5 EXERCISES IF YOU HAVE A BAD BACK
PLUS SO MUCH MORE… COMPETITIONS * WHAT’S ON POSITIVE NEWS * LOCAL PEOPLE
Petts Wood
BR5 1DF
Southeast Legacies was founded by brothers Anthony and Peter Rockliffe. Anthony is a full member of STEP, the gold standard in private client law. You are welcome to attend our office in Petts Wood, or we offer free home appointments. We offer a discounted rate when combining a Will with Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Basic Will £149 +VAT
2 Basic Wills £199 +VAT
Grant Only £: Fixed Price
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Essential Complete Peace of Mind – 1 Person
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Starting in this month’s issue we’re on the count down to The Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs) - it’s going to be the event of the year!
If you’re a local business now is the time to put yourself forward for an award –they range from Best Startup and Best Micro Business to Best Sustainable and Best Charity/Non-profit. Don’t be shy – you never know where your submission will take you!
For members of the public, if you’ve come across a business or an individual in business that deserves to be recognised for their hard work, resilience or personality, please put your vote in for them. Imagine how pleased they would be to be nominated and it’s all about supporting our local businesses. You can vote for:
(a) A Community Hero
(b) Best Individual in Business
(c) Personality of The Year
Finally, in this month’s issue we’re showing our Platinum Sponsors, Clockwise Bromley and Better.org – and in the run-up to November when the dazzling ABBBAs will be taking place (Thursday 9th November at The Warren in Hayes), we’ll be showcasing all of our supporters.
All the information you need is at www.the-abbbas.co.uk
Enjoy the issue!
Lauretta Wright, Editor
If this is the first time you’ve received or picked up this magazine, you’ll find a list of stockists at the back to pick up next month’s issue. Or you can receive a postal copy through your letterbox for £24 a year (email hello@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk) or receive a digital issue at bit.ly/lifeinmagsdigital
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Youth chat
Your July issue was as interesting and fun as always. I was interested in your community section ‘Behind The Badge’. The Superintendent seems to have talked to an awful lot of people about “low-level crime” and antisocial behaviour, but he doesn’t seem to have spoken to the youths themselves. Perhaps it would be a good idea for children to mend things rather than break things. Teenagers could be taught how to repair things, carpentry, basic DIY, painting and decorating, etc. A non-religious youth club could also get children of the street and away from their screens.
Very best wishes,
Sylvie Orp, Bromley
Thanks Sylvie – and this is something that we’ve put to Superintendent Baldock. You can read his response on page 6 (Behind The Badge) in this month’s issue.
Road sense
Last week my wife and I were talking to friends who live in High Beeches, Chelsfield and had been informed by Bromley Council that their road would be resurfaced for the first time in 30 years (apart from the odd repair). They then received a letter from Thames water saying in two weeks after the road had been resurfaced they would be digging it up to put in water meters. It would be interesting to get a comment from Bromley Council and Thames Water. Surely Thames Water have to apply to Bromley Council for permission to dig up the road? The obvious solution being that Thames Water put in the meters and then Bromley Council resurface the road. There seems to be a lack of communication between utility companies and the council. I am sure your readers could inform you of other instances within the borough.
Name withheld
Thank you for your email. We contacted the council who, at the time of going to press, had yet to send a response.
Had a catch up with Mick from Bromley Radio! Listen out for our regular updates throughout the week at www.bromleyradio.com!
The star response (
A Summer’s Day
A summer’s day draws to an end
Nature takes a rest
Shadows creep across the lawn And birds seek out their nest
A gentle breeze makes the roses sway
As their perfume fills the air
And in the distance church bells ring Calling for evening prayer
The sun going down behind the trees
Gives a touch of gold to the bright green leaves And creatures hiding underground Venture out to look around
The sky takes on a pale-pink glow
That covers the fields and earth below
So why not stop for a while?
Let your worries slip away
Take in all the beauty
And be thankful for a summer’s day
Maureen HillierVisited Lord Harris at the Tapi Carpets and Floors HQ in Orpington. A HUGE thank you to Tapi for being our headline sponsor for the upcoming Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs). See www.the-abbbas.co.uk
Spent some time volunteering at the borough’s monthly Bereavement Café. Here’s our designer Nicky, ready to welcome visitors. See www.facebook. com/bereavementcafe
The neighbourhood teams here at Bromley have continued their work to tackle local crime issues on the Borough. In the last 12 months, they have carried out around 1 search warrant a week, and amongst other things, seized an estimated £2 million street value of cannabis from cannabis factories operating on the borough from residential addresses. Not only are these dangerous and bring crime to the area, they are also often operated by Organised Crime Networks and enables us to disrupt their operations.
I have started to go out and visit communities and partners passionate about helping us to tackle crime, including recent visits to Biggin Hill and Orpington, and as I mentioned last month I continue to meet communities particularly concerned about ongoing anti-social behaviour and road safety/speeding. I have met with colleagues from our Police Roads and Transport Command, and the Local Authority Roads Team and we have agreed to form a much closer partnership to tackle the issue of speeding jointly to maximise the impact of our efforts. I am optimistic that in coming months we can start to communicate the results of this.
I also received a letter in relation to my last article (see the letters page) making a suggestion that we need to do more to engage the youth of the Borough to hear their views on areas such as ASB to make them part of the solution rather than being perceived as part of the problem. I am always open to feedback and feel this is a very fair point and something I am now looking to work on. I have contacted the Youth Council for the Borough and will start to think about other ways of doing this to build a positive relationship and want to help make the Borough a safe, secure and also fun place for young people to be. I am working with the Regeneration Team for the Local Authority and we have discussed working together to make the Town Centre a better place for youth to be and work is now underway on that so watch this space. Please keep your ideas, thoughts and feedback coming!
Superintendent
Luke Baldock Bromley Borough Neighbourhood Policing
FICTION
Title: She and Her Cat
Authors: Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
Published: 6/10/22
Publisher: Doubleday
No of pages: 160
RRP: £10.99
If you want to give some Japanese translated fiction a try then I highly recommend this gorgeous little (only 160 pages!) book. Inside at the start of each chapter is a beautiful hand drawn illustration.
Now, I’m not usually a cat person myself (my dream since as far back as I can remember is to own a sausage dog!) but this book could make anyone fall in love with cats and the companionship and comfort that they bring their owners. Following four women and their cats living in Tokyo, we find out how each of their lives intertwines. The narration flips between the women and their cats, so it’s totally unique and I loved it. Such a cosy, heartwarming read and a great one if you want to dip your toe into translated fiction.
5 stars from me!
Local resident and bookworm, Zoe Hill, gives us the lowdown on what she’s reading –and more importantly, if it’s worth picking up!
Title: My Mess is a bit of a Life
Author: Georgia Pritchett
Published: 3/3/22
Publisher: Faber
No of pages: 304
RRP: £9.99
Multi-award-winning television writer and producer Georgia Pritchett goes to her doctor after feeling suicidal and gets referred to a therapist. Once there, she finds it impossible to articulate her thoughts, so the therapist suggests she writes down how she’s been feeling; and the results are this brilliant book!
This memoir is told in vignettes, so it’s really easy to race through. It is laugh out loud funny and Pritchett has such an amazing dry wit, obviously at times it is also sad and moving. It covers the topic of anxiety so well and I feel it’s such an important book, and a book everyone needs to read, whether you suffer from anxiety or not!
5 stars for this amazing memoir.
Giving
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: michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com facebook.com/michelleharveylifecelebrant
Pledging a donation on a regular basis allows us to plan ahead and budget for the long-term, because we know, day in day out, that we have a steady income stream that we can rely on. Be a part of our exclusive community by supporting our work, both now and in the future.
SCAN HERE to find out more
Every gift we receive is committed to improving facilities, funding clinical research and capital projects, enhancing staffing levels, as well as delivering a range of support to young oncology patients and their families in our local communities.
CONTACT: https://chartwellcancertrust.co.uk/regular-giving/
info@chartwellcancertrust.co.uk www.chartwellcancertrust.co.uk
Charity Registration Number: 1109784 01959 570322
In the little village of Downe lived one of our greatest scientists, Charles Darwin, who wrote On the Origin of Species published in 1859. He was the grandson of Erasmus Darwin and he proposed different aspects of what later would become evolutionary theory or survival of the fittest'.
