Life In Orpington September 2019

FR

ISSUE 7 . SEPTEMBER 2019

EE

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE... LOCALLY

School Open Day advice

Cut your water bill 5 minutes with Lord Harris

Win Baby Show tickets!

L WHAT

IA YOUR ESSENT

N

ND ORPINGTO

AND AROU 'S ON GUIDE IN

www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

The Secret Between NHS Why should I join Denplan?

Vs Private Dental Care Can’t get an appointment at your NHS dentist? Fed up of delays?

NHS dentistry will cover you for your bare necessities with typical prices from £22.70/£62.10/£269.30 - not always money well spent! Don’t compromise on quality, especially when the price difference may be only marginal! We even have a 24/7 Emergency Line on 07306 519191 and we open evenings and weekends.

Worried about the quality of care?

Prices of NHS treatment may be based on the lower quality, budget materials and cheaper finishes. Treatment times are rushed and some materials such as white fillings are often not even covered by the NHS. But did you know, private treatment prices are no longer much more expensive that the NHS equivalent?

Worried about costs running away?

NHS fillings are the most common form of treatment costing you £62.10. At The DenCare Clinic we charge from £50. NHS check-ups are charged at £22.70 while we charge £35 and NHS dentures cost £269.30 and we charge from £375. Our treatments are available on 0% interest payment plans to help you spread costs.

Ask Us about DenPlan Options Today t: 01689 862 416 | m: 07306 519 191 DenPlan by SimplyHealth Professionals helps keep your costs down, available from only £15 per month - covering you for 2 routine check-ups, x-rays, 2 hygiene appointments & emergencies.

You also get 10% Discount off routine treatments. Not as costly as you thought?

DENTAL & TRAVEL VACCINATION SPECIALISTS

2 Life in... Orpington September 2019

@DenCareClinic

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Welcome to Life in Orpington ...your local community magazine that has something to suit all tastes Nicky Lauretta

CONTENTS September 2019

September is here and the kids are back at school, which means that it’s heads down and business as usual!

Last month we introduced a ‘Write It, Say It, Message It’ page and we’ve had a great response – thank you to all that sent us their comments, emails and tagged us on social media. Keep your messages coming…there’s a couple of cinema tickets to be won each month for the stand out message.

Community News

Getting to know Orpington....................... 4 Write it, say it, message it PRIZE GIVEAWAY.................................... 7 Noticeboard.............................................. 8 Charity watch......................................... 10 Local heroes........................................... 12 Orpington in focus.................................. 14

Meanwhile, our Parenting section (page 26) offers a special feature on school open days for September and October, which might be of use.

As usual, we’ve got a great mix of competitions in this month’s issue including five pairs of tickets to The Baby Show at London’s Olympia when you complete the crossword and send us the anagram solution.

What’s On This month ............................................. 16

Finally, congratulations to last month’s winners – Christine Thitheridge and John Southern who each won magnetic bib clips, Susan Fisher who was the crossword winner and picked up five packs of Native Wildflower Beebombs, Maureen Hillier won the VUE tickets and Douglas_1945 who signed up to our newsletter to win a free goody bag from Picturehouse. Sign up to our newsletter at tinyurl.com/lionewsletter to keep up to date with all the latest news from Life In Orpington.

Lifestyle Crossword - PRIZE GIVEAWAY.............. 22 Health & beauty...................................... 24 Parenting................................................ 26 Home & garden...................................... 28 Travel...................................................... 30 Eco news................................................ 33 Shopping ............................................... 35 A final thought........................................ 36 Useful contacts...................................... 38

Until next month, live, love, life….locally!

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

Published by: Life In Magazines

NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 12TH SEPT

COVER IMAGE: 3G'S FRUIT & VEG STALL, ORPINGTON

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...

What’s your favourite sweet treat?

Nicky: Haagen Daz Salted Caramel Ice Cream Lauretta: Batch 37 Red Liquorice lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@lifeinmags September 2019 Life in... Orpington 3

Community News

GettingOrpington to know

Following on from our brief summary of travel in the April edition, we would like to expand on the topics in that first article and present a series of three articles over the next three months; roads, buses and trains.

by gangs of robbers or highwaymen! It’s not surprising that people didn’t travel much, and lots wouldn’t ever go beyond the boundary of their parishes!

Our district and most of the Kent and Sussex region didn’t have a canal system so it wouldn’t be until the mid to late 1800s before the railway arrived to provide any alternative.

Omnibuses started to also arrive in the late 1800s. When the automobile arrived in the early 1900s the demand for better roads and clearer routes became a priority.

In the 1920’s Orpington (and all of greater London) was expanding. The suburbs were increasing and a strategy for a road network to cope with the technological advances in automobiles was top of the development and planning agenda. As part of this strategy a main arterial road was planned to run from Foots Cray through the Cray Valley and past Orpington to Pollhill to connect with the A21 road and on to Sevenoaks. On the West of the District the road was built from Pollhill to Locksbottom. In 1924 work started on what we call the Orpington, Cray and Farnborough bypasses including Spur Road. The roads, the railway bridge at St Mary Cray were predominantly constructed by local Civil Engineers, Fordyce Bros, of St Mary Cray.

It’s hard to comprehend what travelling was like over 150 years ago. The car, bus, train and plane had not been invented. Travel was by foot, horse, cart or carriage.

The condition of the road system was average and used techniques not changed much since Roman days. During adverse weather roads could literally be washed away! As a result, people didn’t travel much, and local tolls had to be charged to keep the roads in as good a condition as possible. Of course, people did travel and the image at the top of the article shows an old ordnance survey map of the area with the key roads, highlighted in blue, that our residents would have depended on to get to the various locations listed. ‘Trunk’ routes from London to significant towns in Kent and the Sussex Coast passed through or close to the district. Most would get you to Rochester, Chatham, Dover, Folkestone, Rye and Hastings via such places as Maidstone, Tonbridge and Lamberhurst.

A horse drawn cart or People travelling, the coachmen and carriage could be an their horses needed places to stop and enduring 2-day journey from towns and villages had important Inns, London to Hastings or Dover! coach houses and stables.

Did you know?

It could take 2 hours or more to travel from Orpington to Bromley or Bexley

We have a view given to us nowadays of picturesque perfectly presented horses, carriages etc all moving around between villages and towns. The reality contrasts with this. Travelling was a risky business. Road conditions were poor; the vast majority of carriages and carts were made from wood and would break down often; horses were undernourished and would become lame during a journey.

If you were lucky to survive that you faced being held up

4 Life in... Orpington September 2019

Even after the roads of the 1920s and 1930s, further roads were planned for the area but none apart from the M25 and its spur at Hewitt’s Roundabout have been developed. This includes a bypass for Orpington High Street planned to run behind the High street and a proposed motorway extension that would have cut through Chelsfield and Green Street Green The next article will cover how the omnibus transformed travel between the district’s towns and villages.

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

OWN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE OR THINKING OF BUYING ONE? DON’T RUN OUT OF JUICE!

HAVE AN ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING POINT INSTALLED

If you move home or buy a second-hand electric car, you won’t automatically be supplied with a charging point from the car manufacturer.

Contact us to book your installation

Stevenson HEATING LIMITED

www.stevensonheating.co.uk Call us on

THERE ARE LIKELY TO BE 1.7 MILLION ELECTRIC CARS ON UK ROADS BY 2021 OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • New or replacement boiler installations • Servicing and repairs • Power flushing • Warm air heating servicing • Landlord gas safety inspections/ certificates • Electrical installations and repairs • Electric vehicle charging points • Plumbing repairs • Air conditioning

020 8462 8822 or email info@stevensonheating.co.uk

StevensonHeatingLtd lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@StevensonHtg

@Stevensonheating September 2019 Life in... Orpington 5

www.jkphysio.co.uk

www.locksbottompodiatry.co.uk

EXPERT PHYSIOTHERAPY & PODIATRY Latest techniques and technology.

Bespoke treatment plans to suit you.

Time to understand your specific needs.

No waiting list.

01689 852483 411 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent BR6 8NL 6 Life in... Orpington September 2019

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Write It, Say It, Message It! Petts Woo

Ta very much

n, Dear Life In Orpingto featuring the Thank you so much for held in May at s wa t tha n itio hib Ex Art re overwe We h. urc All Saints' Ch to welcome whelmed and delighted event over that over 600 people to the to thank you like uld weekend. We wo t you played in tha t par the for ch so mu successful. making the event so Birse With best wishes, Lesley

d fan Hi Nicky and La uretta, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading yo ur magazine. I'm a Petts Wood M um of 2 (aged 5 and almost 3) an d find it so useful to find out wh at is going on locally. It's reall y interesting an d informative. Th ank you. Keep up the great work !

Community News Spotted on social..

Erica Mullen

Overheard in a cab Friend 1: "Wow, you smell amazing!"

Friend 2: (starts laughing) "Well, there's got to be an upside to just tripping over the perfume display in Boots!"

Speedy Cars

Orpingto

n Poem Dear Life in Magazines, I thought you might like my poem about Orpington. I am a member of the Orpington Croft Poetry Club Yours, Maureen Hillier Orpington

WINNER

by Maureen Hillier

ton I’ll tell you about Orping say to ch mu so re’s the Well and stay for a day?

Why not come and visit between ets with many shops in We have two supermark n bee r eve its t , the bes Then a visit to our library you need a trim Plenty of hairdressers if e you could try our gym Or if you want to exercis m our pool is not far swi a like Should you feel new cinema our Or sit back and relax in in for a treat ’re you , gry hun go to No need you can eat ere wh s ant aur With so many rest take uld wo all it A few minute’s stroll is e lak l gica ma our in ks To feed the duc rch is very close there Our twelfth century chu perhaps say a prayer You could sit for a while, y one day? onl in Just too much to do why don’t you stay? us, t me ’ve you t tha So now

And the winner is Maureen Hillier

WIN

Congratulations, the Vue cinema tickets are on their way to you!

win a pair of tickets to Vue Bromley! r from you...

