Bexley Magazine - Spring 2022

Bexley

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Latest news and information from your Council

Magazine Spring 2022

Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee Budget and Council Tax Earn a qualification at the LECB Local information – community news - what’s on 607611 NEW WEB BEX MAG SPRING 2022-LBBL1369.indd 1

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Ask your GP for a referral or for more information visit https://momentanewcastle.com/bexleycpp

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News

Inside

your magazine Welcome 5 Council Tax

Welcome to our Spring magazine.

I expect you are looking forward to the spring, longer days, spring flowers and blossom - and the hope of a return to a more normal life.

6 Linda Bailey

As you will see from our wonderful front cover, we are already looking forward to Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee later this year. We are not the only ones, with a range of events planned across the borough to mark this truly historic landmark.

10 Enrolment day at LECB

Former Cabinet Member, Cllr Linda Bailey passed away in February. In this edition we record her contribution to the borough that she cared about so passionately. Linda will be very much missed by all who knew her.

13 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

21 Help with your IT

Six things 22 All our yesterdays 24 Local information 25

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

Information on our budget and Council Tax plans for the next financial year are on page 5. COVID-19 has had an effect on everyone financially, including councils. By careful planning and fiscal management, we have been able to balance the Council budget and invest in services residents value.

Our hard-working Council Taxpayers deserve value for money, and we work hard to deliver that every day, to keep Bexley a place you are proud to call home.

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 London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT Phone: 020 8303 7777 • Website: www.bexley.gov.uk

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE

• Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk

Leader of the Council

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. Front Cover: Photography by Steve Hickey. HM Queen Elizabeth II visiting Bexleyheath 2005.

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news

Helping the vulnerable More than £1.5 million has been distributed to Bexley residents in need over the winter, thanks to funding from the government.

Funding allocated to the Council from the Household Support Fund was used to X Support around 7,859 children eligible for free school meals for February half term and the Easter holiday with almost £700,000 of vouchers to use in supermarkets.

X Provide an extra £758,000 to support more than 14,000 households that qualify for the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme with vouchers for between £30 and £105, depending on the number of people in the household.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr David Leaf said:

‘‘We took the decision to distribute the funds from the Government’s Household Support Fund to households who qualify for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, children eligible for free school meals and to provide grants for local charities. The charities that have benefited include local food banks and local domestic abuse charity Solace. ‘‘Our residents have had a difficult two years and we wanted to do all we can to make sure that the funds went directly to those who are most in need.”

If you are experiencing financial pressures and need help and advice, visit www.bexley. gov.uk/benefits-and-financialhelp

Clean & green A mammoth project saw more than 60,000 daffodil bulbs planted right across the borough earlier this year, as part of grounds maintenance work carried out by the Council’s contractor Tivoli.

Tivoli’s contract with Bexley includes looking after the maintenance of the borough’s 106 parks and open spaces, four cemeteries, plus 35 square miles of shrub beds, 97 square miles of hedge

cutting, as well as managing dog mess, of which they collected 1,180 tonnes over the last year. They also manage and cut 56 hectares of grass highway verges.

As part of their ongoing work with the Council, Tivoli have recently invested in new equipment and innovative new handheld ICT systems to help keep the borough Councillor Peter Craske and Tivoli representative looking great.

Sidcup votes YES in town centre BID ballot

In February Sidcup businesses again voted YES for the town centre Business Improvement District.

The yes vote means the BID can continue to generate important extra funds that local businesses can target at their priorities.

Cllr Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Growth said: “This is brilliant news for Sidcup town centre and congratulations to the Sidcup BID team and the businesses involved.

“While COVID-19 has made for very challenging business conditions during the past two years, many Sidcup businesses have appreciated the BID’s support through these difficult times.

The continuation of the BID in its vital role within the town is more important than ever as the recovery gets underway.”

The Sidcup BID zone includes both Sidcup High Street and Station Road and encompasses all the main retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in the town.

Sidcup BID will continue to run for a further five years until 2027.

Shane Goldfinch at the daffodil planting in Erith

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news

Update on the Council’s budget & Council Tax The Cabinet and Council are expected to approve the draft Budget, at the beginning of March after the Magazine went to print.

X Extra investment in grass cutting and maintenance to keep the Borough’s parks and open spaces looking their best X More money for our childrens’ services, which are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted X New investment in adult social care services X More resources to support those in need of housing

the financial challenges facing the organisation and their commitment to managing the mediumterm financial resilience of the organisation.”

Work continues to manage the financial risks that the Council faces over the medium-term, invest in and improve services and keep the Council’s budgets in balance. We also continue to lobby the Government for changes to reallocate funding based on updated statistics and data that reflect the changing needs of our Borough so we can get a better deal.

X Funding to help people facing domestic abuse and violence Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, the Council has monitored and managed the financial impacts carefully with an independent report into the Council’s finances praising the Council. It concluded that: “The Council has been proactive in managing the unprecedented financial pressures that arose” and that “The political leadership of the Council has demonstrated that it understands

‘Back on-site, not online’ – the London Borough of Bexley’s Apprenticeship Event for 2022 will take place at the Civic Offices on Tuesday 10 May. Training providers and employers are already confirming they’ll be there with opportunities starting this year, so we hope to be able to put on another big event for Bexley’s young people considering an apprenticeship as their next step.

More information will be released before the Easter holidays, so keep an eye on our social media accounts and www.bexley.gov.uk/ apprenticeshipevent Information will also be made available through Bexley secondary schools and further education providers.

If you’re an apprentice employer or training provider and n interested in , E a r , S ucc rn a attending to promote your opportunities, please email skills@bexley. gov.uk

d ee

Opening of the new domestic abuse one stop shop in Central library.

To support investment in local services, the draft budget for 2022/23 includes a Council Tax increase of 1.99% and a 1% increase for the adult social care precept.

This will enable over £3 million of new investment to be made in local services. This increase is lower than the rate of inflation and lower than the near 9% expected rise in the Mayor of London’s share of the Council Tax. To support residents on low incomes, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme gives 14,000 households - which is one in seven of all households in Bexley - discounts on their Council Tax bills of between 10% and 100%. Around 73,000 households in the Borough will also benefit from the £150 rebate provided by the Government to those living in homes in Council Tax Bands A to D.

Bexley’s Apprenticeship Event 2022

Le

The budget is set to include significant investment in local services.

This includes: X Over £1 million more in funding for waste and recycling services

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news

Linda Bailey

Councillors and staff at the Council were very sad to learn of Linda Bailey’s passing last month, after a period of ill health.

Linda was a familiar figure to Members of the Council and Council staff, with whom she worked for many years since she was first elected as a local Councillor in 1986, with a short break between 1994 and 1998.

Linda was passionate about using her Cabinet

position to create new opportunities for our residents. She worked with the Leader of the Council to secure jobs for local people in many places, including the Ocado and Tesco centres in the north of the borough.

