Bexley Magazine - Spring 2018

FUTURE

Bexley’s digital plans

HEALTH

Couch potato to spring chicken

LEISURE

Danson Park Watersports

GROWTH

Erith regeneration

Spring

Bexley

Latest news and information from your Council

MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

Sidcup’s suffragette

Make sure you have your say in May Draft London Plan Our response Play Streets come to Bexley

advertisements

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Inside your magazine 4

Better Broadband

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Welcome

Council Tax )

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As we enter Spring and the evenings are getting lighter we have lots to look forward to in Bexley.

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London Plan

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Elections

Play streets

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Caring at its best

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In this magazine we have featured a number of different ways to enjoy our borough. The Danson Park Watersports Centre is ready for Spring with a birthday party offer and a range of courses for all abilities.

We have recently held our first ‘Play Streets’ event where we closed a Bexley road to cars so that children and young people could play safely outdoors. This scheme is already in place in other London boroughs and we hope to offer more in the future.

The upcoming ‘Brick City’ exhibition at Hall Place and Gardens starts at the end of this month. Following the great success of DinoLive in January we hope to see just as many visitors coming along to see iconic buildings from around the world recreated in LEGO® bricks.

Our Public Health page includes ways you can turn from ‘Couch Potato’ to ‘Spring Chicken’ as well as advice from our SmokeFree Bexley team.

Your community 18-19

What’s on 26-27

Your local health service 23

Services 29

Local Information 25

Local organisations 30

Front cover - Dame Ethel Smyth (see page 21) If you would like to know more about the services the Council provides, or would like either a translation of this document or the information in a different format, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777, quoting reference: 602063/02.18 London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7AT • Phone: 020 8303 7777 Website: www.bexley.gov.uk • Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk • Distributed free of charge to every property in the borough • Editorial: Bexley Communications Team. Designed and produced by: Bexley Graphics.

London Borough of Bexley does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers

Dame Ethel Smyth – our very own Sidcup Suffragette graces this edition of the Magazine.

The centenary of the suffragette movement this year is a reminder of how fortunate we all are to live in such fair and democratic times.

Please take the time to read the election information within and familiarise yourself with the changes around this year’s local elections as a result of ward changes and remember to make sure you have your say on 3 May.

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE Leader of the Council

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news

New and improved rail service In just nine months’ time, we will see new links from Abbey Wood Station, with a train every five minutes on the new line.

Elizabeth line services will open in stages. Initially Elizabeth line trains will run between Abbey Wood and Paddington via Canary Wharf, the City and the West End. The full route will then open in December 2019, with direct trains from Abbey Wood to Paddington, Heathrow or Reading.

The striking new station at Abbey Wood opened to Southeastern passengers at the end of October last year and is one of the first of the ten new Elizabeth line stations to

open. Some have called it the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the surface stations on the line.

The Council is now partnering with Royal Borough of Greenwich, TfL and Crossrail to provide better quality public spaces – a proper setting for that ‘jewel’. Included in the design is a new ‘cycle hub’ – hundreds of bike parking spaces – to encourage cycling to the new station.

TfL have plans for a new Bexleyheath to Abbey Wood bus route and more buses on existing routes, ready for when the Elizabeth line services start.

The growth Bid for better broadband Bexley needs The bid is part of our The Council has made a bid to the Department of Digital, Culture, ambitious plans to Media & Sport to support the provide Bexley with creation of a new £7m private fibre the very latest network, plus another £1m for a Gigabit digital voucher scheme designed to help infrastructure. It will enable local and future businesses to access ultra-fast, Gigabit also save money and broadband services. improve the delivery of public The bid would provide ultrafast services for years to come.” broadband connectivity between a Cllr Don Massey, network of public buildings across Deputy Leader of the Council the borough, including libraries, Council Offices, CCTV sites and GP surgeries. It would also make it Bexley’s new digital possible to provide Gigabit broadband infrastructure plan services for many local businesses • 1: Digital ‘in fill’ to help most existing and residents.

It is part of the Council’s plan to work with public and private partners to bring about a step-change in ultra-fast fixed and mobile digital services, that will help make Bexley a preferred Borough for investment.

The Council has bid for £5m in government grant, which would be matched by around £3m of public funding. If the bid is successful, work would begin immediately to procure the new network during 2018/19.

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homes in Bexley to have access to super and ultra-fast broadband.

• 2: Ensuring that all new developments are built with access to a choice of ultra-fast broadband infrastructure providers.

• 3: A new Bexley Growth ‘fibre’ network to serve public buildings, partners and businesses.

• 4: Borough-wide coverage of high speed, high capacity wireless and mobile services

BexleyCo – the Council’s new development company – is set to play a key role in delivering growth.

Over the next 12 years, it expects to invest around £630m to develop some 2,500 quality homes. This will include 35% genuinely affordable housing.

‘BexleyCo aims to deliver quality development, great design, enhanced landscape and places.

It will work to support local jobs, the wider skills agenda and actively engage with local communities, said Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, Cllr Linda Bailey.

The company is exploring the potential to use unused land in the north of the borough to create new opportunities and support economic development, as well as new infrastructure, including education and healthcare.

BexleyCo has been set a target of achieving a 7% return to the Council, which will help to fund local services.

Delivering improvements in challenging times Bexley’s Council Tax will increase by 3.99% from April. This includes a 2% Adult Social Care precept that will be earmarked to help with the increasing cost of adult social care.

The Mayor of London will be increasing his share of the Council Tax by 5.07%, which means that Bexley residents in a typical Band D property will see their Council Tax Bill increase by £63.85 a year.

Bexley is set to spend more than £466 million on local services next year. This will include £108 million on long-term investment, particularly health and social infrastructure and housing.

Residents’ Council Tax now contributes 41p of every £1 the Council spends.

The continuing withdrawal of government grant means that Bexley must be financially selfsufficient from 2020/21. As a result, the Council is working hard to generate income through commercial activities, improve the way services are commissioned, intervene early to prevent care needs escalating, promote economic growth and work strategically with a growing range of public and private partners.

The Council has saved £109 million since 2010, in part by finding new and better ways to deliver services (see box).

Like many other councils, Bexley faces significant spending pressures, including the cost of increasing homelessness, plus growing demand for adults’ and children’s services. Rising inflation is also pushing up costs.

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“Our focus is on living within our means and making sure we use the money you have given us to deliver the maximum benefit for the borough and our residents. People know that the economy is going through a challenging period, but we will continue to show that we can do a lot of good with the money we have. We are also continuing to plan carefully for the future and put money aside to ensure we can cope with the unexpected.”

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the Council

Examples of service improvements • A new model of care for people with learning disabilities, that is focused on independence rather than dependence, and will improve their quality of life.

• Closer partnership to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable children and to help keep families together.

• The creation of Belvedere Beach with external funding.

• The success of the borough’s new community libraries.

• Continuing savings as a result of the Council’s moves to new offices, which are now shared with the NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group.

Lightning McClean in action Lightning McClean is the people’s choice as the name for Bexley’s new street washing vehicle. After winning a naming competition on Facebook, Lightning received a new livery so residents can spot the street washer giving our borough a deep clean.

Make sure you keep your eye out for Lightning McCleaning our streets!

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news

Bexley urges London Mayor to reconsider his plan for London In its response to the new draft London Plan, the Council urges the Mayor to fundamentally reconsider the plan’s approach, particularly to housing and employment.

Bexley supports the principles for good growth set out in the plan, but it does not believe its approach to housing and employment growth is deliverable, particularly in outer London.

The Council has highlighted the proposal to triple Bexley’s existing housing delivery target, including an

Be Blue Badge aware l Blue Badge holders must never allow friends or relatives to use the badge to run an errand on their behalf. l A Blue Badge should only be displayed if the badge holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or for the badge holder to be picked up or dropped off. l A Blue Badge should not be used by a visitor, unless they have parked to pick up the badge holder.

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eight fold increase from small sites, which it says is unachievable. No method for calculating this scale of growth has been explained.

Bexley also opposes the proposal in the plan to move to car free developments before transport infrastructure is improved.

Delivering Bexley’s Growth Strategy is dependent on a commitment from the Mayor and the government to improve Bexley’s transport infrastructure and make better use of underused or surplus employment

“We are ready to work with the Mayor to deliver good quality growth that benefits our residents old and new, but the draft Plan undermines the good work we have done and could make it more difficult for us to work with City Hall. I hope the Mayor will reconsider his proposals so that we work together to plan the future of our great city for the benefit of all Londoners.”

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Council Leader

land. Developing these areas will help the Council plan properly for real communities that have the supporting social infrastructure they need and preserve the best of Bexley’s existing character.

The Council’s detailed response to the plan is available online at www.bexley.gov.uk

Child Employment Permits made easier Bexley is now able to offer a fully automated process for applying for child work permits.

Blue Badge holders and anyone driving on their behalf should be aware of important rules of the Blue Badge scheme. l The badge holder should not wait in the car while a friend or relative goes shopping. This could prevent another badge holder from parking.

