The Orpington 1st Magazine Summer 2021

The

Magazine

Summer edition 2021 IN THIS ISSUE • • • •

Walnuts Redevelopment Consultation Ways With Words Literary Festival Be Fab Get Your Jab Priory Live Returns

www.orpington1st.co.uk info@orpington1st.co.uk • 01689 829 527

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Free MOT with the Bike Doctor Residents across the London Borough of Bromley can get a free bike MOT from a fully qualified mechanic at a DR BIKE event.

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HE events have been running in Norman Park in Bromley for the last few years and now, following requests from local residents and councillors, the road safety team have expanded locations with sessions at Orpington War Memorial proving very popular.

Andy Walker from Dr Bike explained, “We offer a free bike check that will diagnose and fix minor issues such as poor performing brakes and gears, or tyres that need pumping up.

We also give advice on correct saddle height and fitting your helmet correctly, as well as identifying more significant issues and referring cyclists to their local bike shop.”

Despite a huge drop in the number of journeys being made overall in 2020, TFL cycle count data showed a 22% increase in cycling in outer London boroughs, as more people think green and look to active travel.

The busy Orpington sessions indicate that there are a lot of keen cyclists here as well as elsewhere in the borough.

With environmental and health benefits, the more people can use their bikes for short journeys and to visit town centres, the better.

For your free MOT with Dr Bike, simply bring your bicycle along to Orpington War Memorial or Norman Park on event days. The Road Safety team also offer free cycle training for adults and families.

orpington1st.co.uk/community

For more information, contact the LBB Road Safety Team

Orpington War Memorial, High St Orpington

Norman Park, Hook Farm Road

Tel: 020 8313 4546 Email: road.safety@bromley.gov.uk Web: www.bromley.gov.uk/DrBike

9 August 2021, 9:00-12:00 3 September 2021, 9:00-12:00

03 July 2021, 9:00-12:00 13 August 2021, 9:00-12:00

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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Welcome...

by Orpington 1st BID Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin

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ELCOME to this summer edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine and - on behalf of the business community that we represent - a big thank you for returning in such numbers to use the town centre shops and services as we move forward along the road map to recovery.

The news that there is a pause in the total unlocking of restrictions is yet another challenge but please continue with your support, it really is needed and appreciated.

The town continues to attract new businesses and those more established have also taken the opportunity to expand ranges, improve services, and in the case of hospitality create additional outside dining areas.

Making changes that reflect customer needs must be at the heart of the proposed redevelopment of the Walnuts, so please take every opportunity to engage with the consultation and get involved with the discussion; let’s make it better together.

15,250 copies are printed of each edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine. 14,000 are delivered to homes across Orpington with a further 1,250 available to pick up at locations across the town centre.

The magazine is also available to read online, sent to a subscriber base of 6,000, and promoted to a combined social media following of over 12,000.

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District 01689 829 527 www.orpington1st.co.uk info@orpington1st.co.uk

Orpington1st If you would like to advertise in the next edition please contact us.

Priory Gardens will host Priory Live this August

The Ways With Words Literary Festival marked the return of town centre events and we look forward to music at Priory Live in August and Flavours of Orpington serving up a treat in September. And, following the reopening of cinemas, the winner of our Scarecrow Trail competition back in autumn 2020, Alfie Beeson, can finally look forward to celebrating his win with a family ticket to a film of his choice, and dinner at Nando’s!

The recent arrival of our popular flower towers signalled the start of our summer planting program and with the high street trees pruned and hanging baskets and bedding plants on their way from the nursery, the town is set to be looking its best for an Orpington summer staycation.

Enjoy the summer.

Contents 3 7 8 13 14 17

Freewheeling MOT with Dr Bike Orpington GPO Gets Greener Town’s got Ways With Words Technowatch is right on time LEO: new gym gives everyone a lift Be fab, get a jab; help the NHS

19 25 26 28 31 34 38

Walnuts development; have your say Haart kickstarts young careers A matter of life amid death Gareth Bacon looks to the future Orpington’s Better for Business Local policing matters Priory Live returns with Toploader

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT

ORPINGTON 6

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Orpington GPO’s lead Horticulturalist, Harry Cheeseman, with some freshly grown produce

Orpington Gets Greener

orpington1st.co.uk/community

Demonstrating their commitment to innovation and sustainability, local bar and restaurant Orpington GPO unveils a new microgreens ‘UnderGrown’ space

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HE Orpington GPO team have been busy throughout the winter lockdown transforming an old bomb shelter, discovered underneath the dining area, into a space to grow microgreens.

Using funding secured through Bromley Council’s ‘Innovation Grant’, designed to help local businesses diversify and build resilience into their business models, a damp and dilapidated underground space has been completely renovated and kitted out with state-of-the-art microgreens growing equipment.

The Orpington GPO team has also been trained, led by Head Horticulturist Harry Cheeseman, to grow a multitude of microgreens, including daikon radish, rambo radish, pea shoots, micro-beetroot and mustard cress. High quality and delicious homegrown microgreens can now be used to garnish the Orpington GPO menu.