Born in 1809, Darwin lived in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. From a young age he was fascinated by nature, reading books on the subject and exploring the fields and woodlands around his home and collecting plants and insects. In 1825 he enrolled in medical school at the University of Edinburgh. He was so traumatised by witnessing a child undergoing surgery, at a time before anaesthetic or antiseptics, that he gave up his studies and went to Cambridge University to study theology.
Then in 1831 he embarked on an adventure of a lifetime and spent five years on HMS Beagle as naturalist and companion to the ship’s captain, Robert FitzRoy. He explored remote regions and marvelled at a world so different from the one he knew. He saw birds with blue feet and giant tortoises. He noted encounters with these ‘new’ creatures and collected plants, animals and fossils. He took copious notes of everything, which provided the evidence he needed to develop his remarkable theory. Back in England he began to develop his theory of the evolution of species and natural selection.
He was not alone in studying these ideas of evolution. He became aware that Alfred Russel Wallace, working by that time in the Malay Archipelago was arriving at similar conclusions. A letter to Darwin drew his attention to this fact. For Darwin it was essential he should be the first to publish, but they could not ignore Wallace’s work. It was decided that Darwin would present a paper to the Linnean Society in London, where he made a joint announcement of their theory of evolution in July 1858. In 1859 Darwin published his book On the Origin of Species. It caused great conflict and an outcry from the Church. People were outraged by the thought that man and monkeys may have shared common ancestors.
Life continued; Darwin married Emma Wedgewood on the 29th January, 1839. At first they lived in London, but in 1842 they moved into Down House. The house was built in the early 18th century and changed hands several times before they moved in. Once there they proceeded to remodel it. They brought up their ten children (though only seven survived beyond the age of ten). The house also became the place where he could study and carry out his research. Among many things connected with evolution, he studied earthworms with his children. Every morning they observed and recorded the habits of earthworms and their effect on soil formation; he estimated that earthworms could move eight tons of earth, rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and calcium, in a year!
Darwin continued to work in Down House until his death on 19th April 1882. His family kept the house until the turn of the century when it was let out as a private residence and then leased to tenants in 1907, who founded Downe House School for Girls. Another school took its place but then it was left empty for a few years and it fell into an increasing state of disrepair. In 1927 it was put up for sale. Sir Arthur Keith (1866-1955) appealed for public support and funds were provided by surgeon Sir George Buckston Browne (1850-1945), who bought the house for £4,250. Repairs and alterations cost up to £10,000. In 1929, he also provided an endowment of £20,000 to preserve it as a permanent memorial to Darwin, used for the benefit of science and kept open and free for visitors. Between 1953 and 1996 it was under the custody of the Royal College of Surgeons and run as a museum. Then, in 1996 the house passed into the care of English Heritage. The house and its contents were bought with the support of the Wellcome Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It has been repaired and renovated and can now be visited by everyone in its beautiful location.
Orpington resident, Tim Webb, lives with his wife and son in Orpington. He is recently retired after working a number of years for BT and has become renowned locally for turning the borough’s potholes into works of art to draw attention to getting them fixed. We sat down with Tim to find out where he gets his inspiration and how his unique ‘works of art’ have been received…
Hi Tim – can you explain what gave you the idea to start ‘decorating’ the borough’s potholes – and why you thought it would be a good idea?
I was inspired by other posts in a Facebook group run by a guy in Brightlingsea. He planted the seed if you like and I started experimenting in January of this year. I thought it would be good idea to use humorous captions as well to accompany my Pothole Dioramas. This would help make the point about the problem and draw wider attention to the issue.
How have your projects been received by the general public?
Very positively. People always ask me what I'm doing when setting up near a pothole, and are all in favour!
And what about the council? Any feedback from them?
I suspect some Councillors are in favour but unable to offer public support; private feedback is generally very supportive. Coincidentally, locals are reporting seeing regular contracting crews and more potholes than ever are being fixed in our area, so perhaps the council is paying more attention to the situation.
Where do you get your tools of the trade?
A number of sources; car boot sales, charity shops, friends and relatives and community groups. I am sometimes loaned items, such as a Noah's Ark, woolly mammoth, or Dr Who figures.
What do you enjoy most about the projects?
The planning and execution of the Pothole Diorama before finding a suitable pothole. I like to come up with a story and a bit of background as to why, for example, a UFO would be found in a pothole; I see it as an intellectual challenge to put an unusual spin on it. I plan well in advance.
How do you find the potholes?
Fix My Street lists all faults and defects throughout the Borough. I pick out the “best of the potentially worst” and
Any interesting or funny incidents?
Once I was working on the idea of some exotic fish living undisturbed in a pothole and being discovered by some children. It hadn’t rained for days so the pothole was bone dry. I ran out of the water I normally carry with me, fortunately a guy from Thames Water was nearby and he helped fill up the pothole with water. As soon as I explained what I was up to he was more than helpful. This saved the day and the fish!
Is your ultimate goal for the potholes to be fixed or if they were all fixed would you have to move on to something else?
My aim was to raise awareness but what I would really like is to see all of the potholes in a particular cluster fixed at the same time, rather than just one and the rest left. I doubt they will ever all be fixed as new ones appear all of the time!
What has been your favourite to work on?
I shouldn’t have favourites but my most satisfying one was in Mayfield Avenue; the road wasn't too busy so I returned several times to get the pothole just right. I was over the moon when a photo of three ducks in it appeared on the Newsshopper Camera Club page! I have another favourite in Red Cedars Road; a cul-de-sac so I could spend more time working on it. This pothole featured on BBC London.
What do you love about Bromley?
It's a very diverse borough with the ideal mixture of urban and rural environments. We have the convenience of the towns but lovely parks and green spaces.
Do you have a message that you’d like to spread to other residents?
Please report any road defects or problems such as broken street lights to fixmystreet.com. They may not get fixed straightaway but if they're not reported nothing will happen. I must stress that people should not follow my lead and start putting items in potholes. They should NEVER put themselves or other road users at risk, or attempt to fill in a pothole themselves.
What does community mean to you?
We have a wider responsibly to help each other and understand how our actions affect others, not just in the here and now but for the future of our community. We need to support each other in times of crisis, remain tolerant, and respect diversity and look after our environment.
It has been an energetic start to my Mayoral year and in just over a month I have already had the pleasure of visiting residents in all corners of our Borough and everywhere in between.
One of my greatest privileges is meeting some of Bromley’s most diligent and inspiring charity fundraisers. One recent example is the remarkable Mia Jackson, a young girl who was diagnosed with Vascular EDS in 2021, and has since campaigned tirelessly, alongside her mum Bonnie, as part of the Annabelle’s Challenge Charity. I was delighted to present Mia with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at one of their events.
Bromley is the biggest borough in London, and from my perspective, our capacity for compassion and care is just as large. I was honoured to speak at our Loneliness Summit this month, in support of the ongoing efforts to reduce loneliness across the borough. As the Council’s Loneliness Champion I am so proud of all the important work being done around this campaign, with a great recent example being our involvement in the Big Lunch which saw residents come together in a month of community.
It’s the holiday month. And don’t we love holidays? The sun is, more often than not, shining, and lots of us are packing our bags and heading off for sunny beaches.
My hubby and I take our summer break early, so come August we just take odd days and go to beaches or somewhere in the beautiful Kent countryside. Hubby has always said he would like to have his very own personal helicopter, so this year I decided to buy him a substitute – a drone copter. One that flew, but without passengers. Once it was charged, he merely had to press a button and it flew up in the air. Another button took it to the right, and another to the left. He was thrilled. I packed a picnic and off we went into a beautiful green open space in Kent for him to fly his new toy.
In an earlier column, I think I mentioned a few mishaps I, personally, had encountered in pantomime as a flying fairy. Well, it seems commandeering a drone helicopter, for hubby, was just as complicated.
At the first go, up the helicopter went. Hubby looked thrilled. Then a strong wind took us by surprise and the copter took off and landed in a tree.
Hubby isn’t as nimble as me, so on seeing his desperate face, I climbed the tree, ripped my jeans, and reclaimed
I have also visited various fundraisers this month, such as appeals for St Christopher’s Hospice and local autism charity, CASPA. Fundraising is also going well for my chosen Mayoral charities: PTSD999, the MumMum Foundation and Orpington Sea Cadets, which has been supported by the Mayor’s Bowls Team’s matches, with more to follow.