You can report suspected misuse by completing the form online at www.bexley.gov.uk/ reportbluebadge or call our hotline on 020 8313 4800

Employers looking to employ 13 to 16 year olds can now apply online at https://mybexley.firmstep.com/ service/Child_employment_application You can obtain and print a work permit to start as early as the next day.

Achieve your ambitions with LSEC London South East Colleges Bexley helps young people and adults to kick start their careers, improve their career prospects and achieve their ambitions.

They offer over 100 employment focused courses, links with leading employers across the region, a warm and welcoming learning environment – and much more.

Visit www.LSEC.ac.uk or call 0300 303 2554.

Local elections The 2018 local elections will be held on Thursday 3 May. Local elections will be held in all 32 London Boroughs and across England.

There are 3 key things you need to know before the big day

1 Register to vote 3 In order to have your say at the local elections on 3 May you need to be registered to vote.

You have up until Tuesday 17 April to register.

Once you are registered you can vote In one of the following ways – l in person at a polling station – check your poll card to make sure you know where to go

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l by post - last day to apply for postal vote – Wednesday 18 April l by proxy - last day to apply for proxy vote – Wednesday 25 April To find out more about registering to vote go to www.gov.uk/ yourvotematters or call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Electoral Services.

New wards

New ward boundaries in Bexley were approved last year following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and a period of Parliamentary scrutiny The changes will be in place for the local elections on 3 May, when the number

of wards in the borough will reduce from 21 to 17.

This will mean 11 three Councillor wards and six two Councillor wards, reducing the number of local Councillors representing Bexley wards from 63 to 45. The change will save more than £300,000 a year.

Polling stations

Please check your polling card before you vote, to make sure you know exactly where to go following recent changes.

As a result of the ward review, the Council was required to look at the borough’s polling districts, polling places and polling stations.

This was also in line with the law that asks for a review of these every four years. The review involved extensive consultation with the public, local political groups, Councillors, Members of Parliament and local voluntary and community groups.

Changes that followed the review have helped to ensure that polling stations are convenient and accessible for local residents, including people with a disability. There has also been a reduction in the number of temporary polling stations that were previously used.

To find out more about local elections in Bexley and the recent reviews visit www.bexley.gov.uk/elections

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news Major boost for Place & Making Institute Exciting plans for a groundbreaking new Place & Making Institute have received a significant boost, with the award of £100,000 of development support funding for the project by the Greater London Authority.

The idea was developed by the Council, Peabody and London South East Colleges to tackle the unprecedented skills challenge that will need to be met to deliver the new homes

and good growth London needs.

Locating the Institute in the borough would make it ideally placed to contribute to Bexley’s own ambitious growth plans.

Individuals and organisations who are interested in getting involved should email placeandmakinginstitute@ bexley.gov.uk or visit www.placeandmaking institute.co.uk

Playful start to spring on Bexley streets The Council is supporting a number of residents across the borough to set up ‘play streets’ in the roads where they live.

Play streets are a way to enable children to play out in the street where they live. They are not just for children and families, but for other neighbours too. Everyone is welcome. It’s a less formal equivalent of a street party.

The Council uses road traffic legislation to put temporary street closures in place, typically for three hours at a time. Residents

and visitors still have access: cars can be escorted by two marshals at 5mph, while children are taken to the pavement.

Residents are organising playstreets themselves and the Council is helping to facilitate them, so that neighbours can come together and get to know each other better.

To find out more visit www.londonplay.org.uk

Ageing Well Strategy approved Our Ageing Well Strategy has now been approved following public consultation and engagement.

Thanks to all the groups, partners and residents that responded, we were able to include some helpful additions on where to find advice on managing finances, sources of support and information on the last years of life, together with more examples of support for those with dementia.

A new Ageing Well Partnership will be set up in April to oversee the implementation of the strategy.

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ageingwell to find out more.

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Proud to be a London borough of Culture The Council has promised to build on the work that took place to bid to become the Greater London Authority’s London Borough of Culture and has restated its commitment to put culture firmly at the centre of its exciting growth plans.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, Cllr Peter Craske said: “I’d like to thank our partners, local people and businesses for all the support they gave our campaign. To win the accolade would have been a great achievement for Bexley, but even though we weren’t successful, our bidding journey has been so valuable in creating a strong foundation to build on, and has proved that we are already a borough of culture.

“Going forward we have aspirations for working with our partners and communities to further develop our cultural and creative agendas, informed by the bid development work and also our wider agendas. This is important, not only because of the value of culture and the arts, but also because we recognise the role culture plays in creating identity, shaping our communities and providing new opportunities.”

To keep up-to-date with cultural events and news, and to help shape our ongoing cultural journey, sign up to our regular e-newsletter at www.bexley. gov.uk/newsupdates or visit https://bexleyculture.london

Housing review In common with local authorities across London, Bexley faces serious challenges around homelessness.

The Council is currently carrying out a detailed review of its housing services within the borough, looking at new and innovative ways to meet these challenges.

The review is considering ways to prevent homelessness wherever possible and how we can work towards increasing the supply of good quality affordable homes for local people.

Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr Brad Smith said:

Rent it Right More than 250 residents, landlords, tenants and local businesses responded to our survey asking for views on the proposal to introduce ‘Rent it Right’ discretionary property licensing schemes in the borough.

The schemes include a borough-wide additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and selective licensing schemes for all

private rented properties in four defined areas in the north of the borough: Thamesmead North, Abbey Wood/Lower Belvedere, Erith and Manor Road.

The survey results will now be collated before a decision on the schemes is taken later this year.

For full details of the scheme and up-to-date information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/rentitright

“As part of the review we plan to invest up to £20m in a new initiative supported by housing charity St Mungo’s. The investment will mean more than 60 new low cost privately rented two bedroomed properties for those in most need.”

As the review comes to an end there will be more news on housing initiatives in Bexley. Look out for more in your Summer Bexley Magazine or at www.bexley.gov.uk/news

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caring

Bexley Local Offer Positive l Local and national

support organisations l Transport, equipment and therapies l Leisure activities and social groups lPreparing for adulthood lFinancial support

The Bexley Local Offer is a website providing information and advice for parents and carers of children and young people (age 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities living in Bexley.

The Local Offer provides information on l Special educational needs and disability - including policies and legislation l Health and Social Care services in Bexley l Bexley educational provisions and resources

Visit www.bexleylocaloffer.uk All Bexley libraries have computers with free internet access. Alternatively you can contact the Bexley Local Offer helpdesk direct by calling 020 3045 5677 or e-mailing localoffer@bexley.gov.uk

Info in your inbox To keep parents and carers informed of the services and support available locally, and the improvements that we are making, we publish a regular SEND e-newsletter. To receive future e-newsletters visit www. bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates and register your e-mail address.

Know the law on private fostering Does someone else’s child live with you, or are you considering this? Is your child living with someone else? If either of these are the case you may be part of a Private Fostering arrangement and you need to make the Council aware.

Private fostering is very different from the care of children provided by the Council or independent foster agencies through approved foster carers. It happens when a child under 16 years old - or under 18 if the child has a disability - is cared for

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full-time by an adult who is not a relative. Cousins and great aunts or great uncles would not count as relatives but as private foster carers If you are part of a private fostering arrangement, or know someone who may be, contact Bexley’s Children’s Services Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 020 3045 5440 for advice.

Families Partnership Keeping vulnerable families together and preventing young people from being taken into care is the focus of a new innovative Positive Families Partnership that Bexley has helped to develop.

This ground-breaking initiative, the first programme of its type in London, has been jointly commissioned by the five London Boroughs of Bexley, Merton, Newham, Sutton and Tower Hamlets, with support from the Big Lottery Fund using National Lottery funding.

Over the next three years, Positive Families Partnership will work with more than 350 young people involved in serious anti-social behaviour and/or substance misuse.

“We welcome this scheme which we believe will have a real impact on local young people and families who are most in need of help and support.

Through partnership work a programme has been developed that can make a real difference.”

Cllr Philip Read, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, isolated?

Bexley Care offers a free counselling service for all Bexley Carers.

The service offers • Free confidential counselling • Individual support • 1:1 home visits or at office • On-going support groups We accept referrals from Carers directly or from professionals.

Email CarersCounsellingAdmin@bexley. gov.uk or call 01322 550764.

community

Corporate parent update As corporate parents the London Borough of Bexley has special responsibilities towards the borough’s looked after children and young people, to ensure they are provided with the best possible support and care.

Positive Journeys Positive Journeys Seniors meet up fortnightly to discuss ways to improve the lives of other young people who are leaving care.

Forum members are currently working on a number of projects to influence change in the design and delivery of the services that affect them.

Bexley’s newly appointed Participation Officer Natalie Eastwood and a Care Leaver, recently attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Looked After Children and Care Leavers at the Houses of Commons.

There she was able to discuss ways to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children in care and share her own experiences.

Positive Journeys members also get together regularly to discuss ways to improve services and the

Foster a Bexley Child Isaac and Winnie Oppong have been fostering in Bexley for nearly two years. They have two children of their own aged 24 and 19 and currently foster two children aged 7 and 16, who are staying with them.

