The Orpington 1st Magazine Winter 2020

The

Orpington Magazine

Winter edition 2020 IN THIS ISSUE • • • •

A sprinkling of Christmas Magic in Orpington Orpington adopts lanyard scheme A virtual celebration for Orpington’s Finest Orpington Christmas Market

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

A refreshing approach to accountancy At Perrys Chartered Accountants we offer our clients an exceptional service and are proud of our industry knowledge, qualifications and experience.

• Accounts • Tax Planning • Corporate Finance • Wills & Probate • Company Secretarial Work • VAT Legislation • Tax Allowance • Inheritance Tax • Statutory Audit

To arrange a FREE consultation please visit our website

perrysaccountants.co.uk Orpington 01689 823175

Tunbridge Wells 01892 543900

Wrotham 01732 882488

Mayfair 020 7408 4442

City 020 7256 9339

Historic Dockyard Chatham 01634 245900

West Malling 01732 870032

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 to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 1st Floor, 12 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4PW. Company number 7745523.

A sprinkling of Christmas magic in Orpington with the John Lewis Christmas ad

C

ONSIDERED by many as a sign that the countdown to Christmas has begun, this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert was released on 13th November, the opening and closing scenes of which were filmed in Orpington, on the Forest Way/Friar Road roundabout, with production parking at Goddington Park and the nearby church hall used as a holding area.

Local houses were dressed with Christmas decorations, and fake snow was added to create a festive feel.

The advert forms one element of a major campaign by John Lewis and Waitrose, launched on World Kindness Day, under the strapline ‘Give A Little Love’, aiming to make a lasting difference to some of those hit hardest during 2020. Brit-award winner Celeste wrote the original song for the advert, called “Give a Little Love”.

The two-minute film is made up of nine animated vignettes by eight different artists, each depicting an act of kindness which inspires the recipient to pass on the goodwill, beginning with a young boy getting his football stuck in a tree who is helped out by

a young girl and her umbrella. The ad ends back on the roundabout with the message ‘Give A Little Love’ written in the sky.

When scouting for their perfect location, the creative teams wanted somewhere that could help them create the perfect suburban winter scene. They had several locations to choose from but the roundabout on Friar Road/Forest Way ensured not only the ideal suburban backdrop, but also that they could effectively manage the vicinity in a film friendly borough with the support of local residents.

Filming took place on the 16th October 2020, with some preparation of the site the day before, including the first layer of environmentallyfriendly fake snow - which was promptly rained away. It was reset the following morning with another layer which was then topped up throughout the day, ensuring a safe, day-long Christmas wonderland!

We asked Rhian Sharpe, General Manager of FilmFixer, which looks after the film locations, about the challenges of filming such a high profile campaign.

“From a borough film office

and council point of view, high profile campaigns such as this always mean lots of people, lots of equipment, and great interest from the public. Filming is exciting no matter what, however filming of this scale does tend to draw attention.

The production team were very experienced in managing the public on the day, ensuring that the local residents got to see what was going on, keeping an eye on public safety whilst maintaining an air of mystery about what was being filmed.

“Christmas commercials are big projects and they require a lot of moving parts. Bromley Council and Bromley FilmFixer were happy to work with production to facilitate their ever-changing creative briefs and would welcome them back to the borough at every opportunity.”

Together John Lewis and Waitrose are aiming to raise £4m for FareShare and Home-Start, and £1m will also be donated by shop Partners to charities who support families in their local communities. These donations will be used to provide food, comfort, emotional support and advice to at least 100,000 families in need.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

3

Welcome...

by Orpington 1st BID Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin

A

WARM welcome to the winter edition of the Orpington 1st Magazine.

During what has been a challenging second lockdown, businesses have been adapting their offer to include takeaway, delivery, and click and collect options as well as investing in new online platforms and getting busy with social media. So, a big thank you to everyone who has continued to shop local and supported the high street.

Your custom has never been more appreciated.

Christmas celebrations have already started, and the Orpington business community is looking forward to welcoming customers back into the town centre and once again serving you in person.

Although we aren’t able to host our usual Light Up event this year, we have still installed the town’s Christmas Lights and are working hard to ensure that visits to the high street are full of festive spirit.

15,000 copies are printed of each edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine. 14,000 are delivered to homes across Orpington with a further 1,000 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 10,000.

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District www.orpington1st.co.uk Orpington1st 01689 829 527 info@orpington1st.co.uk If you would like to advertise in the next edition please contact us.

