Life In Orpington May 2021

FR BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS

EE

ISSUE 27 . MAY 2021

How to get your mojo back 30 LEARNING LESSONS FROM THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Celebrating young entrepreneurs What your car says about you AT A T IM E E G A P E N O Y C O M M U N IT E H T G IN IR P S IN www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

2 Life in... Orpington May 2021

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Welcome to Life in ORPINGTON...

Lauretta

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

Nicky

CONTENTS Easter may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end where chocolate’s concerned. We’ve teamed up with ChocFACE to give one lucky winner a slab of personalised ‘Life In Orpington’ – turn to page 8 to see how to enter! We loved the concept of ChocFACE, which creates delicious Belgian chocolate photos of your favourite images, presented in a gift box that fits through letter boxes – an ideal gift for a variety of occasions.

May 2021

Community News

Getting to know Orpington....................... 4 Write it, Say it, Message it PRIZE GIVEAWAY.................................... 7 Noticeboard.............................................. 8 Mayor's Voice......................................... 12

As summer approaches, the nation has been given more freedom to get out and about and there’s a lot to look forward to. Later this month (providing all remains the same), from 17th May we can look forward to meeting in groups of up to 30 outdoors; six people or two households can meet indoors; pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors; up to 30 people can attend weddings and other life events; remaining outdoor entertainment such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open; indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open; performances and large events can restart but with limits on audience numbers; hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen; international leisure travel may resume; and adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart.

What’s On This Month ............................................. 15

Lifestyle Business................................................. 17 Puzzle Page - PRIZE GIVEAWAY........... 18 Health & Beauty...................................... 19 Ask The Experts..................................... 20 Life Hacks............................................... 23 Did You Know......................................... 24 Pets........................................................ 27 Short Stories........................................... 28 Classifieds.............................................. 29 Stockists................................................. 30 A Final Thought...................................... 31

In the meantime, we’ve got some great features lined up in this issue – from How To Get Your Mojo Back and What Your Car Says About You, To your pet questions answered and Young Entrepreneurs.

Enjoy the issue and see you in June!

Nicky and Lauretta

Published by: Life In Magazines Ltd

Nicky Grant and Lauretta Wright, Editors

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH MAY

What are your plans for this month’s Bank Holiday?

Nicky: I'm hoping to have friends round for a barbeque Lauretta: Hopefully I’ll be doing some upcycling in the garden

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

@lifeinmags

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 3

community news

Getting Orpington to know High Street Orpington c1950

The High Street The ‘High Street’ is possibly the most well know and important road name for towns and villages in the UK. The High Street often contains shops, community halls, religious buildings, businesses and residential premises, and is the focal point where the local community comes together.

Our local area has at least five High Streets - at Orpington, St Mary Cray, Farnborough, Green St Green and Downe. Chelsfield did have one but Google maps is now showing it as Church Road. The High Street has changed enormously from that which would have existed at the turn of the 20th The longest High Street century. Adapting to changing requirements in the UK is 1.7 miles long is vital if the High Street is to continue to be (Southend-on-Sea). The of use to the community. shortest High Street is believed to be at Ashley In the 1800s the most significant High Street Heath (Hampshire) in the area would have been the one at St Mary measuring just Cray. Starting at Reynolds Cross (where Chelsfield 49 metres Road meets Kent Road), the High Street followed the route of the River Cray to St Mary’s Church and Market Meadow. Farnborough village was on the main London to Hastings route and so its High Street benefited from passing trade and would have competed with Orpington. Eventually though, new roads were built bypassing many communities and Orpington’s High Street became the dominant retail location.

Did you know?

High Street Orpington at Church Hill Junction c1930

High Street Orpington c1970

A survey in the mid 1960s showed that Orpington had 12 grocer/ greengrocers, 23 clothing and shoe shops, seven butchers, six bakers, seven banks and three cafes/restaurants. It is incredible to consider how much the High Street has changed, but change is vital if the High Street is to survive and meet the requirements of today’s community.

High Street Downe c1950 High Street Farnborough c1930

High Street St Mary Cray c1950

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

4 Life in... Orpington May 2021

High Street Chelsfield c1920

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

FR ON EE D 0% OF TAK ELIV F C EA ER OL WA Y LE YS CT IO N

or 2

S

OPEN FOR TAKEAWAYS Enjoy Modern Turkish cuisine at home

RE-OPENING 17TH MAY* Book your table now *FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

ENJ LIVE OY MUSI ON A C SAT EVEN URDAY ING* *EVE R YO SATU THER RDAY

01689 855 579

354 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN www.thebankrestaurant.com lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 5

Time for your business to bloom At Perrys Chartered Accountants we offer our clients an exceptional service and are proud of our industry knowledge, qualifications and experience.

• Accounts • Tax Planning • Corporate Finance • Wills & Probate • Making Tax Digital • Company Secretarial Work • VAT Legislation • Tax Allowance • Inheritance Tax • Statutory Audit To arrange a FREE consultation please visit our website

perrysaccountants.co.uk Orpington 01689 823175

Tunbridge Wells 01892 543900

Wrotham 01732 882488

Mayfair 020 7408 4442

City 020 7256 9339

Historic Dockyard Chatham 01634 245900

West Malling 01732 870032

Perrys is the trading name of Perrys Accountants Limited. Registered to carry out audit work in the UK, regulated for a range of investment business activities, and licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales. Company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 1st Floor, 12 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4PW. Company number 7745523

6 Life in... Orpington May 2021

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Write It, Say It, Message It!

community news

Spotted on social

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text us on 07403 550068. You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags

Star response Polar Bears

Stop and think Before you throw Their homes will sink Before we know.

The cans, plastic bags and more We need to protect these bears we adore.

What if your home was melting?

The heat slowly eating away The cars and factories aren’t helping Their homes will now decay.

So stop and think Before you drive Their homes will sink They’ll no longer thrive.

A huge well done to Aaron Hinchion and his son Fox for doing their bit to combat the litter on the way to school…

by Nadja Wright, aged 13

I would like to say a big thank you to Kathryn Bell on behalf of all staff at the PRUH. Kathryn set up a Facebook page to help with donations, coordinated deliveries and set up an Amazon account to make donations easier. On behalf of staff at the PRUH, I would like to say a very well deserved thank you to Kathryn!

Sarah Spencer-Adams

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading Life in Orpington magazine and to say thank you. Keep them coming!

Thanks Sheila Carter – we’ll do our best to!

What a fabulous magazine - so much info in there. One of the best and most varied I have seen. What a great job you have done.

Some lovely feedback in an email from Fiona Clark – comments like this make our week!

