The Orpington 1st Magazine Winter/Spring 2024

The

Magazine

Winter/Spring edition 2024 • Introducing Littleville Role Play Café • Orpington FC celebrates planning victory • A look back at Light Up and Santa Dash • Good work Bromley launches in Orpington www.orpington1st.co.uk • 01689 829 527

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Welcome...

by Orpington 1st BID Executive Director, Chris Travers

H

ELLO and welcome to another edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine.

I hope your year has started well. It’s been a while since our last magazine, so I’d like to start by saying thank you to the thousands of Orpingtonians who helped create a fantastic atmosphere at the town centre Christmas lights event. We take a look back at an electric Light Up Orpington 2023 on pages 20-23, and we review our festive funrun, the Orpington Santa Dash, on pages 26-29.

15,250 copies are printed of each edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine. 13,000 are delivered to homes across Orpington with a further 2,250 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 13,500.

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.

Orpington 1st is a not-for-profit company owned and led by local businesses.

want to live here, and we celebrate Orpington in our 2024 calendar. Featuring fourteen fantastic photos, all taken locally, you can read about it on page 13.

Our MP Gareth Bacon shares his thoughts on pages 36-37, there’s advice from Bromley LFB on page 38, and an introductory update from Sergeant Luke Giles of the Orpington ward Safer Neighbourhood Team in Policing Matters, pages 32-33.

Thank you for continuing to support town centre businesses and best wishes to you and your family for 2024.

CONTENTS

Among the new businesses to open their doors so far this year is Littleville. On page 7, take a peek at the Role Play Café which is receiving rave reviews.

It’s encouraging to see work on the development at 208 – 212 High Street commence. The Life Less Ordinary scheme will deliver a modern commercial unit on the ground floor and 40 contemporary one-to-three-bedroom homes, which have already attracted a great deal of interest. It’s great that business wants to invest in our town, and that people 7

Littleville a big hit

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Good work, Bromley!

11 Victory for Orpington FC 13 Calendar comp 15 A Waxwing Winter 17 Mytime Active Health Hubs 20 Thousands light up Orpington 26 Santa Clauses running through town 30 In the mood for dancing 32 Policing Matters 35 Reducing commercial waste costs 37 Working for Orpington - Gareth Bacon MP 38 Advice from London Fire Brigade 39 Priory Live 2024!

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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...in the community OUR MISSION TO HELP COMMUNIGROW At Perrys we are always looking for ways to help our local community. In 2022 we consulted with our staff to see what local charities they would like to help. Our staff wanted to support a mental health charity or a food bank. After a little research, we found Communigrow was a perfect combination.

Communigrow is a ‘sustainable food education charity’ based in East Malling, Kent. They support many different local groups from school children, to adults suffering with mental health issues and adults experiencing loneliness. They were recently featured on BBC South East for the work they are doing within the community to support older people.

In October we helped Communigrow dig their pond. This will be used by local students for ‘pond dipping’ and as a place to relax and unwind.

OUR ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY 2024 A regular charitable Perrys event, is our annual Charity Golf Day. In 2023, we raised an incredible £4,657.81 and all funds went to Communigrow.

If you want to take part in this year’s event at Dale Hill, please contact:Caroline Hoare hoare@perry-company.co.uk or Jodie Parkin parkin@perry-company.co.uk

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Each year we ask local businesses if they would like to support us by donating to our golf day raffle.

Donations usually include gift vouchers, wine, chocolates or golf accessories. However, any donations are gratefully received.

You can even sponsor a hole on the day.

Our Branches Historic Dockyard Chatham 01634 245900

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London 020 7408 4442

Orpington 01689 823175

Tonbridge 01732 770100

Tunbridge Wells 01892 543900

West Malling 01732 870032

Wrotham 01732 882488

Perrys is the trading name of Perrys Accountants Limited. Registered to carry out audit work in the UK, regulated for a range of investment business activities, and licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales.

Company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 4th Floor, 399-401 Strand, London, WC2R 0LT. Company number 7745523

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

Littleville a big hit book from the library.

A welcome addition to the High Street, Littleville is already proving very popular with children and parents alike.

