Bexley Magazine - Summer 2021 by London Borough of Bexley

Bexley

Summer

News

Latest news and information from your Council

Magazine Summer 2021

Y REC

UCE D E R

CL E W H AT ’ S

Join our food waste campaign Shop local shop safe Local information – community news - what’s on

advertisements

News

Inside

your magazine 6 Sidcup update

7 #doitforbexley

10 Adult education courses

11 Summer learning fun

14 Support our food waste campaign Six things 21 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

Welcome As this Magazine is being delivered, we are about to enter the next stage of the Government’s Covid roadmap. If all goes to plan, then most of the restrictions that we have been living with for over a year will be lifted on 21 June. We know that we cannot be complacent. We all need to make sure we have both our Covid vaccine jabs and regular tests, because Covid is likely to be part of our lives for some time. In line with the lifting of the restrictions, we have featured news on what you can do in the borough now that life is slowly returning to normal. We have also included news on some of the exciting growth developments that have progressed during the pandemic. The new Sidcup cinema and library continues to take shape in the south of the borough, as does the Southmere development in the north. I was lucky enough to visit the new homes at Old Farm Place recently and they are proving popular. All are signs of a bright future for the borough. If you want to make plans for your own future – a new career, new hobby or meeting new people – check the new curriculum at our Learning and Enterprise College Bexley. Now is the perfect time to try new things. I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and healthy summer.

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 • Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk Distributed free of charge to every property in the borough Editorial: Bexley Communications Team. Designed and produced by: Bexley Graphics. London Borough of Bexley does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE Leader of the Council

news

Duke of Edinburgh The Mayor, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE and two local MPs were joined by Bexley’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant on Saturday 17 April to stand in silence outside the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath, in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, whose funeral service was being held at Windsor Castle at that time. The Mayor, Cllr James Hunt said: “It is so important that we remember and recognise the wonderful and fun experiences that thousands of Bexley’s young people have benefitted from by taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. We remember, with great fondness, his visit to the former Civic Offices and Bexleyheath town centre on 13 March 1984. “His loss will be felt deeply across the Commonwealth and around the world.”

Leader of the Council Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Rt Hon Sir David Evennett MP for Bexleyheath & Crayford, Councillor James Hunt, Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley, Dave Easton JP DL, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup & Minister for Security, and the Borough’s Macebearer, Paul Holloway.

New Cabinet Members Following the annual Council meeting in May, changes have been made to Bexley’s Cabinet. l Cllr David Leaf is now the Deputy Leader of the Council as well as Cabinet Member for Resources. Two Councillors have joined Bexley’s Cabinet. l Cllr Sue Gower MBE will lead on Communities and Cllr Cafer Munur will lead on Growth.

10 June 1921 - 9 April 2021

The full Cabinet list is now l Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE - Leader of the Council l Councillor David LeafDeputy Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Resources l Councillor Peter Craske - Cabinet Member for Places l Councillor John Fuller - Cabinet Member for Education l Councillor Sue Gower MBE - Cabinet Member for Communities l Councillor Cafer Munur - Cabinet Member for Growth l Councillor Philip Read - Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Longlands by election The new Councillor for Longlands Ward is Lisa-Jane Moore.

A by-election was held on Thursday 6 May in Longlands Ward, following the resignation of former Councillor Gareth Bacon. The results were – Election candidate - Party name Votes Paul William Hurren - Liberal Democrats 275 Lisa-Jane Moore - Conservative Party 2,467 Linda Purcell - Heritage Party 49 Jonathon Scot Rooks - Green Party 323 David Joel Michael Tingle - Labour Party 859

l Councillor Brad Smith - Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services

Changes to Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairmen The Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees are: l Councillor Caroline Newton - Children’s and Adults’ Services

l Councillor Richard Diment Communities l Councillor Howard Jackson - Resources and Growth l Councillor Melvin Seymour Chairman of the Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee To find out more about the Cabinet and the roles of Councillors in Bexley visit www.bexley.gov. uk/democracy

news

Children’s Centres consultation

The next stage of consultation into the future of Bexley’s Children’s Centres started last month. The consultation will run until 11 July. The first part of the consultation took place last year and was very successful with more than 3,700 residents taking part. As a result, the Council moved to a second stage that proposes a new model for the centres. The new model would see a dedicated in-house Children’s Centre team providing targeted support to children and their families.

The proposals would also see more services run from Children’s Centre buildings, as well as from other venues across the Borough. Find out more about the proposals, have your say, or book onto one of our virtual focus group sessions and tell us what you think. Visit www. bexley.gov.uk/consultations

Have your say on the future of Bexley’s Children’s Centres Monday 10 May – Sunday 11 July

Complete online or pick up a copy of the questionnaire from: l Danson Children’s Centre - DA7 4EZ l Bexley Civic Offices - DA6 7AT l Normandy Children’s Centre - DA7 6QP l West Street Children’s Centre - DA8 1LW

www.bexley.gov.uk/consultations

Have your say on improved transport links

Now is your chance to help shape exciting plans for improved, fast public transport services connecting the north of the borough with central London, Dartford and Ebbsfleet. Bexley has been working with partners, including the Mayor of London, Kent County Council and Dartford and Gravesham councils. The partnership is using government funding to develop proposals to extend the Elizabeth line east of Abbey Wood to Belvedere, Erith, Slade Green, Dartford and Ebbsfleet. The new services would shorten journey times into central London and Heathrow and help support new jobs and homes for residents, as

set out in the Bexley Growth Strategy. February saw a public consultation on a series of potential options. These included extensions of the Elizabeth line, improvements to national rail services and a new bus rapid-transit service. Over 98% of respondents supported an extension of the Elizabeth line, 57% improvements to national rail services and 24% a new bus rapid transit. These options are being developed further and a new public

consultation will provide further details from late June.

Have your say www.abbey wood2ebbsfleet.com The results of the consultation will be combined with technical work on the transport options, associated development opportunities and funding mechanisms to produce a business case to the government for further funding in October.

“This is a really important opportunity for residents and businesses to give their views on how improved public transport links are important to them. While there is currently a lot of uncertainty on the future of public transport, we know that better links will be fundamental to our plans for new highquality homes and jobs which can be accessed in safe, sustainable ways. “By responding to this consultation, you can demonstrate to Government how important new public transport links are to the future of our area.” Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley and Chairman of the C2E Partnership.

news

Restoration works complete at Carnegie, Erith Work is now complete on the second phase of the restoration work at the Exchange, formerly known as the Carnegie Library. Recent improvements included further repair and renovation of the first and second floor, a new lift to make the space fully accessible and the completion and fit out of new workshop spaces, as well as external landscaping and new openings to provide better access. The workshops will provide new learning opportunities and provide a space for local people to learn skills in ceramics, textiles, woodwork, print, performance and the creation of garden spaces. The Council owns the building and has been one of the major funders of the project since the first phase of improvement works started in 2018.

