Life In Orpington July 2020

FR BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS

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ISSUE 17 . JULY 2020

How to 'Marie Kondo' your diet WIN DOG FOOD SUPPLIES

Homeware hacks from celebrity experts The unknown health benefits of indoor plants

E AT A T IM E G A P E N O Y IT N COMMU IN S P IR IN G T H E

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

Nicky

CONTENTS

Welcome to the July issue - it’s great to be back in print! If this is the first time you’ve picked this up – welcome to Life In Orpington magazine (and where have you been?) And if you think we’ve been hiding away because of Covid-19 for the last two months, you’d be wrong! We’ve been busy producing digital issues to ensure that you still had something to read whilst in lockdown. Have a look at lifeinmagazines.co.uk/latest-issue where you can read our May and June digital editions (May even included an 18-page Corona Survival Guide!)

Lauretta

July 2020

Community News

Getting to know Orpington....................... 4 Write it, Say it, Message it PRIZE GIVEAWAY.................................... 6 Noticeboard.............................................. 8 5 Minutes with........................................ 13 Local Heroes.......................................... 14

Now’s also a good time to mention that you can sign up to receive the free magazine to your inbox every month – we won’t bombard you with emails – just showcase the monthly edition so that you can be the first to catch up with what’s been happening in the community.

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

Thanks to all those who have sent us words of support and encouragement while we were in lockdown. We didn’t want to stop producing Life In Orpington, so it was lovely to read how many of you enjoyed the digital editions. Please keep sending in your poems, stories, pictures and anecdotes – there’s a £10 Tangent Office voucher to be won for the star response! And if you complete the crossword on page 20 you’ve also got the chance to win a £15 App Store voucher, thanks to The Bed Post.

Lifestyle Puzzle Page - PRIZE GIVEAWAY........... 20 Eco......................................................... 22 Short Stories........................................... 23 Life Hacks............................................... 24 Home and Garden.................................. 26 Pets........................................................ 28 Classifieds.............................................. 29 Stockists................................................. 30 A Final Thought...................................... 31

In this month’s issue we’re delighted to be putting some of your questions to the new Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Hannah Gray. And we’ve got a whole range of interesting articles for you to read – from the health benefits of indoor plants to how to ‘Marie Kondo’ your diet.

Let us know what you’ve enjoyed this month – and until next month, take care.

Nicky and Lauretta

Published by: Life In Magazines Ltd

Nicky Grant and Lauretta Wright, Editors

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH JULY To advertise in Life In Orpington contact Nicky or Lauretta 07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Get to know us My one weakness is….

Nicky: Vinyl records Lauretta: Red liquorice

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@lifeinmags July 2020 Life in... Orpington 3

Fox and Sons Brewery c1850

Community News

Getting Orpington to know

The brewery that put Green St Green on the map Oak Brewery of Fox & Sons opened in 1836 in Green Street Green. At that time Green Street Green was a quiet hamlet near the old London to Hastings road in the parish of Chelsfield. John Fox moved into Green Street Green with his family to run Oak Farm in 1818.

In those days, most farmers in Kent, living near to widely available hops, would brew their own beer.

John Fox was no different – John grew his own hops and grain to produce ale for family use, selling the excess to the Lubbock family. Encouraged

by Sir John Lubbock, John Fox started brewing commercially and by 1836, Oak Brewery produced ale. This would lead to initial commercial success and Fox & Sons supplying 29 public houses including nearly all in the Orpington district.

Fox and Son early local advert

Did you know?

John Fox and his family are buried in St Giles Churchyard, Farnborough

Superior Drive Green St Green

The Fox family contributed hugely to the development of Green Street Green and the welfare of its residents, many of whom were employees.

This included development of housing, shops, a school and other community establishments. Many of the roads that lead off from Green St Green High St were developed because of demand for housing for the brewery.

Financial issues plagued the company and in 1909 the brewery closed. The brewery rights were bought by Truman, Hanfield, Buxton & Co. The main buildings were used during the First World War as a barrack but were eventually sold and demolished. Telcon Plastics built a factory on the site and then that was eventually demolished, and houses built. Oak Farm keeps its name and is the site of the Metrobus bus depot.

A pleasant housing estate now exists on the land – Superior Drive (Image 3) The Green St Green Village sign is dominated by the former existence of the Brewery. The Brewery, an Oak and a Fox.

Fox Brewery after closure in 1916

Fox and Son Brewery 1916

Green St Green Sign 2002

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

4 Life in... Orpington July 2020

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Community News

Write It, Say It, Message It!

! lous edition Another fabu r your fo h uc m so Thank you agazine! practical m cheery and is Alex Lew

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

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

You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags

Star letter Rachel’s rescue This is Christian. Christian was born with a very rare genetic syndrome – Pfeiffer’s Syndrome and Cloverleaf Skull. The doctors said he would never talk or walk and would be tube fed for his short life expectancy. Christian was given up by his mother and adopted by an incredible lady, Gill. Christian can not only walk, he can talk, sing, play grade 8 piano and loves to drink vodka! Sadly, Gill died suddenly of a heart attack in 2014. Christian’s older sister, Anouska, became his legal guardian.

When Anouska was 35 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. Since this diagnosis her cancer has returned seven times. She had just found out she has a further three small tumours in her brain and is currently awaiting further radiotherapy. Incredibly, they have both defied the odds.

Christian turned 30 in June and Anouska had planned a trip to Orlando, Florida to take Christian to DisneyWorld as he is Disney mad! Obviously, the trip was cancelled as both Anouska and Christian were deemed ‘high risk’. To cheer Christian up, I thought it would be lovely for him to wake up on his birthday and find 100 birthday cards from kind strangers. So I started to ask people to send their cards; on his birthday Christian woke up to receive over 500 birthday cards including ones from Australia and the USA as well as loads of gifts and specially made cakes. A local singer even sang Disney songs outside his house! I’m sharing this story to show that the kindness and generosity of strangers has warmed our hearts – and that community spirit is very much alive and kicking.

Rachel Govan, Bromley

POETRY CORNER The Croft Poetry Club of Orpington is currently meeting online every two weeks while in lockdown and is looking for new members to join. If interested, see https://www.facebook.com/CroftPoetryClub/ - below are a few examples of ‘lockdown poems’ that the club’s members have produced.

Now Every Day is Sunday by Beverley Gillard Now every day is Sunday. The sun rises and it sets.

We get out of bed, go for a walk. Yes, that’s as good as it gets.