She took a close interest in the regeneration of Erith Park and Thamesmead and the development at Erith Quarry.

She was also a keen supporter of Bexley’s town centres,

Opening of Morrisons in Welling working with local businesses and on the successful campaign to encourage Waitrose to open in Sidcup.

Her focus was initially on schools and children’s services and later in development, town Opening of little Waitrose in Sidcup planning and regeneration.

Linda served as Councillor for Bexleyheath and Crook Log, the name and precise area changing over the years as a result of boundary changes.

Page 3 photo – Cllr Bailey and the Leader of the Council opening the Erith Park development

Opening of the Rumble Tums Café in Sidcup

Major national award for Erith Hills development In late November, the Anderson Group’s exciting development on the old Erith Quarry site won the National Housebuilder Award for ‘Best Regeneration Initiative’ in the country.

The awards are the industry’s most prestigious and competitive, meaning the award is evidence of the success of the project so far.

Anderson Group wrote to the Leader of the Council and senior officers following the news, to thank them for their support for the project.

Work on the new primary school that is part of the development is progressing well and should be completed by

the end of this year, in time for the first pupils to be admitted from September 2023.

Construction is underway on another 849 homes on the site, on which the Anderson Group are working in partnership with L&Q.

Leader of the Council, Teresa O’Neill and Linda Bailey discussing the Erith Quarry development

At the site of the Erith Quarry

Make sure you have your say Local elections will take place this year on Thursday 5 May. You must be registered to vote to have your say in these important elections to elect your local Councillors.

Registering to vote is easy. All you need is five minutes and your National Insurance number.

Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote If you are not sure if you are registered contact Bexley’s Election Office elections.office@bexley.gov.uk

Important deadlines X Voter Registration deadline Thursday 14 April 2022 X Postal Vote applications deadline 5pm on Tuesday 19 April 2022 X Proxy Vote applications deadline 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2022 Poll cards with details of your polling station will be sent out from 23 March.

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news

to re-open Barnehurst Golf Course American Golf has been named as the new operator for Barnehurst Golf club with plans underway to re-open the site in spring 2022.

Investment into the Barnehurst Golf Complex will include a new sports and lounge bar, refurbished driving range with Toptracer technology and a new retail space planned for later this year.

Toptracer technology is a practice tool, that takes the guesswork out of range sessions by offering datadriven experience.

Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske said: “This is excellent news for the borough. Having such an established name running the course is exactly what is needed to help it develop and grow into a key golfing venue. The new operators are already brimming

with ideas for the site and I’m looking forward to seeing them start work.”

American Golf’s CEO, Gary Favell, said “We are delighted be a part of the Barnehurst community and look forward to welcoming past and new members to the club. Our vision is to make golf accessible and fun to everyone and for the community to enjoy the many health and wellbeing benefits it brings.”

Membership details will be released in the coming weeks.

You can follow the renovation developments here www.bexley. gov.uk/barnehurst-golf-club

Work continues on two new libraries Sidcup Storyhouse The new library and cinema on the site of the former Blockbuster store in Sidcup is progressing well.

Cinema operators Really Local Group and construction company Neillcott are working with the Council to build the town’s new three-screen cinema, library and nine flats.

The development will provide community activities and new homes in the heart of the town centre.

The project is part of the Sidcup Regeneration and Cultural Programme.

The Really Local Group will fit out and run the independent cinema.

BexleyCo will build new homes on the site of the current Sidcup library in Hadlow Road, when it becomes vacant.

The Nest, Thamesmead The new Thamesmead Library – The Nest - is being built in partnership with Peabody as part of the major redevelopment of the former Tavy Bridge area.

The library will have an outdoor terrace, a meeting room, computers and study spaces. The offices and community spaces that make up part of The Nest are managed by Peabody.

Bexley celebrates LGBT+ History Month February marked the start of LGBT+ History month.

LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and + for those questioning their identity.

To mark the start of LGBT+ History Month, the Mayor of Bexley, the Commissioned Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Sir David Evennett MP, Louie French MP, Councillors and Council staff came together to raise the Progress flag outside the Civic Offices on Tuesday 1 February.

The flag was flown to show that diversity is celebrated in Bexley and that all members of the LGBTQ+ community are supported.

LGBT+ History Month aims to raise awareness of, and combat prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community ,while celebrating its achievements and making diversity more visible. www.lgbtplus historymonth.co.uk

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ bexley-libraries for some special opening events later this year!

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growth

Supporting new businesses Two new pop-up shops have opened in the Borough giving 16 new traders the chance to showcase and sell their products in prime retail space.

The first ‘Bexley Originals’ shop opened in the Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath and a second shop beside the Print Room at 70 Bellegrove Road, in Welling High Street.

Both shops sell specialist and ethically sourced products and have been launched as part of a scheme to help support small and start-up businesses. The aim is to enable a wide range of local businesses to gain their first experience of trading on the high street, adding to their business skills in the process.

With the support of Retail Revival, an experienced business support and high street regeneration specialist, 40

applicants were shortlisted, 24 interviewed and from these 11 have been selected to trade in the Bexleyheath shop and five in the Welling shop.

Both pop-up shops will remain open until the end of March 2022.

The Bexley Originals initiative has been developed and is managed and run by the Council as part of its post-COVID Economic Recovery Strategy.

Bexley Libraries support business owners in 2022 Bexley Libraries are providing an exciting range of new resources to support anyone wishing to start or grow a business this year.

One of these is the Business Knowledge Hub. The Hub is free to use for anyone who has created an account with Bexley Libraries.

The resources are: X Cobra – a comprehensive business encyclopaedia. The first stop for anyone looking to get information on starting up a huge range of businesses and information for business owners.

X Kompass – a comprehensive directory of businesses, suppliers, and manufacturers. Can be used to help find new suppliers,

understand a market or research the competition in a sector.

X Mintel – the gold standard of market research and industry analysis – exclusive to the Central Library, Bexleyheath.

Reports provided on key business markets to help identify opportunities and provide market analysis

Find out more or create your library account at www.bexley.gov. uk/bexley-libraries

X Webinars and workshops for business management skills – provided online and in libraries.

These new resources will only be available during 2022.

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Next stop - Hall Place and Gardens Excitement is building as the countdown is on for the opening of the Welling and District Model Engineering Society’s (WDMES) railway later this Spring.

Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske said: “We are all very excited to bring the WDMES trains to Hall Place and make our historic site their new home.”

“Hall Place already has some stunning gardens and attractions and this will really give people even more reasons to get on board.”

Alan Philpot from WDMES said: “The Society welcome the chance to work with the team at Hall Place to bring the enchantment of steam back again into the Borough”

The railway will join the Bexley Butterfly House, Plant Centre and Jambs Owls experience as a further attraction at Hall Place and Gardens.

