Bexley Magazine - Autumn 2021

Bexley

Autumn

News

Latest news and information from your Council

Magazine Autumn 2021

Vaccination update

New street services contractor Local information – community news - what’s on

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Bexleyheath

Town Centre for all

Leave a Legacy with Age UK Bexley

Tell us what you think Monday 13 - Sunday 26 September We are looking to find ways to enhance Bexleyheath Town Centre to create a welcoming, safe place for all.

We hope to find ways to encourage cultural activity and boost visitor confidence, generating a thriving mix of high street activity at all times of day and night.

Please get involved in our survey and let us hear about your views and experiences so we can make Bexleyheath a better place for everyone.

Anyone who completes the survey has a chance to win a £50 Bexleyheath Shopping Voucher

www.bexley.gov.uk/consultations

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Do you want to leave a legacy and help support older people in your community? If so, why not leave a gift in your will to Age UK Bexley.

Here at Age UK Bexley, we truly appreciate gifts that are given to us, and ensure your legacy helps to support older adults in the borough and make their lives better.

Whatever amount you can leave as a gift will make a difference. It is easy to do so, the next time you amend your will, or make a new will, you can speak to your solicitor about adding a gift and giving something back to the community. You can also leave a piece of art, or items such as jewellery.

Thank you from all of us at Age UK Bexley.

For more information contact us on: 020 8300 0883

News

Inside

your magazine 4 Finance

Welcome

London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT

Thank you for your patience and understanding during the recent industrial action that affected our waste and recycling services. It was a difficult time for our residents but I can assure you we were doing everything we could to encourage the two sides to resolve the issue whilst also making sure the reduced resource was deployed in the best way for you and giving you additional ways to dispose of your recycling. There is more on this and information on our new contractor on page 5.

Councillors got together this summer to organise and make funding available for a special ‘thank you’ event for some of the voluntary and community groups across the borough who have provided support to our residents throughout the pandemic. We have some fantastic groups in Bexley and we are so grateful for everything they have done over the last 18 months.

Like all Councils and indeed many households the pandemic had a detrimental effect on our budget. Because of the uncertainty last summer we sought permission from Government to have more flexibility to use capital funding should we need it but we were always clear it would only be used if necessary.

I’m very pleased to say that as a result of our sound financial planning this facility was not needed and any suggestions that it was are incorrect. You can find out more about our current financial situation on page 4.

I hope those children and young people returning to school in the borough have a great new term. They are once again returning with new Covid guidelines. It’s important that we all remember that Covid is still very much here. Please remember to take your regular tests and – if you haven’t already – get vaccinated #forusall.

Phone: 020 8303 7777 • Website: www.bexley.gov.uk

Thank you.

5 New street services contractor

6 Thank you

10 New employment service

11 Covid vaccine update Six things 22 All our yesterdays 24 Local information 25

What’s on 26 -27 Services 29 Local organisations 30

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: 602063/6.21

• 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

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE

by advertisers

Leader of the Council

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news

Update on the Council’s financial position The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an unprecedented level of uncertainty, the requirement for the Council to incur increased levels of expenditure, loss of income and a dramatic change to the way the Council delivered its services. This made financial planning much more challenging. Unlike many other organisations, councils’ financial flexibility is very limited.

At the start of the year, the Council reached agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on its request for a capitalisation order. This means that, if needed, it could charge to capital expenditure items which would normally be prohibited. The Council was clear this would only be done if absolutely necessary.

The order allows the Council to potentially draw down up to £8.995m if it is needed to support our financial sustainability up to 31 March 2022.

Ten other councils have so far negotiated similar orders. They are not a “bail out” but permission to

charge expenditure to capital which would normally not be allowed.

“I’m very pleased to say that, as a result of our careful financial planning and monitoring, we have not had to make use of the order,” said Council Leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE. “We are not bankrupt, as some have claimed, and we have sole responsibility for managing our budget.

“We continue to explore new ways to manage our spending and protect services for our residents.

“We are also continuing to make the case to the Government for greater

Back to school As school pupils and college students returned after the summer break, with most restrictions such as face coverings and class bubbles removed, they can enjoy a more normal term.

Some measures such as testing, increased ventilation and hygiene procedures remain in place.

To protect pupils and staff and to minimise the likelihood of any further disruption to education over the Autumn term, all secondary school pupils and post-16 students were required to take two rapid lateral flow

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tests on their return and are encouraged to test regularly.

Members of their household and their main carers should also continue to test twice a week to minimise the chances of Covid spreading.

Visit your school’s website or www.gov.uk/ backtoschool

fairness in the way funds are allocated, because we get a poor deal compared to many others.”

The Council has not budgeted or assumed use of the capitalisation order for the 2021/22 financial year.

You need to be on the electoral register so you can vote in elections or referendums.

By the end of November, as part of the Annual Canvass, every property in the borough will have been contacted to make sure that everyone who is entitled to register to vote has the chance to do so. Residents will either have received an email if they have provided us with their details, or a form by post.

From 16 September the Council’s canvassers will be visiting properties that have not yet returned their Annual Canvass form. All Canvassers will have formal ID. If you are not registered, you will not be able to vote. Not being registered can also affect your credit rating or the ability to purchase a mobile phone.

To find out more or to register to vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

news

New street services contractor Countrystyle Recycling will be the borough’s new street services contractor from October this year.

They will provide Bexley’s waste and recycling collections, street cleaning, gully cleansing and winter maintenance work.

As part of the contract requirement, the Council stipulated that all staff should receive the London Living Wage as a minimum.

The contract will begin on 4 October 2021 and will run for 10 years.

“Countrystyle are already doing great work managing our reuse and recycling centres and waste transfer station and they are a locally based business with huge ambition.

“As part of this agreement we will substantially increase the investment we make in these key services.

“I want to thank Serco for their work over many years. They have played a key role in helping Bexley be the number one Borough in London for recycling for the last decade and a half.”

Councillor Peter Craske, Cabinet Member for Places

www.bexley.gov.uk/recycling

Industrial action We are sorry that your waste and recycling collections were severely disrupted by industrial action over the summer.

The industrial action between Serco and Unite - the union who represented 20% of the workforce - came to an end on 24 August.

The Council had no formal role in the dispute but from very early on, we were calling for negotiations to start between the two sides to be facilitated by ACAS. That negotiation has finally delivered the resolution.

Alongside not having a formal role in the negotiations some residents have asked why we couldn’t bring in alternative resource to collect the rubbish but legally, the Council is not allowed to cover the job of someone on strike.

Unfortunately, the majority of the staff on strike were drivers which restricted the number of collection vehicles in use. Despite that we did everything we could to make sure that the reduced resources were targeted to continue to deliver a service to our residents.

In addition to that we also – X Increased the opening hours of the waste and recycling centres X Set up weekend pop up recycling sites X Reinstated white lid bin collections X Continued our assisted, clinical waste and bulky collections X Continued collections from flats

X Asked IsolationHelpBexley and BVSC to contact their volunteers to help any elderly or vulnerable residents who needed help.