What food we have we ration. Tea is the highlight of the day.

So many words unspoken. So many words to say.

We all are introverted, thinking to survive: Keeping apart important, if we want to stay alive.

So every day is Sunday and that’s how it will remain: Do your exercise, eat your food, and come out of this still sane!

Haiku by Lisa Winton News saddens daily Will total freedom return?

How will this change us?

Sending Lots of Cuddles by Christine Pope ‘Mum, we know you’re all alone, so shut your eyes and feel our arms around you as we’re sending you our love down the phone, sending lots of cuddles down the phone.’

Zoom to the Moon by Doubra Fufeyin Even as the chaos of the virus looms, Locked up in our rooms, I still see what no one else does, Amidst the doom and gloom, I zoom all the way to the moon.

Submit your poems to us for the chance to be published – lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

the star response ( ) wins a £10 voucher to spend on stationery at tangent office resources www.tangentoffice.com 6 Life in... Orpington July 2020

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July 2020 Life in... Orpington 7

Community News - NOTICEBOARD RALLY ROUND FOR RUBY!

Os Julia Smith and Jo (middle) met up with PCS y David Lillywhite to surprise Rub

k heard that 97-year old When Orpington resident Jo Coo led of £300, she started burg been had y Rub ent Orpington resid to give back to her. ey mon the raise to a Just Giving page to raise £420 and joined Within just 24 hours Jo had managed to present the money hite Lillyw d Davi and h Smit PCSOs Julia h were kindly donated by to Ruby, along with flowers, whic Green.

St n Gree Waitrose rosity and in a ‘thank you’ Ruby was thrilled by people’s gene money, Ruby said: “I thank the ng raisi for Jo card given back to has given me hope and this – ghts you for all your kind thou . A big thank you for the gift care le peop that ing know s ines happ forever – so kind of you all.” of money which I thought had gone re an awful experience Ruby We’re sorr y that you had to endu d by Jo helps restores your and we hope that the money raise ity spirit in general. mun com the and anity hum faith in Maybe you know someone Do you have a stor y to share? way to help someone? r thei of out e gon who has agazines.co.uk inm @life Email us at hello

Living On ervice Bereavement S

Want to help the NHS?

If you’re looking to dona te items to PRUH or Orpington hospitals, here’s a link to the emails you can use to get in touch… https://www.kch.nhs.uk / news/public/news/view /31726

8 Life in... Orpington July 2020

e is offering phon avement Service with ng ali de es Living On Bere ili fam ort for bereaved days or and email supp hether it is early w , ief gr eir th isolation or e. lin e further down th 7677 or email n call 07808 52 io at rm fo in e For mor uk g. or n. admin@livingo stagram follow us on In ent service m ve @livingonberea

Feature on the

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al news

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Community News - NOTICEBOARD

FISH REHOMED

Harriet Buckingham Photography

CELEBRATING GREAT WORK DURING THE PANDEMIC

to be awarded the Valentine and Turner were humbled Award. on dati men Com Mayor's dedication in serving “I thank you and your family for your rus pandemic. Your the community during the Coronavi risk of infection to at es selv selflessness in putting your appreciated. Long tly grea is ices serv ntial maintain the esse look back with will you e hop after this emergency is over I in maintaining part ily’s fam your on ion pride and satisfact ety.” soci the vital fabric of our

Do you need to rehome any fish?

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Call 07793-085800.

Need to chat?

Cotmandene Community Res ource Centre has a new mobile num ber for any local residents that need help and advice following the nati onwide lockdown. Call 07572-890252 .

S WANTED ITEM be amazed what you N U G IN M O would RE-H mmunity - you s that they

al co item there are some groups in our loc ops are open, clers facebook sh cy mmunity spirit!) ity ee co ar eb ild ch fre e bu th al to y loc (plus it helps dfill. Even when ps There are man lan ou gr oid ng av wi to llo e lly re-hom king out the fo can successfu it's worth chec le to accept so ab be t n' beecyclers uld wo tts Wood Free Petts wood - Pe ebeecyclers fre od wo tts pe /groups/ facebook.com ecyclers Bickley Freebe Common and y le om Br y mon & Bickle KBgmy Bromley Com https://bit.ly/30 ecyclers rrounds Freebe ary Cray and Su M St , st re ve ul's Cray - Po 0SPGU Poverest, St Pa https://bit.ly/2N St Mary Cray, ecyclers pington Freebe Orpington - Or 9 zSzb https://bit.ly/37 p ro Waste Grou wne village Ze Do ge lla Vi Downe 5FqJn https://bit.ly/3e ycle Bromley freec osts/all p/BromleyUK/p ou gr g/ or le. yc ec re s.f up ro /g

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10 Life in... Orpington July 2020

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STOP BURNING, SAVE LIVES

Community News - NOTICEBOARD Useful Contacts

SMOK E from BO house NFIRES & hold W BURN OOD extra ERS puts pressu OUR re on LUN & the GS NHS.

lnerable Let's PROTECT our vu RNING during neighbours. STOP BU NDEMIC. this RESPIRATORY PA

Classic Newsreels of O

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

rpington and the Surrou

nding Area

Orpington Video & Film Makers (OVFM) has been filming in and around Orpington to produce of the previous years' events. a newsreel These newsreels have proved so popular that they have mad available. To view the materia e more material l please go to https://www.ovfm .org.uk/ovfm-classic-newsree ls/ We would also like your help . Covid 19 and the lockdown will clea rly be major events to include 2020 Newsreel to include in nex in our t year’s OVFM Spring Show but because of lockdown our mem unable to be out to do much bers are filming. We would therefore like you to take films on your mob camera or camcorder and sen ile phone, SLR d them to us so we can inclu de as many as possible in the can be of anything related to newsreel. These Covid 19 and the lockdown e.g. empty high streets, queues outs or chemists, clap for the NHS ide food shops , family video calls or special activities you’ve set up in you r home or garden.

To fit with the film format will you please shoot in landscap e format, i.e. holding your pho possible. The footage will prob nes horizontally, if ably be too much to send via email so please use any of the systems such as WeTransfer free file transfer to send films to info@ovfm.org.u k By sending your films you give use all or part of them in prod permission to ucing OVFM films. We will be happy to acknowledge your con tribution at the end of the film if you advise us that you would like this.

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July 2020 Life in... Orpington 11

My name is Michelle, and I am passionate about what I do.

We at Gracious Care understand difficult situations. We deal with them all the time.