Winnie says: “We foster children and young people from a range of ages, which provides a unique experience. The best thing about fostering is being able to see the positive impact providing a loving home has for the children.

We constantly feel so much appreciation from our foster children and they have really enriched not only our lives, but also the lives of our biological children.”

“Although the fostering application process was

quite intense, it was an enjoyable experience and we were provided with a lot of support from the placement team. It really prepared us to know what to expect from the outset.”

On being asked what advice she would give anyone considering a career in fostering, Winnie says: “It is a commitment that you must be ready for, and you must make sure you have the full support of your family, as this makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.”

Find out more about Isaac and Winnie’s experience of fostering and meet some of our other foster carers at www. bexley.gov.uk/fostering If you are interesting in fostering in Bexley call 020 3045 4400 or email adoptionandfostering@ bexley.gov.uk

experience for Bexley looked after children.

The group are currently working on the feedback process for children

during their Looked After Reviews as well as the Positive Journeys Website which will be launched this summer.

Uni success!

Bexley has been supporting six of our recent care leavers at university since the start of January 2018.

One of our former care leavers has recently been successful in completing the Mount Batten postgraduate qualification in Law based in New York.

They are now studying International Business and Law at The City Law School in London.

Another has been able to travel to New York for six weeks as part of an enrolment on a BA (Hons) in Fashion Media and Promotion.

Other recent successful care leavers include a newly qualified nurse who is now at Darenth Valley Hospital and another who recently gained international recognition for their work in Robotics.

Foster carers Isaac and Winnie Oppong

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adults

Support for local carers Carers’ Support Bexley provides information, support and breaks for carers.

1:1 help A Carer Information and Support Worker is available to talk on the phone, at home or anywhere the Carer would prefer.

Group meetings A chance to meet up with other Carers. Fourth Wednesday afternoon and second Thursday morning of the month. There is also a regular group for Carers of people with memory loss issues and the person they care for.

Monday Club For Parents/Carers of adults with a learning disability.

The person you care for is also welcome.

Crafts, chair based exercises, games and socialising.

Call Vicky on 020 8302 8011

Free Training “Understanding Dementia” Funded by the London Borough of Bexley, the Carers Wellbeing Service offers a course for Carers of people experiencing memory loss on Tuesday 12 June from 10am – 1pm.

There will be a follow up course looking at coping strategies

on Tuesday 10 July 10am – 12noon.

Please book in advance.

All events takes place at Sidcup Manor House, Jenner Close, Sidcup, DA14 6BY. For information or to book a place on a course call on 020 8302 8011, or email info@carerssupport.org.

Join us for Afternoon Tea! 8 June 2018 from 2:30-4:30pm.

More info on events pages.

Can Bexley Staying Put help you?

Are you an older or disabled homeowner?

Do you need advice and support to get repairs or improvements carried out to your property?

If so, Bexley Staying Put can offer a range of options that may be available to help, including grants and loans.

Bexley Staying Put can help by obtaining estimates from reputable contractors and support you throughout the work. They also have handymen who can carry out minor repairs at a minimal charge.

Bexley Staying Put could also help with housing options should your home no longer be suitable, including helping you to move.

Call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Bexley Staying Put or visit www.bexley. gov.uk/ services/ housing/ staying-put

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care

Caring at its Best awards Do you know a care worker, volunteer or organisation in home care, community care, residential care or learning disability services that goes the extra mile for the people they support?

Whether you’re a resident, neighbour, relative, colleague or an employer you can nominate in our new Caring at its Best Awards.

We’re looking for people or organisations that:

Caring at its Best

Awards

• Support people to be independent • Treat people with respect and compassion • Work seamlessly as a team • Always focus on what is important for the person • Inspire others through their own enthusiasm and commitment • Demonstrate passion for innovation, learning and development

Evergreen Care Bexley Evergreen Care Bexley is a local charity committed to supporting older people.

Loneliness and isolation is a growing problem.

Evergreen Care Bexley have around 60 friendships taking place though its Befriending Service, which is free to its clients. Volunteers visit older people weekly for a cup of tea and a chat.

Befriending is a simple concept, but can transform the life of the older person.

If you would like to know more or if you are interested in volunteering please call 01322 431765, email info@ evergreencarebexley. org or visit www. evergreencarebexley.org

For more information and to make a nomination visit www.bexley.gov.uk/caringatitsbest Or send in your nominations with your name, contact details and your reason for nomination to Caring at its Best London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT

April Volunteer Fair Do you want to help local people or make a difference in your community? Perhaps you want to meet new people, learn new skills, or put your existing ones to use? Even an hour can make a difference and there are a lot of great opportunities to get involved in Bexley.

Come along to the next Volunteer Fair run by Volunteer Centre Bexley where you can meet lots of different groups looking for people like you. Flexible hours and lots of roles are on offer.

Whatever your interests or availability we’ll be able to help you find the perfect volunteer role for you.

The fair takes place on Friday 6 April from 122pm at Geddes Place Church Hall, Bexleyheath (behind Nando’s).

For more information call 01322 524 682 or email kara@bvsc.co.uk

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environment

Discover Danson Park Watersports Danson Park Watersports Centre offers a range of activities for all abilities throughout the year. Learn how to dinghy, sail, kayak, row with Erith Rowing Club or simply relax on one of our family row boats.

The Centre caters for all ages, with sessions for young people, including activities for schools and youth groups, to Wednesday youth nights, Saturday youth clubs and school holiday programmes. So start planning your Easter, summer and autumn holidays now!

For adults we have a new adult sailing course and a ‘Women on Water’ programme ‘launching’ in the spring. The centre also offers bespoke one-to-one tuition.

Instructors are fully qualified enhanced DBS checked and first aid trained.

Why not celebrate your birthday on the lake? We would love to welcome

you to the lake with your friends and family to have some fun at one of our adult or children’s parties. We are currently offering a fantastic 10% discount on party bookings made before 30 April (subject to availability).

Just quote the code BP10.

There has never been a better time to #DiscoverDanson!

Tying the knot in Bexley Danson House This summer sees Bexley Register Office celebrate its 2nd anniversary at Danson House, Bexley’s finest Georgian Grade I listed house.

It is a popular film and photographic location, recently featured in Tom Hardy’s ‘Taboo’ and the soon to be released ‘The Favourite’. Boasting five stunning ceremony rooms accommodating from 12 to 65 guests, it is available each Monday to Saturday for weddings and other ceremonies.

As well as regular open days, Danson House opens for Heritage tours between 10am and 4pm each Sunday throughout the year. Let the guides weave stories of our stunning Georgian rooms and Victorian Kitchen. The Tea Room is open each day.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or contact us on 03000 411103 or registerofficebexley@kent.gov.uk for the latest information and news.

Hall Place & Gardens Hall Place also offers a stunning venue for your big day.

Choose from four atmospheric historic rooms that are licenced for civil ceremonies and marriages. Hall Place offers ceremony only slots that allows time to enjoy the house and gardens to create lasting memories as well as full wedding packages.

For more information visit www.hallplace.org.uk/ venue-hire/weddings or call 01322 526574

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Call 020 8303 2828 or email watersports@bexley.gov.uk Or pop in to Danson Park Watersports Centre, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram: @Danson_WSC

Carnegie Building The much-loved historic weathervane was removed from the Carnegie Building in January.

It will be renovated off site for 3 months and re-installed later in the spring. The steel axel and domed base unit will also be restored to ensure the weathervane remains secure for another 25 years.

Local sculptor Heather Burrell has been commissioned by the Council to carry out the restoration works.

She will restore intricate features

such as the blowing sails and dragon figurehead, which sits proudly at the prow of the ship.

The specialist refurbishment and heritage contractor, Lengard, began work last November on the restoration of the interior of the building and continues to make progress. The building will re-open to the public in late Summer 2018 as a community arts and events space and cafe.

Award-winning architects, Ash Sakula, have been appointed to deliver the new design for the Old Walnut Tree Depot site in Erith.

The site is being developed to provide new homes after being vacant for many years. The public areas in and around the site will also be redesigned and improved so that they provide more direct access to the town centre and frame views of the restored Carnegie building. The work will see the removal of the existing pedestrian subway, which will be replaced with a more direct and safer route for people between the town centre, College, and the railway station.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, Cllr Linda Bailey said: “Work to improve the public areas in and around Erith station began in January. It includes redesigning the space to create better pedestrian, cycling and vehicle access and upgrading the station entrance with better signage and planting, to make the area more attractive. Public seating, lighting and cycle stands will also be added. The works will be completed by the spring.�

The Walnut Tree Depot site development and Erith Station public space improvements are two of a number of initiatives that the Council is leading on in Erith, aimed at reinvigorating the town. For more information and to find out about upcoming events go to www.greatererith.com or follow @GreaterErith on Twitter and Facebook.

Roadworks At any one time there are likely to be a number of roadworks taking place across the borough. A large number of these roadworks are carried out by utility companies.