Sam Westlake, Orpington GPO said, “We are really proud of this new space and how we have turned a completely unusable area into a unique growing space. We can now serve tasty, organic greens on our dishes and reduce our carbon footprint at the same time. It’s been really tough over the months of closure, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the support from the local community since reopening in April, and we are extremely grateful to Bromley Council for the funding to seize this opportunity. We can’t wait to show our customers around!”

Orpington GPO invites local schools to visit the new microgreens space with educational trips, led by Harry, for pupils to learn the benefits of growing your own produce. The growing process is rewarding and can be replicated in almost any space and environment with the right equipment.

The team are donating the waste soil from the project to Poverest The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Allotments who will be collecting from the GPO on a weekly basis.

For more info contact Tom Walker tom@orpingtongpo.co.uk

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Soul Food Poetry brought poetry to life at host venue Pato Lounge. A series of guest performers spoke their truths backed by the improvisations of a laidback soul rhythm section and keys.

Orpington celebrates the written and From 24th May to 6th June, a series of workshops, webinars, storytellings and singer-songwriters on the high street took place online and in venues across Orpington as part of the Ways With Words Literary Festival.

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RGANISED by Orpington 1st in collaboration with Orpington Rotary, the inaugural festival covered a wide range of topics with something for all ages and interests. Online talks hosted by local authors and experts included writing your own novel, an introduction to

Old English, weird and wonderful ocean life, and pandemic poetry.

And, the long awaited springtime easing of restrictions provided an opportunity to enjoy events in person, with interactive storytelling on BR6 Restaurant Terrace in Market Square, readings in Fab House, music and poetry in Pato Lounge

Poetry with soul. Our Pato Lounge Poets covered a range of issues from the very personal to the global.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Dozens of families toured the high street for and busking on the high street.

The Secret Carnival Family Trail, like these To mark the start of the festival, Orpington 1st little explorers at The Entertainer. spoke with Orpington’s MP Gareth Bacon about the role of the written and spoken word in his own life, and the importance of reading more generally, and author Charlotte Brown visited children at Poverest School to talk about her book on local sports super star, Dina Asher‑Smith.

Throughout the fortnight, families were invited to take part in The Secret Carnival Trail, visiting the characters hidden in shops across the high street and creating their own special selfie story book.

The final weekend of the festival saw the Emergency Exit Arts’ Recovery Poem illuminate a somewhat gloomy Saturday in June. The inspiring light poem served as a backdrop to up and coming local musicians performing on the high street.

spoken word with new literary festival

Little Dot’s Tales brought fun, interactive storytelling and play sessions to the BR6 terrace on Market Square. Pre schoolchildren and their families enjoyed having their creativity sparked with bubbles, music, drama and dance on a journey into the world of the Judith Kerr classic, ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’.

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Local award-winning author Mohini Singh talked about the joy of short stories, shared some tips, and read her latest work from ‘The Good Journal’ to an approving audience at host venue Fab House.

Ways With Words Orpington 1st BID Manager, Chris Travers, said, “We’re delighted to have brought this celebration to Orpington.

Culture is an essential part of a places’ identity, and events like this can connect people with their community and make our town a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

“Through literature we can gain a better understanding and

Mohini on Orpington High Street with the festival arch outside Fab House in the background.

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appreciation of others’ experiences, as has been demonstrated by the diversity of subjects covered over this fortnight.

“We’d like to say thank you to all of the authors, experts, performers, and everyone who got involved, and of course to our festival partners, Orpington Rotary.”

Several of the online talks are available to watch back online at orpington1st.co.uk including: Why Good English Matters to

Singin’ in the rain: local singer-songwriter Harrison Bodnar was amongst performers to serenade shoppers.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Stars in the making from Harlequins Theatre School put in a fabulous performance with an important message about the importance of arts and culture to our society. The flash mob dance went down a storm with a delighted crowd. the World with Dr Pamela Djan, Writing History with Kerry Barret, Nomad At Home with Cas Holmes, William Willet: The Man Who Changed Time with Joanna Friel, Ocean World: An Introduction To The Ocean with Gloria Barnett, On Purpose with Steve Chamberlain, Inspiration with Carol M Creasey, Writing Your Own Novel with Paul Hiscock, An Addictive Read with Alice Mc Veigh, An Introduction to Old English with Jamie Wright, as well as Orpington 1st’s conversation with Gareth Bacon MP, and Harlequins Theatre School Flash Mob.

Pre-schoolers, and their parents, getting interactive with Little Dot’s storytelling of The Tiger Who Came To Tea. The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Rafaela, Marcos, and Technowatch technician Guilherme.

Right on time: Technowatch makes the move to Orpington Previously located in Bromley, Technowatch opened on Orpington High Street in September 2020.

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ROVIDING specialist watch repairs and restoration, the business is run by husband and wife team, Marcos Santos - a watch maker of 25 years’ experience - and Rafaela Padilho.