Sometimes we need a little help to do even the basic things.

I work locally as a Celebrant, in and around Orpington. Having been an Orpington resident for most of my life, I feel it is important to work closely with the community that I live in, and as a result of that, I have also co-founded The Bereavement Café in Orpington.

So, my role as a Celebrant is to work with families who have lost a loved one and help them create a unique and fitting ceremony, to help them say goodbye.

But I have also introduced something called, “Remember Me” and that is to help people document their wishes before they die. This is a really simple way of instructing your loved ones with what you want, when that time comes. We can discuss everything from music choices, your life story, colours, themes, and have it all recorded safely, so that when the time comes your family members aren’t left scratching their heads trying to work out what you would have wanted.

If you have any questions about anything please do not hesitate to contact me at michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com

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12 Life in... Orpington July 2020

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5 Minutes with…

Community News

Cllr Hannah Gray, Mayor of Bromley Grab a cuppa and get ready to enjoy our ‘5 Minutes With’ interview with Councillor Hannah Gray of West Wickham ward, who was elected Mayor of Bromley for 2020/21…

Huge congratulations Hannah! Firstly, for those who are unsure, can you explain what the Mayor’s responsibilities are?

Certainly. The Mayor of Bromley is the first citizen of Bromley and HM Queen’s representative. The Mayor carries out a ceremonial role in the workings of the Council, Chairing the full Council meetings and is non-political.

What made you put yourself forward in the running for Mayor?

I was invited to be the Deputy Mayor in 2016 by the Mayor, Cllr Ian Payne. It was a role I had not considered when I became a Councillor, but I found it really interesting and inspiring meeting the many groups of volunteers, youth groups and the wider community of Bromley. It was then that I thought it would be great to become Mayor one day and the opportunity presented itself this year.

What makes you most passionate about your newly elected role?

Covid-19 has currently drastically changed the way in which the Mayor can interact with the local community, but I believe we can and are finding a positive during adversity. The Mayor’s office normally receives many requests for the Mayor to attend community groups and events, but during these unprecedented times I have asked my office to arrange visits to places where I can go in order to say ‘Thank You’ to those that have been supporting the community throughout lockdown, such as the waste recycling centre, funeral parlours, supermarkets, pharmacies and care homes to name but a few. If you wish to request a visit or a phone call please email mayors.office@bromley.gov.uk

the Facebook page @MayorOfBromley) and give to my Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ mayorofbromley2020

Do you have any preferred shops/boutiques for your dresses?

There are packages arriving daily (oops!) with top labels in them, but they are mostly from eBay. I am a firm believer in recycling so why not include Mayoral dresses?

Tell us something most people don’t know about you...

I was a former professional opera singer, but these days the voice is reserved for carol services, so invites to these services are most welcome.

What does supporting small local businesses mean to you?

I have for several years believed that we must encourage people to spend their money locally. We have a wealth of local talented people that can often be very competitive in price and deliver a great service, they then spend that pound locally and so it can go on. Now more than ever we must support our local business community.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Something I have missed during lockdown, enjoying our

What do you hope to be your legacy at the end of local nightlife from restaurants to comedy nights, we have your tenure as Mayor – and what would you like to a vibrant and diverse night time economy - let’s hope it survives this difficult period. Let’s keep dancing as I am achieve over the next 12 months?

I am looking to make the Mayoralty even more accessible, relevant and approachable for the whole community through social media, video, images and publications such as this, in order to promote the many causes and great work done by many diverse groups and volunteers. If I can help, please ask - no matter how mad an idea!

always up for a boogie.

What are you most proud of about the borough?

Our community; Covid-19 has demonstrated that we have a strong community that is willing to support those that need it. We currently have over 4,372 residents registered as volunteers. These wonderful people were always there, What would you like to drive forward or campaign but Covid-19 was just the catalyst that mobilised them. As I found out when I was Deputy Mayor, we have amazing, for? diverse groups of people that volunteer to support an My two charities for 2020/21, both of which are local equally diverse group of causes, from our environment to and focus on local people - Chartwell Cancer Trust and those that are less fortunate or affected by disabilities or Cystic Fibrosis Supporters. All of our charities are finding illness, they make me feel #ProudOfBromley. fundraising tough at this time and I wish I could help them all, but all of my efforts and events will be focused on these Do you have a question for the Mayor? worthy causes. I would invite your readers to help me by Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk supporting the events that we have planned (please check lifeinmagazines.co.uk

July 2020 Life in... Orpington 13

Community News

Local Heroes...

Naomi Marston

Charlotte Wise nominated Naomi Marston, counsellor & psychotherapist and owner of Lifecare Counselling and Ambassador for local baby loss charity, Abigail’s Footsteps, as a local hero. Charlotte said: “Naomi truly deserves to be nominated as your Local Hero as she works tirelessly every single day to help and support local bereaved parents when there is such a shortage of support services available to them.”

Naomi’s career began in teaching when she taught children with special educational needs in London.

She then found her passion was working in the charity sector and became a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. She has spent the last 26 years helping families with children and babies with life limiting or life-threatening conditions. On supporting families through their journey, Naomi noticed there was very little access to specialist baby loss counselling with an experienced, qualified counsellor, so she set up Lifecare Counselling, a private practice dedicated to helping parents overcome the traumatic loss of their child.

What exactly does Lifecare Counselling offer?

Different forms of counselling to help those who may need it. I pride myself on my experience and expertise surrounding baby loss counselling and believe that any parent who has experienced this type of loss should have the option to seek specialist support should they wish. I help parents to navigate their own grief as well as teach them strategies to grieve as a family in an emotionally healthy way. Parents have the option of either seeing me together as a couple or individually. More recently, I have started to offer Rewind Therapy, a type of non-talking therapy suited for those who may have post-traumatic stress disorder. I see clients from Orpington and the surrounding area but even though I am based locally, I can also speak to clients on the telephone and via video link, which has meant that I have been able to help people from across the UK and even abroad too.

How did you become involved in working for Abigail’s Footsteps?