“These were extremely trying times for our residents. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding and I hope residents now see that we were doing what we could to help our residents. It was great to see neighbours and volunteers helping each other during the strike. A real example of community spirit that makes our borough so great. We are looking forward to working with our new contractors Countrystyle Recycling when the service transfers on 4 October”. Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the Council,

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news

Thank you to our Covid-19 volunteers

On a lovely, warm weekend in August, Bexley’s Councillors said ‘thank you’ to almost 1,000 Bexley residents who have gone ‘above and beyond’ since the beginning of the Covid crisis to help their fellow residents.

A gigantic ‘stretch tent’ was erected in the grounds of Danson House and afternoon tea and sandwiches, scones, jam and cream, were served to many of the borough’s stars, who had given so much of their own time over the past 16 months in support of people, who they had often never met before.

Nominated by our volunteer groups, such as BVSC and Isolation Help Bexley (IHB), the guests, joined by many of Bexley’s Community Champions, sat alongside the borough’s firefighters, police officers and NHS and St John’s Ambulance staff to enjoy a relaxing afternoon Cream Tea. Councillors were delighted to have the opportunity to personally thank some of those who had delivered food parcels and medical supplies, and those who

managed long queues of residents, either being tested for Covid related issues, or receiving vaccinations.

They included those who had simply picked up the telephone and kept in touch with residents who had become isolated during the Covid lockdowns.

Entertainment was provided by local musician/singers from Bexley Grammar School and Calli Malpass, an excellent entertainer, who often supports Bexley’s Mayoralty.

Exam results Year 11 and Year 13 pupils received the results of their GCSE and A Level assessments last month.

With no examinations this year, pupils worked hard to provide evidence of their learning in their chosen subjects.

The success achieved by so many pupils is a testimony to their hard work and that of the teams of teachers who supported them throughout their time in school. Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr John Fuller said: “Despite the disruptions and difficulties everyone has faced,

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the outcomes for pupils have been excellent and they are now looking forward to exciting futures as they move to their next stage in learning and work.”

Where to go for postassessment advice www.bexley.gov.uk/ decisionspost16 www.ucas.com https://nationalcareers. service.gov.uk www.princes-trust.org.uk www.prospects.ac.uk

Bexley Crime Survey The Bexley Crime Survey is a chance for you to highlight the local crime and disorder issues that concern you most – and help the Bexley Community Safety Partnership decide its priorities for 2022/23.

The survey, which runs from 30 September until 31 December, is online at www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey - available from 30 September.

Free internet access is available from all Council libraries.

Paper copies of the survey can be requested from the Community Safety Team on 020 8303 7777 or by writing to: Community Safety Team, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT.

news

Consultation on proposed changes to the Congestion Charge Last year Transport for London (TfL) made temporary changes to the Congestion Charge. This included extending its charging hours until 22:00 each day and increasing the charge level to £15.

TfL are now consulting on new proposals. These include reducing the charging hours to between 07:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday and 12:00 to 18:00 at weekends.

The proposed changes are X £15 charge level X No Auto Pay or Fleet Auto Pay discount X £17.50 pay next day charge, and can be paid up to three days after travel X The charging hours would be Monday to Friday from 07:00-18:00 and Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 12:00-18:00 X No charge from Christmas day to New Year’s day bank holiday (inclusive)

X 90 per cent residents’ discount, re-opened to new applicants X Reimbursement arrangements for certain NHS patients, care home workers, local authority and charity workers or volunteers providing certain services during epidemics or pandemics prevalent in Greater London. The expanded NHS staff reimbursement is also proposed to continue.

Find out more about TfL’s proposals and have your say Online: tfl.gov.uk/ccyourview Email: ccyourview@tfl.gov.uk Post: FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY (no stamp required) The consultation closes on Wednesday 6 October 2021.

Further consultation on transport links Over the summer people again had the chance to help shape exciting plans for improved, fast public transport services connecting Ebbsfleet, Dartford, Slade Green, Erith and Belvedere with Abbey Wood.

The proposals would provide faster connections into London and parts of Kent. They would make journeys by public transport

quicker and more attractive, and reduce the need for trips by car.

Following public consultation in early 2021, the transport proposals were developed to focus on three potential schemes.

The first consultation showed a clear preference

to move forward with options to operate the Elizabeth line east of Abbey Wood, which was part of the original proposition for the line.

The consultation is part of the C2E study, funded by Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

We will report back on the results of the consultation in the next issue of the Magazine.

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news

Local learning New course, new job

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley (LECB), is dedicated to changing your future.

From accountancy to horticulture, counselling to glass design, if you are unsure what you want to do or gain from a course, LECB’s specialist advisers are here to help.

They can help you identify your goals and create your own personal journey with the College.

If you are looking to change a career, get a new or better job, or improve your existing skills, the www.lecb.ac.uk

LECB will have something for you.

The College offers a range of ‘Learning for Work’ courses that include admin skills, facilities management, first aid, health and safety, ICT skills, teaching assistant qualifications and much more.

It also offers free GCSE or maths for learners who do not have a GCSE grade 4/C or above, subject to eligibility checks.

020 3045 5176

enquiries@lecb.ac.uk

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and course promotions online at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

Elena recently completed the nine-week Open College Network London (OCNLR) Level 2 Award in ‘Meeting the Needs of Learners with Autistic Spectrum Conditions in the Mainstream Classroom’ (course code A13LFWAMNLASCL2) at the LECB. Since finishing the course, Elena has been offered a job as a teaching assistant supporting a primary school pupil with one-toone help in a local school.

Elena said: “I would like to thank you so much for the course and advice. It really made a difference.

Thank you so much for everything!”

Preventing radicalisation Prevent is the Government’s strategy to stop people from becoming involved in, or supporting, terrorism.

It is safeguarding. In the same way we can support those at risk of involvement with anti-social behaviour, gangs and drugs, those vulnerable to being groomed into radicalisation can also get help.

We work with various agencies who support individuals and communities to encourage

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them to challenge extremist and terrorist ideology and behaviour.

The Council works with partners to raise awareness of the risks around radicalisation, to show communities and professionals how to recognise the signs of when someone may be being radicalised, and to know

how and when to share concerns.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member being vulnerable to radicalisation, call 0800 011 3764.

To learn more about the signs visit www.actearly.uk

growth

5,500 people to receive tailored support to find work We will be working with Maximus UK to deliver the new Restart Scheme across the borough, supporting people who lost their jobs because of the pandemic back into work.

The Restart Scheme provides 12 months of tailored and community-based support for people who are long-term unemployed. They will receive support to learn new skills, overcome barriers to work and gain access to vacancies to help them secure employment. They will also have the opportunity to retrain to find work in growth sectors, gain professional accreditations and improve digital skills.

Maximus UK will be investing in community organisations, charities and small to medium sized businesses through its new Community Partnership Network, to provide support

services, including training and mental health support, to people on the scheme.

“We are delighted to be working with Maximus to deliver the new Restart Scheme in Bexley, as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs. Creating jobs and improving people’s skills are key priorities for us as we focus on helping the borough recover from the pandemic. We are looking forward to using the experience we have gained through other employment projects to create new opportunities for our residents.”

Cllr Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Growth

About the Restart Scheme The Restart Scheme offers Universal Credit claimants who have been out of work for between 12 and 18 months enhanced support to find jobs in their local area.