Funding for the latest improvements was provided by the Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and by further fundraising by local charitable community benefit society, The Exchange, who manage the building. The latest works follow the restoration of the basement of the building, which was completed in 2019 when the new Bookstore café and community space opened. The Exchange reopened the building in mid-May, to welcome the community back with a programme of events, including gardening, crafts and concerts. For more information about these events visit www.theexchangeerith.com

Housing allocation consultation The second stage of consultation on the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy will close on 18 June. The consultation is on a further refinement following earlier consultation in 2019. The changes reflect new duties, alongside a private sector offer protocol. The proposals would ensure that the Council is able to meet its housing duties and make the most effective use of the limited affordable housing stock that is available for rent in the borough. Keep an eye on www.bexley.gov.uk/news for the results of the consultation.

New Sidcup development takes shape The new Sidcup cinema and library is starting to take shape as construction continues at pace. The collaborative project comprises a four-storey building, providing a 3-screen cinema with additional studio, modern library facilities, a café and bar, provision of a Changing Places WC and residential

apartments. The Council is working in partnership with experienced cinema operators Really Local Group and the building is scheduled to open in 2022.

Use FixMyStreet You can use FixMyStreet for reporting things which are broken or dirty, damaged or dumped, and need fixing, cleaning or clearing, like graffiti, dog fouling, potholes or streetlights. Simply type in a postcode or record

your location on your smartphone and describe the problem. FixmyStreet will send your report to the right place. You can download the free FixmyStreet app for iOS and Android. You can also report online at www.fixmystreet.com

volunteers

#doitforbexley

“We want to thank all those volunteers who have played such a vital part in helping the community as part of Bexley’s response to the pandemic. Bexley’s community spirit is one of our greatest assets. People who willingly give up their time to help others and #doitforbexley make it a reality.” Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE Leader, London Borough of Bexley Those that have made a difference since March 2020 include X Over 400 Community Champions, who have shared information locally and provided feedback X 144 volunteers who helped as Covid marshals X All those who have volunteered for local organisations, including our food banks, Isolation Help Bexley, our litter pickers and our parks volunteers, plus those who helped their neighbours with shopping and in other ways that have make such a difference.

“I decided to become a Community Champion as soon as I read about the opportunity, as I was doing it informally anyway. “I have lived in my road for over 40 years, taught many local children and know all my neighbours. We meet regularly and, when the first lockdown started, we formed a WhatsApp group to help each other with shopping and supplies. “Being a Community Champion seemed a great opportunity to stay informed and be able to pass on up-to-date information to neighbours, some of whom are elderly and do not have the internet.” Sandie Higgs, Sidcup

“I became a Community Champion because I want to help things get back to normal. I own a newsagent and it’s been a really tough year, both for the business and also for my health. We’re getting through it though. “Small businesses like ours are important to local communities. I am helping my customers stay informed. I have been putting Community Champions leaflets into the newspapers that we deliver. Many of these people are virtually housebound and we are one of their few connections to the outside world. We can bring accurate local information to them as well as the national and world news.” Paresh Patel, Crayford

Online panto fun The St Mary’s (Welling) Players Production group didn’t let Covid stop them performing during the last lockdown. The local group put on a Zoom production of ‘Cinderella’. The group received a Bexley Civic Award for their online panto of Cinderella. The production that premiered on 11 December had over 1,000 views. You can still watch the panto for free here www.tinyurl.com/ STMWP St Mary’s (Welling) Players Committee member Michelle Mendoza said: “Like most theatre groups we haven’t been able to put on shows this year, so we provided our humble

offering for those missing Panto!” Their latest production ‘Murder at the Ramming Estate’ will also be available to watch using the same link sometime in June. For information on the group - including updates on latest productions and information about booking tickets - visit www.facebook.com/ WellingPlayersProductions

news

Southmere progress

The Leader was there to look at the progress of the new homes at Southmere. The new Centre is a multipurpose building for current and prospective residents to find out more Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE with Matthew Foulis and Sarah-Jane Day of Peabody about what Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE visited Thamesmead already has to Peabody’s Marketing Suite and offer, as well as its exciting Discovery Centre on Harrow future. Manorway near Abbey Wood station last month.

New homes in demand

Cllr O’Neill joined Matthew Foulis, Peabody’s Project Director Thamesmead and Sarah-Jane Day, their Resident Information Manager for a tour of the centre and a show home. Peabody is soon to complete phase 1a of the Southmere development, which includes 130 new homes, a public square and new library with community facilities. If you would like to visit the Marketing Suite and Discovery Centre contract Sarah-Jane at www.thamesmeadnow.org.uk to make an appointment.

Libraries reopen in June

As the Government Covid roadmap continues to progress cautiously across the country, the borough’s libraries are looking to open their doors to the public on Monday 21 June.

The Mayor and the Leader of the Council visited Old Farm Place recently, to officially open show homes on the site. Old Farm Place is the first scheme brought forward by BexleyCo, the Council’s wholly owned development company. BexleyCo has built 58 houses and apartments at Old Farm Place, which were offered to local people first. Some homes were for sale, while others were offered through a Registered Provider, Moat Housing, for shared ownership and affordable rent.

Returns generated by the sale of the new homes will be reinvested back into services for Bexley residents. BexleyCo also worked with the Council to improve the public park next to the development. It includes a new all-weather path, play and exercise equipment, new planting and seats where people can rest and chat.

The re-opening of the libraries in Bexley has been gradual because library staff were re-deployed to help deal with the impact of Covid. Crayford and Central libraries have been offering a ‘click and collect’ service while the other libraries were closed. Many library staff worked in the rapid test centre at the Civic Offices, some were redeployed to help with business grant applications and others were part of the borough’s test and trace service. The planned reopening of libraries is subject to further positive progress with the government’s roadmap. When they reopen, there will be new opening times at each library, as part of the new model agreed by Bexley’s Cabinet in January. Stay up-to-date with the reopening and new opening times by visiting www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

COVID-19 update

As we go to print, hopefully the easing of restrictions which began in May means that we can now enjoy many of the freedoms denied to us over the last year.

Easing restrictions

The removal of the last lockdown curbs in England is expected on 21 June. It’s important to remember that while restrictions may have eased, the virus hasn’t gone away. It’s still around, which is why it is important to keep doing your bit to stop the spread and to protect your friends and family. Please remember to stick to the guidelines, get tested regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms, and vaccinated when it’s your turn. For details on rapid tests in Bexley www.bexley.gov.uk/rapidtests www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Vaccine rollout The uptake of the vaccine in Bexley is above the average for England. As we go to print, more than 60% of residents have had their first dose and almost 40% have had both doses. These figures are expected to increase significantly as the rollout of the vaccine accelerates in the Borough and we are on track for all residents to be offered the vaccine by July. The Covid-19 vaccines have already saved thousands of lives and the benefit for most of the

Bexley’s New Mayor Cllr James Hunt has been elected the London Borough of Bexley’s 58th Mayor. It will be the second term Cllr Hunt will serve as Mayor. Cllr Hunt’s wife, Christine, will be the Mayoress. Cllr Hunt said: “It is a great honour to have been elected Mayor for a second term. “As Bexley’s Covid Mayor I tried to do all I could to support our Borough during an awful year, and hope this year to get out and meet as many of our amazing community as I can after a year of virtual meetings. “I would again like to thank all the amazing volunteers who stepped up last year and supported the community. We will never forget the evils of Covid 19 but let’s hope we also don’t forget how last year it also brought us all together, one community, one Bexley.