I met with the founder a couple of years ago, and whilst sharing our journeys and vision to help bereaved parents and families, we agreed it would be good to work together. I was kindly asked to become an ambassador for the charity and, along with fantastic fundraising efforts, the charity can now offer local families six free specialist counselling sessions. In addition, the charity has also raised money to build a bereavement suite in a Kent hospital, provided over 30 ‘Abi Cots’ and trained healthcare professionals on how to support parents through such tragic circumstances. With Vice Presidents of the charity including Cheryl Baker, Sian Lloyd and Julie Etchingham, I am truly honoured that I can

14 Life in... Orpington July 2020

be a part of such an incredible team and work for them whenever my services are needed.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day! My only typical is my 6:30am dog walk around Orpington, which mentally gives me the headspace to prepare for my day ahead. I deal with people, not pieces of paper or computers, so no day or challenge a client may present is ever the same. Not all of my clients have experienced baby loss either. Some days I will support a mixture of clients and some days I start early or finish late.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

I support people through some of their most difficult and challenging journeys. Life can feel harsh and unkind at times and does not come with a Sat Nav to guide us to our next destination. I feel privileged that my clients have chosen me to be a part of that journey with them. I can’t take away the pain or their experience, but giving people a safe and confidential space to find their way is hugely rewarding and grounding.

What plans do you have for Lifecare Counselling for the future?

In an ideal world I would love people to look at counselling as ‘self-care’ rather than seeking a counsellor because they can no longer cope anymore, or because they feel broken. If we took better care of our mental and emotional wellbeing, we may not get to the ‘I feel broken’ or ‘I am struggling to cope’ stage. We would not hesitate to get a broken arm fixed so why do we view our brains so differently? Highlighting the importance of specialist baby loss counselling will always continue to be a priority for me for the rest of my career.

We have such a long way to go for specialist services to be offered not only locally, but UK wide.

How else have you been involved in anything community-related?

I come from a family where volunteering has played an important part in our lives and working within the charity sector has given me a wealth of insights and opportunities to be involved in some really interesting projects. As ambassador for Abigail’s Footsteps, I have taken part in a number of their fundraising activities and will always continue to help raise awareness for such a very important cause.

If you have been affected by the loss of a baby or child or know someone who has, contact Naomi naomi@lifecarecounselling.com

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what's on (line) - JULY 2020

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

There's something for everyone!

ARTS & CRAFTS

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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community & charity Bereavement Café

Message the facebook page for a call back

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

St Christopher's Hospice Events

Contact: www.stchristophers.org.uk/events/calendar Join St Christopher's Hospice for a variety of online events including art for all, carers groups, creative writing, prayer, exercise groups, gardening blogs, quiz and puzzle games.

All the online sessions are free to join. If you are able to, please consider a small donation to our emergency appeal - www.stchristophers.org.uk/emergencyappeal

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

Cost: Free Contact: Either call the halls on 01689 891828 and leave your name and number, or send us an email to remotesupport@orpingtonvillagehall.org.uk We have put together an email-able pack of resources that may be useful to our cafe visitors as well as any new friends currently confined to their homes. Our Cafe volunteers would also like to phone any of our cafe visitors should you be welcome of a call! Please let us know if you would like to receive this information or a phone call from one of the team of volunteers.

Bromley Mencap Services

Call for advice and a friendly voice. We understand many disabled people and their families may be feeling anxious and worried during these difficult times. Please phone our helpline should you require any support or need advice during the coronavirus pandemic.

Contact: 020 8466 0790 Helpline open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Email support: enquiries@bromleymencap/org www.bromleymencap.org.uk

family Superhero Quiz Night Friday 10th July

6pm Cost: Free Celebrate Comic Con this July, with Spellbound Parties Superhero Quiz Night for all DC and Marvel Superhero fans, based on the comics and films. Dress up as your favourite superhero or villain, and test how much of a superhero fan you are! Live from the public Spellbound Parties' Facebook page. www.facebook.com/spellboundparties.co.uk/

Harry Potter Party Night Friday 31st July

6pm Cost: Free To celebrate Harry Potter's birthday join Professor Clare Bear (Professor of Harry Potter Studies) for a Harry Potter Themed party with games, dances and competitions.

Great fun for all of the family. Live from the public Spellbound Parties' Facebook page. www.facebook.com/spellboundparties.co.uk/

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

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

SOUTHBOROUGH Library

Contact: 020 8467 0355 www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ southborough-library Our librarians are running an online programme of activities for children and adults – so follow your local library on social media for bed time stories, baby rhyme time and more.

There are a wide range of online resources which cater for all age-groups and tastes. You can download great eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines and even eComics – all from your phone, tablet or desktop device. www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/online-resources

eBooks with OverDrive

You can browse the OverDrive collection, borrow with your library card, and enjoy eBooks on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Borrowed items can be enjoyed immediately in your web browser or can be downloaded to the free Libby app for mobile devices. With hundreds of popular titles to choose from, this collection is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Download the Libby app

eNewspapers with PressReader

With thousands of newspapers from over 100 countries in 60+ languages, PressReader is a trusted source for local and international news on current events from top publications. Explore titles such as the National Post, The Guardian, Washington Post and much more from all over the world. Read on the device of your choice – smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Download the PressReader app

Discover complete digital editions of popular magazines from the UK and around the world.

Download the RBdigital app OverDrive brings the best teen and adult comic titles from around the world. Explore hundreds of popular titles from Marvel, including Fantastic Four, Deadpool, X-Men, Avengers and much more anytime, anywhere.

Download the Libby app

Reliable research with NewsBank

NewsBank provides a comprehensive collection of reliable news sources covering a huge array of topics and issues. It provides fully searchable text archives of many UK and Ireland newspapers, including the image versions of The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Daily Mail and Daily Mirror. www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/online-resources

LISTEN

We have a wide range of digital audiobook and music collections. From bestsellers, classics, award-winners and more. We've got something for all ages and tastes.

Take your audiobooks and music anywhere with the free apps for iOS and Android. Listening on-the-go has never been faster, easier or more enjoyable.

Digital audiobooks with uLIBRARY

For fans of eAudiobooks, uLIBRARY offers titles from an ever-growing list of publishers, ensuring you’ll always have access to your favourite read wherever you go. The uLIBRARY app makes it easy to browse, borrow and listen to your library's eAudiobooks on your smartphone or tablet.

Download the uLIBRARY

Digital audiobooks with OverDrive

Bring the library into your home with OverDrive's collection of digital audiobooks. Enjoy best-sellers, classic literature, stories for kids and much more. Titles are automatically returned, so no more late fees and you can place holds, create wish lists, and return titles easily.

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what's on (line) - JULY 2020 Digital audiobooks with RBdigital

Explore the great range of digital audio books available on RBdigital.

