Life In Orpington April 2019

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ISSUE 2 . APRIL 2019

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE... LOCALLY.

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Welcome to Life in Orpington

Lauretta & Bo

Nicky & Jessie

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

CONTENTS

Since launching Life In Orpington in March we’ve been overwhelmed by all the positive responses we’ve received from our launch issue. Here’s a small selection…

“Loads of interesting editorial to read and I love the size and layout, flows very well!”

Claire Boutcher

“I checked it out online and you have done a great job.

Something for everyone.”

Michelle David

“Just read your mag and think it’s brilliant! So positive and really interesting! I will fill in your questionnaire…”

Catherine, Farnborough “Great job ladies, it was a really good read and so informative.”

Allison Robinson

If you’re reading this and you didn’t see the launch issue, you can view it online at www.LifeInMagazines.co.uk or have it delivered to your door for £2 a month.

For April we’ve got an Easter-themed crossword and a treasure hunt with chocolate to give away. Hidden around this month’s issue are five little chicks that look like this:

All you have to do is email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the page numbers that the chicks are hidden on plus your telephone number by 11th April – and you’ll be in the draw to win a selection of Easter eggs, courtesy of Sainsbury’s, Locksbottom.

See page 27.

Until next time, thanks for reading - and do let us know what you think of this month’s magazine by completing the questionnaire on page 37…there’s a bottle of wine in it for one lucky reader!

Nicky and Lauretta

April 2019

Community News

Getting to know Orpington....................... 4 Lets get social PRIZE GIVEAWAY............ 7 Noticeboard.............................................. 8 Charity watch......................................... 10 Local heroes........................................... 12 Orpington in focus.................................. 13

What’s On This month ............................................. 15

Lifestyle Health & beauty...................................... 23 Positive parenting................................... 24 Puzzle page - PRIZE GIVEAWAY........... 25 Awareness dates.................................... 26 Home & garden...................................... 28 Travel...................................................... 30 Shopping ............................................... 32 Crafting................................................... 33 Eco news................................................ 34 Life hacks............................................... 35 A final thought........................................ 36 What did you think? PRIZE GIVEAWAY. 37 Useful contacts...................................... 38

Nicky Grant and Lauretta Wright, Editors PS Life In Orpington will be delivered to a separate area next month. However, you can always read the digital version at lifeinmagazines.co.uk or pick up a copy at various locations in Orpington including cafés, libraries, train stations etc

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH APRIL To advertise in Life In Orpington contact Nicky or Lauretta

COVER IMAGE: the Orpington, Orpington High Street

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

GET TO KNOW US...

What’s your favourite chocolate bar?

Nicky: Topic

Lauretta: Snickers

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags April 2019 Life in... Orpington 3

Community News

1800s - Orpington and District OS Map

Getting Orpington to know 1800s - Farnborough George and Dragon Pub

Local History Corner.

Some 200 years ago Orpington was a small village surrounded by other villages and the market town of St Mary Cray. Roads were the only way of getting around, but their condition was poor and they were often impassable in winter.

Communities in the Cray Valley did not have particularly good travel links to the main towns. The main roads, as we know them now, ran through Farnborough to Rye and Hastings (A21) and Lewisham to Maidstone (A20). Smaller roads connected communities. Local authorities had the responsibility for maintaining all the roads and set up Turnpikes to charge for their use. In the next 200 years fortunes and prosperity for the district improved dramatically….

competed with each other to reach towns and villages all over the country. Our district was no different and we have ended up with five railway stations and access to London and the Southeast Coast as a result. St Mary Cray got its station first in 1860 on the London/Chatham mainline, then Orpington in 1868 along with Knockholt and Chelsfield.

Finally, in 1928, Petts Wood station was built on the London/ Southeastern mainline. The railway enabled significant development of local industry, commerce and of course housing!

Did you know?

10 million journeys are made each year from the stations in our area

In the early 1900s, the Omnibus became a regular mode of transport.

As technology improved so did the buses! Our area has links back to one of the oldest bus companies, Thomas Tilling and Co, and many of our current bus routes were established

by Tillings in the early 20th century.

1970s - Orpington High St - RT Bus

Today’s transport links owe much to the past and have developed to truly global access. We are not far from motorways, international train stations, airports (including Biggin Hill) and the Channel Tunnel!

Next issue…

1860 - An early steam train running across the railway viaduct at St Mary Cray.

Transport brings prosperity In the mid 1800s the railway boom started. Private railway companies

4 Life in... Orpington April 2019

During the 1800s the coach and horse was key. People, goods and the Royal Mail depended on it. As such, many pubs, inns and stables lined the key routes.

The River Cray from source to Foots Cray.

The Orpington History Organisation www.orpington-history.org Facebook @OrpHistOrg lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Café & Record Store Have you tried the Orpington?

We’re proud to home cook the vast majority of dishes from our unique menu, which offers both classic dishes and our own creations using high quality ingredients and exceptional presentation. Pop in to receive a warm welcome in a relaxed, informal setting.

Here’s just a taster of what else we offer…

• Free on a Thursday? Get social and join the Supper Club from 6pm onwards.

• Browse our extensive vinyl record library, available for purchase.

• Have a meeting? We offer meeting space for local businesses & community groups.

• If you’ve got a special birthday, wedding reception or celebration coming up, you can also hire the whole venue.

Call 01689 666900 or visit us at 161 High Street, Orpington @theorpington @theorpington @the_orpington www.theorpington.co.uk

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April 2019 Life in... Orpington 5

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ON NEW RADIATORS*

WHY GET A NEW RADIATOR? • Radiator efficiency deteriorates over the years, due to a build up of sludge in the system • Your radiators then take longer to heat and are less energy efficient, costing you £££.

Simply book your new radiator installation before 30th April 2019 to be eligible for this special offer. *30% discount is applied before VAT. Excludes designer radiators and existing quotations.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • New or replacement boiler installations • Servicing and repairs • Power flushing • Warm air heating servicing • Landlord gas safety inspections/certificates • Electrical installations and repairs • Electric vehicle charging points • Plumbing repairs • Air conditioning 6 Life in... Orpington April 2019

Call us on 020

8462 8822 or email info@stevensonheating.co.uk and quote ORP3004 when booking.

StevensonHeatingLtd @StevensonHtg @Stevensonheating

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Insta-good! Let’s Face(book) It twitter on...

Let's get social..

Community News

For the chance to win four tickets to Vue Bromley, we asked you…

What’s Your Favourite Thing About Orpington…

Here’s what some of you said….

And the winner is ...

Jane Barnes @barnes47Jane

NEXT MONTH WE’RE GIVING AWAY A

For your chance to win, we want to kno w…

If you could choose a new shop or service to open in Orpington, what would it be?

To enter…

1. Go to your favourite social media platform (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) 2. Write a quick post on 'If you could choose a new shop or service to open in Orpington, what would it be?'

3. Tag us into your answer (@lifeinmags) so that we can enter you into the prize draw!

4. That’s it…simple! You can also give us a follow too if you like what you see ;-) Last month’s winner

Let’s take a closer look at some of the new films at VUE BROMLEY this month…

• Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun • Bolshoi Ballet - The Golden Age • A Clockwork Orange • Avengers: Endgame • Bel Canto • Greta • Dragged Across Concrete • Eighth Grade • EOD: Rembrant (Encore) • Hellboy • Missing Link

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS!

Follow us & tag us at

@lifeinmags

to get our attention and submit your answer by 11th April

TWO TICK

ETS

Prize donated by

BROMLEY Film review

Life In Orpington’s editor, Lauretta, watched Cold Pursuit. Here’s what she thought…

"Being a huge fan of Liam Neeson (true fact: I used to work with his niece in London), I was looking forward to this film, thinking it would be along the same lines as the Taken trilogy. And although the film did follow a familiar storyline (Liam’s son is killed and he’s out for revenge) I found myself laughing at more scenes than I should have done. And then I realised that there were many similarities to Fargo and it was perfectly fine to be amused. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless."

Scores on the door:

www.myvue.com/cinema/bromley 6 Saint Mark's Square, Bromley, BR2 9UY April 2019 Life in... Orpington 7

Community News - NOTICEBOARD

Bereavement Caf

Up to £500 reward

for reporting fly-tippers

line for an envirocrime taking place could be in tion Anyone seeing fly-tipping ncillor for Public Protec e Lymer, Executive Cou pening should hap reward. Councillor Kat ing tipp flyg sin “Anyone witnes y and Enforcement, said: to us. We’re particularl ly and report the details ate edi the imm of ice h pol rap tog the l cal n or pho ce – a vehicle registratio rt interested if your eviden ute them through the cou sec pro to us ps hel – ce 0.” £50 to up of offender, for instan us m nt fro eive a thank-you payme system and you could rec wh available to anyone ose rime Reward Scheme is Payment from the Enviroc rs. A description of the sfully prosecute offende evidence is used to succes er detailed information oth any or ation, photograph offender, vehicle registr ncil to prosecute. cou ce and may enable the could be used as eviden ley.gov.uk/envirocrime /report and www.brom See www.bromley.gov.uk

St Christopher's Quiz night and raffle Thursday 11th April: 6.45pm-9pm Put your general knowledge to the test with this quiz night in support of St Christopher’s. There will be a cash prize for the winning team as well as complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks.