“This year we will honour those we have lost, and support building Bexley back better and stronger.” Cllr Hunt has appointed Councillor Alan Downing to be his Deputy Mayor. Mrs Ross Downing will be the Deputy Mayoress. Cllr Hunt will continue to raise funds to support the activities of Bexley’s Looked After Children, as well as Bexley Crossroads. www.bexley.gov.uk/aboutthe-council/mayor/currentmayor

population is clear: if you are offered the vaccine, you should take it. If you are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, you can book your vaccine online at www. nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by speaking to your GP surgery.

Home First The NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group (SEL CCG) have developed a programme designed to enable most people, where possible, to be cared for at home or in a community bed, rather than having to go into hospital. The Home First programme is part of the SEL CCG’s vision that will enable partners to provide flexible, holistic and rapid interventions which will provide an alternative to hospital care. Home First will launch later this month. Find out more www.selondonccg. nhs.uk/homefirst

learning

Time to plan your future The new course curriculum at the Learning and Enterprise College Bexley (LECB) went online earlier this month. The Reading Agency and Bexley libraries are excited to introduce Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021, a celebration of nature and action for the environment, in partnership with WWF UK.

Illustrations © Heath McKenzie 2021

This year’s special nature-themed Challenge is taking place from Saturday 10 July to Friday 10 September and will inspire your little ones to stand up for the planet. Wild World Heroes will feature amazing books, awesome rewards, and plenty of ideas for taking care of our environment. You can take your child to any library in Bexley to sign up for free. Children of all ages and reading abilities set themselves a reading goal, then read any

books of their choice to collect special stickers and other rewards along the way. The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays and is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. Children can also take part online at www. wildworldheroes.org.uk

Now is the time to sign up to something new at your friendly, local adult education college. As usual there are a huge range of courses to choose from. For anyone interested in changing or furthering their career there are ‘Learning for work’ courses that include everything from accountancy, childcare, teaching, counselling and general admin. Some of these courses are available to local employers, to suit their workforce and business. Adults who do not have a GCSE grade 4/C or above in either English or maths are entitled to study either of these at the LECB for FREE! If you are looking to take up a new hobby or refresh an old one, our ‘Creative Industries’ courses include pottery, glass making, dressmaking, floristry, painting, drawing, photography and much more. Our ‘Health and Wellbeing’ courses can get you up line or ballroom dancing, rocking the room with Zumba, stretching in Pilates, or taking part in

mindfulness or Tai Chi sessions in peace and quiet. Other Health and Wellbeing courses include learning about nutrition and mental health first aid. ‘Supported Learning’ courses for residents with additional needs include comic making, cooking, safety online and pottery. ‘Family Learning’ courses encourage the whole family to bond over fun activities such as ‘Little Scientists’, ‘Art Club’ and ‘Confident Kids’. The College offers a range of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as well as ESOL maths and work skills courses. A full career advice service is also available to learners at the College. Many of the courses are subsidised for people on some benefits and some are free depending on circumstances. Due to Covid restrictions until 21 June enrolment is by phone or online only. Visit www.lecb.ac.uk to find out more about any of the 3 July above or call open day! 020 3045 5176.

Look out for details on our website

Schools almost out – but there’s still lots to do! It has been a very unusual school year for our younger residents During lockdown our schools remained open for children of key workers and those in need, as well as supporting parents and carers with home learning. Although the summer holidays may be just around the corner, we thought it will be helpful to bring together some different ways that children can continue to learn during the break.

Other fun learning websites

What’s on

www.schoolofkindness.org free Kids Kindness Club with weekly activities. www.place2be.org.uk - The Art Room, developed by Place 2 Be - activities to support mental health and wellbeing www.animateartscompany.comart workshops and online guides www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things-to-do - 50 things to do before you are 11 ¾ list!

Our what’s on pages at the end of this Magazine have lots of information about what’s going on around the borough during the summer for our younger residents. For the very latest information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/whatson

Other ways to support your child’s learning over the summer

Bexley Children’s University Over the summer, we will be sharing lots of information and activities on our Children’s University’s social media channels. This will include challenges, activities or events taking place locally. You do not have to be a part of Children’s University to take part. We are also hoping to launch a family Bexley Children’s University membership over the summer. www.facebook.com/ bexleychildrensuni twitter.com/BexleyCU As part of the Children’s University programme, you can also access our local ‘Learning destinations’. These are activities suitable for a variety of ages and cover a range of local activities and experiences. www.lsec.ac.uk/children-suniversity/learning-destination

www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies www.learnenglishkids. britishcouncil.org www.mathplayground.com/ games.html www.thekidzpage.com/ learninggames www.ictgames.com www.oxfordowl.co.uk www.ttrockstars.com www.readingeggs.co.uk www.schoolreadinglist.co.uk

Transition time At the end of the summer break many young people will be changing schools. There are some useful tips on supporting transition to primary and secondary school at www.place2be.org.uk

Learning outside If all stays well and Covid restrictions continue to be relaxed, we should be able to enjoy a fun summer out and about. Our borough has over 100 parks and open spaces to explore from parks with water features, lakes, river trails and Tudor houses to parks with fossils, ruins, flowers and bike trails and much more. There really is something for everyone. Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/parks

Children with additional needs Our Bexley Local Offer website has a full calendar of activities for children with additional needs and their families. www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/ Training Bexley Snap have lots of information on their website, including details of their usual holiday programme. www.bexleysnap.org.uk/ holiday-scheme Bexley Voice is a great place to visit for information and advice on education and events for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities www.bexleyvoice.org.uk

Summer Reading Challenge Details on previous page.

caring

Foster Care Fortnight - #WhyWeCare Bexley celebrated National Foster Care Fortnight in May, to help raise awareness about the need for more foster carers to join Bexley’s fostering team. It’s a chance to be part of the incredible work our foster carers do to change local children and young people’s lives for the better. To celebrate the fortnight, Bexley foster carers shared the reasons why they care. Amara said: “I think every child deserves to have a better life. Children in care haven’t had the opportunity, and it’s good to encourage them and teach them to be independent. For me, it’s to be there for them, no matter what.” Rob explained: “I would like to give the children we have safety, happiness and love, and teach them how to look after themselves for independent living later in life.”