Tag us on social to get our attention! @lifeinmags

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

Workwea OFFICE RESOURCES

0800

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 7

QUALIT Y BRANDED CLOTHING FO

community news - NOTICEBOARD All Saints' Window Project

£46,200 All Saints’ Church was delighted to receive a grant of of Church the by nced annou Grant, us Stimul e from the Heritag it has England, which it used to fix the water penetration issues around the faced over the last 10 years. Modern damp-proofing work has been windows has now been installed and flaking plaster said: stabilised. Rev’d George Rogers, the Vicar of Orpington, and “This money is a welcome move from the Government ue contin to Church Saints All allow Historic England which will for been has it as ton, Orping in unity comm the of centre to be the ing welcom to d forwar look the last 1,000 years. We very much l the community to enjoy all aspects of the rich cultura heritage found at All Saints.”

For details of services and events see page, www.allsaintsorpington.org.uk or the Facebook anced ly-dist social a like would you If All Saints Orpington. just like visit from a member of the Ministry Team or would r on to talk to them, please call the Parish Administrato 01689 832031 to make arrangements.

Chocs (Give)Away!

WIN Borough Heroes…

We’re giving one lucky winner a personalised ‘Life In Magazines’ chocolate treat from ChocFace (chocface.com) – a brand new business set up during lockdow n. The company creates delicious Belg ian chocolate photos of your favourite images , presented in a gift box that fits through the letter box – an ideal gift for a variety of occasio ns.

paid tribute The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Hannah Gray, Mayor of the at unity comm our of to the voluntary heroes n ceremony. ntatio prese l virtua a in 2021 s Award ley Brom have performed Each year the Mayor chooses residents who gh, to award borou the to e servic tary volun g outstandin ded the atten zines Maga them with this honour. Life In ed the receiv who red), (pictu son Simp lle Miche ceremony for the with e servic tary Mayor’s Award for her outstanding volun ed includ rs winne award other The Trust.

Chartwell Cancer s, Anne Andrew J Wilson, Helen Sheppard, Lisa Ellam n.

Marti Peter and es Rhod Wheeler, Lola

8 Life in... Orpington May 2021

For the chance to win text 07403-550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk telling us what you love about you r local community or where you live .

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

ws

cal ne o l e r a sh

for just £30. We aim to list charity and non-profit notices for free (space dependent), or we offer a 20% discount for a guaranteed listing.

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

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

southeastlegacies

Now the world is opening up Protect your world

Will Writing Lasting Powers of Attorney Trusts Fixed Price Probate WILLS Professionally Drafted

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY (LPA)

Single Wills

Single LPA

£149

Mirror Wills

£199

COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND (ONE PERSON) A Professionally Drafted Will & both LPAs

£ 449 + Gov Fees

Phone 020 8114 7111

contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk Petts Wood Office

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

£249 + Gov Fees

Health & Finance

£399 + Gov Fees

COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND (TWO PEOPLE) Professionally Drafted Wills & all 4 LPAs

£799 + Gov Fees

southeastlegacies.co.uk May 2021 Life in... Orpington 9

Are you seeking employment?

Get ahead of the crowd with the help of a professional coach who will work with you to identify your strengths and communicate these in a compelling way to a new employer.

www.careertransitionsdmh.co.uk E: info@careertransitionsdmh.co.uk T: 07947-990923

Local Maths Tutor

GCSE Years 11-13 A-level www.flinsfitness.co.uk VISIT...

fitness

s The Pod @flin

Contact Phil 01689 859789 07960 767794 Email: starts.tuition1@gmail.com Instagram: philk8597 BSc PhD qualified DBS cleared

Shore Travel ARE YOU LOOKING Travel TO GOwith TO DEVON Professional OR CORNWALL THIS SUMMER, BUT a Personal Touch EVERYWHERE IS FULLY BOOKED?

WHY NOT BOOK A CORNISH CRUISE?

PRICES START FROM £799PP FOR FIVE NIGHTS. INCLUDES A FREE DRINKS PACKAGE OR £100PP ON BOARD SPEND *SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY, BASED ON 2 SHARING

hore Travel Professional Travel with a Personal Touch Jude Greene-Steward T: 0208 331 5995 | M: 07958 602110 E: jude@shore-travel.com www.shore-travel.co.uk ShoreTravelbyJGS jgs_travel Jude Greene-Steward

10 Life in... Orpington May 2021

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

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

SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES lifeinmagazines.co.uk

community news - NOTICEBOARD DECKED OUT

Police update Farnborough & Crofton Ward recently offered some great tips in its newsletter on how to deter would-be burglars. They include: • Think like a thief: Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.

• Alarm it: Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

The proposal to build a new car parking deck at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) has been updated. The site of the building has now been moved and the design has also changed. The proposal is to now build a twolevel car parking deck adjacent to the urgent care centre entrance.

The deck will be built into the slope of the land with a much-reduced height and will provide 115 car parking spaces and will include electric charging points.

• Lock it, hide it or mark it • Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime.

Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain.

• Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls.

• It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.

• Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around.

• Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option.

VALENTINE & TURNER ON FILM!

r, were stars of the show in a recent short Orpington-based funeral directors, Valentine and Turne , ​The Business of Death​, was taken from Films​ film broadcast on Channel 4. Produced by Fat Rat title. The feature documentary follows same the of a feature documentary currently in production s the course of the pandemic. It offers a rich a year in Valentine and Turner’s funeral home acros a period in which they were overwhelmed insight into the experiences of funeral directors, during r on the frontline of the pandemic. with the rising death toll, all the while facing daily dange The film is due for release this winter. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 11

community news - NOTICEBOARD

MAYOR’S VOICE… I start this column with a heavy heart as we have just had the announcement from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away. I led the Borough in the one-minute silence the day after, and again the two-minute silence on the day of his funeral. We send our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

The last month has been a whirlwind; and it feels like I’ve virtually attended and recorded a large number of engagements, events and meetings and, as such, the month has flown by.

First of all, there was a virtual Historic Docklands Walk organised by Andy Ellis, which was a great success and helped raise money for my nominated charities. And we recently received a cheque donation of £250 from Robert Morton to be split between the two charities – thank you Robert. On the topic of charitable donations, David Kelly from M&A Hygiene PLC kindly donated two hand sanitising stations to pass on to a worthy cause; we’re possibly looking at using them for upcoming Mayoral events at the Civic Centre. I’m reliably informed by Life In Orpington that they’ll run the details of the monies raised in a future issue.

April also saw us run a children’s art competition which was a huge success, and I was delighted that our ‘Night Of Reflection’ one year on from the first national lockdown was acknowledged on a national level when it made the BBC’s 10 o’clock news. It was a memorable magical ceremony, illuminated by a sea of 740 candles one for each person lost in Bromley and I felt proud of how our borough in general has handled a very challenging year.

Another event that I was proud to present was the Mayor of Bromley Awards 2021. There were seven deserving winners, each recognised for their contribution to outstanding voluntary service in the borough. You can read more about this on page 8 on this, along with the winners’ names.