Armed Forces Day is the final highlight I would like to share as it is particularly significant for me. Colleagues and guests gathered at the Civic Centre to sign a renewed covenant with the Armed Forces, which reaffirmed our promise as a Council to support military personnel, veterans, reservists and families in the borough. We have an exciting Summer of events planned across the borough, and I look forward to meeting even more residents throughout.
the copter. And once I’d handed it down to him, he forgot about helping me down. He went back to the middle of the field to fly his now slightly battered plane. Fortunately, the tree had many lower branches and I managed to get down without help. He didn’t notice. I was now quietly cursing buying him this toy. He is a grown man, I was thinking, a silk shirt would have been better. But looking at his happy face, I knew it was worth it. Then came another strong blast of wind. The helicopter again took off and was heading straight for me, and knowing it was the size of a large and heavy cat and could have knocked me out, I quickly ducked. Then I slid. I looked down, I was in cow dung and still sliding. I hit the ground and was covered in the dung. Then my dog, who is pure white, came to my aid, and she too slid and slipped in the smelly cow droppings. Hubby was still watching his helicopter. It had crash landed, and, much to my delight, broken into pieces. ‘My lovely helicopter,’ he cried out. ‘Well what about me,? I shouted back. ‘I’ve ruined my jeans and I smell like a farmyard!’ He didn’t look up. He was now on his knees, unaware he too was in the cowpat as he busied himself trying to put the many pieces of his helicopter back together. And now I know, it’s true when they say – ‘men never really grow up.’
For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk
I looked down, I was in cow dung and still sliding.
"Cllr Mike Botting Mayor of Bromley (2023-24)
Country Dance Taster Session
17th August, 2pm-4pm
Liberal Club, Station Road, Orpington, BR6 0RZ
Cost: £5
Contact: Tel: 01689 836407
Email: janetmaile@rocketmail.com
Not sure if country dancing is for you? Come and join us for the afternoon and find out! Suitable for beginners and experienced dancers alike. No need to bring a partner. For more information visit juiceofbarley.weebly.com
Dominion 2023 Realms of Exploits
5th & 6th August
6.30pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday
Triumphant Church International, 36 Chislehurst Rd, BR6 0DG
Cost: Free
Contact: Tel 01689 811957 or email admin@ triumphant.org.uk
Get ready for a time of refreshing at our Dominion Conference 2023. Hosts Pastors Clem and Marjorie
Esomowei Guest Speaker Bishop Matthew Odum, Gospel Artists Asu Ekiye, Faith Child, Lurine Cato, Clarion Clarkewood and shouts of joy. For details see www.triumphant.org.uk
Children’s Summer Eat and Play
7th – 18th August
11.45am to 1.45pm (Children up to 13 years)
Triumphant Church International, 36 Chislehurst Rd, BR6 0DG
Cost: Free
Contact: Tel 01689 811957 or email admin@triumphant.org.uk
Holiday fun activities for families facing economic challenges and require additional support during the summer holidays. For details see www.triumphant.org.uk
Your
Orpington 'Drop In' Parkinson's Café
1st Thursday of each month, 10.30am - 12.30pm Sanctuary Café, Orpington Baptist Church, Station Road BR6 0RZ
Cost: Free
Contact: bromleyparkinsonsbranch@gmail.com Pop in for a cuppa and a chat, share information, experiences and meet new friends.
u3a Orpington
Third Monday of the month at 2pm
Crofton Main Hall, Orpington, BR6 8PR
Cost: £12 a year
Contact: Membersadmin@u3aorpington.org.uk or call 07732 005819
If you are retired or working part-time, why not join nearly 1,000 other members for access to over 95 different activities. Refreshments are provided.
Macular Society Bromley Support Group
1st Tuesday of every month (except Jan & Aug) 10am for tea/coffee & biscuits
Meeting starts at 10:30am, finishing at 12pm
Bromley Town Church, 2 Ethelbert Road, Bromley, BR1 1JA
Cost: Free
Contact: No need to contact - just turn up and introduce yourself
We are a local support group for people suffering with Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Being diagnosed with AMD can be devastating, so we look to provide social interaction and mutual support to those affected. We have a variety of speakers and a mixed and diverse programme. No need to book - just come along and introduce yourself!
We’re
essential what's on guide for events, activities, clubs and much more in and around Orpington. There's something for everyone!
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.
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.
Knitting Club
1.15pm-13.15pm, Wednesdays (term-time only) Crofton Baptist Church, 100 Crofton Lane, Petts Wood, BR5 1HD
Cost: No membership fee & free entry.
Contact: Email lincbc2020@outlook.com (preferred) or 01689 877010 on Wednesdays – term time. The Community Drop-in Knitting Club at Crofton Baptist Church meet during Term time, knitting for Special Care Baby Units at various Hospitals and various other community projects. Knitting requirements are varied and changes from time to time. Our drop-in knitters are friendly and welcoming. See www.croftonbaptist.org. uk/activities/knitting-club/
Stagecoach Orpington’s Performing Arts
Summer Workshop
14th – 18th August
Half Day (9:30am-12:30am) for 4- 6-year-olds or full day (10am-4pm) for 7-18 year olds.
Tubbenden Primary School, Sandy Bury, Orpington, BR6 9SD
Cost: £130 for half day and £180 for full day. We also except childcare vouchers & tax free childcare. Contact: Email orpington@stagecoach.co.uk or call 07306-887376.
Join us for our highly popular Summer Workshop 2023! A fun filled week of singing, dancing, acting and making friends, all whilst working towards a performance at the end of the week. Also includes a visit from a West End Professional! For more information see www.stagecoach.co.uk/orpington
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. Box Fit, Total Body Conditioning, Yoga Mobility & Yoga Flow, Pilates, Zumba, Cross Training, Back2Fit, Pump and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School.
Mel Crisp Yoga
Tuesday evening 7pm at Christ Church URC, Petts
Wood - Vinyasa Flow Class (1hr)
Cost: PAYG £12 or 4 classes for £40.
Tuesday at 8.15pm at Christ Church URC, Petts Wood – Hatha Flow (45mins)
Cost: PAYG £9 or £30 for a block of 4 classes
Wednesday at 9.45am at Orpington Village HallHatha Yoga classes (1hr)
Mixed ability and beginners welcome at both classes.
Cost: PAYG £12, Block Payment Classes £40 for 4 consecutive classes. First PAYG class is free.
Contact: Mel on 07504 855 424. Email melcrisp41@ icloud.com www.melcrispyoga.com
First class is free when mentioning Life In Orpington magazine
Did you know that the borough’s libraries run a variety of events throughout the month?
Check their websites via www.better.org.uk/library/ london/bromley or call them for more information.
Orpington
Contact: 01689 831551
Email: Orpington.library@gll.org
Petts Wood
Contact: 01689 821607
Email: Pettswood.library@gll.org
Southborough
Contact: 020 8467 0355
Email: southborough.library@gll.org
St Paul’s Cray
Contact: 0208 300 5454
Email: stpaulscray.library@gll.org
Into the Daylight – Jazz and Blues evening
No club on 3rd August – we are on our holidays!
Daylight Inn, Station Square, Petts Wood, BR5 1LZ
Cost: £5 admission (supporting Bromley Food Bank and Ukraine Appeal)
Contact: 01689 877402. Book a table or walk in: www.thedaylightinn.co.uk
We’re back on Thursday 7th September 8pm with Green Chain Quartet with special jazz, blues and swing vocalist Jane Keane, then the first Thursday of every month). For details see www.greenchainquartet.com
Tuesday 29th August
2pm for a 2.30pm start, finishing at 5pm
Cost: £10 on the door
Contact: www.OrganFax.co.uk/clubs/orpington, or phone 07973 622905 or 01689 837044. Come and join us for an amazing afternoon of live music with the amazing Elizabeth Harrison playing a Yamaha “Stagea ELC02”. It is being held at our usual venue in the Crofton Halls, Crofton Lane, Orpington, BR6 8PR (next to the train station). Refreshments and a raffle are available during the interval and disabled facilities and free parking are provided.
Saturday 5th August, Midday 'til late Petts Wood Memorial Gardens, Petts Wood, BR5
1LA
Cost: £17.50 (in advance) £22 (on the day),
Under 12s go free
Contact: Visit www.pettswoodcalling.com
Charity music festival featuring the best local bands to entertain you and raise much-needed funds for local charities, St Christopher’s Hospice, Petts Wood playgroup, the Maypole Project, the Petts Wood War Memorial Hall and Gardens and Second Chance Animal Rescue. A fun day guaranteed!