You can read more about what motivates our fantastic foster carers by following the Bexley Fostering Facebook and Twitter pages. Or sign up to the fostering email newsletters at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

If you have a spare bedroom and want to make a life-changing difference to a local child, please call our friendly team on 020 3045 4400 or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering

Supporting Bexley’s Carers The theme of this year’s Carers Week, 7-13 June, was ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued’. Some 6.5 million people in the UK are carers. They are looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who needs extra help as they grow older. Covid-19 has meant that Carers across the country have taken on huge challenges, with many having to provide more care while dealing with financial pressures and isolation. We know many of our carers are currently unable to access services such as day care, and currently have little respite from their caring role. As ever, they

remain dedicated to the person in their care. Cllr Brad Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “We are incredibly proud of our unpaid carers, who do a tremendous job all year round and are continuing to do so despite the impact of coronavirus. “To every informal carer in Bexley, whether you provide support for a relative, a neighbour, or a friend, the Council and our community thank you for the important and

selfless contribution that you make. “We recognise that there are many people who may not have had caring responsibilities before the pandemic, but who now find themselves in this role, and I want to extend my thanks to those individuals as well.” The Carers Partnership Board is currently developing a new action plan with local carers. Keep an eye on www.bexley.gov. uk/news or sign up for our carers enewsletter at www.bexley.gov. uk/newsupdates

careers

Social work careers in Bexley Using my passion to improve people’s lives Bonny Waterman is a qualified social worker and Bexley’s Interim Operational Manager in the Preparing for Adulthood team. In her early 20s, Bonny decided she wanted to help people with health and social difficulties to improve their lives and became a volunteer advocate in Greenwich. After becoming qualified, she then began working as a counsellor. Bonny joined Bexley in 2013 as

a social care assistant Bexley Stroke Support Worker. Since then, Bonny has worked in several different roles in adult social care and was given the support she needed to become a qualified social worker. Bonny reflected on her successful career with Bexley and its career

development programmes for social workers and told us: “This journey and the support I have had from Bexley has been immense. I have no regrets. My experience is that Bexley is a great place to develop a career in adult social care.”

Giving young people a voice Ellis Anderson is a Senior Practitioner in Bexley’s Family Support and Child Protection Team. The team specialise in working with children and families who require long-term interventions and support. Before becoming a social worker, Ellis trained in musical theatre and worked in Disneyland Paris as Cinderella. Her love of working with children helped her to make the transition to working with children in another way. Ellis now works with the most vulnerable children and families in society, helping them to create and sustain long-lasting and positive change in their lives. Ellis has been a qualified social worker for the last six years. She told us: “It is amazing to be able to build working relationships with young people of all ages and stages. The best bits are when children and young people put their trust in you as their social worker to make sure their voices are always heard.

“At times the pressure can mean we can be spread a little thin. I pride myself on providing an equal service to all children and families, this requires hard work and lots of organisational skills. “The job can be rewarding and no two days are the same. As a children’s social worker you get to work hard to make a difference in people’s lives. “When you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in a difficult situation, you know you have what it takes to be a social worker”.

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

environment

Join our new campaign to cut food waste These 6 things can help us all reduce waste and save money

Recycle what’s left

REDUCE

Y REC

Use your kitchen caddy and food waste box

CL E W H AT ’ S

Our aim is to reduce food waste in Bexley by 25%, which will save Council taxpayers over £400,000! That’s because food that ends up in your green bin is sent for incineration, for which we get charged by the tonne. If you follow our tips, you could cut waste and save money too.

Food waste we collect in our brown bins is taken to a special processing plant, where it is made into electricity and compost for farmers. You can order a new, improved and fox resistant box on our website www.bexley.gov.uk/ replacementbins

Get the best from your food waste box X Use the box only for food waste. Remove all packaging.

Reduce

X Collect your food in newspaper or starch liners to reduce mess. You can buy starch liners at most supermarkets.

There are several ways you can reduce food waste: X Plan your meals so you only buy what you need and use up your leftovers.

X Place your food waste into our food waste recycling box and put it on top of your recycling wheeled bin, where our crews can easily see it.

X Shop smart: Make a shopping list and keep an eye on date labels. X Store food correctly, so it will last longer.

Start home composting

If you have a garden, you can use a compost bin to turn your garden waste into compost to enrich your soil. We have teamed up with Get Composting to offer special rates on new compost bins. Visit www.getcomposting.com

Donate to Community fridges There are two community fridges in the borough, at Belvedere Community Centre and Bostall Community Library. Local businesses and residents use them to share surplus fresh food with others, to help reduce waste. Find out more at https:// careservices.bexley.gov.uk/ Services/1829

Donate to Food banks Bexley food banks welcome donations of non-perishable food items – and other products - to help people in crisis. If you have excess food, or wish to help visit https://bexley.foodbank.org.uk/ give-help/donate-food/

To join the campaign, find out how much waste we are saving and share your ideas sign up to our email newsletter at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates or follow London Borough of Bexley on social media.

Take care with your zombie batteries Dead batteries thrown away with other waste and recycling are a potentially serious hazard. They are likely to be crushed or punctured when the waste is collected and processed. Some battery types - like lithium-ion (Li-ion) and nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) - can ignite or even explode when they’re damaged, putting lives at risk.

You can dispose of batteries responsibly by using battery recycling points in shops and recycling centres. Please ensure they are not placed in the refuse bins or the waste compactors at the recycling centre.

Free weight loss support If you have a BMI of 25 or above and you’re registered with a Bexley GP, you could be eligible for 12 weeks free at Slimming World. In-person groups are now running shorter, smaller sessions to help keep everyone safe. Call 01773 307387 to self-refer (NHS number required) or asked to be referred by your GP. For children who need help losing weight, check out Alive

‘N’ Kicking. It’s a free 12-week course for children aged 4 to 11 providing age-appropriate activities, behavioural change strategies and healthy eating advice that will help benefit the whole family. Find out more at www.everyonehealth. co.uk/service/alive-n-kicking

Time to quit

Many people try to quit smoking without any help but getting the right support will make success four times more likely. Bexley Stop Smoking Service is available to anyone who wants to stop smoking and who has a Bexley GP. We offer free, friendly and effective practical support as

well as advice on stop smoking medications. We also advise on vaping. Visit www.smokefreebexley. co.uk to find out more or call 0800 783 2514

E-scooters

You can buy an e-scooter in the UK, but you can only use it on private land - not on a public road, cycle lane or pavement. This is because they don’t always have number plates, signalling ability or visible rear lights. E-scooters are treated as motor vehicles by the Department of Transport. They must have an MOT, licencing, tax and insurance. What happens if I am stopped by the police? The police will advise you on the law and may ask you to take your e-scooter home. They may penalise you depending on the seriousness of the offence. If caught riding an e-scooter, you may receive: X a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance, with a £300 fine and six penalty points X a Fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence, up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points Other offences which may result in penalties include riding on the footpath, using a mobile phone, riding through red lights and drink driving offences. www.met.police.uk/e-scooters

communities

Crayford pickers

Anniversary of the death of George Floyd George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was murdered in Minneapolis in the USA on 25 May 2020, while being arrested by police.