It is important to note when using the website that some of the works mentioned on roadworks.org may still be awaiting final permit approval.

The roadworks.org website provides a useful map which you can search for roadworks taking place and find out details including the organisation responsible.

If a utility company is carrying out the roadworks and you would like to know more about them please contact them direct for up-to-date information.

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community 20 years of watching our backs Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

From the early days of a few members, known as street co-ordinators, the BBNWA has now grown to over 1,200, covering more than 42,000 Bexley homes.

They also have a team of office volunteers and committee members, who give up their time to carry out activities such as attending police and public meetings and events, producing newsletters, distributing information and fundraising.

The BBNWA aims to increase awareness about home security. Burglary statistics support this: of every three burglaries, two are in roads without Neighbourhood Watch cover.

They work to reduce vehicle theft, as well as working with shops to reduce shoplifting.

BBNWA’s Houndwatch scheme

encourages local dog walkers to report anything untoward they may see while out and about, from fly-tipping to drug dealing.

Now well-known across the Borough, the BBNWA has nearly 100% cover in several wards and they continue to work with police team members to expand their membership.

The BBNWA are currently looking to recruit in all Wards in Bexley, but especially Lesnes, Crayford, Northumberland Heath, Colyers, Erith and Thamesmead.

If you are interested in becoming a member, or want to find out more about BBBWA, call 020 8284 5537, or email bexwatch-office@ btconnect.com or visit www.bexleywatch.org.uk

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Picture Bexley winners go on display Three images of local scenes were picked earlier this month as the winners of the ‘Picture Bexley’ competition launched at the end of last year.

The competition asked residents and community groups to capture an idea of what community meant to them. The three winners were ‘Danson Nordic Walkers’

by Alison Goodall, ‘Faith’ by the Devasya Foundation and ‘Erith Christmas Tree Festival’ by Paul Speller.

The winning images will now be part of a special display at Hall Place Visitor Centre, along with some of the shortlisted entries. They will all be featured in the Council’s ‘Stonger Community Strategy’ later this year.

For more information email stronger.communities@bexley.gov.uk

COMMUNITY FOCUS

The Devasya Foundation When was the foundation created? 2015. Its mission is to build community spirit for Indians living in Bexley & Kent through activities and events.

What is its purpose? It seeks to maintain the traditions, culture, faith and values of the local Indian & Hindu community, in the spirit of ‘seva’, which means work performed without any thought of reward or repayment.

Who runs the foundation?

A group of around 30-40 dedicated volunteers.

How is it funded? Donations and voluntary contributions

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What work does it do? Runs a Moral Values School to help youth as young as four develop a noble character with strong ethics, human values and essential virtues that are universal to all faith traditions and society as a whole. The foundation also works to promote cultural understanding and awareness and to support good community relations, including through the discussion of community safety issues. Its work has directly benefited more than 1,000 people in the community. Locally, the foundation leads charitable initiatives including collecting for food banks.

What are your most important events of the year? Diwali celebrations in October and Vande Mataram in January How can people get in contact with you?

Email info@devfoundation.org.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ DFinKent Instagram www.instagram.com/ devfoundation

wellbeing

Couch potato to spring chicken NHS Choices’ ‘Couch to 5k’ programme is a great way to gradually build up your physical activity levels while boosting your mental wellbeing. Weekly training over a series of nine weeks and helpful weekly podcasts will help you to reach your goal of running 5km.

If you’re thinking about losing weight you can also try NHS Choices’ 12-week weight loss plan. It promotes safe and sustainable weight loss through learning how to make healthier food choices, exercise plans and skills to prevent regaining weight. Take control of your weight loss with weekly progress charts and support on the website, through the online community, support groups and more.Find out more at www.nhs.uk/livewell

Could vaping help you to go smokefree?

Public Health England has recently reported that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking and could be contributing to at least 20,000 successful new quits per year.

Let’s talk sex If you’re happy with your relationship and sex life, then we salute you! But did you know that around half of us experienced some kind of sexual difficulty for over three months in the last 12 months?* If something is not right or causing you to worry, whether it’s about you or someone close to you, it’s important to talk. Did you know that washing-up together is considered one of the best

times to talk as it is less ‘intense’? Did you know that young men in particular want their parents to talk to them about relationships first, before sex?

You can find lots more sexual health advice online at www. bexleysexualhealth.org and through its ‘Links’ section (bottom left on the home page). *According to the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles

Less than 10% of smokers are aware that most of the harms from smoking are not caused by nicotine and around 40% of smokers have not even tried an e-cigarette.

If you are not quite ready to give up smoking, Bexley’s Stop Smoking Service can support you to switch to vaping.

Advisors will keep you on track as you make the change to smokefree living and join thousands of local smokers who have quit for good thanks to the service.

Free weekly support and stop smoking medications are available in 17 different locations right across the borough, Monday to Friday, including some evenings.

Call the team today on 0800 783 2514 or visit www.smokefreebexley.co.uk

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your community

Abbey Wood • Belvedere • Thamesmead • Barne Sidcup • Crayford • Slade Green • Erith • Northum

Local shortlist for Sports Awards A local volunteer has been shortlisted for the prestigious London Sport Awards.

Mel Hudson has been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award.

Mel set up the Slade Green Knights Football Club in 2016 as a Saturday Soccer Club and now has over 10 teams playing in local leagues.

The players ages range from six years old to a senior male team, with more than 150

children regularly attending the Saturday club.

Award winners were due to be announced on 8 March, as the magazine went to print, at Wembley Stadium.

For more information visit https://londonsport.org/ event/london-sport-awards/ To find out more about the Slade Green Knights Football Club visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ sladegreenknights/

Memories are made of this...

First records, memories of awful school dinners, toys, sweets and the best and worst of teachers were just some of the topics discussed at a recent ‘reminiscence and recollections’ session in Sidcup.

The event, arranged by Carers’ Support Bexley, which runs a Memory Support Group at Manor House, Sidcup, used a selection of old photos, books and artefacts

provided by Bexley Local Studies and Archives Centre – and the expert knowledge of Senior Librarian, Will Cooban.

The attendees and volunteers all thoroughly enjoyed the session.

Don’t forget you can always relive local memories and see lots of old photos online at www. boroughphotos.org. bexley – alternatively, call in to the Archives Centre at Central Library, Bexleyheath.

For more information on Carers Support Bexley visit www.carers support.org

Bexley Archives provided a selection of old photos, books and artefacts for the reminiscence event

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Bexleyheath Improvements The improvement works on Gravel Hill are almost complete.

The new roundabouts and signalised pedestrian crossings have been introduced to help traffic in the area flow more easily, particularly as volumes increase in future years.

The new segregated cycle lanes along Albion Road and Gravel Hill are mandatory with appropriate signs and road markings.

Drivers are not permitted to park in them.

“The works are part of the final phase of the Bexleyheath Town Centre Revitalisation improvements and will help to ensure that Bexleyheath remains a vibrant town centre,” said Cllr Alex Sawyer, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transport

your community

ehurst • Bexleyheath • Blackfen • Foots Cray • mberland Heath • Falconwood • Welling

local news from your

neighbourhood New Crayford Post Office The new Post Office opened for business in Crayford Library just before Christmas.

It’s has proved to be a great success, with visits to the library up 80% compared to the same time last year. Alongside a Post Office counter there is also a range of useful stationary for sale.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, Cllr Peter Craske said; “Crayford Library is already home to a fantastic community space for hire, as well as a library with internet access and all the usual services. The addition of this new Post Office provides a great local asset and yet another reason to pop in.”

Spring is in the air at Hall Place & Gardens The Brick City exhibition, from 30 March to 2 September, will take you on a miniature journey around the world visiting iconic landmarks made of LEGO® bricks.

The popular Easter Garden Trail is also back in March.

Take part and see if you know your nursery rhymes.

These and many more activities will be detailed in our new Summer 2018 leaflet.

One of George Plemper’s famous Thamesmead images from the ‘70’s

Happy Birthday Thamesmead!

2018 marks 50 years since the first residents moved into the Thamesmead development.

There will be celebrations throughout the year with exciting events and activities for everyone, shining a light on Thamesmead’s heritage and launching exciting projects for the future.

Visit www.ThamesmeadNow.org.uk for more

information on the new Thamesmead 50th fund, the development of a community radio station, a 50th birthday party like none before, a new outdoor performance of a ‘Beautiful Thing’, ‘Fly By Night’ a project that celebrates 100 years since the end of the First World War, and the reopening of the Lakeside Centre in October.

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all our yesterdays

Sidcup’s Suffragette It’s the year for local elections and nationally we’ve recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which gave some women the right to vote.

Dame Ethel Smyth circa 1901

Locally we have an important link to the Suffragette movement in the person of Dame Ethel Smyth.

Now largely forgotten, she was quite a ‘character’ in her day.

Ethel Mary Smyth (18581944), a renowned composer, suffragette and sportswoman was born at Sidcup Place, later called Sidcup House, on 23 April 1858. She was one of eight children. Her mother was French and her father, JH Smyth, was a Major-General in the Royal Artillery.