For more information on the WDMES, or if you are interested in joining the society

visit https://wdmes.co.uk www.hallplace.org.uk

Erith update Riverside Gardens Planning permission has been granted for works to improve the Riverside Gardens in Erith. Work is due to begin in early summer and will take around six months.

The improvements have been developed in partnership with the community and include a new playground and outdoor fitness equipment on the riverside terrace. The space will be rearranged to make it

Councillor Craske and WDMES member Alan at the new Hall Place railway

more accessible and to improve views of the River Thames. New planting, including a dedicated growing space for the Friends of Riverside Gardens, will be created.

Artist’s impression of Riverside Gardens, Erith

Pier Square

Improvements to Pier Square are complete. The public space has been extended with new seating and a layout that provides more space for community events and recreation. When the weather warms up shrubbery will be planted.

Riverside Shopping Centre

The Council has welcomed the shopping centre’s new leaseholder, property investment and development company BYM Capital. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, joined Cabinet Member for Growth, Cllr Cafer Munur for a meeting with the new owners and all parties agreed on the importance of working closely with local businesses and the community.

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wellbeing

A new you for ‘22

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley (LECB) is holding a special Enrolment Day on Saturday 19 March from 10am to 3pm. The day is a chance for anyone interested in gaining a qualification or workplace skill to come along and sign up for a new course.

The LECB runs a range of nationally accredited courses that could help you gain employment, learn new skills and improve your CV. Accredited courses at the LECB include English, Maths and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

There will also be a chance for families to find out more about

the many Supported Learning courses that the College offers for students with special education needs.

Many of the accredited courses that run from Brampton Road or online are often free or subsidised, depending on individual circumstances. Adults who do not have a GCSE grade 4/C in English or maths are entitled to study

either of these at the College free of charge!

Before you can book onto an accredited course, you need to complete a free Initial Assessment (IA). This will help you pick the right course for your skill level.

There will be a chance to take your IA at the Enrolment Day on 19 March so that you sign up immediately to the course that suits you.

Find out more about the Open day and book your place at www.lecb.ac.uk To book an Initial Assessment (IA) or ask about the accredited courses available email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk with your name and contact telephone number or call 020 3045 5176.

Visit page 22 and find out more about qualifications you could take at the LECB.

One stop help with abuse Bexley’s new domestic abuse ‘One Stop Shop’ offers free and confidential specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at the Central Library in Bexleyheath.

The new service is open from 12:30pm to 3pm every Wednesday to any Bexley resident aged 16+ with no appointment needed.

Led by domestic abuse charity Solace, the One Stop Shop brings together a range of expert organisations under one roof.

Partners include legal services, immigration advice, substance misuse support, London Fire

Brigade, the Council’s adult social care team and housing providers.

If you need support or have worries about domestic abuse visit the new One Stop Shop or call the Solace advice helpline on 020 3198 4659 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or email bexley.com munity@ solacewomensaid.org.

The 24-hour domestic abuse helpline number is also available on 0808 2000 247. www.bexleydomestic abuseservices.org.uk In an emergency always call 999.

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Bexley’s Health and Wellbeing Bus Bexley’s Health and Wellbeing Bus is visiting a range of locations and community events around the Borough offering advice to help the community keep well and stay healthy.

You can speak to a Wellbeing Ambassador, get tips to keep your mind and body active and find out about the free information and support available on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues, from worries about your mental health to managing your money and staying active.

You can also take a ‘no symptoms’ COVID test on the bus and get advice on vaccines.

Find out more at www.bexley. gov.uk/health-wellbeing-bus

Leader of the Council meets staff running the HWB Bus. L-R: Audrey Booker and Steve Young (testing staff), The Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Debbie Brown, Patrick Gray, Nigel Kent, Pam Smith (Health & Wellbeing Ambassadors).

Consultation on new charging policy There is still time to have your say on the proposed new Charging Policy for adult social care services.

The consultation is open until 28 March.

Ensuring pharmacies meet local people’s needs Pharmacies offer an essential service that we all use and that many vulnerable people in our Borough depend on. That’s why every three years the Council carries out an assessment of them, to understand what is working well and to identify areas that need improving.

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey of pharmacy services which we ran earlier this year. Your feedback will help us to assess current services.

A draft document with findings and proposed improvements will be shared later this year, before final recommendations are submitted to the Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board in October 2022.

The proposed changes would only affect those receiving support from social care and living in their own home.

They do not affect those living in residential care or nursing care, or people who have been assessed as not having to pay any contribution to their care.

More information and details of how to have your say are available at www. bexley.gov.uk/consultations/ adult-social-care-chargingpolicy.

To have your say visit www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/979KM2T. You can contact the

Bexley’s adult social care team by calling 020 3045 3033 or emailing ASCChargingPolicy Consultation@bexley.gov.uk

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The place to say ‘I do’ The historic Hall Place and Gardens is the perfect choice for couples looking for a memorable wedding venue in idyllic surroundings.

When it comes to your ceremony, you have a number of beautiful options. Each location has its own unique character and style, with original features such as stone fireplaces, wood panelling and mullioned windows.

With only one wedding taking place at a time, you can have confidence in being the only newlyweds within the house.

We are delighted to host a range of catering options from grand banquets to delicious BBQs, before your guests put on their dancing shoes!

Whatever size or budget you have in mind for your celebration, we work closely with you to create a bespoke and personalised day.

If you’d like to find out more information or arrange an appointment to view our amazing spaces, get in contact with the team directly. They can’t wait to discuss your special day! hallplaceweddings@bexley.gov.uk 01322 526 574

Private fostering If someone else’s child lives with you, or are you considering this, or if your child is living with someone else, you may be part of a private fostering arrangement.

Private fostering is very different from the care of children provided

by the Council or independent foster agencies through approved foster carers. It happens when a child under 16 years old - or under 18 if the child has a disability - is cared for full-time by an adult who is not a relative and provided with accommodation for more than 28 days.

If you are part of a private fostering arrangement, know

someone who may be or are considering such an arrangement, please tell the Council by calling the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 020 3045 5440. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

To find out more online visit www.bexley.gov.uk/privatefostering-guidance

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Celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk

In June, Her Majesty the Queen will become the first monarch in history to have served her country for 70 years.

People across the borough are preparing to celebrate and the Council is making its own plans to mark the occasion.

“The Jubilee weekend is a terrific opportunity to pay tribute to the fantastic service that Her Majesty has given to our country. After the

Tree planting by the Mayor To mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee in the borough, the Mayor Councillor James Hunt, planted an Oak Tree at Hall Place and Gardens on 6 February, to mark the day that Her Majesty ascended the throne in 1952.

The tree was gifted to the Borough by Ken Olisa, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

The Mayor was joined for the ceremony by local MPs Sir David Evennett and Louie French, London Assembly Member Peter Fortune, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant Dave Easton, Councillors and other guests.

challenges of the past two years, I am sure lots of people will welcome the opportunity to join their neighbours in celebrating what is a truly historic landmark.”

Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the Council

The Big Jubilee Lunch Communities across the UK are being invited to come together for The Big Jubilee Lunch as part of the official Jubilee celebrations.

Whether it’s sharing a cuppa with a neighbour on the doorstep or a bigger bash in the street, the Big Lunch is an offer to share friendship, food and fun.

Everyone’s invited to join in the fun and get to know one another a little better. You can sign up for a free information

Queen’s Portrait competition As the Magazine went to print, we were finalising details of a competition to create a portrait of Her Majesty in any media.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more details.

The closing date for entries will be 29 April 2022.

pack online at https://www. edenprojectcommunities.com/ the-big-jubilee-lunch

Street parties We offered our support to residents organising street parties to celebrate the Jubilee.

Local councils need to review any planned street parties, to ensure they are safe and meet all legal requirements.

Applications had to reach us by 11 March and, when the Magazine went to print, we had received 47 applications.

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health

COVID-19 vaccination offer It’s never too late to get your vaccine.

Anyone who is eligible can book their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, and those aged over 16 can book their booster vaccination appointment by: X booking via the NHS national booking service at www.nhs.uk/ covidvaccination X calling 119 X visiting your local pharmacy or one of our local vaccination centres Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ covid-19-vaccines to find out about vaccine clinics in Bexley.

A series of walk-in clinics continue to be available at the Civic Offices, local pharmacies and at other community sites when needed.

Please use the Bexley link above for details.

Find a walk-in clinic in London at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab Young children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are considered most at risk of coronavirus are also now being offered COVID jabs.

Parents/Guardians will be contacted by their GP to arrange this.

We know that many expectant families and those planning a family in our community have concerns and specific questions about COVID-19.

If you have questions about the vaccine and want information from a trusted source, go to www.nhsvaccinefacts.com We have been busy working with the NHS on a school vaccination programme which involves a vaccine team visiting schools in the Borough to offer first and second jabs to anyone 12 years and over.

COVID-19 testing and self-isolation Regular testing and self-isolating when needed is essential to reduce COVID-19 transmission and keep you and the people around you safe.

Free lateral flow tests (LFD tests) are available to everyone in England without COVID symptoms.

You can order them online at www.gov.uk/ordercoronavirus-rapid-lateral-flowtests In Bexley you can get free LFD tests in pharmacies and at community collect points. Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/get-tested Currently if you receive a positive rapid lateral flow test result, you now do not need to take a PCR test to confirm your positive result.

The self-isolation advice for people with COVID currently means it is possible to end selfisolation after five full days if you have two negative LFD tests taken on consecutive days. The first LFD test should not be taken before the fifth day after your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you did not have symptoms). The self-isolation period remains 10 full days for those without negative results from two LFD tests taken a day apart.

As the Magazine went to print the Prime Minister has announced that the legal requirement to isolate after a positive test may be scrapped early.

The plan had been to end it on 24 March - but if the trends remain positive, he has said, it could go a month early. Other changes are also expected in the coming months.

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16/02/2022 14:20:39

A few simple swaps

The new NHS Food Scanner App is part of the first ‘Better Health’ children’s nutrition campaign.

The app is ideal for families, helping them to swap food and drink that is higher in sugar, saturated fat and salt for healthier alternatives.

With a simple scan of the barcodes, you can see how much

sugar, saturated fat and salt is in everyday food and drinks.

The app suggests healthier swaps, by encouraging users to choose ‘Good Choice’ products.

There are thousands of Good

Adult weight management There are two new programmes available to Bexley residents who would like to improve their lifestyle and lose weight. The new services are part of a pilot to support specific groups of people above a healthy weight to help them to reduce their health risks.

Counterweight is a 16-week Meal Replacement Programme designed to support people to lose at least 7kg and keep it off. Entry criteria for the Bexley funded places are: aged over 18, have a BMI over 30 or BMI over 25 from a Black or Asian background.

Bexley’s Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programme is a nine-month programme for people aged 40-74, with a BMI of 30 or over and diagnosed hypertension to help improve blood pressure and help people lose weight and get fitter.

Visit https://swipe. counterweight.org/bexley-referral or speak to your GP for a referral.

Visit www.momenta newcastle.com/bexleycpp or speak to your GP for a referral.

Suicide bereavement support Have you lost someone to suicide?

The South East London Suicide Bereavement Service is there to help in the aftermath of loss, offering practical support with things like funeral arrangements, as well as emotional support throughout the grieving process.

They will also signpost you to other services that may be of

benefit, depending on your needs.

The service is available to adults of all ages and children.

If you feel you would benefit from this service, please get in touch.

Call 01689 811222

Choice food and drink products you can swap to.

Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play or search ‘Better Health Healthier Families’.

The real cost of smoking

Each smoker in Bexley spends on average £1,945 a year on tobacco, according to a new analysis produced by Action on Smoking and Health.

The NHS in Bexley spends £9m annually, with a further £4.5m spent on additional social care for people with conditions caused by smoking.

Each year in Bexley, when income and smoking costs are taken into account, nearly 2,500 households are driven into poverty affecting over 4,000 dependent children.

The London Fire Brigade attend 10 smoking related fires a year, and huge costs are paid to clean up the six tonnes of cigarette butts dropped in Bexley streets every year.

Bexley Stop Smoking Services are urging smokers to begin their Smokefree journey. Contact the team on 0800 783 2514 or visit www.smokefreebexley.co.uk

Email suicidebereavement@ blgmind.org.uk

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community

Hard work pays off

Hard-working plot holders at the Love Lane Allotments won Gold in the best overall allotment site category, in the Ruxley in Bloom annual gardening competition.

Plot holders Zoe and Michaela took home 3rd prize in the individual plot category.

The Council has congratulated these amazing plot holders, who show that hard work and enthusiasm reap rewards.

From the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, allotment gardening has become a sought-after place to get fresh air, socialise and stay within the Government’s social distancing guidelines.

It can be a daunting task to take over a plot which hasn’t been worked for quite some time, but with determination even the unruliest plots can be knocked into shape.

There are currently lengthy waiting lists across Bexley, but do not let this deter you.

You can secure a place on the waiting list for your preferred allotment online at www.bexley.gov.uk/ allotments Before

X Do you want to hold the local police to account and make a difference to the safety of residents of Bexley?

X Are you passionate about bringing communities together to listen to concerns about crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour?

The Bexley Safer Neighbourhood Board are currently recruiting new panel members.

The Board is a group of residents that meet quarterly and receive up to date crime

Could you foster for Bexley?

Rose has been a Bexley Foster Carer for four years. She wanted to give children a chance to be part of a family where they could learn and grow.

After

Bexley Safer Neighbourhood Board needs you!

X Are you interested in reducing crime across Bexley?