For your chance to win, we want to hea

TWO TICK

Got something to shout about? Maybe you want to respond to a particular 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 (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) @lifeinmags Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

ETS Follow us & tag us at

@lifeinmags to get our attention

Prize donated by

BROMLEY September 2019 Life in... Orpington 7

Community News - NOTICEBOARD Arts in Care Homes Day

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes Day is being celebrated on the 24th September and Creative Mojo Dartford, Bromley and Orpington, in association with NAPA , have developed a new project based on Gardens Around the Worl d. Local care homes are being asked to get involved in producin g some elements of the four gard en projects - Moroccan Garden, Nong Nooch Thai Botanical Garden, A Dutc h Keukenhof Tulip Garden and a Duba i Miracle Garden. These projects will then be exhibited in chosen hom es and other communal spaces from 24th September onwards. Foxbridge House Care Home in Orpington will be taking part. For the full list see www.creativemojo.com/find-a-clas s

POSITIVE PATHS…

teamed Chartwell Cancer Trust have Crystal Palace Park and The k on Sunday 29th Wal red nso Spo Path itive up to organise a 5k Pos Cancer refurbishment of the Endoscopy September to raise funds for e new has purc to and ersity Hospital Unit at The Princess Royal Univ cer and can ng you p kee to d igne des pioneering robot technology dship with school life, education, frien leukaemia patients connected istration for the Reg nt. tme trea ergo und and normality as they children under 12 free. See walk costs £5 per person with call 01959 570322 for details. or uk .co. rust cert www.chartwellcan

Bromley Business Award

t Crookedot FoBrgilotle e h T : n e tt o rg o F Not free talk ‘N be presenting a

s The annual business awards for businesses within the Borough of Bromley are com ing up, culminating in a gala dinner on Thursda y 7th November.

Entries are free and close at 5pm on 6th September.

For details visit www.bromleyaw ards.com

ll use Jennie Randall wi London Open Ho Billet’ as part of d ke Jennie . m 0a .3 10 at ten – The Croo r st Septembe 21 ay rd tu d Billet, Sa ke on oo Weekend when the Cr what happened of y years or 66 st e w, th ho ll d te will ck by a V2 an ru st s wa le, op at commemor ed packed with pe jured were to be in d an to led kil e later, thos ade after the talk . A visit will be m ue from aq lk pl wa ue t bl or a with llet, a sh on the Crooked Bi , St. ial or om Ro em m en e rd th Ga e e se ll be held at th wi t en 8AT. ev 2 e BR Th , . , Bromley the church uthborough Lane So , ch ur Ch e’s in August 542261. ation call 07840For more inform

Old Orpington

Community call Jo Johnson MP recently visited Sainsbury’s Locksbottom to meet with store manager, Mij Rahman, and his and team to find out what local initiatives : said Mij g. ortin supp is e stor the charities son John “It was a pleasure showing Jo around the store and discussing our a efforts to help local charities. Making is ity mun com the to e positive differenc do at always at the forefront of what we with k wor our by n show as y’s, Sainsbur n.” ngto Orpi in tre Cen rose Prim The

8 Life in... Orpington September 2019

al news

c share lo

All Saints’ Church in Bark Hart Road (BR6 0QD) is delighted to present over 80 paintings of Orpington circa 1900 when the town was still a village.

To see and purchase the pictures visit www.allsaintsorpington.org.uk and click on the link ‘Paintings of Orpington.’

For more information call 01689 872317.

Feature on the

Community Noticeboard!

Free community and charity events are listed free of charge or there is fee of £20. email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Community News - NOTICEBOARD

NEW UL TRASOU SPECIA ND CLIN LISING IC I N BABY S - NOW O CANS PEN IN ORPING

TON

• Same appoinday tments • Early s cans • Gende r scans • 4D sca ns • Easy o bookin nline g

www.ba byvue.co .uk 01689 8 30426

Petts Wood train station Bloomed!

Congratulations to Petts Wood train station for winning the 'Best Garden Award' 2019 for Southeastern in Bloom.

Eynsford train station came second and Elmstead Woods was Runner up for 'Best Community Project'.

Sevenoaks also got a special mention from the judges.

Olly Stone has been crowned Bromley’s Got Talent winner 2019! The 14 -year old went on to win the 6th annual talent sh ow, which raises fun ds for Cystic Fibrosis, beating off stiff competition. Oll y said: “I couldn’t believe it when they called ou t that I’d won. I’m thrilled to be crowned the winner and want to continue my passion for singin g with any new opportunities tha t come my way.” Next stop for Olly? It might be ITV’s The Voice, as the TV show has been in touch as king for the winners’ details. Wa tch this space!

GOODMAN DOES GOOD

Deborah Goodman from Crofton, Orpington has been appointe d Vice President Public Relations at her local Toastmasters club, Bromley Speakers. After losing four family members to a hereditary neurological condition, Deborah started to raise money and awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Association, trekking on the Great Wall of China, the Inca Trial to Machu Picchu in Peru and summited Mount Kilimanjaro. After raising over £20,000 she took on another colossal challenge, writing and publishing her autobiography, Hummingbird, and was then invited to give talks at Bromley College and Park Langley Girls School. Deborah said: “I think I did an OK job, but I’d never done anything like that before and I realised that I definitely needed some help with public speaking, so I joined Bromley Speakers and I haven’t looked back.” Bromley Speakers is a non-profit organisation and was founded in 1992 as a local group of Toastmasters International. The group meets at Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley on the first, third and fifth Thursdays of the month, at 7.15pm. For details see www.bromleyspeakers.co.uk or email vppublicrelations@bromleyspeakers.co.uk

Orpington village halls art workshop

A sixth evening of art hosted by Orpington Villag e Halls, took place on 28th June. Led by the expert guidance of local artist Emil Nikolla, (runner-up Sky Portrait of the Year Artist 2016 /18), the students were taught how to create their very own masterpie ce using acrylic on canvas, inspired by the famous Ballerina series

by Edgar Degas. www.orpingtonvillagehall.org.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Olly’s Got Talent!

charity r o f f f o Tee hosting Centre is

6th rose The Prim lf day on Friday lub. o C g lf ty o ri G a t h ac islehurs er at Ch e from b c n m e te m p e m S nt will co nd bacon rolls The eve ea n ith coffe w a shotgu m 11.30a e prior to petition in s u o h b in the clu Stableford com p. pm. handica start at 1 4 playing off full sive lu c in f o n o teams per pers -course t is £75 h a three it The cos w r, e n team in d d n d a n l a a of golf Individu . m p 7 , t d e dinner a be award .co.uk prizes to centre e s ro m ri fo@p 0218.

Email in 1689 88 or call 0

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 9

Community News - CHARITY WATCH Is there a cost?

Raising Awareness….

The average parent contribution is £35 per month in subs which breaks down to around £5 per hour for a specialist service. If families are experiencing serious financial difficulties we will support them to get assistance through welfare benefits, direct payments and/or allocate them a free place. Parent contributions do not cover the cost of a child's place at CASPA and cover less than one quarter of our overall expenditure. The rest we have to raise.

What service do you provide?

We help support children and young people with autism and social communication conditions. We do this primarily through social clubs, holiday activities, residential trips, specialist trampolining, science and technology programmes, independent living skills projects and preemployment work, as well as family support and training to schools and employers around neurodiversity and inclusion.

We give our children a place where they can be themselves, try new activities and meet like-minded people. We enable them to develop their skills and self-worth through participation in inspirational experiences on a weekly basis for many years. At CASPA, our children with autism have access to the things that other families take for granted and that all children deserve - mostly fun and friendship!

Who is it available to?

How are you funded?

We do not receive any money from local or central government, so we have an extensive community fundraising programme consisting of hundreds of supporters throughout the year taking on challenges and organising events including running, climbing mountains, sky-diving, fire-walking, summer fetes, afternoon teas and our annual fundraising ball. We also continually apply to trusts and foundations (such as Children in Need or Comic Relief) and receive generous donations from local companies and we are supported by organisations like The Rotary and the Masons.

Do you accept donations?

Children and young people aged 0-25 (although, as it is the only place many of our young adults can get support, our oldest young person is currently 32!). We do not require a formal diagnosis; the majority of our children will be able to engage in small group activities with a 3:1 ratio of children to staff, we do have some children with 1-2-1 support.

Yes - monetary donations are the most useful due to the high costs of running our services, but we are always open to taking new volunteers or resources and equipment as well as support with finding good venues to use.

How else can people help?

By sharing our information and links to promote our work such as the Community Café Project, and our GoFundMe page - www.gofundme.com/caspa-community-cafe

www.babyvue.co.uk

Tel: 016 8983 0426 SPECIAL OFFER

30% OFF 4D SCANS USE CODE: BV30

Early/Dating Scan 6-15 weeks | £79

Gender Scan 16-22 weeks | £59

Growth & Presentation Scan 24-40 weeks | £69

Quick Peek/ Reassurance Scan 16-40 weeks | £49

Why choose us? l Your baby’s health is our number one priority. l Our sonographers are qualified professionals who have experience working at NHS hospitals and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). l If we find anything concerning we will refer you to your local NHS for the care you need. l Longer appointment times so our customers don’t feel rushed. l Big screen projector and multiple big screen TV’s. l Outstanding customer service, feedback and reviews. l The best cutting edge equipment and technology. l BabyVue is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). l Quiet location with free parking. l New, clean, modern clinic. l Less than 10 minutes walk from Orpington train station. l Same day appointments available.

BabyVue, 2 Kelvin Parade, Andover Road, Orpington, BR6 8BS.

10 Life in... Orpington September 2019

Classic 4D

24-32 weeks | £99

Special 4D

24-32 weeks | £119

Deluxe 4D

24-32 weeks | £139

*See website or give us a call for a complete list of additional services & extras included with each different scan.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

188 GROOM BARBERS SPECIALISTS IN MALE GROOMING

UPGRADED LOYALTY CARD £2 OFF SECOND VISIT FREE HAIRWASH ON 3RD VISIT 50% OFF SELECTED PRODUCTS ON 6TH VISIT OFFER OF THE MONTH ON 7TH VISIT FREE HAIRCUT ON 9TH VISIT

188 High Street Orpington, BR6 0JW

01689 898915

Orpington Band Welcomes New Adult Members in September

@188groombarbers

Have fun playing Brass, Sax or Woodwind in the Beginners Section or in the Main Band for players with experience. If you would like to learn to play a musical instrument here is your opportunity. Play a blowing instrument with no previous knowledge, starting in September.