Everyone has made changes to the way they do things and that even includes Santa who has asked us to install a special festive post office where children can post their letters for the Orpington Elves to deliver direct to the big man.

We are also delighted that in partnership with Churches Together Orpington, families are invited to take part in a fun Nativity Trail around town which starts on December 5th.

And, new for 2020, we are very pleased to be hosting a four-week Christmas Market full of festive food and gifts.

The important message of Hands. Face. Space. is something that we take very seriously and we want customers to shop with confidence knowing that we have created a safe and Covid-secure environment, so please use our new public hand sanitiser stations, purchase and wear masks from our shops, or the vending machine in The Walnuts available out of hours, and make use of the safer spaces created with the high street planters.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2021.

Contents 3 6 9 11 15 17 19 20 24

John Lewis ads sparkle in town 2021 Calendar competition winner It’s not “Just the flu”, advises doctor Donate, don’t dump at charity shops Hidden in view: sunflower lanyards Orpington remembers Safer Space planters installed Virtual Orpington’s Finest 2020 awards Gareth Bacon MP column

27 29 31 32 34 35 37 38 39

Happy Birthday to ya!

Better times ahead for Business Local policing update Meet the new businesses in town Christmas Nativity Trail Areli’s Walnuts consultation to begin Scarecrow Trail winner FE’s Virtual Santa Dash Orpington Christmas Market

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

5

T

‘Poppy of hope’ Stephen Sangster

HE winner of this year’s Orpington Photography Competition has been announced ahead of the release of the Orpington calendar for 2021.

The annual competition invites keen photographers to send in photos taken anywhere in a BR5 or BR6 postcode location, with selected entries chosen to appear in the Orpington calendar.

Congratulations to Lilibeth Bautista whose photograph “Spring Confetti” taken in Priory Gardens was selected ahead of a record number of entries. The panel liked the light and mood of the photograph, serving as a reminder that in even in the most challenging times, hope springs eternal.

Lilibeth wins £100 to spend in an Orpington town centre business of her choice.

Lilibeth said, “I was walking with my husband and daughter in the park when we saw the beautiful cherry blossom tree that was in the middle of its shedding stage.

I was so happy to capture the moment, but I also thought about the people who were missing this amazing scene as this was taken during lockdown. I am so glad that lots more people will see it in the

‘Larry’ David Wanostrocht

‘Safe Haven’ Guy Trevers

‘The Pond’ Carrie Sawyer 6

Calendar calendar. Thank you, Orpington 1st, for the opportunity!”

Orpington 1st BID Manager, Chris Travers, said “We’ve had another brilliant response to the competition with hundreds of great entries, so thanks to everyone who sent us their snaps. Lockdown gave us all an opportunity to take a fresh look at our surroundings and it’s clear from this year’s

‘Snowy Path’ Nicola London The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

orpington1st.co.uk

‘Spring Confetti’ Lilbeth Bautista

competition winner announced submissions that Orpingtonians have found inspiration in all sorts of places. The town calendar has never failed to reflect the variety and vibrancy of our town and this is no doubt the case for 2021 calendar.”

The calendars will be available from Orpington library in December in exchange for donations to Bromley Homeless Shelter.

‘The Poser’ Adrian Rowley

‘Back to life’ Megan Eloise Photography The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

7

THE NURSE-LED HOME CARE PROVIDER

At Compassion Homecare we provide the very best in home care We would all like to continue to enjoy independent living within the comfort of our own home. Our qualified staff can help you with those day to day tasks that you are finding harder to cope with.

DAILY CARE, LIVE-IN CARE OR RESPITE CARE Our careers can help you with: • Help with getting up or going to bed • Washing, showering and bathing • Assistance with medication • Getting to social outings and meeting up with friends • Preparing and cooking meals • Overnight and respite care • Cleaning, housework and shopping • Laundry and Ironing • Or just popping in for a chat if you’d like some company

100% of our customers would recommend us

We know how big a step having home care is so we offer a free home care assessment to help you decide what is best for you. Please give us a call.

01689 825155

1st Floor, East Wing, Priory Buildings, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 0HH 8

www.compassionhomecare.co.uk The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

D

R Jon Doyle, Bromley GP advises, “Each year the flu kills around 11,000 people and hospitalises thousands more. If you are in one of the at-risk groups, please get your free flu vaccination. It is vital you have one as it will help protect you and those around you from what can be a severe and sometimes fatal illness which could lead to hospital treatment. Arrangements are in place in all Bromley GP surgeries to safely provide the flu jab. This includes social distancing measures, face masks and hand hygiene.