Crayford Little Pickers are a group of children who want to do their bit to keep Bexley clean and green. The group litter pick the Crayford area three times a week, with each Little Picker taking responsibility for their own road. The Council cannot be everywhere at once, so having this group who are willing to enhance the services we already provide, taking pride in where they live and helping to keep areas clean is beneficial for us all. Litter picking equipment has been provided and it is great to

hear that the children are all keen recyclers and like to separate as much of the litter as possible. Thank you to the Little Pickers for #doingitforbexley and for helping to protect the local environment. You are all recycling superstars! The Council is seeking more volunteers to join the community litter picking scheme. To find out more please email communitylitterpickers@ bexley.gov.uk

Isolation Help Isolation Help Bexley is a volunteer community group set up in March 2020. Its volunteers have helped hundreds of people with everyday tasks that had become more difficult during lockdown, like collecting a prescription, buying a newspaper, or walking a dog. It has even provided food and nappies to those in need. Its volunteers say the work has helped them too: with their confidence, mental health and feelings of isolation.

It all began with six founding members who had an idea to help others at the start of the pandemic. Isolation Help Bexley delivered 120,000 leaflets across the borough and recruited around 800 volunteers. Today the group continues its work and strives to make Bexley ‘London’s friendliest borough’. www.isolation helpbexley.com

Police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on two counts of murder and one of manslaughter in April. The crime prompted waves of protests last summer in support of racial justice in the US and across the world and understandably gave rise to very strong feelings. While there are many differences between the way the police operate in the US and the UK, there are no grounds for complacency. The Council is committed to listening to local communities and to its staff to understand better how it can tackle disadvantage and discrimination. The Council is working to ensure equality of opportunity and fair and equal treatment for all, both as a provider of services to local people and an employer.

Pride month Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honour the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) people. While positive changes have improved the lives of LGBTQ+ people, there is more that needs to be done.

Pride Month is an opportunity to teach equality and educate, bring people together in love and friendship, and celebrate our differences. Following the government’s recently announced timetable for easing lockdown restrictions, Pride in London will be returning to the capital on the weekend of 11 September 2021.

ways to look after your mental 5 health

The summer holidays are a great time to relax and enjoy the sunshine. But for some of us the lack of routine can be a struggle and cause unwanted emotions to creep in. You may find these ideas helpful: X Reach out to family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. X Try something new or rediscover an old hobby. Learning can be fun and help with your confidence. X Being more active can help improve your mood. Find an activity you enjoy and that suits your physical abilities.

Christians Against Poverty provide a free debt counselling service to everyone. They also offer a free money course and job clubs. Find out more at www.capuk.org

X Try volunteering in the community or simply helping a friend. Giving back can be rewarding and helps you meet people.

StepChange debt charity provides free debt advice through its telephone debt helpline and online debt remedy tool. Find out more at www.startchanging.co.uk

Bexley’s foodbanks Foodbanks in Bexley continue to help those most in need across the borough.

Bexley Foodbank Call 07932 431350 between 10am and 4pm www.bexley.foodbank.org.uk or email info@bexley.foodbank. org.uk

Financial advice If you’ve been affected financially due to Covid-19 there is a range of support available.

X Reflect and start taking a mental note of what you’re grateful for.

Contact them if you would like to access the foodbank, or if you would like to find out about donating goods.

For more support visit www.mind.org.uk or www.youngminds.org.uk

Slade Green Food Bank Call 07538 300768 or email sladegreenbiglocal@ outlook.com

Mind in Bexley Community Pantry 07951 493215 Email communitypantry@ mindinbexley.org.uk www.mindinbexley.org.uk

SmileyArk Kids Mobile Food Bank 07956 263531 Email kids@smileyark.com www.smileyark.com

The Learning & Enterprise College Bexley provides training workshops on interview skills, writing a CV, completing job applications, careers advice, and advice on in-work and back to work benefits. They also offer adult education, vocational qualifications and employment support. Find out more at www.lecb.ac.uk Shelter gives practical housing advice and support online, in person and by phone and helps with everything from mortgage arrears to finding a place to sleep. Find out more at www.shelter.org.uk Bexley Citizens Advice offers financial advice and information and signposts to other support. The CAB also offer advise on domestic abuse, family issues, immigration concerns and help with consumer issues. Call 01322 517150 www.bexleycab.org.uk

connected communities

Carers’ Support Bexley upcoming events Coffee Morning for Carers and former Carers - 10.30am– 12.30pm

Please note that Covid guidelines restrictions will be in place at both venues. Book by calling Joanne Flitton on 020 8302 8011 or email joanne@carerssupport.org

8 July, 12 August, 9 September & 14 October

Training sessions for Carers Carers’ Support (Bexley) will be running training sessions during the summer and autumn, on dates to be confirmed. Sessions will cover Coping with Stress, Emergency First Aid, Understanding Dementia, and Activities to do with Someone with Dementia. Look out for more details at www.carerssupport.org

Thursday Club (previously Monday Club) - for adults with learning disabilities and their Carers 11am–1pm Meetings held at Blackfen Community Library, 7-9 Blackfen Road, Sidcup DA15 9LU. Memory Support Group11am -1pm - for people with memory loss and their Carers 6 July, 20 July, 3 August, 17 August, 7 September, 21 September, 5 October & 19 October Wednesday Club - for any Carer to attend with the person they care for - 10.30am–12.30pm 14 July, 11 August, 8 September & 13 October

15 July, 19 August, 16 September & 21 October Meetings held at Christ Church Erith 1 Victoria Road, Erith DA8 3AN Carers Support Group for any Carer and the person they care for 11am-1pm 1 July, 5 August, 2 September & 7 October Carers Support Group for carers and former carers only - 11am-1pm 15 July, 19 August, 16 September & 21 October

Evening Support Group for Carers and former Carers - to be held on the 1st Monday of each month starting on 5 July, 7.30 to 9.30pm. Venue to be advised, but it will be in a pub in Bexley borough. Please call Jo at Carers’ Support to register your interest and we will let you know where we will be meeting as soon as we are sure.

Happy Birthday Bexley Mencap! It is a special time for Bexley Mencap as we celebrate Learning Disability Week, Carers Week and our 50th Birthday. The theme for this year’s Learning Disability Week (21–27 June) is creativity. Our members have been celebrating with arts and crafts, gardening, dance, music and much more. Being creative has helped people keep busy during the last year and has been a great way to keep in touch with friends. We run lots of groups for all different interests so if you have a learning disability and would like

to find out more about how to join please get in touch. We’re also delighted to support Carers Week in June: to raise awareness of the vital support that carers provide and the difference they make to their loved ones and our community. If you care for someone with a learning disability, our Family Support service provides a range of emotional and practical support, information and

opportunities to meet others. It’s also our 50th birthday as a local charity this year. We haven’t been able to celebrate our 50th year as we had hoped, but we’ll be announcing special celebrations later in the year when restrictions allow. Please follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter for all of the latest news at www.bexleymencap.org.uk

New changing place A new, fully accessible toilet has opened in the Broadway Shopping Centre The facility is the result of a partnership between the Council and NewRiver, who own the shopping centre. The Council funded the improvements. NewRiver has provided the space, overseen the works and will manage the new Changing Place. It opened in January and has been designed with the space and equipment for a person with disabilities and up to two carers. It boasts an easily accessible toilet, grab rails, a mobile changing bench,

hoist, adjustable wash basin and non-slip flooring. It can be used by any person with disabilities. It’s on the ground floor mall, close to the central staircase.