The scheme is part of the UK Government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ announced in 2020.

Update on Erith regeneration plans

The final designs for the rejuvenated Riverside Gardens in Erith, have being submitted for planning permission.

Feedback sessions were held with local groups last year and their comments have been incorporated into the designs.

To view the final proposal please visit the Planning Portal and website www.bexley. gov.uk/planningapplications The improvements to Riverside Gardens should be completed in 2022.

The Exchange The Exchange (the old library building) and the Pier in Erith all featured in the recent Open House London 2021 festival, when architecturally unique spaces around

the city were open to the public for free.

Work on the interior of The Exchange is finished and landscaping around the building and new railings are due to be completed this autumn.

The improvements are funded by the Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and by further fundraising by local company The Exchange, who are managing the building.

Find out more at www.greatererith.com

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growth

Two new libraries The Storyhouse As part of the Sidcup Regeneration and Cultural Programme we are working in partnership with the Really Local Group to deliver The Storyhouse, a new library and cinema. The Storyhouse will be a creative hub and meeting place for Sidcup.

Construction of this four-storey building is underway and will include

the new Sidcup Library, a three-screen cinema with a studio, a café and bar, plus a Changing Places toilet.

Construction of the shell is expected to be completed in spring 2022, with fit out and furniture installation to follow.

Work should be completed by the Autumn of 2022.

For more on the history of these two libraries see page 24

The Councils employment service previously part of the Learning & Enterprise College Bexley and our economic development service formally known as ‘Bexley for Business’ have amalgamated. Its new name is ‘Bexley Business & Employment (BBE).

Our employment programmes offer 1-21 job search advice, workshops and job clubs. Along with strong connections to local businesses, we have an array of job vacancies ready and waiting through our free recruitment service for Bexley businesses, to help you find your perfect job. There are various employment support programmes to suit everyone’s circumstances.

The team are also providing business support to our high

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streets, industrial estates, start-ups and more and have secured funding to run a free e-commerce programme providing expert 1-2-1 support from the Engine House, Erith.

This is aimed at small/ medium sized businesses helping them to prosper and grow, increase their online presence and improve productivity.

We’re changing our look, we’re changing to make a difference, but not changing how we support you!

Read more on page 21.

The Nest Construction of the new Thamesmead Library - The Nest - is progressing well as part of the major redevelopment of the former Tavy Bridge residential area.

Bisset Adams were appointed as architects following a competition organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects. The new building has an eyecatching and innovative design taking inspiration from swans’ nests that can be found on the banks of Southmere Lake, where the building is located.

As well as the library, the building will also house offices and community spaces run

by Peabody Trust.

Following construction of the shell of the building, interior works are due to start in late August, with an expected opening date in spring 2022.

The library will have lakeside views, an outdoor terrace, a meeting room and plenty of computers and study spaces, as well as our fabulous books! The fitout will also include the installation of a bespoke piece of sculpture inspired by the local community, designed and built by local artists Rima & McRae.

Sign up for our email updates www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

Update on COVID-19 vaccination programme The vaccination programme has been underway in Bexley for eight months Dr Anjan Ghosh, Bexley’s Director of Public Health, brings us up-to-date How has it gone?

Bexley continues to be one of the highest performing boroughs in south east London, with a vaccination rate of more than 90% in many of the age categories.

Bexley was also the first borough in south east London to have 90% uptake for all care home staff.

What have been the main challenges?

The vaccine is new and some people were uncertain about it. The website www.nhsvaccinefacts.com is full of commonly asked questions that have been suggested by real people answered by members of the medical profession. Our vaccine confidence work in the borough has helped to address many of the common misconceptions around the vaccine.

Who has been involved?

Our vaccine confidence work saw the Council work with the NHS, volunteer and community groups and our own Community Champions to reach as many people as possible with the vaccine message, helping to answer questions and provide answers to common questions. Our vaccine information bus travelled across the borough, with the onboard volunteers handing out literature and home test kits.

We have also worked with the Young Foundation and Healthwatch to better understand vaccine confidence in some parts of the community that are often harder to reach.

What would you say to residents unsure about being vaccinated?

I have been vaccinated because I wanted to keep myself safe, but also my family, friends and members of my community safe. I see the vaccine as a way back to a more normal way of life, as it was before lockdown. I had my vaccine early in the roll-out as I have diabetes.

I had no hesitation. I’d urge anyone with questions to talk to their family, friends and to find out as much as they can from NHS websites.

Why is testing so important?

It’s important that we all continue to take regular twice-weekly ‘no symptom’ lateral flow COVID-19 tests. If you have symptoms, then you should book a PCR test or find a local walk-in PCR test clinic - even if you have had both your vaccinations. There are people who have still contracted COVID-19 after having vaccinations – those people will still be contagious and could easily pass the virus onto someone who has not had their vaccine.

You spoke about your personal role in keeping your community safe – what did you mean by that?

As we move away from legal restrictions, the way forward is now about each of us taking personal responsibility for our safety and that of the people around us. The NHS COVID-19 app helps us make informed decisions and I would encourage you to keep using the app after you have received your vaccination.

We all need to recognise that we should commit to a level of personal responsibility. Wearing a

face covering in a crowded place, washing our hands regularly, letting fresh air in and the virus out, these are all simple things we can continue to do to keep ourselves and others safe and well.

Can a 16 or 17 year old have the vaccine yet?

16 and 17 year olds have been contacted directly by letter from August. A number of walk-in clinics for this age groups are already regularly available in Bexley.

How do I know the vaccine is safe for this age group?

As the Magazine went to print more than 360,000 young people in this age group had already received the jab. Extensive clinical evidence for the safety of giving the COVID-19 vaccine to children and young people in the eligible groups has determined it to be safe and effective.

Which type of COVID-19 vaccination should 16-17 year olds have?

The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine authorised for those aged 16 and 17¾ at this time.

The vaccine programme continues in Bexley – what comes next?

The vaccine programme and testing in Bexley continues at pace. Our website and social media include daily updates of test and vaccine sites in the borough. Testing is likely to be part of all our lives for some time to come. This winter will see the vaccine booster programme roll out across the UK. Please keep an eye on our website and the national press so that you are ready for your next jab when the time comes.

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careers

Social work careers in Bexley Working for change Jenny Newton is a Supervising Social Worker in the Fostering Support Team.

“I was a qualified nursery nurse when I left college. I always worked within child protection and family support, so becoming a social worker for children seemed like a natural progression.

“Bexley supported me to attend university to gain my social work degree, which I completed as a mature student five years ago.

“Bexley provides a great support network for newly qualified social workers and you work alongside other social workers, who are more

experienced. This helps to develop your skills.

“The best bit about my job is seeing the difference our fabulous foster carers are making to the lives of the children who are not able to live with their birth parents, and seeing these children and young adults grow, develop and have positive outcomes.

“It can be challenging trying to meet deadlines for paperwork and ensuring that you are spending enough time with the children and young people, so you need a good level of organisational skills.

“Social work changes all the

time and it’s important that we continue to grow newly qualified social workers.

I would encourage anyone interested in working for change for families, children and young people to consider this as a career.

It is hard work but also really rewarding.”