It was great to welcome back shop owners and shoppers when non-essential shops were allowed to reopen last month. Now local businesses and independent shop owners can get up and running again – and I’d encourage residents to shop local – and keep money in the local economy – where possible.

Other events have included catching up with the Orpington Rotary which was wonderful, a Channel 2 ‘Talk’ radio station to chat on the Business Bunker show about my year as Mayor and putting together a video for St Georges Day. I also attended the Local History Society AGM and I enjoyed a Zoom meetup with volunteers from St John’s Ambulance to present each group with Certificates of Commendation in appreciation of all their help throughout the pandemic. On that occasion I also gave John Matthews of the Orpington branch as special

12 Life in... Orpington May 2021

mention, as he had been nominated for his outstanding selflessness.

One of the highlights this month has been volunteering at the vaccination centre at Orpington Health Centre; it’s wonderful to see so many people get their jabs – myself included and I posted the occasion on the Mayor’s Facebook Page.

Finally, I must tell you about the Bromley In Bloom competition from Coolings, which runs from now until 5th July. It’s free to enter, with plenty of categories and you even receive a voucher for entering too. Judging takes place during the last two weeks of July, followed by an awards ceremony for all entrants planned for September.

As you might have noticed, I’ve written about everything that I’ve done this last month rather than upcoming appointments and events – and there’s good reason for that. It’s my final month as Mayor of Bromley and therefore my final article.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout my Mayoralty and I hope that the new Mayor receives an equally positive reception as I am sure they will.

But for now I’ll be continuing my duties as Councillor, representing West Wickham and you can continue to keep in touch with me on social media and of course via my podcasts at hannahgraymeets.podbean.com It’s been an absolute pleasure to be Mayor of Bromley during the last year. Despite the challenges we have faced, we managed to get round them one way or another, thanks in large part to the wonderful technology we have access to. As the age-old saying goes - Every Cloud…

All the very best to you and yours and thank you for making Bromley a special place to call home.

Cllr Hannah Gray Mayor of Bromley 2020-21

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

WHY PAY SERVICE PROVIDER PRICES FOR INTERNAL BROADBAND AND PHONE SOCKET FAULTS? New phone/broadband extensions

Cat 5 wiring

Internal/external tidying/ re-routing of cables prior to double glazing

Fault finding repairs/ improve broadband speeds Call G.NUGENT

FULLY INSURED

07845 705900

FOR ALL YOUR BROADBAND AND PHONE SOCKET NEEDS

LOCAL ROOFER ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING CARRIED OUT

Put a spring in your step & treat yourself: Gorgeous bouquets to suit every budget

Call 01689 485044

www.timeforflowerskent.co.uk 44b The Walnuts, Orpington BR6 0TW

• Free estimates • No job too small • All new work guaranteed

T: 01689 471001 M: 07956 516899 E: bernardcoleroofing@gmail.com

FINANCIAL ADVICE MADE PERSONAL

We recognise that talking about money and finances is personal.

So it is reassuring to know that there’s someone on hand who can help you address your needs.

Please do get in touch for a chat regarding: • Retirement and pension planning • Investment planning • Mortgages • Protection planning - life cover, critical illness cover, income protection Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Rebecca McGinty rebecca.mcginty@sjpp.co.uk 07900 902347

www.mcgintywealthmanagement.co.uk Rebecca McGinty is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The `St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title `Partner’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 13

Valentine & Turner FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD

Independent Family Owned & Run

ORPINGTON’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Our Family Caring for Your Family Every Step of the Way  Modern Service with Traditional Values

 24 Hour Helpline

 Family Orientated and Personal Service

 After Care (The Bereavement Café)

 Bespoke, “Have it Your Way’’ Service

 Pre-paid Funeral Plans

 Horse Drawn/Personalised Vehicle Option

 Repatriation Specialists

 Free Home Consultation

 Memorial Consultants

 Flowers

 Printing

Head Ofce: 262 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NB 01689 798 448 info@valentineandturner.com REGIONAL WINNER

www.valentineandturner.com

14 Life in... Orpington May 2021

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

There's something for everyone!

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

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

community & charity

what's on - MAY 2021 Knitting Club for the Intensive Care Baby Unit at the PRUH Knit from home

Contact: Lin Harewood 01689 877010 Email lincbc2020@outlook.com We are knitting for the Intensive Care Baby Unit at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Orpington.

Anyone is welcome to join - you don’t have to be an experienced knitter. Due to COVID-19 we are knitting at home. Contact Lin for more information.

family Fostering Information Session 19th May 2021

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.

Bromley Mencap Services

Contact: 020 8466 0790 Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Email support: enquiries@bromleymencap/org www.bromleymencap.org.uk Call for advice and a friendly voice. 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.

Bromley Well

Monday - Saturday, 9am-5pm Contact: 0808 278 7898 Email: spa@bromleywell.org.uk www.bromleywell.org.uk Bromley Well provides help for you to stay emotionally and physically well and to remain independent. Bromley Well are running workshops which are free but you need to be registered as a Bromley Well service user. See website for details.

Virtual Event Time: 18:00 - 19:30 Cost: Free Contact: 020 8461 7701 Email: fostering-duty@bromley.gov.uk www.bromley.gov.uk/events/ Fostering for Bromley information sessions will be accessible by webinar during the social distancing measures. The session will start with a presentation on what Fostering for Bromley is all about and what we will offer you in return and then you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Please get in touch to confirm which session you would like to join and instructions will be sent to you on how to access the session.

FESTIVALS Ways With Words Literary Festival 24th May - 6th June

Taking place in a variety of venues across Orpington.

All are welcome Contact orpingtonsatellite@rotarysoutheast.org A new festival celebrating the written and spoken word. Brought to you by Rotary. As well as a host of professional and celebrity guests, the festival will provide an opportunity for local organisations and individual members of our community to showcase their talents and interests.

mARKETS

Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss

Chislehurst Farmers' Market

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.

10am - 2pm Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AB Contact: www.myfarmersmarket.co.uk/chislehurst/ A one-way system is in place at the farmers' market along with social distancing measures and hand sanitising station.

Card payment for items is encouraged, along with ordering in advance to collect at the market. The market will be open subject to the ever changing COVID restrictions.

Meet the first Thursday of every month

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Third Sunday of the month

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 15

what's on - MAY 2021 Orpington Market

Open Tuesday, Friday & Saturday

9am - 3pm Market Place, Orpington BR6 0TW Contact: 01689 832923 Email: info@orpingtonmarket.co.uk www.orpingtonmarket.co.uk A weekly market in the heart of Orpington (next to the Walnuts Shopping Centre) bringing together fresh produce, fashion, homeware & crafts. Stalls will be adhering to the 2m distancing rules. Please queue responsibly.