If your watch is not keeping proper time or has stopped running altogether, their expert team can perform a movement service to bring it back to running condition. Or, if you would like to see your timepiece restored to its maximum shine, one

of their highly qualified technicians will personally examine your watch ahead of polishing.

Marcos said, “We have full access to every major watch manufacturer and parts supplier. With two master watchmakers and a great customer service team, we are ready to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Visit Technowatch at 223 High Street, Orpington www.technowatch.co.uk Tw_technowatch

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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orpington1st.co.uk/business

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HE LEO (Lift Each Other) concept places emphasis on how helping one another creates positive change in yourself and the society you live in. Lift Each Other is the brainchild of owner and Farnborough Village resident, Neil Scott.

Originally from Newcastle, Neil moved south to attend Kingston University to study aircraft engineering, which led to his day job as an aircraft technician for Bombardier at Biggin Hill Airport.

“I love my day job working with my team at Biggin Hill - LEO is the result of me trying to fulfil my potential. I will have a positive impact on as many lives as possible.

I’ve always had a passion for fitness, swimming since I was three, and playing semi-professional football.

“During the first lockdown I tried to create a gym for my work mates

LEO takes off: Local aircraft technician brings unique training studio concept to Orpington Opening on Orpington High Street as the national restrictions of lockdown 3 were eased, LEO is a new, premium personal training studio providing clients with top of the range equipment and exclusive personal floor space.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

to train in, little did I know it was the beginning of LEO.” LEO offers custom training plans designed to adapt with clients, as well as personal nutrition plans, and the studio setup and membership structure mean you never have to wait for equipment.

A spotless studio includes top of the range Eleiko equipment, NFL standard sprint track and high impact rubber flooring with integrated lifting platforms. A large and versatile training space is complemented by a lavish sound system, and LEO also features two independent meditation rooms with mood lighting, reclining seats, blankets, cushions and eye pillows.

“At LEO we have a keen interest

in mental wellbeing. Mindfulness and mental health is something we put at the forefront of our business – it’s just as important as being physically fit, as well as state of the art training equipment we have specially qualified staff to offer a service like no other,” explained Neil. “We’re delighted to bring the LEO concept to Orpington. We have absolute confidence in all our clients and we’re looking forward to sparking

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

passion and drive in many more people.”

The LEO studio is at 91 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0LF. www.lifteachother.co.uk Lift.each.other @eachlift LEOLiftEachOther LiftEachOther

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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OCTORS in Orpington and across Bromley are urging residents not yet vaccinated, to join the millions of people across the country who have had their Covid-19 vaccination. It is the very best way of getting protected and back to normal lives. If you are eligible for the vaccine and not had it yet, you can still get it. The vaccine is safe and effective and has already saved thousands of lives and protected thousands more from becoming ill.

Be Fab, Get Your Covid Jab Getting vaccinated is really urgent, especially as the country faces the Delta variant which spreads rapidly in people who are not vaccinated. When invited, please come forward and get both your vaccines. Some residents are cancelling their second doses or not turning up. It is the second dose that gives you the maximum protection you need. So please – be fab and turn up for your jab.

The South East London Integrated Care System, made up of the NHS, local councils and other key partners, has produced Vaccine Facts, a new information resource providing lots of advice and guidance for those who are less confident about having the vaccine. Visit the website at www. nhsselondonvaccinefacts.com Some of the most common questions featured on the site include: • What’s in a vaccine?

• How were the vaccines made so quickly?

Questions about the vaccine?

Get information you can trust

Search vaccine facts

•W hy should I have the vaccine if I am young and healthy?

• What are the side effects?

Bromley’s Borough Director and Consultant in Public Health, Dr Angela Bhan said, “I’m proud of how far we have come in Bromley and across south east London.

We have vaccinated over a million people in south east London, which is a fantastic milestone. However,

we know there are still people who have concerns about taking the vaccine – we wanted to understand why and to ultimately help them feel confident.

“We have taken time to understand the concerns of people in south east London and this information resource has been designed to reflect what people want – the facts about the Covid-19 vaccine.”

If you are eligible for a vaccine, please call 119 or go to the national booking service at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ book-coronavirus-vaccination/ The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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Creating a positive, caring and inspiring environment in which to support children in realising their full potential.

Our Nursery welcomes children from the age of 2.

We accept, 30 hour, top up, and 2 year old funding, with flexible sessions available.

A great transition opportunity for children who will be starting school with us.

KƵƌ ^ĐŚŽŽů sĂůƵĞƐ͘​͘​͘ Buttermere Road, Orpington, BR5 3WD Tel: 01689 821993, Nursery 01689 873519 Email - admissions@st-paulscray.bromley.sch.uk

For more information and a virtual tour of the school and our facilities visit: The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021 www.stpaulscray.apat.org.uk

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Walnuts Redevelopment Consultation

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ITH the recent changes to lockdown allowing for socially distanced face to face events, the proposals for the redevelopment of the Walnuts Shopping Centre took a positive step forward with the welcome opportunity for a live public consultation.

