rather than pepperoni or extra cheese which are both high in fat.

Watch the portions Be careful not to buy too much food when ordering your takeaway. Instead of ordering starters, mains, sides and desserts, why not just have a main course and finish off with some fruit and yoghurt? You could share a dish or freeze a portion of your takeaway for another time to avoid eating too much.

Try a ‘fakeaway’ Try making healthier versions of your favourite takeaway dishes at home by finding healthy recipes online. If you can’t live without your favourite takeaway dish, you could try swapping side dishes, such as chips, garlic bread, fried rice or naan bread for brown rice or wholemeal pitta bread that you prepare at home.

Discover more healthy tips & recipes at heartresearch.org.uk

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GUILT-FREE SNACKING A study by Performance Lab revealed ‘cheat foods’ with the highest content of key vitamins and minerals, with some surprising health benefits…

• Marzipan: High in magnesium which reduces migraines, regulates blood sugar & fights depression.

• Dark chocolate: High in tryptophan, a mood-boosting amino acid proven to reduce the negative effects of stress. It’s also packed with antioxidants, magnesium and potassium to improve cognitive functions.

• Halloumi fries: Packed with calcium to support bone & brain health and even prevent dementia. Cheese also contains vitamin B for energy.

• Roasted Peanuts: Full of biotin, which is responsible for strong nails and shiny hair.

• Sweet Potato fries: Packed with potassium, which regulates blood pressure and helps prevent strokes.

• Frosted Cornflakes: Great source of iron and Vitamin D which helps against muscle weakness, low energy/ fatigue and even depression.

• Crispy Bacon Rashers: High in protein, which boosts your physical performance and is essential for strong hair, nails and skin.

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 35

lifestyle

Business

A CAREER ACADEMY FOR MUMS Jane Knight founded Successful Mums in 2014 when she identified a gap in the market to help mums back to work after having children. The company is now an accredited and awardwinning team of 15, who’ve helped over 6,000 mums regain their confidence and purpose after having children.

Q: What challenges did you face when launching your business and how did you overcome these?

Applying for funding had its challenges, especially as a new start-up business. I did a lot of work for free to build up evidence and testimonials to use as part of the funding process. I now share the funding application process with others to fast-track funding.

Q: How do you manage family life alongside being a business owner?

Lots of juggling! I haven’t met anyone that has managed this 100%. I have systems in place and I’m lucky to have a great network of friends and family. I get up early to get the life admin completed and dedicate time on a Sunday to meal planning and kids, clubs etc Sometimes I drop the ball, but I pick it up and keep going.

Q: What impact do you think the pandemic has had on working mothers?

The need for digital skills for mums is even higher now, so any digital or I.T training should be part of every mum’s development plan. We provide these skills and of course there are many fantastic courses out there too. Recent lobbying for flexible working will continue to support mums to return to and sustain a career they love.

Q: What advice would you give to any women wanting to start their own business?

The more niche your product or service, the easier it is to target your market audience. For example, a general photographer will need to do a broader marketing campaign than a photographer that focuses on new-borns.

Being niche means you can then build your reputation in that area. Also think about your hobby and how you can work in an industry or environment that is similar.

Q: What’s new for Successful Mums?

We’ve just won funding to support 500 London Mums in the next 12 months through our online coaching and training courses that include CV support, LinkedIn, Career advice, Personal styling, NLP techniques plus links to flexible employers. We are also kicking off a project to work with 100 employers to make their workforce more ‘women returner’ friendly through a number of women’s well-being projects, menopause policy and free advertising on our Job Board.

For more information visit www.successfulmums.co.uk or email jane@successfulmums.co.uk

5 tips to successful networking Chas Jordan from Bromley Business Network outlines five tips to getting the most from a networking event: 1) Ask questions & listen – opportunity sometimes knocks very softly as Jackson Brown Jr once said.

People love talking about themselves and by allowing them to do that you’ll create a great rapport and others will naturally warm to you.

2) Relationship building – networking isn’t about selling but rather getting to know what people do, who they’re looking to meet and what they need – that way you can help them and allow others to help you.