You can find some of Ethel’s published memoirs at Bexley’s Archives & Local Studies Centre. As a young woman, Ethel apparently made quite an impression on the town, and on her house, where she played very roughly with her father’s collection of antique weaponry.

She’s best known now as a leading composer, and breaker of musical conventions. Her work was described as “virile” by one – male – critic!

Her most famous composition was ‘The March of the Women’, which became the anthem for the Suffrage movement.

Sir Thomas Beecham tells the story of how he once went to Holloway Prison to visit Ethel, who was serving a two month sentence along with other Suffragette comrades. He wrote: “I arrived in the main courtyard of the prison to find the noble company of martyrs marching round it and singing lustily their war chant, while the composer, beaming approbation from an overlooking upper window, beat time in almost Bacchic frenzy with a toothbrush.”

Quite a story, and quite a local lady!

Read more about Ethel’s links to Bexley at www.bexleycivic society.org.uk/ethel-smyth And you can listen to Ethel’s anthem in full here www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LCtGkCg7trY

Sidcup House 1928

Bexley’s libraries have some great books about the Suffragette movement.

Call in at Bexley Archives to discover more about Ethel and lots more local stories. Email archives@bexley.gov.uk and find Bexley Archives on Facebook and Twitter.

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Bexley

Apps

From fun and interactive activities, to information and advice on health and food hygiene, these innovative apps put a number of possibilities just a click away. All of the apps are available to download for your smartphone or tablet from the Google Play and Apple App stores.

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Lesnes Abbey Woods Experience Lesnes Abbey like never before with your own personal tour guide! Bexley’s first ever park app will provide you with fun facts, informative transcripts and a GPS function which transforms your smartphone into a handy map. Download the app and discover new adventures at Lesnes Abbey.

Bexley Libraries Access Bexley library services wherever you are, whatever the time, with your personal library in the palm of your hand. You can search the library catalogue, download eBooks, renew and reserve books and find out about events in libraries. It’s the perfect app to fulfil a booklovers needs!

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Food Hygiene Ratings Next time you plan to eat out, use the Food Hygiene Ratings App. It will let you know the latest hygiene score on any restaurant. Bexley’s hard working and successful Food Safety Team means that Bexley currently has the highest rated restaurants in London.

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Bexley Archives COMING SOON! Explore the history of Bexley through a series of self-led trails in each of Bexley’s towns. The app will include information and archive images on historic sites and buildings.

The first app is due to be launched in March, when it will be available for free .

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NHS Online Bexley NHS Online Bexley is a way for patients to get the care they need in a faster and more direct way.

Three key functions allow the user to get self-help advice and book an appointment or order prescriptions. You can also contact your GP online.

See page 23 to find out more.

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@HOME Recycling Our specialist waste and recycling app will never let you forget to put the bins out again! @HOME is a handy app designed to provide you with all the information you need about waste and recycling.

The app will also notify you when your rubbish is due for collection, and it will allow you to report any problems in an easy way.

Your Local Health Service NHS Online Bexley – keeping you connected with your care and conditions

As a busy wife and mum, with a full time job and two children, Diane Hannaford doesn’t have hours to spend trying to get an appointment with her GP or waiting in A&E. So, when anyone in her family needs advice on their health, she turns straight to her mobile phone and opens up the new NHS Online Bexley mobile phone app.

Available in Bexley since November, and now used by thousands of Bexley residents, the NHS Online Bexley mobile phone app has been designed to offer patients an easy to use, one-stop shop for all their healthcare needs.

For Diane, whose husband works long hours as a London taxi driver, and whose grown-up children are busy with their own lives and careers, the app has become an invaluable part of the way the family manages its health.

“The best thing about it,” she says, “is that it gives each of us the confidence to know when we don’t need to see a GP. It’s so easy to use and for me, personally, it’s saved me a huge amount of time – so, no more days off work to catch up on, and lots more time to spend on myself.”

Your questions answered Feeling unwell? Don’t wait – get advice from a local pharmacy How do I get the app?

Patients who are registered with a GP practice in the borough can download the NHS Online Bexley app free either from the App Store or Google Play by searching for ‘NHS Online Bexley’.

Who is this app for?

The app is for anybody living and/or registered with a GP practice in Bexley, over the age of 18 or who feels they need to seek non-urgent medical advice or a clinical opinion based on their symptoms. It automatically signposts users to the right service for their individual needs.

If I use the app, will I still be able to access my practice?

Yes. The app is not a replacement for your existing services. The app will provide an additional opportunity for you to receive nonurgent medical advice and information about services.

Will I get good advice?

If you enter any information that is time critical or suggests a serious medical problem, the app will advise you whether you need to see a GP urgently or attend an urgent care centre or A&E. All other information is always passed to your own GP surgery team, which will review your requests, and decide on the best course of action where appropriate. The app meets all NHS safety requirements.

Will my personal data be safe?

All information is passed through secure NHS servers. No patient identifiable data is held on the app.

Expert healthcare advice in two minutes When health problems strike in the Hannaford household, whatever the time of day or wherever they are, Diane, her husband Trevor and children Charles and Grace can turn to NHS Bexley Online. In less than two minutes, this app can help residents like Diane decide whether they need to see a GP, visit a local pharmacy, go to one of Bexley’s urgent care centres or stay at home until their health improves. They can find self-care advice sourced from reputable sources such as NHS Choices, and if they still feel they need to speak to a GP, they can use the app’s online consultation function to get a personalised response from their GP team usually within 24 hours.

If the surgery recommends an appointment, they can book it there and then via the app, or order a repeat prescription, and take a look at their health care record all at the same time.

Diane says: “Currently there are lots of GP access tools, apps and websites and it can be hard to know which one to use and when.

But NHS Online Bexley combines everything we need as a family in one place, and with direct links to our own GPs, it’s everything we need, where and when we need it.”

What happens if I do not agree with the recommendation the app has given to me and I would like further advice?

The app has been built and tested extensively by doctors and has been shown to provide safe and accurate clinical advice. However, if you would like further advice you can contact a pharmacist or speak to your GP practice.

Download NHS Online Bexley Simply search for ‘NHS Online Bexley’ from the App Store or Google Play.

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local information Council meetings All the meetings featured are held at the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath and take place at 7.30pm.

These meetings will be webcast and available at www.bexley.public-i.tv.

A full list of meetings is published on the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk/meetings.

Free access to the internet is available at all Bexley libraries.

Council 11 April meetings – Public Cabinet – 13 April – Public 10 Planning Cabinet Committee 26 April – Council 18 24 April 19 May –- Annual Planning Council Committee 25 May – Annual 23 PlanningCouncil Committee 24 May – Planning Committee

THEATRES Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre Crayford 01322 526390 www.thegwt.org.uk

Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath 020 8298 1269 Book online at www.edwardalderton.org or call 0333 666 3366

Playhouse Theatre, Erith www.playhouse.org.uk 01322 350345 (Box Office)

Old Barn Theatre & Theatre in the Round Rose Bruford College, Sidcup 020 8308 2616

LOCAL MPS James Brokenshire MP Old Bexley and Sidcup Surgeries are by appointment only by calling the MP’s office on 020 7219 8400.

To contact James Brokenshire MP Write to: House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA Email: james.brokenshire.mp@ parliament.uk Telephone: 020 7219 8400

David Evennett MP Bexleyheath and Crayford Surgeries are held on the first and third Friday of the month except August.

Venue: 17 Church Road, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 4DD Time: 4pm until 6pm No appointment is necessary, but please

YOUR COUNCILLORS The London Borough of Bexley is divided into 21 wards, each of which is represented by three local ward Councillors.

To find out which ward you live in, or for up-to-date details of how to contact your local Councillors or members of the Council’s Cabinet, please visit www.bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777

do ring 020 7219 8403 in advance to discuss your case when possible.

All surgeries booked by prior appointment by calling Teresa’s office.

To contact David Evennett MP Write to: House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA Email: david.evennett.mp@ parliament.uk Telephone: 020 7219 8403 Fax: 020 7219 2163 Website: www.davidevennett.com Twitter: @davidevennett Facebook: fb.com/DavidAEvennett

To contact Teresa Pearce MP Write to: House of Commons, Westminister, London, SW1A 0AA Email: teresa.pearce.mp@ parliament.uk Telephone: 01322 342991

London Assembly Member Gareth Bacon AM (Bexley & Bromley)

Teresa Pearce MP Erith & Thamesmead Teresa Pearce MP holds four advice surgeries each month. Teresa’s surgeries are held on the first Saturday of the month in Thamesmead, the second Saturday of the month in Erith, the third Friday of the month in Northumberland Heath and the fourth Friday of the month in Abbey Wood.

To contact Gareth Bacon write to: Gareth Bacon AM, Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA, call: 020 7983 6571, or E-mail: gareth.bacon@london. gov.uk

dayout?

Planning a

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ visitbexley

You can now search for the names of your local Ward Councillors on the Council’s website using your home post code.

