Bexley Magazine-Winter 2018

ENVIRONMENT Neater neighbourhoods

WHAT’S ON Christmas in the borough

GROWTH

Erith improvements

COMMUNITY Caring at its best

Winter

Bexley

Latest news and information from your Council

MAGAZINE WINTER 2018

Have your say on our budget proposals Deadline - 11 January

Bexley’s silver screens

BookBuzz returns! 602063 BEX MAG Winter 2018 Pgs 1-11.indd 1

Waste & recycling proposals Tr u s t e d b y B e x l e y r e s i d e n t s

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Inside your magazine

Welcome

C2E update

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Waste and recycling improvements

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There But Not There

Neater neighbourhoods

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16 17 Budget Consultation Your community 18-19

What’s on 26-27

Your local health service 23

Services 29

Local Information 25

Local organisations 30

Winter is here and with it dark evenings and much colder weather. When the heating goes on and Christmas gets closer, it’s natural to start thinking about managing your money. For us all here at the Council it‘s when we start to get into the detail of planning our budget for next year and how we can make the most of what we have to deliver the services you rely on. As you will have seen or heard through the media, councils across the country have seen a significant drop in their government funding for a number of years. With your support, over the past few years we have been able to transform services and make changes that have helped us balance our budget. We need your help again. On pages 16 and 17 of the magazine you can read about the planned savings we are considering and how you can have your say. Please take the time to read the proposals, get involved and help us put the pieces of next year’s budget puzzle into place. Other articles inside your magazine include the possibility of a new stroke service closer to our residents, a Council Tax exemption for our young care leavers, an update on our continued campaign to extend Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet, plus our new Children’s University. All are great examples of the work that Members and staff put in to make our borough the best it can be. It only remains for me to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2019.

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: 602063/09.18 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

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE Leader of the Council

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news

Celebrating the STARS of 2018 On 29 November, a special event at the Civic Offices will celebrate those nominated as part of the Council’s Staff Thanks and Recognition Scheme (STARS). The scheme highlights examples of staff dedication, hard work and commitment to making Bexley a better place to work and live. During the summer nomination period, more than 350 nominations were made by residents, Councillors and staff for individuals and

teams across the Council. In October, the STARS judging panel met to select the outstanding representatives from the individual categories of nominations. Thank you to everyone who nominated and well done to all our stars!

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Welcome for positive peer review Councillors have welcomed the findings of a Peer Review of the Council carried out by the Local Government Association. The review team commented on the Council’s “…strong and stable political leadership over many years, under a Leader who is widely held in very high regard,” and its “tremendous ambition and…clear strategic direction...” They said that all the Council staff they met “…were highly committed and enthusiastic and

they demonstrate a real passion for Bexley”. Other strengths highlighted in the report of the review included Bexley’s “long track record of strong financial management” and the success of its move to the new Civic Offices in Bexleyheath. The review team visited Bexley in March. The release of their report was delayed because of restrictions on publicity during the period running up to the local elections in May.

C2E makes its case for government funding The C2E campaign submitted its business case to the Treasury in October and is pressing for government support to take the project forward. It is asking for £25m to develop a full business case for the project, including strong funding, a financing appraisal and the governance necessary to take C2E forward to delivery in the 2020s. The line from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet was part of the original plans for Crossrail and the case for it is more powerful than ever. C2E received the endorsement of the Thames Estuary Growth Commission earlier this year. The campaign is actively supported by London Borough of Bexley, Kent County Council, Canary Wharf, London City Airport, the Mayor of London, Transport for London, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Borough Council and the Thames Gateway Kent Partnership.

The case for C2E l Helps deliver the government’s housing and industrial strategies - directly unlocking 55,000 homes, plus 50,000 jobs, and supporting thousands more across south-east London and northwest Kent. l Establishes a 10-mile growth corridor at the heart of the Thames Gateway - the largest area of brownfield land in the south-east. l Delivers a vital strategic link between HS1 destinations, Canary Wharf, London City Airport, and onwards to the City of London and Heathrow.

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Bexley’s second Ageing Well event Around 320 local people were able to find out more about the support on offer for older residents at Bexley’s ageing well event in October. Information and advice was available from over 40 local groups and organisations on the day, including Age UK, Mind in Bexley, Bexley CCG, Crossroads Care and the Alzheimer’s Society. Forty residents had their hearing tested for free by Bexley Deaf Centre, while others tried out ballroom

Hannah joined the Council in February 2017 as a Level 3 apprentice in adult social care integrated commissioning. She was

Highways England are keen to hear views on the Lower Thames Crossing – a major new road which would nearly double road capacity across the river Thames and almost halve northbound journey times at the Dartford Crossing.

dancing, Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi for the first time. Talking about the event, one exhibitor Frank Meilack said:“You could see so many smiley faces amongst the attendees. Events like these are so important as the older generation still feel very strongly about the need to see and talk to people in person,” he added. “The entertainment and other facilities laid on just added to the occasion”.

Well done Hannah! Bexley apprentice Hannah Cambridge picked up the award for ‘Best contribution from an apprentice’ at the London Councils’ Apprenticeship Awards in September.

Consultation on Lower Thames Crossing

FOR YOUR DIARY Apprenticeship Fair 2019 – Tuesday 26 February Civic Offices Bexleyheath 6.30-8.30pm. Come along and find out more.

nominated for the detailed work she put into a project that looked at the use of telecare. Hannah has also been an active mentor and has volunteered at events promoting apprenticeships. Hannah now has a permanent role as an administrator in adult social care.

The 14.5 mile route connecting Gravesham, Kent and Thurrock, Essex would be a three-lane motorway connecting the M2 near Rochester and the M25 in Essex between North and South Ockendon. It would include a 2.4 mile-long tunnel under the Thames between the east of Gravesend and Tilbury. On the south side of the Thames, the new road will link the tunnel to the A2 and M2 in Kent. On the north side of the river, it will link to the A13 in Thurrock and then junction 29 of the M25 in the London Borough of Havering. The consultation runs until 20 December. To have your say visit lowerthamescrossing. co.uk/haveyoursay

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Another apprentice success Bexley teenager, Ruby Lee, won the ‘Best apprentice within Berkeley Group’ last month. Ruby found her calling in construction after attending the Council’s annual apprenticeship event last year. Ruby is a trainee site manager with Berkeley Homes.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Bexley at www.bexley. gov.uk/apprenticeships

www.bexley.gov.uk/ newsupdates

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Book Buzz returns! Book Buzz, Bexley’s own literary festival, is back! Running from 16 February to 2 March the fun will include visits from authors, illustrators and storytellers, creative writing workshops, animation and film-making workshops - and much more. Visiting authors include Nick Barratt, Stuart Clark, Charlie Connelly, Lindsey Davis, Stella Duffy, Jean Fullerton, Mike Gayle and Alison Weir. The acclaimed poet and former Erith resident Wendy Cope will also be returning to Bexley. Highlights for children and young people include Nick Arnold’s ‘Horrible Science Show’ and Alex Bellos’ ‘Football School’. There will also be visits from children’s authors Joseph Coelho, Chloe Inkpen and Knife and Packer, plus theatre shows, robotics workshops and a Bog-Eyed Book Festival.