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
80s Live
Friday 11th August
7.30pm
Cost: £32
The ultimate 80s night out, so come dressed to impress as we spin you around and around for a night to remember. With our sensational cast and live band, this is just what the doctor ordered.
Saturday 12th August
7.30pm
Cost: £33.50
Join The Scottish Detective, David Swindle, for a chilling, thrilling, night at the theatre. True crime fans, and those with a curious mind, can explore the cases, the circumstances and the detective’s perspective on what really went on, the early warning signs and the clues behind The Makings of a Murderer!
Horrible Histories
Sunday 27th August
Various times
Cost: £22
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So BARMY BRITAIN is back with the hit West End show, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past! Will you be conquered by William? Will you sink or swim with King Henry I? Go house hunting with Henry VIII! Join the gorgeous Georgians as they take over England! Break into Buckingham Palace and hide from the Queen Victoria!
A listing costs £15 or £60 for 6 months (£10 a month). Charities and non-profits are eligible for a 15% discount.
Life In...Orpington cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations of an event. We recommend you double check times, places & dates if attending an event listed.
NEXT BOOKING DEADLINE: 7TH AUGUST
To advertise call 020 3488 9959
email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. @ lifeinmags
Many of you have been in touch to ask about our floor stand at Tesco Extra in Orpington – and where it has disappeared to. We were told that the stand was put into storage as a clear-up mission ahead of the CEO’s visit, but it was never brought out again. We were then asked to collect the stand with no explanation why. At the time of going to press (after sending an email and hand delivering a letter to Tesco), we have yet to receive a response as to why we cannot continue to deliver your local community magazine via our floor stand located on the ground floor concourse.
If we hear from them, we’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you regularly pick up from Tesco Orpington, please do ask staff / the manager yourself – and hopefully we can get to the bottom of it.
Around £11m has been allocated by Bromley Council to carry out repair works and replace end of life materials to modernise 11 libraries across the borough, with refurbishment already underway at St Paul’s Cray and the major regeneration of West Wickham Library also in progress through a separate project.Further refurbishment and repairs will begin over the next two years on the majority of the borough’s 14 libraries. The planned works will cover libraries in St Paul’s Cray, Beckenham, Burnt Ash Lane, Chislehurst, Hayes, Mottingham, Orpington, Penge, Petts Wood, Shortlands and Southborough. These works will be done in phases to ensure libraries that are closer together are not closed at the same time where feasible.
Are you an amateur photographer? Do you enjoy taking pictures? We’re inviting Bromley borough residents to submit their local pictures to us at Life In…Magazines! We want to put your pictures in the spotlight and pick a selection to feature them on our front covers. Pictures should be taken in portrait mode, be taken within the Bromley borough and the top 1/3 of the picture should remain clear (to allow for the magazine’s title).
Images submitted must not be copyright and should be sent at high-res (300 dip) along with your name and a caption for the picture – where it was taken and any story behind the picture to hello@lifeatmagazines.co.uk
Jennie Randall’s local history book is entitled "Not Forgotten - The Crooked Billet". Jennie says: “Almost 80 years ago, this country faced an unprecedented and terrifying threat from a completely new weapon, the V2 rocket. Travelling at over 3000mph, more than four times faster than the speed of sound, no warning of its approach could be given and no defence was possible. I tell the story of what happened one terrible night in 1944 when the Crooked Billet, on Southborough Lane, Bromley was destroyed by a V2, with 27 people killed and dozens more injured, many very seriously. My book includes a section on the development of the V2 and recollections from survivors and witnesses of the disaster. It also covers the unveiling of the blue plaque outside the pub in 2011 remembering all those involved.”
Jennie’s book is priced at £4 and can be purchased from eBbay, Smart Stationers (formerly WHSmiths) in Petts Wood or Petts Wood Library. Every penny spent on the book is donated to Foal Farm Animal Rescue at Biggin Hill. Jennie also give talks on the disaster to community groups both within Bromley and beyond with her fee donated to Foal Farm.
If you’re a local author or know of one, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured.
We’ve teamed up with Bromley Radio to make regular announcements about our topical features. Listen live at www.bromleyradio.com, download from the App Store or listen via Alexa.
Follow them on social media - @bromleyradio1 on Twitter, @bromleyradio on Facebook or @bromley.radio on Instagram.
Students from Bullers Wood School, Coopers School, Glebe School, Langley Park School for Girls, The Ravensbourne School and Eltham Hill in the borough of Greenwich participated in weekly sessions throughout this academic year. Guided by their teachers, alongside experts from Greener and Cleaner they learnt how to repair, reuse and upcycle clothes, and showcased their work at the end of the course with a professional photoshoot. Bullers Wood School, Coopers School and Glebe School also participated in a sustainable fashion show, wowing the audience with their “new” outfits. With thanks to The Platinum Jubilee Fund awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund, up to 200 children benefitted from learning skills that will enable them to extend the life of the fashion they love and reduce their impact on the environment.
Greener and Cleaner’s Youth Outreach Manager, Jennifer Raven, is excited about the impact of the project. She said: “We are working to equip students in Bromley and beyond with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to sustainably upcycle, make and mend clothes - in an accessible, inclusive and empowering way.”
As well as working with students across the borough on sustainable fashion, Greener and Cleaner’s Youth Outreach Team also support a range of youth activities and eco clubs with advice and support. For details see www. greenerandcleaner.co.uk
Successful Mums Career Academy, has been awarded Community Grants Provider of the Year 2023 for its back-to-work coaching programme. The business, which delivers training to support parents back to work, to upskill or start a business, scooped the accolade at the London Learning Consortium Awards Celebration recently. The company’s award-winning coaching programme is designed specifically for parents who want to return to work but may have lost their confidence and are looking for flexible family-friendly roles. With a series of tailored one-to-one sessions by skilled coaches, and forward-thinking career advice, each parent is treated as an individual and supported to achieve their own personal goals.
Founder of Successful Mums, Jane Knight, said: “The funding we receive makes a real and transformative impact to people’s lives and enables us to turn someone’s dream into reality. Many of the learners come from low-income backgrounds or are struggling financially, mentally and physically. Through this programme, my goal is to help these parents take stock of all their amazing accomplishments and realise the transferable skills that they have learnt both as a mum and in previous careers.”
For more information visit www.successfulmums.co.uk
Don’t forget to enter this year’s Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs). If you’re a business you can enter in up to 9 award categories, and if you’re a member of the public you can vote for your favourite business individual, community hero or personality of the year.
See www.-the-abbbas.co.uk for all the details!
Last month we featured local author, Bisi Oladipupo, author of ‘A Better Covenant’. Bisi was so delighted to be showcased in the magazine and wanted to ‘pay it forward’ by kindly donating a year’s postal magazine subscription to one of our readers. This means that if you’re not currently in our distribution area, then you have the chance to have this magazine posted through your letterbox every month for a year. To take part in the competition, all you have to do is enter this month’s prize puzzle. When we do our usual Instagram live draw (from 17th of the month), we’ll be doing a second random spin on the Wheel Of Names to pick a winner. Thanks very much Bisi for your act of community kindness!
London Biggin Hill Airport has become the lead partner for the Bromley Football Club Community Sports Trust’s Women & Girls’ Community Provision. The initiative, launched in 2022, aims to increase female participation in football within the Bromley community.
The Bromley Football Club Community Sports Trust has already made significant strides to ensuring football is accessible to all, encouraging a clear and inclusive pathway for anyone who wants to start playing, both recreationally and competitively, whilst empowering strong community leaders.
The newly announced partnership will further support the Trust as they work to increase participation in football across all ages, not only through playing, but also coaching, refereeing and volunteering. The project has been created to ensure that women and girls believe that football is for them, regardless of whether they have played for years or never even kicked a ball.
David Winstanley, CEO at London Biggin Hill Airport, said:
“London Biggin Hill is a proud member of the Bromley community, and we are passionate about supporting local causes which benefit local people. We look forward to supporting the Trust as they look to address barriers and make football in Bromley inclusive and accessible to all.” The project will also include outreach to local schools, both primary and secondary, delivering training sessions, festivals, or tournaments for girls across the borough.