“The flu is not the same as a cold. It is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms start more suddenly, are more severe and last longer.

It is not ‘just the flu’ Doctors and health care leaders in the London Borough of Bromley are urging residents to get a flu jab, especially those who are most at risk, including the over 65s. This year people living in a Covid-19 shielding household are also entitled to get a free flu jab.

Make an appointment with your GP or visit your local pharmacy as soon as possible to get yours”.

More information about the flu and who is entitled to a free jab is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/ flu-influenza-vaccine/

Dr Jon Doyle

orpington1st.co.uk/community

Practices across the borough are putting in place measures to keep patients and staff safe during their vaccination.

Mary Stirling, a patient at South View Partnership in Bromley had an excellent experience getting her flu jab. “I received a text asking me to contact the practice using a dedicated number and a time to call to make my appointment. I was put through straight away to arrange my vaccination. When I went to the surgery, I had my temperature and contact details checked and then went straight in. There was a one-way system with several doctors in attendance in individual rooms enabling me to be in and out in five minutes. Huge credit to South View Partnership for organising this so efficiently”.

This winter, many more people are eligible to have the free flu vaccine. This includes the over 65s, pregnant women, those with long term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease etc, and those living in a shielding household.

Children aged 2-3 can get a free nasal spray at their GP practice. School aged children up to year 7 will be offered the vaccine at school - if you have an eligible child, please make sure they get it to help stop the spread of flu. There is enough flu vaccine for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.

Staff working in Bromley health and care services are getting vaccinated to help protect themselves and the people they care for. Please stay well and help your local NHS by getting your flu jab this winter.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

9

Fly-tippers we’re watching you Don’t let YOUR rubbish be dumped or you could be prosecuted and fined up to £5000.

It’s your responsibility to always check and use registered waste carriers. If they can’t prove they’re legitimate, don’t use them.

www.bromley.gov.uk/envirocrime 10

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

orpington1st.co.uk/community

Donate, Don’t Dump!

Residents across the Bromley borough are being asked not to leave unwanted goods outside closed charity shops as those items are treated as fly-tipping and removed, making those leaving them liable for a fine and the charities without the intended benefit.

C

HARITY shops, business communities and Bromley Council are requesting that donations are made in open hours following contact with the respective shop.

Councillor William Huntington-Thresher, Executive Councillor for Environment and Community Services, said, “As we have spent more time at home in recent months, a lot of us have perhaps spent more time having clear-outs and doing DIY projects and the like. People should always speak to the charity shop first during their normal business hours to arrange acceptance of donations and never leave unwanted goods in doorways or on the pavement for others to clear up.

“Often, the charity shop will need to pay to dispose of the goods ‘donated’ or dumped outside their shop and you could actually risk prosecution for fly-tipping.

We want town centres to be welcoming, secure and clean places where customers are confident to shop and being respectful towards charity shops will help with this and I know they will thank you for this and your much needed donations.”

Shoes, clothes, textiles and batteries and more can be taken to one of the on-street recycling banks or recycled in a household collection. Further information on donating goods is available at www.bromley.gov.uk.

Residents with items unsuitable for charity may be interested in the council’s bulky waste scheme for which there is a minimum charge of £36. A full list of prices is available when booked or a no-obligation estimate available in advance from a council Neighbourhood Officer visit.

Items for disposal can also be taken to one of the council’s reuse and recycling centres at Waldo Road Bromley, or Churchfields Road, Beckenham.

Alternatively, residents could arrange for a retailer to remove and dispose of their unwanted item(s) when delivering new goods.

More information on residential waste and recycling can be found on the Bromley Council website.

Charity Shops can download a “Donate. Don’t Dump” poster at www.orpington1st.co.uk

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

11

Affordable German Kitchens Read our 5 star reviews at www.trustpilot.com

Buy Now Pay 2022 19.9% APR REPRESENTATIVE The Walnuts Shopping Centre Orpington, BR6 0TW Tel: 01689 770195 www.kutchenhaus.co.uk Credit is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply. L&C Designs Ltd, 7-9 The Walnuts, Orpington BR6 0TW (Register No. 815381) trading as Kutchenhaus Orpington is a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a trading style of 12 The Orpington by 1st Magazine • Winter 2020 Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, authorised and regulated the Financial Conduct Authority (Register no. 704348).

orpington1st.co.uk/news

Churchill development

P

LANNING permission has been granted for a new Churchill Retirement Living development on Station Road.