Learning at work Tammy Knight is a social care assistant “I was 19 when I started my career in social care. I had just finished my diploma in social work at Orpington College.

“My first role was in the Rapid Response Team, working with adults over 18 who required support in the community to avoid hospital, or providing support to those who were acutely unwell in the emergency department.

“Working in Rapid Response I found my passion working with adults. I decided to apply for

my degree in social work with Bexley. Bexley provided a fantastic opportunity for me to learn and develop by part funding the course.

“While studying for my degree I gained experience in another sector of adult social care in the triage hub in September 2016. My role was to triage new referrals via a telephone assessment to determine the level of support required.

“I am currently completing my second and final placement in the family support and child protection

east team. I have enjoyed working with a new service user group and have learnt so much more, which I will continue to use in my career.”

To find out more about job opportunities in social care in Bexley visit www.bexley.gov.uk/jobs

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young people

Making an impression that lasts a lifetime We spoke to Sasha, a new Bexley foster carer, to ask about her motivation, the assesment process and how she is finding her new role.

“I have been a foster carer now for four weeks. I am a single mother of two children who are now grown up. The eldest has moved out of the house.

“I always wanted to work with children, but I did not know in what way. About seven years ago, I watched a documentary on fostering and it grabbed me. Since then, I have wanted to become a foster carer.

“When I was ready, I decided to apply to become a foster carer with Bexley. It took me six months to go through the assessment. The social worker who was helping me through the process was fantastic. She went through a lot of stuff with us to make sure it was right for me and

my family, and I felt like I became good friends with her.

“A few weeks after my approval, I got my first placement for a teenage boy. It is only temporary, but if the situation goes well it could be extended for a longer term. I did not expect to foster a teenage boy in my first placement, but I am pleasantly surprised. He is a confident and lovely boy, who is open to spending time with the family and gets involved in lots of different activities.

“It is funny because, although I’m treating him like my own family, I’m still getting to know him, and I’m so impressed with how adaptable he is. Even if the placement is short, I hope that I can give him something positive to take away from living

Shutterstock library photo

with us.

“I have got so much support around me that I feel like I can take on any challenge. I’ve got a mentor with over 28 years of experience to help me with my placement, and she is fantastic. We speak every day, and she is always available to have a chat.

“If you are thinking about fostering, then do it!”

We need more amazing people like Sasha to become foster carers for our children. If you have a spare bedroom and a passion for helping children, then please talk to our team on 020 3045 4400 or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering

BMX in Bexleyheath Bexley residents can now enjoy a range of BMX activities put on by Access Sport following the grand opening of the new Bexley Bike Park in July.

Photos – Young cyclists having fun at the BMX track launch event

The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, officially opened the park and Cabinet Member for Places, Councillor Peter Craske, thanked the Council’s partners: Places to Ride programme, Access Sport, Velosolutions, Sport England and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Located in Martens Grove Park in Bexleyheath, the free to visit bike park includes a pump track with a circuit of rollers and banked turns, a learn to ride area with practice jumps, and a portable

start-gate system to practice BMX racing.

Bexley Bike Club is based at the bike park. It runs regular private, school and group sessions and provides all equipment.

Sessions can be booked online at https://club.spond.com/ landing/signup/bexleybikeclub

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health

Alcohol related deaths up by 21% Lockdown has affected heavy drinkers the most and they are drinking more, according to Public Health England. The latest statistics show liver disease is currently the second leading cause of premature death in working age people.

If you are experiencing difficulties with alcohol or drugs, or are concerned about someone else, you can get help from the Pier Road Project in Erith.

It provides free specialist alcohol and drug support

for adults living in Bexley. Its friendly team will work with you to improve your quality of life and achieve your goals on your journey to recovery.

For more information and opening times visit www.prpbexley.org.uk

Give your family a healthy start Young pregnant women or families on low-incomes with children aged under 4 can apply to receive Healthy Start vouchers to spend on vegetables, fruit, pulses, cows’ milk and free vitamins.

You can spend the vouchers in most supermarkets and some even boost the vouchers’ value.

Co-op and Tesco Add £1 to the vouchers’ value.

Lidl Add £1.15 to the voucher’s value.

Iceland Offer a free bag of £1 frozen vegetables for families with Healthy Start vouchers.

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Sainsburys £2 coupon given towards next shop.

To find out if you qualify visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Stop Smoking Service celebrates 20th anniversary This year marks the 20 year anniversary of the Bexley Stop Smoking Service.

Since it started the service has helped over 20,000 people in our Borough to stop smoking, helping to save lives and improve our community’s quality of life.

When the service started in 2001, 28% of Bexley residents were smokers.

This has fallen to 14% and the aim is for Bexley to be Smokefree by 2030.

The service has won a number of awards and was recognised by Public Health England for reducing smoking rates and for introducing highly effective tobacco control initiatives.

It prioritises the most health vulnerable smokers, such as those with a long-term condition, pregnant smokers, or those recently discharged from hospital. However, any smoker motivated to quit can get specialist help and support from the team.

During COVID-19 the team continued to provide specialist weekly support over the phone. Over the last year it helped 534 people to quit smoking.

To sign up for the service call 0800 783 2514 or refer yourself online at www.smokefreebexley.co.uk

Free mental health and well-being support

Slimming World membership You can enjoy 12 weeks free Slimming World membership.

Most local groups have now returned to face-to-face sessions led by a Slimming World Consultant. Here you’ll receive group support, with the opportunity to chat with fellow members for motivation and encouragement, a flexible eating plan and activity programme.

To be eligible you must be a Bexley resident or registered with a Bexley GP, be aged 16+ and have a BMI above 25kg/m2.

Call Slimming World on 01773 307387 to join.

Mind in Bexley offer the following free support to Bexley residents aged 18+.

Free talking therapy If you are struggling with worry, feeling down, stressed, or suffering following a bereavement, are 18+ and registered with a Bexley GP, you can be referred into this service. Therapy is provided by phone, online via Zoom and faceto-face.

To access this service go to www. mindinbexley.org.uk/talking-therapies to complete the self-referral form, call 020 8303 8932 or visit your GP and ask them to make a referral for you.

Recovery college The Recovery college provides an umbrella of support for Bexley residents 18+, including a befriending service, support for carers, advice on

welfare rights, mentoring, employment support and a digital timetable with an array of courses and workshops to improve wellbeing and to support people with their mental health.

For more information go to Recovery College – Mind in Bexley or call 020 8303 8932.

Crisis café For those 18 and over experiencing emotional and psychological distress you can attend our drop-in service for 1:1 mental health support.

It is open Monday-Sunday 6pm10pm at our Mind in Bexley office at 2a Devonshire Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8DS.

Free help to lose lockdown pounds

Many of us are carrying some extra lockdown pounds, which can put a strain on our bodies.

A recent nationwide survey of over 5,000 adults in England revealed that more than 4 in 10 said they had put on weight since March 2020.

Lots of us are looking to make positive changes after lockdown.

Of the adults who gained weight, nine out of ten said it was important for them to introduce new healthy habits, with half saying they would like to have a healthier diet.

If you want to lose weight and eat better, Public Health England has launched its Better Health campaign to help adults lose weight, eat more healthily, and get active this summer.