A free once a mo nth service for anyone who is gr ieving.

Meet the last Thur sday of every month at Orpingt on Village Hall 11.30am til 1.30p m.

Offering qualified bereavement counsellors and als o good listeners, to come and be there for our community .

Follow them on ins tagram & Facebo ok @ The Bereaveme nt Cafe

A LITTLE TLC…

Friends of O rpington Prio ry and Garde "We have 20 ns says… park benche s in Priory G including ni ardens, ne with mem orial plaque in need of so s. They are me TLC. Can you help us refurbish th restore and e seats for vi sitors to rest awhile?”

If you can he lp see www.O rpingtonPrio ry.org.uk

Tickets £8 per person payable in advance.

To reserve your place please contact Nick Kimmins at nick.smellyvan@sky.com or 07967 636580.

or Dates f y iar your D

St Christopher’s, Caritas House, Tregony Road, Orpington, BR6 9XA

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If you’d like a notice featured on the

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lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Community News - NOTICEBOARD Hi Kent Quiz Night

Working to support peo ple with hearing loss in Bromley and the sur rounding areas.

Saturday 27th April 7p

m for 7.30pm start

St George's Church, Co mmunity Hall Bickley Park Road, Bro mley BR1 2BE

KENT BIG WEEKEND!

Kent Big Weekend takes place on 6th and 7th April and celebrates all that’s great about our county. Helping people discover the great places to visit and things to do on their doorstep, the Big Weekend takes place at a variety of locations across Kent – s see www.kentbigweekend.co.uk/attraction .co.uk tkent @visi ekend or email bigwe

Tickets £8 per person (teams of up to six peo ple) Price includes a delicio us ploughman's sup per To book call: 01622 691 151 or Email: L.Clayton@hike nt.org.uk during office hours, Monday - Friday All proceeds donated to the charity Hi Kent to help local deaf and hard of hearing people. www.hikent.org.uk/ev ents

PICK UP A PARCE

L…

Jo Johnson MP officially opened the new Post Offic e on Crofton Lane (inside McC oll’s) recently.

The branch offers a range of service s, from posting letter s and parcels to collecting and returning online shopping items.

Banking services are also available such as cash withdrawals and balance enquirie s.

The branch is op en between 6am and 10pm Monday to Saturday and fro m 7am-9pm on Su ndays.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 9

Community News - CHARITY WATCH

Bromley Well Service:

Bromley Well helps people improve and maintain their health and wellbeing including: older people, young people who care for others, adults who care for others, people with learning difficulties or disabilities, people with physical disabilities, people feeling anxious, stressed or low; and people with long term health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and asthma.

How?

By providing guidance, information and signposting to useful resources and local services. Group activities and workshops to learn skills and techniques to help maintain your wellbeing are also available, as are one to one support and advice; free form filling service; help with training, volunteer and employment; and providing information, legal advice and guidance across many subjects.

Who is it available to?

People living in the Bromley borough. Services are free (a few services make a small charge) and confidential.

Donations?

Donations from the Bromley Third Sector Enterprise accept donations (including Age UK Bromley & Greenwich; Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind; Bromley Mencap; Citizens Advice Bromley and Community Links Bromley).

How else can people help?

Volunteer! There are many different roles available, from regularly chatting to people who might be living alone or feeling isolated, to helping out in our call centre in central Bromley. We’d love to hear from you whether you’re recently retired, or maybe looking to build work experience, or just want to help and have time to give.

Call us on 020 8315 1905 or email volunteering@bromleywell.org.uk

Contact details:

Call 0300 330 9039 email spa@bromleywell.org.uk see www.bromleywell.org.uk or say hello on Twitter @bromleywell

How is it funded?

By Bromley Council and Bromley NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and is delivered by a partnership of local voluntary sector organisations called Bromley Third Sector Enterprise.

10 Life in... Orpington April 2019

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April 2019 Life in... Orpington 11

Community News

Local Heroes...

5 Minutes With...

Richard Talbot

Richard Talbot has been a scout leader at the 7th Orpington Scouts for the last ten years. He’s planning on stepping down from his position this year, but before doing so he’ll be running the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for the 2nd Orpington Explorer Scout group to help them attend the Canada Explorer Expedition 2019…

What’s your background?

Eight years ago I decided to have a career change from advertising and started working with my father and brother-in-law in the swimming pool industry and retrained as a swimming pool engineer. I also became involved in scouting again at the age of 38 (I started as a cub at seven years old and finished as an Air scout at 9th Orpington Scouts).

How did you become involved in the scouting movement?

While I was at a parent’s evening for my daughter I bumped into an old friend who said he was taking over the running of a local group and would I be interested in coming along. Only an hour a week he told me and you won’t need to be a full time leader! I was soon in uniform and completed my wood badge to become a full time leader! Ten years later I’m still there!

What have been the most enjoyable parts of the role for you?

Why have you decided to run the Virgin London marathon?

I have always wanted to run it and have always been unsuccessful in gaining a place through the ballot.

When the opportunity came about to run for 2nd Orpington Explorer Scouts and raise money for some of their Explorer Scouts who would not be able to attend the Canada Expedition, I thought what a good way to celebrate my final year as a leader in scouting.

It’s the camping as I love the outdoors. The other thing is when you bump into old scouts who have grown into young adults with jobs and responsibilities. They always comment on what good times they had and how it gave them a lot of useful life skills even if they didn’t realise it at the time!

Why do you think that scouting is important for today’s youth?

In what ways would you like to see more local residents support their local community?

It offers them such a wide range of experiences like camping skills, rock climbing, canoeing, map reading, first aid and cooking! It also teaches them how to interact as a team and as an individual and take on responsibilities.

It’s open to every young person no matter what their background or circumstances. It also keeps them away from phones and social media which puts huge amounts of pressure on young people today.

It would be nice to see more local residents supporting groups like the Scouts as these young people are our future. It could be local history talks, practical skills or getting involved in their local group. We are always looking for helpers and new leaders.

What’s your most memorable experience from your scouting years?

You can help support Richard’s efforts in raising money for the Scouts by visiting

https://mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/richardtalbot1

Do you know a

‘Local Hero?'

Meeting Bear Grylls at Downe Scout Camp!

Nominate them by emailing:

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your details – and theirs!

12 Life in... Orpington April 2019

E NOMINAT

!

SOMEONE

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Focus

Orpington in

Council updates

Council tax for Bromley residents will rise for 2019/20, with an increase of 5.79%. This is made up of an increase of 2.99% on the Bromley element of the council tax, plus a 2% adult social care precept to address cost pressures in this area. Adding in the Mayor of London’s GLA precept, which has increased by 8.93%, this results in the headline figure increase of 5.79% which equates to £84.06 a year at Band D. Other bands are calculated pro rata.

Roadworks in April Gasworks on Birchwood Road in Petts Wood are ongoing until 10th April. Temporary traffic lights are in operation. Call 0800 912 1700 for details.

Community News POLICE UPDATES Farnborough and Crofton ward’s current priorities include the reduction of violent crime, burglary and safeguarding. The team conducts weapon sweeps in parks, woodlands and footpaths around the ward as well as stop and searches. Safeguarding measures have also been enforced including scam awareness talks to more vulnerable residents, with most talks planned in partnership with Bromley Trading Standards. If you know of a group or organisation that might be interested in the team attending call 020 8721 2606 or email

Farnborough.Crofton.SNT@ met.police.uk

Gasworks in Oakdene Road, St Mary Cray are ongoing and are expected to last until 21st May. Temporary traffic lights are in operation. Call 0800 912 1700 for details.

Due to planned infrastructure works in the Bromley South area of Bromley Town Centre the High Street will be closed for seven weeks.

Transport news On Sunday 7th April engineering works means that buses replace trains between Lewisham and Orpington/Dartford via Sidcup.

Between Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th April engineering works between Herne Hill and Shortlands means that there is an amended 00:28 London Victoria to Orpington service. Each morning the 00:28 London Victoria to Orpington service will not call at stations between London Victoria and Shortlands. The train will run as normal from Shortlands onwards. A bus will depart London Victoria at 00:33, calling at Herne Hill, then all stations to Orpington.