Currently awaiting construction, the new scheme will see 27 self-contained one and two bedroom retirement apartments.

With excellent facilities and transport links, Orpington is proving to be a desirable location for home hunters of all ages. The new development will be Churchill’s second investment within the town centre, following Atkins Lodge, at the north end of the High Street, in 2015.

Right and above: Proposed retirement living development at 20 to 24 Station Road, Orpington, BR6 0SA Below: a typical Churchill living room

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

13

Do you need to manage the affairs of someone else?

Register to watch one of our Zoom webinars that we host on the 2nd Thursday of every month which covers the following topics: • • •

how to protect your family assets against inheritance tax Lasting Powers of Attorney; and planning for the cost of long-term care We’re now taking bookings for: Thursday 10th December at 7.00pm Thursday 14th January at 7.00pm To register your interest and to receive a webinar link, visit www.cwj.co.uk/site/seminars or email marketing@cwj.co.uk or call 01689 887827

“The helpful and efficient way we were dealt with each time was great.”

“I have been using your company for years as do other family members - as always excellent service from start to finish.”

14

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

orpington1st.co.uk/community

Orpington Adopts Sunflower Lanyard Scheme Following a successful trial of the Sunflower Lanyard Orpington 1st are proud to announce that the scheme is now being adopted by businesses across the town centre.

T

HE scheme is simple, with Sunflower Lanyards available for customers with hidden disabilities such as dementia, autism or anxiety to wear whilst visiting Orpington town centre.

The lanyard, which is entirely voluntary for people with hidden disabilities and their families, acts as a discreet sign for staff to identify and understand that the wearer may need additional support, help, or a little more time whilst shopping or visiting the town centre.

Orpington is in good company as, since its launch in 2016, it has now been adopted globally by major airports and venues and in the UK, by many supermarkets, railway and coach stations, leisure facilities, the NHS, police, fire and ambulance services, and an increasing number of small and large businesses.

Customers can collect FREE lanyards at the Orpington 1st office and look out for the window stickers highlighting businesses’ awareness of the scheme.

Find out more about the scheme at hiddendisabilitiesstore.com The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

15

16

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Remembrance Day 2020

D

UE to national restrictions in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Orpington’s Remembrance Day parade and service could not take place as usual this year. Instead, Orpingtonians joined those across the country in paying respects at home, with many observing the two minute silence on their doorsteps.

A small group - including the Deputy Mayor of Bromley, Cllr. Stephen Wells, Orpington’s ward councillors, Gareth Bacon MP, Gary Valentine-Fuller of Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors, representatives of the Royal British Legion (Orpington), and local police – gathered at the War Memorial where wreaths were laid, before making their way to Canadian Corner for a ceremony led by All Saints Reverend, George Rogers.

Above: Cllr Kim Botting President of Royal British Legion (Orpington), Gareth Bacon MP, Cllr Pauline Tunicliffe, Cllr Wiliam Huntingdon-Thresher This year, on behalf of Orpington’s business community, Orpington 1st erected a Union Flag at Memorial Roundabout in addition to installing poppies in trees across the high street.

Do you enjoy pulling out old photo albums, re-living moments passed? Do you like journaling? Then you will love

Magic Moments...

Want to surprise your loved one with a unique gift they will treasure forever?

Write down 10 Magic Moments and we will send them to you in a beautiful book.

• Writing down a moment takes only 5 minutes!

• Not sure you have 10 moments? Our prompts and ideas will find them in no time!

• Upload photos if you have them (but you don’t need to).

• Up to 50 pages

...in a Book

...All Year Ever tried to put together an annual photo book but never had enough time?

Magic Moments all Year does the work for you!

• We remind you via text and email so you won’t forget to add at least one moment each month.

• Reply with your special moment and a photo (if you have one) right then and there.

• We’ll put together your keepsake book draft for you to simply approve.

One-off book £29 Monthly subscription £2pcm + £29/book

Storyna is an interactive, video-based online platform that takes people of all ages and writing skills on a magical journey back through their life, capturing their memories in a beautiful keepsake book.

Whether you’re brand new to writing, or have journaled for years, Storyna offers a warm, welcoming space that brings your memories back to life and makes writing effortless.

The secret?

• Simple Steps • Proven Methodology • Lots of Support!

www.storyna.com anika@storyna.com

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Life Story Book How would it feel to know your children will always have your thoughts, memories and encouraging words at their fingertips? Create your Life Story Book with a 12 month subscription for only £10 a month, receive coaching support and a beautiful hardbound book.