From 3rd to 5th June a pop-up studio was created in an empty retail unit to showcase the latest proposals with information boards, CGI and a 3D model.

Approximately 1,200 local residents visited the event over the three days and were able to speak directly to the team involved including Areli Real Estate Partners Rob Tincknell and Andrea Vanni. Rob is an

established real estate developer with a proven track record spanning nearly 30 years. He is best known for his 10 year leadership of the internationally regarded Battersea Power Station project following his leadership on the award-winning Gunwharf Quays development in Portsmouth. Andrea has over 25 years’ experience working in the European real estate industry.

An Orpington resident discussing the proposals with a member of the Areli team.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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OUR VISION FOR THE 12 FUTURE OF ORPINGTON TOWN CENTRE

Above left: Rob Tincknell

Specific times were allocated for community

representatives. Local ward councillors, of Areli with 12 shopping “Orpington is in desperate need of regeneration, including Cllr. Kim Botting, Cllr. Pauline centre manager and and hasn’t changed in decades” Tunnicliffe and Cllr. William HuntingdonOrpington 1st chairman, Thresher, as well as Gareth Bacon MP, all Martin Price at the attended to learn about the plans in detail, business consultation CORE PRINCIPLES: enabling them to have informed discussions event.

OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF ORPINGTON TOWN CENTRE

Orpington Resident Comment – June 2020

with their constituents. There was a further opportunity for the local business community to learn more about the scheme and, throughout the three-day specifically, how it will impact their business Supporting jobs and Enhancing Creating a distinctive A new heart with a consultation event. the local long-term viability of and Orpington’s nighteconomy. local and independent revitalised town square

Left: A 3D model of the “Orpington is in desperate need of regeneration, proposals was on display and hasn’t changed in decades” Orpington Resident Comment – June 2020

COREPRINCIPLES: PRINCIPLES CORE

Supporting jobs Enhancing Supporting jobsand and Enhancing long-term viability of Orpington’s night long-term visibility Orpington’s night the High Street time economy of the High Street time economy

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the High Street

Creatingaa distinctive distinctive Creating local and independent local and independent retail offer retail offer

A new heart with a A new heart revitalised town square

with a revitalised town square

time economy

Supporting homes Supporting homes for the younger next forgeneration the younger next generation

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

retail offer

Supporting Supporting Orpington’s ‘Major Orpington’s ‘Major Town Centre’ status Town Centre’ status

Enhanced Enhancedpublic public facilities for the facilities for the existing community

existing community

The proposal represents circa £500m of private inward investment into Orpington.

A view from the top of Homefield Rise

Walnuts Redevelopment Consultation The scheme is not the only redevelopment currently proposed within the town centre boundary, but it is the largest and most significant, with the opportunity to make real changes to the future vibrancy and viability of Orpington as a place to live, work and visit.

The proposal represents circa £500m of private inward investment into Orpington. This is equal to 10% of the Government’s £5bn High Street Recovery Fund for the whole of the UK and represents a real opportunity. Town centres are undergoing significant changes, accelerated by - but not due to - the challenges of Covid. Customer behaviour has been influenced by social change, environmental concerns, and the adoption of new technology.

WHY & WHERE FOR A LANDMARK BUILDING

Intensification. To respond to the housing need to meet LBB targets, the trend for town centre living and to protect the Greenbelt, the town centre must intensify in line with national policy.

Density Driven Footfall. Higher densities of development are required. Only through having more people living and working on the site can we support engaging and active ground level uses, which in turn will attract others to the town centre.

Minimum 50m from nearest residential property (50m = double the width of Regent Street) Landmark building over 100m away from nearest residential property

Marking Regeneration. Areli propose to provide a ‘Landmark’ building to mark the new heart for Orpington Town Centre and attract the necessary investment.

Making Public Space. By building taller, land can be given over to open space and therefore create the network of streets and spaces that will bring life to the High Street, improving Lych Gate Road, connecting the High Street to Priory Gardens and established residential communities.

Landmark building positioned to maximise sunlight into the Square

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SUSTAINABILITY SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL • Net Zero Operational Carbon

• At 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions performance far exceeds the performance required by the stringent New London Plan 2021 • 100% Electrically Powered

•E nergy is supplied efficiently through air source heat pumps with intelligent controls and smart metering.

•S olar panels will provide further electricity •T he Leisure Centre will achieve BREEAM Excellent

• L ow flow water fixtures and fittings and water recycling •B iodiversity net gain, through site greening and encouraging ecosystems

•P rovision of 1,800 cycle parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points in line with London Plan 2021 requirements.

•S ustainable solutions such as living roofs, in ground planting, rain gardens and permeable surfaces for pedestrians 22

• The public realm is designed to be safe, welcoming and inclusive

• Intrinsically sustainable due to its central location, encouraging healthy behaviours such as walking and cycling to improve physical wellbeing • Developing a Social Charter promoting inclusion, health and wellbeing

• A town centre community where you “Know your neighbour”

• Integrating with Orpington’s existing residents and business community • A sense of place enhancing community values

Generations have differing requirements, expectations, and aspirations, all of which must be reflected in the design and quality of future developments.