Owner Amanda said, “Thank you to everyone that made our first week so special. Thank you to the Mayor and Mayoress for officially declaring us open, also to Orpington 1st and the Walnuts for their support. We’re looking forward to welcoming many more families in the coming months!”

Also available for private hire, you can find Littleville at 53-55 The Walnuts, open Wednesday – Sunday, 9:15 – 5:00.

A

N innovative concept, new to the town centre, and the brainchild of Orpington based owners Amanda and Vinny, Littleville was officially opened by the Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting on 24th January 2024.

With a mission to create memorable experiences for young minds through imaginative play and creative learning, Littleville is a beautifully decorated roleplay café boasting a high-quality fitout and providing a vibrant, safe, and welcoming environment for families.

Children up to age seven are invited to explore a series of fun and educational roleplay stations, props, and costumes, whilst their parents relax, socialise, enjoy a great cup of coffee and some delicious snacks, and even grab a

Owners Amanda and Vinny, with Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting and Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting – cutting the ribbon with some little helpers.

The Littleville play area is complemented perfectly by the wall art created by talented local young artist and Newstead Wood pupil, Xinyi Leng, aged 14, above.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

For more info and to book a session, visit Littleville.uk Littleville.uk 7

Good Work Bromley launches in Orpington New project aims to support residents across the Bromley Borough into employment

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N Tuesday 23rd January a brand-new employment and skills centre was launched at London South East Colleges’ Orpington Campus.

The Good Work Bromley Exchange has been created through a unique partnership between the College and Bromley Council, supported by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Also working with Local London (Greater London Authority), the Department for Work and Pensions, local housing associations, Maximus, Bromley Well, Bromley Mencap and CASPA - and other local charities - the initiative is aimed at supporting people from across the borough struggling to gain employment, including those who are neurodivergent or have mental health issues.

Experts from partner organisations and the college will be on hand to provide specialist support for anyone who needs it, with opportunities on offer for applicants including referral 8

Above: Head of Economic Development at Bromley Council, Daniel Murray, addressing attendees at the Good Work Bromley Exchange Launch at BR6 Restaurant

onto courses at London South East Colleges and progression into employment via Work Skills Programmes and Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs).

Representatives from the partner organisations together with Orpington 1st BID, local employers and many other stakeholders from across the Borough, were welcomed to the launch event

by London South East Colleges’ Group Chair, Stephen Howlett CBE DL, before Group Principal and CEO, Dr Sam Parrett CBE introduced the project. Partners spoke about their involvement and attendees were given an overview of the local skills market.

Neil Coates, Deputy Principal Adults, Enterprise and Employability at LSEC said, “This is such an exciting project, which will help people of all ages from

across the Borough access training and employment opportunities.

“Working in partnership with the council, the DWP, local charities, and employers is a fantastic example of collaboration – together we can have a greater impact and support more local people.”

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley Council’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said, “Initiatives like this are so important for helping more residents access the skills needed to make the most of the employment opportunities locally. I thank our partners London South East Colleges, and the participating employers for delivering the Good Work Bromley Exchange, which I am sure will prove a valuable resource for many residents looking for employment or wanting to reskill.”

The Good Work Bromley Exchange is keen to work with more employers. If you are interested in getting involved please contact goodworkbromley@lsec.ac.uk or call 020 3954 4699 for further information.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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Orpington FC gets green light for Goddington Community Pavilion

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RPINGTON FC celebrated a momentous victory in November 2023 as Bromley Council granted planning permission to build a new community pavilion at the club’s home in Goddington Park.

Players, families, trustees, and supporters of Orpington FC - which delivers weekly football training and games for over 450 players aged U7-U18 – were delighted with the win, having worked on plans for the new clubhouse for over four years, with volunteer hours totalling in excess of 5,000, and some £45,000 spent on consultant fees.

Following the council’s decision, Orpington FC’s Chairman, Tom Shrubshall, said, “I am thrilled to announce that our dreams have become a reality.

A CGI of the proposed pavilion at Goddington Park “This milestone marks a significant chapter in our club’s history, paving the way for a brighter future.

Together, we will build more than just a clubhouse; we will forge lasting memories, nurture talent, and strengthen the bonds that unite us on and off the field.”

In March 2020, a consultation carried out by the club of over 650 Goddington Park users and neighbours found 92% supported the building of a new pavilion.

Following the refusal of an initial planning application in September 2021, dialogue with existing visitors to the park continued to demonstrate demand, and a broader outreach programme connected Orpington FC to more potential partners, including an exciting collaboration with Millwall Community Trust which hopes to expand the facility’s sport and fitness offering well beyond the club’s 600 players and their families.

Peter Varney, Executive Vice Chairman of Millwall Community Trust, said, “Everyone here is delighted to see planning consent granted for the new pavilion.

Millwall Community Trust has a proven track record of running programmes from Toddler Soccer right up to Walking Football for seniors which will be delivered at the new site, bringing huge benefits to residents across the Borough.

We are proud to partner with such a progressive and significant grass roots club as Orpington FC.” The Club now looks forward to agreeing planning conditions and a longer lease and license in Goddington Park - with Bromley Council, and is working on plans to fundraise £2.1m to build the community asset.

Julie Covill, Trustee and Fundraiser, said, “We are so excited about partnering with Millwall CT and other health, sport, and recreation providers to create a vibrant community centre that will be fully accessible. It’s great news for Orpington! If you are a local business, community group, or resident, and are interested in finding out more about the project or how to get involved, please contact us at orpingtonfc@gmail.com.”

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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Calendar competition celebrates the people and places of Orpington

N autumn 2023 we invited you to send us your shots taken anywhere in a BR5 or BR6 postcode location.

Thank you to everyone who entered the Orpington Photography Competition, which aims to encourage budding and more experienced photographers to capture the beauty in our surroundings, with selected entries featuring in the Orpington Calendar. We received some fantastic images, with the importance of our green spaces a strong theme.

Congratulations to Gokhan Gorsoy whose photo “Sunset on the London/ Kent Gateway” (above) was picked from an impressive crop of entries and takes pride of place on the front of the 2024 calendar. Judges liked the perfect framing and timing of the shot, which shows the Poverest area of Orpington in the foreground with London landmarks visible on the horizon - all under a stunning sunset, highlighting Orpington’s enviable location. Gokhan

also won £100 to spend in his choice of Orpington’s excellent town centre restaurants.

Featuring fourteen high quality photographs (December 2023 – January 2025), the 2024 calendar includes a stunning mix of aerial photography, residents enjoying public spaces, wildlife, and town centre events. Copies were made available from Orpington Library in exchange for a donation to Bromley Homeless, a local charity which supports those across the London Borough of Bromley who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. At the time of writing, £800 had been raised to help this important charity continue their work.

Pictured, right: ‘Nest Building’ by Adrian Rowley taken on Spur Road.

‘Pink Rain’ by Orsolya Bali taken at Priory Gardens.

‘A mother and her baby enjoying green spaces’

by Anand Balaji taken at Crofton Woods.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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FREE Seminars

Protecting Your Family Assets - the second Thursday of each month Our Wills and Estate Administration team host a seminar on the topic of protecting your family assets, planning for the cost of long term care and lasting powers of attorney. The seminars last for one hour and there is an opportunity to join us afterwards for refreshments and ask our team questions relating to your individual circumstances.

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Blended- 2.30pm Families and Estate Planning - Thursday 21st March 12.30pm Inheritance tax planning is essential if you’re part of a blended family and want to ensure that your wealth is passed on as intended. If you are divorced and cohabiting with a new partner, getting married, having children in a new relationship or becoming a step-parent and want learn more about how you can provide for everyone satisfactorily on your death, come along to our seminar at our office.

Orpington, BR6 0PG 14 Valiant House, 12 Knoll Rise, The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

www.cwj.co.uk

01689 887 887

A Waxwing Winter

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UCH to the excitement of birders across the UK, an unusually large number of Waxwings were spotted across the nation this winter, including sightings of the beautiful bird here in Orpington.

A regular winter visitor to the UK from Scandinavia but rarely reaching the Southeast, the Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is slightly smaller and plumper than a Starling, with a prominent crest. It’s reddish-brown with a black throat, and a distinctive small black mask around its eye, yellow and white in the wings, and a yellow-tipped tail.

This winter saw what’s known as an “irruption” – meaning a larger number of the birds visited our shores. Waxwings’ diet consists of berries, particularly rowan and hawthorn, but also cotoneaster and rose.

Irruptions occur when the population in Waxwings’ breeding grounds grows too large for the food available, initially seeing them migrate to the northeast of Scotland around October and gradually moving south as numbers increase, before returning home around March. This winter they were even spotted in the Southwest of England.

Photograph taken in St Mary’s Close by Stuart Bartlett on 5th January.

Temporarily joining the list of eye-catching birds spotted locally, which includes the elegant Little Egret in brilliant white and the Kingfisher in electric blue and dazzling orange – both of which can be spotted along the River Cray - and the majestic Red Kite with its deeply forked tail, circling above the fields and houses, Waxwings get their name from the bright red tips to some of their wing feathers, which look like drops of sealing wax. Their distinctive call has been likened to the tinkling of a sleigh bells.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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“I love working here, with friendly colleagues, immersed in a community where you can watch families grow.”

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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Health help for all

Mytime Active also runs a number of discounted active lifestyle programmes for Bromley residents.

Mytime Active offers Health Hubs to help people living with chronic joint pain

l F resh Start Friendly is a programme that aims to provide physical activity guidance and support to those living with long term conditions who might be unfamiliar or new to exercise, through a variety of 12 specialist instructor-led sessions available weekly including water wellbeing, functional circuits, stretch, movement and mobility. lP rimetime offers recreational activities, events, sports, dance and keep fit classes for over 60s, helping older adults in Bromley to socialise more and make new friends. lM yClub provides leisure and social activities for adults, young people and children with a learning disability, with a focus on increasing physical activity and awareness of a healthy lifestyle. lW ellness Walks are group walks led by trained volunteer leaders, to give your health and wellbeing a boost.

Mytime Active’s Musculoskeletal Health Hubs will provide exercise, rehabilitation and wellbeing support

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OUR local leisure provider, Mytime Active, is now offering new community-based Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health Hubs to help people living with chronic joint pain.

The MSK health hubs will be operating in Bromley, out of the Spa at Beckenham and Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington.

The Hubs will provide local residents who live with long-term pain a targeted health programme of help. This will include exercise advice, rehabilitation sessions and wellbeing support, all designed to help maintain mobility and reduce pain. As well as a health assessment, the Hubs will give people access to targeted exercise sessions both in the gym and the pool at the Spa or Walnuts Leisure Centre.

Everyone who completes the MSK Hub programme will be offered a discounted Mytime Active health membership to help them continue with their pain reduction exercise.

Diane Friday, Active Lifestyles Programme Manager at Mytime Active, explains: “Mytime Active started delivering ESCAPEPain in 2018, and has already seen hundreds of local residents successfully complete the programme with positive results. The MSK Hubs will now allow us to help even more people going forward. MSK conditions are the primary cause of disability among older adults, with more than 20 million people in the UK experiencing problems such as arthritis, back or knee ache and chronic pain. Whilst we can’t cure these conditions, our programme will help manage pain and improve mobility.”

To find out more about all of Mytime Active’s wellbeing programmes, including the MSK Hubs, visit www. mytimeactive.co.uk/wellbeing-hubs

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

TESTIMONIALS Service of air source heat pump and system “This is the second year that AES have serviced our air source heat pump heating system.

They were punctual, courteous and went about their work efficiently and tidily. They informed us of the work done and any follow up needed (none this year). Again they did a great job and we would recommend AES.”

Air Source Heat Pump Service “Before booking the service, we were provided with a job specification sheet which gave us confidence that the service would be thorough.

The engineers arrived at the agreed time and carried out a clean and efficient service of our air source heat pump. They also checked the glycol level in the system and topped it up to the necessary level. Both engineers were smartly dressed and they paid great attention to tidiness and cleanliness. They were both courteous. We look forward to them returning next year for the annual service.”

Excellent job “We have struggled to find a decent company to service our heat pump over the years but AES have finally come through! Great service.

Knowledgeable and friendly engineers who arrived on time and got the job done thoroughly but quickly. Will definitely use again.”

ASHP Breakdown “We were very pleased with our repair, the lads were here bang on 08:00hrs, which is a tremendous effort bearing in mind the distances they both had to travel. They then fixed the known, previously identified problem in the heat pump. They both noticed that there was an issue with the system as it was losing pressure, they then worked really hard to work it out and got that sorted as well. We are very grateful for all of their efforts and hard work. It was a really wet and horrible day and they made no fuss about being out in the rain and were respectful. Both really engaging and polite.”

Service of air heat source boiler “Good communication with office staff.

The engineer arrived on time, wearing the company clothing. He was efficient and knowledgeable about my system.”

Heat Source pump service “Found the the experience really good. I enquired on a Sunday and had an engineer here on the Tuesday. Very polite and very straightforward. Also asked some question via email and got responses within 30 mins. Outstanding. Would love to have a service plan with aes if they ever do one.”

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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Thousands light up Orpington for Christmas On Sunday 19th November thousands of Orpingtonians came together to celebrate the start of the festive season and the switching-on of Orpington’s Christmas lights, funded and organised by Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID) – the town centre business community.

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UPPORTED by the Walnuts Shopping Centre and Manak Solicitors, Light Up Orpington 2023 saw the south section of the high street pedestrianised to make way for free entertainment, fairground rides, a range of stalls, and a huge number of residents.

A main stage line-up featured bright young stars from local performing arts schools Stage Coach Orpington and Harlequins Theatre School, and regular performers The Kentones brought their brilliant brand of Bromley barbershop harmony.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

A high energy performance from The Renegade Blues Brothers was followed by the magnificent Dread Centre, before Duality had the crowd bouncing and singing along with their smart selection of big hits.

A second performance area at the entrance to the Walnuts Shopping Centre featured an array of acoustic acts, whilst attractions inside included free facepainting courtesy of Thomas Dunton Solicitors and craft making hosted by The Hope Centre.

Visitors to Santa’s sleigh were able to meet the big man and receive a free gift. ä The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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With smaller children’s rides located in Market Square, fairground favourites including the carousel, helter-skelter and the Ferris wheel were in situ on the high street. New for this year, the Manak F1 experience saw a life size Formula 1 replica and race simulator setup outside Manak Solicitors office.

As the event built to a climax, consummate compere Paul Evers invited on to the stage the Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting and

Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting, Cllr.

Pauline Tunnicliffe, Gareth Bacon MP, and Santa himself. They were joined by local father and daughter Wayne and Betsi Powley (11) who provided an introduction to RealEazy, founded after Betsi was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, in November 2021.

Following a communal countdown, a firework finale lit up the sky bringing festivities to a close.

Orpington 1st Executive Director Chris Travers, said, “we’d like to

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

thank the Mayor of Bromley, all our on-stage guests, and every single one of the thousands of people who came together to light up Orpington tonight. The turnout has been incredible and the atmosphere electric. Occasions such as this are a credit to our town and are only made possible by our business community’s continued investment, so a big thank you to each of them for their ongoing commitment to the town centre.”

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Holy Innocents’ Preschool Mitchell Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9JT e preschool@holyinnocents.bromley.sch.uk t 01689 813040 Set in the beautiful grounds of Holy Innocents’ RC Primary School.

Delivering a well balanced early years foundation stage curriculum, by highly experienced, qualified staff who aim to offer a very high standard of care and education, and providing fun and friendship within a secure, caring and stimulating environment for all children aged 3 & 4.

Due to expansion we now have

places available from April 2024.

Please contact us for information.

The preschool is open 8.30-5.30, five days a week (term time only).

• Full and part time Vacancies • Ofsted registered • 30 Funded hours for those eligible • Hot school meals available

If you would like to book a place or arrange a viewing please call us on 01689 813040 or call in to the school for a prospectus and registration form.

(These can also be found on www.holyinnocents.bromley.sch.uk)

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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We Fit We Fit 25

Santa Clauses running through town!

On Sunday 3rd December hundreds took part in the 2023 Orpington Santa Dash organised by Orpington 1st BID - the town centre’s business community - and supported by Mytime Active.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

O

VER 500 people of varying ages and abilities signed up for the 2k festive funrun which took dashers around Orpington’s glorious Grade II listed Priory Gardens, down the historic Church Hill, along Orpington High Street and into Market Square.

On what was a slightly damp morning a record number of participants gathered by the main gates of Priory Gardens, donned in their Santa suits, ready to paint the town red. A mass warm up set to a seasonal soundtrack was expertly led by Walnuts Leisure Centre’s Sarah Elston, before the indomitable Paul Evers got dashers underway.

As the first wave of a sea of Santas reached the home stretch in the Walnuts, they were cheered on by elves, family members, and well-wishers. ä The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

Awaiting dashers at the finish line in Market Square with a hardearned medal and some gratefully received hydration were The Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting, Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting, and Cllr. Pauline Tunnicliffe, joined by tireless volunteers from Orpington Rotary Satellite.

Orpington 1st Executive Director Chris Travers said, “It’s been brilliant to see determination and festive spirit abound today, despite the wet conditions! Well done to all our Santas, and big thank you to everyone for being part of another great event in Orpington.”

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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Heading

In the mood for dancing…

A

YEAR on, and now fully settled into their new purpose built home in Market Square, Orpington - featuring sprung floor, air conditioning, mirrors, and ballet barres - The Lucy Griffiths Dance and Theatre Academy Limited is moving from strength to strength.

PHOTOGRAPH: B&C Photography

With local children from walking age onwards enjoying Dance and Theatre classes, Acrobatic Arts, Specialist Pre-School Starz classes incorporating Melody Bear Ballet and Acrobatic Arts - Ballet and Fitness and Adult Tap classes are also proving popular.

The Academy’s Squad classes give children opportunities to compete in festivals and competitions, with many pupils regularly bringing home medals and trophies. Huge congratulations to senior pupil Jess (pictured) who now holds the title of WCS South East of England Senior Modern Champion 2023 and WCS South of England Champion of Champions, and senior pupil Sophie who now holds the title of WCS South East of England Intermediate Ballet Champion 2023!

Owner Lucy Griffiths, said, “Our pupils have been taking ISTD Ballet, Modern and Tap examinations, Acrobatic Arts examinations and Theatric Awards examinations and we have been so proud of our amazing results!

“Plans for our 30-year Anniversary Show in February 2025 will be underway soon and all pupils will be invited to take part in this exciting event. We do offer a free trial lesson, so please contact our office at lucy@lucygriffiths.co.uk to book and join in the fun!”

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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H

ELLO everyone. I would like to introduce myself, I’m Sergeant Luke Giles and I joined the Orpington Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) at the end of October having moved from the emergency response police team based at Bromley.

Following continued lobbying from Orpington 1st and your MP, Gareth Bacon, and as part of the Met’s drive for a stronger focus on neighbourhood policing, I have been assigned to the newly created post of dedicated ward sergeant.

The Orpington ward now has a team of seven officers. PC James Kelly joined just before my arrival; other new members are PCSO Millie Martin and our most recent addition, PC Kayleigh O’Donoghue who has transferred from the Bromley Town Centre team, replacing PC Victoria Mason - a

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dedicated member of the team who was always pushing to help victims of crime, and to whom we wish all the best. I have no doubt that our new members will continue to work to the same high standard.

The last few months have been a demanding time for my team, attending local events as well as policing those elsewhere, whilst trying to make sure officers are still out and about on our ward.

Locally, the Community Safety Partnership Safer Streets event saw a great turn out and I would like to thank Victoria for organising this. Taking place at The Walnuts Shopping Centre, the event brought together our team, the Volunteer Police Cadets, Safer Transport Team along with the London Fire Brigade, London Borough of Bromley ASB team, Safer Cycle Team, Trading Standards, and Orpington 1st. A main focus of the day was to draw attention to the law on the use of E-scooters, with free property marking also available to attendees.

My team also conducted an event raising awareness about violence against women. Officers were on hand to speak with members of the public as well as attending local businesses and issuing crime prevention advice, especially to those places where lone females work.

As usual, Orpington’s Remembrance Day service was extremely well attended. My team helped facilitate the parade, working with the Royal British Legion and other partners. Events of this scale with road closures and a large number of people can be challenging, but

I’m pleased to say the event went without a hitch.

The town’s Christmas lights event, Light Up Orpington, was a fantastic occasion for the community and once again the turnout was amazing, with thousands enjoying the festivities and the phenomenal

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

Orpington SNT

) 020 8721 2729 @MPSOrpington * SNMailbox.OrpingtonSNT@ met.police.uk You can also follow us on Nextdoor.co.uk Nearest police station: Bromley Police Station, High Street, Bromley BR1 1ER @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.

Policing matters...

a column by Sgt Luke Giles

Members of the Orpington Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team, L-R: PCSO Matt Lane, PC Ryan Kressinger, PC Kayleigh O’Donoghue, Sergeant Luke Giles, PC Andrea Chittenden. fireworks display. I am working closely with Orpington 1st and partners on this year’s event and planning for my whole team to be there to ensure a repeat of the lovely family atmosphere and to provide familiar faces that you will begin to recognise and see throughout the year.

My team have been holding regular surgeries in Orpington Library where residents can come and discuss face to face any issues impacting our community. If there is anything you would like to raise with officers, the surgeries are advertised within the library, on the Orpington 1st website, and on our social media pages.

I am aware of concerns regarding Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) across the Orpington ward, and I know the negative impact this can create. My team are actively targeting

offenders within the town centre and surrounding areas. This includes the use of stop and search by both uniformed and plain clothes officers. This has provided some positive outcomes, with catapults and ammunition being seized by officers, and suspects being identified and dealt with robustly.

Plain clothes operations may mean that my team are not always visible when out on patrol, but they have already achieved great results, including identifying offenders wanted for failing to appear at court, and possession of drugs. Combining different approaches and making use of local CCTV is already showing promising results with cases, more of which I hope to be able to update you on in the next edition, as they are ongoing.

Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to meeting more of you in the year ahead.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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Visit bromley.gov.uk/gardencollections to find out more and sign up today 34

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

Orpington 1st teams up with Veolia for commercial waste management

O

RPINGTON 1st Business Improvement District (BID) has partnered with Veolia, securing reduced cost waste management for BID members.

Orpington BID levy payers can now access exclusive prices for

general waste, food waste, mixed recycling, glass, and cardboard collection.

Chris Travers, Executive Director at Orpington 1st, said, “We’re always looking at ways to support the town centre and its businesses,

and the prices we have negotiated with Veolia represent great value for our businesses. We look forward to working with them towards more efficient waste management for Orpington.”

With Veolia clients currently including many national chains as well as the local authority, the new agreement also stands to result in fewer refuse collection vehicles entering the town centre, benefitting the high street environment.

Veolia Area Sales Executive Gary O’Day, said, “At Veolia we offer efficient, cost effective, safe, and reliable collection and treatment of commercial general waste from organisations of all shapes and sizes across the UK, with minimal disruption to business.

We’re delighted to offer these prices exclusively to Orpington 1st BID members and look forward to providing them with first class service.”

Orpington 1st BID members prices can be viewed by scanning the QR code

Wimpy Orpington 261 High Street 01689 637476 Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm Sun: 11am-7pm

Call to collect or come and eat-in eat-in!!

T&Cs apply. Delivery charges, areas & minimum delivery spends may apply. Copyright 2022 Wimpy Restaurants Group Ltd. Just Eat is a registered trademark of JUST EAT. Deliveroo is a registered trademark of Roofoods Ltd. UBER EATS is a registered trademark of Uber Technologies, Inc. PEPSI MAX and the Pepsi Globe are Trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

35

My work for Orpington in 2024

A column by Gareth Bacon MP

I’m pleased to begin my first column of the year for The Orpington 1st Magazine with some positive news on the cost of living...

F

IRSTLY, the cut in National Insurance is now in place, benefitting around 27 million people across the UK. It’s a cut from 12% to 10%, meaning an average salaried worker on £35,400 will save £450 a year.

A household with two average earners will save nearly £1,000 a year. We still have a long way to go to get back to the correct balance of taxation after the extraordinary costs of getting the country through the pandemic, but it’s a good start.

Next, inflation has fallen by more than half of what it was in its peak. It has rightly been a government priority, and we are now seeing the pay-off as mortgage

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The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

lenders begin to reduce fixed rate deals, and prices at supermarkets and fuel pumps are falling.

We’ve gone through a tough period globally thanks to the Covid pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, two major events which disrupted economies and drove up prices. As we turn a corner, our focus remains on getting inflation down to the 2% target as soon as possible. As we approach the Budget, I will also be pushing the Chancellor for further sensible tax cuts as that’s the way to help working people and businesses here in Orpington, and across the country.

Sticking with the cost of living, the one common-sense measure which would significantly help many thousands of people in Orpington and outer London instantly, is switching off the ULEZ cameras and reversing

Gareth was delighted to join thousands of residents at Orpington’s Christmas Lights switch-on event, Light Up Orpington, organised and funded by Orpington 1st – the town centre business community. the extension of the scheme.

It is a needless tax that has a negligible impact on air quality but is hammering people on low incomes, and those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods such as traders, cleaners, and other small business owners — people who cannot afford to splash out on a new car. I will do everything I can to get this appalling tax reversed.

Another issue I’m still getting lots of correspondence about is the safety of our streets. We now have a record number of police on our streets nationally, but locally residents are telling me that they are not seeing them out and about. Thanks to the joint effort with Orpington 1st BID, we now have a seven-strong squad dedicated to our main town centre. This year, I will be working with the police and the BID team to make sure they are more visible and keeping us free from drugs, crime, and anti-social behaviour.

Some of you have also written to me about sewage overflows in our rivers and waterways. This is an issue I have been paying close attention to and I voted twice in Parliament for greater environmental protections. Thames Water recently confirmed to me that they are installing 200

monitors in our area, helping prevent incidents before they occur. The government has taken action to improve the regulation of our water companies — they are better monitored, better inspected, they can be fined, and chief executive bonuses stopped if they gave a poor record on pollution.

Finally, for now, I will be working as hard as I can to protect our green belt. There is a delicate balancing act to be achieved here, because of course we do need to build more homes and get our younger generations on the ladder. But they need to be the right homes, in the right place, with the right infrastructure. We have passed a new law, following an update on planning guidance, which will change how councils like Bromley need to deliver houses.

These reforms will lead to greater protections for the green belt, and powers to reject new developments where they are inappropriate.

These are some of my main priorities for Orpington in 2024, and I look forward to working with government colleagues, the council, the BID, and other local partners to deliver them. We are fortunate to live and work in a fantastic place — if we get these issues right, local people and businesses will feel the benefits for many years to come.

Surgery Details I hold regular surgeries to meet constituents, hear their concerns and offer support. If you would like to attend one of my surgery sessions, please get in touch with Judi Ellis at 07835 815 495 to book an appointment.

PHOTO: ERIC RUSH

Please do keep in touch in the following ways: • www.garethbacon.com • gareth.bacon.mp@parliament.uk 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 • Winter/Spring 2024

37

London Fire Brigade in Bromley: Are you prepared at home & in the workplace?

Preparing for a flood Prevention is the best form of firefighting

V

ISIT our website on tips on how to reduce risks, keep compliant and champion fire safety at work or if you manage volunteers.

Our interactive tool is designed to help small business owners understand their legal duties for fire safety in the workplace.

I

F you can see water building up in the street, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Water building up on the street can quickly turn into an emergency. If you feel that you or someone else is in danger, call 999 immediately.

What should I do as a business?

T

HE main priority is to ensure you, your employees and customers are safe.

Testing and Exercising

R

ECENTLY crews from Orpington Fire Station attended an evacuation and emergency response exercise at Chelsfield Park Hospital

a great opportunity for onsite staff to test how they would respond to an emergency and how they can assist the emergency services when they arrive. Has your site completed an emergency exercise recently?

Planning one this year? Contact us for assistance or advice: London Fire Brigade (london-fire.gov.uk) or 020 8555 1200 ext 84541.

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Who should I call if my street floods?

• Make sure your phone is charged, so that you can call for help if required.

• Send your employees home if it is safe to do so.

• In an emergency be ready to turn off your gas supply, turn off your water supply, and turn off your electricity supply, if possible.

• If you’re using candles for light, make sure you follow our safety advice.

• Think about a safe place you could go to if flood water comes into your business. Don’t put yourself in danger to get there. If you are in a basement or ground floor unit, this could include moving to a unit or flat on a higher level.

Always follow advice from Floodline or the emergency services if you have called them. Never put yourself or others in unnecessary danger.

Is there anything I can do to stop my property from flooding?

T

HERE are steps you can take to try and limit the damage to your property.

• Use flood barriers to divert the water away from your premises. You can buy flood defences online or from a local hardware store.

• If possible (and without putting yourself at risk) move belongings to a higher level.

• Flood water can come in through toilets, so be prepared to sandbag your bathroom doors or block your toilet.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter/Spring 2024

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