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Music with Freegal Music

Download and/or stream music on any compatible device. Browse through our vast collection of over 15+ million songs from over 200+ genres. Start streaming music for free.

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AquaKids

Contact: Instagram @aquakids.uk Visit www.aquakids.co.uk for Swimming at Home resources and social media for practical AquaTips to do while pools are closed.

BEECHE (High Elms) Activity Packs

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

Orpington Priory & Gardens

WATCH

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

Libraries on Facebook

Amazon Wildlife Adventure For Kids And Adults

Tune into our libraries' Facebook and Twitter pages for dedicated online programmes to suit all ages. For access to at-home activities, sing-alongs for young children, or eBook reviews and more, start following your local library social media pages below.

Your local library's Facebook pages a full of fun videos and activities presented by some familiar faces. From crafts and rhymes to bed time stories and activities for kids, you'll enjoy something new every day. www.facebook.com/BromleyLibraries

Libraries on Twitter

Enjoy games, puzzles, Q&A sessions and more from your local librarians on Twitter. Start following your local library Twitter page below and enjoy access to daily and weekly activity programmes for kids and adults alike. https://twitter.com/bromlibraries

sports & nature Flin's Online & Group Fitness Classes See website for class dates and times

Cost: PAYG from £4 - £7 Contact Fran: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk Online streaming plus Live offerings - 50 classes a week, starting at 6.30am right through the day and over the weekend. Classes include: HIIT, Body Conditioning, Cardio, Strength, Pilates, Yoga, Teens, Zumba, Low Impact Fitness & much more!

Thursday 9th July 7pm - 7.45pm Cost: Free (donation only) https://tinyurl.com/discoveramazon Exploring Amazon wildlife at Naycer Rescue Center in Iquitos, Peru - online tour via Zoom for adults and kids 6+.

The Big Cat Sanctuary Live

Every Friday on Facebook 11am Cost: Free facebook.com/TheBigCatSanctuary Join The Big Cat Sanctuary during lockdown to meet all their incredible cats & team live. Packed full of animal facts, insights & fun; the perfect way to learn about cats big & small from your home!

Activity Sheets from The Glades, Bromley

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

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A listing costs just £15. We aim to list school, church, charity, community service or non-profit events for free (space dependent), or we offer a 20% discount for a guaranteed listing.

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

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 July 2020

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July 2020 Life in... Orpington 21

lifestyle

Eco

STOP BURNING, SAVE LIVES

by STEVE SANGSTER I developed an interest in air quality last year when my neighbour showed me his network of monitors he had set up in Orpington and further afield. With three young children I was concerned about the impacts of pollution on their health and began my own monitoring to complement his studies and build up an ongoing picture of the air quality in Orpington.

It has been fascinating to study the changes in air quality and how local and worldwide events can impact the air that we breathe. In particular, the lockdown due to Coronavirus has been an opportunity for us to review the impacts of significantly reducing vehicle and industry emissions.

What has been most disappointing from my air quality studies is that Orpington seems to have missed out on the reduction in pollution seen in other areas during the ‘lockdown’. It has been widely reported that many areas in London and elsewhere in the UK have seen significant reductions in Nitrogen Dioxide (No2) as traffic levels have fallen. However, in Orpington my No2 monitoring tubes have shown only a modest 3.5% reduction between February and April despite traffic levels falling by at least a half in that period. One of the main contributing factors I believe has been the number of garden bonfires seen during this period.

This issue particularly hit home when we saw the increase in toxic fine particulate matter (PM2.5) - one of the most dangerous by-products of burning wood or green waste. These particles are small enough to pass through the lungs into the bloodstream and other organs. It can aggravate illnesses like asthma, COPD, heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. Our sensors have shown a threefold increase since February 2020 and I would observe substantial peaks whenever a local bonfire was started.

This would be bad enough in ordinary times, but during a respiratory pandemic it is particularly dangerous. My wife works as an A&E nurse at the PRUH and tells me of the awful breathing difficulties the virus perpetrates.

That is why, I, along with a few other concerned residents have started the campaign group Ban Bromley Bonfires. We are calling on Bromley council to issue a ban on bonfires during COVID19 as seen with other councils such as Lewisham who have issued an amber alert on the matter. We have set up a petition on the link below and ask other concerned residents to support the cause: https://tinyurl.com/banbromleybonfires With waste centres now re-opening and hopefully residents thinking twice before they light up, I hope to report better air quality news in the future!

Figure 1

Figure 2

With waste centres closed and people spending more time in their gardens, for some residents the easiest answer to removing the green waste accumulated has been to burn it. What people may not realise, and I certainly didn't until I started my monitoring was the considerable impact a bonfire can have on the air quality,

not just for the neighbours in the immediate vicinity, but for miles around.

Figure 2: PM2.5 levels observed on Stephen Sangster’s private sensor in Bromley. Pre-lockdown PM2.5 levels were not available on the Breathe London site at Harwood Road Bromley so comparison was not possible.

Figure 1: No2 µg m-3. An average of 3 key sites in London was taken for this analysis – Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace Road and Woolwich flyover. Bromley results from private analysis by Stephen Sangster on a kerbside B road location in Bromley – similar month on month results seen at the Breathe London monitoring site in Harwood Road Bromley.

22 Life in... Orpington July 2020

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THE TRENDIEST AIR PURIFYING PLANTS FOR YOUR HOME OFFICE

Short Stories

lifestyle

KITTY KAPERS

by LOUISE MOSS If only I hadn’t said yes. If I’d only made some excuse – like they were building a motorway through the house next week or we’d just bought the children a pet crocodile. Instead, I had to say I’d have it while my sister was on holiday.

My five-year-old son had just developed mumps, so when they brought it round, we stayed indoors while they unloaded one large box and several carrier bags and heaved them over the garden gate. “I forgot to warn you. Don’t try to pick it up or it might bite you,” my sister yelled as she retreated back to her car.

Indoors, we opened the box gingerly. There is was, looking for all the world like a black fluffy kitten, but I knew better.

Within minutes the settee had an enormous tear in it and its foam innards were spewing onto the floor. The budgie was terrified out of its mind and the telephone flex was chewed through.

The kitten took a shine to the telephone engineer. No sooner had we let him in than this mad ball of fur threw itself at him, claws and teeth sinking into bare flesh. Just before he fainted, he murmured something about not having had a tetanus injection.