Orpington could be an exemplar of post-covid redevelopment. Working with all town centre users and the local authority to shape the place we live or work in can ensure a town centre that is fit for purpose, which strengthens community inclusion as well as the local economy.

Change can be challenging, and the consultation process is designed to encourage maximum participation.

ECONOMIC • £500m inward investment

•F lexible lease terms for local and independent operators •C omplementing and supporting existing town centre businesses

•E nergy efficient solutions to minimise costs of living

•S ignificant job creation for local people with Local Employment Initiatives •E xtending the trading hours of the town

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

The redevelopment proposals seek to connect the high street, green spaces, and residential communities with a new heart of the town centre

Walnuts Redevelopment Consultation Since initial feedback to the plans in March last year, Areli have adapted their emerging proposals to reflect the feedback received from the community to date.

• Enlarged town square • Shops designed for more local independent traders • Lowered the height of the second taller building to create a more stepped approach • Larger residential apartments and improved residential amenity • Greening of the existing car park roof • Developed strategy for online deliveries and parcel drop off points • Improved landscape and public realm strategy • Inclusion of public toilet facilities for visitors and shoppers

NEXT STEPS Timeline

THE WALNUTS SHOPPING CENT HAVE YOUR SAY June 2 n)

Now is the time to have your say, get involved, discuss, Phone: 020 3866 4696 question, and then make up your own mind once you Email: consultation@thewalnutsorpington.co.uk Online community Planning submission have all the information.

View the full proposals online.

Website: www.thewalnutsorpington.co.uk engagement Summer 2021 Winter 2020

TIMELINE

Online Community Engagement.

Winter 2020

WINTER 2020

SPRING 2020

SPRING 2021

First Public Engagemnet.

Spring 2020

First public engagement Spring 2020

SUMMER 2021

Magazine • Summer 2021

Constru Subje planning

WINTER 2021/22

Public Consultation.

Spring 2021

Public consultation TheSpring Orpington 2021 1st

Construction.

Subject to planning decision.

Start: late 2022 Complete: 2025/26

Planning Submission.

Summer 2021

Start: lat Complete:

Planning Decision.

Winter 2021

Planning decision Winter 2021

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Orpington branch manager Paul Hayden with Biggin Hill manager Matthew Donnelly

orpington1st.co.uk/education

Haart Orpington kickstarts its new trainee recruitment programme The Haart estate agency in Orpington has created an exciting opportunity for a trainee estate agent under the Government’s new Kickstart scheme – one of 93 positions being created by Haart’s parent company across the UK.

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HE scheme is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who are receiving Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. The Government will pay for 25 hours a week for six months, which will be topped up by Haart to a fulltime salary with commission.

Orpington continues to appeal to both local, growing families and those moving from central London, with its transport links and excellent schools.

Orpington Branch Manager, Paul Hayden, said, “The housing market has seen a boom in recent months, thanks to the Stamp Duty holiday and the Government’s new mortgage guarantee scheme, and there is strong demand for homes in Orpington, so it’s a great time for young people to be joining the profession.”

Haart’s CEO Paul Smith added, “We’re looking for people who are motivated, enthusiastic and hungry for success. Our programme will be a stepping-stone to further career development and qualifications that will lead them to becoming fullyfledged estate agents within our

UK-wide branch network.”

Successful applicants will receive full training, coaching and work skills to enable them to be best placed to secure a permanent role in six months’ time.

Interested applicants should email kickstart@spicerhaart.co.uk

Haart Orpington at work The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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The Business of Death documentary

orpington1st.co.uk/community

Local Funeral Directors in the spotlight Valentine & Turner feature in powerful new documentary providing a rich insight into the experiences of funeral directors on the front line of the pandemic.

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RPINGTONIAN viewers of the multi-emmy winning Channel 4 news may have seen some familiar faces on their screen back in March. An eight-minute snippet of a feature documentary focusing on the life of local funeral

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directors, Valentine & Turner, was broadcast as part of their coverage of the pandemic.

Created by producer and director Gemma Atkinson through her production company Fat Rat Films, The Business of Death has been described as shocking, funny and heartbreaking. It follows Gary Valentine over six years as he builds a funeral business with his best friend Wayne Turner, overcoming the odds to become the heart of their multi-faith community.

Gary said, “Gemma and her crew have been following us since 2014. When she first approached me, obviously I was flattered that someone would find my life of interest - our work is not something lots of people would want to do but also daunted by the prospect of letting someone into our lives.”

The Business of Death exposes the hidden frontline of undertakers as the impact of Covid-19 hits, and

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

the death toll mounts, and Gary and Wayne’s families are forced to question how they and the rest of the world are going to cope with this brutal new reality.

“At the beginning of 2020 we noticed a change.