The finishing touches are still being put to the programme that will be available from all Council libraries from January and online at www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries Tickets for most events will be free but must be booked in advance from www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Teresa O’Neill OBE said: “We are at a very early stage in the decision process, but to have somewhere so local to Bexley chosen as a possible site for this vital service is excellent news for our residents.” A final decision will be made in early 2019.

ROPOLITAN POL ICE MET

A partnership made up of Bexley, Councillors welcomed the Greenwich and Lewisham has news in September that Darent been named as one of 17 to become Valley Hospital was identified ‘early adopters’ of specific elements as the preferred option for new of new local children safeguarding urgent stroke services. arrangements before they are NHS in Kent and Medway established across the country. announced that their preferred The partnership will work on five shared option is to have a hyper acute priorities that respond to the Government’s stroke unit, alongside an acute new ‘Working Together to Safeguard stroke unit, at Darent Valley Children’ guidance and will involve local following an evaluation meeting. police, councils and health services. Leader of the Council, Cllr The new safeguarding arrangements replace existing G SIONIN GROUP Local Safeguarding S I M Children Boards OM – Bexley moved MISSIONING GROUP OM to its new partnership arrangements in October 4 2018. ROPOLITAN POL ICE MET

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“Last year’s first-ever Book Buzz was a great success. More than 3,000 people came along to the long list of events during the fortnight. Looking at what we have booked in already I’m sure that Book Buzz 2019 will not disappoint.” Cabinet Member for Places Cllr Peter Craske

Local stroke services a step closer

New safeguarding arrangements

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Thanks to local people, for the past 13 years Bexley has achieved the recycling rate in London. This has been good for the environment and has saved money which has been spent on other frontline services.

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Further progress is impossible without change. With the borough’s street services contract with Serco, the The options which are being discussed are l Offering residents two wheelie bins in a choice of sizes for recycling where people have the space to store them, to replace the current three recycling boxes. l One of these wheelie bins would be for paper/cardboard recycling and one wheelie bin for plastics, cans, Tetrapaks and glass recycling. l Moving to a 1-2-3 collection cycle with t weekly collections of food waste

Council’s current waste and recycling contractor, due to end soon, now is the ideal time to reassess. No decisions have been made yet. We want you to have your say on these important services. Take part in our survey into the future of waste services, as part of our Budget consultation.

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chargeable collections of garden waste t fortnightly or three-weekly collections of recycling t fortnightly or three-weekly collections of residual waste for incineration l Introducing an additional new collection service for residents who need to dispose of large quantities of nappies or incontinence pads if the frequency of residual waste collections reduces to three-weekly.

Erith’s Carnegie building to reopen The iconic Carnegie Building will officially reopen to the public on 1 February 2019. Initially the lower ground area will house ‘The Conversation Room’, an area for creativity, as well as ‘The Bookstore Cafe’, a new space for freshly produced food and drink. Local company, The Exchange, is taking on the long-term lease of the building. It will be delivering some events on the middle floor, prior to the official opening of the lower ground area, beginning with an exhibition and auction

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from arts project Centrepieces on 19 November. During December the building will house a Pop-up Community Cinema and Grotto Bar. The improvements, which have included the restoration of the weathervane, full replacement of the building’s roof and the refurbishment of the lower ground floor, are part of the Greater Erith programme funded by Bexley and the Mayor of London. The programme is dedicated to working with the local community to help Erith become a flourishing riverside town by rejuvenating

existing spaces, enabling new developments, nurturing innovation and enhancing all the things that make Erith great. For more information go to www.greatererith.com London Borough of Bexley and The Exchange have received initial National Lottery Funding to further develop the regeneration project at the Carnegie building and will use this to progress their plans to apply for a full grant in 2019.

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community There But Not There Some very important visitors were brought to Hall Place by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans earlier in November, to mark Remembrance Day and the centenary of the 1918 armistice. The 17 veterans were taken on a guided tour of the Hall Place ‘Faces of the Great War’ and the ‘Code name – Santa Fe’ exhibitions before helping pupil governors from Gravel Hill School sow poppy seeds on site. The children and special guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Bexley, Cllr Brian Bishop and Cllr Christine Bishop,

Deputy Lieutenant Major David Hewer OBE TD DL, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE and local ward Councillors, then attended the official unveiling of the ‘There But Not There’ sculpture and bench. The official unveiling was performed by the Mayor and the Deputy Lieutenant. Three wreaths were also laid. The sculpture is one of two in the borough. The other ‘There But Not There’ was unveiled on Remembrance Sunday at the Crayford War Memorial in Mayplace Road.

Passport to learning Bexley is working with London South East Colleges to deliver a Children’s University for children aged 5-14. Children’s University is a national charitable federation that encourages children to try new experiences and acquire new skills. Children receive a ‘passport’ and get a stamp for every hour of activity they complete at a validated Learning Destination. Learning Destinations are places where children can ‘travel’ with their passport. Local venues could include Hall Place, Danson House, Lesnes Abbey, Crossness Pumping Station and Red House. Six schools are taking part in the first programme. The Children’s University will be rolled out to all primary schools from the New Year and there will be a special graduation ceremony at the end of the school year. For more information email BexleyCU@bexley.gov.uk

Council Tax help for young care leavers Young adults leaving Bexley’s care will be exempt from Council Tax following a decision taken by the Council’s Cabinet in October. Bexley’s Young Director, Shannon Lidbury said: “I have been lucky enough to have been involved in the work that has led to this decision. I know it will make a real difference to care leavers”. The decision includes a range of initiatives that will support young people, including help with tenancy issues, managing debt, help with claim applications and practical support around moving into a new home.

“As our Corporate Parenting Week in October illustrated, we take our role as Corporate Parents very seriously – and like any parent we know that providing support does not just stop at a certain age. “I very much hope this will ease the stress that our young people, like all others, feel as they begin living independently.” Cllr Philip Read, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

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Highlighting crime and disorder concerns The Bexley Crime Survey is a chance to highlight the local crime and disorder issues which concern you most – and help the Bexley Community Safety Partnership decide its priorities for 2019/20. The survey, which runs until 31 December, is online at www. bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey Free internet access is available from all our Council-run libraries. Paper copies can be requested from the Community Safety Team on 020 8303 7777, or by writing to the Community Safety Team, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT

Bexley One lucky participant will also win a

£50

Morrisons gift voucher

Crime Survey

Look out for your Freedom Pass renewal letter Older residents who have a Freedom Pass that is due to expire in March 2019 will receive a renewal reminder letter from London Councils from 4 February 2019. In the letter there is a unique code which is needed to renew the pass online. For pass holders that do not have access to the internet, there’s a form to complete and return to London Councils on the

reverse of the letter. There’s also a list of frequently asked questions included in the envelope. You must respond to the letter by post or online in order for your pass to be renewed in time for the expiry date. If you have recently changed address you’ll need to contact London Councils on 0300 330 1433 to update your details so that your renewal letter is sent to the right address in February.