On Sunday 21st April there is an amended service between Lewisham/Bickley and Orpington due to engineering works. Trains from London Victoria to Orpington will run approximately four minutes later from Petts Wood.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Meet the team

The next contact point dates with Farnborough and Crofton ward officers (for informal meetings) take place on: • 3rd April at 11am at Sainsbury’s Locksbottom • 11th April at 12pm at the restaurant at PRUH • 16th April at 2pm at Crofton Bakery • 23rd April at 12pm at Americarlos, Farnborough

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 13

DO YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY EVENT YOU'D LIKE TO PROMOTE? Contact Nicky or Lauretta on 07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH APRIL www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags

ORPINGTON

the kiosk The Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington, BR6 0TW

Kids Lunch Pack only £3.50 includes a fresh sandwich, crisps, drink, raisons or fruit yoyo plus an activity sheet with crayons.

Cake of the week for £2 only once you purchase a hot drink.

@easycoffee.official 14 Life in... Orpington April 2019

Toasties of the week for £3 only

once you purchase a hot drink.

@easycoffeeuk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

There's something for everyone!

what's on - APRIL 2019 car boot sales Pedham Place Farm

ARTS & CRAFTS

Easter Fun with Pots

Wednesday 10th April & 17th April

10.30am - 3pm every Wednesday.

Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Road, BR6 8AF Cost: £4 per child, adult carer free Contact: crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com 01689 860939 www.cka.org.uk/crofton-villa.htm Discover what the Romans used for cooking, eating and drinking. Handle Roman pottery then make your own clay pot to take home. For up to 11 year olds. No booking needed. Children to be accompanied.

Orpington Photographic Society Meetings Tuesday evenings

Meet at 7.30pm for an 8pm start The Small Hall, Christ Church, Charterhouse Road, BR6 9EP Cost: Free Contact: www.orpingtonphotographicsociety.co.uk A smallish society, currently between 20-30 members.

The programme consists of competitions between members in digital and printed formats. The best go on to challenge other clubs across south London and around Kent. We have visiting speakers and meetings that are aimed at developing members' skills. New members always welcome.

Sunday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th April

Swanley, BR8 8PP Gates open at 6am for sellers & buyers.

Cost: £2 admission for buyers for car park. Sellers details below.

Contact: smbbootsales.co.uk or 01795 426400 www.smbbootsales.co.uk No need to book - cars/small vans £13, large vans £20, cars with trailer £2 extra.

Tripes Farm Boot Sale Sunday 14th April

Gates open at 7am for sellers & early birds & the boot sale quietens down around 1pm.

Chelsfield Lane, BR6 7RS Cost: Free for buyers (including parking) Contact: 01689 876602 Email: bootsales@tripesfarm.co.uk www.tripesfarm.co.uk Seller prices: No need to book - cars £12, Small to medium commercial vehicle £15. Plus trailer (for cars & vans) + £1. Large commercial vehicle £18.

Hayes Street Farm Boot Sale Sunday 7th & 22nd April

Gates open at 6am for sellers & buyers.

Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 7LB. Cost: 50p admission for buyers. Sellers details below.

Contact: 0843 289 5101 www.hayesstreetfarmbootfairs.co.uk Seller prices: No need to book - cars £12, car trailer + £3, vans from £15.

community & charity events

Crafty Crochet

First Wednesday of the month

10.30am - 12.30pm Orpington Library Cost: Free Contact: www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Share your love of crochet with friends. All welcome, refreshments provided.

Natty Knitters

Last Tuesday of the month

10.30am - 12pm Orpington Library Cost: Free Contact: www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Share and develop your creative skills over a cuppa.

Tea and coffee provided. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Cake Baking & Decorating Every Tuesday

9.15am - 11.15am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Develop baking skills under guidance from the tutor, before learning simple techniques to decorate the cakes.

Each week will focus on different cake mixture and/or decorations.

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 15

what's on - APRIL 2019 Men of Leisure

Wednesday 3rd & 17th April

10am - 12pm St John's United Reformed Church, Lynwood Grove BR6 0BG Cost: Annual subscription of £15 and there is a charge for coffee and biscuits.

Contact: 01689 830453 www.stjohnsurc.org.uk A very pro-active morning meet for men. Play snooker, on our three tables and short mat bowling. Visits to various places of interest are planned for the better weather. New members welcome.

Friendship Club Every Thursday

2pm - 3.45pm St John's United Reformed Church, Lynwood Grove BR6 0BG Cost: Free Contact: 01689 830453 www.stjohnsurc.org.uk A relaxing afternoon for meeting and making friends. Entertainment includes talks, singers and instrumentalists, sing-a-longs, quizzes and always finishing with a cup of tea and some homemade cakes.

Free Day Friday Every Friday

9.30am - 11.30am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Drop-in anytime between 9am & 11.30am and see if we can help with your problem/queries. We can help with CVs, benefits, housing, school issues and more.

Womens Self Defence Class

Starts 26th April then every friday for 12 weeks

Time tbc Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub The classes are run by South East London School of Ju-Jitsu and fully funded by Clarion Futures.

EASTER EGG HUNTS/TRAILS Hall Place & Gradens Easter Garden trail Saturday 6th April - 28th April

10am - 4.30pm Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Cost: £2.50 per trail Contact: www.hallplace.org.uk Find out which bunnies are competing in the EggOlympics and the sports they’re playing! Hoppingly good

16 Life in... Orpington April 2019

fun around the gardens finding the posters with a small prize at the end. Pick up your trail sheet from the visitor centre. Bring a pencil or buy one for 50p, pay on the day.

Ruxley's Easter Trail

Monday 9th - Sunday 21st April

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road Sidcup, DA14 5BQ Cost: Free - pick up a form in customer services.

Contact: 020 8300 0084 www.ruxley-manor.co.uk Find the ten Easter bunny pictures hidden around the store and receive a free Easter cupcake in the Mulberry Tree Restaurant*. One winning entry will also be chosen on the 22nd April to receive a £25 voucher to spend in the toy department. *Free Easter cupcake when you spend £5 or more in the Mulberry Tree Restaurant, whilst stocks last.

Easter Fayre & Egg Trail - St Mary's Saturday 13th April

11am - 3pm St Mary's Church Community Hall, Worlds End Lane, Green Street Green, BR6 6AG Cost: £2 per child, adults - free Contact: fundraising@themaypoleproject.co.uk 01689 851596 Join the Easter fun with an egg trail, crafts, raffle, stalls, a bouncy castle, refreshments, games, and a petting zone* with baby bunnies and chicks (*11am-1pm only).

Great Beckenham Easter Egg Hunt Good Friday 19th April

10am - 2pm Croydon Road Rec (often called Beckenham Rec) Croydon Road, Beckenham BR3 3PR (Next to the Bowie Bandstand).

Cost: One child £3, two children £5, three children £7 Contact: 020 8460 5036 www.beckenhamfireworks.com/beckenham-easteregg-hunt/ Annual Family Easter Egg Hunt 2019. Run by the 5th Beckenham South Scout Group with all profits distributed to local charities.

Making Miracles Family Easter Hunt Saturday 20th April

11am - 3pm Swanley Park, New Barn Rd, Swanley BR8 7PW Cost: £3.50 per child (entry, parking plus egg prize) or on the day for £4.50 per child (entry and prize NO parking) www.makingmiracles.org.uk/event/family-easter-hunt So much fun for all the family in an amazing venue that itself has so much to offer such as the boating lake, mini golf and their very own railway. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Foal Farm Easter Fayre

what's on - APRIL 2019

Easter Sunday 21st April

1:30pm – 4:40pm Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre.

Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, TN16 3AX Cost: Free www.foalfarm.org.uk/easter-fayre-sunday-21-april/ Join the fun at Foal Farm for Easter-themed raffles and tombolas, Easter egg hunt, Easter arts and crafts stalls and get a glitter tattoo! 'The Herbivore Hut’ will be serving hot food with a variety of vegan and veggie options. Meet the animals! Our Small Animal Team will be running an information table in our Bunny Park for visitors to ask questions about rabbit care. Please bring cash as Foal Farm does not accept card payments.

education

Culture Seeds Roadshow Tuesday 2nd April

10am - 12pm Community House, South Street, Bromley, BR1 1RH Cost: Free community grants/funding information Contact: 01689 831551 Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/culture-seedsroadshow-2-april-tickets-56634550465?aff=ebdssbde stsearch Got an amazing idea for a community cultural project?

Come along to Community House in Bromley to find out how the Mayor’s small grants programme, Culture Seeds, could make it happen.

Free Early Education (FEE) information sessions Saturday 27 April 2019

9:30am - 2:30pm Two sessions, starting at 9:30am and 11:30am.

3rd Floor, Central Library, High Street, Bromley BR1 1EX Cost: Free (Book a place) www.bromley.gov.uk/events/full?offset=10 Free information sessions for childminders who would like to provide free early education, nurseries or pre-schools who have a new member of staff/committee member who needs to understand how the funding works in Bromley or to simply update your knowledge. Sessions are only for prospective or existing childcare providers to provide information and advice on free early education funding.