Better Health offers free evidence-based support and guidance and a variety of NHS endorsed apps which will help people to eat better and get active,

including the newly updated NHS Weight Loss Plan app.

According to new research from Public Health England, those who used and followed the NHS Weight Loss Plan app over 12 weeks lost nearly a stone on average.

Search ‘Better Health’ or visit www.nhs.uk/betterhealth for free tools and support to start leading a healthier lifestyle today.

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communities

Reporting anti-social behaviour Bexley’s Community Safety team works with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour.

You can report issues such as noise nuisance, civil neighbour disputes, parking, waste and recycling, CCTV or graffiti www.bexley.gov.uk/ directory You can report any anti-social behaviour or incidents that present threat, risk, or harm to individuals

or the community at www.bexley. gov.uk/communitysafety You should always call 999 in emergency situations when you need immediate help, for example, if a crime is in progress, or if someone is in immediate danger.

You should also report assaults, criminal damage, hate crime, vandalism, drug use, drug cultivation or drug dealing to the police immediately.

If you don’t need immediate help, you can call 101 or report your issue online at www.met. police.uk/report You can also report to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.

Advice on domestic abuse is available at www.bexleydomestic abuseservices.org.uk

Sign up to our new community safety enewsletter and keep up-to-date

www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

Back to school for unwanted books 1 in 8 schools in the UK do not have a library. Over 380,000 children do not own a single book.

Reading regularly is vital for the development of language, concentration and creativity.

Differences in access to books contribute to disparities in educational performance.

Books2All aims to reduce educational inequality through the provision of books.

Its easy-to-use app connects book donors with schools in need.

Book donors download the app, select the distance they are willing to travel for donation and upload books onto the system by scanning

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the barcodes. Photographs of the books are required to show their condition.

Schools use the app to sort through the books available and select the ones they need. This creates a ‘match’ with the donor, who drops off the books at an agreed time.

Schools can select books that are appropriate for their students and in a suitable condition.

The app launches in Greater London this month.

To find out more visit books2all.co.uk

the mayor

‘Twilight’ vaccine clinic for care home staff

The Mayor has attended lots of fantastic events across the borough during the summer. Below are just a small selection.

At this year’s Bex Fest, pulling pints for charity and visiting community stands

During the summer we ran a ‘twilight’ Covid-19 vaccination clinic at Northbourne Court Care Home.

For care home staff, access is a key issue in getting the vaccine.

The clinic was organised to support staff in Bexley who were finding it difficult to attend other clinics to get a vaccination.

The vaccinations were given

by Bexley GP Dr Sid Deshmukh of Sidcup Medical Centre and

Sam, a midwife from Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.

The team were joined by the Mayor, Councillor James Hunt, who celebrated staff getting their vaccine at Northbourne Court by giving them the rare opportunity to wear the Mayor’s chain.

Opening of Tom’s Butchers in Blackfen. It’s been many years since there was a butchers in Blackfen. Great to welcome Tom back to the town

Opening the new BMX Park with Cabinet Member for Places, Peter Craske, Chairman of the Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Melvin Seymour and Bexleyheath Ward Member, Cllr Eileen Pallen With Bexley’s Deputy Lieutenant, David Easton meeting cadets from 109 Detachment Army Cadets in Sidcup

Find out more about the Mayoral charity appeal - www.thebexleyappeal.co.uk Make a donation on-line www.gofundme.com/thebexleyappeal

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communities

New action plan to support Bexley’s Carers The Bexley Carers Partnership Board made up of carers, local voluntary sector partner organisations, the Council and NHS is developing a new action plan for Carers covering the period 2021-2023.

The aim of the action plan is to improve the experience of carers now and in the future. Several workshops are being held with carers and partner organisations to understand the day-to-day issues they face and ensure they are addressed.

Following a successful online carers workshop in August and further engagement events during September, the action plan is expected to be finalised and adopted by the Carers Partnership Board in November.

If you are a carer and you help or look after someone to do the

things that matter to them, we would like to hear your stories, thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

Please share them with us at carers@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 4630. https://careservices.bexley. gov.uk/Information/ CarersActionPlan

Carers’ Support (Bexley) has moved!

We are now at Crayford Manor House, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst DA1 4HB The phone number remains the same - 020 8302 8011

Support groups Blackfen Community Library, 7-9 Blacken Road, Sidcup DA15 9LU Memory Support Group 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month 11am-1pm Coffee morning for Carers and former Carers 2nd Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm

Christ Church Erith, 1 Victoria Road, Erith DA8 3AN Carers Support Group - for the Carer and the person you care for 1 Thursday of the month 11am-1pm st

Carers Support Group for Carers and former Carers

Falconwood Club, 1 Falconwood Avenue, Welling DA16 2SH

3rd Thursday of the month 11am-1pm

Evening Support Group for Carers and Former Carers

Crayford Manor House, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst DA1 4HB Monday Club (for adults with learning disabilities and their Carers) 3rd Monday of the month 11am-1pm Music and Singing Club - for Carers and/or the person you care for no musical ability necessary 1st Monday of the month 10.30-12.30pm Memory Support Group (for Carers and the person you care for)

To book on any of these sessions or for more information call 020 8302 8011 or email joanne@carerssupport.org

Free training sessions for carers at Crayford Manor House.

First Aid 11 October, 10am to 2.30pm Supporting someone with Dementia (focussing on activities) 23 October, 10am to 3pm Coping with Stress 30 October, 10am to 3pm

2nd Wednesday of the month 10.30 to 12.30

To book call 020 8302 8011 or email vicky@carerssupport.org

Art Group - for Carers and/or the person you care for – no artistic ability needed!

New Café/Drop-in for Carers - the person you care for is also welcome.

2nd and 4th Friday of every month at Crayford Manor House 11.30am to 2pm from 24 September.

No need to book - just turn up www.carerssupport.org

4th Wednesday of the month 10am-12 noon.

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1st Monday of every month 7pm to 9pm.

Armed Forces Week Bexley’s Mayor Cllr James Hunt was joined by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE and Bexley’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton on 21 June, to raise a flag to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

The annual event takes place across the capital and culminates in Armed Forces Day. This is an opportunity to recognise and thank our armed service communities and our veterans for their service.

Borough MPs Sir David Evennett and James Brokenshire, the local Fire Borough Commander and representatives from Bexleyheath Police took part in the event. A service of thanks was led by The Reverend Mark Blakely, the Mayor’s Chaplain.

Mayor Cllr James Hunt joined by borough MPs, Fire and Police representatives at the Armed Forces Week flag raising.

Don’t become a victim

With major sporting events having taken place this summer, many Bexley residents have purchased new televisions and accessories to help them enjoy the action.

Large screen TV cardboard boxes are bulky and awkward things. Many people leave the boxes outside for the bin men to collect, but this is a real risk. Burglars are often on the lookout for evidence of new purchases, and TV or video game console packaging left outside can be all a criminal needs to target a house.

It is better to break the packaging up into small pieces for recycling.

Don’t make it easy for opportunist criminals. Make sure all of your valuables are invisibly marked with Smart Water and consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch group. Both of these are a strong deterrent to domestic theft.