3) Consistency is key – attend events and do so regularly. People do business with those they know, like and trust. If you show up once, you’re not allowing people to get to know you – and vice versa.

4) Change your mindset – approach a networking event without any expectation of getting new business.

36 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

Business Bromleyetwork N

Instead go with the idea of meeting new people and building relationships with those you already know.

5) Follow up – If you make a connection with someone, send a note afterwards to thank them. If you promised someone you’d email or call them – do so. And always return emails – even just to acknowledge you’ve received them - people are not mind readers.

For details on Bromley Business Network, which meets every two weeks at Bromley Football Club, visit www. bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk

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Women In Business

lifestyle

#BreakTheBias

With news that the government is to back a new five-year review to monitor women’s representation in the upper rungs of FTSE companies, women across the UK are rejoicing. Research has found that having diversity at the top can improve companies’ profitability. Business Minister, Paul Scully, said: “Evidence shows that more diverse businesses are more successful businesses – the case is too strong to ignore.”

What women-related myths or taboos need to be broken?

Tuesday 8th March marks International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias. So, to help celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality, we asked a selection of female-led businesses in the borough for their thoughts and ideas on topics surrounding equality…

Given that women are still in the minority when it comes to leadership roles, the myth is that women need to change. Women don’t, and we certainly shouldn’t have to act like men to get those roles. The purpose in having diversity in the boardroom, or anywhere else, is not so we change to be like others (or behave like men in this case), but that we are all valued for our differences and the perspectives and experiences we bring.

Why is it important to recognise women in business?

The world is constantly changing and that change is speeding up. It needs new ideas and solutions to the problems we face and women provide an increasing number of fantastic business ideas and bring a vibrancy and energy to the world. Women’s businesses are changing the world and the economy.

Lee Lam, Your Startup Partner

What attributes do you think women have that set them apart in business?

The ability to multitask is a huge benefit. Women are able to take on high level voluntary roles within institutes, groups, organisations and faculties, as well as focusing on their business or job role.

Tracey Latteman THL Coaching

Gail Gulvin, Smart Switch Utilities

What advice do you have for women starting out in business?

Strip back your business and look at each area, and match it to your strengths. There may be areas of your business that you run, that you are not comfortable with. For example, my weakness is the accounts, I hate doing them and realise it’s not my strong point. So don’t be afraid to ask for help or take advice from those who have experience in these fields.

Make contact with those you admire and ask questions. Tell them why you admire them too – building each other up is important. Take what you need from their advice, and use it to enhance your business, but always with your own slant on it.

What woman has positively impacted on you – and what lesson did she teach you?

My mother. She has always taught me never to give up and to keep chasing my dreams.

Thanks to her I am where I am today.

Maria Dominguez, Trendy Beauty

What is your hope for the next generation of women?

In the words of Coco Chanel, “a girl should be two things: who and what she wants”. Having an eight-year old daughter this is my wish for her and the next generation. The freedom to believe in whatever their dreams or ambitions are possible, and the support and kindness from others to accept them.

Claire Boutcher, Keller Williams

Michelle Harvey, Michelle Harvey Life Celebrant

Be determined to succeed. Do not allow yourself to be undermined. Stand up straight and come out of your comfort zone.

Christine McNamara, Gracious Care

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That women have the courage to be true to themselves and to fight for what they believe in without fear of judgement. I hope they are open-minded, honest and most importantly, kind to each other. Our environment will need to be a priority, so I hope they can help save it for future generations. I also hope the next generation of women have incredible men in their lives who will not have to conform to outdated notions of masculinity and will play their part in women's rights - standing side by side with them, sharing mutual respect, love and encouragement.

Nicky Grant, Nicky Grant Designs

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 37

lifestyle

Life Hacks Try these: daily time savers • Brush your teeth in the shower • Make your lunch sarnies on a Sunday and if suitable, freeze them for the week ahead.

• Have breakfast at work • Get your outfit ready the night before • Keep a list of shopping items you need on your phone • Turn your phone off or put it on silent when you're doing a task. You're less likely to get distracted.

5 Things To Do in

5 Minutes 1. Plan a meal.

Rather than wade through recipes when you don't have much time, why not come up with a great main course when you do? Save all the ingredients in your notes on your phone (and the amounts needed), so when you're next at the supermarket you can pick them up.