Make a difference... Foster for Bexley 020 3045 4400

www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering

We offer 24/7 support

A change for the better A new, accessible toilet facility for disabled and vulnerable people visiting Bexleyheath town centre into the evenings will open at the end of November. The borough’s first ‘Changing Places’ facility includes space for carers, grab rails, a changing bench, hoist and wash basin. It has been created by modifying the inside of the Central Library and adding a new outside entrance from Townley Road.

“We want to encourage people to make the most of their lives, have fun and socialise, without having to go back home.”

Cllr Brad Smith Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services

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caring Caring at its Best Awards

Fire safety at Christmas

Congratulations to the care workers, volunteers and organisations who were recognised at Bexley’s first Caring at its Best awards. The winners and nominees were recognised at an awards ceremony at the Civic Offices in October. Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, Councillor Brad Smith, presented all the nominees with a certificate and a pin badge. The following were the winners of each category, who were awarded a special glass trophy by the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Brian Bishop. Jennifer Spencer, Megan Howell, Lydia Osei-Tutu and Jackie Taylor (Home Care Winners) Lynda Munns (Community Care Winner) Lydia Daku-Mante (Learning

Every year there are around 350 Christmas tree related fires, with the biggest causes being candles and Christmas lights. While most plastic Christmas trees are fire retardant, a live or non-fire retardant plastic Christmas tree can create a lot of deadly smoke in the house if caught alight. Disability Services Winner) Viny Poon (Volunteer Winner), Nomase Care Ltd (Home Care Winner) Evergreen Care Bexley (Community Care Winner) Groveland Park Care Home (Residential Care Winner) Bexley Mencap (Learning Disability Services Winner). The public sent in 87 nominations for 31 people and 22 organisations based in Bexley after nominations opened in July. Across all the nominations, 30 care and support organisations were mentioned or represented.

Do not keep your Christmas tree near candles, a fireplace, electrical light or heaters and do not smoke near it. Check all decorative Christmas lights are in good condition, that there are no exposed wires and that the lights conforms to appropriate BS or EN standards. Do not overload electrical sockets or extension leads and always turn off lights when not in use. No matter what the time of year – remember to regularly check your smoke alarm. www.bexley.gov.uk/firesafety

Carers’ Voice Are you a carer? Do you receive your free copy of Carers Voice magazine? The magazine comes out twice a year and keeps you up-to-date with services and support for carers in Bexley. There is also a free Information Pack for carers in Bexley. Both of these are available from Carers’ Support (Bexley), the charity that supports carers in Bexley. For more information call 020 8302 8011, email info@carerssupport.org, or visit www.carerssupport.org

Quiz night Carers’ Support will be hosting a Quiz Night on 22 February 2019, 7pm to 10pm at the Boys Brigade Hall in Bexleyheath Broadway. Everyone is welcome. There will be a maximum of eight people to a table. Bring your own nibbles and drinks. Tea, coffee and cake will be available. Tickets are £5 per person. Call Jenny on 020 8302 8011 or email her at jennym@ carerssupport.org to book your place.

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Money matters Important changes to the benefits that residents in Bexley receive from the government were rolled out across the borough last month. Residents in receipt of one or more of the six specified benefits listed below may be moved over to Universal Credit when they have a change in circumstances. l Housing Benefit l Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance l Income based Employment Support Allowance l Income Support l Child Tax Credit l Working Tax Credit New claimants, who are on low incomes or out of work, may also be placed onto Universal Credit. The changes provide claimants with a single monthly payment, instead of weekly or fortnightly payments. For many households this will make budgeting easier. However, the circumstances of each household are different and some people may find the changes complex and challenging.

Help and advice There is help and advice available. The London Borough of Bexley is working closely with partners at Jobcentre Plus and in other organisations to support residents through this change. The Council is also working with the Citizens Advice Bureau to make personal budgeting and debt management advice available. We also have arrangements with Kent Savers Credit Union to provide loans to help people to clear arrears. We are also raising awareness of additional financial help that may be available through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Disabled Relief on Council Tax.

Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr David Leaf said: “Any change to the welfare system can cause worry and uncertainty, so it is very important that anyone with questions, comments or concerns seeks advice and help so that they are aware of the full facts. “There has been some coverage in the media about Universal Credit, which may cause alarm. But it is important that people check their own circumstances and not be put off by what they may have heard or read.”

Useful contacts l Job Centre Bexleyheath – 020 8218 4701 l Job Centre Woolwich – 0800 055 6688 l Bexley’s Housing Prevention and Assessment Team - 020 8303 7777 and ask for the team l Citizens Advice Bureau – 01322 517150 l Kent Savers Union - 0333 321 9050

Useful links www.gov.uk/universal-credit www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk

Manage your Council Tax online Would you prefer to go online to view your Council Tax bill instead of receiving it by post? More than 30,000 Bexley residents are already using this safe and environmentally friendly option. Having an online bill allows you to l View your bill and any instalments outstanding

l Tell us if you are moving l Apply for a Council Tax discount or exemption l Request a Council Tax refund if your bill is in credit l Set up a payment arrangement It’s quick and easy. To log on visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ counciltax

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health Update on local health and wellbeing needs Data on the health and wellbeing needs of Bexley residents is now available online. The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) identifies ‘the big picture’ of health and wellbeing needs and inequalities within Bexley’s population. It will be used to plan local health, care, education and housing services, taking into account evidence of their effectiveness.

The following parts have been published online at https://bexleyjsna.co.uk • Core data set • Healthy weight • Physical activity • Mental health and wellbeing • Dementia • Mental ill health • Housing • Crime • Children and Young People • Older People Further sections will be added during 2019/2020.