IT skills

Contact Orpington Library for more information Orpington Library Cost: £65 Contact: 01689 831551 www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Computers and Internet Older and Bolder Course. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

family & kids Bumps, Babies and Beyond

Every Monday (term-time only)

1pm - 2.30pm Orpington Methodist Church, 19 Sevenoaks Rd, BR6 9JH Cost: Free Contact: Email: orpington@nct.org.uk Suitable for children from birth up to school age. We offer refreshments and a drop-in free breastfeeding counsellor for anyone to talk to if needed.

Story Time

Mondays and Fridays (term-time only)

2pm - 2.30pm Orpington Library Cost: Free www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Storytimes for children ages two to five years and their parents and carers. A fun way to introduce children to different books, stories and songs. Numbers are limited.

Storysacks English Every Monday

9.15am - 11.15am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Make puppets, props and games to go with the provided storybook for you to take home and enjoy with your child.

A free crèche is provided for adults with young children.

Ideal for parents with children in Reception & Year 1.

Tiny Tots

Every Wednesday

9.30am – 11am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Free baby & toddler group. Each week there are a range of toys and activities. A great chance to meet and socialise with other children and parents in the local community. Free snacks and refreshments are provided.

Baby Bounce & Rhyme

Every Thursday (term-time only)

Session 1: 10am - 10.30am Session 2: 11am - 11.30am Orpington Library Cost: Free www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Free song & rhymes sessions for babies and toddlers from 0-18 months and their parents and carers.

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 17

what's on - APRIL 2019 Tiny Tots Active Every Thursday

9:30am – 11am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Baby & toddler group providing a range of ride-along cars, balls and soft-play designed to get your little one active and moving. Free snacks and refreshments are provided.

Chatterbooks

Thursdays (monthly)

4.30pm - 5.30pm Orpington Library Contact: 01689 831551 www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Chatterbooks are reading and activity groups that are open to all children aged eight-11.

Teen Parents Group Every Friday

1pm - 3pm Blenheim Children and Family Centre, Blenheim Rd, BR6 9BH Cost: Free Contact: 01843 447177 Are you pregnant or a parent aged 19 or under? Come along to our fun, informal group & you could receive advice and support with money & budgeting, socialising & making friends and positive behaviour strategies with your child. There is also a free crèche, free lunch and the possibility of free driving lessons.

Lego Club

First and second Saturday of the month

10.30am - 11.30am Orpington Library Contact: 01689 831551 www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Inventive building fun with Lego bricks - build something fantastic. For children aged eight-11.

Explore Learning Writers’ Awards Runs until 5th May

Explore Learning Orpington, 311 Orpington High St, BR1 0NN Cost: Free www.explorelearning.co.uk/writersawards

Explore Learning invites you to create a 500-word story with the theme ‘A Chance to Change the World’. The competition is open to anyone aged four-14. Head online or pop into the Orpington centre to find out more.

FESTIVALS, fetes & fairs

Plant Fairs Roadshow

Easter Sunday 21st April

10am - 3pm Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Cost: Free Contact: www.hallplace.org.uk/event Tickets must be booked in advance. Please phone 01322 621238 or visit the historic house reception.

Join a collection of small specialist nurseries for a spring plant fair with a difference. Find interesting perennial plants, shrubs and grasses. Chat to the growers and ‘Plant Doctor’ for expert advice.

Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair Keston Easter Monday 22nd April

9.30am - 2.30pm Keston Village Hall, Heathfield Road, Keston BR2 6BA Cost: £1 (Early Bird/Trade - Entry £2) Contact: 07774 407406 www.antiquesfair.biz www.kestonvillagehall.org.uk A wonderful variety of stalls and traders with goods available for everyone, whether you are a dealer, collector or just looking to treat yourself or to buy a gift.

mARKETS Chislehurst Farmers Market Easter Sunday 21st April

10am - 2pm Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB Cost: Free Contact: 07775 736116 www.myfarmersmarket.co.uk Produce includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, chocolates, cider and alcoholic drinks, bread, meat, cheese, preserves, sauces and much more.

submit an event...

We cover events that are free of charge to the public otherwise it's a small fee of £5 for events that are chargeable.

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

18 Life in... Orpington April 2019

THE NEXT COPY DEADLINE IS:

12TH APRIL

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

music, dance & theatre gigs UB40 Tribute Act Saturday 6th April

8pm onwards The Change of Horses, Farnborough High Street, BR6 7BB Cost: Free Contact: www.changeofhorses.co.uk/events All welcome. (Children until 9pm)

Orpington Folk Club Every Thursday

8.15pm onwards The Change of Horses, Farnborough High Street, BR6 7BB Cost: Free or £7 if there is a guest singer Contact: Steve Jennings 01959 532 754 www.orpingtonfolkclub/org.uk Regular folk event with guest appearances on alternate weeks (on these nights we ask for a contribution to pay the guests). All welcome.

sports, outdoors & NATURE Bromley Ramblers: Walking for Health Every Wednesday

2pm (for 1 hour) Darrick & Newstead Woods & Tugmutton Common Meeting point outside the cricket pavilion Tugmutton

what's on - APRIL 2019 Common off Starts Hill Road Cost: Free Conatct: Sam Walsham: samwalsham@hotmail.com www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Walks are led by trained volunteer leaders and provide a friendly and sociable atmosphere. No booking needed, but if it is your first visit please arrive 10 minutes before.

This Mum Runs

Sunday mornings 8am at High Elms (BEECHE car park) Wednesday evenings -

7:30pm at Tubbenden Park Cost: Free www.beginners2runners.co.uk/orpington Meet twice a week for social, chatty runs. All abilities are welcome.

Spring Bird and Heron Watch Sunday 7th April

11am - 4pm Kelsey Park, Beckenham BR3 3LS Cost: Free www.fokp.org.uk Families are welcome and a telescope will be set at a lower level for children to get a good view. There will be two stalls, each offering a different perspective on the herons' family drama! The Friends of Kelsey Park will be leading bird walks around the park at 12pm and 2pm.

wants to hear from you!

Are you a local school, church, charity, community service or non-profit organisation?

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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April 2019 Life in... Orpington 19

A place I own

PLUS the support I need

Located in the affluent suburb of Chislehurst, south east of London, Shepheard’s House sits on one of the town’s main roads and is surrounded by beautiful green parklands.

Exclusively designed for the over 70s, our stunning new development of privately owned one and two bedroom retirement apartments allow you to enjoy the benefits of owning your own home, free from the worries of external maintenance or gardening and with like-minded retirees as your neighbours.

One of the key benefits of Retirement Living PLUS is the flexible care and support packages that are built around your needs. We can help with everything from domestic chores to tailored personal care.

Development features • The social lounge is the perfect place to entertain visitors, socialise with neighbours and make new friends • Landscaped gardens for you to enjoy, without having to lift a finger • Guest suite perfect for when friends and family come to visit^# • Lift to all floors • Bistro restaurant^ • Wellness and hairdressing suite^ • Car parking^# • Mobility scooter store and charging room#

^

At an extra charge. #Subject to availability LP-3585-OM

20 Life in... Orpington April 2019

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Typical interiors

Shepheard’s House, Manor Park Road, Chislehurst, Greater London, BR7 5FT 1 bedroom apartments from £527,950 2 bedroom apartments from £551,950 Bistro

To find out more, call 0800 882 1454 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/shepheards-house

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 21

Mobile Chiropodist

Helen Powell | MSSCh MBChA

A lovingly converted horse trailer mobile bar available to serve drinks at your event...

WEDDINGS | PRIVATE PARTIES FESTIVALS | FETES | CORPORATE EVENTS

T: 07775 577087

thevintagebubblebar@outlook.com www.thevintagebubblebar.com thevintagebubblebar Vintagebbar

•

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HCPC registered

Complete footcare service direct to your door •

•

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Over 20 years experience

Covering Orpington and the surrounding areas

Appointments available to meet the individual needs of every client

To book a consultation contact me on: Mobile: 07876

218889

or Email: helen.powell27@hotmail.com

Curly Locks CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

Big

style...

...for little

fashionistas

Our children’s boutique offers ranges from 0-14 years with brands such as Billybandit

Mayoral, Billieblush and Emile et Rose.

Call 01689 856059 or visit us at 340 Crofton Rd, Locksbottom BR6 8NN to find out more

@curlylocksboutique

22 Life in... Orpington April 2019

IF YOU ARE READING THIS...

THEN SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS Contact Nicky or Lauretta on

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

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH APRIL

Please mention Life In Orpington when responding to adverts. www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk @lifeinmags lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Health & Beauty

lifestyle

Ask the expert...

Dr Chandni has her own dental practice, The DenCare Clinic, in Locksbottom.

She’s here to answer your questions…

Q: How do I know if I’ve got gum disease - and how do I get rid of it?

A: Gum disease is often a silent disease because many people don't know they have it until they have been diagnosed. The classic signs include bleeding when brushing, bad breath, loose teeth, pain on eating and even simply visible debris around the teeth etc.