Bromley Charter Market

Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday

9am - 5pm Bromley High Street Contact: https://tinyurl.com/bromleymarket A historic Charter Market, at the heart of the community for over 800 years. Find an assortment of traditional, modern, speciality and staple goods, beautiful gifts, quality produce and delicious food. Be tempted by tasty food, discover jewellery, crafts, vinyl records and sepia photographs; buy everyday favourites of fresh bread, cakes, meat and vegetables.

libraries Orpington Library

Contact: 01689 831551 Email: Orpington.library@gll.org www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm

Petts Wood Library

Contact: 01689 821607 Email: Pettswood.library@gll.org www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley Open Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm

SOUTHBOROUGH Library

Contact: 020 8467 0355 www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ southborough-library Open Monday - Tuesday and Friday - Saturday from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm Please check websites for the latest library updates and opening times.

sports & nature Dr Bike Cycle Maintenance Session 1st & 29th May 2021 - Bromley

Norman Park, Hook Farm Road BR2 9SX

15th May 2021 - Orpington

Orpington War Memorial, 344 High St, BR6 0NQ Time: 9am - 12pm Cost: Free Contact: LBB Road Safety Team (Event organiser) Tel: 020 8313 4546 | Email: road.safety@bromley.gov.uk www.bromley.gov.uk/DrBike Get a free MOT for your bike with fully qualified DR BIKE cycle mechanics. They will check your bike and fix minor faults such as brakes, chain, cables, gears and tyre pressure. Simply bring your bicycle along to the Cow Shed in Norman Park or Orpington War Memorial. This event will have strict social distancing enforced and a queue system. (The Cow Shed is situated on the new section of the walking path behind the car park, Hook Farm Road (A21) entrance).

Flin's Online & Live Outdoor 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. Body Conditioning, Strength, Cardio, Pilates, Yoga, Back2Basics beginners classes and more.

Come to our NEW OUTDOOR POD at Westcombe Park, or evenings at Tubbenden School.

Grace Rose Pilates

Online Pilates classes plus workshops, 1:1s

Monday 7pm, Wednesday 6pm, Thursday 6.10pm Currently online, Face to Face classes resume May 17th in Petts Wood, contact to book.

To book or enquire contact 07913912411 or email gracerosepilates@hotmail.com.

Visit Facebook Grace Rose Pilates.

Taught by a Body Control Pilates teacher, the benchmark for safe and effective teaching of the highest level.

Reshape your body and balance your flexibility with strength, it's also a great way to release stress and tension. Perfect for athletes, beginners and especially recommended for those with back problems.

Beginners to advanced.

THE NEXT COPY DEADLINE IS:

shout about your event...

12TH MAY

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

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.

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.

16 Life in... Orpington May 2021

@lifeinmags lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Business

lifestyle Friday Wind Down

Stay charged!

This wireless charging stand is ideal for a desk, side table or countertop, and the adjustable design allows you to charge your device at multiple angles. Whether you need a stand to see all your notifications or a just want a pad to charge your AirPods, it’s hassle-free and simple to use.

See zagg.com/en_uk/wireless-charging-stand

Business review Name: CJ’s Pretty Little Bakes Product reviewed: Afternoon Tea In A Box for Two

(£30) of which £1 is donated to the local St Christopher’s Hospice.

First impressions: The presentation of the box was beautiful – lots of attention to detail and I could see there was a lot of variety of products offered.

The details: Sandwiches ranged from mature Cheddar cheese and red onion to smoked salmon and cream cheese, while sweet treats included brownies, scones with clotted cream and jam, milk chocolate cookies and cheesecake. It all tasted delicious.

Any surprises? I liked the addition of teabags in the

Join the Friday Wind Down (FWD) Collaborative Networking event biweekly on Fridays from 16:15- 17:45pm. It’s a super relaxed and fun way to end a week of meetings! If interested, Life In Orpington readers can attend the first two meetings for free. Email fridaywindown@gmail.com and quote ‘FWD2021’ with the date you wish to attend.

box and the Lindt chocolate rabbit was a nice touch for Easter.

Favourites: The cookies, brownies and scones were amazing – real homemade goodies, and the mini cheesecake and chocolate covered strawberries added a touch of luxury.

Verdict: I’d definitely recommend and would buy myself. The fact the price includes such a variety of products and all high quality, plus the free delivery means it’s great value for money.

It would make an ideal (and unique) gift for someone’s birthday or special occasion.

Contact: Email: cjsplb@gmail.com or see Instagram @cjsprettylittlebakes

We had a great response to young entrepreneurs who were inspired by seven-year old Arthur who launched his organic soap business. This month we’re featuring Katie and Fraser…

Meet Katie…

Katie, who is 14, launched Sweetness Galore during the latest lockdown. The concept offers affordable gift boxes of sweets, packaged in a way to make an ideal gift or just treat yourself.

Katie says: “I started my own business because I enjoy making things and this was a way of earning money whilst doing something I enjoy. At the moment I am keeping things simple, but as I grow, I want to offer various different boxes such as vegan boxes and chocolate boxes.”

Get in touch or help support Katie… Via her site - sweetnessgalorebox.wixsite.com/ website/ and Instagram @sweetnessgalore_

Meet Fraser…

Eight-year-old Fraser Louie Smithard-Powell set up NG⬆️ (Stands for Never Give Up), offering clothing including hats, hoodies, t-shirts and facemasks.

Fraser says… I had been asking mum for a couple of years if I could make my own items like her. Lockdown was boring and mum asked if I’d like to make something, so I started making hats and designing logos.

Get in touch or help support Fraser…

Via Instagram @ngubyfraser

Dr Alex from Love Island is a fan!

Do you have a little entrepreneur? Send their details to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 17

lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE WIN a £15 App Store & iTunes Voucher!

WIN

Complete the crossword then, taking the letters in the shaded boxes, work out the anagram for the chance to win a £15 App Store & iTunes voucher.

TIP: Something that produces an aroma, May 21 more commonly in the Summer (3 words)

WIN 1

2

3

4

Across 3. Staple alternative (9) 5. Narrow entrance (10) 6. What is the name of the only vein in the body that carries oxygenated blood? (9) 7. Chick container (8) 9. Leaning letter (6) 11. Logic (9) 12. Sounds on a basketball court (7) 13. Like paperback books (9)

5

6

7 9

8

10

Down

11 12

13

ss

Every(9)month we’re giving away a le alternative UP TO HALF PRICE £15 App voucher ow entrance (10) Store and iTunes WINTER t is theto name of the only vein in the body that the competition winner, carries oxygenated blood?

sponsored by

SALE

sponsored by The Bed Post.

k container (8) IN STORE DEC 2019 - FEB 2020 There ning letter (6)are a number of ways you can spend www.the-bedpost.co.uk your voucher including subscriptions, BED Apple & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS gic (9) 01689 830964 music, iCloud storage, apps and in-app unds on a basketball court (7) FOR OVER 30 YEARS! purchases, movies and audiobooks. APPROVED STOCKIST e paperback booksgames, (9)

n

rgic rhinitis (3,5) anic compound released by cells in response BALLS to an allergy (9) Last month’s answer - WRECKING slativeAll assembly (10) competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open mal requests (9) Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions to Bromley name ofsee www.lifeinmagazi fi rst man who ran a mile in less than four minutes on 6 May E 1954 nes.co.uk X

Text or email your answer, name and telephone number to

10%TRA OFF S

07403 603569

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

BY 12TH MAY

for your chance to win!