Pictured left to right: Phil Cooke (Chairman), Brian Belcher (Site Manager), Maria Galea (Webmaster), Zoe and Michaela (3rd prize winners in Individual Plot category).

statistics, updates on local issues, as well as key themes that are a concern across London.

It has a new chairperson who is keen to ensure that the board is representative of the borough and is also looking for a vice chairman to support the work of the Board.

The time commitment involved is two hours a quarter for the Board and a few hours between meetings. Individuals must represent a community organisation.

For more information to apply email info@bexleysnb. org.uk

Rose is a carer for two boys aged 13 and 18. We asked her about the best and worst things about being a foster carer.

“The best thing is seeing the children feel safe and regain trust in people. This career helps you to make a real difference to the children’s lives.

“It can be hard when a child has been with you for most of their teenage years and they leave, but I have great support from the fostering team and the social workers at Bexley.

“The team make sure that you get all the training you need.’’

We asked Rose what she would say to anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer.

“You need to have a lot of patience and a good listening ear.

You must be empathetic, and it is important to persevere when things get tough. Be prepared to be flexible and adapt to different situations.’’

Find out more about how you could help our young people at www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering

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‘Thank you’ from the Mayor Over the last year the Mayoress and I have had the honour to meet so many amazing people and groups in our Borough.

From 100th birthdays, African drumming sessions, planting trees for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to meeting with Cubs and Scouts, we have been able to see all the good things our Borough has to offer.

At Christmas, with fellow Councillors, we held a Christmas Toy Appeal that was so successful that we managed to give toys away to many more children than just Bexley’s Looked After Children.

Thank you all for your support.

As we now come to the end of our year we are not slowing down and hope to meet as many more groups as we can.

Thank you all for your kind support. Keep doing what you do to make Bexley even better and the best Borough to live in.

Freedom of the City of London honour awarded to local man Local man, Paul Holloway, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his commitment to charity and service groups, and his exceptional contribution to the Borough.

Paul has served as an integral part of the Council’s Mayoral team for over 36 years, acting as the Mayor’s Macebearer and chauffeur. He has built long-lasting friendships with members of local service groups and residents in the Borough and is a prolific charity fundraiser in his spare time.

He was nominated for the award by two active Liverymen, Flt Lt Kris Cottier, the unit commander of 358 Welling Squadron Air Training Corps RAF Air Cadets and Rotarian Robert Munson of the Rotary Club of Bexley.

Kris Cottier said of his nominee: “Paul is one of those people who just make the London Borough of Bexley a better place to be. Quietly and efficiently going about his formal and charitable work, he always has a smile for those he meets”

The Freedom of the City of London is a medieval tradition that awards the recipient the freedom to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of the city. The tradition is a celebration of the ancient right to drive sheep over London Bridge.

The Mayor at a range of charity events

Paul Holloway, who was awarded The Freedom of the City of London

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community

Tolerance and respect At the start of the year, we agreed a new Zero Tolerance statement designed to support good relations between staff working for the Council and residents.

The statement was developed following several incidents during lockdown, when people working for the Council received abuse and threats from customers.

It sets standards of behaviour for staff and those we serve.

Zero Tolerance Statement We will treat our residents and service users with courtesy and respect at all times, and we expect our staff and those working on behalf of the Council to be treated in the same way.

We will not tolerate any abuse, aggression, discriminatory behaviour or violence towards our staff.

If you behave in this way towards those working for,

or on behalf of, the Council, you may be: X Reported to the police X Limited to specific channels for communicating with us X Banned from attending Council premises, or X Have services withdrawn This policy is to protect our staff, those who work for our contractors, as well as our residents and customers.

Find out what’s happening There are a number of ways you can keep in touch with us

Keep an eye on our website News, useful information, events, planning applications, details of meetings and much more are available at www.bexley.gov.uk

Connect with our social media channels Check out our Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute news

Sign up to our online newsletters We have a range of newsletters ranging from news and events to information for carers and jobs Subscribe at

www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

Beware of doorstep scammers Doorstep scams can take place when someone comes to your door and tries to cheat you out of your money or gain access to your home.

Doorstep scammers aren’t always pushy and aggressive, they may seem polite or friendly. It’s important to be vigilant when you answer the door.

Examples of doorstep scams X Rogue traders: A cold caller who may claim to have noticed

something about your property that needs work or repair, such as the roof, and offer to fix it for cash, and will then rip you off.

X Bogus officials: People claim to be from your utility company as a way of gaining access to your home. Always check the ID of any official. If they’re genuine they won’t mind waiting while you check.

X Fake charity collections: A fraudster may pretend they’re from a charity and ask you

to donate money, clothes, or household goods.

X Hard luck stories: Someone may knock and ask you to help them out with cash, ask to use your telephone or claim they’re feeling unwell. The story is made up and intended to con you out of your money or gain access to your home.

Remember to be careful and keep yourself safe.

Find out more at www.bexleywatch.org.uk

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Food waste #DontBinItRecycleIt!

Recycling your food waste has never been easier. We provide a convenient, free weekly food waste collection service.

If you have never recycled food waste before, or have in the past and have stopped, now is the time to take up recycling again.

Recycling your food waste rather than putting it in your rubbish bin reduces waste and helps save money. When materials are recycled we do not have to pay for them to be processed. When it is placed in your refuse bin it costs £120 a tonne to dispose of it.

Placing your food waste in your food box every week means you’re helping to protect local services like social care, libraries, and schools.

What can be recycled?

All types of food waste which you have been unable to eat, or use as leftovers can be recycled.

We’ll collect X food scraps, including eggshells X cooked or raw meat and fish, including bones X bread, rice and pasta X teabags and coffee grounds X fruit and vegetables

We will not collect X garden waste X plastic packaging

How to recycle food waste For convenience, we suggest you keep a smaller food waste caddy in your kitchen, to store your food waste. You can order one at www.bexley.gov.uk/foodboxes You can use starch bags to line the caddy, or you can try old newspaper or paper bags. Please do not use plastic bags as this prevents the waste from being recycled.

You can buy starch bags in most supermarkets.

When it’s full, just transfer the food waste from your caddy to your outside food waste box for collection.

Please ensure the food waste box is visible on collection day. Either place it on top of, or in front of, your recycling wheeled bin.

Sturdier fox resistant food waste recycling boxes are now available.

You can order yours at www.bexley.gov.uk/foodboxes

What happens to my food waste?

Food waste collected in your brown food waste box at home is sent to Biogen in Hoddeson, in Hertfordshire and goes through the natural process of anaerobic digestion to transform the food waste into green energy and food grade fertiliser.

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support

Take time to volunteer If you are thinking of new activities, new challenges, or just want to meet new people and help out in your local community, you could try volunteering with one of our wonderful local charities.

Research shows that enjoying their role is the most important reason why volunteers take part, so why not give it a go.

Apply for opportunities on the Bexley Volunteer Centre website at https://volunteering. bvsc.co.uk or email Marion at marion@bvsc.co.uk for a 45 minute appointment to help you to find the right role for you.