Free NHS Health Checks now available at weekends Most healthy Bexley residents aged 40 to 74 are eligible for a free NHS Health Check at GP practices in the borough. You can also now attend a weekend appointment through the new 8am to 8pm Hub Service. Look out for your invitation letter or ask your practice to book you an appointment. To find out more about free NHS Health Checks and to see if you’re eligible, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check

Do you know your HIV status? World AIDS Day (1 December) is this year encouraging everyone to get checked and know their HIV status. All Bexley residents can order a free STI testing kit online to do a test at home. Simply send off the completed test by freepost in the mail, and your results can be sent to you via text message for free. To order your kit, or for more comprehensive information and advice on sexual health and contraception, visit www.bexleysexualhealth.org

Give Dry a try this New Year Do you want to sleep better, reduce your waistline and save money? Why not register for Dry January 2019? People who sign up are more likely to stay dry for the whole month. You’ll get access to the free app which includes a calorie calculator, unit tracker and tool to show how much you’ve saved. You’ll also receive regular support emails with tips, tricks and information. Visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk for more information. If you would like to speak to someone about your own drinking, or have any concerns about someone else’s, contact Bexley’s Drug and Alcohol service, The Pier Road Project, on 01322 357940.

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environment

Win a tree for your local park Do you have a favourite park in the borough? Or is there a park that you feel needs more trees? The Council’s Tree team has five of its ‘Acorn Level’ tree sponsorships packages to give away to five lucky winners. The package, which usually costs £250, includes the planting of a tree, single tree stake support, including a watering bag and robust protective cage, and two years failure replacement and maintenance.

Help keep your neighbourhood neat Did you know that fly-tipped rubbish attracts fly-tipped rubbish? The mess shown in the pictures built up over the space of one week, with waste being added to the pile daily. The area went from being a clean and tidy parking area and bin store into an eyesore. Leaving rubbish on the roadside, public space or even your own garden often leads to other people adding to the rubbish, causing a mess and a potential public health risk. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and those found guilty can face Before

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Snow scoops for sale Are you prepared if snow should come? The Council has snow scoops available for £9 each at its Waste and Recycling Centre, Maidstone Road, Foots Cray DA14 5HS. The centre opens daily 7.30am to 4pm but is closed on Wednesdays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The offer is open to residents on production of the Council’s orange or green Re-use and Recycling Centre permit. These can be requested online at https://mybexley.bexley.gov.uk/ service/Leaflets_and_permits or by calling 020 8303 7777.

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fines of up to £50,000 and/or a prison sentence, for each deposit of waste. If you are paying for someone to take your rubbish away make sure they have a valid waste carriers licence. Our Neater Neighbourhood Team offer advice on fly-tipping on private land where the owners can often be difficult to track down. Give them a call on 020 3045 3807 email neaterneighbourhoods@ bexley.gov.uk or report it online at www.bexley.gov.uk/services and #doitforbexley!

To enter simply email trees@bexley.gov.uk with your name, contact details and the park of your choice or by post to: Tree team, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT by 31 January 2019.

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community

How you can help the homeless The number of people sleeping rough on our streets is growing. As it continues to get colder, the health of even more people who are sleeping rough will be at risk.

Domestic abuse Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race or disability. Abuse can include any behaviour that intimidates, manipulates, humiliates, isolates, frightens, terrorises, coerces, threatens, blames, hurts or wounds someone. A new website at www. bexleydomesticabuse services.org.uk will go live next month. The site will be

the borough’s online hub for both victims of domestic abuse and professionals providing information on a range of support services that are available in Bexley. Until then, if you are suffering from abuse, or you know someone who is, call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always call 999.

StreetLink is a referral service that people in London can use which offers a straightforward way to help people get the support they need. If you see someone rough sleeping in Bexley, always contact StreetLink. You can share information with StreetLink, such as the person’s location and a description of what they look like, quickly and easily via the StreetLink app. You can download the app free from Google Play or the App Store. If the person needs urgent medical assistance, or you believe they are below the age of 18, always call 999. You can also make an alert on 0300 500 0914 or via www.streetlink.org.uk

Think safe in the winter months Winter is a good time to think about ways of deterring burglars that may try to take advantage of the longer nights and dark mornings. The period in the run-up to Christmas and shortly afterwards often sees a jump in burglaries across the country. Here are some top tips during the winter months • Remember to keep curtains closed in the evening. • Empty present boxes left outside your property could be an advert to prospective burglars. Ensure boxes are broken up, folded down and put in your recycling bin. • Indoor lights on timers and sensor lights outside will help to deter intruders. Let’s not make it easy for criminals in Bexley this winter! For more tips or information on membership visit www.bexleywatch.org.uk email bexwatch-office@btconnect.com or call 020 8284 5537

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growth The Engine House formerly the Thames Innovation Centre - has bright office and coworking spaces available for use now. From start-ups to small agencies, our versatile spaces can fuel business creativity and connections to help your business grow and thrive. The Engine House will also soon be home to a dedicated Tech Makers studio for rapid prototyping, that comes equipped with 3D printers, CAD and laser cutters.

All the office spaces are designed for innovation and are flexible, fully furnished with access to conference, meeting, kitchen and shower facilities. Engine House members can make the most of our meeting rooms, conference rooms, comfortable lounges, Bexley 4 Business events, the café, ample free parking and a growing community of business to business support. Email georgina.light@ thamesinnovationcentre. com or call 020 8320 1006.

A chance to own your own home Erith Station Improvements Works to improve access to Erith Station and to enhance the forecourt and building are complete. The heritage lights, which are a key feature on the locally listed station building, have been restored and brought back into full use. “The area has been opened up to increase pedestrian and vehicle access. New seating, trees and shrubbery, plus more bicycle racks, have been added to make the area more attractive for residents.These works are an important part of the Greater Erith programme’s work to rejuvenate and enhance public space in the town.” Cllr Louie French Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth

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Shared ownership schemes allow you to buy a percentage share of a property and pay rent on the remainder. Did you know you are eligible for shared ownership in Bexley if l your household income is less than £90,000 a year l you are a first-time buyer l you used to own your home but cannot afford to buy again l you are an existing shared owner looking to move. The scheme also provides the opportunity to buy further shares in your home - known as ‘staircasing’ – providing the chance to eventually own the property outright. Shared ownership opportunities in the borough include L&Q’s ecodevelopment at Erith Quarry, Hexagon’s new scheme on the southern side of Brampton Road towards Crook Log, as well as L&Q’s new Erith Baths scheme.

“These ‘shared ownership’ schemes are a fantastic opportunity for our residents to get their foot on the property ladder. Schemes like these also help our younger residents to continue to live nearer their families and well established networks. We want to make sure Bexley residents are first in line to buy a sought-after shared ownership property and we are in close conversation with Housing Associations to stress the need to maximise access to new homes for local people.”