Opening hours Monday to Saturday (except Thursday) - 7am – 6pm Thursday 7am – 8pm Sunday 9am – 4pm

Neighbourhood Watch The Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA) has several groups covering different areas of local concern.

Shop Watch supports local traders and businesses. We are currently issuing Shop Watch window stickers to traders who are part of the scheme. Neighbour Hound Watch sees vigilant dog owners sniff out suspicious activity while walking, reporting back to Neighbourhood Watch. Over the years dog owners have reported burglaries, poison in woods, trip wires and aggressive

dogs - and owners. Neighbour Hound Watch has begun working with Erith based The Missing Paw Team UK, providing crime prevention advice around dog theft and supporting local dog owners. If you would like to know more about the schemes or how to become a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator email bexleynw@outlook.com

Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, Cllr Brad Smith, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work so successfully with NewRiver to make this possible. This will be a massive and positive benefit to all disabled residents and visitors to Bexleyheath town centre.” Rai Holdstock, Broadway Shopping Centre manager added: “We are absolutely delighted that the Changing Places facility is now open. From talking with local families and organisations we know how important and life-changing these facilities are.” The Changing Places toilet next to the Central library will re-open this summer. Details on the new security opening system will be available before the toilets are reopened.

Share your views on domestic abuse Bexley’s refreshed strategy sets out how we aim to reduce domestic abuse and its harmful impact on survivors, their families, and the wider community over the next five years. You can view it online at www. bexleydomesticabuseservices.org.uk It has been developed in partnership with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations, including an engagement exercise with domestic abuse survivors, service users and professionals. To get involved visit www.bexley. gov.uk/consultations and complete the online consultation by Friday 25 June.

business

Shop local, shop safe

Local businesses are the hearts of our communities. While many are pleased to be open once more, some are still feeling the strain. The Council has been supporting local businesses with free advice, training, and promotional items, to

help them become Covid-19 safe and confident with the different restrictions and changes. You can help our local businesses too and give Bexley’s local economy a boost. If you need to buy something, try your local store first.

Please remember to stay safe while shopping: always wear a face covering, use hand sanitiser and follow the signs or instructions given by shop staff.

A passion for business Cabinet Member for Growth Councillor Cafer Munur is keen to visit some of the borough’s unique or unusual businesses. The first two businesses he visited show why he believes that “hobbyists make great business owners”. Please email communications@ bexley.gov.uk if you would like Councillor Munur to visit your business.

Tokyo Toys The new Tokyo Toys Manga toy store in Sidcup will be a magnet for Anime enthusiasts. When they arrive, they will find a shop chock full of striking

and colourful Japanese toys: Pokémon and other game cards, plushes, bags, accessories, plastic models, games, cosplay costumes, books, snacks and brightly coloured soft drinks. Enthusiastic owner Hideki from Bexleyheath has been an Anime fan since childhood and the store is an expression of his passion. He is creating a games room inside, where enthusiasts can meet up or book their birthday party. You can find TokyoToys on Facebook, Instagram and at 6 Marechal Niel Parade, Main Road, Sidcup DA14 6QF.

Exclusively Koi Kevin Bolton is MD of a thriving business that sells Koi Carp - the national fish of Japan. He rediscovered his childhood passion for fish as an adult and set up his company in 2017. Working with his wife Reanna, Kevin skilfully rears a huge stock of carefully selected Koi in large ponds in his garden. Exclusively Koi sell all types and size of Koi, as well as the specialist Japanese food and other products that help them thrive. Exclusively Koi is now the number one Koi dealer on eBay for live fish sales. It’s also earned many Japanese awards. Keeping customers and their hundreds of Koi happy is demanding work, but Kevin is grateful for the chance to work from home and spend time with the family’s three young children. You can find Exclusively Koi on Facebook, Twitter, eBay and online at www.exclusivelykoi.co.uk

adverts

places in Bexley to visit

this summer

From 17 May even more venues and attractions have been able to open. You can visit indoor venues in a group of up to 6 people from different households, or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households including support bubbles*.

Here are our top picks for your summer days out.

4 Red House

Leisure centres - Enjoy gym sessions, group exercise classes and swimming at Bexley’s three leisure centres in Bexleyheath, Erith and Sidcup. All the centres have made changes to make your visit as safe as possible, including advanced booking for any activities.

The only house commissioned, created, and lived in by William Morris, Red House boasts original features and furniture by Morris and Philip Webb, stained glass and paintings by Burne-Jones and embroidery by Jane Morris and Elizabeth Burden. All visitors need to pre-book their visit.

www.leisurecentre.com/ welcome-back

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house Set overlooking the award-winning Danson Park, this beautiful Grade I listed Palladian villa built by Sir John Boyd in 1766 was officially re-opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in July 2005. If you’re looking for a little breather, you’ll get a warm and cheery welcome at the Fleur de Thé tea rooms within Danson House.

Photo credit - Julie Ramsden

2 Danson House

5 Crossness

Pumping Station Built in 1865 by Sir Joseph Bazalgette as part of Victorian London’s sewerage system, Crossness Pumping Station is a Grade I listed industrial heritage site that features spectacular 19th century engineering and grand ornamental cast ironwork. All visitors need to pre-book their visit.

www.crossness.org.uk

Home to a Grade I listed country house built in 1537 and set in 65 hectares of green spaces and gardens. The site has won the Civic Trust’s Green Flag award every year since 1996 and has Green Heritage Site status. Here you’ll also find Bexley Butterflies House and Jambs Owls Experience, which can be booked in advance online.

www.hallplace.org.uk

6 Lesnes Abbey - Lesnes Abbey is an

88-hectare oasis, home to the ruins of a 12th Century abbey founded by Richard de Luci, Chief Justiciar of England in 1178. Immerse yourself in its ancient woodlands where you might be lucky to find seashells or shark’s teeth in the fossil pit. Enjoy the restored Monks’ Garden and views across the London skyline from the viewing platform.

www.lesnesabbeywoods.org

*Information correct at time of print.

Photo credit - Ian Yarham

3 Hall Place & Gardens

all our yesterdays

Bexley’s bathing beauties As our thoughts turn to summer and the great outdoors, we thought we’d take the plunge and dip into a few of our Bexley Archives images of bygone bathing spots – in the bracing outdoors, of course! We hope you’ll enjoy looking at them, and that they will maybe bring back some memories. We doubt that anyone will be able to recall the delights captured in our first photo – Erith Baths from around 1907 - or that any of you wore such splendid bathing suits.