Bexley Digital Champions Does being asked to do something ‘online’ make you anxious? Do you have a mobile phone or tablet but it all feels a bit of a mystery?

Bexley Digital Champion volunteers offer gentle, one-to-one support to show you how to do things that matter to you.

Bexley volunteers David and Les helping out during the pandemic.

Contact Sky Crook on 01322 524 682 to find out more.

Carers’ Support Groups Crayford Manor House, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst DA1 4HB Monday Club (for adults with learning disabilities and their Carers) Third Monday of the month, 11am to 1pm 21 March, 25 April (due to the Easter Monday), 16 May, 20 June Music and Singing Club (for Carers and/or the person you care for) – led by musician Carol Anne Wells No musical ability or experience necessary, just come along and join in.

First Monday of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm 4 April, 2 May, 6 June Memory Support Group (for people with memory loss and their Carers) Second Wednesday of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm 13 April, 11 May, 8 June Art Group (for Carers and/or the person you care for) No artistic ability needed!

Fourth Wednesday of the month,

10am to 12 noon 23 March 27 April, 25 May, 22 June

11am-1pm 7 April, 5 May (2 June no group as Bank Holiday)

Café / Drop-in for Carers (the person you care for is also welcome)

Carers Support Group (for Carers and former Carers)

Second and Fourth Friday of the month 11.30am to 2pm 25 March, 8 April, 22 April, 6 May, 20 May, 10 June Blackfen Community Library, 7-9 Blacken Road, Sidcup DA15 9LU Memory Support Group (for people with memory loss and their Carers to come together) Every Tuesday, 11am-1pm Coffee Morning (for Carers and former Carers) Second Thursday of the month, 10.30am – 12.30pm 14 April, 12 May, 9 June Christ Church Erith, 1 Victoria Road, Erith DA8 3AN Carers Support Group (for the Carer and the person you care for) First Thursday of the month,

Third Thursday of the month 17 March, 21 April, 19 May, 16 June Falconwood Club, 1 Falconwood Avenue, Welling DA16 2SH Carers Support Pub Group (for Carers and former Carers) First Monday of the month 7pm-9pm – 4 April, 2 May, 6 June To book onto any of the above groups, please call 020 8302 8011 or email joanne@carerssupport.org

New groups coming soon!

We are hoping to start some additional weekly groups at Wolsley House, Crayford soon. These will be open to anyone with any form of dementia, with their Carer.

Please contact Joanne to find out more or visit our website www.carerssupport.org

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Start your future at LECB

6

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley (LECB), based at Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, is the place to go for adult education.

Judged ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2020, the College runs lots of courses designed to help upskill adults, help them change or improve their careers, or make a fresh start in the job market.

Most accreditation courses require a short free Initial Assessment (IA) to make sure that you are enrolled onto the right course for you.

Come along to the College’s Enrolment Day on Saturday 19 March to find out more.

These are just some of the things that you could study at the LECB.

4 Learning for work

English Functional skills covering basic skills. GCSE courses to help gain a place on a university course and improve your job prospects. AS Level English Language will help to further develop your critical analysis skills and understanding of a broad range of texts, including academic writing.*

1

Whether you are looking to improve your current job situation, or change your career altogether, we offer accredited counselling courses, accounting, and bookkeeping courses, as well as a range of childcare and school support and teaching qualifications. We also have first aid, health and safety and first aid courses.

5 Employability skills

2 Maths

If you’re looking to start work or a new job, these courses will help you learn key skills for the working environment. They will teach you all the basics that are necessary for any working environment and build your confidence along the way. You will learn what sort of qualities employers are looking for, how to approach your first days in a new job, and how to work with colleagues and managers.

Functional Skills courses for adults covering basic skills and linking to real-life maths.

GCSE at both foundation and higher levels. Core Maths is a level 3 qualification (similar to AS level) covering useful skills such as financial maths, statistics and spreadsheets.*

IT Skills We offer free, accredited courses such as Essential Digital Skills at Entry Level and Level 1. Whether you want to study for your personal development or to enhance your employment prospects, we have a range of courses to meet your needs.

3

To book an Initial Assessment (IA) or ask about the courses available email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk with your name and contact telephone number or call 020 3045 5176

6

English for speakers of other languages ESOL courses range from Pre-Entry to Level 2. The courses are designed to prepare you for the English you need for living and working in the UK and engaging with your local community. Courses cover grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills development.

* Adults who do not have a GCSE grade 4/C in English or maths are entitled to study either of these at the College free of charge! Call us now if you are interested.

Find out more email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk or call 020 3045 5176

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all our yesterdays

Notable Bexley people across the ages In January this year, Baroness Valerie Amos was made a Lady Companion of the Garter. Baroness Amos lived with her family in Crayford and attended Townley Grammar School for Girls in Bexleyheath before attending university and working her way up to become the Leader of the House of Lords in 2003.

Baroness Amos is not the only connection between the Borough and the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Knights of the Garter related to Bexley go all the way back to 1483!

Most recently Sir Edward Heath, former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Bexley (later Sidcup, then Old Bexley and Sidcup) from 1950 to 2001), was granted the honour in 1992.

The Tudor period saw a particularly large number of Knights connected with the area. Sir Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire and Knight of the Garter was both father of Queen Anne Boleyn and Steward of the Manor of Bexley. He was given the title in 1523.

Valerie Amos

Sir Thomas Boleyn, seen in his robes and insignia Credit: Simon Davis/Department for International Development

Robert Stewart

Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh and 2nd Marquess of Londonderry, owned and lived at Woollet House (now Loring Hall) in North Cray from 1811 until his death in 1822.

He is best known for negotiating the Irish Act of Union in 1800 and representing the United Kingdom at the Congress of Vienna following the fall of Napoleon.

There is now an English Heritage blue plaque at Loring Hall to commemorate his time there. He became a Knight of the Garter in 1814.

Sir Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex and Knight of the Garter (1537), was both Secretary of State to Henry VIII and Lord of the Manor of Ruxley.

Three Dukes of Norfolk in succession were both Knights of the Order (in 1483, 1510, and 1559) and Lords of the Manor of East Wickham, along with less well-known figures such as Viscount Lovell, Lord of the Manor of East Wickham who is commemorated by Lovell Avenue in Welling who received the honour in 1483 from Richard III.

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

John Howard, Duke of Norfolk

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.els@bexley.gov.uk

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local information

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.

9 March 7.30pm Council 5 April 7.30pm Public Cabinet 13 April 7.30pm Council 14 April 7pm Planning Committee

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

LOCAL MPS Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford

Louie French MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup

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 Louie French MP write to – House of Commons, Westminster London SW1A 0AA Email louie.french.mp@ parliament.uk

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

Telephone 020 7219 5446 www.louiefrench.org.uk Any surgery requests should be emailed to louie. french.mp@parliament.uk including your name, full address and details of the issue you would like to raise.