OUR

WITH ALE PRICE THIS S AD

’s birthstone (7) Visit lifeinmagazines.co.uk for answers. metimes used in very steep railways (3) 18 Life in... Orpington May 2021 CRAYFORD

1. Allergic rhinitis (3,5) 2. Organic compound released by cells in response to an allergy (9) 3. Legislative assembly (10) 4. Formal requests (9) 5. Surname of first man who ran a mile in less than four minutes on 6 May 1954 (9) 8. May’s birthstone (7) 10. Sometimes used in very steep railways (3)

PETTS WOOD

SEVENOAKS

SIDCUP

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Health & Beauty

lifestyle

How to REALLY wash your hair

• Before washing, thoroughly brush your hair, taking

your brush through the areas underneath your hair where friction can occur from scarves and coats.

• Thoroughly wet the hair – soaking the hair will help product evenly spread. Water temperature should not be too hot or too cold, but a tepid temperate to prevent activation of the sebaceous glands. Start soaking the hair around the hair line, going from one side to side. Then work into the crown area eventually going down the hair. Get rid of any excess moisture before shampooing, as this will prevent the shampoo from becoming diluted.

• Time to shampoo – use a small amount of product and work this through your hands before running through your hair. Start with the hairline first before taking your hair into a ponytail and running the shampoo through this.

• Use a technique called “rotary” – using tips of fingers and thumbs, start at hair line and work the product down to the top of the ears and behind, going back up and then repeating the motion three times.

Use same technique in centre of the hair and work to the crown (repeating three times), and the same to in the main hair area up, eventually using the wider parts of your hands.

Lavender Towel

Treatment

Add 3 cups of water into a large bowl and add 5-10 drops of lavender oil. Submerge your towels into the water and ring out the excess. Then, whilst the towels are still wet, fold them over and put them in the freezer. Leave them for a couple of hours. Then, either during your soak or right after, drape one of these cool towels over your face and shoulders.

The contrast between hot and cold combined with the aromatherapy lavender will leave you feeling revitalised.

Pro tip: If lavender is a bit too strong for you, try using other scents such as peppermint, rosewood or chamomile.

Victorian Plumbing

• You will not see much lather from the shampoo, but this is okay – the first shampoo

removes excess dirt, pollution and product build-up.

Add a little more water and start the shampooing process again and remove excessive product.

Particular areas to focus on are behind the ears and neck as these areas are often missed.

• Once shampooed, dry off the hair and then condition – use a small amount of conditioner and

work it into the hands, focusing on the mid-length to end of the hair first. Bring your hair into a ponytail and work the product in. Once applied, bring your hair into a ponytail, and brush your hair down gently to allow your conditioner to work through the hair and for all the active ingredients to really soak in. Leave your conditioner in the hair for a few minutes so it receives all its benefits before rinsing.

• When drying hair, use a towel which is not too old and is still quite soft and wrap it around your hair gently. Firmly press onto the towel so it can soak up all moisture from the hair. Do not rub your hair! This will damage the cuticles and it will cause more friction and damage to the hair. Finish off by brushing the hair gently down.

Gareth William, senior stylist, SALON64

DILEMMAS SOLVED! Q: Is it true that one of the side effects of getting Covid-19 is thinning hair? And if so, how can it be treated?

A:

Hair loss is a side effect of COVID as high fevers (those over 39°C) almost always cause excessive hair shedding six-12 weeks later. Don’t worry though – the hair loss will stop and will grow back just as before. Rather than reaching for supplements, take a look at your diet and give it a good spring clean. It’s a great time to take advantage of home-cooking and whip-up nutritious, fresh, colourful seasonal meals – which will definitely benefit your strands. Your hair’s health and growth are closely linked to diet. Being non-essential tissue, your hair is the last part of you to receive nutrients and the first to be withheld from. This means if you aren’t eating correctly, your hair will be the first part of you to suffer – and an improvement to diet may be just what your locks need to flourish. The most important meals of the day for your hair are breakfast and lunch. Ideally, these should always have approximately a palm sized portion/120g in weight of protein (what your hair is made of), a portion of complex carbohydrates (provide your hair with energy to grow), healthy fats i.e. Omega 3s (good for your scalp) as well as vitamins and minerals. Supplements can then be taken as a maintenance.

If you are experiencing increased hair fall and/or gradual reduced volume (i.e. hairs are slowly growing back finer and shorter), daily application of stimulating anti-androgenic topical drops can be very helpful. Overall, any treatment for hair loss should be holistic. Diet, lifestyle and health factors must be looked into and addressed in order for treatment to be most effective.

Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist, Philip Kingsley

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 19

lifestyle

Ask The Experts

Q: I keep hearing about MTD for Income Tax. Can you explain what it is and who it affects?

A:

Making Tax Digital (MTD) was launched by HMRC in 2015 to streamline the tax system and make it more efficient for businesses and individuals. From 6th April 2023, self-employed individuals and landlords with an annual business or property income of more than £10,000 will be required to submit their income tax information using the new system. Small businesses that haven’t yet transferred to the MTD system, will also need to sign up for MTD for VAT

by April 2022. Preparation is key to ensuring you fully understand the requirements. In terms of what’s involved, under MTD for Income Tax, it is proposed that the self-assessment tax return will be replaced with five new reporting obligations made during and after the tax year. Updates will need to be sent to HMRC quarterly showing your business income and expenses. A fifth and final report will then be required to finalise the business income and expenditure in a declaration. This will be similar to the current annual self-assessment tax return. If you are a VATregistered business with a taxable turnover below the current annual VAT-threshold of £85,000 then it will be mandatory for you to start filing your VAT returns using the MTD for VAT system from 1 April 2022. You will need to sign up to MTD for VAT, which you can do on HMRC’s website using your current Government Gateway ID and login details, and you will need to have MTD compatible software.

Victoria Pearson, partner and MTD specialist, Perrys Chartered Accountants

Q: Is there truth in that positive or negative thoughts while cooking get transferred to the meal?

A: We are what we eat, what they ate. We have the ability to heal ourself

and others based on our mindset, intentions, thoughts and vibes. The

power of positive energy has the ability to transform and even

transmute. Holistic mindful food and drink preparation is the basis of

Naani Maa’s Kitchen. The practice of mindful cooking with positive

healing intentions transfers the vibe we are feeling on to the food/

drink we prepare. This energy sits in the food/drink and is absorbed

by the consumer. It also affects the taste, texture and appearance

of the food/drink. Cooking with positivity and soothing, calming,

happy, spiritual or uplifting music impacts our mood and thoughts

which has a direct effect on the food. This was demonstrated by

Masaru Emoto, a Japanese author and researcher, who researched

on the effects of different energies and thoughts on water. His findings

discovered that human energy and consciousness affect water’s

molecular structure. Our bodies and brain are mainly water and that

explains why we feel happy eating food cooked with love and positivity.