If you already have some playing experience and want to join others you can expect a warm welcome. Many members of the main band play with beginners, helping them to improve their playing.

The Band meets on Mondays – Beginners 7 – 7.30 pm | Main Band 7.30 – 9.30 pm 2019 -2020 Term and New Members from September 7.00pm £50 for a term St. Mary’s Church Centre, Worlds End Lane Green St. Green, Orpington BR6 6AG Musical Director: Roy Garman Tel: 01689 854657 roygarman@btinternet.com www.orpingtonband.co.uk Come for a two-week trial before you pay

FREE

ISSUE 2

. APRIL 2019

FREE

ISSUE 3 . MAY

Never miss an issue of

LLY. E, LIFE... LOCA

LIVE, LOV

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE...

2019

LOCALLY

TRY OUR NIGHT THURSDAY SUPPER CLUB Page 12

NT!

SURE HU

EA STER TR

EA

HEALTH &

BEAUTY

FRE

E

WIN...

Sign up to our newsletter

https://tinyurl.com/lionewsletter

YOUR

AT'S ON

TIAL WH

ESSEN

IN GUIDE

OUND

AND AR

. JULY 2019

LOCAL HEROES

FR

ISSUE 6 . AUGUST 2019

EE

POSITIVE PARE

NTING

WIN...

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE... LOCALLY

A PAIR OF CINEM A TICKE

GTON

TS

ORPIN

YOUR ESSENTIAL WHAT'S ON GUIDE IN ANDStress AROUND ORPINGTON free travel tips zines.co.uk

maga www.lifein

garden jobs gazinefor august s.co.uk

www.lifeinma

IT'S THE

or visit

what's on this summe r Burglary prev ention

UE! ITION ISS

COMPET

ET TO ILY TICK M WIN A FAMAS TREE FAR - page 3 CHRISTM

the Win tickets topage 9 -

GARDEN

www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

IDEAS

SUMMER G RECYCLIN BEAUTY GUIDE TO HNOLOGY

BOT NEW RO

YOUR

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

ISSUE 5

ETS CINEMA TICK A PAIR OF SET HERAPY GIFT AN AROMAT HAMPER CLEANING www.tharath LOCALLY ai.co.u A SPRING see page 39 E, LIFEk...

LIVE, LOV

ES

IAL SENT

T'S ON WHA

OUND

D AR

E IN AN

GUID

TEC

GTON

ORPIN

s.co.uk

agazine

inm www.life

YOUR ESSENTIAL WHAT'S ON GUIDE

IN AND AROUND ORPINGTON www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 11

Community News

Local Heroes...

5 Minutes With...

Lord Harris

Nominated by Chandra Sharma, FSB Bromley Borough Rep Chandra says “Lord Harris is an amazing man who continues to do a lot of work for schools and communities.

He’s a prominent local figure with an illustrious business career stretching back decades and has a keen involvement in charitable work.”

Lord Harris - tell us a little about your background.

In 1957 when I was 15, I took over the running of the family business, which consisted of three carpet shops.

By 1977 they had increased to 93 shops and later that year I acquired Queensway Discount Warehouse. In 1978 I successfully floated the Harris Queensway Group and I then went on to set up Carpetright, which was floated in 1993. In 2014, I retired as Chairman of Carpetright. I am the Chairman of Harris Ventures Ltd and a major supporter of many charities.

I was voted the Ernst & Young UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007 and went on to represent the UK at the World Entrepreneur of the Year. I am also a lifelong supporter of Arsenal FC of which I am now a non-executive director.

What charities are you involved in?

One of the privileges of wealth is being able to give it away and from the start my wife, Pauline, and I decided we would donate 20% of whatever we had to charitable causes, particularly those relating to cancer. We raised money for the first breast scanner in Britain.

My wife is one of the most successful fundraisers for the NSPCC. At Princess Diana’s request, we supported Birthright, a charity dedicated to improving the health of women and babies (it is now called Wellbeing of Women) - there are now six Harris Birthright Centres in the country. We felt we should also do something for our own local town, Orpington, where Harris Queensway was one of the biggest employers, so I contributed to a new Hospice - Harris HospisCare, which offers palliative care to terminally

12 Life in... Orpington September 2019

ill cancer patients. It has since merged with St Christopher’s Hospice, but the Harris name survives.

What other community-related projects have you been involved in?

My real passion in the second half of my life has been the Harris Federation of academy schools. In 1989 I was asked to sponsor a failing comprehensive in Crystal Palace, which I transformed into one of the first City Technical Colleges (CTCs).

When we started the pass rate (five GCSEs including Maths and English) was 9%. Discipline and attendance were terrible and many of the kids that emerged were basically unemployable.

Five years later the pass rate was 57% and we won the award for most improved school in the country. Today, the pass rate is over 90% and it is now one of the most popular schools in the country. There are now 47 Harris Academies, mostly in South London. Many of these were failing schools when we took them on; today over half are rated ‘outstanding’ and two are rated ‘world class’. As I am dyslexic and know the struggles dyslexic children face, I insisted that all our Harris schools have fully equipped dyslexia centres and all the children have access to special needs education.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m up at 6.30am and I’m kept busy visiting schools giving motivational talks to the children. When I visit the schools I always talk to the children first before speaking to the Heads; you find out more from the children.

I have been an active member of the

House of Lords since 1996, often speaking about schools and education and spending many hours lobbying for crucial votes.

What’s been your proudest moment?

The best job I’ve ever had was in 1990 when Margaret Thatcher asked me to become chairman of Guys and Lewisham Hospital Trust. In the first two years we cut costs by 20% saving £20 million a year - and treated 60,000 more patients. My proudest moment was when my portrait replaced Thomas Guys’ portrait in the boardroom.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

Changing children’s’ lives. Helping other people and keeping people motivated. My favourite day of the year is Sports day in July at Crystal Palace.

Our schools are heavily involved in sports and the children enjoy it nearly as much as I do!

What plans do you have for the future? What are your hopes?

I hope that we can improve the UK’s education, not only for our schools but for all schools. Children get one chance at an education, I think the main emphasis should be on motivating the children and discipline. Other than that I hope to carry on with business and enjoying life!

DID YOU KNOW...

The FSB will be working with the Harris Beckenham Academy in October where students meet businesses.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

STOREY’S LTD ANTIQUARIAN MAP AND PRINT DEALERS

Tel. 0207 836 3777

Email: storeysltd@btinernet.com | www.storeysltd.co.uk

Situated between Covent Garden and Leicester Square and close to Charing Cross Railway Station, Storey’s has been in business since 1984.

Owned and managed by the Kingswood family of Bromley. The business specialises in antique maps and prints from the 17th century until 1918. The website showcases a very wide variety of maps and prints held in stock. Subjects include Botanicals, Caricatures, Sports, Military and Naval.

A custom framing service is offered, with a wide selection of mouldings to choose from.

A visit to the shop is highly recommended to browse.

STOREY’S LTD 1 & 3 Cecil Court, Charing Cross Road London WC2N 4EZ

Email: storeysltd@btinternet.com www.storeysltd.co.uk

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

10%

DISC

OUNT

Is off e of a c red on pr esen opy o tatio f th when spen is magaz n ine d i n g£ and u pwar 50.00 ds.

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 13

Community News Orpington in

Focus

UKHospitality challenged MPs up and down the country to work in their local hospitality venues to showcase the work that goes into keeping pubs, hotels and casual dining businesses alive - and the importance of supporting hospitality workers. Jo Johnson, MP, recently headed to Orpington’s The Buff to pull a few pints and chat with the locals.

Council updates •

The ambition to have a ten year plan to ensure that the council will have net zero emissions by 2029 was unanimously approved following a Council Motion in July. Work to move towards the net zero emission target will include tree planting, an energy efficiency programme, expanding renewable energy and LED street lighting, and other initiatives.

• Ade Adetosoye OBE was confirmed to the post of Chief Executive of Bromley Council at its Full Council meeting. Mr Adetosoye has been preparing a new strategic vision for the council entitled ‘Transforming Bromley’; a four-year programme designed to completely overhaul the borough’s six main business areas: housing; adult social care, children’s services and education, environment and community services; professional services and workplace modernisation.

•

A planning application to develop a London Aerospace and Technology College (LATC) at Biggin Hill was approved with conditions by Bromley Council's Development Control Committee in July. The application, submitted by London South East Colleges (LSEC), proposed that the college be constructed on the South Camp area. The applicant, working in partnership with London Biggin Hill Airport (LBHA), intends to locate the college at the junction of Main Road and Churchill Way, which forms part of the Biggin Hill Strategic Outer London Growth Area (SOLDC). A separate application proposing minor revisions and amendments to a scheme for a hotel with 56 bedrooms to facilitate the development of the application site for education purposes was also approved.

Roadworks On 5th September part of Orpington High Street will be closed as Thames Water carries out works.

Tubbenden Lane South will undergo roadworks from 5th-7th September. Delays are likely.

From 7th-11th September Thames Water will be working on the A223 Sevenoaks Road. There will be traffic controls and delays are expected.

Crofton Lane will be closed from 7th-8th September as T-Mobile installs a telecoms post.

SGN are undertaking gas works in Charterhouse Road from 16th September- 18th October. Delays are likely.

BT is undertaking works in Newstead Avenue between 9th-13th September. The road will be closed so allow extra time for diversions.

Eldred Road will be closed as SGN will be updating its network in the road between 2nd-20th September.

From 23rd-27th September, UK Power Networks will be carrying out works on the A232 Station Road. Delays are likely as temporary multi-way traffic control systems are installed.

Delays are possible on the A232 Crofton Road from 9th-13th September as BT carries out works.

14 Life in... Orpington September 2019

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Community News

Transport

There will be no Southeastern services to or from London Victoria on Sunday 1st September due to engineering works.

On Sunday 8th September buses replace trains between Lewisham and Orpington.