Abena Oppong Asare, MP for Thamesmead and Erith 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.

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 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

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what’s on!

March - July 2022

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

Online Fostering Information Sessions

Cycling ‘Try a ride’ sessions

Thursday 17 March, 6pm - 7pm Thursday 21 April, 6pm - 7pm Thursday 19 May, 6pm - 7pm

For residents over 50. Try out trikes, adult-size, electric, and fold-up bikes at these drop-in sessions. Age UK Bexley Cycling Club will be there to tell you more about their weekly social rides. No booking required. Hosted by the Council’s Road Safety Team in partnership with Age UK Bexley Cycling Club.

Speak to a Bexley foster carer and a friendly member of our fostering team to find out what it is like to foster a child with Bexley. To join, please email fostering@ bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 4400

Free Cycling Training

Adults living or working in Bexley can get free cycling training which includes: • Socially distanced and tailored courses to suit individual abilities and goals • Beginner courses in a safe off-road environment with a fully qualified instructor • Sessions to improve your urban (on-road) or advanced cycling skills • Family cycling sessions to gain confidence and learn skills to cycle as a family

www.bexley.gov.uk/cycling roadsafetyeducation@bexley. gov.uk

Let’s Go Cycling Easy paced social rides 10am, recurring event Danson House, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

emily.willey@ageukbexley. org.uk

letsgo@bikerider.com

07508 640 640

Bexley’s Apprenticeship Event 2022 Tuesday 10 May Civic Offices, Watling Street, DA6 7AT www.bexley.gov.uk/ apprenticeshipevent

10am to 4pm, 20 March, 10 April, 22 May, 19 June, and 17 July

Bazalgette Way, Abbey Wood, London SE2 9AQ

Age 16+ £15 or £10 if engines are not in steam. Age 5 to 15 £3. Under 5s free.

Explore this Grade I Listed industrial heritage site and see the magnificent Victorian beam engines. There is a free ‘make and take’ craft activity for families and a children’s activity trail. Always check times and book online. www.crossness.org.uk

Crayford Spring Carnival

Thamesmead Global Fiesta

Brazilian drumming and dance workshops. Street food vendors, stalls selling locally produced items, circus entertainers and magicians.

Funded by the Welcome Back Fund by the UK Government and European Union.

A free family friendly festival with a global twist. World Food and craft market from CC Events, Music stage with local acts and professional world music bands, Stage host and DJs from TACO, craft workshops, street theatre and walkabout acts. Follow

11 to 4pm, Saturday 19 March Waterside Gardens, Crayford DA1 4JJ

www.facebook.com/ LoveCrayford

Easy-paced social rides every Saturday morning by Let’s Go Cycling. Led by trained and competent leaders, the rides are aimed to be fun and enjoyable reaching back on time and not leaving anyone behind. All are welcome.

Online updates

11am to 1pm Friday 18 March, Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Avenue SE28 8NJ Friday 1 April, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL (meeting near the park toilets)

Crossness Pumping Love Crayford Market Station Family Open Day 10am to 3pm, recurring event

Learning and Enterprise College Bexley Enrolment Day 10am to 3pm, Saturday 19 March 5 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ

Interested in gaining a qualification or workplace skill? Come along and sign up for a new course. Families can also find out more about the many Supported Learning courses that the College offers for students with special education needs.

12 noon to 6pm, Saturday 26 March Cygnet Square, Thamesmead SE2 9FA

Every second Saturday of the month. 20 local businesses selling street food, produce and craft including bread, butchers’ meats, cakes, clothes, personalised gifts, and more. Local community groups and charities share their volunteer work and opportunities available.

Funded by the Welcome Back Fund by the UK Government and European Union. www.facebook.com/ LoveCrayford

The Association of Bexley Charities ’78 Grand Spring Fair

9:45am to 1pm, Saturday 23 April United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ

Admission 50p, children free Local charities will be selling CDs, DVDs, jewellery, cards, books, jams, cakes, pickles, toys, model railway accessories, collectables, children’s games and more.

Raffle and refreshments will be available.

One to look out for: Summer Reading Challenge 2022 9 July to 10 September

Available in all Bexley libraries and is open to children of all @thamesmeadnow on Instagram. ages and reading abilities. You www.thamesdnow.org.uk can also volunteer to help run the Challenge in your Sidcup Producers Market local library. More details will 10am to 2pm, recurring event become available over the Nisbett Walk, Sidcup coming months.

DA14 6BT

First Friday of the month.

Support the local economy and reduce food (and product) miles. Up to 10 local businesses will be selling handmade products including speciality bread, butchers’ meats, cakes, eco-friendly products and more. www.facebook.com/ TheProducersMarkets

www.lecb.ac.uk

www.bexley.gov.uk/events

Waterside Gardens, Crayford DA1 4JJ

www.bexley.gov.uk/bexleylibraries

What’s on at Lesnes Abbey

Lesnes Abbey Woods, New Road SE2 0AX www.lesnesabbeywoods.org www.facebook.com/lesnesabbey

Spring Talks

10:30am at Lesnes Abbey Lodge. Adults £3.50.

28 April - Recent

@whatsoninbexley

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Archaeological Finds at Lesnes Abbey 19 May - Lesnes Abbey and the Archaeological Landscape of Bexley 16 June - Introduction to the Archaeology and Recording of Ancient Buildings

Spring crafts workshop 10am, 12pm and 2pm, Wednesday 13 April

£6 for 1.5-hour sessions for children.

Easter Bonnet making workshop 10am, 12pm and 2pm, Thursday 14 April

£6 for children.

Walking History Tours of Lesnes Abbey 11:30am and 1:30pm, recurring event

Free. Every second Sunday of the month. www.facebook.com/ FriendsofLesnesAbbey

Crown and bunting making workshop 10am, 12pm and 2pm, Thursday 2 June £6

Lesnes Abbey Farmers Market

10am to 3pm, recurring event Every second Sunday of every month.

Stalls including jams and chutneys, eco-friendly products, refill services, knitting workshops, homewares, fruit and veg, plants, gifts and more. The Friends of Lesnes Group will talk about their volunteer work and offer free guided tours of the ruins. www.facebook.com/ LesnesAbbeyFarmersMarket

Lesnes Abbey Easter Event

11am to 4pm, Saturday 16 April

Local businesses selling locally produced items perfect for your Easter weekend, street food, cakes and bakery items. Lesnes Lodge is also running a prebooked Easter egg hunt.

Big Jubilee Lunch

11am to 4pm, Sunday 5 June

Enjoy singers, circus performers and magicians, free arts and crafts and kids entertainment. Browse the stalls selling amazing locally produced items and street food celebrating the culture and diversity of the UK. Scavenger Hunt in the Park 11am to 3pm, £3.50.