Ahead of the official term “Covid-19” and the Prime Minister’s first lockdown speech a month later, we saw that there seemed to be an increase in respiratory related deaths,” said Gary.

Wayne added, “PPE and the hygiene aspect was challenging but what was really tough was having to police how people said goodbye to their loved ones because of the restrictions. It was so hard to tell people that they could only have a certain number of family members there.”

A traditional but progressive funeral directors, Valentine & Turner were conscious of the sensitivities involved when opening the doors of a funeral home to a film crew, as Gary explained, “We take our role as ambassadors for the industry seriously. We do have a great appreciation for tradition, but we also want to try new things. There are lots of considerations with families we care for being at such a vulnerable moment.

“The rapport we have meant we were able to pick up whether a family would be receptive to being involved in the documentary. Of course, if there’s one person who is not entirely comfortable with being filmed, we respect that immediately. It goes without saying that they have remained our priority throughout.”

The Business of Death is due for release in winter 2021.

Wayne Turner Gary Valentine

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As a sense of normality returns, As summer starts, something near normality is returning to Orpington’s high street. It’s buzzing with people eager to get out again and enjoy our fantastic local retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses. After months of lockdown, this is a welcome sight – and, I hope, a signal that this crisis is nearing its end even if the date for lifting the final restrictions has been delayed to July.

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LTHOUGH disappointing, this was done to give the NHS more time to fully vaccinate around two-thirds of people. By the time this article is published, the NHS will have administered more than 100,000 vaccine doses across the Orpington constituency. This colossal achievement - which couldn’t have been achieved without the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers - will reduce the spread of the virus and protect people from developing a serious, potentially life-threatening illness.

Visiting the newly opened LEO

Once enough people are vaccinated, the government will be

able to lift restrictions irreversibly.

The Indian variant has moved the goalposts slightly - the evidence so far suggests that two doses are needed for the highest level of protection compared to one jab against the Kent variant. However, the NHS is winning the race against the virus. More than 50 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated - and soon the top priority groups most at risk will have received both their jabs. That’s why I am optimistic that normality will return soon.

To end government restrictions for good it’s vital we all play our part. That means getting a vaccine when offered and a second jab when invited. It also means testing yourself twice a week using the NHS rapid tests to identify those who are asymptomatic (1 in 3 people have no symptoms) to stop the spread of new variants while the NHS vaccinates the community. By doing this you can protect your family and friends, colleagues and community, and help end this crisis.

Gareth with members of the team at Fab House one that can enhance our high street, provide excellent public spaces and new appropriate housing.

In my conversations with the developers, I’ve been clear that any proposal needs to respect Orpington’s unique character. But to get this right, they need to hear from all of you. The Areli group will soon be submitting

let’s look to the future

A column by Gareth Bacon MP

Get in touch...

Face-to-face surgeries will soon recommence.

Please do keep in touch in the following ways: www.garethbacon.com gareth.bacon.mp@parliament.uk

PHOTO: ERIC RUSH

We can’t restore normality by lifting government restrictions alone; people need to feel comfortable to return to normal. Once government restrictions are gone, it will be up to all of us to make one another feel safe. The vaccines will no doubt help and the excellent efforts by local businesses to keep their premises clean will also give people confidence. But we must also be respectful of one and another - for example, by keeping our distance to give other people the confidence to get back out in our community and support our local businesses.

As normality returns, it’s important we also look to the future of Orpington’s high street.

The developer Areli Real Estate is currently putting together its proposal to transform Orpington’s Walnuts Shopping Centre. It is vital that the right plan is produced,

their planning application which will then go to a full public consultation. This will be your opportunity to have a say on their plans before the application is decided by Bromley Council. I encourage everyone to have their say to ensure we get the right plan for Orpington.

For updates on local issues, follow Gareth on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, and sign up to his monthly newsletter at www.garethbacon.com/sign-up

GarethBaconMP

garethbaconmp

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

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DONATE DON’T DUMP

Kristina Blokhin - stock.adobe.com

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Contact the charity shop first

n

Arrange acceptance of donations

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Never leave unwanted goods in doorways or on pavements If you do, you risk

prosecution for fly-tipping www.bromley.gov.uk/wastenews The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Better for Business Contact the BID team 01689 829527 BID Manager Chris Travers chris.travers@ orpington1st. co.uk

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HE Orpington 1st BID team have been working hard to support the town’s businesses in applying for grants, confirming businesses’ eligibility and liaising with Bromley Council’s team to assist in providing the necessary information in order for businesses to access the much-needed funding.

Through the Bromley Borough Taskforce, Orpington 1st has made the case for the maximum amount of discretionary funding to be directed to town centre businesses, highlighting the importance of high streets to the local economy and their unparalleled role in connectivity and wellbeing across the borough. Through lengthy discussions we have successfully lobbied for the expansion of some criteria to enable more of our businesses to access funding.

START UP BROMLEY BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR ASPIRING AND EARLY STAGE ENTREPRENEURS

Since November 2020, over £35million of grant funding has been paid out to businesses across the borough.