2. Meditate.

Even if you're not a particularly spiritual person, just taking five minutes to sit still and close your eyes will work wonders in clearing your mind. It's not often we get time to ‘just be', so find somewhere you are unlikely to be disturbed and set a timer before you rest quietly and try to clear your mind.

38 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

3 ways with lemons 1. Freshen up your dishes: When you've used up a lemon don't throw away the wedges - pop one in the top rack of your dishwasher to leave your dishes smelling fresh when they've been cleaned.

2. Eliminate the odours:

If your fridge smells a bit iffy dab some lemon juice on a sponge and leave it in the fridge for a few hours.

3. Clean your microwave: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a cup half filled with water.

Put the lemon into the water and put the microwave on full power for three minutes. The steam generated will loosen any food stuck so you can then wipe and dry off with a clean cloth.

Did you know?

You can mak e boiled eg gs easier to pe el by addin ga teaspoon o f baking so da to the water w hile they b oil!

3. Polish your shoes.

Don't get caught out on your way out of the door.

Systematically check out your shoes – they may not even need a polish – maybe a going over with a wet wipe will be enough, but you'll thank yourself when you're next in a rush out of the door and you're looking slick.

4. Plan your TV viewing schedule.

Take five minutes to go through the week's programme schedule so you can set up recordings in advance and never miss what you really want to watch.

5. A stitch in time.

You know that button that needs sewing back on and that holey jumper that needs a few stitches? Now is your time to attend to them. It's a boring job, but the longer you leave it, the worse it will get. And remember – it only takes five minutes.

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 39

In a survey carried out by the Direct Marketing Association

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questions said they found free samples delivered through their letterboxes of consumers either visited useful: 66% said the same a shop, sent for information, for supermarket offers, of recipients keep, pass or bought a product, having 62% for money-off coupons and 47% for new on, or glance at leaflet received a leaflet through distribution items. product leaflets. their letterbox.

40 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

79% 38%

of consumers responded to leaflets, compared to 47% for direct marketing, 47% for television and 60% for press advertising.

of leaflets are kept for at least a few days, and 13% are kept for a week or more.

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Local Celebs…

COMMUNITY

Emma Raducanu!

How proud are we that Emma Raducanu, Britain's first female Grand Slam winner since 1977 and the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open last year, is from our wonderful borough?

With the assistance of the LTA, the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, we caught up with Emma for five minutes to discover what she likes getting up to when she’s not on the tennis court…

As you tour so much while playing tennis, what would you say are your top travel essentials?

"

Not many people know that I speak Mandarin

as well if they watch me. Tennis is an unbelievable sport, it gives you so many opportunities and is so fun and it would be great for more kids to pick up a racket and try it. LTA Youth courses are a perfect way for everyone to get started.

Who would you say is your idol?

It would have to be Michael Jordan.

A disposable camera to help me reflect on memories of the trip and a lacrosse ball that I use for physiotherapy on my upper body as it helps ease any aches and pains. I would also say dark chocolate and peanut butter which is an absolute must - I take it everywhere! And finally, energetic music with good beats.

Yes! Jean-Michel Basquiat and Alec Monopoly.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Probably a lawyer as I like arguing back a lot and talking back a little bit!

Binge-watching Taiwanese shows on Netflix. I also enjoy following F1 and never miss the highlights.

Any hidden talents?

Not many people know that I speak Mandarin.

Oh interesting! So, following on from this, what’s your favourite food?

I really like Lam yong, Korean food, especially Korean barbecue food.

You recently revisited your primary school in Bickley. What was it like being back there?

I had the best memories of this school at Sports Day. Being back there did make me want to do more because seeing their inspired and excited faces when I walked in, spurred me on. I can’t let them down and want to keep pushing on in my own career, and hopefully they can get into tennis

And any favourite artists?

If you hadn’t become a tennis player, what do you think you would have become?

Finally, who would your dream doubles partner be?

Andy Murray! One of my favourite sporting moments was hitting a lob winner against Andy Murray in a mixed doubles game.