Visit http://democracy.bexley. gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx

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what’s on ! March to July 2018 For a list of events throughout the borough, visit the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk/events Saturday 3 March to Saturday 24 March - 10am to 12pm Adults Four Week Cycling Course

Thursday 5 April 1pm to 2.30pm Living Well

Erith School Avenue Road, Erith, DA8 3BN

Erith Library, 100 Erith High Street, Erith DA8 1SL

The aim of this course is for beginners to learn to ride and progress to level one training, in the course of the four weeks.

Email: Stephanie.Turner@peabody.org.uk

An activity afternoon for people living with dementia and their carers. Come along and join us for a tea or coffee and a chat.

For more information, please ask library staff. Phone: 020 8303 7777

Saturday 24 March - 19:30pm Belvedere Concert Band Spring Concert St Peter’s Church, Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath

Supporting ‘Whizz Kids’. Admission: £8.50 adults, £4 under 16s. refreshments included. Phone: 020 8303 8713 / 020 8850 6863 Book at: www.belvedereconcertband.co.uk

Saturday 24 March to Sunday 15 April – 10am to 4.30pm Easter Garden Trail Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

How many spring themed children’s poems do you know? Come and find them hidden in our garden. Pick up your trail sheet from the visitor centreer.

Admission: £2.50 per trail (includes small free prize) Pencil 50p. Pay on the day Book at: www.hallplace.org.uk

Tuesday 27 March – 7.30pm The Theatre - The Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Speaker Graham King. Admission: Annual Subscription £15, single lecture attendance for non-members £4.

Phone: 0208 300 8647. Book at: http:// sidcupliteraryandscientificsociety. blogspot.co.uk/

30 March to 2 September 10am to 5pm Brick City Exhibition Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Travel round the world in an exciting exhibition of architectural landmarks made from LEGO ® bricks. Entry to this miniature world is included in the admission ticket to the historic house. See our website for more details www.hallplace.org.uk.

Tickets will be available for sale on the day of your visit from the main house reception. The exhibition is included in your admission ticket to the historic house.

Book at: www.hallplace.org.uk

Friday 30 March 10am to 2pm Egg-cellent Easter Trail Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP

Can you find all the different Easter Eggs and Spring Animals hidden around the farmyard? Find them all and you will get your own chocolate Easter Egg to take home. Admission: £2 per Child.

Book at: www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Wednesday 28 Mar 2pm to 5.30pm Hall Place Garden Walk

Thursday 29 March 11am to 4pm Danson House Wedding Show Danson House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

Find everything that you will need to make your dream wedding day a reality!

Plus competitions and prizes throughout the day. More than 40 local wedding exhibitors. Admission: Free Entry Phone: 01474 815463 - www.dansonboathouse.com

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Mayors Office, Civic Office, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT

Support and Advice for all Parkinsons’ sufferers and/or carers. Find out what support and advice you can receive.

Phone: 020 3045 3678 Karen.Murrell@bexley.gov.uk

Friday 13 April - 2pm to 4pm Coffee Afternoon Sidcup Libary, 1 Hadlow Rd, Sidcup DA14 4AA

A group for people living well with Dementia and their carers. Come along and join us for a beverage and a chat and see what libraries have to offer.

Phone: 020 8303 7777

Sunday 15 April - 11am to 4pm Lambing Day Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP

Come and see our new-born lambs, and enjoy the chance to buy quality local produce at reasonable prices, including home-made preserves, cakes and honey.

Relax in our café, enjoy the treasure hunt or get involved in craft activities. Admission: £2 adult, £1 children under 16, £5 Family Ticket (2 adults & up to 3 children). Book at: www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Sunday 22 April 10am to 11.30am Spring Bird Walk

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Enjoy a 90 minute walk around the Hall Place gardens led by our jovial Estates Manager. Be delighted by Spring time activity and learn how the gardens are transformed each season.

Admission: £11 per person (includes tea and cake). Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. Book at: www.hallplace.org.uk

Wednesday 11 April 2pm to 4pm Parkinsons Awarness Event

Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP

Tuesday 3–Friday 6 April Baamy Baa-lambs Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Hilarious story and lamb puppet craft for you to take home. 10am & 2pm (1 hr session), £4 children, adults free.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Thursday 5 April 2pm (doors open at 1.30pm) Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society Meetings

The first in our series of spring bird walks around the farm. Find out about the spring arrivals to the farm. Meet at the top of the farmyard at 10am. Not suitable for buggies. Please wear suitable footwear and bring your own binoculars.

Admission: £2 per person, £1 children www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Sunday 22 April 10am – 3pm Plant Fairs Roadshow Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Join a collection of small specialist nurseries for a spring plant fair with a difference. Find interesting perennial plants, Shrubs and grasses. Ask the’Plant Doctor’your gardening questions and chat to the growers for expert advice. Free entry

Tuesday 24 April – 6pm to 9pm Memory Keepsakes

St Mary’s Church Hall, Bexley DA5 3LX

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley, 5 Brampton Road, DA7 4EZ

Sophie Beanie demonstration ‘Spring Extravaganza’. Phone: 0208 302 9984

Learn to design and make memory keepsakes. Develop sewing skills which

you can apply to other projects. Bring along old jumpers, favourite children’s clothes including summer dresses, baby clothes, shirts and t-shirts, any memorable fabrics and buttons etc. Suitable for over 16s.

Admission: £5 per person. Book at: www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk

Join us for the last in our series of bird walks to find out more about the birds living at Woodlands Farm. Meet at the top of the farmyard at 10am. Admission: £2 per person, £1 children. Farm volunteers and members free. Book at: www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Tuesday 24 April – 5pm to 9pm Evening Wedding Fayre

Wednesday 16 May 6.45pm to 9.15pm A Taste of Italy

Danson House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

Admission: Free. Phone: 01474 815463 Book at: www.dansonboathouse.com

Sunday 29 April 5:30am to 7:am Dawn Chorus Walk Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP

Rise early to join us for one of the most spectacular sounds of the natural world - the dawn chorus! Meet at the top of the farmyard at 5.30am. This walk will involve crossing fields, so isn’t suitable for buggies.

Please wear suitable footwear as it can be muddy and bring binoculars. In the event of bad weather this walk will be cancelled.

Admission: £2 person, £1 children.

Farm members and volunteers are free www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Sunday 29 April 10am–2pm Auctioneers Valuation day Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

BBC & local antiques expert Catherine Southon will be available with her team to value your antiques and collectibles.

No appointment necessary. Free entry.

Just pop to the visitor centre

Thursday 3 May – 2pm (doors open at 1.30pm) Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society Meetings St Mary’s Church Hall, Bexley DA5 3LX

May Ashley demonstration ‘Here comes Summer’. Phone: 0208/302/9984

Thursday 3 May 1pm to 2.30pm Living Well Erith Library, 100 Erith High Street, Erith DA8 1SL

An activity afternoon for people living with dementia and their carers. Come along and join us for a tea or coffee and a chat. For more information, please ask library staff.

Phone: 020 8303 7777.

Saturday 5 May 10am to 3pm Heritage Open Day St Paulinus Church, Perry Street, Crayford, DA1 4RL

Open Day to celebrate the successful completion of a Heritage Lottery Funded repair project. Come along and see what has been done with the support of our generous sponsors. Refreshments available. Admission: Free Entry Phone: 01322 557532

Sunday 6 May 10am to 11.30am Late Spring Bird Walk Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP

Learning and Enterprise College Bexley, 5 Brampton Road, DA7 4EZ

Learn tips for creating delicious and healthy meals from scratch using bits and bobs you may have in your fridge or cupboard.

Admission: £5 each per person suitable for over 16s. Book at www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk

Wednesday 23 May 6.45pm to 9.15pm A Taste of India Learning and Enterprise College Bexley, 5 Brampton Road, DA7 4EZ

Cooking workshops where you will make (and taste) dishes such as Lassi and side dishes. Admission: £5 each per person suitable for over 16s. Book at www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk

Thursday 24 May 2pm Spring Garden Walk Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Meet in the visitor centre and join our Estates manager for a gentle 45 minute walk around the Hall Place grounds. Listen as he explains how the new season will affect the site and the changes that the team are making to ensure we have year round colour and interest. Pick up some good gardening tips from the expert as you wander. £4.25 Per person. Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Tuesday 29 May - 1 June Dino Workshop Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Come and have a ROARING time with us this May! Includes a hilarious story and dinosaur craft to take home.10am & 2pm (1 hr session), £4 children, adults free.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Wednesday 6 June 2:30pm A ‘Tour of Elizabethan London Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Join Nick Dobson as you travel back to the year 1600 to take a virtual trip around our capital as it looked 400 years ago.You’ll see a few familiar landmarks, but be prepared to experience the sights of a city very different to modern London. Doors open at 2pm, £4.25 per person. Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Thursday 7 June 2pm (doors open at 1.30pm) Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society Meetings St Mary’s Church Hall, Bexley DA5 3LX

Sue Thompson demonstration ‘Up the garden path’. Phone: 020 8302 9984

Online updates

visit www.bexley.gov.uk/events

Thursday 7 June 1pm to 2.30pm Living Well

Saturday 9 June10am to 12pm Fathers’ day gifts

Sunday 24 June 10am - 3pm Plant Fair

Erith Library, 100 Erith High Street, Erith DA8 1SL

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley, 5 Brampton Road, DA7 4EZ

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

An activity afternoon for people living with dementia and their carers. Come along and join us for a tea or coffee and a chat. For more information, please ask library staff.