The next time he came he was dressed in leather jacket, leather trousers, boots, protective goggles and gloves and crash helmet. There being no sign of the monster, he cautiously removed a glove. Suddenly something streaked downstairs and leapt at that appetising pink flesh. We applied a tourniquet and took the half dead man to the hospital. We never saw him again.

My sister had left three giant size tins of cat food. “These will last four days each,” she told me gaily. Never! The voracious beast ate the lot in a week. As its Dracula teeth got very little practice on this mush, it decided to substitute human flesh. At every opportunity it would sink its teeth into anything that moved. Making the bed was a virtuosity of ingenuity.

Turning into a room, you would suddenly be tackled. Those sharp teeth and claws would dig in and stay clamped with a strength an all-in wrestler would have been proud of.

I schemed. Would it drown if I accidentally put it in with the washing? How about the microwave? I did not stop the children when I found them in the garden playing ball with the kitten. That is, Jaws was the ball. Time and again he flew into the air at a swipe from the children’s tennis bats.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

I dumped it outside and shut the door firmly, but with the flexibility of a mountain goat it scaled the walls of the house, took a flying leap from the roof of the kitchen, propelling itself upwards with a thrust worthy of an ascending helicopter, and landed on the open window of an upstairs bedroom. It hauled itself up by the tips of its claws and had shredded the sheets before I could get up there. It bared its teeth at me and got ready to pounce. I shut the door but within minutes, it had scratched a hole big enough to escape.

I upended the metal kitchen bin and slammed it over the top of the beast and sat on it. For a frenzied moment, I could hear it spinning around then all went quiet. After five minutes, I tipped the bin up a fraction. It was all the monster needed. It streaked out and made for my jugular.

My husband tipped ice cold water over it and it let go long enough for us to rush out into the garden. We slept in the shed overnight.

Tomorrow, the beast was disappearing from our house forever. I think it sensed something and was, blissfully, a little subdued when we cautiously opened the back door and went inside.

I lost only half a pint of blood during the bed making ritual and it actually seemed half hearted about attacking the postman, who managed to save himself by protecting himself with some exclusive, never to be taken again photographs. They shredded beautifully.

When the appointed time came and went, I began to feel some misgivings. The cat was fast asleep when the phone rang, dreaming no doubt of the successful day’s hunting. I picked it up and heard the far away voice with sinking heart.

“Shirley here. I’m afraid there’s some trouble at the airport.

We won’t be able to get home for at least a fortnight. See you then.”

I went into the sitting room to break the news to my family.

The cat was just waking and I saw in its eyes that vicious gleam I had come to know so well. Ah, if only…

Louise Moss is editor of Writers Against Covid-19 which she founded in March when the UK went into lockdown, publishing a new short story on the website every day to entertain those feeling lonely and isolated. You can read them at www.writerscircle.net Would you like to submit a short story? Email lauretta@ lifeinmagazines.co.uk for details.

July 2020 Life in... Orpington 23

lifestyle

Life Hacks

How to ‘Marie Kondo’ your diet Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy diet. It plays a key role in staying consistent, which is the foundation of any lifestyle change. Not only will a meal planning help you achieve your health goals, but it can also help you save money and time in the long-term. So how can we organise our diet? Registered Nutritionist Sophie Thurner shares her tips which include…

1. Start by tidying up your kitchen, get rid of items you don’t need and store items by size in little containers by frequency of use.

2. Take 15 minutes on a Sunday to think about what meals you want to prepare for the week and write

down everything you need for it. This will result in a more organised, targeted grocery shop that will have you spend less time browsing around, trying to decide what to get, and going for offers that don’t really have you save money in the end (3 for 2 – you never really need 3 of anything).

3. Take a couple of hours on your free day to batch cook the meals. Batch-cooking and freezing is extremely time-efficient. The washing up only has to be done once and you can have perfectly portioned meals, nicely labelled in freezer-proof containers. That way, when we don’t have the energy to cook, we can look forward to a lovely home cooked nutritious meal.

UNDERSTAND YOUR BILLS! According to a YouGov poll conducted for Uswitch, 60% of us find energy bills difficult to understand. So here are some common terms and what they mean… kWh: A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is simply a unit of

measurement. It’s equivalent to the amount of energy used when you run a 1,000-watt appliance for one hour.

Cubic feet: This is another unit of measurement, used to record the volume of gas you’ve used in cubic feet or cubic metres. One cubic metre is equivalent to 35 cubic feet.

Calorific Value: The calorific value (CV) is used to describe the amount of heat generated when a volume of gas is burned away. This can vary by region and will be displayed on your gas bill. This measures how efficiently your gas is used.

Economy 7/Economy 10: These refer to a type

of electricity tariff that uses different energy prices for day and night consumption. Electricity used during the night period will cost less than electricity used in the daytime. For an Economy 7 plan, this will cover a 7-hour period, while the Economy 10 structure will cover 10 hours.

Estimated readings: Your energy bill is based on

the amount of gas and electricity your household uses. Next to the meter reading section, you’ll

24 Life in... Orpington July 2020

see if these readings are estimated (E), or actual (A). Estimated figures are based either on your previous consumption or the national averages.

Actual readings are based on the most recent meter readings you’ve submitted.

IGT charges: IGT stands for Independent Gas Transporter, which is a type of network separate to the National Grid. Some small suppliers charge extra for supplying this type of home.

MPAN: The meter point administration number

(MPAN) is also sometimes called your "S" or supply number. You’ll find it on your electric meter at home.

MPRN: The meter point reference number (MPRN) is the number assigned to your property’s gas meter.

Standing charges: When you look at a breakdown of your bills, you’ll see standing charges referenced. All plans must include a standing charge according to Ofgem regulations. This is a fixed amount covering the costs of network connection and distribution. Some suppliers charge £0.00 to get around this requirement.

VAT: The standard VAT rate is currently capped at 5%. All energy bills will show unit prices before VAT, so it’s important to include this in your final price if it’s not already factored in. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

The unknown health benefits of indoor plants Aside from looking nice in your home, did you know that plants bring with them many health benefits too? Here’s Wilko’s guide to helpful houseplants – and how to take care of them.

Cactus plants: Cacti help to remove carbon dioxide in the air by absorbing it and then supplying us with fresh oxygen to breathe. They are easy to care for as they require very little watering. Miniature cacti look great on a home office desk – perfect for those who like clean, contemporary living spaces.

Snake plants: Snake plants have a lot of character and resemble the skin of a reptile with long, dark green leaves with colourful yellow edges. They survive with little moisture – perfect for those who forget to give it a water!