Whether you’re brand new to writing, have journaled for years, or don’t want to write at all – we help you capture your memories and lessons learned in a beautiful book. Your way. Enter a warm, welcoming space that makes preserving your thoughts easy.

£10/month 17

18

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Safer Space Planters Safer Space Planters have been installed across Orpington high street providing a welcome improvement, practically and aesthetically, on the red and white barriers.

A

S part of the local covid-19 response, red and white barriers were brought in by the local authority to enable pedestrians to maintain social distancing, particularly in areas where hospitality businesses require outdoor seating to maximise their revenue.

The new Safer Space Planters have been obtained using the government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) which is providing £50 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to councils across England to support the safe reopening of high streets.

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID) sourced the planters and worked with suppliers to install them, adding attractive and low maintenance evergreen plants for the months ahead. The BID also worked with the council to minimise the impact to motorists. Just four bays across the high street have been utilised to create

wider pedestrian areas, which represents under 2% of the on-street parking in the town centre. The importance of retaining loading provision was emphasised, so although two bays have been shortened none have been removed.

Reflective strips have been added to the roadside of the planters to increase their visibility to motorists as the nights draw in.

Orpington 1st Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin, said “The Safer Space Planters have received a warm welcome from businesses and residents. The business community is always looking at ways in which to create a more welcoming environment, so we are delighted to have worked with the London Borough of Bromley on our latest efforts to green the town. The added height of the planters creates a safer space to enable confident social distancing and we’d like to thank residents for continuing to adhere to government guidelines and supporting the local economy.”

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

19

Former general manager, Ash, and Emma from Pato Lounge

A virtual celebration for

Left: Anna Taylor of Chrysalis Recruitment, Services Award winner Right: Fiona Russell of McQueen Hair & Beauty receiving the Best New Business Award from awards sponsors Valentine & Turner 20

T

HE annual business awards ceremony “Orpington’s Finest” was an early casualty to the spring lockdown, having been due to take place on 26th March.

In normal times, the night of “The Orpies” would see 200 guests The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

arrive at ODEON Orpington, dressed to impress, enjoy a drinks reception, before watching films of shortlisted businesses on the big screen as the winners are announced.

As it became clear that the traditional format for the

ceremony could not be followed any time this year, organisers Orpington 1st looked to an online solution for Orpington’s Finest Awards 2020, sponsored by Perrys Chartered Accountants, Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors.

Applications for the business awards opened back in January 2020, with customer experience reports conducted on shortlisted businesses by Insight 6.

On 1st October, representatives from thirty-two businesses from across Orpington town centre and key stakeholders from across the borough of Bromley were invited to watch the first ever virtual Orpington’s Finest Awards ceremony via the Orpington 1st website.

A welcome message from Gareth Bacon MP filmed on location at Westminster kicked off the virtual awards before regular Orpies host with the most, Greg Davies, introduced

Orpies Orpington’s Finest

a series of socially distanced special guests to present the awards from an all but empty cinema. Mayor of Bromley Cllr.

Hannah Gray, Orpington ward councillors Kim Botting and William Huntingdon-Thresher, London Fire Brigade Borough

orpington1st.co.uk/news

Top: Louise Lancaster and Lucy Jervis of Orpington Village Halls, winners of the Spotlight Award Middle: Matt Burns and Andrew Crumley of the Walnuts Leisure Centre with their Clayton Turner Award; Ann Wilbourn has been instrumental in making the centre dementia friendly Bottom Left: JP and Lucy West of The Fitness Link, winners of the Health & Leisure Award Bottom Right: Liberty’s owner Lisa Clark, winner of the Fashion Award The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

21

Commander Terry Gooding, and Orpington station commander James French, Inspector Stuart Baker of the Met Police, Zoe Gibbons of Perrys and Gary Valentine Fuller and Wayne Turner of Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors were amongst the great and the good invited to announce the winners of the twelve judged categories and the two decided by public vote.

Orpington 1st BID Manager Chris Travers, said, “It’s been a very 2020 evening, and it’s a shame we can’t come together in person, but a great celebration, nonetheless.

“Huge congratulations goes to all our business community for continuing to inspire loyalty to the town by delivering excellent customer service through a challenging period. A big thank you to all our presenters, especially our awards sponsors, Perrys Chartered Accountants and Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors.”