Cllr Louie French Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth Visit london.gov.uk/homes

L&Q’s Erith Baths scheme

15 06/11/2018 14:45:49

Have your say on plans to

#doitforbexley “We have a good track record of managing with a budget that is steadily reducing, but this always involves difficult choices. “We will continue to work to reduce the Council’s costs and find better ways of doing things – as you expect us to do. “We hope you will tell us where you think the savings we need should be made, because our aim continues to be to help make your life better.” Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the Council

The Council is facing the challenge of closing a budget gap projected to be £9m next year. It is developing financial plans that will enable it to transform services and deliver its priority programmes within available resources. These programmes include investing in services for the vulnerable, intervening to help prevent the avoidable escalation of people’s care needs and delivering new homes and jobs through economic growth and will involve a closer partnership with our partners and residents. In common with other councils, Bexley has seen a steady decline in its government funding since the mid 2000s, with more significant reductions since 2011/12. This has now reduced by more than 50% compared to 2010. Over this period, the Council has worked hard to reduce its operating costs, by continually searching for efficiencies, innovating and transforming the way it does things. This work continues. We would like to hear your views on a series of proposals designed to help close the budget gap in 2019/20.

Projected future budget gap £33m

£37m

Proposals for consultation l Full cost recovery for adult social care services l Adult social care equipment efficiencies l Re-routing of transport to day centres l Review of specialist placements l Reunifying looked after children with their families l Transport review for school age children with special educational needs l Travel assistance for post16 students with special educational needs l Reduced funding for community-managed and Council libraries l Increased charge for residential garden waste l Changes to recycling and waste services The Council’s financial strategy assumes a Council Tax increase of 1.99% next year, but we would also like your views on an option to increase it by a further 1%, to the maximum allowed without a local referendum. We also ask for your views about charging for Council services and your other ideas to close the budget gap.

£25m Please let us have your feedback by 11 January 2019 at the latest.

£9m 2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

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#doitforbexley

s to close the Budget gap How every £1 of Council Tax is spent Co nc e

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Challenges There is a high level of uncertainty and risk around all councils’ finances, which could have a significant impact on next year’s budgets. Challenges that are a particular issue for Bexley include l Demographic growth leading to increased demand for children’s and adults social care l Increasing numbers of children with higher educational needs l Increasing numbers of homeless households, including those families who have no access to the wider benefit system l Increasing numbers of children and vulnerable adults needing support to transport them to school and their day opportunities.

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Have your say The papers considered by the Council’s Cabinet before it gave the go-ahead to this year’s Budget consultation are available online at http://democracy.bexley.gov.uk/ ieListDocuments.aspx?CId= 149&MId=28699&Ver=4 No decisions have been taken on the proposals and questions on which we are consulting. The views collected through the consultation will be among the things considered by Councillors when they set next year’s Budget and Council Tax in the spring. To have your say visit www.bexley.gov.uk/budget2019 or pick up a copy of the Budget survey and proposals document at your nearest Bexley library.

Smarter working Next year’s Budget proposals include a range of initiatives that involve redesigning and reshaping services to reduce costs and increase income. l Maximising the potential for generating income and taking a clearly commercial approach where this is appropriate l Seeking to work differently through partnership, including with local communities l Looking for opportunities to support residents to do more for themselves . l Re-procuring and re-negotiating contracts l Exploiting the opportunities provided through digital transformation

l Making the best use of the Council’s assets l Considering what action the Council can take to influence and reduce demand l Continuing to search for efficiencies and practicing robust ‘housekeeping’

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your community

Abbey Wood • Belvedere • Thamesmead • Barnehurst Sidcup • Crayford • Slade Green • Erith • Northumberl

Thousands join in the Erith Pier Festival Over 4,000 local people flocked to Erith’s iconic pier in September, to see out the end of the summer in style. The day-long festival was the culmination of a summer of great events, organised as part of the Greater Erith Regeneration programme. The festival was also supported by Morrisons and Orbit Housing Association. Families enjoyed live music all day from buskers and local bands in the ‘Beer on the Pier’ tent against the backdrop of Erith’s riverfront. The line-up included lively folk rock duo Fiddle Fit, sea songs and shanties from The Hog Eye Men and many other local bands. There was also family fun with

Pirates on the Pier, where children and families were able to enjoy face painting, storytelling, arts and crafts, a treasure hunt and a best dressed pirate competition. Residents were able to taste real ales and ciders from local brewers, Bexley Brewery, as well as tempt their taste buds with pizza, waffles, jerk grill, ice cream and West African food available from The Erith Kitchen traders. Follow Greater Erith on Facebook and twitter to keep up to date with the upcoming Christmas events throughout December. Visit www.greatererith.com for more information on the Greater Erith Regeneration Programme.

Wilton Road deep clean A joint cleaning operation by Bexley and Royal Borough of Greenwich took place on Wilton Road in late September. The aim was to improve the appearance of the area for the local community. The two councils worked together, pooling resources to undertake a deep clean of the area. Officers were also on hand to advise local businesses on

how best to maintain standards of cleanliness. The area around Wilton Road High Street is known locally as ‘Abbey Wood Village’. Future plans for the village include using this name more widely on signage, as well as a range of further street and public space improvements. More information on these can be found at www.yourabbeywood.co.uk

Before

After

Abbey Wood improvements Works to improve the streets and public areas in and around Abbey Wood Station are making good progress. Further improvements will begin in Gayton Road, including Wilton Road and Florence Road, later this year. This follows the completion of works which have transformed the main entrance to the new station and the area along Harrow Manorway towards Eastern Way. The improvements are funded by London Borough of Bexley, Royal Borough of Greenwich and partners. The aim is to ensure that the local community can reap the benefits that the opening of Elizabeth line services at Abbey Wood will bring.

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Barnehurst • Bexleyheath • Blackfen • Foots Cray • orthumberland Heath • Falconwood • Welling

your community

Celebrating Bexley’s rich heritage More than 100 visitors joined the Bexley African Caribbean Community Association for workshops and storytelling at the Windrush exhibition at Hall Place during the last weekend of Black History Month. Activities included African and Indian games, exploring objects from the Caribbean and sharing personal stories of migration. Photographs, personal items and resident testimonies that represent migrants’ contribution to Bexley over the last

70 years since the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush had been on display throughout October. The exhibition can now be seen at Peabody’s Information Hub at 216 Yarnton Way, Thamesmead, DA18 4AX until the end of December. For more information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/windrush

Triple success for Friends of the Shuttle

New Sidcup support shop Local addiction expert and author Chris Hill has opened an addiction and mental health support shop in Sidcup. The Mayor of Bexley Cllr Brian Bishop and the Mayoress Cllr Christine Bishop officially opened the shop in September. Sidcup-based Chris works with people with a range of addictions. His programme is also successful for people who want to lose weight and deal with anxiety and stress, as well as phobias and OCD. The shop is based in 91 Station Road, Sidcup DA15 7DN. Call 0800 644 6313 or visit www.beatmy addictions.com

The Friends of the Shuttle have achieved triple success for their hard work and dedication at the Old English Garden in Danson Park. They earned a ‘Level 4 Thriving’ result in London in Bloom’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards’ as well as the Community Garden Award, which is a discretionary award sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners. Their success continued when they picked up the Silver Level of Achievement award for the Best Community Garden in this year’s Ruxley in Bloom competition.