For more information visit www.bromleyfc.org/trustlaunch-women-and-girls-strategy
Tanya Burger is a self-published author, originally from South Africa and now living in the UK and teaching in Bromley. Her first self-published young adults fictional novel, "A Pocket of Potatoes" is about a young teenage girl who is abused by her father and then sold off into an arranged marriage. The character endures much on her life journey, but in the process discovers that she has an enormous amount of courage and resilience to overcome the obstacles she faces. Tanya says: “My intention is to bring healing to victims of abuse, to give them a voice and to help them not to feel that they are alone in what they are experiencing. It is also intended for people who may work closely with victims of abuse as a tool or resource that they can use. I would like to see my book translated into many different languages, available on library shelves and every bookshop, school libraries and Sunday school classrooms, accessible to young people for them to know that someone cares enough to write about the topic, hold it up to the light, and hopefully bring healing to victims of abuse.”
Tanya’s book is available on Amazon and is priced at £9.75.
If you’re a local author or know of one, email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for the chance to be featured.
As the country’s most awarded large care provider, Care UK takes pride in delivering the best. At Foxbridge House in Orpington, we put you and your loved one at the heart of everything we do. Thousands of families have trusted us to care for over 40 years.
To find out more about nursing, residential and dementia care at Foxbridge House please call us on 01689 458 130, email dorothy.ayonmike@careuk.com or see Careuk.com/foxbridge-house
Nominations for The Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards are live! If you own a business based in the borough of Bromley (or one that serves Bromley borough residents), then you can enter to win an award! Did we mention that it’s free?
Get your submission in soon – time is ticking!
The general public can also vote for their favourite businesses. See www.the-abbbas.co.uk for more information.
2023
Stagecoach Orpington continues its winning streak of lively events with 'Summer Of Rock' this August. Having recently performed at Dartford's Orchard Theatre and locally with their annual show, young performers can't get enough of their high energy and engaging events usually linked to industry insiders. 'Summer Of Rock' features Liam Buckland direct from the new West End production of WE WILL ROCK YOU who will be sharing his professional know how with Orpington's young talent.
Come and join us for a week of fun (and hard work!) with like-minded young performers from 14th - 18th August 2023! Enrolments also open for the Autumn term - be quick, classes are filling up fast. Hope your summer rocks!
Enjoyed any of the articles in this month’s issue? Have something to get off your chest? Want to share a local photo or an idea you think others should hear about?
WIN £15
One4all digital gift card
Write to us and you could win a £15 One4All Digital Gift Card courtesy of The Bed Post! Email hello@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk Well done to this month’s winner, Maureen Hillier, who sent in a lovely poem – see the ‘Write It, Say It, Message It’ page for details.
Don’t let your dentist see this puzzle! Unscramble the words below – which are all to do with sweets and puddings – and then use the first letter from each answer to spell out the name of a sweet treat.
Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403 550068 with your name, number and address.
Bromley Picturehouse is giving away a Regional Membership card for the winner.
Benefits are numerous and include…
5 free tickets £3 off film tickets
No booking fees 10% off all food and drink Priority booking on many popular films and events Great discounts at a range of National partners
July's prize word: BRIGHTON
June winner: Jade Wright
Strictly one entry per person. All competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions see https://bit.ly/lifeincomps
Just for fun!
What goes up but never comes back down?
Either text or email your answer, along with your full name, telephone number and postal address to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
07403 550068
BY 16TH AUGUST for your chance to win!
Where are we? The Warren, Hayes
Where are we?
What is easy to get into but hard to get out of? Trouble
back down? Age
At which venue would you find this life-size Police Box?
What goes up but never comes
What is easy to get into but hard to get out of? Answers
Hi! Tori here, Editorial Assistant. This month we’re turning things on their head and getting the lowdown on the brand new Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs) from their founder, our very own Lauretta Wright Editor of Life In…Magazines!
Well, this is fun – I get to ask you the questions for once! Hi Lauretta, how are you?
Yes, this is a little strange! I’ve just returned from a short trip to Turkey so I’m actually feeling quite relaxed. It certainly reinforced the idea that taking regular breaks is so important for productivity.
What gave you the idea to launch The ABBBAs?
It’s really important that we acknowledge, highlight and celebrate local businesses. They contribute so much to the UK economy and also at a local level and I couldn’t believe that Bromley doesn’t host its own business awards, so I decided it was time!
Why are they called The ABBBAs?
When I was thinking about what I wanted the business awards to stand for, it was essentially, those who go ‘above and beyond’. When I was writing down the words ‘above and beyond Bromley business awards’ I realised that the acronym spelt out the word ABBBA – I thought it must be fate, so it stuck!
What challenges have you faced in organising the prestigious event?
Organising an event of this size and importance has been a real eye opener. Although I have previous experience at being an events facilitator, this is a whole new ball game. In the initial stages of organising The ABBBAs, I was lucky to have the help of my friend Kris, who works in PR and marketing, plus the wonderful Michelle when it came to sourcing and liaising with sponsors. The feedback from everyone has been really positive and things that I thought might be challenging, such as selling tickets, have been the easiest. The challenge I now face is continuing to raise awareness of the event and encourage as many different types of businesses within the borough to submit their business for an award.
What has been the best thing to work on?
I’m incredibly lucky to work with a great team who all bring something different to the table. Nicky never fails to deliver when it comes to design ideas and innovation. Tori is also very creative and has great ideas when it comes to marketing and promotion (like this interview
Lauretta Torifor example) and I love Michelle’s infectious enthusiasm, encouragement and energy. They say it’s important to surround yourself with people that pick you up and make up for your weaknesses (of which I have many), so I count my blessings when it comes to the team.
How have people got involved so far?
I couldn’t fund this event alone, so I’m fortunate that some amazing local businesses have all helped to make this event possible. Tapi Carpets is the headline sponsor and we have Shampan and London Biggin Hill Airport as secondary sponsors. Others include Better.org, Clockwise Bromley, Amphlett Lissimore, Bells Accountants, RBC Brewin Dolphin, MP The Warren, PIB Network and The MumMum Foundation. These local businesses all believe in what The ABBBAs stands for and want to align themselves with showing their support for local businesses. Without them this event would not have been possible, so I’m very grateful for their involvement.
So you’re looking for people to enter now?
Absolutely! Every person reading this who owns a business should submit an entry – what’s to lose? It’s free and I want everyone to know that they have as much chance of winning as the next person. Being short-listed for an award or even winning one helps build trust amongst the local community and makes you stand out from the competition. It’s a no-brainer.
The awards are not based on popularity, but rather how you demonstrate that you are different from your competitors and go the extra mile for customers, local residents or the wider community. So I’d suggest providing evidence (eg testimonials) to back up your entry if you can.
This was never going to be a one-off event. I strongly believe that the borough’s businesses need all the encouragement they can get and the general public should, as much as possible, always look to support them. So we’re looking at turning this into an annual event – the event of the year hopefully!
And finally, can I have a pay rise? ;-D
If you don’t disappear an hour earlier than when you’re supposed to, then I’ll think about it! ;-)
To submit an entry for The ABBBAs or to nominate your favourite, visit www.the-abbbas.co.uk For any queries email awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
Every month in the run-up to the awards, we’ll be focussing on those who have helped make The ABBBAs possible, starting with our Platinum SponsorsBetter.org and Clockwise Bromley…
Why was it important that you showed your support in sponsoring The ABBBAs?
As a business support service, we are dedicated to helping local businesses grow and achieve success. We share The ABBBA’s mission to celebrate the hard work, dedication and innovation of Bromley’s start-ups and small businesses.
Can you tell us more about Better.org (GLL)?
GLL is a not for profit, charitable social enterprise that operates under the ‘Better’ brand. We deliver a wide range of leisure, health and community services across the UK. This includes 258 public sport and leisure centres, 113 libraries and 10 children centres in partnership with 50 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations.
GLL has 850,000 members and welcomes 51 million customer visits per year. In 2021 we created Start Up Bromley with ARG (Additional Restrictions Grant) funding to support businesses during national lockdown periods and periods of local restrictions. With this initial funding, Start Up Bromley developed a programme of support to
As a company, what do you provide and who are you aimed at?
Clockwise provides well-designed, contemporary private offices, shared workspaces and meeting rooms with brilliantly flexible membership plans. With a localised approach that acknowledges the growing trend of flexible working closer to home, especially in a post-pandemic world, we are well-positioned to support regional SMEs in reaching their full potential.
Why was it important for you to sponsor The ABBBAs?