Alterations to late night Southeastern services will run from Monday 9 to Friday 13 September. After 23:55, services between London Charing Cross / London Cannon Street and Orpington will be unable to stop at Lewisham. Buses will run between New Cross and Hither Green / Orpington.

Buses replace trains between Lewisham and Orpington/Dartford on Sunday 22nd, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

POLICE UPDATES Farnborough & Crofton Cuppa with a Copper An opportunity to have a Cuppa with your local Cops 1:30pm-2:30pm, 2nd September at Crofton Bakery, Crofton Road 12pm-1pm, 10th September, Americarlos, High Street Farnborough Community event Where a local Safer Neighbourhoods team attends an event in the community.

12pm-3pm, 7th September at Farnborough Village Fair 3:30pm-5pm, 13th September, Darrick Wood Community Centre Crime Prevention Stall A one-to-one consultation session in conjunction with crime prevention advice.

3pm-4pm, 19th Septmber, Sainsburys Locksbottom 12.30pm-1.30pm, 27th September, PRUH restaurant entrance For more information email Farnborough.crofton.snt@met.police.uk

Sometimes it’s all about the simple things in life; cosy surroundings, great company and decent grub. And that’s what we strive to offer.

If simple, tasty food is on your menu of choice (all seasonal and all freshly made), then pop over to our traditional country pub in Downe to sample our mouthwatering mains.

We simply make stuff that tastes good.

01689 889030

Call us on to ask about our specials or to book a table.

www.georgeanddragondowne.com Two meals for

£14.00

from our menu Every Wednesday twelve till two thirty lifeinmagazines.co.uk

We now have a separate delicious

vegetarian/vegan Menu, all homemade

Friday night is burger night

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 15

what's on - SEPTEMBER 2019 ARTS & CRAFTS

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

Free Demo Liquitex Basics w/ Pouring medium Saturday 7th September

11am - 3pm (every 30 minutes) Mixta London, 230 High Street, Bromley BR1 1PQ Cost: Free Contact: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1343061429180002/ Professional artist Kin O'Neil will guide you through a great experience using techniques in acrylic. Demo is suitable for all levels including professional artists looking to expand their knowledge in acrylic. This activity is on a first come first serve basis, no booking available.

Crochet & Knitting Eco Crafts Social Club Last Thursday of the month

7.45pm - 9.45pm Mixta London, 230 High Street, Bromley BR1 1PQ Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/ events/355910055085823/ A monthly Crochet & Knitting social group. Bring a project that you are working on or come and help us make reusable face scrubbies, dishcloths, market bags, sponge replacements and lots more. Beginners welcome, you will be able to learn from the event hosts. We will mostly be using cotton yarn for any Eco Projects .

Craft & Chat

Every Monday

2pm - 3.45pm Petts Wood Library Cost: Free Contact: www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Bring along a craft project that you are working on, talk to other like minded people and exchange tips and tricks.

community & charity events Forget-Me-Not Survivors of suicide loss

Meet the first Thursday of every month

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

Bromley Speakers Club

1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of each month

Meetings start at 7.15pm and finish at 9.30pm (except where stated - see website).

Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, BR1 2PX Cost: Free Contact: vppublicrelations@bromleyspeakers.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/BromleySpeakers www.BromleySpeakers.co.uk Practise your speaking skills and improve your confidence with a friendly and supportive group at Bromley Speakers.

Guests are welcome to come along free of charge and will be greeted with a warm welcome.

Digital Drop-in

Every Tuesday during term-time.

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

9.30am - 11.30am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub A free drop-in for parents/adults that need help with technology, getting online or using web applications. Run

by PotentialME CIC.

Natty Knitters

Hard of Hearing Club

Crafty Crochet

First Wednesday of the month

Last Tuesday of the month

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

16 Life in... Orpington September 2019

Every First Tuesday of the month

11am - 12pm Petts Wood Library, Frankswood Avenue, Petts Wood BR5 1BP Cost: Free Contact: 01689 821607 Email: pettswoodlibrary@gll.org Share experiences over a cup of coffee. The programme may include arts and crafts, games, quizzes, readings, talks, practising or learning basic sign language etc.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Bromley Friendship Centre

Every 2nd Wednesday of each month

1.30pm for 2pm 4th Floor Hall of Bromley Central Library Cost: Annual subscription £15 and monthly visits £2 Looking for a way to meet new friends? We normally have a speaker and end with a cup of tea and biscuit. Regular activities include lunches, outings and theatre visits.

Orpington 'Drop In' Parkinson's Café 3rd Thursday of each month

10.30am - 12.30pm Sanctuary Café, Orpington Baptist Church, Station Road BR6 0RZ Cost: Free Contact: 0344 225 3622 www.localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk Pop in for a cuppa and a chat, share information, experiences and meet new friends.

Orpington Unit St John Ambulance Volunteer First Aid Training Every Tuesday

7.15pm - 9pm Park Road, St Mary Cray BR5 4AS Cost: Free Contact: John Matthews John.Matthews1@sja.org.uk The Orpington Unit meets on Tuesday evenings for the volunteers to learn and develop their first aid skills in preparation for providing first aid at local events in and around Orpington.

family & kids Teen Parents Group Every Friday

1pm - 3pm Blenheim Children and Family Centre, Blenheim Rd, BR6 9BH Cost: Free Contact: 01843 447177 Pregnant or a parent aged 19 or under? A fun, informal group offering advice and support with money, socialising & positive behaviour strategies with your child. Free crèche, free lunch and the possibility of free driving lessons.

Lego Club

First and second Saturday of the month

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

Just Babies

Every Tuesday

1.30pm - 3.30pm St Nicholas Church,14 Leamington Avenue BR6 9QB Cost: Free Contact: Rosemary Fordyce on 01689 854 261 or rosemaryian@btinternet.com New mothers share their experiences and offer each other support. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

what's on - SEPTEMBER 2019 Home-ed Group

Every Tuesday & Thursday during term-time.

9:30am – 11.45am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free but must be a home-schooled child Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Various weekly classes and structured sessions designed to teach children everyday learning.

Life Self-coaching

Every Monday from 16th September until 14th October

9:30am – 11.30am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free but space must be pre-booked Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub A basic course designed to teach adults how to live a more positive life.

Family Safeguarding

Every Wednesday from 18th September until 16th October

9:30am – 11.30am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free but space must be pre-booked Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub A basic safeguarding course designed to teach parents and carers how to safeguard their families.

Child-minder Drop-in

Every Monday during term-time

9:30am – 11.30am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Voluntary donation of £1 Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub A stay-and-play session for minded children. Max of 4 children per adult.

Tiny Tots Playgroup

Every Tuesday during term-time

9:30am – 11am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub Baby & toddler group which has a variety of toys for all ages between 0 & 5 years old. Free snacks are provided.

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 17

what's on - SEPTEMBER 2019 Tiny Tots Active

Every Thursday during term-time

9:30am – 11am Oasis Community Hub, St Mary Cray Primary Academy, High Street, St Mary Cray, BR5 4AR Cost: Free Contact: 07899 923052 Email: oasis@st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk www.st-marycray.bromley.sch.uk/oasis-hub A free-play toddler group with focus on running around and being active. Better suited to those who have learnt to walk. Free snacks are provided.

FESTIVALS, fetes & fairs Farnborough Fayre

Saturday 7th September

12pm - 5pm Church Fields, Farnborough Village With plenty for all the family, Farnborough Fayre promises to be bigger and better than before, so you really don’t want to miss out! All monies raised from this event will go towards helping to run another beloved village tradition the Grand Christmas Switch On 2019. And, also helping Demelza Hospice Care for Children to provide specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions and their loved ones, so they can enjoy their time together as a family, for as long as they have.

Halstead Autumn Show & Fete Saturday 7th September

1pm - 4.30pm Halstead Village Hall, Knockholt Road, Halstead Cost: £1 entry (under 16s free). All proceeds go to the upkeep of Halstead Village Hall. www.halsteadparish.org.uk/community Stalls in the Grounds Open 1:00pm. Horticultural Show in the Hall Open 1:45pm. Bacon rolls; toy stall; side shows; craft stalls; ice cream van; pie stall; crime prevention advice; tombola; white elephant; crocks smash; raffle; cakes and refreshments; live music. Horticultural exhibits; auction of produce at 3:45pm.

history John Ruskin's Orpington Connections: Allen, Lubbock & Darwin Runs until Monday 30th September

Bromley Central Library Cost: Free Contact: 020 3931 0900 An exhibition celebrating John Ruskin's bicentennial year, looking at his connections with the local area based on his associations with three residents: George Allen, Sir John Lubbock and Charles Darwin. The exhibits are drawn from Allen's archive in conjunction with Bromley Council's Lubbock Collection, the collection at Down House, and supplemented by the archive of The Orpington History Organisation.

18 Life in... Orpington September 2019

mARKETS Chislehurst Farmers Market Third Sunday of the month

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

music, dance & film Free Family Film Festival Sunday 1st September

10.30am - 6pm The Mansion, Beckenham Place Park, BR3 1SY Cost: Free Contact: www.mansionmovies.com Everyone is welcome at this one-day celebration of cinema in the community. Come and enjoy animation workshops, special effects make up workshop, storytelling, arts & crafts activities, a giant kaleidoscope, food, music and of course a fantastic line-up of films for the whole family!

Live Music Afternoon

Tuesday 24th September

2.30pm - 5pm (Doors Open 2pm) Crofton Halls, Crofton Road, BR6 8PR (Next to Train & Bus Station) Cost: £10, (First Visit; £5.00) Members £8 Contact: John Parker; 01689 876800 or Geraldine Knight; 01689 837044 Email: JohnParker2A@Gmail.com www.organfax/clubs/orpington Orpington Keyboard Club welcomes you to an afternoon of live music! Come, relax and be entertained by Ian Griffin and witness the marvels of modern technology, with close-up video presentation onto a large projection screen of the artiste and his amazing instrument! Free parking, disabled facilities, refreshments and raffle during interval.

Scottish Dancing Beginners Classes for Adults

Orpington and District Caledonian Society​ Every Monday evening during term times 8pm10:15pm, from Monday 9th September.

St Paul's Church Hall, Crofton Road BR6 8JE Cost £5.50 (1st session free!)