Talking Point – support for those affected by dementia Alzheimer’s Society is available for everyone affected by dementia. It offers practical information, can provide advice and support on a wide range of topics, as well as help you find support in your local area. Talking Point is the Society’s online community, run by staff and volunteers, where

members offer valuable support to each other anonymously, based on their own experiences. It is available day and night. On Talking Point you can • ask for advice • share experiences • offload To join Talking Point, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/ getsupport

While there, check out other dementia services available locally by using the ‘Find support near you’ search on the home page. Alternatively, you can call the Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22.

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all our yesterdays

Bexley’s Silver Screens With Hall Place staging a new exhibition called ‘Picture This’ and plans to open a new community cinema in Sidcup (see page *), now seems like the perfect time to take a nostalgic look back at some of the borough’s past picture houses.

During the Great War, local audiences would have enjoyed the wonderful cinema sounds of The Orgapian – a half reedorgan, half piano instrument designed specifically for background music to silent films that was actually invented by E Whomes and Sons (pianoforte depot) of Bexleyheath and Sidcup.

It all started around 1909, when previous film-going residents would have been thrilled to see shows at Pease’s Picture Palace in Bexleyheath advertised as “The Most Perfectly Projected Pictures and one of the largest shown in the Kingdom!” It later became The Picture Palace, and subsequently The Astor.

The Orgapian would play while films such as Fatty’s Plucky Pup or, more worryingly, a classic entitled ‘The Girl Who Took The Wrong Turning’ appeared on the big screen.

The Granada at Welling opened in 1964

It was the new ‘super cinemas’ of the 1930s which set the standard, and became the picture palaces which many of us still remember. These were the Odeons, Granadas, Ritzes, Plazas and Regals, grandly opulent buildings with grandly opulent names. These were the cinema buildings which continued on into the mid and late 20th century. You may remember some of them? The Regal at Bexleyheath (1934)

The Blackfen Plaza, which opened in 1937

The Princesses’ Theatre in Crayford, too, would have attracted huge audiences to its film showings, despite unfortunately being burned down once, soon after it opened. The Regal at Bexleyheath (1934)

The Erith Odeon, pictured in 2002 when it was in use as a Bingo Hall.

If you’d like to relive these golden days of local cinema, then why not visit the ‘Picture this’ exhibition at Hall Place? Or call in at Bexley Archives & Local Studies Centre, on the first floor of the Central Library in Bexleyheath, to see a range of photographs from lost local cinemas. Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/archives or email archives@bexley.gov.uk and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BexleyArchives

“That’s all Folks!”

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6 1

kinds of festive fun 4

Sidcup Christmas Extravaganza

3

5

Take a peek at all the holiday goodies that Hall Place has to offer. Go on a family Christmas Garden Trail, enjoy Carols with the Sidcup Choir School, festive concerts from Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre Strolling Players and the Erith Operatic Society or a beautiful Christmas dinner in the Great Hall. Some events may require advanced booking. Visit www.hallplace.org.uk/whats-on

The annual Erith community event is making its return. 80 Christmas trees, window ledge arrangements, lighting effects, music and activities will fill Christ Church with light, sound and wonderful smells. There is a free musical concert featuring the Rock Choir on Saturday night and a traditional Carol Service by treelight on Sunday evening. For more information visit www.christmastreefestivals.org/erith/

Yule Village comes to town

The Northern Lights and Scandinavian delights are coming to Bexleyheath town centre. More than 160 countries celebrate Christmas across the globe, all of which have their own unique traditions. The Yule Village gives the opportunity for visitors to come to Bexleyheath to experience traditional continental celebrations, with wintry elements to create a more magical experience. Keep an eye out for exciting events happening in December at Bexleyheath at www.enjoybexleyheath.co.uk/events

Hall Place holiday fun

Erith Christmas Tree Festival

Books at Christmas time

Our libraries will be celebrating Christmas this year with a number of events for children including story times, craft activities and visits from Father Christmas. Find out more at www. bexley.gov.uk/libraries or ask at your local library.

Come to a seasonal festival full of entertainment, children’s activities and a wide selection of Christmassy stalls. Watch the animated classic ‘The Snowman’ and the hilarious Elf film on a big screen within one of the marquees. For more information on this event and others that are happening around Sidcup check out www.sidcuppartners.co.uk/ upcoming-event

2

Start your Christmas season off with a cracker by joining in with some of the festive fun around the Borough.

Danson Santa Dash

6

Join hundreds of Santas this Christmas at Danson Park and see what fun it is to run in a 5k Santa Dash! It’s the perfect way to get the family into the Christmas spirit. Speedy Santas can dash around the route, while slower Santas and Santas with little legs can walk, jog or even dance their way around! Find out more about the community hospice event and more ways to support them at www.communityhospice. org.uk/support-us/ our-events/fundraisingevents/

There will be lots more festive events happening across the borough! Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/events or sign up to our events e-newsletter at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

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Your Local Health Service Winter is coming... It’s cold outside and the nights are drawing in. While winter is a time traditionally associated with the festive season, it can also bring bad health - especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease. But there are several things residents can do to stay well this winter.

Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) can relieve symptoms of common winter ailments, such as colds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or earache.

Prescriptions

Get the flu jab

Ensure prescription medicines are collected before the pharmacy or GP practice closes for the festive holidays. Patients can also order repeat prescriptions online – visit your GP practice website or the NHS online Bexley app to find out more.

You’re entitled to a free flu vaccine if you are: l Over the age of 65 l Have a long-term health condition l Are pregnant l A child aged 2 to 3 years, or at school up to year 5 l A carer

Feeling unwell? Don’t wait – get advice from a local pharmacist

Pharmacists do much more than dispensing prescriptions. They offer free expert advice on a wide range of health And, don’t forget to look out for older neighbours, issues, support for self-care and medicines to treat common friends and family members, who may need extra complaints such as coughs and colds, flu, sore throats, help over the winter. earache, backache, stomach upsets and cuts and grazes.