What’s on at Hall Place & Gardens Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ www.hallplace.org.uk

01322 526574

Farmer’s Market

10am to 2pm, recurring event

Free entry. First Sunday and third Saturday of each month.

Fresh local produce from a small selection of stalls on each date. Suitable for all, outside on hard standing.

Jambs Owls Experience Friday to Sunday inc. bank holidays. Wednesday to Sunday during school holidays. 10am to 4pm in March, 10am to 5pm from April onwards.

£4 adult, £3 child Run by Jambs Owls who look after visitor-friendly barn owls, eagle owls and many other species, hear about how owls survive in the wild, what they like to eat and their nocturnal habits.

Bexley Butterfly House & Plant Centre

10am to 4:30pm, every day £4 adult, £3 child and concessions (Under 3s free)

Visit our Tropical Butterfly House and be amazed as they free fly around you. The Plant Centre also sells garden and houseplants, as well as rare and unusual ones. www.bexleybutterflyhouse. co.uk

Easter Garden Trail

10am to 4pm, 1 to 24 April

May Garden Trail 10am to 4pm, 21 May to 12 June

children aged 3 to 10 years.

Children must always be accompanied. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes for walking the site over uneven ground and grass areas. Small prize included. Bring a pen or pencil with you or buy one from the shop.

Here comes the Sun

What’s on at The Exchange

Wasteless Market

The Old Library, Walnut Tree Road, Erith DA8 1RS www.theexchangeerith.com

01322 341144

Life Drawing

6:30pm to 8:30pm, recurring event

£10, £8 concessions Join local artist Colin Dyer every Thursday, learning to observe and draw from life in a relaxed environment. No booking required. 18+ only.

Theatre Box Performing Arts Academy 4:15pm to 7:30pm, recurring event £5 -Every Monday and Tuesday

Jade and the TBox team for a series of performing arts workshops for young people.

They include musical theatre, drama, street dance and singing. No booking required.

www.theatreboxacademy.co.uk

Goan Culture Evening at The Bookstore 18 and 19 March

25 and 27 March - Free

Come and celebrate our first annual spring festival filled with live music, food, garden workshops, craft sessions, and pop-up Bexley Brewery beer and cider bar. Day and evening event. No booking required. All ages.

11am to 3pm, 3 April, 1 May, 5 June, and 3 July - Free

Drop off your terracycle plastics, crisp packets, and stock up on all your plastic free essentials. For every person who attends a Wasteless Event, a tree will be planted! No booking required. All ages.

Events at The United Reformed Church

Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ

Card making class

1:30pm to 3pm, recurring event. First Wednesday of each month. Beginner’s welcome.50+ social group 7:30pm to 9:30pm, recurring event. £2.50 per week.

Annual membership £6.

Every Monday. Friendly social group for ages 50+. Take part in activities including bingo, beetle drive, quizzes, going for a meal or a trip to the theatre and more. Occasional guest speaker. themondaygroup1@gmail.com

01322 287 356

Join us at The Bookstore for an authentic taste of Goa. Please reserve your table soon as our culture menus often book up fast! Evening menu. Reserve table via the website. All ages.

Knit and natter

Craft Market

Lunch club and café

11am to 2pm, 20 March - Free

Stalls from local artists and creators from Erith and the local area in the Town Square at The Exchange selling the handcrafted products. Coffee available from the Bookstore No booking required. All ages.

1:30pm to 3pm, recurring event. Third Wednesday of the month. Knit, crochet, embroider, or just natter!

Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee.

Every Thursday, 10:30am to 12pm for tea and coffee.

12pm to 1:30pm for lunch £5 for a 2-course meal with a drink and £6 for a 3-course meal with a drink.

Everyone is welcome. No need to book. Café open from 10am to 12pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

£2.50 per trail sheet Suitable for families with

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Help to lose weight with Counterweight The London Borough of Bexley has received additional funding from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities to increase their weight management services and is offering extra help for people to lose weight.

On the Counterweight Programme, you will be supported by a dietitian, given weekly educational content and can access extra support through the Counterweight app.

The programme runs for 16 weeks and is divided into 3 stages: X Meal Replacement X Food Reintroduction X Weight Loss Maintenance Get started! To register for your free programme place, scan the QR code with your phone and follow the instructions on our website.

Website: https://swipe.counterweight.org/bexley-referral facebook.com/counterweight.programme Instagram: @counterweight.programme We look forward to welcoming you to the programme

Interior & Exterior

Painting & Decorating Experienced, Reliable & Clean Fully Guaranteed & Insured References Available FREE No Obligation Quote & Advice Given Contact John at James & Lamont 020 8462 4646 I 07802 535695 jamlam@btinternet.com

Do you have time to Volunteer?

We are looking for the following Volunteers to provide telephone support from our Belvedere Office; z

Advice & Information

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Welfare & Benefits Including Blue Badge, taxi card and Attendance Allowance applications

We also need befriending volunteers to provide people with visits in their homes.

Also we are calling all knitters to help us knit 3,000 hats for the innocent. smoothie bottles.

To apply for any of our Volunteer Roles please contact our Volunteer Coordinator - Gemma Smith Phone: 020 8300 7086 ext 254 email: gemma.smith@ageukbexley.org.uk web: www.ageukbexley.org.uk

28 607611 NEW WEB BEX MAG SPRING 2022-LBBL1369.indd 28

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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 5159

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.

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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

30

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 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 https://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

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Bridge Mental Health 020 8298 9677 Bridging the Gap for Autism 020 8300 5444 / 07557 278 215 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 Cray Cottage Bowls Club Erith - 07971 053484 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 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

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

Friends of the Shuttle www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheShuttle 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.facebook.com/ LesnesAbbeyConservationVolunteers 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 Philatelic Society 07947 859016 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 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 U3A - University of the Third Age 020 8311 5295 or 07710 324717 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

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

See page 26 for ou upcomin r g onlin fostering e informat ion sessions

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News

CONTACT US NOW!

A “User-Led” Charitable Organisation working in partnership with

Advertise in the Bexley Magazine from just £220 Email communications@bexley.gov.uk to book space in our Summer issue

Welcome to Inspire’s Living Solutions & Mobility Shop

JE lifts Limited

JE Lifts Limited are a local Bexley Based Company Serving Clients in London and the South-East and expanding across the UK

We have a wide range of equipment and trained advisors to assist customers with appropriate equipment selection for promoting independence & improving the quality of their lives.

An award-winning local lift company looking for motivated staff to fill positions as expansion continues.

Location: 50 High Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6EH Tel: 020 8300 6038

Currently a Credit Controller is required based at the office an experienced position to suit 3-5 days per week.

607611 NEW WEB BEX MAG SPRING 2022-LBBL1369.indd 32

With expansion plans in place over the coming months opportunities to work in the Lift Industry are available for a suitable candidate.

Please forward CV to Jane@jelifts.co.uk

16/02/2022 14:21:39