Sushma Raval, Holistic Cookery Coach, Naani Maa’s Cookery

Q: My daughter wants to explore training to become a carer – what advice could you offer?

A:

If you could compile a list of occupations with the highest levels of job satisfaction, you’d probably start with public facing professions such as doctors; nurses; the police; the clergy perhaps. The common feature of all of these is that they all directly focus help to an individual at a time of need. Home care is one such ‘person-centred’ vocation. When the right level of home care is offered, the carer has the satisfaction of having provided vital support and the person receiving care has the comfort of knowing that their needs have been met. Home care varies depending on an individual’s needs, but all our carers are highly trained and the job offers real diversity. Your daughter could be providing companionship and playing cards or having a chat one day, to dealing with more complex needs such as those living with, for example, dementia, MS and many other conditions. Everyday tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, shopping and cleaning, lighten the burden for some and are a lifeline for others.

Using the latest technology, our staff keep in constant contact with us to ensure help and advice is never far away.

You daughter can contact us for more advice on 01689-854747.

Christine McNamara, Gracious Care

20 Life in... Orpington May 2021

Credit OnBuy.com

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Would you like a physiotherapist to visit or video call you at home?

Naani Maa’s Kitchen

Ask us about our nutritious tiffin meals, artisan nuts & wholesome meal plans – all lovingly prepared.

Our team provides rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Follow many different conditions. ing a

ll govern m guidan ent ce.

Contact us on 07951 025208 to find out more www.jlinks.co.uk

Fresh vegan & vegetarian Indian homestyle food with a modern healthy twist.

@naanimaaskitchen @Naanimaas Call 07508-822019 or see www.naanimaas.weebly.com

ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS OR SOLE TRADER? Want to join a friendly network group which actually works for you and doesn’t cost a fortune?

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Contact us: pibnetwork@outlook.com | 07984 179892 Facebook PIB Network | www.pib-network.com

Workwear that works 0800 781 7163

W O R K W E A R

QUALIT Y BRANDED CLOTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS 0800 781 2163

www.tangentoffice.com

@tangentworkwear

tangentworkwear

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, discover why Care UK leads the way with over 35 years’ experience.

To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one video chat, please call 01689 768640 or email dorothy.ayonmike@careuk.com Experts in award winning care.

Trusted by over 6,500 families.

Foxbridge House care home Orpington careuk.com/foxbridge-house lifeinmagazines.co.uk

20% off respite stays May 2021 Life in... Orpington 21

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.

With the help of Gracious Care, our customers remain independent, giving their relatives peace of mind.

Call Christine on

01689 854747

for a free care assessment

www.graciouscare.co.uk

22 Life in... Orpington May 2021

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Life Hacks

lifestyle lifestyle

Get your Mojo Back in 5 Steps

by SID MADGE, Meee Choose wisely If we fail a test, are we useless or do we need to do more work? Take a moment to notice what you have decided some news or situation means; what we make something mean is not the only meaning on offer.

1% boost When in a slump or finding it hard to get motivated, we can take an all-or-nothing approach. This strategy is the worst thing we can do. Instead, start small and aim to be 1% better tomorrow than you are today.

Choose happiness Some people revel in being miserable, but motivation and misery are not best buddies. Do what you need to do to

make space for happiness. You’ll see your motivation increase.

Flip it Turn your lack of motivation on its head. Make a list of the things that DO NOT motivate you. Knowing what we don’t want can lead to clarity about how to regain our mojo.

Gratitude ritual Start and end the day with three things that you are grateful for: could be a person, a pet, even a hobby. It’s not happy people who are grateful, but grateful people who are happy. Remember, nothing is more powerful than a changed mind.

The top 30 learning lessons from the last 12 months 1. The importance of family - 46% 2. Our NHS is the best in the world - 40% 3. To not take anything for granted - 38% 4. To appreciate the simple things in life - 37% 5. Kindness goes a long way - 34% 6. Kids are more resilient than you think - 32% 7. Online shopping is a god-send - 31% 8. The importance of freedom - 30% 9. The importance of nature - 29% 10. That it is ok to ask for help - 28% 11. That we can get through anything if we stick together - 27% 12. Family film nights are essential - 27% 13. Friendships mean everything - 27% 14. The importance of telling people you love them - 27% 15. To slow down - 26% 16. That patience really is a virtue - 25% 17. How hard teachers and nursery staff work - 24% 18. How to wash your hands properly - 23% 19. That leggings are a wardrobe essential - 22% 20. To not sweat the small stuff - 21% 21. A cup of tea really does make things better - 21% 22. Primary school maths is harder than it looks - 21% 23. It is possible to watch more than one Netflix series at once - 21% 24. You do not have to wear make up every day - 18% 25. Cutting hair is harder than it looks - 18% 26. You do not need to be in the office to be productive - 17% 27. The joy of leftover lunches - 10% 28. Having grey roots is no big deal - 9% 29. The beauty of birdsong - 9% 30. How to make perfect roast potatoes - 7%

AVOID THE MAY BANK HOLIDAY TRAFFIC! •

Plan your route in advance! Avoid notorious motorways and peak hours likely to be affected by congestion.

These include the M4, M5, M6, M25, M40 and also the M20, which leads to the Channel Tunnel. Furthermore, roads leading to DIY, garden and shopping centres are also likely to be busy during opening hours so realtime road updates can be checked online before leaving home on apps such as Google Maps or WAZE.

• Check for any vehicle faults: According to the RAC, almost half of vehicle breakdowns can be easily avoided if motorists carry out simple checks before setting off. Key factors to check include a car’s engine oil level, tyre pressure, coolant levels and brake lights.

•

Drive through the night: If you’re off to visit friends or family who live further away, off-peak driving can save lots of time and frustration whatever the destination.

APH.com

MyJobQuoteshares

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 23

lifestyle

Did You Know…

What your car says about you

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

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

of the box

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

still adhering to social norms

And what does colour reveal about your personality?

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

status

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

be fazed

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

and comfort Green - Energetic, grounded, balanced

• BMW – Brave, self-confident, flashy • Range Rover - Values safety, adventurous,

desires high social status

• Ford Fiesta - Practical, reliable, non-judgemental

PLASTIC FREE! Wilko is proud to have achieved a plastic free milestone across its entire range of wipes.

Whether it be an antibacterial floor wipe for something spilt or a glass wipe to clean your windows, there’s no plastic in sight. The move has allowed the retailer to save over 1,500 tonnes of plastic (about 47 trucks worth), in just one year!