If you, or someone you know, does need medical help or advice this winter, this handy cut out and keep guide for Bexley will help you know where to go:

NOT URGENT

URGENT

If your concern is NOT URGENT, the following options may be able to resolve your concern:

If you require URGENT CARE and cannot wait to see your GP, there are a number of places where you can access treatment or health advice:

Visit the NHS website (www.nhs.uk) for helpful advice

l

on healthcare conditions

l NHS 111

Your pharmacy is a good source of healthcare advice

If you are unsure how to treat your condition ring NHS 111. Information is also available at https://111.nhs.uk/

Use the NHS online Bexley app (available from the App

A trained call handler – in some cases a clinician - will take you through a short assessment will provide you with self-care advice or direct you to the most appropriate healthcare organisation to access treatment.

l

and treatment, many offer late night opening

l

store or Google Play or on your GP practice website) to get self-help advice, request an online consultation with your GP, manage appointments, order prescriptions or view medical records

Contact your GP for an appointment. Your GP practice

l

can also assist Bexley patients access appointments at the extended access hubs at Queen Mary’s Hospital and Erith Hospital

LIFE THREATENING For LIFE THREATENING medical emergencies Call 999 or attend an Accident & Emergency Department only if you have a LIFE THREATENING medical emergency Queen Elizabeth Hospital A&E

l

Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week Stadium Way, Woolwich SE18 4QH 020 8836 6000 Darent Valley Hospital A&E

l

Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week Darenth Wood Rd, Dartford DA2 8DA 01322 428100

Following a short assessment, NHS 111 can also help you access a GP out of hours when your practice is closed. Please note that a referral from NHS 111 is required in order to access a GP out of hours. l URGENT CARE CENTRES l Queen Mary’s Hospital Urgent Care Centre

Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6LT 020 8308 5611

Erith Hospital Urgent Care Centre – open 8am-10pm 7 days a week (last patient admitted at 8pm) Erith Hospital, Urgent Care, Park Crescent, Erith, Kent, DA8 3EE 01322 356116 l

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Urgent Care Centre -

l

open 24 hours a day 7 days a week Stadium Way, Woolwich SE18 4QH 020 8836 6000

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n Employment Support Call now to change your future

020 3045 5176 www.lecb.ac.uk

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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 – Planning Committee 13 December- Planning Committee 26 April – Council 24 January – Planning Committee 24 - Annual Council 28 May January – Public Cabinet 25 May – Planning Committee 25 February – Public Cabinet 28 February – Planning Committee 6 March- Council Meeting

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

news

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

Sir 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

YOUR COUNCILLORS The London Borough of Bexley is divided into 17 wards and has 45 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

No appointment is necessary, but please 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 Teresa Pearce MP Write to: House of Commons, Westminister, London, SW1A 0AA Email: teresa.pearce.mp@ parliament.uk Telephone: 01322 342991

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

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!

December to March 2018

For a list of events throughout the borough, visit the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk/events Saturday 1 - Monday 31 December 10-4.30pm Christmas Garden Trail

Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 December ‘Cinders: The True Story’

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Christmas Panto fun for the whole family.

Find all the pantomime themed posters hidden around the gardens to get the recipe for the perfect royal cupcake. £2.50 per trail, pay on the day. Bring a pencil or buy one for 50p.

Edward Alderton Theatre 5 Brampton Road Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ. 033 3666 3366 www.ticketsource.co.uk/edwardalderton

Every Saturday 2 to 30 December Christmas Party Night Barnehurst golf course, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst Kent DA7 6JU

Three course meal with Disco until midnight, Onsale now. Call to Book! 01322 523 746

Thursday 6 December - 2pm (doors open at 1.30pm) Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society St Mary’s Church Hall, Bexley DA5 3LX

Demonstration by Jenny Nye ‘It’s time for Christmas’- 020 8302 9984

Every Friday 7 to 28 December Christmas Party Night Barnehurst golf course, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst Kent DA7 6JU

Three course meal with Disco until midnight, On sale now Call to Book! 01322 523 746

Saturday 8 to Saturday 15 December The Weir Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, Beech Walk Crayford DA1 4NP

Voted one of the most significant plays of the 20th century in a National Theatre poll, this spellbinding play is by turns hilarious, moving, and deeply chilling. 013 2252 6390 www.thegwt.org.uk

Saturday 8 December 11am - 12pm Saturday Morning Central Library, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7HJ

An illustrated history of Bexley’s bygone cinemas. Admission: £4.20 020 3045 3369 archives@bexley.gov.uk

Sunday 9 December 2.30 - 4.30pm Family Carol Concert Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

A carol concert for all of the family performed by Erith Operatic Society.

Friday 7 December 11am - 3pm Christmas pop up market

Admission: £12 Adults, £8 Children (includes a glass of mulled wine or juice and a mince pie).

The Link, Bazalgette Way, Off Harrow Manor Way, Thamesmead, SE2 9BS

Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Come along to our fantastic festive business pop up markets, purchase new items, try new items and meet with local entrepreneurs and business people. madeinthamesmead@peabody.org.uk

Thursday 6 December - 7pm The Choir School Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Tuesday 11 December - 7.30pm Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society -Transport without petroleum by Bob Everette

Supporting Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice

Fun filled family pantomime Admission: Wednesdays and Thursdays £10, Fridays to Sundays - £12 01322 350 345 www.playhouse.org.uk

Sunday 16 December 2.30 - 4.30pm Festive Carol Concert

Saturday 5 to Friday 25 January 2019 Mini City

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

A Festive concert with songs, carols and literary gems performed by The Geoffrey Whitworth Strolling Players. Admission: £12 per person (includes a glass of mulled wine or juice and a mince pie). Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

A tiny town where kids can role play. Who do you want to be? Admission: £5 Child under 16, £3 Adult, Babies (0-18months) Free Pay on the day. Phone 01322 621238 or visit website www.hallplace.org.uk

Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

Barnehurst Golf Course, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent, DA7

Every Friday and Wednesday from 7 - Thursday 20 December

A festive evening of fine fare and music in the Great Hall. A reception drink followed by a 4 course dinner with coffee. A glass of wine included with your meal. Dancing ‘til midnight. Menu to be chosen in advance.

Four course Christmas menu includes a glass of house wine. £26 per person

Christ Church, Erith,Victoria Road, Erith. DA8 3AN

Thursday 20 December 1 - 3pm Children’s Christmas Party

Thursday 13 December from 6.30pm Christmas Party Night

The Boat House Danson Park, Danson Road Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

Saturday 5 to 19 January

The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Start the festive season with our evening carol concert performed by The Choir School of Sidcup. Admission: £12 adults, £8 children (includes mulled wine or juice and a mince pie). Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238.

Christmas Lunch

Friday 14 to Sunday16 December 12 - 7pm and 10am - 7pm Thirteenth Annual Erith Christmas Tree Festival

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

£55 per person (£10 deposit required on booking, non-refundable). Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621 238.