Our champions Bexley’s Community Champions have been very active in the last few months, helping with the ‘Let’s Talk’ vaccination and testing outreach project.

Teams of Champions have been delivering leaflets and helped with the Keep Bexley Safe vaccine bus during its three-month tour of the borough to promote the vaccination programme.

Many Champions have also been regular volunteers at vaccination sites, including the mass vaccination site at the Civic Offices.

As the borough starts to get back to normal, the Community Champions have become involved with wider issues of physical, mental and social wellbeing in their neighbourhoods. These wider issues have been discussed at their fortnightly webinars.

If you would like to become a Community Champion you can find out more and sign up at www.bexley.gov. uk/coronavirus-covid-19/communitychampions

https://bexleywatch.org. uk/ 07496 385471 bexwatch-office@ btconnect.com Champions Sarah Canavan and Tony Adams supporting the ‘Let’s Talk’ bus in East Wickham

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6

outdoor groups

in Bexley

As autumn approaches and the days get shorter, it is easy to ‘batten down the hatches,’ close our doors and stay inside. But we all know that staying healthy, keeping fit and looking after our mental wellbeing is important at any time of the year. Here are six local groups that meet outdoors either for health, fun or to offer the chance to meet new people.

1

GoodGym helps you get fit by doing good. They are a group of runners that combine regular exercise with helping our communities.

If you’re a community organisation and have a physical task then they would like to help.

Visit www.goodgym.org/bexley

4 Mind in Bexley

green spaces project aims to improve mental health and well-being by offering individuals the chance to get involved in a range of conservation, food growing and gardening tasks at the Mind in Bexley allotment. The project works to support people to truly reconnect with themselves, with others and with the natural world. The project is open to anyone with direct experience of mental distress. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis.

Visit www.mindinbexley.org.uk/opens-spaces

2 Men in Sheds

Bexley is a community group for men to come together, make things and most importantly have fun! They are based in the grounds of Christ Church Erith, just behind the church hall. Men in Sheds is a service run by Age UK Bexley.

Visit www.meninshedsbexley.com

3 Friends of…The London

Borough of Bexley’s parks and open spaces have for many years received tremendous support from volunteers, who have helped to create clean, well-maintained parks and open spaces. The work of the volunteers varies from tree whip and bulb planting, litter clearing, maintenance of herbaceous borders, clearance of heathland, maintenance and caring for the Old English Garden at Danson Park.

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/services/ parks-leisure-and-libraries/friendsgroups/become-friend

5 Friends of the Shuttle

volunteers meet at various points along the River Shuttle to clear litter from the channel and keep it clear for wildlife and for those who enjoy walking along its banks. Their work also includes river enhancement, wildlife walks and surveying, removal of invasive species and talking to the general public about what the River Shuttle has to offer.

Visit www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheShuttle

6 Walking for Health

Bexley has a health walk running throughout the week. All our walks are lead by qualified and friendly walk leaders, and there is normally a drink and chat either during or at the end of each walk. Please note that only registered assistance dogs are allowed on these walks.

Smoking is not allowed on any of our walks.

Visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/ bexley-healthy-walks

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Foster with Bexley Give a child a better future 020 3045 4400 www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering

See page 26 for our upcomin g onli fostering ne informati on sessions

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all our yesterdays

Libraries – old and new Sidcup Library

The first library in Sidcup was opened in July 1930 in rooms rented for the purpose above a wine shop on the corner of the High Street and Hatherley Road.

A librarian was appointed to manage the branch and its stock of 3,500 books on a salary of £165 a year. The new library was very popular, with 500 people joining in the first week.

Two years later the library moved to rooms in Hadlow House, a Georgian building in Hadlow Road, where it remained until it was demolished in 1974.

For the next seven years the library was based in temporary facilities in Nelson Place, before the purpose-built Sidcup Library opened in 1981.

Thamesmead library during the 1980s’

Sidcup Library - Edward Heath MP at official opening on 23 February 1981

Now, after forty years of service, this library is due to be replaced with a brand new building in Sidcup High Street, on the site of the old Blockbuster store.

Sidcup library front entrance - 1987

If you enjoy our pictures please follow us on Facebook and Twitter,

where we share memories and photos

showing how has changed over the years.

Email archives@bexley.gov.uk

Thamesmead Library

Thamesmead was developed during the 1960s as a new town within Greater London on the largely uninhabited Erith and Plumstead Marshes. The town straddled the boundary between the two London Boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich.

Work began on a library for the Bexley section of the town in August 1972. The library, named Newacres, opened in June 1974. The name never really caught on and the library was generally referred to as Thamesmead Library in 2013 it moved to temporary facilities due to the regeneration of the area, which saw the old building demolished in April 2017.

A new iconic library building and community centre is now being built

by Peabody Trust on the shores of Southmere Lake.

Bexley Archive’s online catalogue Our online searchable catalogue contains over 40,000 entries of local interest:

X Parish records, including registers

X Digital images, including over 2,300 postcards

X Bexley schools’ archive

X London Borough of Bexley historical records, including Council minutes

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New records are added to the catalogue regularly.

www.bexleyarchives.org.uk

You can also purchase unique images of Bexley.

There are currently over 3,500 images from the archive available to view at https://boroughphotos. org/bexley/

local information LOCAL MPS

Council meetings These meetings will be webcast and available at www.bexley.public-i.tv A full calendar of meetings is published on the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk/meetings Reports and information on each of the Committees, including membership, are also available online.

Public Cabinet 12 October, 7:30pm

Rt Hon James Brokenshire, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup

Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford

Surgeries are by appointment only and can be made by calling the MP’s office on 020 7219 8400.

Surgeries will be on the first and third Friday on each month, excluding August, on an appointment only basis. Please call 0207 219 8403 to make an appointment.

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

Planning Committee 14 October, 7pm Council 3 November, 7:30pm Public Cabinet 16 November, 7.30pm Planning Committee 18 November, 7pm

To contact Sir 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 www.davidevennett.com Twitter: @davidevennett Facebook: fb.com/DavidAEvennett

To contact Abena Oppong Asare MP - Write to: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, Email: abena.oppongasare. mp@parliament.uk Telephone - 020 7219 3000 London Assembly Member Peter Fortune AM (Bexley and Bromley) To contact Peter Fortune E-mail: peter.fortune@ london.gov.uk

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

ULEZ expansion: check your vehicle now 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

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is expanding from 25 October 2021. Have you checked your vehicle?

Abena Oppong Asare, MP for Thamesmead and Erith

Air pollution is not just a central London problem, with many areas still exceeding the legal limits for pollution across the city.

www.bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777 You can now search for the names of your local Ward Councillors on the Council’s website using your home post code.

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ councillors

Visit tfl.gov.uk/ulez-2021

That is why, from 25 October 2021, TfL is expanding the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to create a single, larger zone up to just inside the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). The North and South Circular Roads themselves are not in the zone.

The ULEZ will continue to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends (except Christmas day).

A £12.50 charge applies when driving within and into the expanded zone.

Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards, but owners of the remaining older cars, motorcycles, lighter van and minibuses need to take action.

Check your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards and view an interactive map of the zone online.

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what’s on!