Phone: 020 8303 7777

Create a beautiful and unique gift for dad or grandad using decorative paint techniques. Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult. Admission: £5 per booking.

Book at: www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk

A chance to track down specialist varieties and something different for your garden this year from a collection of specialist nurseries. Plus the ‘Plant Doctor’will be on hand to answer all your gardening questions. Free admission

Wednesday 13 June 6.30pm to 9pm Summer Swishing Event

Wednesday 27 June 2.30pm Bricks of Bexley

Friday 7 June 10am – 3pm Painting the Place -Pen & Wash Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

The first in a series of art classes run by our very own accomplished artist Anthony Nield. Understand the techniques behind ‘Pen & Wash‘. Join Tony for an informal lunch in the tearoom to discuss your day.

Tea & coffee on arrival/ Tearoom lunch & hot drink ( max value applies) £26 per person. Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Friday 8 June 2.30 –4.30pm Carers’ Support Bexley’s Vintage Afternoon Tea Party Sidcup Manor House, Jenner Close, Sidcup, DA14 6BY

£5 per person Money raised will help Carers’Support (Bexley) to continue to provide help to carers in Bexley. jennym@carerssupport.org 020 8302 8011

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley, 5 Brampton Road, DA7 4EZ

Fun informal event where you can swap your unwanted (but good quality) clothes for someone else’s.

Bring up to five good quality items of clothing. Plus a chance to learn how to fix/mend clothes! Suitable for over 16Admission: FREE. Book at www. thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk

Thursday 21 June to Sunday 24 June Fly By Night

A unique performance at dusk above the river Thames, paying homage to some of the First World War’s unsung heroes: the military pigeons that played crucial roles delivering messages. Co-commissioned

by LIFT, 14-18 NOW, Peabody, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and London Borough of Bexley.

Originally commissioned by CreativeTime www.ThamesmeadNow.org.uk

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

Join Local Studies Librarian, Will Cooban, for a fascinating talk on the history of some of Bexley Village’s oldest buildings, and the little know history of brick making! Doors open at 2pm, £4.25 per person. Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Tuesday 3 July to Saturday 7 July Beautiful Thing

Beautiful Thing tells the tender love story of gay teenagers Jamie and Ste, who live in neighbouring flats in Thamesmead. This iconic story from the 90s will be retold as a new outdoor production that features incredible video projections, professional dancers and a community cast. Part of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, London’s leading outdoor theatre and performing arts festival. Supported by Peabody and Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Book at: www.ThamesmeadNow.org.uk

@whatsoninbexley Thursday 5 July 2pm (doors open at 1.30pm) Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society Meetings

Saturday 7 July 7.30pm to 11pm Barn Dance

St Mary’s Church Hall, Bexley DA5 3LX

Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP

Pam Cantellow demonstration ‘This and That’. Phone: 020 8302 9984

Book at www.thelearningcentrebexley. ac.uk

Thursday 5 July 1pm to 2.30pm Living Well

Saturday 14 July Thamesmead’s 50th Birthday Party

Erith Library, 100 Erith High Street, Erith DA8 1SL

An activity afternoon for people living with dementia and their carers. Come along and join us for a tea or coffee and a chat.

For more information, please ask library staff. Phone: 020 8303 7777

Thursday 5 July 10am– 12noon Paint the Place - Drawing buildings Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Kent DA5 1PQ

A half day session led by our very own artist Anthony Nield. Watch a demonstration, followed by the opportunity for you to create your own drawing, whilst learning the techniques for drawing the architectural features of our historic building. £10 per person includes tea & coffee. Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238.

Come and celebrate everything about Thamesmead in this fun packed festival day. We’ll be showcasing local talent, bringing back some old Thamesmead traditions and reminiscing on the town over the ages. Led by a resident steering group, this is a birthday party promises a sense of community. Delivered by Emergency Exit Arts with support from Peabody - www.ThamesmeadNow. org.uk

Saturday 21 July Summer Ball Danson House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

Phone: 01474 815463 Book at: www.dansonboathouse.com

Sunday 22 July 2pm Belvedere Concert Band

Relax and enjoy the live music on the lawn. Bring a rug or low backed chair to sit on. Picnic welcome. Gates open at 1pm. £8 adults, under 16s free (must be accompanied) All tickets on the gate.

This event is weather dependant. Please telephone or check www.hallplace.org. uk/Facebook is the weather is poor.

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a-z information Council news via email newsletters at www.bexley.gov.uk/news

www.bexley.gov.uk Register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Useful Council numbers

How do I?

Automated payments – 020 3045 5200

Contact the police when it is not an emergency on 101 or 0300 123 1212

Adoption and Fostering - 0800 783 7699 Bexley Local Offer - Special Educational Needs and Disability Support for 0-25 year olds - 020 3045 5677 Bexley Magazine - 020 3045 3605 Births, deaths and marriages - 03000 415252 registerofficebexley@kent.gov.uk Council Tax & Housing Benefits – 0345 302 2317 Emergency Out of Hours Service - 020 8303 7777 /

020 8303 7171 Home Library Service – 020 3045 4565 Housing advice - 020 3045 3400 Temporary Accommodation – 020 3045 3155/ 020 3045 3156 Parking Services - 020 3045 3000 Adults Social Services - Residential care – 020 3045 4900

100 + services online Seven days a week + 24 hours a day l Apply - Pay – Find - Report

Report a gas leak - 0800 111 999 Get health advice and reassurance -111 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Report a leak or burst pipe to Thames Water - 0800 714 614 (24 hour leakline) or #tweetaleak to @thameswater

Other useful contacts Domestic Violence – 0808 2000 247 Job centre plus – 0345 604 3719 Resources Plus - 020 3045 3800 Citizens Advice Bureaux – 01322 517150 Age UK information and advice – 0800 678 1174 For other enquires call 0800 169 8787 Bexley Voluntary Service Council – 01322 524682 Bexley Foodbank - 07932 431350 For all other Council services please call our automated switchboard on 020 8303 7777 to request the department you require

Worried about a child? Call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Safeguarding Children’s Services. In an emergency always call 999.

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local organisations Academy Photographic Group 07976 760488 Academy - United Judo Bexleyheath www.unitedjudo.com Active Horizons Youth 07833 477651/020 8310 5481 Adult Community Art Lessons @CleevePark www.sandiecamilleri.wixsite.com/ artlab 07931 824110 Age UK Bexley 020 8300 0883 Air Training Corps (Youth) Welling Sqdn - 020 8303 7379 Bexleyheath Sqdn - 01322 559056 Sidcup Sqdn - 020 8309 9926 Erith Sqdn - 01322 340749 Alzheimer’s Society Bexley Branch - 01322 524950/ 559308 Art Group Welling 07905 437840 Association of Bexley Charities ‘78 www.bexleych.wix.com/bexleycharities-78 Assyrian Community of Kent 01322 335479 Avante Community Support: Homecare 01322 344 980 107 (Bexleyheath) Army Cadet Force 07756 775294 Advocacy for All 020 8300 9666 Barnehurst Yoga Club-0771 222 6261 Barnehurst & Ivor Thomas Pool League davidleeds452@btinternet.com Belvedere Art Group-01322 556876 Bexley Borough Mummies 07572 473 272 Belvedere Community Forum and Centre 020 8311 5550 Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme 01322 311333 Bexley Active Retirement Club 020 8303 9675 Bexley African Caribbean Community Association 01322 332142 Bexley Archaeological Group 020 8300 1752 Bexley Art Group 01322 430681 Bexley Arts Trust 020 8303 8177 Bexley Bards Story Tellers 0771 222 6261 Bexley Blind bowlers club 020 8856 8954 Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum 01322 310507 Bexley Boys & Girls Hall 0208 858 5123 Bexley Centre for the Unemployed 020 8301 3187 Bexley Churches Housing Assoc. Ltd 020 3866 5999 Bexley Civic Society 020 8302 2443 Bexley Coin Club 0208 303 0510 Bexley Community Library Art Club 01322 836303/07446 480619 Bexley Cricket Club steventhomas.crawley@openreach.co.uk Bexley Croquet Club 020 8300 3172 / 01322 525975 Bexley & Dartford Cats Protection 01322 611911 Bexley & Sidcup Lions Club 07790 279683 Bexley Deaf Centre Fax/Minicom - 01322 351122