Admission: £9.95 per person 01322 523746 www.mytimeactive.co.uk/ barnehurst/events

Dick Whittington and his amazing cat! Erith Playhouse, 38-40 High Street, Erith DA8 1QY

Sunday 6 January 10am - 2pm Monthly Farmers Market Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

On the first Sunday of every month you can buy the best local produce at Hall Place. Meet the farmers and producers. Admission: Free www.hallplace.org.uk

Monday 31 December 7.30pm - 1am New year’s Eve party

Tuesday 8 January Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society – Rupert Bear not much of an engineer? by Dr Fred Starr

Barnehurst golf course, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst Kent DA7 6JU

The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Admission: £10 child, £25 Adult including Buffet

Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

Tuesday 8 January to Saturday 23 March 1.30 - 3.30pm Art & Music Appreciation: Anniversaries & Exhibitions 2019

This WEA course for adults will explore works of art and music, their creators and context. The course runs over 11 sessions with a break for half term on Tuesday 19th February. Admission: £94.60, FREE for those in receipt of certain benefits 020 8300 1845 weabexley@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 12 Saturday 19 January Hangmen Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, Beech Walk Crayford DA1 4NP

This wickedly dark comedy won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Play. 013 2252 6390 www.thegwt.org.uk

Tuesday 15 January 7 - 9pm Stargazing Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Wrap up warm to spend an evening looking at the stars, Followed by tea and cake. Admission: £10 Adult, £8 under 16 per person Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Wednesday 16 January 10am - 3pm Drawing Tudor Life Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Watch a demonstration, followed by an opportunity for you to create your own drawing, whilst learning techniques. Tea and coffee on arrival/Tearoom lunch & hot drink. Admission: £26 Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

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

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The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

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

AGM followed by talk by Cathy Stangard 020 8302 9984

Saturday 9 to Saturday 16 February Di And Viv And Rose Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, Beech walk Crayford DA1 4NP

A warm and funny play about female friendship. 013 2252 6390 www.thegwt.org.uk

Tuesday 12 February Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society –The Titanic by Graham Anthony The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

Thursday 13 February 2.30pm Tour of Picture This! Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Let our curator captivate you in this tour of our latest exhibition. Discover the history of your local cinemas from bygone days. Admission: £4.25 per person Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Saturday 16 February – Saturday 2 March BookBuzz Locations across the borough

Bexley’s annual literary festival. Fun and events for all ages. www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries RY FES RA ITE YL

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Book Buzz

Saturday 16 to Saturday 23 February ‘Gaslight’

@whatsoninbexley

Monday 18 – Friday 22 February – 10am and 2pm (I hour sessions) Superhero February Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Come dressed up as a superhero and join the fun, story and craft. Admission: £4 per child. 013 2262 1238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Saturday 23 February 8 - 9.30am RSPB Nature Walk Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Join the Bexley RSPB group on a 90 minute nature and bird walk around the estate, followed by tea and pastries. Admission: £8 per person Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Tuesday 26 February Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society –Horace Walpole, Stawberry Hill House and the Castle of Otranto by Julie Mason

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Tuesday 22 January Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society – Bank station redevelopment by Philip Hallinan

visit www.bexley.gov.uk/events

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Online updates

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Book Buzz

Edward Alderton Theatre, 5 Brampton Road Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ

The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

A classic Victorian thriller first produced in 1935. 033 3666 3366 www.ticketsource.co.uk/edwardalderton

Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

Wednesday 6 March - 2.30pm Wednesday matinee at the movies

Wednesday 20 March - 2.30pm A funny thing happened on the way to the potting shed

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

An illustrated history of Bexley’s bygone cinemas. Admission: £4.25 per person Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

A mixture of horticultural information, advice and humour! Admission: £4.25 per person Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

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

Friday 26 March Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society – AGM The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Sue Oaten demonstration 020 8302 9984

Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

Tuesday 12 March Sidcup Literary and Scientific Society –Henry Wellcome pharmacist by Ross MacFarlane

Sunday 31 March 12.30pm onwards Mothers Day Afternoon Tea

The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Admission: Single lecture - £4, Annual Subscription - £15 020 8300 8647

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley DA51PQ

Enjoy a traditional tea with finger sandwiches, cake, scones, jam and cream. Admission: £25 per person (£10 deposit on booking, non-refundable) Advance booking required, please phone 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Bexley Staying Put Over 60 or disabled?

Need help repairing your property? For more information please call the London Borough of Bexley on 020 8303 7777 and ask for Bexley Staying Put

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advertisements Live Well at Sunrise of Frognal House For over 18 years, Sunrise of Frognal House has been offering a range of senior care options including assisted living, independent living and personalised memory care for those living with dementia. Our stunning range of self-contained apartments, rooms and suites are designed exclusively with Seniors in mind, making day-to day living easier for our residents who live life to the full in the comfort and security of a supportive and compassionate environment. Life at Sunrise offers dignity and freedom of choice, whilst our range of activities and outings give independence and variety to every day. Located close to the M25 and M20 motorways there is easy access for friends and family. With all bills included, life here is worry-free, warm and welcoming‌ come and see for yourself.

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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 0345 310 1812 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 527097 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 020 8858 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 Masters Swimming Club 07957 447432 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 Park Bowls Club selkent01@hotmail.com Bexley Philatelic Society (Bexley Stamp Club) 01322 559210 Bexley Photography Chatter Community www.BexleyPhotographyChatter.co.uk Bexley Rotary Club raymorris1@hotmail.co.uk Bexley Rugby Football Club www.bexleyrugby.co.uk 07791 127331 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. zenfolio.com 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 Club at VCD Crayford 01322 446625 / 07955 470762 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 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 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 01322 336086 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 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 Feel Good Co-Operative 07908 034081 Friends of Danson Park 07596 657763 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

To add your organisation to this list, or to update your contact details please e-mail communications@bexley.gov.uk or telephone 020 3045 7777 and ask for Communications Friends of the Shuttle www.friendsoftheshuttle.org Family Action 020 8310 6570 Geddes Place Widows Group 01322 521754 Dimbleby Macmillian Cancer Support Guys at Queen Mary’s hospital 020 7188 0771 Haven - Gay & Lesbian Social Group 01322 287356 / 07804 808581 Headway South East London/ North West Kent 020 8319 7148 Healthwatch Bexley 020 8304 9344 Helio Mirror Bowls Club www.russellparkbowls.co.uk/helio-mirror 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 New Sidcup / Eagles / Bexley Badminton Club www.eaglesandsidcup.com 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 Royal Naval Association (Sidcup Branch) 07932 767105 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 Association Scottish Country Dancing 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 Jazz Record Club 01689 835805 Sidcup Literary & Scientific Society 020 8300 8647 Sidcup Musical Productions 020 8304 9150 / 020 8300 1392 Sidcup Philatelic Society 020 8300 9627 Sidcup Symphony Orchestra 01322 552710 Signpost Community Drug & Alcohol Team 01322 357940 SmileyArk Kids Club 07956 263531 Smyth Lodge Care home (Sidcup) 03333 218599 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 Thamesmead Running Club 07944 282611 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 Being Link - 07895 143939 Welling University of the Third Age 020 8304 4130 Women’s Aid Helpline 020 8301 1536

06/11/2018 14:31:02

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Blazing Fires:Blazing Fires

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Page 1

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Christmas Holiday Activities

Monday - Friday, beginner upwards Check out our website for our fun and festive Christmas Activity Schedule. Indoor and Outdoor Facilities ensure whatever the weather enjoyment!

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. 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.

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