September - November 2021

All events listed were correct at time of printing.

Always check with the event venue before booking or travelling.

Sign up to our ‘what’s on’ email newsletter at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

Cycling 1-1 training

Various dates and locations Free One-to-one cycling sessions available for levels and abilities from age 7+. www.bexley.gov.uk/cycling roadsafetyeducation@ bexley.gov.uk

Welling Pop-up Market

10am to 3pm, recurring event Bellegrove Road, Welling Brought to you by CC Events, every Saturday five local small businesses have a pop-up stall on the high street. Stalls change each week. www.facebook.com/ wellingpopups

Start-ups in London Libraries workshops

21, 23, 28 September Online Free Open to all London based aspiring entrepreneurs, the Start-ups in London Libraries programme of early-stage business support offers practical, jargon-free training and support to help you get your business idea of the ground. More dates to be added for October and November. www.bl.uk/business-andip-centre/start-ups-inlondon-libraries

Online Fostering Information Sessions

Farmers Market at Hall Place

10am to 2pm, recurring event Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ - Free On the first Sunday and third Saturday of every month. Located outside the Visitor Centre. www.hallplace.org.uk

Join our online information session and speak to a Bexley foster carer and a member of our fostering team to find out what it is like to foster. fostering@ bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 4400.

23 September, noon to 1pm 7 October, 6pm to 7pm 21 October, noon to 1pm 4 November, 6pm to 7pm 18 November, noon to 1pm

Online updates

www.bexley.gov.uk/events

@whatsoninbexley

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the chance to win a prize.

Crossness Pumping Station Family Open Day Buy Meccano parts from our 10am to 4pm, 26 September, 24 October, 14 November Bazalgette Way, Abbey Wood SE2 9AQ Age 16 and over £15, age 5 to 15 £3, under 5s free An opportunity to explore this Grade I Listed industrial heritage site and see the magnificent Victorian beam engine in steam. There is a free ‘make and take” craft activity for families. www.crossness.org.uk

Halloween Garden Trail 10am to 4pm, 1 to 31 October Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ £2.50 per trail sheet, includes a free small prize.

Suitable for family groups with children aged 3 to 10 years. Children must be always accompanied by an adult. Pay on the day or book online. www.hallplace.org.uk

SELMEC Meccano Show 2021

10:30 am to 4:30 pm, 9 October Falconwood Community Centre, Welling DA16 2PG £5 per person. Under 16s go free when accompanied by an adult.

See working models all built from Meccano. Build your own model and enter it into our Creative Challenge for

dealers. Win prizes in our raffle.www.selmec.org.uk

Bexley EcoFest

9 -16 October Find out about your community, health and wellbeing and the environment Interactive activities, webinars and demonstrations www.bexleyecofest.co.uk

Mum2mum Nearly New Market

10:30am, 16 October and 13 November Falconwood Community Centre, Welling DA16 2PG £2 on the door (kids free) Buy top quality pre-loved babies, children’s (0 to 6 years), maternity and pregnancy goods and equipment – all great brands in top condition. Free parking on-site. Free goodie bag for the first 100 buyers.

Coffee and cake available. www.mum2mummarket. co.uk

October Continental Street Market

21 to 23 October Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7JN Popular attractions across the market include Little Chef Noodles, O’Donnell Moon Shine, No Name Distillery, Himalayan Salt Lamps, Gemstone Jewellery, Wiltshire Chilli Farm, Harpers Exotic Burgers, Hot

& Fresh Churros and many more fantastic gifts to treat yourself or your loved ones. www.enjoybexleyheath. co.uk/events

Landscape and Autumn Colour Photography Workshop

10am to 1pm, 24 October Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ £35, includes tea/coffee Join us around Hall Place to learn more about techniques for taking better landscape photographs and capturing autumn colour.

No specialist equipment required. This workshop will be led by Pat Simmons, a Member of the Royal Photographic Society. Book in advance online. www.livinglensholidays. co.uk/workshops info@livinglensholidays.co.uk

The Association of Bexley Charities ’78 Grand Autumn Fair

9.45am-1pm - 30 October United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ Entrance 50p (accompanied children free). Charity stalls selling Christmas gifts and cards; DVDs; jewellery; chutneys, jams, cakes; books; toys and model railway accessories Refreshments will be available. Wheelchair Access

Christmas Light Switch On

10am to 4pm, 13 November Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7JN Get into the Christmas spirit in Bexleyheath with a full day of live entertainment, as well as the annual Christmas lights switch on. More details to be confirmed in the coming months. www.enjoybexleyheath. co.uk/events

What’s on at Lesnes Abbey Lesnes Abbey Woods, New Road SE2 0AX www.lesnesabbeywoods.org

Farmers and Craft Market 10am to 3pm, recurring event - Free Every second Sunday of every month. www.facebook.com/ lesnesabbeyfarmers market

Global Village World Music Event

Noon to 5pm, 25 September Adults £6, children £3, family ticket £12 Come and enjoy an afternoon of world music and dance. There will be lots for all the family to enjoy including world music and dance, food from all corners of the globe, workshops, community showcases, henna and craft stalls, Arts in Transit van.

Plus, find out how to get involved in your park and help shape its future. Book in advance online. www.lesnesabbeywoods. org/whats-on

Lesnes Abbey Proms

3pm to 6pm, 26 September Lesnes Abbey’s first ever Proms in partnership with Bexley Music. Relax in the Monk’s Garden and listen to performances from Bexley Music orchestras and choirs, followed by a performance by the English Baroque Choir. Suitable for all ages.

Book in advance online. www.lesnesabbeywoods. org/whats-on

Fossil Digging

10am-3:30pm, 26 October £6 per child (5yrs to 12yrs) Come to Lesnes Abbey Woods Fossil Pit for the opportunity to find sharks teeth and other exciting finds.

Book in advance online. www.lesnesabbeyevents. eventbrite.com

Lesnes Abbey Woods Halloween Trail

10am-3:30pm, 28 October £6 per ticket Follow the trail, solve the clues along the way and claim your prize of a craft pack to take home materials to make your own decoration. For ages 6 to 12. www.lesnesabbeyevents. eventbrite.com

What’s on at The Exchange The Old Library, Walnut Tree Road, Erith DA8 2AE www.theexchangeerith.com

Jazz Sundays

2pm to 4pm, recurring event - £5 Organised by musician and local resident Matt Ward, Jazz Sunday is a regular feature on the fourth Sunday of the month. Grab a drink from The Bookstore and be entertained. The house band includes Matt, Conor Litten, Francisco Rojas and guests. Book online. www.theexchangeerith. com/ticket-booking

Theatre Box Performing Arts Academy 4:15pm to 7:30pm, recurring event Join Jade and the TBox team every Monday and Tuesday for performing arts workshops for young people. Musical theatre, drama, street dance and singing. www. theatreboxacademy.co.uk

Life Drawing

6:30pm to 8:30pm, recurring event £10, £8 concessions, booking not required Join local artist Colin Dyer every Thursday for lifedrawing sessions.

Saturday Print Workshop 11am to 1pm, from 2 October,

recurring event - Free The Print Workshop reopens with a project to make Autumn/Winter Cards every Saturday for sale in The Bookstore. Led

by Professional Printmaker Colin Dyer. Booking not required.