Succulent plants: The ideal companion for your home office and are very on-trend with lots of stylish options to choose from. As a rough guideline, water them every 7-14 days in the warmer months and every 3-4 weeks in winter. Make sure to let the soil dry thoroughly between watering and put them near the window for some time to get extra light.

Peace lily: This plant purifies the air and doesn’t need a lot of light. It does however need adequate watering when the soil is dry so does require some attention but remember, too damp and it won’t flourish!

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LIGHTNING

July 2020 Life in... Orpington 25

lifestyle

Home and Garden

How to…sleep well during hot weather A few days into a heatwave and our sleep quality can begin to suffer. However, there are several simple tips that can help us stay cool during hot weather.

TEMPUR® sleep expert and chartered psychologist, Suzy Reading, is on hand to help.

Hydration

Cotton sheets & nightwear

Before bed routine

A summer duvet Swap your winter duvet to a lighter tog-rated one and if you’re still kicking off the duvet, strip the bedding down to just a sheet. If you tend to feel warmer or colder than your partner, try a duvet that adapts to your individual needs, keeping each of you comfortable throughout the night.

Ventilation Adopt Mediterranean practices by keeping curtains and blinds drawn during the day but keep windows open to allow cool air in. Use light coloured curtains as metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter. Open windows at night to allow air to circulate and create a through-draught together by opening windows and doors in different rooms and wedge doors open.

Make your own cold air A bowl of ice placed in front of a fan will help to generate cold air. Rather than moving existing warm air around the room, the ice will cool the air circulated by the fan, working to cool your room down. This is a great tip for children that are having trouble sleeping, you can turn the fan off once they’re asleep.

Feeling clammy and sticky is guaranteed to prevent you feeling comfortable in bed. Take a cool shower before bed, keep the temperature low, and leave hair damp to keep you cooler for longer. Magnesium lotion with a cooling agent helps to improve rest and recovery – perfect for children before bed to help them nod off.

Eat light Make sure your evening meals are smaller in summer and avoid overly spicy, heavy, fatty meals or proteins high in saturated fats. Our bodies use more energy to digest a large, rich or heavy supper, which means we produce more metabolic heat – not ideal before bed.

Lights and devices Plugged in devices and lightbulbs emit heat and contribute to the overall temperature of a room. Turning everything off is better for the environment and prevents stimulating blue light, which can make you feel more awake. Remove all laptops, screens and phones from your bedroom to avoid distraction should you wake in the night.

Other tips If you tend to wake up hot and bothered in the night, cool a facial mist or hydration spray in the fridge before bedtime and keep on the nightstand for instant relief. Filling a hot water bottle with crushed ice creates guaranteed cold spots in your bed or a cool flannel on your face and neck can provide instant relief.

10 Best Garden Trends

26 Life in... Orpington July 2020

10 Worst Garden Trends

Bird feeder

Gnomes

Vegetable garden

Fake grass

Water feature

Plastic ornaments

Lanterns/outdoor lights

Fake animal/bird statues e.g. Flamingos

Summer house

Artificial topiary balls

Hanging basket

Buddha statue

Bird bath

Trampoline

Herb garden

Hot tub

Solar lighting

Recycled old tyres as plant containers

Green house

Pub in a shed

*According to a study by Draper Tools

Loose-fitting, cotton nightwear is naturally breathable and cooling – ideal for hot weather conditions. Avoid mademan products like nylon and polyester and swap for cotton for nightwear and bedding.

Drinking plenty of water in warm weather is vital and will help keep you cooler during the day and night. Drink water consistently throughout the day and ensure children are drinking enough water.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle HOMEWARE HACKS FROM CELEBRITY EXPERTS The Ideal Home Show asked the experts what their top homewares and gardening tips were.

“Always spend money on bathrooms - most men will never fully understand the importance of a good bathroom but it will sell the house.”

Nick Knowles, DIY SOS presenter “Bring a little nature into your home and improve your mental & physical wellbeing. Plants introduce organic shapes, textures and pattern plus they have numerous benefits from improving air quality, to moderating humidity and even helping you to recover from stress and fatigue. I love them.”

Oliver Heath, Interior Designer “Just because upcycled items are made from junk doesn’t mean they have to look scrappy. Combine complimentary materials, be innovative, experiment and create designs that are superior to their new mass produced alternatives.”

Max McMurdo, Upcycler “Three tips to get children into gardening are (1) Grow your own as a family (2) Give children their own space to grow (3) Welcome wildlife into the garden.”

Skinny Jean Gardener, BBC Gardener For more information on The Ideal Home Show and The Eat and Drink Festival see www.idealhomeshow.co.uk and www.eatanddrinkfestival.com

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

July 2020 Life in... Orpington 27

lifestyle

Pets

win win win win win win Two Near The Bone Ltd has teamed up with wacky British animation favourite Roobarb, to create nutritious, high-protein, grain-free dog food. It’s supplied in recyclable-ready bags that are also waterproof, so you don’t have to fret if it’s raining cats and dogs when it’s delivered! The Initial menu consists of three flavours, all available in 6kg packs delivered direct to your door in mainland UK for £34.99. We’re giving away a pack to our readers – all you have to do is send us a picture of your pooch, their name and a little bit about their personality by 20th July by emailing lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or message us on social media @lifeinmags

Pets in lockdown

Lucy’s law

The Insurance Emporium surveyed 1,000 pet owners who worked from home during the COVID-19 lockdown. The results revealed that an overwhelming majority of pet owners (61%) said their pets have had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Government has introduced landmark new legislation to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens, by banning their commercial third-party sale in England. ‘Lucy’s Law’ means that anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead.

Pet corner This is my Gizmo who will be 15 this month. He’s a diva with the attitude to match, but we wouldn’t want him any other way!

Muzzie Behcet

Here’s Nadja Wright with one of her pet rabbits, Bo, who she affectionately refers to as ‘big fat Bobo’. Bo loves a good feast and enjoys digging in her outdoor play area.

28 Life in... Orpington July 2020

Here’s Sox who is nearly 13 years old! She’s too cool for school, doing what she likes best – chilling out on my bed!

Pamela Eweje

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

This is Stanley. He is a Dalmatian Sprocker cross and our handsome kind, fun-loving dog. He has brought so much to our family - he gives the best cuddles wrapping his big paws round you and snuggling his head into you...you can’t help but feel loved when he’s around!