A good dentist will check the health of your gums at every check up. I like to call home maintenance 'homework' but really it's what you do while you are away from the dentist which matters most. Often some patients will need a deep clean of their gums, and they would need a regular top up/maintenance of this. It's a bit like a dusty shelf. You can't just clean it once. Once it's given a good clean, you would have to keep revisiting it and keeping on top of it - hence this is where the 'homework' comes in.

Do you have a dental question for Dr Chandni?

Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

TRY THESE! Hay fever hacks 1. Drink nettle tea or green tea during hay fever season 2. Invest in an air purifier for the home 3. Regularly vac your home – including the curtains!

4. Line the bottom of your nostrils with Vaseline 5. Add chilli, ginger or garlic to your meals where possible

Chocolate in Beauty Did you know that consuming dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) has multiple beauty benefits? Iona from Indulgence in beauty tells us more...

Protects Skin from UV Damage With great sun protection properties, it shields your skin against UV rays.

Provides Nourishment Regular consumption of dark chocolate helps you achieve a smooth, problem-free complexion. It also keeps your skin moist and well-nourished.

Excellent Skin-Detoxifier Dark chocolate makes an excellent skin-detoxifier in combination with caffeine. It sloughs off the dead skin cells and allows the newly exposed, fresh skin to breathe freely.

High in Antioxidants Which protects your skin from free radical damage keeping it soft and supple. Chocolate Face Masks, Chocolate Body Wraps - any beauty treatments with chocolate in are packed with antioxidants your skin needs.

Promotes Skin-Glow Dark chocolate boasts wonderful stress-relieving qualities and works wonders in giving you a glowing skin by reducing elevated stress hormones.

Ask twice According to Time To Change around one in four people will experience a mental health problem this year, yet the shame and silence can be as bad as the mental health problem itself. The organisation’s new campaign, Ask Twice, encourages people to ask twice if a friend of family member is acting differently if they’re okay.

See www.time-to-change.org.uk/asktwice lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Eat more Magnesium-Rich foods to optimise mental wellness.

Some great sources include: leafy greens, nuts, seeds, cacao, bananas, avocado, and sweet potatoes.

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 23

lifestyle

Positive Parenting

Whether you’ve got a tot, toddler or teen, here’s a round-up of things to try for families this month…

TEEN TALK DECODED

Worried about what your teen is up to while they’re chatting on social media or in chat rooms with friends? Here’s their language decoded…

TEEN TALK DECODED

TEEN TALK DECODED

IDK

I don’t know

BF/GF

Boyfriend/girlfriend

K/KK

Okay

DM

Direct message

WTF/WTH

What the F%*!/What the heck?

FYEO

For your eyes only

KPC

Keep parents clueless

YW

You’re welcome

LMIRL

Let’s meet in real life

GLHF

Good luck, have fun

MOOS

Member of the opposite sex

HAK

Hugs and kisses

PAW

Parents are watching

IKR

I know, right?

RU/18

Are you over 18?

ILY/ILU

I love you

NTS

Note to self

IU2U

It’s up to you

NM

Never mind

WTPA

Where the party at?

JK

Just kidding/joking

WYCM

Will you call me?

FB

Facebook

L8R

Later

JIC /J4F

Just in case/Just for fun

LMK

Let me know

WYRN

What’s your real name?

LOL

Laughing out loud

ZERG

To gang up on someone

NAGI

Not a good idea

420

Marijuana

OH

Overheard

YLM

You love me?

AFAIK

As far as I know

RL

Real life

SWYP

So what’s your problem?

VSF

Very sad face

POS/MOS

Parents over shoulder/mum over shoulder

CYA

See you!

GTG

Got to go

Dreamland

for FREE

An i on apps Heard of TikTok? It’s an app that offers short-form (15 sec onds) mobile video. You can add special effect filters, stickers, music and more. If your kids are using it, you can pu t them on ‘private’ settings so they choose who ge ts to see their video creatio ns.

FAMILY HELPLINE

Dreamland Margate will be free to enter between 6th April and 24th May!

The Duchess of Cambridge has unveiled a new helpline for families.

The theme park’s members have unlimited use of all rides for free throughout the season, while nonmembers can guarantee fast-track entrance and unlimited rides by buying discounted wristbands in advance online at www.dreamland.co.uk

The free service provides people struggling with family rows, money worries and relationship issues someone to talk to.

Call 0808 802 6666 or email familyline@family-action.or.uk

24 Life in... Orpington April 2019

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lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE

WIN A Chakra Aromatherapy Gift Set

EASTER Crossword

Complete our fun Easter crossword for your chance to win a Chakra Aromatherapy Gift Set Prize bundle includes: 7 oils - Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye and Crown.

1 3

2

4

5

6

7 8

9 10

11

12

13

14

Did you know…

PRIZE BY

Chakras are the seven energy centres located in the midline of the body starting at the base of your spine and going to the top of your head.

Due to environmental factors as well as physical illness or psychological problems, these chakras can become blocked and unbalanced, leading to a wide variety of symptoms that can leave us physically, emotionally and spiritually frustrated, trapped and stifled. Working to re-open these chakras is often done via a combination of visualisation and meditation along with essential oils.

The oils stimulate the olfactory centre of the brain, which puts you in touch with emotions, memories and even spiritual desires. See www.blendedvalley.com

Complete the crossword then solve the anagram from the letters found in the shaded squares to spell out a word connected to Easter.

Last month’s answer - Hydrangea and the winner of The Family Games Bundle from Big Potato Games (worth over £100) is….

Across 1. The Apostle who betrayed Jesus (5) 5. A saintly mother who muddled her way out of Easter (6) 8. On what day did Jesus die?

(4,6) 10. An activity done by children on Easter morning (6,3,4) 12. What cake is associated with Easter? (6) 14. The chocolate manufacturer famous for creme eggs ((7) Down 2. What animal did Jesus ride on when he entered Jerusalem? (6) 3. 40 days of relentless sacrifice before Easter (4) 4. What is the name given to the Thursday before Easter?

(6) 6. Which bird lays the largest eggs? (7) 7. What bakery item is traditionally eaten on Good Friday morning? (3,5,3) 6. Which bird lays the largest eggs? (7) 7. What bakery item is traditionally eaten on Good Friday morning? (3,5,3) 9. In which ocean is Easter Island? (7) 11. Jesus was made to wear a crown of ..... (6) 13. A meat that is often roasted on Easter Day (4)

Text or email your answer, name and telephone number to

07403 603569

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

BY 11TH APRIL

for your chance to win!

Visit lifeinmagazines.co.uk from 17th April for the crossword answers.

Tony Martin from Orpington lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 25

lifestyle Adopt not Shop Adopt, Don’t Shop, urges Romney House Cat Rescue Thinking of getting a cat? Check out Romney House Cat Rescue in Downe, who vaccinate, neuter and microchip the cats and kittens (if they are old enough) they rescue before finding them a suitable new home.

Romney House’s founder, Silvana Valentino Locke, explains: “We always encourage people to adopt. Pet shops can no longer sell kittens, in a bid to stop illegal or unscrupulous breeders. With an increasing stray cat population and lack of awareness around neutering, there are always plenty of cats in rescue centres looking for loving homes.”

Established in 1998, Romney House rescues around 400 cats each year. The centre also provides a sanctuary for cats who are feral, semi-feral or cannot otherwise be rehomed.

If you can’t adopt a cat, you can help by ‘Sponsoring a Mog’ from as little as £5 a month or donating cat food or other supplies to the centre. See www.romneyhousecatrescue. org.uk for more information.

Marshall, aged 5 years, is a new stray from the Belmarsh area looking for a loving home. He needs some time and TLC.

April is

National Pet Month National Pet Month runs from 1st April to 6th May, where people up and down the UK celebrate life with their pets, spreading the word on responsible pet ownership or raising money for their favourite animal charity. For more information see www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

8 Hacks for Pet Owners 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Keep the ants from invading your pet’s feeding bowl if they’re left outside by drawing chalk or sprinkling baby powder around the bowls.

If your cat is damaging your furniture stick foil to it to act as a deterrent.

This also works on kitchen tops to prevent them jumping up. You can also try sellotape too.

Is your dog a fast eater? Put a large ball in his bowl to slow down his eating (just make sure it’s big enough for him not to eat!)

Does your dog or cat have bad breath? Trying giving them fresh mint leaves to chew on or feed them cooked parsley mixed into their meal.

As a boredom buster for cats, buy a laser pen and have fun as you watch your cat try to catch the dot as it lingers near them. Don’t shine it in their eyes though!

Pick up pet hair with rubber gloves. You can dampen the gloves and run them over fabric sofas, curtains and carpet to catch stubborn pet hair.

Coconut oil has many uses for pets – it prevents hairballs, conditions fur, heals/protects a dry nose or paws, helps with bad breath, boosts energy etc..