Because we believe in supporting exceptional businesses. Just as we provide a supportive environment for our members to thrive, the awards offer a valuable platform for showcasing outstanding businesses. Additionally, as we expand to new locations like Bromley, we are committed to investing in the local community. By sponsoring The ABBBAs, we inspire others and strengthen the sense of community within our workspace.
help local businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals.
What about your own achievements as a company and looking ahead?
Start Up Bromley currently has over 430 members, of which the majority are small businesses. We have hosted numerous workshops, business 121s, training sessions, webinars, business weeks, networking events, mentoring and coaching programmes. We have also provided opportunities for our members to trade in shopping centres and market stalls and to test business ideas at no cost. As recipients of UK Shared Prosperity Funding, we are proud to be able to deliver an impactful programme of business support over the next two years.
What’s your message to the borough’s business community?
The London Borough of Bromley has a large, supportive and enthusiastic business community that deserves to be recognised and celebrated. To aspiring entrepreneurs who live or want to operate in the borough, you will have positive examples of success around you, as well as access to helpful networking groups, which will enable you to connect, learn and collaborate with other local businesses. For more information see www.gll.org
It aligns with our commitment to anticipating our members' needs and creating a supportive and inspiring workspace where businesses can flourish.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
We remain steadfast in nurturing the success of Clockwise Bromley, a significant asset to our portfolio. As caretakers of this iconic landmark, our dedication lies in ensuring its continuous growth and valuable service to the community. In Bromley, we provide a comprehensive range of facilities, including meeting rooms, coworking spaces and private offices, tailored to meet diverse business needs.
What’s your message to the borough’s business community?
It’s a message of support, collaboration and empowerment – a belief in the collective strength of local businesses. Together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities and create a thriving ecosystem. We encourage businesses to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and resilience. For more information see https://work-clockwise.com/locations/ bromley/
Want to get involved in The ABBBAs? For more information email awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk To cast your vote or to nominate yourself for the ‘Bromley borough’s event of the year’ visit www.the-abbbas.co.uk
Mum guilt refers to the feelings of self-doubt, anxiety and guilt that many mothers experience regarding their parenting decisions and abilities. These feelings may stem from a variety of sources, such as societal expectations, personal beliefs and past experiences. Mothers may feel guilty about working outside the home, taking time for themselves, not being present enough for their children, making certain decisions that may not align with societal expectations, or simply feeling that they are not doing enough for their children. Mum guilt is a common experience and many mothers struggle to find a balance between caring for their children and taking care of themselves. That’s why Qualified Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Andrew Chan for Delight Counselling, has put together six tips to help overcome Mum guilt.
1. Recognise that mum guilt is normal: It's common to feel mum guilt at times and acknowledging this can help you feel less alone in your experience.
2. Challenge negative thoughts: When you notice negative thoughts about your parenting or yourself, try to reframe them in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking "I'm a bad mum for not spending enough time with my kids," try thinking "I'm doing the best I can to provide for my family, and it's okay to take some time for myself."
3. Practise self-care: Taking care of yourself is
essential for your mental and emotional well-being, which in turn can benefit your children. Schedule time for activities that you enjoy, such as exercise, reading or spending time with friends.
4. Seek support: Talk to other mums, friends or family members about your feelings. It can be helpful to hear from others who have experienced similar emotions and can offer support and advice.
5. Focus on what you are doing right: Rather than dwelling on perceived mistakes, focus on what you are doing well as a parent. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge your efforts.
6. Accept imperfection: Remember that no parent is perfect, and it's okay to make mistakes. Learning from mistakes and striving to do better is part of being a parent.
1. Surprise your partner with a thoughtful gift or plan a surprise date. This shows that you are thinking about them and willing to put in the effort to make them happy.
2. Take the time to write a heartfelt love letter expressing your feelings. It’s a meaningful and romantic gesture that your partner will cherish.
3. Set the mood by cooking a special meal and setting the table with candles and soft lighting. This can create a romantic atmosphere and show your partner that you care.
4. Enjoy a leisurely walk together, hold hands and enjoying each other's company. It’s a great way of connecting and spending quality time together.
5. Find a scenic location and watch the sunrise or sunset together.
6. Take the time to give your partner a relaxing massage.
A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that holding hands with a loved one can help reduce physical pain and emotional distress. The researchers discovered that when couples held hands, their brainwaves synchronised, leading to a decrease in pain and stress levels.
7. Plan a romantic weekend getaway to a new location. This can be a great way to break out of your routine and spend quality time together in a new setting.
8. Show your partner that you appreciate them by doing small acts of kindness, such as leaving a note or buying their favourite treat. This can be a simple yet meaningful way to express your love for them.
(from travel pros)
1. Use hotel points and rewards by signing up for loyalty programmes. Free stays, upgrades or other perks are often available.
2. Request a corner room as these tend to be quieter and offer more privacy.
3. Request a room away from the lifts to help you avoid the noise of people coming and going.
4. Pack your own toiletries, such as shampoo and conditioner, to avoid using the hotel's lower-quality options.
5. Stock up on your favourite snacks and drinks to avoid overpaying for hotel minibar items.
6. Refill your water bottle at the hotel gym or other water stations to save money and reduce plastic waste.
avoid housekeeping service and potential interruptions.
8. Leaving a small housekeeping tip each day can lead to better service and a more comfortable stay.
9. Keep your valuables, such as passports and cash, in the safe provided by the hotel.
10. Read the fine print and ask about any hidden fees, such as resort fees, that may be added to your bill.
11. Use the hotel's airport shuttle service – it can save you money on transport to and from the airport.
12. Book a hotel with free breakfast to help save money on meals.
13. Request a late checkout to allow for a more relaxed departure.
14. Hotels often offer packages that include meals, activities and other perks for a discounted rate.
15. Many hotels have apps that allow you to book , check in and access information about the hotel and surrounding area.
• Travel Scavenger Hunt; this game involves finding and checking off items from a list while you're travelling. You could create your own list of things to find or download one from the internet. The first person to check off all the items wins.
• 20 Questions; one person thinks of a person, place or thing, and the other players take turns asking yes or no questions to try to guess what it is. The game continues until someone correctly guesses the answer, or until the players run out of questions.
• Name That Tune; one person hums or sings a few bars of a song, and the other players try to guess the name of the song. The first person to correctly guess the song gets to go next.
• Charades; one person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, while the other players try to guess what it is. The person who guesses correctly gets to go next.
• The Alphabet Game; The goal of this game is to find words that begin with each letter of the alphabet, in order. For example, players might start by finding a word that begins with the letter A (like "apple"), then move on to B (like "balloon"), and so on. The first person to find a word for every letter of the alphabet wins.
16. Ask for local recommendations. Hotel staff can often provide valuable information about local restaurants, attractions and activities.
17. Take advantage of the hotel's fitness centre or pool to stay active and relax.
18. If you need to work during your stay, use the hotel's business centre for access to a computer, printer and other office equipment, as well as some peace and quiet away from public areas.
19. If you have multiple devices to charge, a power strip can be a useful item to bring to ensure you have enough outlets.
20. To get creases out of clothes (and if the hotel doesn’t offer ironing facilities), hang clothes in the bathroom and take a hot shower – the steam will help creases fall out.
5 games to play while travelling
The country with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites is Italy, with a total of 58 sites recognised for their cultural and natural significance.
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Green-fingered Brits are showing a renewed interest in growing their own fruit and veg in response to rising food costs and a recent produce shortage that left supermarket shelves empty.
The latest data from the ONS show food prices increasing at their fastest rate in almost 45 years, while extreme weather conditions and poor harvests abroad resulted in a fruit and veg shortage earlier this year. In response, savvy gardeners are saving on costs and taking matters into their own hands by growing their own - with everything from tomatoes to jalapenos springing up in UK gardens. The good news is that it’s quick and easy to get started, with prices for seeds starting from just 50p and other materials such as pots and plant feed costing not much more. So the experts at wilko have compiled a list of essential items to start growing from home:
1. Plant pots - the number one essential to kickstart your home growing journey.
If you’ve been following the ketogenic diet, you might need a little je ne sais quoi from time to time. The Protein Ball Co’s healthy Keto snack options might be just the thing, ticking all the health and nutrition boxes.