A virtual celebration for Top: the Orpington, winners of the Hospitality Independent Award Middle: The Salon, Winners of The Beauty Award

Restaurant Manager Giuseppe, Marketing Manager Cristian, and A·Mano owner Bruno Zoccola winners of the Brand & Marketing Award 22

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Top: Terri and Lorraine of HSL Orpington winners of the House & Home award Top Right: Senol Erdoğan, Barberking, voted winner of the Favourite Business Award Bottom Left: Nancy-Janyne Gibbs of the Sunshine Company (formerly Megasun Tanning), voted winner of the Best Employee Award Bottom Right: Rez and Pouran of Orpington IT Centre winners of the Retail Award

Orpies Orpington’s Finest

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

orpington1st.co.uk/news

23

Reopening Orpington England’s four-week lockdown is an opportunity to drastically drive down coronavirus so Orpington can re-open and then stay open throughout winter.

By sacrificing four weeks in November, I hope our local businesses can open with fewer restrictions from December.

N

O ONE wanted a second lockdown – but the Government had no choice. The NHS could have been overwhelmed by coronavirus patients within weeks. If this happened, the NHS would be unable to provide care for everyone who needs it.

This nightmare scenario could have cost thousands of lives not only from coronavirus but other illnesses.

Orpington may have had a far lower rate of infection than other places, but we too were witnessing an alarming and rapid rise in the virus. Without decisive action, it’s likely that we would have been 24

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

subjected to Tier 2 restrictions – which stops households mixing indoors – or higher for months.

By following the rules during this national lockdown, we can bring the virus under control again in Orpington. If we do, it means we could emerge with Tier 1 measures.

This would allow family and friends to reunite over the winter months and fuel our local economy.

For this to happen, I have been publicly arguing that London must stop being treated as one place under local lockdowns. When Orpington was moved into Tier 2, it was because we are officially in Greater London, not because local circumstances demanded higher restrictions. Not only was this unfair and damaging, but I also do not believe it is backed by scientific evidence.

Orpington is more akin to Kent than the rest of the capital. And London is not moving as it once did. I can testify from daily personal experience that commuter trains are

Gareth meeting with businesses in Orpington back in the Summer scheme has been extended until the end of March, income support for the self-employed has been increased, and businesses are being supported with grants and extended loans. I fully accept that this does not keep everything at the level it was pre-pandemic but, unfortunately, there are no pain-free options open to the Government.

However, there is now hope.

The announcement this week that it

appears that viable vaccines – with 90-95% effectiveness - could be rolled out within weeks gives us genuine reason for optimism.

We all have a part to play in protecting people’s livelihoods.

By shopping locally and supporting our businesses, we can protect jobs.

And by following the rules with a strict determination to beat this virus, we can ease restrictions and keep Orpington open.

A column by Gareth Bacon MP

Get in touch...

In light of Covid-19 and in the interest of my constituents’ safety, regular face-to-face surgeries will not take place until further notice.

Please do keep in touch in the following ways.

My team and I are here to help constituents and businesses in Orpington through this crisis. If you need help, please email gareth.bacon.mp@parliament.uk, or call 01689 603 652 if urgent.

PHOTO: ERIC RUSH

quiet. Many are not heading into the city and the virus is not spreading as it did back in March. That’s why we need a borough-by-borough approach to control the virus fairly across the capital.

After four weeks of lockdown, this is even more important as it would be a grave injustice to subject Orpington to restrictions it did not need. I have been strongly making this case in Westminster and I will continue to do so as MPs debate the way forward.

I understand it is a big ask for business to close temporarily once again to stop the spread of coronavirus. As your Member of Parliament, I voted for this timelimited lockdown on the assurance that the Government would provide businesses with greater support to protect people’s livelihoods.

And that’s exactly what the Government has done. The furlough

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 2020

25

G

SPECIALISING IN PRE-OWNED JEWELLERY & WATCHES

VALUATION WHILE YOU WAIT IMMEDIATE CASH OFFER DISCOUNT JEWELLER Specialising in new & pre-owned jewellery and quality watches

REPAIRS Quality repairs for jewellery & watches

S S E N I S U B L A U S U S A *

PAWNBROKERS Instant cash loans

WATCH BATTERIES & STRAPS Fitted in-store

1ST CLASS SERVICE Staffed by experts, not sales assistants

205 High Street, Orpington (opposite Boots) • www.geminigold.co.uk

JOIN THE GOLD RUSH!