Did you know… the LTA recently launched LTA Youth, a new and innovative junior programme aimed at kids aged four-18 created to help more children enjoy the benefits of playing and staying in tennis, whatever their age, gender, ability, disability or background. Emma has been – and still is – a huge inspiration to the next generation of tennis players and is an LTA Youth Ambassador. Inspired by Emma? To book a place on the course or find out more information on how to get started in tennis visit

lta.org.uk/youth-programme/

Photos: Getty Images for LTA.

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 41

lifestyle

Home & Garden

6 tips to double your living space 1. Use large wall mirrors to bounce and reflect light.

Using light-infusing paint colours or silk/satin paint will also help bounce light around.

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

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

THE DO’S & DON’TS OF LAUNDRY

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

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

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

THE BIG SPRING CLEAN MADE EASY

DO…

• Wash your clothes less frequently – try airing them instead (outside if it’s nice) • Wash your clothes inside out which will help minimise colours fading • If an item is particularly dirty, put it on a pre-wash cycle in the washing machine without detergent and then put it on a normal cycle with detergent.

• Mix whites and colours when washing at 30°C or below.

DON’T…

• Put too many clothes into your machine. You should be able to get two fists on top of the pile easily.

• Use fabric softener when you wash your towels as it makes them less absorbent.

• Leave your clothes in the washing machine for too long once the cycle is finished. It only takes 24 hours for fungus to start growing.

42 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

• Make a schedule and don’t try to tackle too much in one go; one room at a time is great and finish it before moving onto the next.

• Before you tackle a room, aim to declutter it first, making piles for loft storage or the charity shop.

• Wash bedding, duvets, pillows and throws and pack them away, swapping these for lighter (and brighter) bed linen and soft furnishings.

• Dust from the top-to-bottom – vac away cobwebs in corners and dirty marks on walls. Top up with a new paint job if needed.

• Don’t forget to wipe down light switches, mirrors, windows and doors – these are often forgotten but are usually the first to show signs of dirt.

• Throw open the windows and let some natural air into your home.

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 43

44 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

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Did You Know…

lifestyle

What your car says about you

Believe it or not, the car you drive reveals a lot about your personality. The brand, model and colour you choose can highlight some of your key traits, including your attitude, lifestyle and perceptions. And, while there’s no doubt some drivers get judged by the model or colour of their car, Uswitch couldn’t help but wonder if there’s any truth behind the stigma, so they teamed up with expert psychologist, Lee Chambers, to find out what car choice reveals about you…

• Tesla - Forward thinking, innovative, risk-taker • VW Beetle - Creative, traditional, thinks outside of the box

• Mini cooper - Proud, organised, mindful • Fiat 500 – Artistic, desire to conform to society • Audi – Trendy, wants to make a statement whilst still adhering to social norms

• BMW – Brave, self-confident, flashy • Range Rover - Values safety, adventurous, desires high social status

• Ford Fiesta - Practical, reliable, non-judgemental

Hilarious tax return excuses!

HMRC has released its round up of the most ridiculous tax return excuses and failed expense claims from the last decade. Here are some of our faves…

And what does colour reveal about your personality?

Black - Sophisticated, appreciates control, stylish Grey/Silver - Sensible, reliable, happy to conform White - Clinical, organised, values a high social status

Yellow - Sunny by nature, hopeful, optimistic Red - Sensual, dynamic, outgoing Blue - Safe, with an air of calm confidence, unlikely to

be fazed

Purple - Creative, regal, loves to make a statement Pink – Bold, generous, sensitive Gold - Traditional, with a balance of competitiveness

and comfort Green - Energetic, grounded, balanced

Buy on card When paying online for items over £100, pay for it on a credit card rather than PayPal. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 says if you pay for something costing between £100 and £30,000, on a credit card, the card company is jointly liable with the retailer. So if anything goes wrong - the item is faulty, doesn’t turn up or is broken, the credit card firm is obliged to sort this out.