If your pet is lost, put their litter tray, their bed or an item of your clothing outside on the porch. Animals have a really keen sense of smell, so will be able to pick up the scent and find their way home easier.

How to take a great picture of your dog...

To keep your dog attentive and to give your photo an interesting expression, don’t feed them too soon before the photo shoot, as a few Scooby snacks draws the best facial expressions. A squeaky toy at camera height works well too. A short run with the dog before an image is taken with the dog's mouth open gives an impression of a smile and a happier overall image.”

Simon Gee Taken By Simon

SALE DAY Biggin Hill’s Foal Farm is running a sale day on the last Sunday of each month.

The next one is Sunday 28th April - pop along to grab some bargains between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.

If you are interested in adopting Marshall or any of our other rescue cats, please contact Silvana on 01959 572319 or 07958-273118 www.romneyhousecatrescue.org.uk

26 Life in... Orpington April 2019

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April

lifestyle

Life In...

Spring Tipple

Other notable dates this month include…

"Fill a large wine glass with ice, add 50ml of Gordon's pink Gin, 25ml of Prosecco, a dash of lemonade and garnish with strawberries - delicious!"

Pink Gin Spritz, recommend by The Vintage Bubble Bar

International Pillow Fight Day 2019 Saturday 6th April - Massive pillow fights will take place in cities around the world.

The first World Pillow Fight day took place in March 2008, and since then the movement has grown with pillow fighting flash mobs fighting it out in more and more cities every year, all just in the name of fun.

Easter – Good Friday: 19th April.

Easter Monday 22nd April HAVE YOU FOUND THE FIVE CHICKS HIDDEN THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE? Win a BUMPER selection of Easter eggs!

(Read page 3 for details)

WIN!!

April Fools' Day – 1st April 3 pranks you can play on your colleagues… (as long as they have a good sense of humour!)

1. Stick a small piece of sellotape/clear tape over the mouthpiece of a colleague’s work phone. Watch in amusement as they get frustrated with the phone/ person at the other end of the line when they cannot hear them.

2. If it’s raining on April Fool’s Day, empty the contents of the hole-puncher into their unattended umbrella. This works best if you get to see them open their umbrella later outside the office.

3. There are a number of pranks that can be made in the mouse settings of a colleague’s work PC. You could put a post-it with the word April Fool over the infra-red so that it won’t work; change the pointer speed to either extreme fast or extreme slow; go into control panel and change to left-handed (if they are right- handed) or vice-versa.

National Tea Day 21st April

World Homeopathy Awareness Week 10th April

St George’s Day 23rd April

A Time For Flowers Give a guilt free gift of flowers We are a small, friendly and professional company with over 20 Years’ Experience in helping customers to enjoy their garden.

this Easter!

Sunday 21st April

Call Jon on:

07791 622 576

or email: touchagrass@hotmail.com lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Call 07985 390463 | www.atime4flowers.co.uk 44b The Walnuts, Orpington BR6 0TW

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 27

lifestyle

Home & Garden FOCUS ON…. LAWNS

A well-cared for lawn can really tie the garden together and acting now can ensure that it looks as good as it can for the warmer months.

Try sowing grass seeds on well repaired soil or even lay new turf - but don’t forget to keep it moist. Repair sparse patches and give your lawn a boost with some high nitrogen fertiliser.

Four ways to… …Refresh your sink 1.

Keep limescale at bay.

Squeeze lemon juice onto a damp cloth then wipe the sink, rinsing with water.

2. Clean the grout. Add a bit of water to bicarbonate of soda then use an old toothbrush to work this into the grout. Wipe with a damp cloth.

3. Remove stains. You can use a nylon scourer on a stainless steel sink (carefully so you don’t scratch it) and use baby oil to polish up the stainless steel. A product called Bar Keeper’s Friend is great for cleaning ceramic sinks.

4.

Banish odours. Tip ½ a cup of bicarbonate of soda down your drain followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Flush through with boiling water from the kettle.

What your front door colour says about you...

According to a recent study by Dulux Weathershield, people in the UK will make a judgement about a person just ten seconds after seeing the colour of their front door. Here’s what impression your door colour gives to others…

White: The UK’s most popular door colour – associated with peace, calm and level-headed. You’re the person that people turn to in need.

Blue: The UK’s second most popular door colour shows you’re loyal, kind and dependable. You’re also likely to be successful, but modest about your successes.

Red: Confident, outgoing and passionate, You’re not afraid to tell things how they really are – and you make a great host.

Purple: You have a spiritual sense about you and purple/lilac is often associated with wealth and power. You’re a risk-taker and like to think for yourself.

Grey: You’re savvy yet trend-conscious and like to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to keeping up with Jones’. You’re good at being organised.

Green: You’re at one with nature, family-orientated and are likely to be creative and ambitious. Your home is also where your heart is.

Yellow/orange: You like a challenge and enjoy being entertained (and entertaining). You’re likely to have a large circle of dependable friends and always look on the bright side.

Black: You’re a private person and prefer not to show your real emotions. Keeping things in order is your forte and you have a great eye for detail.

Brown/Wooden: You’re a caring, warm and generous soul who would welcome anyone into their home – and give anyone a chance.

On the market…

A conversion property in Orpington, which was originally constructed in the mid-19th century as a school for the local church and offers Victorian charm in abundance! The conversion offers three characterful cottages – a one-bedroom property for £325,000, a two-bedroom for £395,000 and a three-bed coming soon! Help to Buy application pending.

Call Your Move O’Neil on 01689 872926 to find out more.

28 Life in... Orpington April 2019

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

HOME HACK:

lifestyle

FEATHER PILLOWS

If you want to fluff up your feather pillows, leave them in direct sunlight for a few hours (on a hot day).

The heat will dry out any moisture.

GARDEN CHECKLIST •

•

•

April is a good time to feed any trees, hedges or shrubs. Pick up some slow-release fertiliser from the garden centre and gently fork it into the soil.

It’s also a good idea to take advantage of the milder weather to apply mulch around the bottom of trees and shrubs. Use organic material like bark chippings or any leaf litter that you might have swept up and bagged from the autumn.

If you haven’t already, make sure to cut back dead foliage on perennial plants as this makes way for new growth.

Look after your heating as the weather hots up Stevenson Heating Ltd give us their tips on how to look after your heating in warmer months: 1. Don’t turn your heating off completely Some valves may stick if your heating isn’t used during the spring and summer months – and you won’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late! Run your heating at least once a week for a few minutes, first thing in the morning, to keep it in tip-top condition.

2. Keep radiator valves open During warmer months, keep all your radiator valves open and turn up the thermostats (if you have them on your radiators) to maximum. This will stop them sticking when you switch your heating back on fully.

SELLING OR LETTING AROUND

ORPINGTON?

Call Philip O'Neil

01689 872926

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

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 29

5 awesome tips for cheaper roaming abroad

lifestyle

Travel

We’ve done the hard work on cheaper roaming for you, so you can browse without breaking the bank….

Insta-good!

Route 66 has been named as the most Instagram-worthy road trip in the world, according to Brits. The Hertz study polled 2,000 adults to identify the latest trends in road trip holidays and found the top three routes were made up of US-based trips. They included the Grand Canyon and the Pacific Coast Highway, with 56% of respondents naming the U.S. as the road trip capital of the world.

The top 10 factors of a memorable holiday...

Find roaming offers

Before leaving for the airport, check with your mobile provider to see if they offer international roaming packages, which can give you huge data savings.

When you touch down, take time to read the welcome SMS from the mobile operator carefully. It will outline the costs for calls, SMS and web data during your stay.

Switch to a browser that shrinks webpages

1. Good weather 2. Lots of laughter 3. Fantastic views 4. Seeing something you’ve never

seen before 5. Good food Sail to Dublin for £6 a 6. Being able to switch off/having day return (Holyhead to

no worries Dublin) with Stena Line.

7. Spending time with family See www.stenaline.co.uk/ 8. Doing activities you wouldn’t daysaway

normally do at home 9. Clear blue skies 10. Meeting new people

BARGAIN BREAK…

*According to an Iberostar survey of 2,000 Brits

If you load fewer megabytes, you can save money, plus browse faster when you have poor reception. For example, the Opera Mini mobile browser can crunch down webpages to as tiny as 10% of their original size, plus its data counter shows how many megabytes you’ve saved. Browsers that shrink data are also handy on slow, crowded Wi-Fi zones, like airports and cafes.

Turn off data thieves

Turn off notifications and background data. Statistics show that 30% of your mobile data is wasted in the background while apps are not in use.

Pause synchronising

Going on a self-drive holiday?

Top three safest countries for driving in Europe • • •

Denmark - 5 accidents per 10,000 residents Cyprus - 7.5 accidents per 10,000 residents Finland - 8.5 accidents per 10,000 residents

Three most dangerous countries for driving in Europe • • •

Austria - 43.6 accidents per 10,000 residents Germany - 37.2 accidents per 10,000 residents Belgium - 35.1 accidents per 10,000 residents

If you’ve set up Dropbox, Facebook or Google Drive to automatically upload your holiday photos from your phone, disable this syncing in the settings to cut down data consumption.