01689 871570

CASH FOR YOUR GOLD

Remember... Best Prices Paid In Orpington *Subject to government guidance

Andrew, Samantha, and the Graduates team

Happy Birthday to ya!

Two of the town’s long-established and award-winning independent businesses celebrate key milestones in 2020.

O

N 6th October 1995 Andrew Ely and Samantha Lehane combined their retail experience and opened Graduates Schoolwear at 201 High Street.

25 years on they are still going strong, supplying school uniforms across West Wickham, Beckenham, Shortlands, Sidcup, New Eltham, West Kingsdown as well as Orpington.

Graduates were quick to adapt to the challenges brought about by Covid restrictions, with their Click & Collect service proving extremely successful.

The team have seen lots of changes during an eventful 25 years for Orpington town centre, and the shop even hosted the filming of a scene from the 1998 Christmas Special of The Bill.

Passionate about providing an outstanding service and offering top quality, bespoke made to products, Pats Textiles cater for both residential and commercial properties.

Owner, Tracey (pictured below with the team), said, “We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a loyal customer base and would like to say a big thank you for all your ongoing support.”

C

URTAIN, blind and shutter specialists Pats Textiles celebrate their 50th birthday this year. The family-run business which covers South East London and Kent was first established in Eltham in 1970 before opening a second shop on Orpington High Street a few years later.

28

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Better for Business Contact the BID team 01689 829 527 BID Manager Chris Travers chris.travers@ orpington1st.co.uk

MAKING CONNECTIONS

F

OLLOWING the announcement of the latest restrictions, Orpington 1st hosted another live webinar with an expert panel including Zoe Gibbons of Perrys Chartered Accountants, Maria Kurek of the HR Dept, and Assistant Director of Exchequer Services at Bromley Council Claudine Douglas-Brown, to help businesses navigate the financial support available. You can watch all the Orpington Virtual Business Forums back via orpington1st.co.uk

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) was established to support businesses ordered to close by the government to reduce the spread of the virus. Eligible businesses can claim their Local Restrictions Grant by visiting bromley.gov.uk Liberata, the council’s service partner, will be validating claims. The council has advised it may take up to 5 days for your claim to be processed. Grants are payable to the ratepayer and will be paid directly into the nominated bank account within 5 working days of a claim being validated.

THE WAY AHEAD

E

ACH local authority has been awarded a sum of money from central government to support the longer-term recovery of the local economy. The allocation for Bromley is £6.6 million to support a delivery period that extends until March 2022.

Although it is discretionary funding, the Additional Restrictions Grant comes with clear guidelines for its administration. Careful consideration should be given to sustainability and to how to best maximise economic recovery.

As well as information from the business survey the council is holding a series of virtual meetings with business group representatives and individual businesses to ensure that everyone’s views and experiences can be used to inform the best approach.

Orpington 1st BID is a member of the borough’s task force set up in response to Covid-19 and the BID team work closely with the officers and councillors responsible for the business support programme. Keep up to date through the Orpington 1st website and business newsletters.

YOUR VIEWS WANTED

T

HE local authority is conducting a business survey to understand businesses’ needs and help identify how best to support you. All the borough’s businesses are encouraged to take part.

Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ bromleybusinesssurvey to have your say The deadline for completion is midnight Sunday 6th December 2020.

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District www.orpington1st.co.uk Orpington1st 01689 829 527 info@orpington1st.co.uk

SOUND ADVICE

D

ON’T forget that as well as support from the Orpington 1st team, BID businesses can also access FREE personalised consultancy and advice from our professional business advisor Lee Lam, founder of the UK’s Start Up Partner.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

29

»ö ūÎĨö êÎŞö ļċ ūĒö ŤöŞĕļŰŤ ŤūŰƙƽ ƆĒĕīö ƌļŰ ūÎĨö êÎŞö ļċ ūĒö ĕIJśļŞūÎijū ŤūŰƙǂ

Will Writing Lasting Powers of Attorney Fixed Price Probate Inheritance Tax Planning Trusts southeastlegacies WILLS

£129

Professionally Drafted

Mirror Wills

£179

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY (LPA’s)

£199 Both Health and Finance £349 + registration fees

COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND A Professionally Drafted Will and Both LPA’s

£449 + registration fees

Quote: Orpington20 Phone 01689 874622 contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk 23-28 Chatsworth Parade Petts Wood 30 The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020 BR5 1DE

Appointments - Home - Office - Phone - Online Video

PC Joshua Goode and Sgt Richard Phillips

orpington1st.co.uk/community

Policing Matters: update from Sgt Richard Phillips

H

ELLO everyone, I hope you are all well.