Contact: www.orpingtonscottishdancing.com Our friendly teachers & experienced dancers will help you learn the steps, formations and dances. Come on your own or with friends for a FREE Taster Session. No partner needed. You can be assured of a warm welcome & lots of fun!

Orpington Recorded Music Society

Alternate Mondays from 2nd September

7.45pm The Orpington Conservative Association, 6 Sevenoaks lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Road, BR6 9JJ Cost: Free to attend the first meeting Contact: Dennis Nicholas for details (after 6pm) 01689 827284 Friendly people and great music. The programme is now available until December.

what's on - SEPTEMBER 2019 www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Walks are led by trained volunteer leaders and provide a friendly and sociable atmosphere. No booking needed, but if it is your first visit please arrive ten minutes before.

Music From The Movies

This Mum Runs

7pm (Doors open at 6.30pm) The Great Hall, Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, BR1 3UH Cost: £20 Contact: jane.barnes@bromleymencap.org Featuring Bromley Youth Senior Choir. Enjoy a 2 course dinner.

8am at High Elms (BEECHE car park)

Live Music - The Retro Rock Icons

Dolphin Model Boat Club

8.30pm Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NE Cost: Free Contact: 01689 852631 www.yeoldewhytelyon.co.uk A four piece covers band playing popular rock songs.

(BT Sports now showing at the pub too).

10am to 12:30pm

Saturday 28th September

Saturday 14th September

Live Music - Jason and the Lagernaults Saturday 28th September

8.30pm Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NE Cost: Free Contact: 01689 852631 www.yeoldewhytelyon.co.uk Local band with a great music set featuring mid-70s to mid-80s wave of nostalgia.

(BT Sports now showing at the pub too).

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

2pm (for 1 hour) Darrick & Newstead Woods & Tugmutton Common Meet outside the cricket pavilion Tugmutton Common Cost: Free Contact: samwalsham@hotmail.com

Sunday mornings -

Wednesday evenings -

7:30pm at Tubbenden Park Cost: Free www.facebook.com/groups/thismumrunslondon Friendly group of mums meeting twice a week for social, chatty runs. All abilities welcome.

Sunday 1st, 22nd and 29th September Saturday 14th September

7pm to 8:30pm Boating pond by the Poverest Road/Kent Road junction on the Cray Avenue (A224), BR5 4AB. Cost: Free Contact: David 01689 850723 or Paul 01322 615980 www.dolphinmodelboatclub.com Come and watch DMBC members sailing a wide variety of model boats. The Saturday evening event allows members to display model boats fitted with lights.

theatre/ Performances A Taste for Murder – Murder Mystery Dining Experience Wed 4 September

Bar opens at 6:30pm, Dinner served at 7:30pm.

Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: £46.00 (includes a three course meal) Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk www.churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets You’ll know their names but do you know their motives?

Join a cast of colourful characters all set on dining with death! A classic comedy country house crime in which YOU are the detective, but can you catch the killer?

Fancy dress is encouraged. Think Cluedo colours, 1920’s and black tie!

Time For Flowers

BROADBAND/ PHONE SOCKETS

STUNNING SEASONAL BOUQUETS

TO MATCH YOUR NEEDS AND OCCASION

WHY PAY SERVICE PROVIDER PRICES FOR INTERNAL FAULTS? New phone/broadband extensions Fault finding repairs/ improve broadband speeds

01689 485044 www.timeforflowerskent.co.uk 44b The Walnuts, Orpington BR6 0TW lifeinmagazines.co.uk

G.NUGENT

Cat 5 wiring Internal/external tidying/ re-rounting of cables prior to double glazing

07845 705900

D

E SUR

LY IN

FUL

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 19

what's on - SEPTEMBER 2019 80’s Night Dining Experience Thu 5 September

Bar opens at 6:30pm, Dinner served at 7:30pm.

Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: £46.00 (includes a three course meal) Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk The Bare Groove Band is back at The Churchill once again with their lively, energetic and live 80’s show! Playing the classic hits of Prince, Michael Jackson, Human League, Whitney Houston, Journey and many, many more - be ready to dance to the epic sounds of this era

Jersey Boys Dinner Dance Fri 13 September

Bar opens at 7:00pm, Dinner served at 7:30pm Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: £45.00 (includes a three course meal) Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk Stars of London’s West End celebrate the iconic music of

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Outstanding vocals, tight harmonies, and slick routines combined with a huge dose of showmanship to leave you ‘Beggin’ for more!

Come and enjoy the West End Jerseys as they lovingly reproduce hits such as Sherry, Oh What a Night, Let's Hang On and many more...

Murder, Margaret and Me Thu 26 – Sat 28 September

7:30pm, Thu & Sat matinee 2:30pm Churchill Theatre, Bromley Cost: Tickets from £19.50 Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk Agatha Christie turns sleuth in a play by Philip Meeks, starring Lin Blakely (EastEnders) as Agatha Christie.

Murder, Margaret and Me is a story of friendship identity and the achievement of women in the long-lost world of the silver screen. As Agatha and Margaret play tug of war with Miss Marple, the Queen of Crime (being a woman who wasn’t without a secret or two herself) finally unearths the shocking truth buried in Margaret’s past.

THE NEXT COPY DEADLINE IS:

12TH SEPTEMBER

submit an event...

From just £10 per listing. We list school, church, charity, community service or non-profit events for free (space dependent, or 50% discount for a guaranteed listing).

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.

@lifeinmags

Preschool places available now!  September 2019, January & April 2020 start  15 & 30 funded hours offered  3 & 4 year old places  Optional hot lunches  Morning and afternoon sessions  Preschool within a secure school setting  Visits welcomed—apply now!

Holy Innocents Preschool Mitchell Road, Orpington BR6 9JT 01689 813 040 preschool@holyinnocents.bromley.sch.uk

20 Life in... Orpington September 2019

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

ERADICA PEST CONTROL

Newby Plumbing & Heating

Protecting Your Health & Environment

Family run business established over 30 years

ALL HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES

Homes | Businesses | Restaurants | Letting Agents | Pubs | Care Homes

• RODENTS • FLYING AND CRAWLING INSECTS • SERVICE CONTRACT • SPECIALIST SERVICES

• GAS SAFE REGISTERED • COMBINATION BOILERS DIAGNOSTIC & REPAIRS • BOILER REPAIRS • SERVICING • BOILER REPLACEMENT • SYSTEM INSTALLATION DESIGN & UPGRADE • POWER FLUSHING • GAS WORKS • CP12 LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • UNVENTED HOT WATER SYSTEMS • RADIATORS RELOCATE & REPLACE • BATHROOMS REPLACE & INSTALL

• Business & Domestic • 7 Days a Week Service • Fast, Local & Friendly • 30 Years Experience • Pest/Pigeon Proofing • Competitive Pricing

Contact Robert Newby

T: 0208 249 2642 M: 07973 391671

01959 532 572

www.eradicapestcontrol.co.uk

We create every funeral individually, just for you.

Doves Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly, professional service to families.

Orpington

01689 870 030

19 Carlton Parade, BR6 0JD

Bromley

020 8460 1888

38 Homesdale Road, BR2 9LD

Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

• 24-hour service • Bereavement advice • Transparent pricing • Home visits • Private chapel of rest • Floral tributes • Memorial masonry • Prepaid funeral plans • Repatriation service

www.dovesfunerals.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 21

lifestyle - CROSSWORD

THE BABY SHOW TICKETS!

WIN

WIN ONE OF FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE BABY SHOW - WORTH £200!

September Complete the crossword and reveal the anagram in the shaded squares to reveal something that some parents do for other parents.

Across 4. What is the name given to a young child who is learning, or has recently learned, to walk? (7) 5. This website provides parents with advice on many subjects (7) 7. What is the gemstone of September? (8) 9. Expire, as a membership (5) 10. A coat that turns into a tasty snack (4) 11. What are the 5 annual training days for teachers called? (5,4) 13. What was issued for the first time in London on 19 Sept 1960? (7,6) 15. Gas used in eye-catching shop signs (4) Down 1. Keep in a safe place for later use (5) 2. This mathematical term also describes a baby's liquid food given as a substitute for breast milk (7) 3. Pensioner went to bed (7) 6. What is the only reminder left of the Military Hospital that was built in Orpington? (6,4) 7. Local retail park (10) 8. Free from contaminants (4) 12. What word is assigned to S in the NATO phonetic alphabet? (6) 14. Noblemen needing laser treatment (5)

WIN

1

2 3

4 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

12

14

15

Across We’ve teamed up with The Baby Show to give away 4. What is the name to a young five pairsgiven of tickets, worthchild £40 who each!is learning, or has recen

The UK’s(7) biggest pregnancy and parenting event, The Baby Show, with learned, to walk?

MadeForMums, returning towith Olympia Londonon for three days only - from(7) 5. This website providesisparents advice many subjects Friday 18th until Sunday 20th October.

There’ll be over 200 exhibitors, expert 7. What is the gemstone of September? (8) advice and the opportunity to try before you buy – it’s the must-attend 9. Expire, as a membership (5) show for all new and expectant parents. As well as aisles of retailers selling 10. A coat that turnsfrom into a tasty snack there’ll (4) be product demonstrations everything buggies to bouncers, 11. What arefrom theindustry 5 annual training days forfabulous Teachers (5,4) experts plus First Aid demos, show called? offers and even 13. What was issued forabout the their firstexperiences. time in London on 19 Sept celebs chatting For more information visit 1960? (7,6) and for competition terms and conditions 15. Gas usedwww.thebabyshow.co.uk/olympia in eye-catching shop signs (4) see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk Down

1. Keep in a safe place for later use (5) Text or email your answer, 2. This mathematical term also describes a baby's liquid food given as a name and telephone number to substitute for breast milk (7) 07403 603569 3. Pensioner went to bed (7) Last month’s answer - Weather 6. What is the only reminder left of thehello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Military Hospital that was built Forecast and the winner of the Orpington? (6,4) 5 packs of Native Wildflower for your chance to win!

7. Local retail park (10) Beebombs is Susan Fisher.

8. Free from contaminants (4) 12. What word is assigned to S from in the phonetic Alphabet?

(6) Visit lifeinmagazines.co.uk 19thNATO September for the crossword answers.

14.

Noblemen needing laser treatment (5) 22 Life in... Orpington September 2019 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

BY 10TH SEPTEMBER

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 23

lifestyle

Health & Beauty

5 ways with curls

1. Shampoo less, or not at all

The best way to shampoo curly hair is with a 100% sulphate free shampoo (like ‘Davines Love/Curl Shampoo”). Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a harsh salt ingredient, which is present in most shampoos on the market and is damaging to hair, particularly to curls.

2. Hydrate

Wash your hair from time to time with conditioner rather than with shampoo. It might not lather or make you feel like your hair is clean, but it will give you bouncier, glossier curls.

3. Conditioning is key

Start in the shower by adding a good conditioner to your hair, and then add a leave-in conditioner on damp hair after, like Davines Curl Building Serum.

Blend it with light texturising sprays for soft curls, and with mousse and styling creams for more defined curls.

4. Style your hair when it's wet

Apply styling products before you leave the shower (or once you squeeze some of the water out of your hair) and you will find that your hair will have less frizz and be more manageable.

5. Switch to silk

Swap your pillow cases to silk; cotton sucks moisture from your hair, causing frizz. Cotton fibres also tug on hair as you toss and turn. Silk pillowcases cut on friction and keep your hair smooth.

Miyu Salon, Petts Wood

Competition time! Best foot forward It’s World Reflexology Week from 23rd September and we’ve teamed up with Denise Spencer to offer a fab competition where you’ll be putting your best foot forward (or rather feet!). Member of the Association of Reflexologists, Denise Spencer MAR, Dip.LCM, BA (Hons), is offering one lucky reader of Life In Orpington a relaxing reflexology treatment. For your chance to win, simply like and follow our Facebook page @lifeinmags before 10th August.

DREAM • CREATE • INSPIRE

184 Petts Wood Road, Orpington, BR5 1LG

Tel. 01689 873259 www.miyu-salon.com miyusalon 24 Life in... Orpington September 2019

MAKE YOUR NEXT HAIR APPOINTMENT A RELAXING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.

T SCOUN I D % 0 2

for new

U1

te MIY

: Quo clients

We use Sustainable natural hair products. lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle

Say cheese!

Polished London’s products are cruelty free and vegan friendly, include new Aloewhite and Charcoal mouthwashes, whitening strips and whitening powder, as well as a whitening kit. We tested the Aloe White mouthwash, which removes bacteria, whilst also gradually removing stains. It’s alcohol- free and costs £11.99 for 200ml. Life In Orpington readers can receive a free teeth whitening powder with every purchase – or 10% off. Use the code smilemore10. See www.polishedwhitening.com

Try this: Foraging

2. When the petals appear to be clean, place them in a pan of the distilled water. If 1.5 litres is not enough then add more to cover the petals.

Fragrance Direct thinks foraging could be the next 3. Over a low to medium heat, bring the petals to a big sustainable beauty trend - natural ingredients simmer for about 25 minutes until they have lost that are easy to source! Try this Rose Face Spritz as their colour and are now very pale pink. an idea, which can be used as a face toner as well 4. Strain the mixture and separate the petals from as a face spritz on hot days. the water. Don’t throw the petals away - they can Ingredients: 7 Roses, 1.5 litres of distilled water be enjoyed in a bath that evening!

5. Pour your now Rose water into a dark bottle and 1. Gently pull the petals from the roses and place the them into a colander, under a tap running luke enjoy as a Rose water face spritz to cool you down. warm water to remove any dirt.

Classes for the over 50s -Men & Women Senior Fitness Pilates Improve your spine & joint health Improve your core strength Improve your balance Improve your joint mobility Improve your lung capacity

Book your initial appointment and start taking control of your own health and wellbeing.

E: Naama@remedialpilates.com M: 07989 578819

Visit: www.remedialpilates.com

SHOUT ABOUT YOUR EVENT

ON OUR WHAT'S ON PAGES

From just £10 per listing We’re looking to hear about your news, notices and local events!

Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk We list school, church, charity, community service or non-profit events for free

soulistic therapy Reflexology & rejuvenating facial treatments in Orpington, specialising in maternity & hot stone reflexology.

Soulistic THERAPY

Contact Melanie Alford

07930 667449

mel@soulistictherapy.co.uk www.soulistictherapy.co.uk @SolelisticReflexology

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

@soulistictherapy

@solelistic

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 25

lifestyle

Parenting

Top 10 lies parents tell about missing toys

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Gone on holiday Toy has gone to heaven The toy is visiting Father Christmas to tell him what you want for Christmas Gone on a top secret mission Went to have tea with the queen and decided to stay

YOUR PARENTING TIPS “Pick your battles - let little things that don't matter go and put your effort into what does matter” Christine Titheridge

“Swaddling really helped soothe my son when he was restless as a baby. There are lots of videos on YouTube to show how it helps.”

Karen Swift

6. A ghost took it 7. To live with the man on the moon 8. Taken by a fox 9. Once you reach a certain age the fairies take the bears to give to baby children 10. Gone to find a girlfriend

“Never cream your baby up before placing on a sandy beach!”

John Southern

“Praising for good behaviour is more powerful then telling them off for bad behaviour” Mary Nicoll

We asked you for your parenting tips for the chance to win a B'Clip from Baby To Love, Congratulations to our winners - Christine Titheridge and John Southern!

Save the snuffles!

Snufflebabe is an award-winning baby nasal decongestant range. Whether your little ones are suffering from a cold or hayfever, you can now help ease their congestion so that they can sleep, eat and breathe with comfort. They’re available from Boots, leading supermarkets and independent pharmacies, We have a great prize giveaway consisting of a Nasal Aspirator, a Vapour Oil and a Nasal Spray! Just email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your favourite parenting tip for the chance to win!

WIN

Thursday 19th September 2019: 5.00pm – 8.00pm

Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th September 2019: 9.00am – 10.00am Tel: 01689 819 219 www.harrisorpington.org.uk

26 Life in... Orpington September 2019

Tintagel Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 4LG

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle A closer look: Choosing the right school for your child Thousands of families will be heading to school open days this month and next. If you’re unsure where to begin, then read on for some savvy advice on things to consider beforehand – and the type of questions you should ask when visiting schools.

Your to-do list •

•

• •

•

Do your research on the school before you go – read about it online (including the Ofsted report) and speak to parents of children if you can to hear their views Make sure you look at the school’s facilities and what it offers for extra-curricular activities.

Listen to the head’s speech Try to speak with both the staff and pupils (of all ages) when you visit Take your child with you when you visit and encourage them to get involved with the activities on offer

Questions to ask the staff/head teacher 1. What are the school’s key values, vision and ethos?

2. How does the school handle bullying and disruptive behaviour?

3. What sets the school apart from others locally?

4. What kind of pastoral care is available?

SC OPENHOOL TIPSDAY

5. What is the school’s academic success?

6. What school trips are available?

7. What extracurricular activities & opportunities are offered?

8. What is the school’s strongest area of academic performance 9. What’s the school’s policy about homework? How

much is set?

10. What are classroom sizes like?

Questions to ask students

1. What’s the homework like?

2. How easy was it to make friends?

3. How easy is it to join in extra-curricular groups?

4. What sort of help do you get when deciding on career paths?

5. What options are there for lunch?

6. What does the school do to help you decide on your

career path?

7. How easy is it to find and talk to teachers if you have a problem?

8. What subjects do you like the most & least (and why?)

9. What happens on wet days?

10. What would you change about the school if you could?

TOP TIPS FOR FAMILY PLAYTIME OUTDOORS Child Psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Kilbey offers advice on how to spend more time outside as a family….

Harness their natural desire to explore: Children are inherently curious and always ready to explore. So, join them, become an explorer in your own backyard/community. Adventures start outside your front door.

Beauty is all around: As adults we have lost

some of that wide-eyed wonder about the outside world which children have. Learn off your children who can teach you the wonders of creatures under rocks, or what you can find at the bottom of a stream.

Nature really is all around us, so go outside with your children and see how much you can find.

Sometimes less is more: In a world of toys and

tech and games, it can be easy to forget that one of the most important things that children need for their development is time engaging with adults. This time is essential in helping them develop their language, social and emotional skills and time spent outside, gives parents the chance to give their attention without the interruptions of everyday life.

COOPERS SCHOOL

OPEN DAY for prospective new Year 7 and new Post 16 students

Saturday 21 September 2019 9:00am until 12:30pm 5 A*-C The Headteacher will speak to prospective

• new Year 7 students at 9:15am & 10:30am • new Post 16 students at 10:00am & 11am

Passes 88%

Coopers School provides an outstanding academic and extra-curricular level of education to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experiences to achieve success.

• • • • •

Innovative, high quality teaching and learning High academic expectations for every individual Inspiring and memorable experiences in and beyond the school A safe, secure and caring environment Top rate facilities to support learning

An IB World School, Coopers was rated Good by Ofsted in March 2018.

COOPERS SCHOOL Headteacher: Mrs Sue Wood BA (Hons) NPQH Hawkwood Lane, Chislehurst Kent. BR7 5PS. Tel: 020 8467 3263 All documentation is available from our website. www.coopersschool.com Sixth Form Open Evening 14 November 2019 Coopers School is an Independent Academy Trust operated by the Education for the 21st Century Trust which is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 7559170.

The Registered Office is at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent. BR2 9EH

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 27

lifestyle

Home & Garden

5 WAYS TO CUT YOUR WATER BILL

Get water savvy by adopting some of these habits to save money on your water bill…

1. Every time you run the dishwasher or washing machine, aim to put on a full load. If you haven't got a full load, look for an economy or eco cycle which uses less water and energy.

2. Waiting for tap water to run cold (to water plants for example) can waste as much as ten litres of water a day, so keep a couple of bottles of water in the fridge due to tasks like this.

GARDEN JOBS FOR SEPTEMBER

3. Use a water butt in your garden. The rainwater it collects can be used to water plants.

4. If you're upgrading your bathroom most new appliances are more eco-friendly. For example, dual flush toilets use much less water than the old style flush systems.

5. Consider using flow limiters on taps or aerated shower heads.

HOW TO CLEAN MARBLE AND LIMESTONE Marble and limestone floors and worktops are sensitive to acid, so using the correct cleaning products is crucial to preventing damage as it can erode the stone. For regular maintenance and light cleaning, a pH Neutral product should be used. For deeper cleans, a mild alkaline product can be used. However, regular deep cleaning will affect the sealant's ability to repel water and oil-based stains. When stone becomes dirty and difficult to clean, a professional clean and seal will restore the stone.

Stone Age

• Check the gutters and clear them of debris and leaves • Clean the garden furniture ready for storage •

Make use of a greenhouse for when it starts getting colder (or start covering plants that won’t survive the winter)

• Repaint or touch up exterior paint before autumn sets in

28 Life in... Orpington September 2019

DID YOU KNOW...

Every year 850,000 UK residents Google questions related to growing fruit and veg at home, with the tomato the most common produce grown by Brits at home.

FarawayFurniture.com

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

lifestyle

The deep clean The Bio Enzyme Management Formula (for busting smells) and the Textile Cleansing and Hygiene Formula (for blitzing stubborn stains) from Aroma Care Solutions are products that are worth a go, working in harmony with each other. They contain no chemicals, are environment, child and pet-friendly and have never been tested on animals. The products can be used for a variety of cleaning solutions including removing odours, cleaning shower heads, cleaning your glasses, removing washing up water marks on stainless steel drainers, cleaning stainless steel/chrome furnishings, cleaning mirrors and bathroom/shower cubicles, sanitising a baby’s highchair and cleaning the guest toilet. Prices lead in at £8.49.

For details see www.aromacaresolutions.co.uk

ABBEY TREE CONTRACTS Local family run business since 1989

Workwear that works W O R K W E A R

0800 781 7163

QUALIT Y BRANDED CLOTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS 0800 781 2163

www.tangentoffice.com

@tangentworkwear

tangentworkwear

FREAETES

ESTIM

No job too big or small

07880 582515 | 01689 860719

A

ON THE MARKET...

Whatever your budget Your Move O’Neil has the property for you!

A stunning 7 bedroom detached Victorian residence over three floors located in Warren Avenue just a short distance from Warren Road School and positioned on a large plot. EPC awaited.

This spacious town house is located in Turnberry Way in a sought after area just 0.3 mile from Crofton School and under a mile from Darrick Wood School.

Local shops are approximately 200 yards. EPC Band C.

t: 01689 872926

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

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 29

10 THINGS WE FORGET TO TAKE HOME WITH US AFTER A HOLIDAY

lifestyle

Travel

DIVORCE DEAL

1. Phone chargers 2. Coats 3. Alcohol 4. Flip flops 5. Jewellery 6. Wellies/shoes 7. Slippers 8. Sun hats & sunglasses 9. Children’s comforters/teddies 10. Bikes

Virgin Holidays has become the first tour operator in the UK to offer divorce holidays.

The four-night Las Vegas breaks for four people (the divorcee and three of their closest friends) include spa treatments, personal styling sessions, photo-shoots and shopping sprees. Prices start from £999 per person with a choice of three packages - The Ultimate Luxury Escape Weekend, Grand Weekend Getaway and Adrenaline Adventure Weekend.

Winchcombe Farm Holidays

THE MOST EXPENSIVE VIEWS IN THE WORLD Rank

City

Monument

Year of Completion

Height (tallest observation deck, in m)

Ticket Price £

Price Per Meter

1

Dubai

Burj Khalifa

2010

585m

£79.49

£0.14

2

Guangzhou

Canton Tower

2010

488m

£45.52

£0.09

3

Shanghai

Jin Mao Tower

1999

340m

£55.80

£0.16

4

Toronto

Toronto

1976

447m

£41.82

£0.09

5

New York City

Empire State Building

1931

373m

£45.76

£0.12

6

Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree

2012

451m

£30.25

£0.07

7

New York City

One World Trade Center

2014

387m

£27.61

£0.07

8

New York City

30 Hudson Yards

2019

342m

£28.40

£0.08

9

Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Television Tower

1995

342m

£25.16

£0.07

10

London

The Shard

2013

244m

£32.01

£0.13

TicketLens

BAGGAGE CHEATSHEET

Want to know everything there is to know about cabin baggage and hold baggage for popular airlines? Have a look at https://uk.monsoon.co.uk/airline-luggage-cheat-sheet 30 Life in... Orpington September 2019

72

The number of hours it takes to ‘get back to normal after a holiday’ Healthspan

TRAVEL TIP “Carry as little as possible through the airport to avoid issues and delays at security.”

Kevin Whitbread, Go Travel Blackheath lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Orpington Life Sept 2019 edition .qxp_Layout 1 13/08/2019 11:20 Page 1

Get your CURRENCY before you Don’t get stung at the airport, make sure you get your currency before you GO! Here at Go Travel we check our rates daily against all the major currency providers such as the banks and the Post Office to ensure we have the most competitve rates on our high streets. With over 50+ currencies available, customers can pre-order or pop in and conveniently collect at any time, commission-free whether you are buying money or returning used notes.

HOLIDAYS

|

FLIGHTS

|

HOTELS

|

CRUISES

|

SPORTS TICKETS

|

CURRENCY

Your local Independent Travel Agent If you are looking for holiday inspiration, then look no further than your local independent travel agent. We have well-travelled staff who provide expert advice and personal recommendations on the worldwide destinations. We aim to provide inspiring travel ideas and authentic experiences and our portfolio of destinations and holidays is ever evolving.

With a high level of attention to detail and professionalism our clients know that they can rely on us to look after them before, during and after their holiday. Better still we are Independent which gives us access to a wide range of tour operators, hotels & airlines in order to get the best prices.

Additionally, customers booking their holidays with us can do so in complete confidence, as all our holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected. We also offer low deposits starting from just £50.

Hot Picks for 2020

MEXICO

CANADA

ABU DHABI

LOW

DEPOSITS

MALDIVES

020 8828 3699 info@gotravel.uk.com Chislehurst | Locksbottom | Petts Wood | Blackheath

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 31

New now range ava of pr o ilab le o ducts nlin e!

A high quality domestic cleaning service, using only environmentally friendly non-toxic products, providing a clean and healthy environment for you, your family and your pets.

Call 07415 288664 www.eco-domestics.com @EcoDomesticsCleaning

@ecodomestics

@EcoDomestics

Would you like a physiotherapist to visit you at home?

We’re a team of highly skilled community physiotherapists who visit people with mobility or neurological conditions.

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

_one one seven Multi-brand womenswear boutique A new women’s fashion boutique in the heart of Farnborough village, stocking a wide range of carefully curated and on-trend brands.

Saturday 10.00 - 17.00

Sunday - Monday CLOSED

Keep up to date with our latest pieces and new-to-store labels by following us on instagram: _oneoneseven 117 High street, Farnborough Village BR6 7AZ T. 01689 889 646 w w w. o n e o n e s e v e n b o u t i q u e . c o m

32 Life in... Orpington September 2019

**

Tuesday - Friday 10.00 - 17.00

*P PA RIV RT AT E I C En ES AV LOT qu i re H AI LA ES in -s ** B to * re L E

Our ever changing collection of handpicked contemporary designs offers versatile, casual basics to occasionwear from both new and established labels.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Eco News

lifestyle

THE GREAT BRITISH BEACH CLEAN 20th-23rd September

Our seas are under immense pressure with too many fish being taken out, too much rubbish being thrown in and too little being done to protect our precious wildlife.

Many of us have enjoyed spending time at the beach this summer and now's the time to give something back to our much loved beaches.

Beachwatch is the Marine Conservation Society's national beach cleaning and litter survey programme where people all around the UK can care for their coastline.

Marine wildlife is under threat from litter in our seas, with hundreds of species accidentally eating or becoming entangled in, amongst other things, plastic and fishing lines. Litter strewn beaches damage tourism so we all have a part to play in turning the tide on litter. Join an event or organise your own and be part of the most influential fight against marine litter in the UK!

Eco Shopping Freshen Up Room & Linen Sprays

These environmentally and pet friendly, 100% natural products, are made with recycled recyclable containers and easily removable recyclable labels plus they are all made locally so free local pick up in Orpington is available!

100ml Room & Linen Spray in four different fragrances - Coconut & Lime, Jasmine & Lavender, Apple Mint & Spiced Apple and Orange and Basil.

They are £8 each (refills are available for £5) Visit www.eco-domestics.com or call 07415288664 lifeinmagazines.co.uk

local litter picks In 2018 record numbers cleaned up in the 25th Great British Beach Clean.

Some 15,000 volunteers (that's double the number in 2017) removed 8,550 kilos of litter from UK beaches – that’s about three times as heavy as the tongue of a blue whale – the largest animal ever known to have lived on earth! There were, on average, a staggering 600 items of litter on every 100 metres of beach that were cleaned and surveyed.

Get involved A Beachwatch beach clean and survey is great fun and really rewarding, so why not head down to a beach you love this September and join thousands of people for the annual Great British Beach Clean. By joining in over this weekend (20th- 23rd September), you’ll be contributing to a national and global survey, and can meet other people who also want to help keep our beaches clean too.

www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch

Go wild!

Wild Cosmetics has launched its Wild deodorant range, which contain no aluminium, parabens or sulphates.

The four different fragrances, which are vegan-friendly and not tested on animals, include Mint and Eucalyptus, Rose and Geranium, Lemon and Thyme and an unfragranced version.

The Roll-On range comes in glass with refill bottles that will reduce plastic use by more than 80% versus normal deodorants. The company is also working on developing similar ecofriendly packaging for its stick range which currently uses plastic that is 100% recyclable and hopes to be plastic free by Christmas. Prices start from £9.

See www.wilddeo.com

Saturday 14th Sept

10am - 11.15am Warren Road - On the green opposite Cloonmore Avenue www.warrenroadgreenspace. weebly.com Join us for litter picking - any time that you give is appreciated.

We finish the litter pick at around 11.15am with a coffee at Bread and Butter Café in Windsor Drive.

Saturday 14th & 28th Sept

10am meet At the cricket pavilion Tugmutton Common Join us for litter picking - any new helpers would be very welcome.

Sunday 1st Sept

1pm - 3pm Beckenham Place Mansion Meeting outside the bar A slow 5 km run while picking up as much litter as possible. Any fitness levels are welcome and if you only wanted to join for a small section, that’s perfectly fine. You will be provided with all equipment such as gloves and rubbish bags, as well as a free t-shirt.

Sunday 15th Sept 10am - 12pm

Hayes Litter Pickers We will meet at Hussywell Park BR2. All equipment is provided so please just dress for the weather.

Follow the Facebook group -

Bromley North Wombles for local and last minute litter walks.

Do you have some local Eco news?

Send us an email at:

hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with the details

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 33

34 Life in... Orpington September 2019

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Shopping

lifestyle

TOURIST SHOPPING HABITS

Recent data from Adyen reveals Brits’ shopping habits while holidaying abroad. According to the research, European shoppers do not need to travel far to go on a shopping spree; the most common place for Europeans to travel is just across the border. Austrians travel to Munich, the Swiss to Milan and the Germans to Vienna.

The British and French however are the most widely travelled, with the Brits seen as the number one EU tourists in Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Paris and Warsaw, and the French in London as well as Barcelona, Brussels, Geneva, Lisbon and Madrid.

A TASTE OF THE ORCHARD

ONE FOR THE MOVIES

If you’re looking for a light and healthier snack for movie nights then try Ten Acre’s hand-picked popcorn. It’s available in two tasty flavours - classic Sweet and Salty and smooth Cappuccino. What’s more, the vegan-friendly popcorn is gluten, dairy and MSG free.

The range can be found in Holland & Barrett stores and independent retailers and costs £1.69 for 80g and 89p for a 28g bag.

www.tenacrecrisps.co.uk

St Peter’s Brewery has launched a new Raven’s Orchard cider – ideal for the long balmy nights (and barbecues!). It’s made with 100% Hertfordshire apples, has a ABV of 4.6% and is available from Ocado (500ml) for £1.99. In the name of research, we tried a bottle and found it was crisp, fruity and thirst quenching with a taste of the orchard!

from 89p

£1.99

www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk

FOCACCIA FUN

Davina Steel is offering a selection of Focaccia Gluten-Free Baking Kits which are super simple to use - simply add water, oil and yeast, then mix, rise and bake. Using only natural ingredients with no hidden nasties and free from 13 known allergens, the kits are the ideal solution if you love the idea of making homemade goodies but struggle to find the time to bake. Savoury fans can opt for Garlic & Rosemary Focaccia or Onion Focaccia while those with a sweet tooth can try Chocolate Chip Focaccia – all for £2.99 for 300g from Ocado.

£2.99

www.davinasteel.com

ASH Mobile Auto Electrics & Mechanics 07845 115954 servicehaska@gmail.com www.ashmobilemechanic.co.uk Over 20 years experience

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

servicehaska

LOCAL ROOFER ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING CARRIED OUT • Free estimates • No job too small • All new work guaranteed

T: 01689 471001 M: 07956 516899 E: bernardcoleroofing@gmail.com September 2019 Life in... Orpington 35

lifestyle

A Final Thought…

#AWeeMatter of Changing Places

by Annie, Clare, Katrina, Kerry and Vicky from need2change We are a friendly bunch of mums who are dedicated to raising awareness and changing things for the better, for children and adults with complex disabilities and their families. Our group, need2change, is based in the London Borough of Bromley. Our campaign entitled #AWeeMatter is raising awareness of the need for more Changing Places facilities in our local community.

Have you heard of a Changing Places facility?

‘Regrettably No.’ Well that’s understandable and you’re not alone. Not many people spend time thinking about how other people go to the loo!

What is a Changing Places facility?

In a standard disabled toilet you may find a toilet with a few grab rails and not much more. Changing Places are bigger and have more specialist equipment. They are typically around 12m2 (size of a car parking space) and crucially contain a hoist and an adult sized, height adjustable changing bench. They also contain a toilet with space either side for carers to support the toilet user. For events and festivals where toilets are hired in for the public, pop-up Changing Places facilities exist too. Mobiloo is an example of one such organisation providing these facilities.

Who needs one?

Plenty of people. For over 250,000 individuals and their families in the UK, a Changing Places facility is the only safe and dignified way to go to the loo or tend to personal care needs. It also provides an opportunity for people to come out of a wheelchair should they be sitting in an uncomfortable position. For many with complex disabilities such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, motor neurone disease, stroke victims, older people confined to wheelchairs and those with severe learning difficulties, and more, these facilities are crucial.

Disappointingly, and too often, because there are not enough Changing Places toilets available, people face the option of not leaving their homes, limiting fluid intake on days out, or having to be changed on dirty toilet floors.

Families often have to cut short a day out or not go out at all, meaning that children, siblings, parents, grandparents and family friends miss out on creating memorable experiences and enjoying all the wonderful things that our local communities have to offer.

Do any of these facilities exist?

Admirably, there are 1,343 facilities in the UK registered with the Changing Places consortium - www.changingplaces. uktoiletmap.org (August 2019) with more and more being added weekly. Within the Borough of Bromley there are

36 Life in... Orpington September 2019

currently two registered facilities. One is in The Glades Shopping Centre, Bromley and, most recently, one at the new Bromley Vue cinema in St. Marks Square (Bromley South). need2change is delighted to be working with the team at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre implementing a trailblazing initiative of hiring a Mobiloo once a month as an enhancement to their accessibility offer. You’ll find a Mobiloo at Ruxley on 26th September and 24th October.

Thanks to the fantastic support of Sharon Baldwin and Orpington 1st, who represent the business community in Orpington, businesses have sponsored the hiring of a Mobiloo at Orpington’s Christmas and Easter events and at The Enchanted Festival in Priory Gardens. It is wonderful to see their commitment to ensuring Orpington Town Centre is welcoming and accessible to all. Similarly, a huge thumbs up to Rachelle Harte and event organisers C.L.E.A.R Synergy who worked with need2change and other local organisations to deliver a fantastic inclusive package at Chislehurst Rocks and Bec Rec Rocks this summer. Some wonderful memories have been made. Do continue to visit, use the facilities and let us know how it has made your day.

So what is being done to create more?

Nationally the government has just completed a consultation focused on how Building Regulations in England should be changed to increase the provision of Changing Places toilet facilities in specific, new, large buildings, (as well as those undergoing building works) commonly used by the public. It is already law in Australia.

There is a national campaign run by the Changing Places Consortium. Locally, our group continues to raise awareness and is supporting local organisations who want to find out more about increasing accessibility. The dream would be to see Changing Places everywhere in our local community and not only in buildings already mentioned, but in outdoor spaces too. Walking in the woods, visiting the park and going to the beach are all wonderful things that most people take for granted but are off limits or curtailed for those with more specialist needs.

Would you like to know more?

You can find information about Changing Places, permanent and pop-up, in the Orpington area and further afield on need2change’s social media sites.

Similarly, if you have questions or if you are able to make need2change’s dreams a reality then please get in contact by emailing or messaging us via social media. We would love to hear from you.

Facebook - need2change Twitter and Instagram – need2change_uk Email – hello@need2change.org

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

Nurse Managed Home Care

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

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

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

01689 825155

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

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 37

useful contacts

Next Month...

FRE

Local numbers

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

Childline T: 0800 1111 Crime Stoppers T: 0800 555 111 Debt Helpline T: 0808 808 4000

Sainsbury's Pallant Way T: 01689 857042

Dementia (UK) T: 0845 257 9406

Leisure Centres Darrick Wood Pool T: 01689 857 021

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

The Walnuts Leisure Centre T: 01689 870 533 Libraries Orpington T: 01689 831551 www.bromley.gov.uk/OrpingtonLibrary E: orpington.library@GLL.ORG

.. LOCALLY

LIVE, LOVE, LIFE.

SMART HOME

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

TECH

CHARITY WATCH HALLOWEEN

National numbers

Alcoholics anonymous T: 0800 917 7650 E: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

E

OBER 2019 .

ISSUE 8 OCT

BAKES

FAIR TIX WIN SPIRIT OF XMAS

GUIDE

IN AND

AROUND

TON

ORPING

Coming up in the OCTOBER Issue of Life In Orpington…

YOUR

• • • •

ESSENT

T'S ON IAL WHA

k

gazines.co.u www.lifeinma

Smart home tech: protect your privacy Charity watch: Demelza Halloween bakes Win tickets to the Spirit Of Christmas Fair

Published by: Life In Magazines

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

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

@lifeinmags

National Breastfeeding Helpline T: 0300 100 0212

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

NSPCC T: 0808 800 5000

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

Samaritans (UK) T: 116 123

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

National Rail Southeastern Rail: 0345-322 7021

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

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

Competitions: In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. For full terms & conditions see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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

RSPCA T: 0300 123 4999

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

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

38 Life in... Orpington September 2019

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

The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Life In Magazines. Therefore, Life In Magazines carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2019 Life In Magazines. All rights reserved.

lifeinmagazines.co.uk

AUTUMN SAVINGS

SEPT | OCT | NOV 2019 BEDS | MATTRESSES | BEDROOM FURNITURE

BED & MATTRESS SPECIALISTS APPROVED STOCKIST

A EXTR OFF 10%

FFER

EADER O

GTON R

RPIN LIFE IN O

IS AD

WITH TH

VISIT ONE OF OUR BRANCHES TO SEE OUR AUTUMN DEALS CRAYFORD 01322 525090

SEVENOAKS 01732 742000

PETTS WOOD 01689 830964

SIDCUP 020 8309 6016

www.the-bedpost.co.uk lifeinmagazines.co.uk

September 2019 Life in... Orpington 39

RESTAURANT

Delectable Thai Cuisine With Authentic Ingredients

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

VEGAN MENU NOW AVAILABLE

Come and try our new restaurant – now open in Locksbottom

Monday-Saturday 12pm-4pm, 6.30pm-11pm Sunday 1pm-9pm www.tharathai.co.uk | 01689 857111 | 40 Life in... Orpington September 2019

@thara.thai lifeinmagazines.co.uk