We’re pleased that in our advocative role we have been able to assist in securing significant funding for our businesses, and we will continue to lobby on your behalf.

PAVEMENT LICENCE AND SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCE HOLDERS GRANTS

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RPINGTON businesses which hold a Special Treatment Licence or a Pavement Licence may now be eligible for a Licence Holders Grant.

Bromley Council have contacted all businesses they believe to be eligible but if you hold a Pavement Licence or a Special Treatment Licence and have not been contacted then please email business@bromley.gov.uk stating the name of your business and quoting your current licence number and you will be given instructions on how to apply.

Loretta Awuah

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NEW initiative in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley and the British Library’s Business & IP Centre, Start Up Bromley will aim to develop a community of new and existing business owners, which is free to join and open to everyone.

Offering insight and access to resources – including workshops, events and walk-in consultations – it aims to help entrepreneurs imagine, start or develop their business.

New Business Lounges in Bromley Central Library and Orpington Library will provide a safe and secure business environment for small business and start-ups to work from, with small rooms for hire for private meetings with clients,

professional advisors and so on.

1-2-1 support sessions will operate throughout the year, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to discuss particular challenges they are experiencing, ideas, and business model plans.

Loretta Awuah is leading the delivery of Start Up Bromley and is the main point of contact for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to access business

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

support in Orpington library.

Loretta has over 6 years’ experience in developing and managing partnerships with corporate, public and third sector organisations. She has already been helping aspiring and earlystage entrepreneurs, primarily in the borough of Greenwich, turn their business goals and ideas into reality through workshops, 1-2-1’s, webinars, training sessions, opportunities to test business ideas, and much more.

For more info visit: www.better.org.uk and search Start Up Bromley

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AUTHENTIC TURKISH RESTAURANT

Welcome to Aksular London’s popular Aksular has now come to Orpington With traditional charcoal grills and age old recipes we can offer the most authentic Turkish cuisine in Orpington

••••• Our newly refurbished outdoor terrace is now open.

Join us for a cocktail in the sun or a meal come rain or shine.

Also available for private events.

105 High Street, Orpington

01689 898 000

aksularorpington.com aksularorpington 32

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Managing a loved one’s health, welfare and finances with the required legal authority Somebody’s decision making capacity may be impaired because of severe learning disabilities, an acquired brain injury, a brain disease or mental illness. If someone is not able to make decisions for themselves an application can be made to the Court of Protection for a person to be appointed as a Deputy to make decisions and act on their behalf.

There are two types of Deputyships; Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare.

As a financial Deputy you can manage a person’s finances with the required legal authority. This may involve making investments, opening and closing bank accounts, selling property and purchasing a property. It will also involve day to day matters such as paying bills and spending money on their behalf.

As a Deputy you are supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”) and are required to submit annual accounts.

A Health and Welfare Deputy can make decisions on behalf of a person (aged 16 or over) regarding their medical treatment and how they are cared for, if the person lacks mental capacity to make those decisions for themselves, at the time those decisions need to be made.

The types of decisions that you may need to make are:• Where a person should live/with whom they should live •Decision on day-to-day care, including diet and dress •Consenting to routine medical or dental examination and treatment on their behalf •Arrangements for the provision of care services •Whether they should take part in particular leisure or social activities •Complaints about their care and treatment

The types of decisions that cannot be made by a Health and Welfare Deputy are:•Decisions where the person can make that decision for themselves •To prevent somebody having contact with them •Consent to specific treatment if the person has made a valid ‘advance decision’ to refuse that specific treatment •Refuse consent to the carrying out or continuation of life-sustaining treatment

If you would like to discuss further, please contact Scott Walker on 01689 887858 or email: scott.walker@cwj.co.uk

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

33

Policing Matters

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WANTED to take this opportunity to update you on some of the work your local Orpington Safer Neighbourhoods Team has been involved with since the Spring.

In April, the team worked alongside court bailiffs to evict

A column by Sergeant Alex Farmer

squatters that had taken up illegal occupancy in a flat above a bank in Orpington High Street. Three persons were evicted from the premises, including a prolific and priority offender well known for burglary and theft in the Orpington area. Two offensive weapons

Officers in Orpington carrying out an eviction 34

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

were also seized from the flat and destroyed. The premises was secured with new locks and an alarm system installed.

After receiving reports of ASB (anti-social behaviour) and drug use, the team worked closely with the premises owner to prevent unauthorised access to stairwells in the underground car park on Augustus Lane. The stairwells were found littered with used syringes and rubbish which posed a risk to those needing to use them as a means of escape in the event of a fire. Officers continue to patrol the area and I am pleased to report that since being cleared and secured, there have been no further issues.

More recently, officers were made aware of a garage situated at the rear of the shops on Orpington High Street that was being used by homeless persons to sleep and take drugs. The garage was also linked to people concerned in shoplifting and ASB on the high street. The ward team acted quickly to secure the garage and prevent it from being accessed and used unlawfully.

The Team has received reports in the past few weeks of suspicious activity and attacks on swans and other wildlife within Priory Gardens.

Let me assure you that this remains a priority for the Team. Your local policing team carry out regular uniformed and plain clothes patrols and are exercising their powers of stop and search where grounds exist. We continue to act upon intelligence passed to us from the local community. We are working closely with the Met Police Wildlife Crime Unit, Swan Watch, Park Wardens and members of the Orpington community to identify

Town centre businesses can join OBAC for free and gain access to the online information sharing system

those involved. We are committed to stamping out what can only be described as a senseless and cowardly act. I wish to thank all those who have assisted us in our enquiries.

Lastly, prolific offender Nigel Spicer was arrested by the team in Priory Gardens after a tip off from a member of Orpington Business Against Crime (OBAC). Spicer is subject to a Criminal Behavioural Order which means he is not allowed to be in Priory Gardens or Orpington High Street and if found there can be arrested. He was remanded in custody and sentenced to 8 weeks in prison for breaching the conditions imposed by the court. A great result!

I wish you well as we head into the warmer months and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, as the team and I patrol the ward.

Thank you for your continued support. Have a safe and enjoyable Summer!

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Orpington SNT

) 020 8721 2729 t @MPSOrpington * SNMailbox.OrpingtonSNT@ met.police.uk

Petts Wood & Knoll SNT

) 020 8721 2609 t @MPSPettsWood * SNMailbox-PettsWoodand KnollSNT@met.police.uk Nearest police station: Bromley Police Station, High Street, Bromley BR1 1ER

t @met.police.uk

f Facebook.com/metpoliceuk

For crime prevention advice visit www.met.police.uk/ crimeprevention To report a crime call 101 or visit www.met.police.uk.

In an emergency always dial 999.

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The Orpington British Legion Club

WE ARE BACK!

We are open again, and can’t wait to see you all!

• Member Incentives • Regular Entertainment/Events • Lunchtime Clubs • Safe and Friendly Environment

• Darts • Pool • Sky Sports • BT Sports

ENQUIRE NOW FOR MEMBERSHIP DETAILS Opening Times • Monday - Thursday 12 noon - 4pm, 7pm - 11pm Friday & Saturday - 12 noon - 11.30pm • Sunday 12 noon till 8pm

5 Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HE • 01689 820162 www.rblorpington.co.uk • orpingtonrbl@outlook.com 36

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

Valentine & Turner FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD

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ORPINGTON’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Our Family Caring for Your Family Every Step of the Way HM odern Service with Traditional Values

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

37

Above: With her spry pop framework, Katie Kittermaster articulates the melancholy of young adulthood with wit, warmth and clarity.

orpington1st.co.uk/events

Festival headliners Toploader had a global hit with ‘Dancing in The Moonlight’ in 1997.

Below: Mixing Indie Rock, Punk and Britpop. Con Barclay brings his own brand of high energy, guitar-based rock to the table, with good riffs, catchy chorus’ and honest lyrics.

Here comes the summer... it’s the return of Priory Live!

Orpington’s delightful Priory Gardens will once again be alive with the sound of music on Saturday August 7th as Priory Live Music Festival returns with the biggest and best line up ever.

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REATED in 2014 by organisers Talking Box Events, with sponsorship from Orpington 1st, Priory Live went on to establish a proven track record for celebrating new, creative, and diverse artists. The festival’s return for summer 2021 is set to send its reputation out of the box and into the stratosphere. A super strong line-up of 10 hours of original artists is headlined by Toploader whose debut album, Onka’s Big Moka, sold over one million units.

Talking Box Director, Nick Barclay, said, “The festival has grown to the point where the natural progression is to bring in acts that have had commercial success whilst also offering younger artists with the opportunity to rub shoulders with more experienced performers.”

Earlybird tickets are on sale now at only £15, with “teen tickets” for 12-15 year-olds at only £8, and under 12s free, Priory Live is excellent value for the whole family.

“For our first ticketed festival we vowed to keep prices affordable to all music fans. The 2020 pandemic has hit

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everybody, some more than others. Now we are coming back into the light and this is a great chance to celebrate our freedoms.”

A creative makers market and the BBC Upload stage are exciting new additions to the Priory Live experience, and a range of foods from Caribbean to Pie and Mash, and Gourmet burgers to authentic Greek gyros, will be complemented by a well-stocked bar.

For more info and to buy tickets visit priorylive.co.uk

Second generation mod band Secret Affair’s debut single “Time For Action” sold over 250,000 copies, putting them at the forefront of mod revival

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Summer 2021

That summer feeling when all your legal affairs are in order...

• Wills, Probate & Lasting Powers of Attorney • Buying or Selling a Home • Divorce and Separation • Business Services • Personal Injury • Employment Law Thomas Dunton Solicitors: helping Orpington residents with their legal needs for over 40 years.

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217–219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ

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enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk For more information, call us or visit our website:

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Thomas Dunton Solicitors LLP is a limited liability partnership. Reg. No. OC432925.

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