24 Life in... Orpington May 2021

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

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

• • • • • • • •

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

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

Why Foster Denovo?

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

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

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

Website: www.fosterdenovo.com

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

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

You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.

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

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

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 25

SUPP ORT LOCA L

Neuter your Cat for £5

Love your pet?

Why not put them on the wall with a Customised Pet Portriat from local company - Inspired By Happy Art...

Do you live in our Bromley area (BR1 - 5 or SE20, SE23 & SE26) and would like some help to get your cat neutered? We are offering you the chance to have your cat neutered for just £5.

IN SP IRE D BY

ART

For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on :

020 8650 5556 www.cats.org.uk/bromley/contact-us

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland) NEU_2343

From £15 Call 07855 585690 @inspiredbyhappyart www.inspiredbyhappyart.etsy.com

IN PEN OM! O NOW SBOTT LOCK

10%

Call 01689 490955

DISCOUNT

on puppy and kitten vaccinations until 30/6/21

We are very excited to announce that we have now opened our new, fully equipped

340 Crofton Road, BR6 8NN www.allcreaturesclinic.co.uk

PLUS

10%

DISCOUNT

on microchipping until 30/6/21

branch in Locksbottom, Orpington.

Our clinic offers the same full range of services as our popular and established clinic at 51 Windsor drive in Orpington.

New clients welcome!

26 Life in... Orpington May 2021

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Pets...

ASK THE VET!

lifestyle

Got a question about your pet?

Didier Matagne, owner of All Creatures in Locksbottom, can help! Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Puppy power!

Q: My dog’s breath smells. Why might this be the case?

Touchpoint Live Media has joined forces with pet food brand Naturo to launch the inaugural Naturo SuperDog Awards to celebrate the achievements of dogs and their guardians.

Nominations are now live and you have until 31st July to share your stories. The awards will take place on 9th November in central London and will showcase the most inspirational and incredible stories about dogs across the UK and Ireland, and crown the SuperDogs of 2021!

The aim is that these stories will also act to set an example that promotes responsible dog ownership to the new wave of first-time dog owners this country is seeing. Categories include the Survivor Award, a special award for a dog who has fought their way back after trauma; the Worker Award for dogs with jobs and the Campaigner Award for a dog or individual making positive changes for the lives of dogs. Winners will be decided by a public vote from a shortlist produced by our awards committee and VIP judging panel. For details see www.superdogawards.co.uk

A: Accumulation of plaque across the teeth can lead to a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. This is most commonly to blame for bad breath in the dog. A dog will need its teeth cleaned when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth. Teeth cleaning will reduce the level of bacteria in the mouth which will, in most cases, improve the bad breath also. At the time of cleaning, any hidden dental problems can be identified and addressed if required. This is why it’s always good to keep a check on your dog’s teeth each year to determine whether they need a clean or not.

Teeth covered in plaque - cleaning required

Pet corner

Clean teeth (following a dental descale by a vet)

PET BUY

Cute pet pictures – send yours to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Here’s Napoli (on the left) and Splodge. Napoli is cuddly and very soppy while Splodge is sensitive, playful and loves lying by the gas fire! I had to wean her from a kitten and she still chases her tail and makes us laugh!

Yvonne Clark

This is Ella my Shetland pony. She’s just about to turn 16 and I’ve been lucky enough to have her for coming up 5 years. Ella was with the meat man on her way to slaughter after a very difficult life. She’s my ray of sunshine, I don’t know what I would have done without her during lockdown. She’s incredibly cheeky, she’s always making us laugh, as she likes to daydream. But more than anything I’m incredibly proud of the bravery she has shown, overcoming her fears of humans after being so badly treated. She’s so loving and a truly kind little pony.!

This treats storage jar is available from Dunelm and costs £10.

Here’s my lovely little Coco waiting patiently for her treat.

Lynne Stanford

Bex Lang

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 27

lifestyle

Short Stories THE CAT WHO CAME TO SUPPER

by DIANA ELVIN “It’s easier for you.” Lizzie told the animal she found lounging on the communal garden wall. “Cats are solitary animals.” Perhaps it agreed for it turned its back to her and edged away.

“Don’t be like that” Lizzie pleaded. “I have to talk to you because there isn’t anyone else and I’d feel silly talking to myself.” Some people would feel silly talking to a strange cat, she thought, but continued anyway. “A month ago I longed for time to myself – what with the shared house and all the groups that I belonged to at Uni. Now I have my dream job and my own flat in a strange town, and what a lucky girl I am - but I don’t know a soul.” Lizzie’s voice wobbled a bit.

That evening when she opened her front door a small animal sidled in, hissing defensively. A thin non-descript tabby with tangled fur. It looked so hungry and neglected she couldn’t turn it away. She put pilchards on a saucer and the cat gobbled them down – then she opened the door and shooed it out. Next day, returning from work, she opened the door and the cat seemed to be blown in. It was wet and even more bedraggled. Sighing, Lizzie found an old towel and some meat from her supper.

When the cat showed no inclination to leave, she made posters on her computer and put them around the area, asking if anyone had lost a small tabby. She tried to think of a better description but the cat had no distinguishing features. Meanwhile, she bought more pilchards. Eventually her phone rang.

“I’ve just seen your poster.”

“Is it your cat?” she asked eagerly.

“Oh no, no. It doesn’t belong to me. But I wondered whether you’re the new tenant in the late Mrs Phillips’ flat? Mrs P took in strays and fostered them - just until the local rescue branch could rehome them. I expect nobody bothered to tell the cat world about the change of ownership. I’m Matt and I live just along the hall. I’ve rung to say welcome to your new home, and can I do anything to help? Have you found your way round the shops yet?”

“How kind! I’ll have to get some cat food. I really don’t know what to buy or where to buy it.”

I’ll get you some. I used to get it for Mrs P.” “Where did her cats come from?”

28 Life in... Orpington May 2021

“We were never quite sure but I was wondering if you’d been talking to Percy.”

“Percy?”

“Old tabby cat, free roamer, often found lolling on the wall at the bottom of the garden.”

How did Matt know? Did he have the bushes bugged?

“I ask because Percy tends to look after strays – so he might have sent this bedraggled specimen to the familiar door.

Anyway, now that I’ve broken the ice – can I invite you to our residents’ get-together?

Between them they belong to any organisations worth joining – and they’re a friendly lot. I’m sure that somebody will introduce you to anything that you wish to join . . . and probably twist your arm to get you to those in which you have no interest at all, but who are currently short of members.”

“Thank you, I’d love to come.”

“Great. Next Friday. Eight o’clock at my place - number 8.”

As she got to know the other tenants it seemed that there was always somebody going somewhere interesting and happy to take Lizzie along. Arriving home she would be welcomed by the cat, now named “Bossy” for an obvious and regrettable reason. Nobody claimed it, but Lizzie didn’t bother with the rehoming agency. She wondered how she had ever found life complete without a cat. When she could spare a moment she went, accompanied by the tabby, now filled out nicely and engagingly fluffy, to lean against the garden wall and talk to Percy. He still turned his back to her and kept his distance – but she talked to him anyway.