Ref 103-68 Erith swimming Bath, c1907

Bexley Archives have a unique collection of pictures from the old Bexley Baths in Danson Park, which opened in July 1936, probably giving the water just about enough time to warm up before the baths were finally closed in the early 1980s! Luckily, as one contemporary journalist wrote: “These hardy suburbanites did not seem to mind that the pool was exposed to the elements, making its use subject to the vagaries of the English climate.” We think these Bexley bathers would have agreed.

101-90 Martens Grove Lido, c1955

From a slightly more recent era, here are some plucky divers braving the bracing waters of the old Martens Grove Lido in Barnehurst, from around 1955. Not noted for its warm water, the old pool closed in the 1980s, but it is still fondly remembered by many.

While on the subject of old-style costumes, we were stuck by the fashions in this picture of the Belvedere Recreation Ground Lake from around 1930 – the forerunner of our wonderful Belvedere Beach. Splashing fun!

105-3 the opening of Danson Baths

In the extremely remote possibility of a drop of summer rain, we thought we’d finish with this evocative image – again taken from the opening of Danson Baths in 1936. It shows our Bexley forebears at their plucky best, with brollies up and braving the elements. Underwater or poolside, we’re not sure which was better – or wetter.

154-14 Belvedere Lake, c1930

Enjoy your summer, enjoy our pictures, and we hope that you’ll enjoy following us on Facebook and Twitter. Email archives@bexley.gov.uk

105-46 the opening of Danson Baths 1936

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. Planning Committee 1 July, 7pm

LOCAL MPS Rt Hon James Brokenshire, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup Surgeries are by appointment only and can be made by calling the MP’s office on 020 7219 8400. To contact James Brokenshire MP Write to: House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA Email: james.brokenshire. mp@parliament.uk Telephone: 020 7219 8400 Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford

Council 21 July, 7:30pm

Surgeries are held on the first and third Friday of the month, except in August. These take place

Public Cabinet 26 July, 7:30pm

YOUR COUNCILLORS

Planning Committee 5 August, 7pm Planning Committee 9 September, 7pm

at 17 Church Road, Bexleyheath DA7 4DD between 4pm and 6pm. No appointment is necessary, but please do ring 020 7219 8403 in advance to discuss your case when possible. 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

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

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

what’s on!

June - August 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 e-newsletter at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates

Farmers Market

Hall Place 10am – 2pm First Sunday of every month. Try food samples and buy everything from fruit and vegetables to cakes, breads and cheeses. www.hallplace.org.uk

Bexley Butterfly House

Hall Place Open daily from 10am – 4:30pm Book online www. bexleybutterflyhouse.co.uk/ butterfly-house-booking The Plant Centre sells exotic and unusual plants as well as spring and summer essentials. Open daily 10am – 4:30pm.

Jambs Owls Experience Hall Place Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays from 10am. www.facebook.com/ Jambsowls/

Summer Family Cycling Courses

Various times throughout summer holidays - Free Cycling courses for the whole family (4+ years). Beginners, improvers, and advance cycling courses available.

roadsafetyeducations@ bexley.gov.uk www.bexley.co.uk/cycling

Welling pop-up market

Every Saturday 10am to 3pm Bellegrove Road, Welling Brought to you by CC Events, five local small businesses have a popup stall on the high street selling sweets, bakery items, meat, cooked food, clothing and more. Stalls change each week.

www.facebook.com/ wellingpopups

Bexley Bike Club Sessions

Online Fostering Information Sessions

Join our online information session and speak to a Bexley foster carer and a friendly member of our fostering team to find out what It’s like to foster a child with Bexley. To join, please email

fostering@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 4400. 1 July, 12pm to 1pm 15 July, 6pm to 7pm 29 July, 12pm to 1pm 12 August, 6pm to 7pm 26 August, 12pm to 1pm

9.30am to 1pm, first and third Saturday of each month until August 9am to 11.30am, Tuesday and Thursday mornings during summer holidays Martens Grove Park, Martens Avenue, Bexleyheath DA7 6BD Sessions for all abilities, Girls only and Wingz disability sessions. Minimum age 6 years. £2 donation is requested on booking.

bmx@accesssport.co.uk www.facebook.com/ bexleybikeclub

Online updates

www.bexley.gov.uk/events

@whatsoninbexley

the gardens. £2.50 per trail Crossness Pumping Station Family Open Days sheet. Pay on the day or in 10am to 4pm, 11 July, 8 August, 26 September 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 and a children’s activity trail.

www.crossness.org.uk

Learning and Enterprise College Bexley Open Day Saturday 3 July 10am - 1pm Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ

www.lecb.ac.uk

Army coming to Welling

All day, 3 July 64 Bellegrove Road, Welling Free. Enjoy looking at lots of Army vehicles, with some that you will be allowed to get inside.

advance on our website. Includes small prize. Family groups with children aged 3 to 10 years. Families with under 3’s welcome at their own discretion. All children must always be accompanied by an adult.

www.hallplace.org.uk

The Secret Garden Live

2pm and 4.30pm, 15 August Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL Adult £17. Child £13 Join Mary on her journey to discovering The Secret Garden in this brand new, family-friendly, dance adaptation of the best-selling novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Performed by an accomplished cast of dancers and musicians, as a high-quality, one-hour ballet.

www.thelittlebox office.com/ newcreationscollective

#BEXFEST at Danson Park

11.30am to 10pm, 21 & 22 August Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL 7.45pm, 9, 10 and 11 July Danson Park, Danson Road, A two-day festival featuring live music, funfair, licensed Bexleyheath DA6 8HL bars, Donkey Derby, food Enjoy a night of classic outlets, business, community cinema under the stars, all set to the stunning backdrop and charity stalls. Your ticket price will buy you a two-day of Danson House. Food and drink available through access so you can come and go as much as you please. a click and collect service. #BEXFEST is brought to 9 July: Grease. 10 July: Rocketman. 11 July: Romeo you by Welling Round Table. + Juliet. All tickets must be Children under 6 free. Book your tickets in advance booked in advance. www.thelunacinema.com/ online.