• I was up a mountain in Wales, and couldn’t find a post box or get an internet signal • Claiming £4.50 for sausage and chips meal expenses for 250 days • My hamster ate my post • I’ve been cruising around the world in my yacht, and only picking up post when I’m on dry land • A music subscription so I can listen to music while I work • Pet food for a Shih Tzu ‘guard dog’ • My mother-in-law is a witch and put a curse on me

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Oat milk Oat milk has quickly become the plant-based milk of choice, according to the latest research from Mintel, as sales of the trendy, non-dairy substitute almost doubled between 2019-20. Brits spent a hearty £146 million on oat milk in 2020, up from £74 million in 2019. By contrast, consumers spent £105 million on almond milk in 2020 compared to £96 million in 2019, resulting in oat overtaking almond to become the nation’s number one selling vegan milk.

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 45

lifestyle

Short Story

Picture: Joakim Honkasalo, Unsplash

PARTY POLITICS

by DIANA ELVIN “Good evening, Clive. Found you at last. When I asked you to look for somewhere new from which we could spread the word about our dynamic party policies I thought you would find somewhere that was on the map. When I asked the way, nobody had heard of it.”

“Sorry Madam. It is on the map – right hand corner. Not too easy to find but it is there. Here, borrow my magnifying glass” “Thanks. So it is – just. Well I had better run through my speech if you have it ready. Lots of local references, I hope – but, of course, you are so good at that. I couldn’t possibly manage without you.”

“No Madam.”

“Last lap of this election frenzy, thank goodness. Can’t come too soon. What a bore it all is. Now then, remind me where it is that I am so delighted to be, at last, on this cold, wet afternoon?”

“Brightsea Madam.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Not many people have, Madam, but you did say that we were to spread ourselves a bit and find new areas to conquer.”

“Are we likely to meet with success in - er - this place?”

“Brightsea, Madam. Let's just say that it’ll provide a challenge.”

“What’s it like? Anything of interest?”

“Not a lot, nowadays. Used to be architecturally splendid.

Now consists mainly of a new shopping mall where every retail outlet looks pretty much like every other. The centre has been pedestrianised.”

“To make for safer shopping?”

“To accommodate children’s expensive entertainment – roundabouts and such like.”

“What do the adults do in these places?”

“There’s an amateur theatre that puts on some good plays, and they are getting their sound system sorted as we speak.

There’s a professional theatre known for its abundance of steps - and scarcity of lifts. There’s a cinema, several noisy pubs, a bingo hall and an arts centre. See – every voter catered for.”

“Let's get on. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls’ - What is this? I thought I made it clear that I would never address children again. They are nothing but trouble.”

46 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

“Ask a lot of silly questions?”

“No no. Ask a lot of very good questions – to which I don’t always know the answers. What’s the point of all that aggro anyway? Kids can’t vote.”

“Most of these can Madam. They’re A-level students. Young people really. That’s why I put 'ladies and gents.’ There might just be a few younger ones as well. I’m afraid you have to put up with them. They come with the venue.”

“They what?”

“The meeting is being held in their school.”

“Why for goodness sake? There must be other places.”

“Not exactly Madam. Well, there are other places, of course, but we couldn’t hire them. They were all ‘unavailable’.”

“Should have booked sooner.”

“Not poss. We just aren’t the party of choice for this area.

The party’s views, although excellent of course, absolutely spot on, they – er – do not go down too well in Brightsea.

It was the school or nothing. But I am sure that you’ll win everyone over.”

“So just why is this school so accommodating?”

“I believe that it is part of their citizenship course, Madam.

Comes under the heading of ‘Modern World’. They have to find out what the various parties believe and argue for or against it in class.”

“Do they indeed? How do they know what we believe?”

“Well, they don’t of course anymore than the rest of us, but they note the promises you make. Then they follow up the successful candidates and see what actually happens whether you do what you say you are going to do.”

“Oh my gosh.”

“Not to worry, Madam. I’ve worded your speech with great care. You are not, on behalf of your party, promising anything that you won’t have a good, publishable reason for reneging on, if times get difficult.”

“As they will.”

“As they most certainly will.”

“Right. Let lying commence. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be with you in this lovely town today. If my party gets in I can promise you ...”