Alternatively, adjust your settings so that your holiday pics upload only when you are connected to Wi-Fi.

Prepare yourself by pre-loading You already prepare your music playlists and movies for your travels, so why not pre-load your webpages?

Some browsers have a feature that enables you to save an internet page for offline use, so that you can read it later without activating roaming or finding Wi-Fi.

*Source: European Commission’s Annual Accident Report 2018

30 Life in... Orpington April 2019

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 31

lifestyle

Grab it while it’s hot!

Shopping Seven online marketplace alternatives to Amazon 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Etsy – for gifts eBay – for haggling OnBuy – for fair pricing Shpock – for second hand finds Mercari – for speed Rakuten – for rare finds Facebook Marketplace - for local gems

PRIZE H WORT

Meerkat Movie members can enjoy two-for-one film tickets every Tuesday or Wednesday at Vue for a whole year. Make a qualifying purchase through comparethemarket.com, download the Meerkat app (or visit comparethemarket.com and set up an account) to activate your membership and claim your voucher code. You have one voucher code to use every Tuesday or Wednesday at Vue. See www.myvue.com/offers

WIN WIN WIN...

£50

To mark the season of spring cleaning, we’ve teamed up with Bloo to give away this gorgeous wicker hamper filled to the brim with products to help on your cleaning mission!

For a chance to win, sign up to receive the monthly residents’ newsletter before 10th April at https://tinyurl.com/lionewsletter

Chocs-away!

HELP A GOOD CAUSE PinkDot is a new, free online shopping tool that integrates into your own Google searches to save users money and automatically entering them into regular draws for up to £100,000 in cash prizes, and giving to good causes at zero cost to the user. The desktop browser follows you as you shop, pinpointing special offers directly in your Google search results or when visiting your favourite retailers’ websites.

See PinkDot.Shop

Three alternative Easter pressies for those seeking something unique Mellow yellow Pop into Curly Locks in Locksbottom to

pick up this gorgeous spring dress for ages eight-14

Dress £54

32 Life in... Orpington April 2019

Chocolate Tour for two £69

Thanks a bunch

Buy a friend a bouquet of flowers from A Time

Go Cocoa

Check yourself in on a London VIP Chocolate Tour for two with

Go Travel in Locksbottom, Petts Wood or Chislehurst

For Flowers in Orpington to brighten up their day

Bouquet from £25 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle

Make, Do &

Upcycle!

With Easter fast approaching, here’s a great, inexpensive crafting project that makes a colourful (and tasty!) Easter centre piece.

A colourful Easter sweet tree...

Chocolate bunnies...

Which part do you eat first?

We asked, you replied...

60% Ears

20% Tail

10% Feet

10% Other (including 'in

one mouthful' & 'bum!')

Step 6:

Step 3:

When the whole ball is covered, add some sweets on top of the tissue paper in the pot for decoration and enjoy the sweet centre piece!

Put this in your pot and surround with stones for support. Cover the stones with tissue paper.

Step 4:

Turn the mini muffin cases inside out so that the colourful side is showing.

Pierce through the middle of them with a cocktail stick and place the sweet on top.

Step 1:

You will need a foam ball, mini muffin cases, 10 skewers, cocktail sticks, tissue paper, ribbon, a pot, some stones & sweets. We used mini eggs & fruit jellies, but American hard gums would be a good alternative as some of the jellies slipped off the cocktail sticks.

Step 2:

Wind the ribbon around the 10 skewers and stick them into the bottom of the foam ball. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Step 5:

Add the sweets in cases to the foam ball until the whole ball is covered.

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 33

lifestyle LOCAL eco heroEs...

Eco News Zero waste shopping

There's no such thing as 'SAFE FRACKING'!

Now is the time ban fracking and invest in renewable energy for a clean future.

What is fracking?

Fracking is the process of extracting gas and oil from shale rock by blasting water, sand and a cocktail of chemicals deep underground.

The term fracking refers to how the rock is fractured apart by the high-pressure mixture. The fracking process involves potentially toxic chemicals at almost every stage.

Seven reasons why fracking should be banned 1. Fracking uses a huge amount of water, which could not only make water shortages worse but also have significant environmental transportation costs.

2. Chemicals may escape during drilling, contaminating water and polluting ecosystems.

3. The UK’s Environment Agency found that flow-back fluid from the Lancashire shale contained “notably high levels of sodium, chloride, bromide and iron, as well as higher values of lead".

4. New roads would need to be built for the thousands of polluting

34 Life in... Orpington April 2019

In the UK we drink over 70 million cups of coffee a day, producing 500,000 tonnes of waste coffee grounds every year. Bio-Bean helps to tackle the UK's waste problem by turning this waste stream into high-quality, sustainable and cheap biofuels. EasyCoffee Orpington supply Bio Bean with their coffee waste.

diesel trucks full of chemicals, fracking fluid and waste fluids travelling to and from the drilling site.

5. If the gas leaks out, it can send methane into the atmosphere adding to the global warming effect.

6. Fracking has been linked to causing earthquakes. In 2011, test fracking in Lancashire was suspended after two earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 magnitude hit the area. A study concluded that it was very likely that they were caused by fracking.

7. Campaigners say that fracking is distracting energy firms and governments from investing in clean renewable sources of energy.

This encourages the continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Unless we act now, some of our most beautiful countryside could end up covered in thousands of drilling rigs. We have a chance to put a stop to fracking in Britain... do your bit and boycott the companies who support fracking.

The DenCare Clinic, Locksbottom offers a recycling service for old oral care products and packaging. Just pop them into their bin in reception.

Are you a Local Eco Hero?

Send us an email at:

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Life hacks

lifestyle

If you haven’t booked your annual leave yet – you might want to do so asap to maximize on your time off work (unless a colleague has already beaten you to it!)

TAKE 8 DAYS OFF FOR A 16-DAY HOLIDAY Book off: 15th – 18th April & 23rd – 26th April Bank holidays: 19th & 22nd April Your holiday: 13th – 28th April

TAKE 4 DAYS OFF FOR A 9-DAY HOLIDAY Book off: 7th – 10th May Bank holidays: 6th May Your holiday: 4th – 12th May

TAKE 4 DAYS OFF FOR A 9-DAY HOLIDAY Book off: 28th – 31st May Bank holidays: 27th May Your holiday: 25th May – 2nd June

Book off: 27th – 30th August Bank holidays: 26th August Your holiday: 24th August – 1st September

TAKE 5 DAYS OFF FOR A 12-DAY HOLIDAY Book off: 23rd, 24th, 27th, 30th & 31st December Bank holidays: 25th, 26th December & 1st January Your holiday: 21st December – 1st January

Use a straw to remove strawberry stems. Simply poke it down through the top and the whole centre will pop out.

Have five minutes to spare?

Don’t waste them. Here’s five things you can do to make your life easier down the line…

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.

TAKE 4 DAYS OFF FOR A 9-DAY HOLIDAY

At home

5 Things To Do in 5 Minutes

WORD UP! If there are three people involved in a duel, it’s actually called a truel.

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.

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.

Did you know?

Learning a new skill (a new language o r playing an instrument) can slow do wn the ageing pro cess of the brain. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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.

April 2019 Life in... Orpington 35

lifestyle

A Final Thought…

by NICKY GRANT & LAURETTA WRIGHT

S

ince launching Life In Orpington, we’ve had the opportunity to get out and about to speak with local businesses and shop owners - and it’s been a real eye-opener.

We hadn’t it given much thought until now, but our High Streets really have changed from what they were like years ago. For one, they’ve adapted to the changing needs of consumers and have become much trendier.

And we’ve also seen a huge increase in service outlets like cafes and restaurants. As one shop owner we spoke with told us: “You can’t buy a cup of coffee on the internet, can you?” We were sure you could, but we knew what she meant.

We were surprised that he put diminishing footfall levels down to the banks and wondered why most people didn't do their banking online. For example, we have mobile banking with Santander; if we receive a cheque we can deposit it in ‘the hole in the wall’ and if we want our PIN changing that’s also something we can do without the help of a cashier.

In fact, apart from withdrawing a very large amount of money, there’s nothing that we can’t do either online, on our smartphones or at the ATM for our day-to-day living.

Changing times

And we’re not millennials either – we’re in our 40s and have had to learn how to do these things because we can see how much easier they have made our lives. But not everyone is the same of course. People enjoy that one-to-one exchange with a real person – it’s familiar and people are somehow trustworthier than a screen.

And with talk of driverless cars and drones delivering our goods, there might even come a time when we never need set foot outside our homes again – heaven forbid.