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Bexley Federation of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners (BFALG) 07470 468594 Bexley Football Club 0208 858 5123 Bexley Natural Environment Forum 01322 521 259 Bexley Down’s Syndrome Group www.bexleydownssyndrome.co.uk Bexley Heritage Trust Hall Place - 01322 526574 Bexley Historical Society 020 8309 5884 Bexley Ladies Keep Fit Club Hurst Community Centre Bexley & Lewisham Sea Cadets 020 8304 9448 Bexley Marquetry Group 01689 851702 Bexley Mencap 020 8303 6336 Bexley ME Support Group 020 8303 8553 Bexley Moorings Project www.bexleymoorings.co.uk Bexley Pain Group 020 8298 6287 Bexley Philatelic Society (Bexley Stamp Club) 01322 559210 Bexley Photography Chatter Community www.BexleyPhotographyChatter.co.uk Bexley Rotary Club raymorris1@hotmail.co.uk Bexley School of Dance www.bexleyschoolofdance.com Bexley SNAP 01322 359 475 Bexley Stop Smoking Service 0800 7832514 Bexley Talking Newspaper 01322 445293 Bexley Tinnitus Support Group 01322 525115 Bexley Twofold 020 8303 7777/020 3045 4920 Bexley Turkish Elderly Day Centre 020 8306 6736 Bexley Voice 07512 409936 Bexley Ukulele Group 07711 704033 Bexley WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) 020 8300 1845 Bexley Women’s Aid 020 8301 1536 Bexleyheath & District Club for Disabled 020 8303 4826 Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club 01322 526932 or 0744 447 5417 Bexleyheath & Belvedere Hockey Club 07720 412547 Bexleyheath Photographic Society www.bexleyheathphotographicsociety. co.uk Bexleyheath Morning Townswomens Guild 020 8310 4537 Bexleyheath Gaming Club (Pokemon/Yugion) www.facebook.com/BexleyGamingClub Bexleyheath & Crayford Waterside Women’s Institute 020 8303 5158 Bexrose Gardening Society 01322 527 947 Bird College 020 8300 6004 Brampton Art Group 020 8303 9132 The Boys’ Brigade & Girls Assoc 020 8304 9669

Bridge Mental Health 020 8298 9677 Bridging the Gap South East 020 8300 5444 British Army Association 01322 449175 British Polio Fellowship (North West Kent Branch) 020 8304 1694 Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 01727 867201 Cancer Research UK - local fund raising 020 8302 3964 Care Matters UK Ltd - 01322 522440 Carers’ Support Bexley 020 8302 8011 Chislehurst & Sidcup Ballet Club gillian.heyward@gmail.com The Compassionate Friends Child Bereavement Support www.tcf.org.uk Complementary Cancer Care Trust 01322 524079 Connexions Prospects 020 3045 5555 Contact the Elderly 020 8303 4723 County Gate Lodge www.cgl7849.org Crayford & District Men’s Probus Club 020 8304 2802 Crayford Art Group 020 8303 4656 Crayford Camera Club 01322 438808 Crayford Judo Club 01322 631108 Crayford Manor House Historical Society 01322 551279 Crayford Town Archive 07800 992931 Crayford Women’s Institute 01322 557229 The Crossness Engines Trust www.crossness.org.uk Crossroads Care South East London www.crossroadscaresoutheastlondon. org.uk Cruse Bereavment Care 020 8304 5245 Danson Youth Trust 020 8303 6052 Darent Cray National Trust Association 01474 705402 Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group 07775 305110 Douglas Macmillan Cancer Information Service 020 8308 3295 Duplicate Bridge Club at VCD Crayford 020 8303 1402 / 07955 470762 East Wickham Open Space Conservation Volunteers www.eastwickham.org.uk Erith & Belvedere Local History Society 01322 337893/01322 437925 Erith & District Swimming Club edsc@edsc.org.uk Erith & District Synchronised Swimming Squads synchro@edsc.org.uk Erith Model Railway Society www.erithmrs.ukmodelshops.co.uk Erith Nemesis Martial Arts Gym 01322 335076 Erith Veterans Club Singers 01322 553078 Evergreen Care Bexley www.evergreencarebexley.org Friends of Danson Park 020 8311 1351

To add your organisation to this list, or to update your contact details please e-mail communications@bexley.gov.uk or telephone 020 3045 3605 Friends of the Earth - Bexley www.foe.co.uk/bexley Friends of Foots Cray Meadows www.footscraymeadows.org Friends of the Red House 01322 865186 Friends of the Shuttle www.friendsoftheshuttle.org Family Action 020 8310 6570 Geddes Place Widows Group 01322 521754 Guide Dogs for the Blind - Bexley 0845 3727415 Haven - Gay & Lesbian Social Group 01322 287356 / 07804 808581 Headway South East London/ North West Kent 020 8319 7148 Healthwatch Bexley 020 8304 9344 Hill Park Autistic Trust 01322 334318 Holy Trinity Lamorbey Social Club 07903 565502 Hurst Horticultural & Garden Society 020 8306 2202 Imago 07710 847812 www.imago.community Insight Bexley 07824 999581 Inspire Community Trust 020 3045 5100 Irish Community Services in Greenwich ,Bexley & Lewisham 020 8854 4466 Kingfisher Bowls C lub 020 8302 8830 Lamorbey Park Archers www.lamorbeyparkarchers.co.uk Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society 020 8302 0059 Lamorbey Park Cricket Club 07741 193133 Lesnes Abbey Woods Conservation Volunteers www.lacv.btik.com London Borough of Bexley Retired Employees Assoc 020 8300 5526/020 8303 0606 Macular Society Bexley Support Group 020 8856 8954 Manor House Bowls Club 01322 400031 07960 862249 The Meeting Place Wed 9.30am - 1.30pm St John Fisher Church Hall Meridian Canoe Club 07801 549601 MIND In Bexley 020 8303 5816 MND Association 01322 228169 Multiple Sclerosis Society 020 8306 7050 North Kent Scottish Association Wednesday evenings at Barnehurst Golf Club Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society 020 8302 9984 Old Bexley Music Society 020 8306 0353 Parkinson’s Disease Society 020 8306 5973 The Practical Photographic Group 020 8304 6561 Rainbows, Guide or Ranger Groups 020 8301 1200/01322 294516 The Rendevous Club for over 50’s 01322 287356/020 8859 2035 Royal Airforces Assoc 020 8303 5158

Royal Artillery Association Sidcup Branch 020 8306 1992 The Royal British Legion, Sidcup & Footscray Branch 020 8302 0846 Serenade Singers mcwhitford@gmail.com St John Ambulance Sidcup - 0844 770 4800 Erith - 07974 219471 St Michaels Ladies Club Welling 020 8306 1146 Samaritans 020 8301 1010 Shopmobility Scheme 020 8301 5237 Sidcup Art Club - 020 8302 5390 Sidcup Chess Club www.sidcupchessclub.org.uk Sidcup & District Caledonian Assoc 020 8856 4522 Sidcup & District Motor Cycle Club 01634 201268 Sidcup and District University of the Third Age 020 8850 2046 Sidcup Jazz Club 01322 442442 Sidcup Literary & Scientific Society 020 8300 8647 Sidcup Philatelic Society 020 8300 9627 Sidcup Symphony Orchestra 01322 552710 Signpost Community Drug & Alcohol Team 01322 357940 SmileyArk Kids Club 07956 263531 The Scout Association 0845 094 6368 or 0845 300 1818 Speakability Sidcup 080 8808 9572 SSAFA - the Armed Forces Charity 020 8639 0495 Stillbirth & Neonatal Death 07951 454682 St John Ambulance Crayford Sidcup 0844 770 4800 St Mary’s (Welling)Players 020 8303 8933/ 07866 259302 Trust Thamesmead 020 3828 4900 The Link Thamesmead 020 3828 4950 Sporting Club Thamesmead 020 3828 4920 Thames Innovation Centre 020 8320 1000 Trefoil Guild - Invicta (Welling) 020 8304 8409 / 01689 811116 United Nations Assoc (Bexley) 01322 335 479 University of the Third Age Abbey Wood & Thamesmead 020 8311 4797 University of the Third Age Bexley 01322 556876 Veterans Club of Bexley 020 8304 2815 Victim Support (Bexley) 020 7277 1433/ 020 8698 4583 Volunteers Information Service (VIS) 01322 335 479 Welling University of the Third Age 020 8304 4130 Women’s Aid Helpline 020 8301 1536

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Recruiting Now Carewatch provides home care services to vulnerable people in the Bexley Borough so they can continue living at home.

“We’re looking to recruit people who are compassionate, considerate and wish to make a real difference to the lives of our customers.

Dressage l Show Jumping Cross Country Course Shows l Competitions l Events Parties l Holidays l Vouchers l Gifts ABRS BHS NVQ Training Volunteering (YELA & Duke of Edinburgh) l

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You may be looking for a few hours’ work each week or up to 30 hours each week, providing personal care and practical “ I like working for Carewatch support to our customers, full training and as it’s like one big extended support will be given every step of the way.” family where everyone looks out for each other and support is always at hand.”

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS and use of own car is required for working purposes.

If you would like a rewarding job in care, please call or email:

020 8303 3330 info@carewatchbexley.com

As an employer we treat everybody equally.