Would you like to submit a short story? Send your idea to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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Pets

lifestyle

6 WAYS TO SPOIL YOUR POOCH 1. Offer healthy treats: Get healthy nutritious food for your dog that targets their specific needs and helps maintain healthy skin, joints and digestion.

for two? Some hotels now offer a chance to take your dog for afternoon tea complete with doggy ice cream and homemade dog biscuits. You can even toast your friendship with a glass of pawsecco.

2. Head to a doggy spa: In recent years, spas have opened up that give your pup the pampering it deserves. These include spa baths, mud treatments and conditioning treatments that will have your dog relaxed and looking like the supermodel it is.

5. Buy some new clobber: The majority of dogs have collars, but many owners only replace these when they are broken. Why not treat your dog to a new collar that they can show off when going on walks?

3. Get a puppy pedicure: Glamourise your dog with

6. Throw a party: If your dog isn't shy and has other

4. Take them to afternoon tea: Romantic meal

Front Of The Pack

a pooch pedicure. Give your pup a nail trim and grind so they can have the smoothest paws in town.

Banish pet hair from the home

pooch pals, why don't you throw a puppy party? Get all of your toys and treats out and have your friends and theirs round for a party that they will never forget.

Your cute pet pics!

Send in your pet pictures to us for the chance to be featured. Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

1. Brush your pets regularly with appropriate brushes

2. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda

over carpets and rugs before using the vac to deodorise pet smells

3. Remove pet hair from sofas

by donning a pair of rubber gloves and brushing the sofa. This works well on stairs too – and helps if you rinse the gloves under water first

4. Wash pet bedding regularly – ideally once a week

5. As often as you can, get

fresh air into the home by leaving windows ajar while at home

6. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe down hard surfaces

Meet Teddy - The Drawing Room's mascot!

Justine

This is Loopy. She loves walnuts, bells and shouting at the parakeets in the garden.

Jackie Langridge

Meet Marley (named after Bob Marley!) His owner, Sarah, says that he likes people and chasing other dogs in the park. He also likes his bed and travelling in the car and is partial to listening to the radio and music (but isn’t so keen on training classes!)

Sarah Spencer-Adams

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March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 47

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS BUSINESS & NETWORKING

HEAlTH, BEAUTY & MINDSET FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY

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

Email productivitypod@post.com with your mobile number and name to register or for more details.

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES MY PARTY BOX.FUN

We provide sustainable party boxes that contain everything needed for children's parties.

Our aim is to provide stress-free planning while helping you to create magical memories! www.mypartybox.fun Tel: 0333 444 2017 Email: josette@mypartybox.fun

JKA ORPINGTON SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB Based at Darrick Wood Senior School, the club was established by its current chief Instructor Graham Richardson in 1975. Class times are 7pm-8.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am-11.30pm on Saturdays.

See the website at www.jkaorpington.co.uk or email info@jkaorpington.co.uk

DESIGN & PRINT NICKY GRANT DESIGNS

I specialise in making your business look its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost-effective service.

T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com

Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and teens.

For more information email faye@fayecoxcoaching. co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793.

GEO SPORTS MASSAGE

Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771 299123

SUBLIME BEAUTY

Mobile service for semi-permanent eyebrows, lips, eyeliner and collagen induction therapy. I am VTCT Level 4 Qualified - the highest accreditation in Semi-Permanent make-up (Micropigmentation). Gift vouchers also available.

Email simone@sublimebeauty.co.uk or see www.sublimebeauty.co.uk

HOBBIES THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON

Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media

PETS

VINTAGE SCRIBE Beautiful handcrafted invitations and cards for any special event. For that stylish, individual touch.

Call Vintage Scribe on 07716-837874 To submit a classified listing please call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.

TOP KNOT TOYS

We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops.

See @top_knot_toys on Instagram or email top-knot23@outlook.com

stockists Every month you’ll find copies of Life In…Bromley in the following locations throughout Bromley Town Centre where you can pick one up for free. If you’d like a direct copy to your door, please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or you can sign up to receive a free digital copy at https://bit.ly/lifeinmagsdigital • • • •

Bromley Central Library Bromley Churchill Theatre Bromley Picturehouse Bromley South Railway Station

48 Life in... BROMLEY March 2022

• • • •

Bromley United Reformed Church Civic Centre Footbridge Community House, South Street Contingent Works, Elmfield Road

• Newman Flexible Workspace (Devonshire House, Elmfield Road & Newman Road)

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Life In...Bromley is printed every month and is distributed 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...Bromley are subject to copyright, 2022.