The range has no added sugar and each bag has just 113 calories and 5g of protein, making it a healthier swap from other sugary snacks. With gluten free, high fibre and no artificial sweeteners thrown in for good measure, the plantbased range is ideal for those seeking a low carb, low sugar snack to fit into their busy lifestyles. There are three flavours - Peanut Butter Blondie, offering a combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut pieces; Classic Choc Brownie, combining a rich, creamy cacao butter with roasted hazelnuts; and Salted Caramel Blondie, where rich nut butters are blended with pink Himalayan salt and topped with a sweet almond crunch.
The RRP for a 25g bag is £1.20 and the range can be viewed and purchased from https://theproteinballco.com
2. Watering can - keep your fruit and veg plants well hydrated with this gardening staple.
3. Compost - to offer your seeds the perfect bed to grow from.
4. Plant feed - improve your growth rate and boost yields with a multi-purpose organic feed for fruit and vegetables.
5. Gardening gloves - keep your hands clean while potting your plants.
6. Mini greenhouse - to offer the perfect, protected environment and growing conditions for your plants.
7. Plant tags - label all your seeds and plants with plant tags.
8. Tomato seeds - suitable for both outdoor and greenhouse cultivation, sow the seeds indoors from January to April, ready to harvest from June to October!
9. Lettuce seeds - great for their long sowing and harvesting season. Sow outdoors from March to August, ready to harvest from April to October.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
• 1 Berczy Lemon & Lime
• 400g strawberries, plus extra slices to garnish
• A few dashes of angostura bitters
• 50ml-100ml white rum or vodka
• 2 limes, juice 1, slice 1
• A few sprigs of mint
Method:
1. Blend the strawberries, then add the lime juice and a few drops of angostura bitters to taste. Add the rum or vodka and blend again.
2. Take two highball glasses and layer with the ice, strawberries, lime slices and mint.
3. Add the rum mixture and top up with Berczy Lemon & Lime.
4. Add more mint, strawberry and lime slices to finish.
Berczydrinks.com
Feeling tired can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor sleep quality, stress, diet and lack of physical activity. Here are some tips that may help:
• Get enough sleep; aim for a minimum of seven hours every night and establish a consistent sleep routine.
• Improve sleep quality; even if you're getting enough sleep, poor sleep quality can leave you feeling tired. Make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and free from distractions. Avoid screen time for at least an hour before bed and avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
• Exercise regularly; exercise can help boost your energy levels and improve your mood. A target should be 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Having a bad back can be truly debilitating, causing discomfort and limiting our daily activities. However, the good news is that with the right exercises, most cases of bad backs can be overcome. Regular physical activity can help alleviate pain, improve flexibility and enhance posture, helping you get back on track to leading a pain-free life. Here are five of the best exercises to try:
1. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help improve your posture, strengthen your core muscles and reduce stiffness in your back.
2. Try swimming - it is low-impact and reduces stress on your joints. It can also help improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles.
3. Yoga can help improve flexibility, reduce stress and strengthen your back muscles. However, it's important to work with an experienced yoga teacher who can modify the poses to meet your needs and avoid exacerbating your back pain.
4. Pilates is a low-impact exercise that can help improve your posture, strengthen your core muscles and reduce back pain. However, like yoga, it's essential to work with an experienced instructor who can modify the exercises to meet your needs.
5. Gentle stretching can help improve your flexibility and reduce back pain. Try gentle stretches like the knee-to-chest stretch, hamstring stretch and piriformis stretch.
• Manage stress; chronic stress can leave you feeling tired and depleted. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
• Eat a healthy diet; a balanced diet that's rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can help boost your energy levels.
• Stay hydrated; dehydration can cause fatigue and other symptoms so aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during and after physical activity.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine; both can interfere with sleep quality and leave you feeling tired. Limit your intake of these substances, especially in the evening.
• If you're still feeling tired despite making lifestyle changes, it may be worth talking to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
We all know what it takes to be healthy; eat well, exercise, get a good night’s sleep. So why do so many of us continue to struggle with our weight, immunity and stress levels?
For a start, we often take on healthy habits only after we’ve overindulged, meaning our new lifestyle changes just aren’t sustainable.
In fact, research shows that the most sure-fire way to sustain a healthier lifestyle is with simple nutrition and lifestyle changes that work alongside our personal interests and busy schedules.
So, let’s build your new health routine:
1. Decide which healthy activities you’d like to do regularly; walking, dancing, cooking, reading…
2. Think about how long you could spend doing each activity in an average week; once for 30 minutes or three times for ten minutes?
3. Open your diary and schedule a time to do the activities.
4. Try this for two weeks; If the routine works then keep it, if not then adjust it however you need to.
There are countless ways to live a happier and healthier life and what we decide now may not always suit us, so the most important thing is to be open to change. See how your mind and body react to different activities and keep the ones that truly serve you.
We are also offering professional leaflet design and printing services, which means no need to handle the delivery of your flyers. You can also bypass the need to drop them with us – ask us about our ‘all in one’ service!
Festivals don’t come cheap, with most weekend festivals costing a few hundred pounds for a ticket this summer – and Glastonbury costing £340. With festival season in full swing, Which? has rounded up tips to save money on food and drink, transport and tickets.
1. Save money on transport: For those travelling to festivals by train, it is worth booking tickets in advance to save. You can often set alerts for when advance tickets go on sale – typically 12 weeks before the trip – to make sure you get a good price. If you’re eligible for one of the nine railcards available, buying one could save you between a third and 50% on the cost of a ticket – they cost around £30 a year, but this can be made back in savings. Travelling by coach may be cheaper and often allows festival goers to take more luggage. If you opt to drive to the festival, try and car share where possible. It is also worth shopping around for the cheapest fuel. Generally, the lowest prices are found in larger supermarket forecourts, but websites such as PetrolPrices.com can help.
2. Check for discounted tickets: Many festivals offer early bird ticket options which are cheaper than the general ticket price, but you might need to secure your ticket up to a year in advance and potentially put down a non-refundable deposit. Some sites offer group ticket deals where you can get six tickets for the price of five. NHS staff, medical students and charity sector workers can find discounted tickets via Tickets for Good, a company that partners with a number of festivals in the UK including the Cambridge Club
Festival in Cambridge, KITE festival in Oxfordshire and The Secret Garden Party in Huntington. Last-minute tickets are often available on resale platforms for a discounted price. Only buy from trusted retailers and only purchase tickets from well-known, reputable ticketselling platforms.
3. Volunteer for free tickets: Volunteering to work at a festival is a great way to attend for free. For example, Oxfam UK runs a scheme for people to volunteer to steward at festivals including Glastonbury, Reading, Latitude, Wilderness and WOMAD. Volunteers are required to work three, eight-hour shifts over the course of the weekend but also receive free camping and a meal voucher per shift.
4. Find free festivals: There are many free festivals and events set to take place around the UK over summer, including Notting Hill Carnival in London (the Sunday is family-friendly), Stockton International Riverside Festival, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Aldeburgh Carnival in Suffolk and the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
5. Try renting camping equipment: Camping equipment can be expensive. Try renting camping equipment rather than buying new to save money. The website Fat Llama allows people to rent out a range of products, including tents.
6. Take your own food and drink
Most outdoor camping festivals allow guests to bring in food and drinks, so it’s worth checking the terms and conditions before you arrive. If you have a long journey, you could order food and essentials from a supermarket near the festival to be picked up when you arrive. This means the food will be fresher for longer.
Whether you enjoy a midmorning iced coffee, or an evening cocktail to help cool you down, Judge’s Double-Walled glassware is ideal for keeping drinks chilled for longer. The range offers everything from a Latte Glass Set (275ml, RRP £17.60) to a High Ball Glass Set (330ml, RRP £15.80) and everything in between. The double walled design keeps iced drinks cool without condensation making them ideal for garden parties or gatherings.
They are available to buy from www.judge.co.uk
The clue is in the name of this 16-in-1 Bike Tool by Kikkerland. Offering no fewer than 16 different functions that can handle all types of bike repairs and adjustments. From Allen keys to screwdrivers, wrenches and a socket extension rod, the compact tool is lightweight meaning cyclists can handle any unexpected repair on-thego. It's ideal for commuting to work, taking leisurely rides or exploring rough terrain, ensuring that you can keep your bike in top shape no matter where your adventures take you.