The Luna Cinema at Danson House

danson-house

Fairy Folk Garden Trail

10am to 4.30pm, 1 to 31 August Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Have fun finding our woodland fairies hidden in

www.bexleyfestival.co.uk

Thamesmead Festival

12pm to 7pm, Saturday 14 August Southmere Park, Hartslock Drive, Thamesmead SE2 9XA. Free A fun-packed event for the whole family with local

music, food, crafts stalls, and workshops.

www.thamesmeadnow. org.uk

What’s on at Lesnes Abbey

Lesnes Abbey Woods, New Road SE2 0AX

www.lesnesabbeywoods. org

The Lesnes Lore Woodland Story Trail

Anytime - Free Lore of the Wild is a downloadable audio story walk and map which will guide you on a journey around Lesnes Abbey Woods. You will be able to hear tall tales and true stories, songs and sounds as you walk through the woodland listening on your smartphone and headphones.

www.lesnesabbeywoods. org/explore

The Lesnes Hundred Tree Trail

Anytime - Free The Lesnes Hundred celebrates local unsung heroes, who have been nominated a tree. Download our interactive map to follow the tree trail and to hear their stories.

www.lesnesabbeywoods. org/explore

Farmers and Craft Market

10am to 3pm, second Sunday of every month starting 11 July Free. Browse through our farmers market stalls such as local butchers’ meat, gourmet quiches, fresh bread, homemade candles, cakes and more. Grab a coffee from the Chestnuts kiosk.

www.facebook.com/ lesnesabbey farmersmarket

The Hundred Club

10.30am to 12pm, 17 July, 21 August -Free to join The Hundred Club is an experimental creative space for using arts and play to explore social justice. Led and facilitated by artist Ruth Beale, the club is for families with 7- to 11-yearold children, parents and carers.

www.taco.org.uk/thehundred-club

Solar Gazing with Crayford Astrological Society

10am to 1pm, 18 July Free - Come and safely do some solar gazing with Crayford Astrological Society. Please note if 18 July is cloudy we will postpone to 1 August. No need to book, just drop in.

Toad Hub Self-Guided Nature Trail

Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi Classes

Weekly classes (various times). Looking to get fit this summer? We have a range of classes in Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi at Lesnes Abbey Lodge with stunning views.

www.lesnesabbeywoods. org/whats-on/lesnesactive

10am to 4pm, 23 July Free. Froglife, a UK wildlife charity, is returning to Lesnes Abbey this summer to deliver a toadally ribbiting self-guided nature trail. Suitable for all ages, it will highlight the importance of our ponds and wild green spaces. No need to book, just turn up.

Ruined Theatre Presents My Teacher is a Troll 10am & 1pm, 12 to 22 August £5 to £15. The story of two twins with a talent for turmoil who rule their school with mischief and pranks until a new headteacher turns up. Situated in the Abbey ruins audiences are encouraged to bring picnic rugs for seating. Book in advance online.

www.theruinedtheatre. com

Global Village World Music Festival

12pm to 6pm, 25 September Lives performances, workshops, food from around the world. Something for all the family. 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

Geo Trail Walk

27 June - Free Opportunity to learn about Lesnes Abbey Wood’s unique geology with expert Diana Clements. Suitable for all ages.

www.lesnesabbeywoods. org/whats-on

What’s on at The Exchange, Erith

The Old Library, Walnut Tree Road, Erith DA8 2AE Book events at www. theexchangeerith.com or call 01322 341 144.

Friday Tea

4pm to 5pm, every Friday Free. Join The Exchange in its “Town Square” for an afternoon Friday Tea Break. Tea and biscuits, and bits and bobs to do. This is an opportunity to meet others in the community, staff at The Exchange and catch up. No booking required.

Sunday Gardening

10am to 1pm, every Sunday - Free A call to the green-fingered! Join us in creating and maintaining the new garden at The Exchange. All ages welcome, and lots of opportunities to learn about plants, or just get a little bit dirty. No booking required.

Carnegie Ensemble

2pm to 4pm, 27 June £10, £8 concessions Join the BBC Symphony Orchestra players for their latest concert at The Exchange, with Strauss’ “Metamorphosen” and Brahms Sextet No.2 in G major.

Discuss + Decolonise

6pm to 8pm, 2 July Free - A place to learn, discuss, process, work together, and discover new ways to think about antiracism. London-based artist and researcher, Ali Eisa will be joining the group for this session.

Erith Made

28 to 30 August Ticket costs for some events. New annual summer festival ‘Erith Made’. Music, performance, fashion, markets, family workshops showcasing everything that this riverside town has to offer.

advertisements Here at Age UK Bexley, we want to ensure that everyone can live their life comfortably in their own home Our new Day Care at Home service is here to help support you, or someone you know, with life at home. Our qualified staff can drop in for a few hours and help around the house, such as doing household chores, putting away food shopping, offering support with online shopping, and more. They can also take you for a walk, or simply put the kettle on and have a chat. Day Care at home is a flexible service, and you can request a couple of hours of support as and when needed. This forms part of a suite of specialist support for people with dementia and enhanced support needs at our day centre in Sidcup. Give us a call on 020 8300 0883 or email information@ageukbexley.otg.uk to find out how we can help you.

advertisements

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.

Live, Laugh, Learn with the u3a During the coming months the u3a is aiming to publicise the organisation and encourage new members to join. So, what is the u3a? It is not a secret society nor a posh club and, although officially known as the University for the Third Age, it has no direct links to a university. The organisation was started in France in 1973 and was brought to the UK in 1981 by a Cambridge doctor and a Cambridge University lecturer. They were not happy with the French model and went about changing the idea to suit a UK membership. They found there was a desire to carry on education beyond retirement, not necessarily meaning the study of maths, history or other academic subjects, although this was a possibility, but also introducing activities like group walking, photography, singing, playing instruments and card games. The subjects are endless. The organisation has spread worldwide and is thriving. There are also individual groups, with group leaders offering a variety of subjects at designated venues.

There is no age limit. Both couples and single people are encouraged to join. As well as the subject groups, there is a main meeting each month, at a church hall in Bexleyheath (COVID restrictions apply at present) where there is always an interesting speaker plus several social events during the year. “Live, Laugh and Learn” is the u3a motto. What better way to get together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and share an interest.

Visit www.bexleyu3a.org.uk

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

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.friendsoftheshuttle.org

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

advertisements

Blue badge and disability Freedom Pass applications – important update Information for the application process e.g., where to get an application form? or how to apply for a Blue Badge or Freedom Pass? is available on our website: https://inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/blue-badge/ Our switchboard remains extremely busy. Applications can take up to six weeks to process. Please ensure you send your application to us in good time to process. Only call if you have not heard back within four weeks. This will help our Team to process your application more promptly. Blue Badge applications - we are moving to more online application process. For a prompt receipt response please apply, if you can, at www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge You can upload all the required documents on this site and will soon be able to pay the £10 fee online. Our staff at the Inspire Living Solutions & Mobility Shop in Sidcup are set up with a computer in store and can help you with the application process if you need it. If you are unable to apply online, then you can collect an application form from our Sidcup Shop or the Inspire Offices in Slade Green (between 3pm to 5pm Monday to Friday). E-mail enquiries and requests for an application form should be sent to: BlueBadgeScheme@bexley.gov.uk We understand that there were issues around the process during the Covid 19 restrictions and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Inspire’s Living Solutions & Mobility Shop – open for business! We have trained advisors to assist customers with appropriate equipment selection, promoting independence & improving the quality of their lives. 50 High Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6EH 020 8300 6038

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

Inspire Head Office: 20 Whitehall Lane, Slade Green, DA8 2DH

020 3045 5100

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

News

advertisements