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: Luna Creative Media 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 Luna Creative Media Ltd. Therefore, Luna Creative Media Ltd carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2022 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 49

Make our home your home Exceptional facilities, dining, activities and care, Signature at Beckenham offers everything under one roof for an independent life well lived.

Residential, nursing and dementia care is delivered in the most luxurious of surroundings by highly qualified staff who have a true passion for care. From little assistance with washing, dressing and taking medication to those residents who have greater needs, we pride ourselves on providing unrivalled care and support, with bespoke care plans tailored to the individual’s needs.

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A Final Thought…

COMMUNITY

Poetry in the face of adversity

by RICHARD DJJ BOWDERY

The COVID 19 pandemic has affected us all to a greater or lesser degree these past two years. Either you caught it, knew someone who had, or had restrictions imposed on you because of it. For many that experience came with negative emotions and feelings, which is possibly why there is such an uptake of poetry, either written or read, at times like these.

Poetry can often reflect our thoughts, define the undefinable and console us in our anxiety. Isn’t this why greeting cards with their ready-made verses are still so popular in this post-modern digital age? If we look back we can see poetry has brought a degree of clarity to catastrophic events.

For example, World War One produced an abundance of poems written by those affected in that terrible conflict; many still resonate today. While you may not have heard of Laurence Binyon, you may well know his poem ‘For The Fallen’, particularly the fourth stanza: They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Its relevance still reverberates today at remembrance services across our nation and around the globe.

Another outpouring of poetry came after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Such was its effect on New Yorkers that New York blogger Dennis Johnson recalled seeing poems taped on walls, telephone booths, mailboxes and bus shelters, in the aftermath of those attacks.

People were writing and sharing their verse to try and make sense of it all.

The last two years have been no exception. In 2020 Save The Children charity invited youngsters from countries around the world to submit poems on COVID-19, life under lockdown and the pandemic.

Thousands of children responded to this initiative writing verse to show how their lives had been affected.

Not only did it give these children an outlet to express themselves, it also encouraged many to try this art form for the first time.

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Poet Laureate Simon Armitage presented the BBC2 programme ‘A Pandemic Poem: Where Did The World Go?’ which broadcast last June. It featured his poem written in response to the impact of this virus.

To mark World Poetry Day in 2021 UNISON, the public service union, ran a poetry competition. The theme ‘Reflections of 2020’ explored the pandemic through verse which not only attracted lots of entries from its members, but also produced some quality poems.

In Orpington, the inaugural Way With Words Literary Festival took place last June which included a wellattended Soul Food Poetry event. It was an opportunity for those poets performing their work to share with the audience their take on Covid-19.

The Croft Poetry Club (facebook.com/CroftPoetryClub/ about), which meets at the Croft Tea Room in St. Mary Cray High Street, brought out a collection of art and verse with the pandemic as its theme. Called ‘Our Covid Calendar’, it was published last May by local community publisher Cray 150 Publications (www. cray150publications.co.uk).

Poetry rises to the challenge of adversity, whether man made or otherwise, and will continue to be written and read by those trying to understand what has befallen them.

But you don’t have to wait for the next pandemic to strike. Why not put pen to paper or finger to keyboard and compose your own verse now. Life In…magazines prints poems written by their readers. Yours could be one of them!

Do you have a hobby or a subject that you’re passionate about? Maybe you’ve had a great experience and want to share it with others? Or perhaps you’d like to write about something that affects you personally that you’d like to raise awareness of. Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your idea and your details.

March 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 51

#wherebromleyworks BOOK A TOUR Boutique coworking in the heart of Bromley.

Day passes, monthly membership and meeting rooms. Coffee, wifi and community.

“In a bid to get that social element I was after, I joined a group all working together and loved being on the periphery of other people’s busy working day. People flowed in and out, everyone greeted warmly by the staff. It was the perfect first coworking experience to help me get into the swing of the ‘new normal’.” Lucy Kebbell, entrepreneur

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