Old Library History Tours

2pm to 3pm, 3 October, 7 November Free Join local resident and blogger Hugh Neal for a History Tour of the Old Library. Find out about the significance of the building to the local area, and the characters involved in the making and running of the old library and museum.

Book in advance online.

Life Drawing Exhibition 11am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, 9 October to 5 December The work of the Life Drawing class participants will be on show at this constantly evolving exhibition displayed in the North Room at The Exchange.

Exchange Open Day + Craft Symposium

13 and 14 November Come and find out all about The Exchange and the Arts + Crafts Movement. You will find out what we and other craft organisations are doing, why we are doing it, and the impact craft has on society.

Taste Of South America 6:30pm to 10pm, 28 to 30 November Bookstore chef and Ecuadorian Elsie and teamed up with local resident Sandra Hall (who grew up in Mexico) to design a South American menu to tie in with the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. Booking essential.

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health

New health project Bexley Mencap is working with the NHS and a range of partners to make health care easier either face to face or online.

They want to hear how the Annual Health Check is working for people with learning disabilities and aim to support local GP Practices As a long-standing member of Bexley Mencap Blanche understands the barriers to healthcare many people face.

She says: “People with a learning disability don’t visit their doctor as often as other people even though they may have poorer

health. They may be scared to go, not have support, or not understand the information they get. Having an Annual Health Check with your GP is important.

It’s free, won’t hurt, and will help keep you healthy so ask about your appointment now” Contact: simon@ bexleymencap.org.uk or call 020 8303 6336 for a friendly chat.

Preparing for winter It may not be bitterly cold yet, but it’s always good to be prepared.

Here are some things you can do now to prepare for the autumn and winter ahead.

X Book a jab – GPs can provide eligible people with free shingles vaccine and a free flu-jab. Pharmacies also provide flu jabs (charges apply).

X Check your heating– if your radiators do not heat up fully, book an appointment with a Gas Safe registered engineer. Your home should be at least 18°C in cold months.

X Stock up - have a supply of cold and flu medicines and long-life food items in case you are unable to go shopping.

X Get added to the Priority Services Register - older and disabled people can sign up with their supplier to get support with their energy supply. www.ofgem. gov.uk/energy-advice-households

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www.bexley.gov.uk

Council news via email newsletters at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates 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 8303 7777 and ask for Communications 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.111.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.

www.nhsselondonvaccinefacts.com

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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 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 Belvedere Over 50s Keep Fit 0208 311 5550 Belvedere Social Bowls Club 01322 435 149 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 (BACCA) 07946 497 731 Bexley Archaeological Group 020 8300 1752 Bexley Art Group 01322 430681 Bexley Arts Trust 020 8303 8177 Bexley Athletics Club 01322 342485 / info@bexleyac.org.uk www.bexleyac.org.uk Bexley Bards Story Tellers 0771 222 6261 Bexley visually impaired bowls club 020 8304 8409 Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum 01322 527097 Bexley Boys & Girls Hall 020 8858 5123 Bexley Centre for the Unemployed 020 8301 3187 Bexley Churches Housing Assoc. Ltd 020 3866 5999 Bexley Civic Society secretary@bexleycivicsociety.org.uk 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 01322 287581 / 01322 525975 Bexley & District Cats Protection 07880 471333 Bexley & Sidcup Lions Club 07790 279683 Bexley Deaf Centre 01322 351122 Bexley Federation of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners (BFALG) 07470 468594

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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 secretary@bexleyhistoricalsociety.org.uk 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 Music Society 020 8306 2152 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 bexleyrotaryclub@gmail.com Bexley Rugby Football Club www.bexleyrugby.co.uk 07791 127331 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 Volunteer Centre 01322 524682 Bexley Ukulele Group 07711 704033 Bexley WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) 020 8300 1845 Bexley Women’s Aid 020 8301 1536 Bexley Village Women’s Institute 01322 554544 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 (Pokémon/Yu-Gi-Oh!) www.facebook.com/BexleyGamingClub Bexleyheath & Crayford Waterside Women’s Institute 01322 449066 Bexrose Gardening Society 01322 449066 Bird College 020 8300 6004 Box Therapy www.boxtherapy.online 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 Chislehurst & Sidcup Ballet Club 07746719258 Care Matters UK Ltd 01322 522440 Carers’ Support Bexley 020 8302 8011 Chislehurst & Sidcup Ballet Club 07746 719258 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.countygatelodge-freemasons.co.uk 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 Park Bowls Club 07751068274 Danson Youth Trust 020 8303 6052 Darent Cray National Trust Association 01474 705402 Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group 07775 305110 Dimbleby Macmillian Cancer Support Guys at Queen Mary’s hospital 020 7188 0771 East Wickham Open Space Conservation Volunteers www.facebook.com/eastwickham conservationvolunteers Erith & Belvedere Local History Society 01322 337893/01322 332717 Erith & District Swimming Club edsc@edsc.org.uk Erith & District Synchronised Swimming Squads synchro@edsc.org.uk Erith & Thamesmead CAP Debt Centre 07576 315994 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 Foots Cray Meadows www.footscraymeadows.org Friends of the Red House 01322 865186 Friends of the Shuttle www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheShuttle

To add your organisation to this list, or to update your contact details please e-mail communications@bexley.gov.uk or telephone 020 8303 7777 and ask for Communications

Family Action 020 8310 6570 Geddes Place Widows Group 01322 521754 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 Jlinks Physiotherapy 07951 025208 Kingfisher Bowls C lub 020 8302 8830 Lamorbey Park Archers www.lamorbeyparkarchers.club Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society 020 8302 0059 Lamorbey Park Cricket Club 07741 193133 Lesnes Abbey Woods Conservation Volunteers www.lacv.btck.co.uk 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 020 8310 3648 07305 093876 Mayplace Art & Crafts Group 01322 529972 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 Norfolk Women’s Club (Sidcup) 07765 428569 North West Kent Family History Society www.nwkfhs.org.uk North Kent Scottish Association Wednesday evenings at Barnehurst Golf Club Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society 020 8302 9984 Parkinson’s Disease Society 020 8306 5973 The Practical Photographic Group 020 8304 6561 Rainbows, Guide or Ranger Groups 020 8301 1200/01322 294516 Re-Instate Community Hub 01322 438155 Remap, London South Disability 07780 366130 The Rendevous Club for over 50’s 01322 287356/020 8859 2035 Red Robins Singing for Health 07900 205862 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 Bowls Club 07977 145039 Sidcup Chess Club www.sidcupchessclub.org.uk Sidcup Cricket Club 07411 177680 Sidcup Debt Advice 020 8269 8621 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 Pentanque Club - based at Sidcup Recreation Club 07825 934694 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 Sunrise Frognal House Residental Care Home (Sidcup) 020 8302 2600 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 07946 377898 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

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Parkinsons

Appliance Services Ltd 07766 607251 020 8301 1618 / 020 8303 6950 Repairs/Sales/Service Washing machines, Dishwashers, Cookers, Ovens, Tumble Dryers, Storage Heaters etc Fast Friendly Service Formerly of Lion Road, Bexleyheath

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