But don’t leave any food lying about because he will snaffle it in the blink of an eye!

lifestyle

Claire Boutcher

These are my cats Quaresma and Simao. (Quaresma is the one with the moustache). They are brothers and 9 years old. Quaresma is very dominant, he's the alpha character, while Simao is very calm and purry. They can't resist a lap and they love cuddles! Despite their big size they are good hunters so they often bring presents home :) Mac Ogretme

Want to incude your pet in the next pet feature?

Email lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with their name and a sentence on their personality!

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS

Children's Clubs and Activities

AQUAKIDS SWIMMING AT HOME; AQUATIPS During this difficult time we will be providing 'Swimming At Home Aquatips' follow us on Instagram @aquakids.uk or visit our website for more information www.aquakids.co.uk

To submit a classified listing please call 07403 603569 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

July 2020 Life in... Orpington 29

Next month...

stockists

FR

MUNITY BECAUSE COM

Our usual stockists include most cafes, dental surgeries, barbers, hairdressers, doctors etc in and around Orpington. Below are some of our main stockists (please note, during the pandemic we may not be able to leave the magazine with all our usual stockists).

Biggin Hill

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

chelsfield

• Chelsfield Railway Station

Downe

• Christmas Tree Farm • George & Dragon Pub

Farnborough & village

• High Elms Country Park • Hign Elms Golf Club • One One Seven • The Café @ Farnborough Village • The Post Office

Green St Green

• Co-op Food (Crescent Way)

Locksbottom

• Darrick Wood Swimming Pool • DenCare • Lidl • PRUH (Costa & canteen) • Sainsbury’s • Thara Thai • Ye Olde Whyte Lyon

• Co-op Food (Carlton Parade) • Crofton Halls • Fab House • Iceland • Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre • Orpington IT Centre • Orpington Library • Orpington Railway Station • Orpington Village Hall • Tangent Office Resources • Tesco • The Orpington Restaurant and Record Store • The Nugent Shopping Park • The Walnuts Shopping Centre

Petts Wood

• Arabica Coffee House • MIYU Boutique Salon • Morrisons • Iceland • Petts Wood Library • Petts Wood Railway Station • Royal British Legion

UST 2020 .

ISSUE 18 AUG

home

oming your pet at

A vet’s guide to gro WIN REWILD

YOUR GARDEN

BOOK

answered : Your questions Ask the expert g person e a mornin

How to becom

IN

M M UN G TH E CO SP IR IN

A TI M E PA GE AT IT Y ON E

nes.co.uk

gazi www.lifeinma

Coming up in the next Issue of Life In Orpington…

• • • •

A vet’s guide to grooming your pet at home *WIN* Rewild Your Garden book Ask the expert: Your questions answered How to become a morning person

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH JULY Contact Nicky or Lauretta

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

@lifeinmags

St Paul’s Cray

• Co-op Food (Cotmandene Crescent) • Cotmandene Community Resource Centre

Contact us to request a stand 07403 603569 or 07403 550068 hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk 30 Life in... Orpington July 2020

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MATTERS

Life in Orpington is printed every month and is distribution to residents via household deliveries and businesses. It has a monthly readership of over 15,000 people including the digital edition.

Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In Orpington are subject to copyright, 2020.

Competitions: In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. For full terms & conditions see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk Disclaimer: Life In Magazines Ltd assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Life In Magazines. Therefore, Life In Magazines Ltd carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2020 Life In Magazines Ltd. All rights reserved.

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A Final Thought…

lifestyle

Lean on me: supporting and empowering women in business

by MICHELLE HARVEY, Life Celebrant I remember being in awe of a story about my own grandmother, Elsie, who just half an hour after giving birth, was stood at the sink, washing the family laundry.

A woman who was always on the go, rarely complained about her many ailments (a lifetime of Rheumatoid Arthritis) and would do anything for her family. She was very bright with a quick wit, which always made me laugh as a child. Her legacy was her strength, love and compassion for everything she did.

Once I had my own family, I chose not to work when the kids were small. But I always felt a longing to do something when they were grown up. A chance came my way, when sadly, a close friend had died, and I stepped forward to assist with some of the funeral service details. This was at the same time as my eldest son was going off to Uni and, living away from home, my youngest son had just signed up to the Royal Navy and would also be away. It was a mass exodus, and I knew I would struggle with not having a busy house full of noise and their friends in and out. So with just myself and my husband rattling around in the house, I knew this was the time I needed to turn the attention to myself.

I trained as a funeral celebrant, spending a week on a residential course in the Midlands. I met some wonderful friends, who I am still in touch with, and set about my business plan in my head, to push my business forward.

At the same time, I was also part of a small network group, made up of local parents from a junior school, whose main aim was to support each other in business, by referrals and networking. The opportunity came where they were looking for someone to take over, and it all just seemed to fit for me. I became the new owner of PIB Network Group.

With my plans for running both my businesses alongside each other, I had time on my hands to sit and work out what I wanted from both businesses. My experience and knowledge of people came from the many voluntary roles I had - a child safeguarding officer, the manager of a rugby team, a school governor and I also worked briefly as a commercial developer for a large sports club.

Over the last few years, with the help of my family, I have successfully built two businesses alongside each other. For the experiences that they have both provided me with, I am forever grateful.

In my work as a celebrant, I see many strong women every day. Women who are supporting their own families through perhaps, the loss of a dear family member. I see strong women step up to speak on behalf of a lifelong friend, those relationships sometimes spanning many decades, and the pain that they speak of, on losing their friend, is palpable.

In my work through PIB Network Group, I have many strong women who work tirelessly to see a dream through to reality, driving a small business in what is a difficult world, where they have faced many hurdles including sexism and ageism, but that just spurs them on even more. I have the utmost respect for women who work for themselves, with young children too – it takes a special kind of person to juggle being a strong, business woman who wants to be taken seriously, but who also has to find the balance to be mum, ready to read a story, wipe a tear and give a hug whenever it is needed.

Running a business takes a great amount of self belief.

As women, we should also be supporting each other more, bigging up our sisters and shouting out about how wonderful they are; it hasn’t always been an easy ride for us.

So let’s make it a bit easier for the next generation of women entrepreneurs, business owners, small business owners, sole traders. Let’s show them how it’s done by supporting each other more. A testimonial here, a good review there, but also tell them you think they are doing a fantastic job too. You never know what is going on in their private life that makes their daily struggle that bit harder.

Want to write a piece for A Final Thought?

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

July 2020 Life in... Orpington 31

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