“You’re doing a great job – for humans as well as stray cats.

Thank you for listening Percy,” she said.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS BUSINESS & NETWORKING

HEAlTH & BEAUTY

PEOPLE IN BUSINESS (PIB)

ESCENTS OF BEAUTY

We are an affordable, fun and friendly small business network group, holding monthly meetings for members who have exclusivity in their field. Our groups include Bromley, Bexley and Southwark and our monthly meet ups recommence in June.

Email pibnetwork@outlook.com or see www.pib-network.com for more information.

Looking to earn extra income? Become a business partner & earn 30-50% profit on all products. Instant sales profit every time you sell & monthly commission bonus. Work from home.

For a full list of fragrances or for more info call 07584245298 or email EScents_of_beauty@outlook.com

PRODUCTIVITY POD

HOBBIES

If you’re a small business or sole trader and work alone – or just want some incentive to get your admin, accounts or social media done, join one of the Productivity Pod’s sessions on Zoom! You continue to work with sound off but cameras ON & after the session you tell the others what you managed to get done in 45 mins!

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

THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham

CHILDREN'S CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

HOME & GARDEN

AQUAKIDS

A TOUCH A GRASS

Kick Start the summer holidays with an Intensive swim week. Monday - Friday, 26th -30th July: 9 -11am at Bromley High; 12-2pm at Green Street Green. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk

DESIGN & PRINT NICKY GRANT DESIGNS I specialise in making your business looks its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost effective service.

T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com

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

Call Vintage Scribe on 07716-837874

freebies FREE MAGAZINES Selection of home interest magazines, free to a good home. Collection from Locksbottom.

Call 07734 667797

FREE BROWN LEATHER SOFA Three seater brown leather sofa, small tear in back but generally in good used condition.

Call 07855 585690

FREE CUSHIONS Four yellow soft furnishing cushions, ideal for summer!

Good condition. Collection from Farnborough.

Call 07978 260775

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Garden Maintenance Services - private and commercial gardens. Lawn care, hedge cutting, jet washing, planting, garden clearance and communal area cleaning. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits. Call Jonny 07791 622 576 Email touchagrass@hotmail.com

SALUR METAL LTD All types of metal & plumbing work from forging, pressing, stamping and roll-forming of metal to plumbing and airconditioning installation.

Call Yakup Salur 07593 677373

PROPERTY DOUBLE ROOM FOR RENT Spacious, furnished ground floor double room for rent.

Fitted kitchen with cooker, fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave & washing machine. Shared bathroom.

Ideally located between Petts Wood and Orpington for shops and transport links. Live-in landlord. Looking for a non-smoking professional. £500 pcm including Wi-fi & bills.

Call: 07956 808209 or email br6flatshare@gmail.com

tuition CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH OR GERMAN Do you want to improve your French or German? Maybe boost your vocabulary or get better at verbal communication?

As a language teacher I offer ½ hour conversational lessons over the phone (weekends only) for £20.

Email weekendchats@mail.com with your name, a telephone number and your requirements.

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

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 29

stockists

Next month...

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 • High 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 • Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe • Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre • Orpington IT Centre • Orpington Library • Orpington Railway Station • Orpington Village Hall • Tangent Office Resources • Tesco • The Nugent Shopping Park • The Walnuts Shopping Centre • Valentine & Turner

Petts Wood

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

2021 .

ISSUE 28 JUNE

ls & launches

New shopping dea

S WITH SMART SAVING H E TEC SMART HOM

Take...?

What's Your

ington better

s making Orp

Eco-news: Kid

IN SP

UN E CO M M IR IN G TH

A TI M E PA GE AT IT Y ON E

s.co.uk

agazine www.lifeinm

Coming up in the next Issue of Life In Orpington…

• • • •

New shopping deals & launches Smart savings with smart home tech What's Your Take...?

Eco-news: Kids making Orpington better

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH MAY 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

Never miss an issue of Sign up to our newsletter

www.tinyurl.com/lionewsletter

www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk 30 Life in... Orpington May 2021

EE

Orpington

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STOCK LIFE IN ORPINGTON MAGAZINE?

or visit

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, 2021.

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. © 2021 Life In Magazines Ltd. All rights reserved.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

A Final Thought…

lifestyle

The power of relationships in business

by KRISTEL VALAYDON

It’s been over a year since the pandemic presented us with challenges, loss and situations we could never have imagined, nor will we ever forget.

As we thankfully start to enjoy the relaxed lockdown rules and begin to rebuild, it’s important to remember what positives we can take forward with us also.

Nurturing relationships in business, especially within community and networks, has always played an important role, but during a crisis or situation it becomes far more valued and certainly during the past year noticed and appreciated.

Running a business means there’s so much to consider – sales, invoicing, marketing, social media, manufacturing, suppliers – that building community through driving active, supportive and engaging communication channels can naturally slip down the priority list. Yet the benefits - teamwork, loyalty, support and collaboration - cannot be ignored, and when needed can be count upon.

As we open back up, how will you be developing and nurturing key relationships in your business through your communications?

Teams and partners – whether you’re a solopreneur or business, listening to your suppliers, partners or employees and sharing your vision for the business and direction, makes them ‘success partners’.

Not only does it ensure you’re working towards a shared goal, but also when challenges arise, you have a trusted and engaged team who will follow your leadership.

Customer comms – regular communication with your customers has become easier now with digital.

From newsletters and social media - businesses who keep regular contact with their customers, during good times and bad, not only build that valuable ‘know, like and trust’ factor – they drive loyalty and word of mouth referrals. Also don’t neglect direct mail, which has seen a resurgence as we’re receiving less post. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Community networks – in this local area alone, there is a wealth of networking communities where we can meet like-minded fellow business owners. Often we look at networking, like most relationship building activity, as transactional i.e. ‘what’s in it for me?’ – in order to justify the time spent. Building a support network and group of ambassadors, who know and understand your business and more importantly your values and approach, can prove highly beneficial when it comes to referrals.

Industry relations – are you innovative and

challenging in your approach? Can you offer a fresh or relevant perspective to your industry that could be shared? Don’t forget that every sector has an industry body providing advice and support. Could you be networking and finding your platform here for collaborations and partnerships?

Media relations and partnerships – don’t forget

local media. As we see here with Life In Magazines, every title has its own following and community and a great opportunity to work in partnership. From bloggers, networks, associations – each will have channels of communications that can be used to inform and grow your own community.

Kristel is a PR & Marketing specialist and founder of KV Communications. She also hosts Small Business Chat every Wednesday live on Facebook (@kvcomms).

May 2021 Life in... Orpington 31

THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER

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

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

100% of our customers would recommend us

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

01689 825155

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

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk