FR ISSUE 35 | JANUARY 2022
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
EE
The best time
TO BOOK A HOTEL
STARTING WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH How to nail
DRY JANUARY
5 Minutes With...
Emma Raducanu!
E AT A T IM E G A P E N O Y IT N COMMU IN S P IR IN G T H E
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Welcome to Life In...ORPINGTON ...your local community magazine that has something to suit all tastes
The Team
Get to know us: What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Editorial / Sales: Lauretta lauretta@lifeinmagazines.co.uk To go swimming once a week
Not only is it wonderful to celebrate the start of the New Year – and all the excitement and growth we anticipate this year will bring, but it’s a double celebration for us as we feature the wonderful Emma Raducanu in this month’s issue! Emma calls Orpington her home and we’re both very lucky and proud to have her as a Bromley borough resident – turn to page 23 to read what she gets up to when she’s not on the court! In other news, we welcome Steve and Olivia to the team. Steve has already been instrumental in helping with editorial and he’s a dab hand at proofing. And Olivia has been helping with research, subbing and idea generations to further improve Life In…Orpington. We said a fond farewell to distributor Lynsey and wish her well in her full-time job as a teaching assistant and extend a big welcome to new ‘Friends’ of Life In…magazines, Ruth and Elizabeth, who have kindly stepped forward to offer to help distribute the magazine in their local communities.
Design: Nicky design@lifeinmagazines.co.uk To send birthday cards on time
Accounts: James accounts@lifeinmagazines.co.uk To learn to play the guitar
Editorial Assistant: Steve
To learn to play one tune on the piano
Distributor: Zeenat
I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions
Distributor: Tara Spend more time with the children & sort So, what are the big trends for this year? According to The the attic out before summer Guardian, experts predict that the next decade will bring a lot more automation, artificial intelligence, climate crisis debates, cryptocurrencies and remote work. We’d like to suggest a new trend for local communities – to help each other where possible, not just Office Assistant: Isabelle when we’re trying to get through a pandemic. Now wouldn’t that be To pass my driving test something? Happy New Year to you all – and here’s hoping for health and happiness this year.
Work Experience: Olivia
To be decisive and spend less time second guessing myself
Our Friends Lauretta Wright, Editor
contents - JANUARY 2022 Community
Lifestyle
5. Write It, Say It, Message It 6. History 8. Noticeboard 10. Mayor's Voice 10. Lines From Linda 12. What's On 23. 5 Minutes With... 42. Stockists 43. A Final Thought
15. Puzzle Page 19. New Year, New You! 20. Parenting 26. Technology 29. Pets 30. Health & Fitness 32. Did You Know? 35. Travel 37. Eco News 38. Home & Garden
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The following people have kindly volunteered to help distribute Life In...Orpington. A HUGE thank you to them for their time and generosity.
Elizabeth Adcock Mary Cody-Cowdery Josette Coulson Ruth Mansell Sarah Spencer-Adams If you’d like to become a ‘Friend’ of Life In...Orpington please email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your contact details. It’s a great way to get out & about meeting people & increase your exercise.
Life In...Orpington is published by Luna Creative Media (Ltd)
NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH JAN
To advertise in Life In...Orpington contact Lauretta on 07403 550068 | hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 3
COMING UP AT THE CHURCHILL THEATRE EXPERIENCE THE WORLD-WIDE SENSATION LIVE ON STAGE
NIGEL HARMAN DANNY JOHN-JULES
MON 10 – SAT 15 JAN
WED 19 JANUARY
FRI 21 JANUARY
FRI 28 JAN – SAT 5 FEB
BOOK NOW AT churchilltheatre.co.uk BOX OFFICE 0343 310 0020 4 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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Write It, Say It, Message It!
community the star response (
) wins a year’s magazine subscription (worth £24)
Got something to shout about? Maybe you want to respond to an article or want to spread the word about something locally?
Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text us on 07403 550068. You can also tag us in on social media @lifeinmags
WIN
Star response
I want to highlight the HEAR TODAY exhibition, which took place in September at Orpington Methodist Church (reported in The Mayor’s Voice – Nov 2021), as it wasn’t just commercial companies offering products for hard of hearing people. The exhibition also included vital local charities/groups such as deafPLUS, BRIGHT DeafBlind and Bromly Chain, which has recently been awarded a bursary for the two-year training of a teacher of the deaf at Darrick Wood School, Orpington. Deaf voices are not always heard and Steve Cotterell’s innovative event embraced the wide range of deafness and all methods of communication, including British Sign Language. Bromley Chain’s mission is supporting, sponsoring, campaigning, informing and raising deaf awareness in the borough of Bromley.
Life In… Orpington is free, but you can win a year’s magazine subscription to have it delivered directly to your door every month so you’ll never have to miss picking up an issue of your favourite community read! See lifeinmagazines.co.uk
SPOTTED ON SOCIAL
Jenny Froude
I saw your magazine online and I really like it!. The colours, the distribution of the content and the way you organised it in general, are really good - catching. Judy Chicangana-Tuquerrez
Sheila Wilson took this beautiful picture of Priory Gardens and posted it on the Priory Gardens’ Facebook Group. Send your local pictures to us for the chance to be featured – email them to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
What’s Your Take...? We ask for your views on topics that matter. This month’s question:
What new law should the UK government introduce for 2022?
Sophie Baxter Penalties for middle-lane hoggers on the motorway
Poetry corner New Year
Andy Strand The law that lets the UK government withhold information ‘in the public interest’ abolished. Maybe then we’ll get the truth about a few things!
Emma P Fines for playing loud music in the evening when it’s not the weekend
Laura Turner That I can use my own lateral flow test when I get back from holiday and not a ‘government approved’ one – they’re all the same!!!
Next month’s question… Who would make the ideal celebrity neighbour – and why?
There’s one day in our calendar when we all look ahead. Plus think of all the days behind and adventures that we led. For some of us the time to come, fills us full of glee, with happy times with loved ones in a place we love to be. We’re surrounded by our family and friends who make us strong, As when we unify our strengths, we really can’t go wrong. For others though the year’s been hard and tougher still to come. It’s hard to think about their woes, their heart feels like it‘s done. So as we travel through the year, We must all try to be kind And look out for each other, new friendships we might find. Life throws hurt upon us, challenges to weather. But nothing ever seems so hard, if we all stick together.
Tag us in @lifeinmags or email a short response to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Jackie Langridge
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 5
community
History Exploring Canada Corner
Photos: Pam Preedy
Pam Preedy Canada Corner
by PAM PREEDY, historian & author
If I should die, think only this of me That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is forever England Rupert Brooke, ‘The Soldier’, 1914 If you take a walk up Orpington’s Church Street to All Saints' Church and its graveyard, you’ll find Canada Corner which adjoins the church and is also on the opposite side of the road. In 1912, the old graveyard was becoming too small and an extension was needed. A field, the last field suitable for such a purpose, was bought from Sir William Hart Dyke. Changes to the public footpath were completed in the summer of 1913 and the railings surrounding the graveyard were built to keep cattle out. The extension was left untouched and unneeded for three years – and then, when the Ontario hospital was constructed, there would be a necessity for the new burial ground. On June 14th 1916, it was consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester. Canada Corner itself is a small area in one corner of the graveyard. It is screened off by a hedge – a simple opening indicating the entry point. A gate was erected during WW2 by ex-Sergeant John King, D.C.M. who died on 29th January, 1941 aged 48, and was buried in the old section of the churchyard. The graves of 116 soldiers who died in the First World War, 88 of whom were Canadians, can be found in Canada Corner. A line of graves leads from Canada Corner. These are the last resting places of 23 British soldiers and five Australians. Their ages at death ranged from 17 to 51, but most died between the ages of 21 and 30. Information on the gravestones provides bare personal details. Private Cameron of the Canadian Infantry was ‘wounded at Vimy Ridge, France, April 19th, 1917, a dearly beloved and honoured son.’ Private E. Harper is remembered along with his brother, Stanley, aged 21, killed at Fresnoy on 9th May 1917, and Private D. Evans of the Welsh Regiment who died on 11th November 1918 – the day the war ended. Each grave represents a son lost in the prime of life. A source of grief for all parents, but how would a family, who had lost three sons, recover? One of the British soldiers was Bugler Charles Henry Bearman. He had lived in Orpington before migrating to Australia and appears to have lied about his age (as
6 Life in... Orpington January 2022
so many did), giving it as 19 years 10 months when he joined up in Australia in December 1916. The line of soldiers' graves In the 1901 census leading from Canada Corner he was only two! He returned to England for his training at Salisbury. Sadly, he did not reach the Front; he died in Salisbury of cerebral-spinal meningitis. He had two brothers, Sidney, a Royal Navy officers’ cook, who died at Scapa Flow in July 1917 following an explosion on HMS Vanguard, and Robert of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He had been wounded, shot through the spine by a sniper in 1918 and died on 27th May. The Memorial Cross at Canada Corner was unveiled on Sunday 6th November, 1921 by Sir George McLaren Brown with local representatives and others representing the Canadian Provinces and Australia. Its inscription reads: THIS CROSS OF SACRIFICE IS ONE IN DESIGN AND INTENTION WITH THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN SET UP IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM AND OTHER PLACES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WHERE OUR DEAD OF THE GREAT WAR ARE LAID TO REST THEIR NAMES LIVETH FOR EVERMORE Much of the information can be found in a copy of the book, Orpington from Saxon Times to the Great War, written in 1918. A copy was presented to the relatives of each of the Overseas soldiers who lay buried in Canada Corner. Thanks also to Penny Allen for her website and John Pateman for his book on Canada Corner. For more stories of World War 1 and 2, please visit my blog at www.bromleyhistoricaltimes.co.uk For further reading see Orpington From Saxon Times to the Great War, held in Bromley Historical Collections, Bromley Central Library.
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FR E O N E DE or 10 (wi TA L % thin K IV OF a 3 EA ER F C mile WA Y OL radiu YS LE s) CT IO NS
Book now for
Valentine’s Day! with Live Music from Craig Neil
01689 855 579 354 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN www.thebankrestaurant.com lifeinmagazines.co.uk
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 7
community -
NOTICEBOARD
Book worms
One of our eagle-eyed ‘Friends of Life In Orpington’, Mary CodyCowdery, spotted this unique bookcase. Mary told us… "Have you seen this bookcase at the top of Spur Road? [left hand side coming from War Memorial near bus stop and the traffic lights – outside Number 123 Spur Road]. It brings a smile to me seeing it and what a lovely cabinet. Plaque reads “Take a book, Leave a book”. Has a selection of books for all ages."
Musicians required Would you like to come and play for the Orpington Folk Dance Group sometimes? The group puts together Playford style dances from the 17th/18th centuries and each one has its own tune, so there's plenty of variety. The group meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 11.45am-1.45pm at Farnborough Village Hall. If interested, please email janetmaile@rocketmail.com or call 01689-836407.
8 Life in... Orpington January 2022
!
CALLING ALL MURRAYS
m is working on a new Biggin Hill Memorial Museu rt Auxiliary (ATA) and is spo exhibition about the Air Tran ed descendants of a lady call aiming to track down any cated edu was ley Les ). 945 7-1 Lesley Cairns Murray (191 ne in France, and, in the in Bromley and the Sorbon ve ambulances in the dro she , war early years of the ging the bombs. When dod , Compiegne region of France she cuated back to England, the ambulances were eva ly, Lesley Sad ). (ATA y iliar Aux rt joined the Air Transpo low, Berks in 1945. was killed in a crash at Tap m land Road and the museu Lesley lived in Westmore you have If . her w kne who one would love to talk to any k ail director@bhmm.org.u any information please em
SUPPORTING LOCAL AUTHORS… You might just recognise the house style on the cover of Patricia Latter’s book And Some Have Witchcraft Thrust Upon Them. It’s based on Patricia’s own home in leafy Petts Wood. The book tells the story of Jane who, after being made redundant, struggles to adapt to a new lifestyle in leafy suburbia. She is appalled by the superstitions of her neighbours and horrified when rumours circulate that she practises witchcraft. Jane ultimately faces being burned at the stake - but all is not quite as it seems. This – and Patricia’s other books - are available in paperback and ebook versions from Amazon.co.uk Are you a local author? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
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community -
Seven cheers!
ICARE is a small, charity-based, friendly day centre in Orpington that improves lives afte r a stroke through rehabilitation, friendship and sup port for stroke survivors and respite for their Care rs. We are welcoming new clients. Please visit icarecentre.org.uk or contact us on 01689 862883 or admin@icarecentre.org.uk
LATE NIGHT TRAINS RESUME
return of its Southeastern has announced the first time the for , that ning mea s late-night train trains will depart since the early 2020 lockdown, London Charing Cross, Waterloo East and also be will e Ther ight. midn Bridge stations after eak times on off-p and peak at s train ased incre weekdays. nrailway.co.uk For details see www.southeaster
Keto fix
See www.nannysmithsdeli.com
Would you like to get out and about in your local community? Do you enjoy chatting with others? How about having a great reason to increase your steps? Now you can do all 3 by becoming a ‘Friend’ of Life In...Orpington magazine and volunteer as a local distributor.
ISSUE 35 | JANUA
RY 2022
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
STARTING WIT H YOUR MENTAL HEA LTH
Gracious Care has announced that seven of its care workers were shortlisted as finalists in the following areas: Newcomers To Care; Dementia; Frontline Leaders Awa rd and Homecare Award in the Great Britis h Care Awards. The company was awarded the Care Planner and Assessor Award and will therefore go through to the National Final in March. Christine McNamara, Director of Gracious Care, said that the accolade was a “massive achievement for the team who have worked so hard through the pandemic.”
Aware of Bromley Chain?
On a keto diet after over-indulgin g over the festive season? Did you know that Nanny Smith’s Deli offers keto food and takeaway options? They also cater for glute n-free and vegan diets.
Become a Friend!
NOTICEBOARD
FR
EE
The best time
TO BOOK A HOTEL How to nail
by JENNY FROUDE, author of Making Sense In Sign Ltd - a lifeline for a deaf child, Multilingual Matters by Local charit y, Bromley Chain, was founded in 1980 deaf en betwe link a forge to n childre deaf parents of and hearing people of all ages. The group was instrumental in leading to the set-up of Deaf Access (now merged with deafPLUS) at Community House in Bromley. Our independent charit y continues to be supportive of deaf and hard-of-hearing people by campaigning, informing, sponsoring and raising deaf awareness. Recently, as a result of its two-year bursar y, there is now an additional fully qualified teacher of the deaf at Darrick Wood School in Orpington.
DRY JANUARY
For more information see www.bromleychain.org.uk
Emma Raducanu! 5 Minutes With...
INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY ONE PAGE AT A TIME #Bec auseC omm
Feature on the
unity Matte rs
If you are able to deliver a min imum of 100 magazines in your local area each month, please write to us at hello@lifeinmagaz ines.co.uk
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news
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 9
community
MAYOR’S VOICE I’ve attended a number of events this last month including Beckenham Fireworks Display in November. It was a brilliant evening, with a capacity crowd at Croydon recreation ground. In fact, many residents were unable to enter due to its popularity. Thanks must go to the 5th Beckenham Scouts volunteers who organised this great event. I also attended an annual service for Bromley Welcare charity at Bromley Parish Church (St Peter and St Pauls Church), which highlighted the care given to children and adults who are in desperate need of social assistance. It’s an extremely rewarding charity which has made a major difference to many Bromley residents. In other news, I joined the Bromley Schools Cross Country event – not to take part but to start the four races. It’s an event that the primary schools in the borough look forward to, and it was an exhilarating experience with all of the entrants racing towards me, fortunately missing! Prizes and commendations were awarded at the end of the day which were all very well received, justified and appreciated. Meanwhile, Lightopia provided a spectacular exhibition with a high level of ingenuity with the illuminated designs, all of which were simply breath-taking. It was magnificent
Lines from Linda And so the sparkle, merriment and overindulging has ended. (Yes, I speak for myself). OK, so we may have left the Christmas feasting behind, but living where we do, we are spoiled for theatres, and they all run their festive pantos well into January. On our doorstep is the magnificent Churchill Theatre, this year presenting Sleeping Beauty. As I write this, I have my tickets, but have not, as yet, attended so all I can tell you is, for me, it will bring back many memories.
to see the natural features of Crystal Palace Park’s dinosaurs highlighted, as well as an incredible reproduction of Crystal Palace Pavilion in lights, with a video of the tragedy of its destruction - a spectacular experience for families. Other delights this last month have included a performance by Stagecoach Performing Arts, arranged by members of staff to encourage children to display their artistic gifts through theatrical performance. There was a wide age range which highlighted the various stages of developing abilities. Overall, it was an extremely entertaining performance for those of us who were able to attend. And finally, it was great to watch Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich Mind’s Christmas Carol Service, with a wonderful soloist performance, all conducted by the founder of the choir, Georg Tormann. It was a project which he initiated 21 years ago and has since appeared at major national events. A superb evening of Christmas carols to the absolute delight to those of us who attended. If you would like to arrange a formal visit from either myself or the Deputy Mayor, contact the Mayor’s office (mayors. office@bromley.gov.uk or 020 8313 4906). Councillor Russell L. Mellor Mayor 2021-22
All generally goes well in the two or three shows a day, and the three to sixweek run. But expect the odd mishap. I will always remember a mishap on a first show in the morning. I had rushed in, forgotten to change into the flesh undies for under the dress, hence I still wore my violet and cerise flowered knickers, bought recently from a shop no-one now mentions.
When I had flown on and off a few times, and the interval As an actress I have appeared in countless approached, my fairies and I stood together waiting. pantomimes, always playing the Good Fairy. The We were all going to fly above the star and look Good Fairy, sometimes, often even, has to fly. magical. Music started, and off we went. (Each The children love it when she flies in and saves My naughty with our own technician flying us. However, my the day. And, in some productions I had to fly guy had a crush on a dancer. While watching her, knickers were out and over the audience at the finale call. he flew me a little wide. Next thing my harness hit
"
on full show...
Now all that may seem magical and exciting, but for the actress there is another side. The company that are employed to fly you are there every night and they have to check your harness is in place and the safety catch is correctly locked before letting you on stage. Both myself and my flying technician were always red-faced as I hoisted the crinoline frock around my shoulders, revealing legs and knickers, while the technician fiddled, his face burning redder as I lifted a leg and he leaned in to check the under-leg lock. Appropriately enough, my last fly technician was called Robin!
10 Life in... Orpington January 2022
the wire on the song-sheet, which was attached up in the flies, and the wires intertangled. Hard as he tried, he couldn’t free me. My crinoline was over my head, my naughty knickers on full show, and our star about to come on and sing the closing song. I had no choice, I pretended I was maestro and conducted, with my wand, Land of Hope and Glory from my bottoms up position, hanging from the song-sheet. For more about me and my crime novels see www.lindareganonline.co.uk
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 11
what's on - JANUARY 2022 community & charity Bereavement Café
Message the Facebook page for a call back Meets the last Thursday of every month
Orpington Village Hall, 311 High St, Orpington BR6 0NN Cost: Free Contact: www.facebook.com/bereavementcafe If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one, contact The Bereavement Cafe to talk with qualified bereavement counsellors. All are welcome.
Bromley Mencap Services
Contact: 020 8466 0790 Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Email support: enquiries@bromleymencap.org www.bromleymencap.org.uk Call for advice and a friendly voice. Please phone our helpline should you require any support or need advice.
Bromley Well
Monday - Saturday, 9am-5pm
Contact: 0808 278 7898 www.bromleywell.org.uk Email: spa@bromleywell.org.uk Bromley Well provides help for you to stay emotionally and physically well and to remain independent. Bromley Well run free workshops (but you need to be registered).
Drop-in Cuppa & Chat for Seniors (over 60s) See the website for 2022 dates
10am-12pm Cost: Free Contact: 07891 403161 Email: admin@potentialmecoaching.org.uk www.potentialmecoaching.org.uk Join our last cuppa & chat group session for 2021. We have a choice of table activities for you to enjoy while you chat such as adult colouring, board games, playing cards, dominoes, crochet, knitting, seasonal crafts. Making friends and staying socially active is quite easy if you’re willing to venture out and try new things. Contact us for more information.
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
U3A Orpington
Third Monday of the month at 2pm
Crofton Main Hall Cost: £12 a year Contact: 01689 819698 or email william.sear@gmail.com If retired/working part-time, why not join nearly 1,000 other members for access to 100 different activities. Refreshments also provided.
Orpington Folk Dance Group
1st and 3rd Thursdays every month between 11.45am-1.45pm
Farnborough Village Hall Cost: £25 per term (seven sessions) Contact: 01689 836407 or email janetmaile@ rocketmail.com This is a beginners' class and offers gentle exercise and a friendly group. No partner necessary.
Knitting Club
Knitting blankets, mittens & bonding hearts for Special Care Baby Units at PRUH and Kings College hospitals. 2pm-4pm on Wednesdays during term time Crofton Baptist Church, Orpington Contact: Lin Harewood 01689 877010 on Wednesdays Or email lincbc2020@outlook.com Anyone is welcome - you don’t have to be an experienced knitter. No need 2-aPly just come and make friends! We are knitters who natter so come and spin a yarn while you knit a yarn for a worthy cause. We won’t let reality get in the way of a good yarn!
EDUCATION
Forget-Me-Not Survivors Of Suicide Loss
Lipreading classes
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.
Poverest Centre, Bromley Adult Education College Cost: Approx £7 per class. Concessions available see https://baec.ac.uk Contact: Email lisa.cox@baec.ac.uk One in five people in the UK has hearing loss. It is the most common disability and lipreading classes can be a huge help to many.
Meets the first Thursday of every month
12 Life in... Orpington January 2022
Monday afternoons 2-4pm (term time only)
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what's on - JANUARY 2022
libraries Orpington
Contact: 01689 831551 Email: Orpington.library@gll.org www.bromley.gov.uk/orpingtonlibrary Open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm
Petts Wood
Contact: 01689 821607 Email: Pettswood.library@gll.org www.bromley.gov.uk/pettswoodlibrary Open Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm
Southborough
Contact: 020 8467 0355 www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/ southborough-library Open Monday - Tuesday and Friday - Saturday from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Grace Rose Pilates
Monday: 7pm Tuesday: 9.45am Thursday: 5.30pm (Beginner) and 6.30pm
Christ Church Hall, Tudor Way, Petts Wood BR5 1LH Claim your FREE trial class at www.gracerosepilates.co.uk or contact 07913 912411 email gracerosepilates@hotmail.com Facebook: Grace Rose Pilates Classical & contemporary trained advanced Pilates teacher. Live classes. 1:1s available. Taught by a Body Control Pilates teacher, the benchmark for safe and effective teaching of the highest level. Reshape your body and balance your flexibility with strength; it's also a great way to release stress and tension. Perfect for athletes, beginners and especially recommended for those with back problems. Low back pain specialist. Beginners to advanced.
theatre/ Performances
Please check websites for the latest library updates and opening times.
Fairs and mARKETS
Churchill Theatre, Bromley Contact: tickets@churchilltheatre.co.uk
Orpington Market
The Da Vinci Code
9am - 3pm Market Place, Orpington BR6 0TW Contact: 01689 832923 Email: info@orpingtonmarket.co.uk www.orpingtonmarket.co.uk A weekly market in the heart of Orpington bringing together fresh produce, fashion, homeware & crafts.
Various times Cost: From £27.50 The curator of the Louvre has been brutally murdered, and alongside his body are a series of baffling codes. Follow the pulse-racing journey as Professor Robert Langdon, played by Television favourite Nigel Harman (EastEnders, Hotel Babylon) and fellow cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Hannah Rose Caton) attempt to solve the riddles.
Open Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
sports & nature Flin's Online & Live Fitness Classes See website for class dates & times
Cost: PAYG £5 - £8 Contact Fran: 07976 412027 www.flinsfitness.co.uk Online streaming plus live offerings - 40+ classes a week, early mornings, mid mornings and evenings, including weekend classes. Outdoor Boot Camp, Circuits, Strength, Cardio, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Total Body Lite, Box Fit and more: fitness for all! Mornings at Westcombe Park RFC, evenings at Tubbenden School.
10th - 15th January
Cluedo
28th January – 5th February
Various times Cost: From £22 Was it Miss Scarlet, with the revolver in the dining room? Or was it Professor Plum with the lead pipe in the library? This hilarious spoof of a thriller will keep you guessing right up to the finale as both the audience and actors onstage try to work out whodunnit, with what - and where!
shout about your event...
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A small fee applies to have an event listed. Where possible, we try to list non-profit & charity events for free, but this is space dependent and on a firstcome, first-served basis. Email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk for details.
Contact Lauretta on 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.
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10TH JANUARY
@lifeinmags January 2022 Life in... Orpington 13
A friendly face this winter At Perrys Chartered Accountants we offer our clients an exceptional service and are proud of our industry knowledge, qualifications and experience. • Accounts • Corporate Finance • Wills and Probate • Making Tax Digital • Company Secretarial Work • Tax Planning • VAT Legislation • Tax Allowance • Inheritance Tax • Statutory Audit
To arrange a FREE consultation please visit our website perrysaccountants.co.uk
14 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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lifestyle - PUZZLE PAGE WIN a £15 App Store & iTunes Voucher!
This month’s competition is based on celebrities who have January birthdays and star signs. Fill in the answers to the clues in the grid and then re-arrange the letters in ame: _____________________________________________________ Date: _______ the shaded squares to spell out the name of a precious stone. Send the answer to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or text 07403-550068 with your name, telephone number and address.
January birthdays
WIN
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Across
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2 Surname of singer/songwriter, famous for Ziggy Stardust (5) 6 Surname of actor Bradley, who starred in A Star is Born (6) 7 First name of top American talk show host Ms Winfrey (5) 8 First name of ‘Baby Spice’, Ms Bunton (4) 11 Star sign for people born between December 22 and January 19 (9) 12 First name of the “King of Rock’n’Roll” (5) 14 American boxer who was World Heavyweight Champion three times (8, 3)
3 4 5 6
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Down 13
1 Top British Formula One racing driver (5, 8) 3 Singer/songwriter famous for Nine to Five and Jolene (5, 6) 4 Star sign for people born between January 20 and February 18 (8) cross 11. Star sign for people born 4. Star sign of people born 5 First name of actor who played Will between December 22 and between January Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean (7) sponsored by 20 and Surname of (9) February 18 (8) nger/songwriter, famous for January 19 9 Supermodel, born in Croydon (4, 4) UP TO HALF PRICE 12. First name of the 'King of 5. First name of actor who ggy Stardust (5) Rock'n'Roll' (5) played Will Turner in Pirates10of First name of singer, Ms Keys, famous Surname of actor Bradley, the Caribbean (7) for If I Ain’t Got You (6) 14. American boxer who was ho starred in A Star is Born World Heavyweight Champion 9. Supermodel, born in ) 13 First name of Take That singer, 3 times (8, 3) Croydon (4, 4) First name of top Mr Barlow (4) IN STORE Down 10. First name of singer Ms merican talk show host Ms DEC 2019 - FEB 2020 Keys, famous for 'If I Ain't Got nfrey (5) 1. British World Formula One You' (6) www.the-bedpost.co.uk First name 'Baby Spice', of Champion (5,can 8) & Thereofare a number ways you spend BED MATTRESS SPECIALISTS 13. First830964 name of Take That Bunton (4) 3. Singer/songwriter famous 01689 OVER 30 YEARS! your voucher including Mr Barlow (4) forsubscriptions, Nine to Five FOR andApple Jolene (5, star, APPROVED STOCKIST music, iCloud storage,6)apps and in-app 14
Every month we’re giving away a £15 App Store and WINTER iTunes voucher to the competition winner, sponsored by The Bed Post.
SALE
Text or email your answer, name and telephone number to
purchases, games, movies and audiobooks. Last month’s answer - FANCY DRESS All competition winners are listed on our website. Competitions are open to Bromley Borough residents only. For competition terms and conditions EX see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk 10 TRA OUR % O F S WIT ALE PRIC F H TH
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 15
Foster Denovo is a multi-award-winning firm of financial advisers that provides financial advice to individuals and families. Our local financial advisers based at our office in Bromley, specialise in providing financial advice in the following areas. • • • • • • • •
Financial planning Trust and estate planning Savings and investments Retirement planning Pension options at retirement Mortgages Protection Small business solutions
Working in partnership with your local Foster Denovo financial adviser can help you make the right financial planning choices.
Why Foster Denovo? Our advisers are friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable and our priority is to help our clients achieve their immediate financial planning needs and longer-term financial aspirations. For a fee free, no obligation initial meeting to discuss your immediate or long-term financial planning requirements, please:
call John Winters or Sharon Cain on 01689 868 163 or 07767 818 665 or email john.winters@fosterdenovo.com or sharon.cain@fosterdenovo.com. Website: www.fosterdenovo.com
Devonshire House, 29-31 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LT.
If you seek advice there may be a fee involved, full details will be provided prior to any work undertaken. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. Accessing pension benefits early may impact on levels of retirement income and your entitlement to certain means tested benefits and is not suitable for everyone. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.
Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Ruxley House, 2 Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2SA. Telephone: 01932 870 720 Email: info@fosterdenovo.com Website: www.fosterdenovo.com
16 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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MONDAY
THURSDAY
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St Paul’s Cray 5pm and 7pm Beverley 07500 232416
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 17
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18 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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New Year, New You!
lifestyle
Mental health matters
It's time to get real. Too often we make unrealistic New Year's Resolutions and then fail to stick to them. We start full of hope and good intentions, but before long we're back to our old ways. Now it's time to take stock of what's good in your life – and what isn't – and make plans to make this your best year yet – starting with your mental wellbeing. The plan
Set aside at least a couple of hours to plan your best year yet. First though, it’s time to do some reflecting. Ask yourself the questions below and you’ll start to see patterns emerging – things that make you happy and learning lessons of the last 12 months. - What were both your biggest successes and biggest failures of last year? - What situations or people made you feel good? Who or what didn’t? - What left you disappointed? And did you ever feel like you let yourself down? Upon reflection of a particular event, do you wish you could rewind time and react differently to it? - What motivated you to do something new or different? How did it make you feel? Allow yourself to reflect on these, think about what lessons they taught you – and then think about how you will carry these learning lessons forward. Know your triggers – what makes you angry, frustrated or sad? How are you going to avoid that happening in the future? Equally, think about what really makes you happy – how can you enjoy more of that this year? What steps can you put in place NOW to ensure more happiness is guaranteed? It's time to get rid of the negative – and make room for the positive.
The action
Think about what’s really important to you and the way that you live your life. What you strongly believe in (e.g.
honesty, integrity, kindness, personal appearance etc...) will provide you with the greatest motivation to change how you live your life. If you feel it would help, make a list of the values that are the most important to you and stick these up on the fridge or a place where you can be reminded of them on a daily basis. In learning to look after our mental health, we first have to accept that it’s OK (and normal) to sometimes feel ‘down in the dumps’. But we’re aiming for more ‘highs’ in life and there are a number of ways you can achieve this: • Talk to others and see your family and friends regularly. Connecting with others is crucial for your wellbeing. • Aim to learn a new skill. It will raise your self-esteem, boost you confidence and help you build a sense of purpose. Did you know that people who have a sense of purpose generally tend to live longer than those who don’t? Perhaps when we believe our life has meaning, we tend to take better care of ourselves. • Look to help others. Acts of kindness and giving can provide an enormous boost to your mental wellbeing by giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth, creating a sense of reward and helping you connect with people and impart your own knowledge and experience. Giving is receiving as they say. • Stay active! It’s not only important for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing. Once you start seeing results from physical activity (improved health, losing weight, feeling stronger etc) you’ll naturally begin to feel better about yourself.
3 WAYS TO DEAL WITH ‘BLUE MONDAY’ Blue Monday (the third Monday of January) is supposedly one of the most depressing days of the year. So rather than dwell on the negative, here are three ideas on seeking out those positive vibes… 1. Pick up the phone and call a friend. Have a good old chin wag, get a few things off your chest and arrange a date to catch up over a cuppa. It’s good to have something to look forward to. 2. Talking of having something to look forward to, plan your next getaway adventure! It could be a mini weekend getaway or a week in the sun this summer. A bit of research and planning will give you plenty to look forward to. 3. Spend time in nature – go for a walk, listen to the birds and just ‘be’. A walk outdoors can greatly enhance your sense of wellbeing, boost your immunity and encourage you to be more mindful – something we all need.
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New Year: The most common resolutions 1. Exercise more 2. Lose weight 3. Become more organised 4. Learn a new life skill or hobby 5. Live life to the fullest 6. Save money 7. Quit smoking 8. Spend more time with friends and family 9. Travel more 10. Read more books StoryTerrace
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 19
lifestyle
Parenting
NEW £83 MILLION INVESTMENT IN TEACHING FACILITIES
Teaching facilities across England will be extended and transformed for 16–19-yearolds as part of a new £83 million investment in post-16 providers. Demand is expected to increase for post-16 places as more young people continue with education or enter skills training. This investment will mean schools and colleges can continue to offer places to all young people who want them, increasing access to a range of education options, including A levels, T Levels, apprenticeships or traineeships, and ensuring young people can gain the skills they need to progress into a well-paid job. A total of 39 post-16 providers have been awarded a share of the multi-million-pound fund, which will be used to build new classrooms, science labs and extend teaching facilities. This builds on the extensive action under way, as set out in the Skills for Jobs White Paper, to transform further and technical education and deliver the skilled workforce employers and the economy need, helping to level up skills and opportunities for more people across the country.
Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart, said: “Every young person should have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to reach their goals and go on to have successful careers. This investment will boost capacity so we can make sure there is a place for every 16 to 19-year-old, giving them access to the high-quality learning facilities they need to succeed. “The programme will also support the government’s drive to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with all successful providers required to show how their projects will contribute to the target.” Successful bids include East Kent College Group (Ashford College), which will use their funding to build a new extension, creating an ‘engineering hub’ and additional space for business and IT provision, growing capacity for around 250 new students. The Chancellor recently announced that the government will invest £2.8 billion of capital funding by 2024/25 so that students have access to the facilities and equipment they need. This includes further funding to support post-16 providers to build additional capacity for the rising numbers of 16 to 19-year-olds.
THE BEST VALUE STREAMING SERVICES With so many streaming services available, the prospect of picking the best ones for adult programming is already tricky enough, and being a parent comes with the additional complexity of finding one that children can enjoy as well. But which ones will give you the best value for money? And which won’t bore the kids? Money.co.uk analysed the top five streaming services available in the UK, comparing everything from price, quality, functionality and type of content available to give parents a comprehensive guide as to which is best for their family’s needs. They found that: • For a £7.99 subscription, Amazon Prime gives access to 1,162 Family + Kids titles. This works out at a modest £0.69 per 100 shows. • Netflix takes second place, with the slightly cheaper subscription price of £5.99 netting you 811 kids titles.
20 Life in... Orpington January 2022
•
iPlayer is the most expensive service, with a license fee working out at £13.25 per month. For quality programming, iPlayer also takes the top spot however, with an average MetaScore of 64.
• Prime Video also has the most educational shows with 114, while new kid on the block, Disney+, is a distant second with just 36.
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 21
Liberty’s is a local
independent boutique, located next to Lloyds Bank just off Orpington High Street. We stock: Italian fashion including silks in many colours & styles A range of clothing to suit sizes from 6-8 up to 22-24 A wide range of clothing, bags, jewellery and gifts Other products from small local businesses on the shelves, which make this boutique unique! LibertysFashion
libertysfashionx
Lisa Clark Owner & Manager
Property experts in Orpington
since 1964.
Come in to our branch or give us a call: Sales: 01689 768 531 Lettings: 01689 768 641 300 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0NF Andrewsonline.co.uk
22 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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5 Minutes With…
COMMUNITY
Emma Raducanu!
How proud are we that Emma Raducanu, Britain's first female Grand Slam winner since 1977 and the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon (US Open) last year, is from our wonderful borough? With the assistance of the LTA, the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, we caught up with Emma for five minutes to discover what she likes getting up to when she’s not on the tennis court…
As you tour so much while playing tennis, what would you say are your top travel essentials?
"
Not many people know that I speak Mandarin
as well if they watch me. Tennis is an unbelievable sport, it gives you so many opportunities and is so fun and it would be great for more kids to pick up a racket and try it. LTA Youth courses are a perfect way for everyone to get started.
Who would you say is your idol? It would have to be Michael Jordan.
A disposable camera to help me reflect on memories of the trip and a lacrosse ball that I use for physiotherapy on my upper body as it helps ease any aches and pains. I would also say dark chocolate and peanut butter which is an absolute must - I take it everywhere! And finally, energetic music with good beats.
Yes! Jean-Michel Basquiat and Alec Monopoly.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Probably a lawyer as I like arguing back a lot and talking back a little bit!
Binge-watching Taiwanese shows on Netflix. I also enjoy following F1 and never miss the highlights.
Any hidden talents? Not many people know that I speak Mandarin.
Oh interesting! So, following on from this, what’s your favourite food? I really like Lam yong, Korean food, especially Korean barbecue food.
You recently revisited your primary school in Bickley. What was it like being back there? I had the best memories of this school at Sports Day. Being back there did make me want to do more because seeing their inspired and excited faces when I walked in, spurred me on. I can’t let them down and want to keep pushing on in my own career, and hopefully they can get into tennis
And any favourite artists? If you hadn’t become a tennis player, what do you think you would have become?
Finally, who would your dream doubles partner be? Andy Murray! One of my favourite sporting moments was hitting a lob winner against Andy Murray in a mixed doubles game.
Did you know… the LTA recently launched LTA Youth, a new and innovative junior programme aimed at kids aged four-18 created to help more children enjoy the benefits of playing and staying in tennis, whatever their age, gender, ability, disability or background. Emma has been – and still is – a huge inspiration to the next generation of tennis players and is an LTA Youth Ambassador. Inspired by Emma? To book a place on the course or find out more information on how to get started in tennis visit
lta.org.uk/youth-programme/
Photos: Getty Images for LTA.
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 23
Flowers for new beginnings
We at Gracious Care understand difficult situations. We deal with them all the time. Sometimes we need a little help to do even the basic things. With the help of Gracious Care, our customers remain independent, giving their relatives peace of mind.
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01689 485044 | www.timeforflowerskent.co.uk 44b The Walnuts, Orpington BR6 0TW
Naani Maa’s Kitchen Try our delectable artisan cashew nuts! Choose from our best seller Chilli & Lemon or Lime & Pepper LOW FAT
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24 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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JAPANESE RESTAURANT & BAR
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 25
lifestyle
Technology
PASSWORD PROTECTED
Bad password practice is more prevalent than you might think. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre carried out analysis of passwords leaked in data breaches, and found that more than 23 million users worldwide used ‘123456’ as a password. So here’s some tips to make your online accounts even more secure: 1: Creating memorable passwords: A good way to create strong, memorable passwords is by using 3 random words. But remember, don’t use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). You can include numbers and symbols if you need to. 2: Saving passwords in your browser: Saving your password in your browser means letting your web browser (such as Chrome, Safari or Edge) remember your password for you. This can help to make sure you don’t lose or forget your passwords. It can also protect you against some cyber-crime, such as fake websites. It is safer than using weak passwords, or using the same password in more than one place. 3: Email account passwords: If a hacker gets into your email account, they could reset your other online
account passwords and have access to personal information you have saved about yourself or your business. Your email password should be strong and different to all your other passwords. This will make it harder to crack or guess. For details see ncsc.gov.uk/ cyberaware We spoke to local website guru, Richard Wraith, from My Local IT Guy (mylocalitguy.uk). He said: “For passwords, I always recommend FireFox Lockwise for saving, managing and creating secure passwords. It’s also awesome for checking all of your email addresses to see if any have been exposed in any data breaches. See Firefox Monitor at https://monitor.firefox.com. Failing that, this website will let you create secure passwords with any complexities you want or don’t want: https:// passwordsgenerator.net. But, as already mentioned, a new trend is to use three random words. The app // what3words is great for this. Pick a favourite location and use those three words in a random order to create your password. To avoid any robots trying to cycle through every possible combo, throw a symbol in between the words and hey presto!"
New fat-burning device As the popularity of low-carb keto diets continues to grow, AlcoDigital has launched a new fat-burning monitoring device to the UK market. Ketoscan Lite is a pocket-sized device that’s ideal for optimising diet plans and exercise programmes, including the keto diet. Users blow into the mouthpiece for two seconds, and within one minute an accurate result is recorded on the digital display. The device works by measuring the concentration of ketones (acetone) in exhaled breath, indicating the speed at which the body is burning fat. Ketoscan Lite retails at £99.95 and is available from www.ketoscanmini.co.uk
7 ONLINE SAFETY SHIFTS TO EXPECT IN 2022 Less than 30 years on since the mass adoption of the internet, legislation to clean it up and keep users safe has been a major priority for global governments, but not until now have we seen major shifts in the way we access the net. Andy Lulham, COO of VerifyMyAge, shares his views on the seven big trends internet users can expect to see in 2022 and beyond. 1. Teach ‘em young: Rishi Sunak’s 2021 autumn budget addressed the need for more skilled people in cybersecurity, announcing a major investment to get youngsters trained up in the subject to police the web. Arguably, a lot of what’s needed is effective technology,
26 Life in... Orpington January 2022
but to teach that technology you need real people who understand real people. It’s bums on seats. Ofcom and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) are recruiting an additional 400 staff to extend their remit into online safety. This will only increase over the next 18 months with all the new online safety legislation in place. 2. Age against the machine: As a result of the new online safety legislation, anyone who owns a publicly accessible internet-enabled business can’t get away with not knowing how old their users are anymore. A number of new laws introduced in the UK and Europe now meanthat websites, apps, games owners (aka Information Society Services) must establish the age of their users. The first of these new laws is the Audio-
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Visual Media Services Directive which is being progressively introduced across Europe and was transposed into UK domestic law last year, just prior to Brexit. This move is to protect children under the age of 18 from content that may harm their mental, physical, or moral development - a major focus here is video sites. 3. Access all ages - Tick, tick, tock: As a result of the General Data Protection Regulations, which dictate that it is only possible to give your permission for your personal data to be processed if you are over the age of 16 (or as young as 13 in the UK), we’re going to see more ‘data processing’ permissions boxes and age verification pop-ups in 2022. What this means is that one website may offer varying levels of access to the user, dependent on their age or the permissions granted. 4. Set an example, or be the example: With threats of fines to the tune of 4% of the perpetrating company’s worldwide turnover for the preceding financial year, the new legislations have set hares racing, making ‘compliance’ as much of a buzz word as ‘content’ has been for the last decade. Who will be the first company to fall foul and be made an example of? My guess is that it’ll be a major brand, or at least a division of one. I also wouldn’t rule out it being a brand that, by being seen as giving it an eye-wateringly large rap on the knuckles, the Government could win votes, by acting a gainst it. 5. The end of online anonymity: This will be one of the major debates in 2022 and beyond. There is already
lifestyle
a lively debate ahead of the parliamentary scrutiny of the Online Safety Bill about whether the law should go further and require identity verification before users can publish their views about the world, and other people in it, online. For many, this is a step too far, but for others, being able to identify an individual when they are online is a prerequisite for applying the rule of law, for example, when considering libellous comments or death threats. I know from our own technology solutions that online verification is simple to apply, but whether the world is ready is a whole different matter. 6. No more sweets at the checkout: 2022 will see improved transparency on data use, especially for children. The analysis, often by complex algorithms based on very large data sets gathered from a whole range of our activities online, that is then used to target us with advertising for products we are likely to buy, is already the subject of multiple campaigns calling for it to be outlawed. 7. Ching, ching - steady hand on the tiller: 2022 will mark the biggest crackdown on online financial scams. Since the start of the pandemic consumers have relied more than ever before on the web and in the interest of the country operating effectively in the event of another lockdown, consumers need to feel safe to pay for items or make financial transactions online, without the fear of being scammed. Calls are already being made for the Online Safety Bill to be widened to address these financially crippling traps.
What are your views on technology trends for 2022 – and what do you think needs to happen? Write to us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
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Receive a free, no obligation assessment & advice for your gas, electricity, broadband & mobile. We’re a local point of contact offering London-based customer services. Contact Gail Gulvin: 07946 024449 www.smartswitchutilities.co.uk January 2022 Life in... Orpington 27
FEEL GOOD FLOORING MADE EASY At Tapi Carpets & Floors we’re passionate about helping you find the flooring that suits your lifestyle and budget. We’re only happy when you have a floor you truly adore! Together, our teams have more than 10,000 years of experience, and we’re here to help! We’ve got a wide selection of Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate, Luxury Vinyl and Engineered Wood flooring for you
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Pets
lifestyle
5 TIPS FOR GIVING PUPS TREATS They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but leading dog behaviourist Louise Glazebrook is challenging this mantra head on. With 3.2 million households welcoming a new furry friend in lockdown, Glazebrook is urging pet parents to use a treat training regime to train young and old pups. Here are her top tips: 1. Choose treats that are made from real meat, real fruit and real vegetables. 2. Select a treat according to what your dog is motivated by and how hard the thing you are trying to reinforce or teach is. Motivation is all about what your dog enjoys
Spotted on social
doing; if your dog is finding something hard then make sure that what you are using is of interest. If it isn’t, they may just give up. 3. Remember that you should not starve your dog or withhold food to train them. Your dog is entitled to eat meals as well as being rewarded for the work you are asking them to do. 4. Use treats and toys throughout a dog’s entire life. You still get paid for going to work, so should your dog. Don’t stop reinforcing the things they enjoy or are learning. 5. Encourage chewing on a daily basis. Chews may help a dog and a puppy process their day. It can also help to calm them and can assist in reducing teething pain in a young dog. Lily’s Kitchen
Q: Do you need to change a dog’s diet during the winter months? A:
Winter brings with it shorter days, colder temperatures and a change in weather. For many dogs, this means less exercise and a drop in their overall energy demands, which can lead to weight gain. To accommodate for this, you may need to drop their daily feed intake by around 10-20%, while continually monitoring their weight and condition. However, if you need to feed significantly under the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines to keep the weight off, then it may be beneficial to look for a less energy-dense diet. Furthermore, this is usually the time of year we have lots of delicious food in the house, so don’t be tempted to indulge your dog with treats. Meanwhile for working dogs, winter usually means an increased work-load. If you find your dog is dropping weight, then you may need to up their intake by 10-20%. However, if you need to feed significantly over the guidelines to maintain a healthy weight and condition, then it may be beneficial moving onto a more energy-dense diet, suited to more active dogs.
Zoe Williams, Skinner’s nutrition officer - skinners.co.uk
(Unusual) Pet corner This month we asked for your unusual pet pictures and we got a great response...here are just a few of our faves…
It’s Sid the budgie!
Denise – receptionist at Petts Wood’s Caring Dental
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My daughter’s pony, Sonny, having a little lie in on these cold mornings! Helen Locking
Kevin the gerbil likes sunflower seeds and biting fingers! Christopher MacKillican
Togo is not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a real sweetie and loves to curl up on my tummy. He’s a Royal Python, which are native to west and central Africa. Jackie Keyte
Cute pet pictures – send yours to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 29
lifestyle
Health & Fitness HOW TO NAIL DRY JANUARY
by Dr HELEN FLAHERTY, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK Dry January is a great way of addressing the effects of overindulgence during the festive season by making a conscious decision to stop drinking alcohol for the month. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure, some types of cancer, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other long-term conditions. Whether you are taking part in Dry January or not, here are some tips from Heart Research UK to help manage your drinking habits for a healthier 2022!
Understand alcohol units Alcohol content varies between different types of drink and different brands of similar drinks. Check the labels so you know exactly how many units are in each serving of your chosen tipple. Go online to find easy-to-use unit calculators to help you track your intake over the week and compare drinks.
How much can I safely drink? For men and women, the maximum recommended alcohol units each week is 14, spread over three or more days. If you are pregnant, it’s recommended that you don’t drink alcohol at all. Drinkaware provide assessment tools that you can use to track the amount you are drinking – see drinkaware.co.uk/tools
Stay on track
yourself of the health and financial benefits of cutting down on drinking. Avoid temptation by removing alcohol from your home or hiding it away. Even if you are not seeing friends and family in person, you can connect with people online who are also trying to cut down or quit drinking to provide support and motivation. By telling other people about your intention to control your drinking, you are more likely to stick to it. Instead of drinking, focus on positive activities, such as setting physical activity goals or learning a new skill.
Alternatives to alcohol Develop your taste for alcohol-free alternatives, such as reduced calorie soft drinks and squash, herbal teas or water with slices of lemon, lime, mint leaves and ice. Try making your own mocktails or mix things up with some sparkling water or tonic water as an alternative to alcoholic bubbles and garnish with chunks of fresh fruit to add colour.
Reward yourself Decide on a reward that will motivate you to achieve your goal and keep reminding yourself about it whenever you are tempted to have a drink. Avoid using alcohol as a reward.
Getting help when needed If you are consuming more than 14 units a week, take steps to address it. You can get support by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/
Try to keep yourself on track by regularly reminding
Get your swim on! According to Swimming.org, more than 3.4 million seven to 11-year-olds in England are failing to meet minimum standards that have been brought in for swimming lessons outside of school. The research, released by national governing body, Swim England, found that 96% of youngsters are stopping lessons too early. As a result, Swim England is recommending that parents and guardians only consider stopping lessons for their children when they are ‘competent’ swimmers, rather than just displaying confidence in the water. Local company, Aquakids, runs weekly lessons as well as intensive courses, with the next course due to start in April. The company’s Lorna Crust, said: “The benefits of keeping swimming up means that strong swimmers can develop and enjoy other aquatic skills such as water polo, outdoor sports such as surfing, as well as lifeguarding and swim assisting.” For details see www.aquakids.co.uk or email info@aquakids.co.uk
30 Life in... Orpington January 2022
True or false: Hearing loss is a symptom of COVID-19 True – although it’s rare! Research from the University of Manchester has identified a link between COVID-19 and hearing loss. If you’re experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, you might experience pressure on the ears, or infections. These infections can cause hearing loss. However, the majority of people with COVID-19 will not experience this unusual symptom. As you get older, it is always important to have regular check-ups. A free online hearing test is available with Hidden Hearing. See hiddenhearing.co.uk/hearing-tests/ online-hearing-test
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lifestyle
THE BENEFITS OF HYPNOTHERAPY Q: I have been invited to a wedding and would like to attend. However, the wedding is in America, and I have to go by plane and I have a fear of flying. Do you have any advice?
A: As a hypnotherapist, I see many different types of phobias but a fear of flying, called aviophobia or aerophobia, is common. A fear of flying is seen as a learned behaviour and so hypnotherapy can help. A consultation session is first carried out to discover the triggers of a phobia and the physiological effects. In the session itself, and with consent, I would get the client in a trance state to use their imagination, feel and see themselves going on a plane. Still using their imagination, I would make sure the client continued to feeln safe and protected the further the plane went. When communicating with a client's subconscious mind, I can address issues that a client would like to eliminate. The aim is to change the person's uncomfortable thoughts and feelings about flying and replace them with positive ones. There are several different hypnotherapy techniques to use when treating a client of this nature. The success rate is positive in overcoming your fear of flying using hypnotherapy. For details call 07462-532287 or see vmdavishypnotherapy.webnode.com
HOUSES OF NATURE REVIEW We tried a selection of Houses of Nature products including the hand sanitiser, deodorant and hand cream. We loved the deodorant’s push-up stick concept and it had a nice, subtle scent (made from essential oils) which wasn’t overpowering. The creamy texture also meant that it was easy to apply. The hand cream’s smell was lovely and the cream absorbed quickly. It left the skin a little tacky for just a couple of minutes suggesting it’s quite a rich cream for hands. And finally, the hand sanitiser came in a lovely little package (ideal handbag size) and a little went a long way in terms of application. The smell was also pleasant (I could smell eucalyptus) and it’s nice to know it’s free of petrochemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, dyes, enzymes, genetic engineering and nanotechnology. Need to know: We love the fact that products are used with raw materials derived from organic farming – there are no nasties in any of them – something that more and more people are realising is very important. Prices are a little higher than items you’d see on supermarket shelves for example, (the deodorant is £14.99), but we believe they are good value and you pay for what you get. What’s more, the company uses sustainable packaging and is environmentally-friendly – a win-win. There’s a whole range of products online too - for more information see www.housesofnature.com
5 tips to prevent winter skin damage by Dr. Olivier Amar, cosmetic surgeon and CMO of Uvence
1. Hydration is key: Drinking more water helps to flush
4. Exercise: Exertion of the body helps increases blood
out toxins from the body, leaving the skin looking more radiant and youthful. Try drinking at least two litres a day to really notice the benefits. 2. Moisturise: During winter, the air loses its moisture which often leads to dry, cracked skin and chapped lips. To combat this, use a moisturiser as part of your everyday skincare routine that is suited to your skin type and its needs. 3. Use SPF: Over a quarter of Brits did not know that the winter sun can still cause much damage to our skin. Make sure you're using a moisturiser that contains an SPF of at least 15 - even under make-up - to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
circulation to the face. Red blood cells help carry oxygen and vital nutrients to parts of the body that really need it more blood cells mean more nutrients. Exercise, therefore, helps to combat the drying effects of the winter air which can cause dullness in the appearance of skin. 5. You are what you eat: Eating a balanced diet and getting in those essential vitamins helps your skin from the inside-out. Ensuring you get your five-a-day will increase your intake of antioxidants, helping reduce pigmentation as well as wrinkles. Including healthy oil-rich foods in your diet, such as tuna, has also been shown to increase collagen production in the skin, improving its overall texture.
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January 2022 Life in... Orpington 31
lifestyle
Did You Know?
Keep your hands on the wheel
Police will soon be able to more easily prosecute drivers using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel after the government strengthens existing laws to further improve road safety. It is already illegal to text or make a phone call (other than in an emergency) using a hand-held device while driving. Next year, laws will go further to ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games. This will mean anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence. There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology. This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.
Pass the popcorn!
Showcase Cinemas has announced that customers are now able to hire an entire cinema screen to themselves to host their own private screening with friends and family. Guests will experience big screen immersion like never before, with no one else in attendance other than their specially selected list of lucky friends and family - providing all those in attendance with an unmatched viewing experience. Private hire costs start from £140. For more information see showcasecinemas.co.uk
A survey commissioned by the British Nutrition Foundation revealed that almost half of British adults (49%) are not aware of the government’s recommendation to consider taking vitamin D supplements during the autumn and winter months. Vitamin D is essential for keeping our bones and muscles healthy, and also for supporting normal immunity. While we can get some vitamin D from our diet, the main source is sunlight exposure on the skin. During autumn and winter in the UK, UV levels from the sun are not strong enough for us to make vitamin D in our skin.
GET INTO TEACHING Graduates applying to train as teachers in high-demand subjects will receive thousands of pounds in tax-free cash bursaries under government plans to recruit and retain world-class teachers. A total of £129 million is available for trainee teachers starting in 2022/23, which includes increased bursaries of £15,000 for languages, geography and design and technology, and £10,000 for biology – in addition to the existing £24,000 bursary or £26,000 scholarship for maths, physics, chemistry and computing. This follows an announcement by the Prime Minister that teachers of maths, physics, chemistry and computing in the first five years of their careers will receive salary boosts of up to £3,000 – to support the recruitment and retention of specialist teachers in these subjects.
32 Life in... Orpington January 2022
Bringing home the bacon (sandwich) The bacon butty has been named the UK’s favourite sandwich, beating off fierce competition from other popular sandwich fillings, according to new national research. The recent study, conducted by Foodhub, a food ordering app, found that one in five Brits (20%) opted for bacon as their favourite sandwich filling, with cheese (18%) falling narrowly behind. In third came cheese and pickle (15%), with ham and cheese missing out on landing in the top three.
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A BETTER WAY TO BE REMEMBERED...
Welcome to Brightwater Memorial Park
BRIGHTWATER M E M O R I A L
P A R K
At Brightwater Memorial Park we appreciate the comfort that people take from remembering their loved ones in the right setting. We have therefore created the very first indoor, above ground burial facility of its type in the UK. Brightwater is a modern, uplifting alternative to traditional cemeteries and crematoria. Combined with an exemplary level of service and a serene natural setting extending to over 14 acres of private gardens and natural woodland, Brightwater Memorial Park is the ideal location to create your legacy.
You can now reserve your final resting place at Brightwater Memorial Park. For more information please visit our website at www.brightwater.group or email: info@brightwater.group | 01689 850880 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 33
by Jude Greene-Steward
My name is Michelle, and I am passionate about what I do. I work locally as a Celebrant, in and around Orpington. Having been an Orpington resident for most of my life, I feel it is important to work closely with the community that I live in, and as a result of that, I have also co-founded The Bereavement Café in Orpington. So, my role as a Celebrant is to work with families who have lost a loved one and help them create a unique and fitting ceremony, to help them say goodbye. But I have also introduced something called, “Remember Me” and that is to help people document their wishes before they die. This is a really simple way of instructing your loved ones with what you want, when that time comes. We can discuss everything from music choices, your life story, colours, themes, and have it all recorded safely, so that when the time comes your family members aren’t left scratching their heads trying to work out what you would have wanted.
If you have any questions about anything please do not hesitate to contact me at michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com
SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES
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34 Life in... Orpington January 2022
Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & inc: 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.
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Travel
lifestyle
EMERGING LUXURY TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022 Following a boom in private travel since the pandemic, Air Charter Service (ACS) outlines the key themes and luxury travel trends that will continue to grow this year… • Ultra-luxe pet travel: Research shows that 3.2
•
•
million UK households have adopted pets since the start of the pandemic, and the rise in luxury pet travel is guaranteed to follow in 2022. Private jet destinations: As travel to USA and Asia recovers more slowly, ACS reported that the most popular destinations last year for UK travellers (based on the airports travelled to by private jet) were: Nice and Cannes, France; Faro, Portugal; Palma, Mallorca, Ibiza, Spain and the Greek islands. Factoring in the continued popularity of short-haul travel and the recent boom in the yachting industry, the company predicts that these destinations will continue to be popular this year, along with port towns Olbia and Ajaccio in Sardinia, and Antibes and Monaco. The net-zero carbon movement: The world is growing increasingly eco-conscious and with that, ACS predicts that the new wave of customers coming into private aviation will drive an increased uptake in
carbon offsetting. It is becoming clearer that, unlike many other industries, the technology to make aviation carbon neutral isn’t available yet. However, there are industries where the technology to offset carbon exists, but the funds do not. Carbon credit systems are a way of funding investment in green projects, which would otherwise not receive the investment they need. As a result, offsetting more than 100% of carbon from private aviation flights will be an option taken up by more customers, either directly through charter providers or through their own schemes.
• Ultra-luxury lifestyle concierge services: The pandemic has caused a monumental shift in the
priorities of the ultra-wealthy traveller, with factors such as privacy, safety and reliability taking precedence over cost. As sectors outside of hospitality (e.g. private jet charter) saw a subsequent boom in demand, travellers are looking for more than just a flight – with customers saying they prefer one point of contact for the whole journey, including hotel and experience bookings. Businesses that will stand out are those that not only look after the flight, but provide luxury concierge services for the client that ensure they feel protected and well catered for throughout the process.
THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A HOTEL Hotel booking platform, hoo, has analysed the cost of hotel accommodation across six continents throughout the year to reveal which month makes for the most affordable option depending on where you want to travel… Globally On average, the most affordable month to book a hotel is March at £86 per night versus £98 per night in September. South/Central America At £49 per night during the month of June, South America presents the most affordable of all continents when it comes to booking a hotel, while January is the most expensive month to head there at £57 per night.
per night to stay in a hotel - the most expensive month in the year. By adjusting the time of your trip to February, this cost falls to just £96 per night - the second biggest saving of all global continents between the most and least expensive month (-£23 per night).
Asia At just £72 per night, the cheapest time to visit Asia is in June, while heading to the continent in January will see this cost climb to £85 per night.
Oceania The cheapest month to book a hotel in the Oceania continent is October at £102 per night versus £111 in the most expensive month of February.
Africa Heading to Africa in either February or March will cost the least when looking to book a hotel (£73 per night), while December is the most expensive time to stay in the continent (£81 per night). Europe Heading away to Europe in September will cost you £120
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North America Finally, those heading away to the States will find the cost of a hotel at its lowest in February at £110 per night currently. This is £47 cheaper per night compared to the most expensive month of September - the biggest drop in the average room rate of all six continents.
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 35
Neuter your Cat for £5
Do you live in our Bromley area (BR1 - 5 or SE20, SE23 & SE26) and would like some help to get your cat neutered? We are offering you the chance to have your cat neutered for just £5. For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on :
We stock an amazing A – Z of Organic, Natural and Plastic free products Almonds, Baking Sheets, Colombian Coffee, Dish Cloths, Ear Buds, Five Varieties of Flour, Gluten Free Pasta, Herbs, Individual Toothbrushes, Juicy Prunes, Kilner Jars, Lentils, Mango Strips, Non-Bio Laundry Liquid, Oats, Pistachios, Quintessential kitchen products, Rice (Arborio and Basmati), Spices, Teas, Unrefined Cane Sugar, Vinegars, Wax Wraps, Xtraordinary Service, Yeast (quick dried), Zero waste necessities’
020 8650 5556 www.cats.org.uk/bromley/contact-us
Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland) NEU_2343
Orpington Market: Tuesdays and Fridays 9am to 2pm
W cate e also r fo free, r gluten vega keto & n requ dietary irem ents .
Our warm, welcoming deli in the heart of Farnborough Village aims to serve the local Magic community with food that caters for their every whim; from our quality charcuterie selection, to our delicious cheeses and artisan bread.
of Forresters
* Hot Salt Beef bagels * Private catering Fresh coffee * Seasonal fruit & vegetables * * Cheese & meat graze boards Pop in for a visit soon – we’re open from 7am-3pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat & 8am-2pm Sun
www.nannysmithsdeli.com
36 Life in... Orpington January 2022
nannysmith_deli
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Eco News
lifestyle
Millions of funding for tree planting Hundreds of thousands of trees will be planted in communities across England thanks to funding through the Nature for Climate Fund, announced by Defra and the Forestry Commission. Over £12 million will be allocated to the successful applicants to four funds supporting tree planting efforts for future generations. A total of 260,000 trees will be planted outside of woodlands as part of the Local Authority Treescapes Fund with 139 local authorities awarded a share of the now £4.4 million pot across 42 projects. Projects will support a variety of ways to get trees in the ground, from natural regeneration and traditional planting to community engagement. Local residents, schools and environmental groups will come together to plant trees in shared spaces, with training provided to support community groups. These initiatives will restore trees to non-wooded areas such as riverbanks, along hedgerows, beside roads and footpaths, and within vacant community spaces – areas where treescapes are often highly degraded due to neglect, disease or historical decline.
PROTECTING THE PLANET Did you know that for every document drafted by Southeast Legacies (based in Petts Wood), they donate money to the World Land Trust to plant a tree? Company owners, Anthony and Pete (pictured), are passionate about protecting the planet for future generations, and call their initiative ‘Draft One, Plant One’.
Urban forests make our towns and cities safer, healthier and more pleasant places to be, helping boost people’s wellbeing as well as contributing towards efforts to tackle climate change. Some 46 projects in England planting almost 25,000 trees will be supported through the third round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, building upon the 134,000 trees already planted through this fund in deprived urban areas. Also recently announced, the Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds will distribute almost £700,000 to 17 projects restoring biodiversity in vulnerable natural habitats, helping woodlands adapt to a changing climate and aiding their recovery from the impacts of pests and diseases. In addition, the Tree Production Innovation Fund will make over £1 million available to 16 innovative projects striving to increase and diversify our domestic tree production. Those selected include collaborations from researchers, nurseries, seed suppliers and industry, such as the Future Trees Trust, the University of Oxford and Maelor Forest Nurseries.
Nearly eight in ten children (78%) aged eight -15 year-olds agreed that looking after the environment was important to them, while 81% reported that they wanted to do more to look after the environment. Children’s People and Nature Survey
See southeastlegacies.co.uk for more information.
3 APPS TO HELP YOU REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE Earth Hero
Offers tips & tricks to become more sustainable. You can set green goals and share actions with others.
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Horizon - Reduce plastic waste Uses local recycling information to tell you exactly what you can and can't recycle in your area.
Klima
Gives users the ability to calculate and offset their carbon emissions.
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 37
lifestyle
Home & Garden
What the boiler ban means for new builds
Due to their reliance on fossil fuels, gas boilers have been at the forefront of parliamentary discussion, with plans to restrict their distribution by 2025. The International Energy Agency (IEA) goes one step further by suggesting it should be illegal to distribute gas boilers after 2025. This comes amid new concerns that gas emissions will have to half by 2030 in order to hit net zero by 2050, and in the hopes that all electricity will be emission free by 2040. However, this has not been confirmed and, for now, the boiler ban will only affect certain homes. Mark Glasgow, managing director of the Edinburgh Boiler Company, said: “Despite the IEA encouraging a full ban, it is still legal to buy and install gas boilers in your home, providing it is not a newly built domestic structure. This means that newly built homes, or homes built after 2025, will not be able to install gas boilers. “The UK government’s Future Home Standard campaign will require new homes to be built with the environment in mind, opting for carbon-conscious heating rather than harmful gas components. In fact, the campaign aims for new homes to reduce carbon emissions by 75-80% compared to ones built earlier. Therefore, if you’re planning to build a home before 2025, you will be allowed to install a gas boiler. However, if you plan to build your home any later than 2025, you will not be permitted to do this and you’ll need to start thinking about a new source of heating.” Other heating sources include electric boilers, heat pumps, and hydrogen boilers; here’s a brief look at each of them:
Electric boilers
Electric boilers allow your home to be heated without the use of unnecessary fossil fuels. If you’re looking for an alternative to gas boilers, electric boilers are already in distribution, so they could be the best option for you. Although electric boilers are already in use, it would be illogical to assume they are the sole solution to the carbon crisis. It is unlikely that the electrical grid could facilitate every domestic gas user in the nation. Whole electrical
Did you know?
networks would need a considerable amount of upgrading, and this would be very time-consuming and costly for the UK government.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps extract heat from the air and the ground. This is then distributed around your home using electricity. To encourage people to switch to heat pumps, the government is subsidising the machines by £5,000. This will be a part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that will start in April 2022. Despite their many benefits, heat pumps can be expensive to buy, install, and run. Moreover, their efficiency is dependent on the level of insulation in your home. Therefore, if you do not plan ahead, you may need to undergo some construction work to appreciate the benefits of heat pumps.
Hydrogen boilers
Hydrogen, a man-made gas, may be the carbon-free solution we are searching for. However, it is important to distinguish the difference between grey, blue, and green hydrogen. Grey hydrogen is made when natural gas or fossil fuels are split into carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is then emitted into the earth’s atmosphere, and so it is not an environmentally-friendly solution. Blue hydrogen is produced in the same way as grey hydrogen, but the excess carbon dioxide is stored underground. Green hydrogen is made when water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is known as electrolysis, which is powered by solar energy. It emits no carbon dioxide and is much more environmentally-friendly than other processes. Overall, the hydrogen boiler seems to be the most logical transition from fossil fuel to green energy. Engineers would be partially equipped to deal with hydrogen boilers, and only a small amount of training would be necessary. As well as this, scientists within the UK have already explored the possibility that that hydrogen could replace fossil fuels.
New legislation means that from this year, newly built homes and offices in England will have to be fitted with electric vehicle chargers.
38 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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lifestyle
Home insurance tips for floods & storms According to money.co.uk, if you’re affected by flood or storm damage and you want to make a claim on your home insurance policy, there are several steps you must take immediately in order to make sure your claim is successful. The company’s personal finance expert, Salman Haqqi, said: “Winter is a timely reminder to check your home insurance policy. It’s essential you make sure you’re covered for flood and storm damage. While most policies cover some level of flood damage as standard, you may need to seek specialist flood insurance if you want to be suitably covered. “This is especially true if you live in an area that has been hit by floods before. If you know there’s a serious storm on the way in your area, there are several practical steps you can take to make sure any potential claim is successful. Firstly, it’s a good idea to take some pictures of your home as it is now, just in case you need the evidence if you make a claim. “When you’re claiming for storm or flood damage on your home insurance, submitting a ‘before’ photo or video will help support your claim, as it’s proof of the state of your property before the damage hits. If your
home is hit by flood damage in the next week, you should speak to your insurer as soon as possible. They may need you to take emergency steps to minimise the impact of the water, until they can process your claim and sort proper repairs. “Remember, if you’re in rented accommodation, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to insure the building, not yours. So, if you do suffer damage to your home, speak to them before making any kind of claim of your own. If you’re a homeowner who has contents-only cover, it’s worth remembering that damage to items in your home should be covered by your home insurance policy, but any damage to the property itself may not be included.”
New Year New Home! I’m Claire, your local property expert. Please say hello if you see me out and about in the local area and reach out on any property matters you may wish to discuss. I will deliver a bespoke, personal, friendly service to all existing and new clients from start to finish, focussing on the client not the competition. lifeinmagazines.co.uk
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 39
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40 Life in... Orpington January 2022
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CLASSIFIED LISTINGS CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
HEAlTH & BEAUTY
AQUAKIDS
Aquakids - swimming lessons that last a lifetime. Intensive lessons are now full - book in advance for April 2022. Monday - Friday. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates. www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk
MY PARTY BOX.FUN
We provide sustainable party boxes that contain everything needed for children's parties. Our aim is to provide stress-free planning while helping you to create magical memories! www.mypartybox.fun Tel: 0333 444 2017 Email: josette@mypartybox.fun
THE SUNDAY SESSIONS: ACTING
She Soars Productions hold monthly Sunday acting workshops for children aged 12-18. Our fun full-day workshops are led by industry professionals and previous guest workshop leaders include Casting Directors and Film and Theatre Directors. Check out our socials for the latest updates and visit our website to book in advance for 2022 dates! Email: office@shesoarsproductions.com Instagram @shesoarsprodltd Facebook @SheSoarsProductionsLtd
DESIGN & PRINT
GEO SPORTS MASSAGE
Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771299123.
SUBLIME BEAUTY
Mobile service for semi-permanent eyebrows, lips, eyeliner and collagen induction therapy. I am VTCT Level 4 Qualified - the highest accreditation in Semi-Permanent Makeup (Micropigmentation). Gift vouchers also available. Email simone@sublimebeauty.co.uk or see www.sublimebeauty.co.uk
HOBBIES THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON
Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media
PETS
NICKY GRANT DESIGNS
I specialise in making your business look its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost-effective service. T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com To submit a classified listing please call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.
TOP KNOT TOYS
We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops. See @top_knot_toys on Instagram or email top-knot23@outlook.com
Balloons Flamingo and Events Balloons, decor and events. Birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions etc. Orpington-based.
Contact: 07596 334074 lifeinmagazines.co.uk
FlamingoBalloonsAndEvents January 2022 Life in... Orpington 41
stockists
Next month... FR
2
RUARY 202
ISSUE 36 | FEB
Our usual stockists include most cafes, dental surgeries, barbers, hairdressers, doctors etc in and around Orpington. Below are some of our main stockists. *These shops/establishments have a floor standing unit or counter top stand, so there’s plenty of magazines to go around. We appreciate your support.
Biggin Hill
• Cherry Lodge Golf Club • Foal Farm • The Lookout Coffee Shop
chelsfield
• Chelsfield Railway Station*
Downe
• Christmas Tree Farm • George & Dragon Pub • Holwood Farm • The Queen’s Head
Farnborough village/surrounds
• Change of Horses • FAB Cycle Services • High Elms Country Park Café • High Elms Golf Club • Nanny Smith’s Deli • The BEECHE Centre, High Elms • The Café @ Farnborough Village • The Post Office • The Woodman
Green St Green
• Co-op Food (Crescent Way) • The Rose & Crown
Locksbottom
• Darrick Wood Swimming Pool • Hus Barbers • Lidl* • PRUH* • The Whyte Lyon
Orpington
• Co-op Food (Carlton Parade)
Petts Wood
New
GLOBAL CONSUMER trends
• Croft Tea Room • Pavilion Hotel • St Andrew's Church • St Mary's Church
Local Hero A NEW
! is named
Relationships: H DATING WIT A Difference
UN E CO M M IN G TH IN SP IR
A TI M E PA GE AT IT Y ON E yMa tter s #Be caus eCo mm
unit
Coming up in the next Issue of Life In...Orpington… • • • •
Relationships: dating with a difference New global consumer trends The simple trick that will save you money on petrol A new local hero is named! Life In...Orpington is published by Luna Creative Media (Ltd)
NEXT COPY DEADLINE: 10TH JAN Contact Lauretta on
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St Paul’s Cray
• Co-op Food (Cotmandene Crescent) • Cotmandene Community Resource Centre • Family Shopper (Cotmandene Crescent)* • Best Kebab & Pizza (Cotmandene Crescent)
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42 Life in... Orpington January 2022
MONEY SAVE YOUON PETROL
• Arabica Coffee House • Morrisons* • Iceland* • Petts Wood Library • Petts Wood Railway Station* • Royal British Legion • Southeast Legacies
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TRICK THE SIMPLE WILL THAT
• Crofton Halls • Fab House* • Iceland* • Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe • Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre • Orpington IT Centre • Orpington Library* • Orpington Railway Station • Orpington Village Hall • Tangent Office Resources • Tesco* • The Nugent Shopping Centre* • The Walnuts Shopping Centre* • Valentine & Turner* • VTB Mobility
EE
Life In...Orpington is printed every month and is distributed to residents via household deliveries and businesses. It has a monthly readership of over 15,000 people including the digital edition. Copyright: All text, images and design in Life In... Orpington are subject to copyright, 2022. Competitions: In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. For full terms & conditions see www.lifeinmagazines.co.uk Disclaimer: Luna Creative Media Ltd assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of Luna Creative Media Ltd. Therefore, Luna Creative Media Ltd carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the editors is strictly prohibited. © 2022 Luna Creative Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
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A Final Thought…
Why swimming should be on your agenda by KERRY BARRETT, Orpington Ojays When lockdown hit back in March 2020 and everything closed, it was a real shock for us all to be deprived of the things we enjoyed doing, places we liked to visit and people we caught up with regularly. And as things opened up again, I found it interesting to take stock of the things (and people!) I’d missed and those I hadn’t. As an avid theatre goer, I missed the buzz of a live performance, for example. But cinema? Not so much. One thing that was sorely missed though, was swimming. With pools closed, there was no chance of taking a dip. My son swims for Orpington Ojays Swimming Club – based at The Walnuts Leisure Centre. Used to swimming every day, and having their schedules organised around training and competitions, he and his friends missed the water like mad when the pool was closed. Some of the hardier souls took to open-water swimming to get their exercise, while others turned to running, cycling or PE with Joe Wicks. And now things are gradually getting back to normal, swimmers, whether they swim competitively like the club members, for fitness, or just for fun, are really appreciating being back in the pool – and the huge benefits that swimming brings.
Here’s a rundown of just a few of the positives that getting into the water can provide. 1 It’s a total body workout
Swimming uses all your muscles from head to toe. So forget leg day or chest day – it’s a full body day every day in the pool. And because moving in water is harder than being on land, 30 minutes of work in the pool is roughly equivalent to a 45-minute workout on land.
2 It’s low impact
Swimming is a great workout, but because you’re supported by the water while you’re doing it, it’s easier on the joints, muscles and bones than other forms of cardio.
That means it works your heart without stressing your body. And if you’ve picked up an injury elsewhere, getting in the pool is a great way to stay active while you recover.
3 It’s a great calorie burner
If losing pounds is your aim then a plunge in the pool is a winner. A gentle swim can burn almost double the calories of a walk in the same time, and if you up your pace, then you could end up burning more calories than you would if you went running or cycling.
4 It helps you sleep
It’s true – swimming is known to help you drift off. Well, we have to be honest, this one isn’t exclusive to swimming, but doing regular cardio activity will improve the quality of your sleep and help you sleep longer.
5 It’s good for your head
Swimming is like meditation. It’s a proven way to reduce stress and increase mental wellbeing and it can even lower the risk of anxiety and depression. And the good news is you don’t have to get your Adam Peaty on and plough up and down the lanes to feel the positive effects on your mood. Just a gentle swim of 30 minutes is enough to make you smile.
6 It reduces your risk of disease
Swimming for half an hour, three times a week, reduces your risk of heart disease, strokes and type-2 diabetes. Now that can’t be bad!
7 It helps protect the NHS
A 2019 report into the value of swimming compiled by SwimEngland found that water-based activity saves the NHS more than £350m each year. That’s thanks to the massive physical and mental health benefits it provides.
8 It’s fun!
There are so many ways to enjoy being in the water that it really can be fun for everyone. If you don’t enjoy swimming up and down, why not try aqua-aerobics? Or if you fancy joining a team, try water polo or synchronised swimming. Perhaps give diving a go, whether from the top board, Tom Daley style, or plunging into the depths with SCUBA diving. If you don’t want to go to a pool, then why not investigate outdoor swimming in a pond like the ones at Beckenham Place Park or Hampstead Heath? There really is something for everyone.
You can find out more at https://www.swimming.org/london/ or visit www.orpingtonojays.com. lifeinmagazines.co.uk
January 2022 Life in... Orpington 43
THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER
At Compassion Homecare we provide the very best in home care We would all like to continue to enjoy independent living within the comfort of our own home. Our qualified staff can help you with those day to day tasks that you are finding harder to cope with.
DAILY CARE, LIVE-IN CARE OR RESPITE CARE Our careers can help you with: • Help with getting up or going to bed • Washing, showering and bathing • Assistance with medication • Getting to social outings and meeting up with friends • Preparing and cooking meals • Overnight and respite care • Cleaning, housework and shopping • Laundry and Ironing • Or just popping in for a chat if you’d like some company
100% of our customers would recommend us
We know how big a step having home care is so we offer a free home care assessment to help you decide what is best for you. Please give us a call.
01689 825155
1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH
www.compassionhomecare.co.uk
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