It costs £12 from CoolShop.co.uk
When it comes to enhancing the overall appeal of your home, the devil is in the details as they say. A great way to transform your living spaces and create an air of luxury is by incorporating custom carpentry. Here are five benefits of doing just that:
1. Tailored craftsmanship: Unlike prefabricated options, custom carpentry ensures a perfect fit, seamlessly blending with the architectural nuances of your home. From intricately designed cabinetry to precisely measured shelving units, every element is meticulously crafted to suit your specific space, offering a sense of refinement that off-the-shelf furniture simply cannot replicate.
2. Premium materials: Carpentry allows for the selection of premium materials, enabling the creation of high-quality, long-lasting furniture. Handpicked hardwoods, exquisite veneers and other luxurious materials can be employed to create stunning pieces that instantly catch the eye.
• Tidy up: Put away any items that are lying around, such as toys, books or clothing.
• Focus on high-traffic areas: Clean the living room, kitchen and bathroom. These areas are often the first places guests will see, so make a good impression here.
• Use multi-purpose cleaners: Wipe down countertops, sinks and other surfaces. Clean whatever you can see at eye level as this is what people see first.
• Vac and sweep: Quickly run the vacuum (or broom) over the floors to remove any visible dirt and debris.
• Use air fresheners: Light a candle or spray an air freshener to create a pleasant scent It can help make your home feel clean and inviting.
• Make the bed: Making the bed can instantly make a bedroom look neater and more puttogether.
• Use decorative items: Draped blankets or pretty vases will help distract from any clutter or mess. These items can add a pop of colour and help create a cosy atmosphere.
3. Unique design: The creative possibilities with carpentry and fitted furniture are virtually limitless. Carpenters can collaborate closely with homeowners to design bespoke pieces that reflect their individual style and preferences – from a statement - making entertainment unit to an intricately - designed sideboard, anything is possible.
4. Maximising space: Fitted furniture helps utilise every nook and cranny of your home, and carpenters can optimise storage solutions, providing cleverly integrated compartments, hidden drawers and smartly designed shelving units that maximise space while maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. Give it a go! Local family-run company, Pro Woodwork Installations (PWI) has over 40 years of combined experience and offer everything from alcoves and fitted wardrobes to home offices and general carpentry. Call them on 01689 332188, email info@pwilimited.co.uk or visit www.pwilimited.co.uk to see how they can help.
With BBQ season upon us and people enjoying alfresco parties until later, you might be looking at options to reduce noise pollution. NMN Soundproofing reports a 200% increase in Google searches of ‘Noise regulation’. Here are just four ways to help soundproof your garden.
Plant around your perimeter: Any garden with tall, bushy hedges will help reduce sound from neighbouring properties and roads. Having a wellestablished hedge (five to ten years in maturity) is an effective solution in helping soundproof your garden. However, this may not be effective for somebody who is looking for a quick and immediate solution.
Sound resistant fencing: Noise pollution is very common in gardens. That’s why manufacturers have developed acoustic barrier fences. Similar to drywall, an acoustic fence has two outside faces and an interior core made of soundproofing material.
Update your existing fence: Why not take a DIY approach? Your fence should be at least 6ft high and using mass-loaded vinyl or vehicle sound-deadening mats, this can effectively soundproof your fence at an affordable price.
Build a brick wall : A brick wall will help trap most interior sound within the confines of your garden. Although you may still hear some very low bass rumbles from passing lorries.
BROMLEY BUSINESS NETWORK
Bromley Business Network is a place where everyone feels comfortable building connections with fellow business leaders – whether you’re a first-timer or a serial networker. Meetings are held every two weeks at Bromley Football Club in Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF. To book visit bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk
Consultancy and planning services across sales, marketing and digital. Help with sales planning, website planning and marketing strategies. Plus sales and marketing training. High level experience and expertise at affordable prices. Great for local businesses who want to gain new clients. Contact Brand Planning - info@ brandplanning.co.uk or visit www.brandplanning.co.uk
AQUAKIDS
Swimming lessons that last a lifetime. We offer classes with a friendly and personal approach to swimming and cater for all abilities - from beginners to advanced and even nervous first-timers. Please check the website at www.aquakids.co.uk/ for the latest updates or our social media. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk
YEARS 6, 7 AND 8 MATHS TUTORING
I am a Year 10 GCSE student, predicted a level 8 (A*) for GCSE Maths. I am offering years 6, 7 and 8 maths tutoring – either in person or on Zoom for £20 an hour. Please call or text 07734-667797 to arrange a free consultation.
HENNA BY DEVINA
I am a Bromley based henna/ mehndi artist. I have just begun this venture and I am open to bookings (whether this be group or individual). For enquiries text 07496886574 or email- hennabydevina@gmail.com. Insta: @hennabydevina
SARAH MILLER AT THE HEALING HUT
I am a Spiritual Healer offering guided meditation and spiritual healing. Relax your tired body, calm your mind and soothe your soul. To book an hour’s session (£25) call 07941-297072.
To submit a classified listing please call 020 3488 9959 or email sales@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.
5 health benefits of owning a pet
Tick off your do-to list by 5pm
Got 5 mins? 50 things to do!
NEW! Sports - Bromley FC: Highlights, successes & what’s to come
Plus so much more!
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Estimated readership: 17,800 including digital
Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In...Orpington are subject to copyright, 2023.
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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.
© 2023 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
Life In Orpington is available at over 50 pick up locations. For a full list of these see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk. The main stand locations are Chelsfield Railway Station | Family Shopper (Cotmandene Crescent) | Lidl Locksbottom | Iceland – Petts Wood & Orpington | Valentine & Turner (Orpington High St) | Nugent Shopping Centre (M&S Café) | The Walnuts Shopping Centre | Walnuts Leisure Centre | Morrisons Petts Wood | Petts Wood Railway Station. For a postal copy (£24 a year) email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
In June, I completed my week’s work experience with Life In…Magazines. Here is my account of it:
Day 1 - I started my week with a simple introduction to the magazine. I learnt about all the departments and how they are run. Then I really got started with the week. Today I would do a bit of design, learning about what a flat plan is and how to make one. A flat plan shows how a magazine is laid out and I got to design one. It was certainly a challenge, but I got there in the end. After that, I looked for cover photos for future magazines. It was time consuming but simple enough.
Day 2 - On the second day, I got to do research and editorial. This is what I thought I could do best and so I was excited about it. I wrote a sports feature with three articles. They were an interview with Bromley FC, a list of the highest paid premier league footballers and an article on Formula 1. The part I found most surprising was how difficult it was to limit my writing to around 600 words and even had to remove one article to make it all fit. The day was tough as I had to make the articles entertaining as well as information, but I still enjoyed it lots.
Day 3 - I was doing sales and design on this day. I started the day by identifying ten business industries who were not currently advertising and then some work on the upcoming Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs), which is an exciting initiative for the borough. This was considerably more challenging, yet I managed to get a good list. After that, I looked more at the actual selling process. It is a lot more complex than I first anticipated, because there are so many different options of advertising - from notice boards and sponsorships to whole page advertisements and leaflet distribution. Then I moved onto design. This was to give me an understanding of how to create a magazine and I think I learnt a lot from it. You need to use a lot of photos to break up the text and highlight certain text, so more thought goes into it than you might think.
Day 4 - I started day 4 quite late, at 11:30am. I had travelled to Orpington to volunteer at The Bereavement Café. This aims to help people who have lost a loved one. It benefitted me because I got to help out the local community and it helped me gain more of an understanding as to what Life In…Magazines actually do.
After that I went back to the office and was tasked with sourcing locations to take photos for the ‘Just For Fun’ feature on the puzzle page. This was quite relaxed whilst also being engaging.
Day 5 - On the final day, Friday, I had to get up early as we were going to a business networking event. I gave a short speech about what I had done that week and listened to others do the same. There were some good local businesses there, and I enjoyed listening to everybody’s ideas about how they ran their companies. After this we left, and I started writing this feature as a final task.In conclusion, I found the week very interesting and beneficial. I learnt a lot about what goes into creating the magazine and the people behind it. I am sure that this information will assist me in the future as I have learnt such a lot in such a short amount of time.
Thank you Oliver! It was a pleasure to have you with us for the week and we’re delighted that you gained a real insight into the publishing industry and all the hard work and effort that it takes to produce this magazine. We wish you the very best in your future!
Would you like to put your thoughts on paper and contribute to ‘A Final Thought’? Perhaps you’re passionate about a local cause or want to raise awareness of an important issue. Or maybe you’d like to educate others about your unusual hobby. Write to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your idea!
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.