There’s little doubt that our changing habits and lifestyles affect the way which we shop locally. We’ll always need the cafes and restaurants to meet friends and enjoy family celebrations, and we’ll always need supermarkets to grab a pint of milk on the way home from work.

The internet has changed people’s shopping habits massively. Now that places like Amazon can get orders out within just a few hours, our ‘want it now’ culture has been (almost) fully satisfied.

Does anyone else recall seeing a TV programme a number of years ago where a journalist took part in a social media experiment? Her aim was to stay indoors for two weeks and survive only on what she could buy online. She bought a bed and a pillow/sheets, a TV, a microwave oven, kettle and toaster, food and toiletries….you get the point. And survive she did.

But doesn’t this paint a sad picture? Imagine if people really started living this way, shutting themselves off from ever setting foot outside their door. Since we’ve been out and about in and around Orpington, there’s one thing we both agree on – there’s a real community spirit about the town.

You can bank on it

We recently met the shop owner in Locksbottom, who complained to us that the level of footfall had dropped in town because of the bank closures.

According to him, there had once been three banks, which then dwindled down to two, and then last year they both closed in quick succession. One had been transformed into a trendy wine bar and the other had remained empty.

36 Life in... Orpington April 2019

But it’s also nice to browse in a charity shop, grab a last minute gift for a friend’s birthday or pop into the travel agents to treat yourself to a cheeky spa weekend.

So although we’re open to change – and can embrace most of our rapidly changing buying habits, too much change wouldn’t be great.

Besides, when we’re out and about, it’s surprising how many people we bump into for a quick chat and catch up – and that’s something we’d definitely miss.

Do you agree? What would you miss about not being able to 'shop local'? Send your thoughts to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Would you like to submit a ‘final thought’ piece?

Do you have something to get off your chest? Email us at

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle What Did You Think Of This Issue?

Complete this quick questionnaire by 11th April for your chance to win a bottle of wine from Laithwaites, Locksbottom. Your answers will be a huge help in determining what we include every month so you look forward to receiving your copy of Life In Orpington!

1. What do you think of the style of Life In Orpington?

(Taking into account the fonts, colours and design of

the magazine?)

Loved

Liked

Quite Liked

Loved

Liked

Quite Liked

Disliked

_____________________________________________________ 4. What was your least favourite page? (and why) _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ 5. What editorial would you like to see in Life In Orpington?

(feel free to make as many suggestions as you like!) _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ 6. Life In Orpington is an informative magazine that I will

look out for in future.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Partially Agree

Disagree

7. The proportion of advertising to editorial in Life in

Orpington is…

Perfect Could be more editorial Could be more advertising Too much advertising

8. I would use the businesses advertised in Life in Orpington.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Partially Agree

Very Likely Didn’t Enjoy It

13. If you are a local business or sole trader, how likely are

you to advertise with us, given that our rates start from

£25 a month?

3. What was your favourite page to read? (and why) _____________________________________________________

Wouldn’t Miss It! Not Very Likely

Disliked

2. What did you think of the editorial in Life In Orpington?

12. How likely are you to read Life In Orpington again?

Disagree

Very likely

Likely

Not Likely

(If you’re interested, please write your email and we’ll send you a media pack) _____________________________________________________ Would you like us to add you to our monthly email newsletter? (If yes, please make sure you’ve written your email address above)

Yes

No

Any other comments/suggestions _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Do you give permission for us to publish your comments?

Yes

No

aites!

Win a bottle of wine from Laithw If you'd like to enter the competition to win a bottle of red Coco Rôtie wine from Laithwaites, please leave your details below, take a picture of this page and email or text it to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or 07403 603569 by 11th April.

Name:_________________________________

9. I consider myself someone who supports local

businesses and believes in shopping locally.

Telephone:_____________________________

Email:__________________________________

Strongly Agree

Agree

Partially Agree

Disagree

10. If you saw exclusive offers and special deals from local

businesses, how likely are you to use them?

Very likely

Likely

Not Likely

Not At All

11. Without looking (no peeking!), how many advertisers

could you name in the magazine?

0-5

6.-11

12-16

Don’t worry - all your answers will remain confidential unless you ticked 'yes' for permission to publish.

Congratulations to last month's winner: Sylvia Chubbs from Orpington

Get social with us!

17 or more

.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Not At All

us.. follow

@lifeinmags April 2019 Life in... Orpington 37

useful contacts

Next Month...

FREE

2019 .

ISSUE 3 MAY

Local numbers

Ward Councillors Cllr William Huntington-Thresher Bromley Council william.huntington-thresher@bromley.gov.uk T: 020 8464 3333 T: 07733-116799 www.bromley.gov.uk Cllr Pauline Tunnicliffe Citizen’s Advice Bureau - Bromley pauline.tunnicliffe@bromley.gov.uk T: 0300 330 9039 T: 01689 857407 Cllr Kim Botting FixMyStreet Kim.botting@bromley.gov.uk Report issues for Bromley Council's attention (potholes, broken street lighting, T: 07947-714394 rubbish etc) www.fixmystreet.com Hospitals Princess Royal University Hospital T: 01689 863000 www.pruh.kch.nhs.uk Orpington Hospital T: 01689 863000 NHS T: 111 Late night pharmacies Tesco Pharmacy Orpington T: 0345 0269567

Alcoholics anonymous T: 0800 917 7650 E: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Childline T: 0800 1111 Crime Stoppers T: 0800 555 111 Debt Helpline T: 0808 808 4000 Dementia (UK) T: 0845 257 9406

Leisure Centres Darrick Wood Pool T: 01689 857 021

Domestic Violence T: 0808 200 0247 (24-hours)

Libraries Orpington T: 01689 831551 www.bromley.gov.uk/OrpingtonLibrary E: orpington.library@GLL.ORG

ROES

LOCAL HE

RENTING

POSITIVE PA

National numbers

Sainsburys Pallant Way T: 01689 857042

The Walnuts Leisure Centre T: 01689 870 533

... LOCALLY

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE

Electricity In the event of a power cut contact UK Power Networks on 0800 31 63 105 www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk Gas Emergencies T: 0800 111 999 (free 24-hours)

WIN... athai.co.uk www.tharpage 39 see

YOUR

T'S ON IAL WHA

ESSENT

S

EMA TICKET A PAIR OF CIN GUIDE

IN

OUND AND AR

co.uk

gazines. www.lifeinma

Coming up in the MAY Issue of Life In - -

-

TON

ORPING

Orpington…

Positive parenting: Prom checklist Travel: 5 of the strangest enquiries received by the FCO Home & Garden: Top 20 home comforts

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH APRIL Contact Nicky or Lauretta or

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

@lifeinmags

National Breastfeeding Helpline T: 0300 100 0212

Petts Wood T: 01689 821607 www.bromley.gov.uk/PettsWoodLibrary E: pettswood.library@GLL.ORG

NSPCC T: 0808 800 5000

Local MP Jo Johnson E: jo.johnson.mp@parliament.uk T: 01689 820347 www.jo-johnson.com Twitter: @jojohnsonmp

Samaritans (UK) T: 116 123

Life In Orpington is distributed to 14,000 households and businesses over a two-month period, in and around Orpington.

National Rail Southeastern Rail: 0345-322 7021

Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In Orpington are subject to copyright, 2019.

NHS 111 Urgent medical help or advice (not lifethreatening) call 111 www.111.nhs.uk

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

Police Bromley Police Station T: 101 Recycling centres Waldo Road, Bromley, BR1 2QX Monday to Friday 7am-5:30pm Saturday 7:30am-4pm Sunday 8am-1pm Bank holidays 8am-4pm

RSPCA T: 0300 123 4999

Quitline (smoking) T: 0300 123 1044 Carers UK T: 0808 808 7777 www.carersuk.org

Thames Water Water Supply, Drains & Sewers – 0800 316 9800 Leak Line - 0800 714 614 Social Services Textphone service for the deaf or hard Tel: 020 3036 1574 (Emergencies only) of hearing - 0800 316 9898 www.thameswater.co.uk Safer Neighbourhood Team E: SNMailbox.OrpingtonSNT@met.police.uk Victim Support E: Farnborough.Crofton.SNT@met.police.uk T: 0333 250 9285

38 Life in... Orpington April 2019

Disclaimer: Life In Magazines assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Life In Magazines. Therefore, Life In Magazines 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. © 2019 Life In Magazines. All rights reserved. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

RESTAURANT

Delectable Thai Cuisine With Authentic Ingredients

We use only the best ingredients to offer your taste buds a flavoursome experience

THAI TAPAS

NOW AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH!

Come and try our new restaurant – now open in Locksbottom

Monday-Saturday 12pm-4pm, 6.30pm-11pm Sunday 1pm-9pm

www.tharathai.co.uk | 01689 857111 | lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@thara.thai April 2019 Life in... Orpington 39

Nurse Managed Home Care

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

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

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

01689 825155

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

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk 40 Life in... Orpington April 2019

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