After a good return to a form of normality after Lockdown 1.0, we were getting into the groove of things with shops, pubs and restaurants reopening, when Lockdown 2.0 struck. This has obviously hampered activity in the town centre area but we have been kept busy anyway.

PCs Goode, Wolfe and Harris, along with PCSO Durmaz, continue to work hard on Orpington ward, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. We have conducted plain-clothed patrols within the town centre area and have caught shoplifters red-handed so to speak.

Outside the town centre area, we have carried out stop and searches on people reported to be smoking drugs, with some positive results.

We have issued warning notices to youths who are illegally riding off-road motorcycles in parks and common land, and arrested youths who have been in the town centre area with catapults. One of the

youths was spotted in Priory Gardens with ammo for the catapult.

We have received reports of youths targeting the wildlife within the park, particularly the birds, so to be able to arrest someone in the area is fantastic work.

We continue to patrol the High Street area on each working shift to deter criminality in our shops and open spaces. We have spoken with anyone we have seen begging and, whilst advising them that begging is illegal, we have also tried to get them the help they need to get off of the streets.

We are getting some reports of drug taking/dealing within the High Street/Priory Garden area and I have tasked my officers with patrolling on each shift whilst looking for signs of illegal and/or suspicious activity.

Lockdown 2.0 is due to end on December 2nd and I expect that the shops will become very busy with everyone buying presents for loved ones. My officers will be out and about during this time to ensure everyone is safe during this busy time.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

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.

As this is my last article this year, I would like to wish each and everyone one of you a Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Take care, Richard.

31

New Business

ROBUST RESTAURANT

R

OBUST Restaurant opened on Orpington High Street at the end of October 2020.

Offering “unforgettable European and Mediterranean cuisine”, the

family-run restaurant promises an exquisite dining experience from breakfast through to dinner, with a menu which caters for the sweet tooth and those looking for a fiery kick.

Robust boasts stylish and modern décor, an easy atmosphere, and

an exciting wine list drawing from various regions.

Owner, Adrian, said, “We want to share with our customers the passion we have for unique flavours from different countries.

“We have an outstanding chef,

Looking for something unique to give this Christmas?

How about one of our Bedrolls or a Play Tablecloths?

We love these two fun and practical products. And they are not only made to measure, but we think they are pretty unusual, too...

Play Tablecloth £120

“Now, what is this?”, I hear you ask! Let me introduce you to our Bedrolls. They are covers for your children’s duvet - you simply roll the duvet up and put it into the Bedroll.

Then make the bed up with a day cover the room feels tidy, the beds welcome your child to sit and play or read.

And when they have friends over, they can go wild, building dens or play hotels or hospitals with the bedrolls as sofas or beds for their dolls.

Transform the family table into a ‘high street’ for the little ones instantly with this fun tablecloth. The sides roll down and have a shop, postbox, train ticket office and cottage to play in. The doors and windows open, and street and shop signs can be customised.

Bedroll £35

www.mummymadethis.co.uk anika@mummymadethis.co.uk 32

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

mummy.made.this

orpington1st.co.uk/shopping

in Town Head chef, Indrit Lala (left), and his team

Indrit Lala, with over a decade experience working in high-end restaurants all over Europe, including in Michelin star restaurants here in London. He is the heart and soul of this

restaurant; we are proud to have him as part of this business.”

254 High Street, 01689 829321 robust_restaurant

CAKEBOX

T

HE Eggfree Cake Box opened its first store in East London in 2008 with a mission to provide the UK market with a new concept; delicious fresh cream Celebration Cakes made without using eggs and an ‘on demand’ service - making them a favourite amongst many who have certain religious, dietary and/or lifestyle choices.

ordered online and collected within the hour.

281 High Street, 020 8050 3846 orpington@eggfreecake.co.uk www.eggfreecake.co.uk/

The company has seen significant expansion over 12 years and is now approaching 150 UK stores. Karanjit and Chaz Kooner (pictured) opened their first franchise on Orpington high street in the Summer of 2020, offering a diverse range of exceptional celebration cakes in fresh cream.

A simple, quick and easy Click and Collect service means cakes can be The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

33

Christmas Nativity trail

T

HE Nativity Trail, one of the most famous of the Bible’s epic journeys, is the trek that Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.

This Christmas, Churches Together Orpington and Orpington 1st invite you to journey around Orpington and follow the Christmas Nativity Trail in a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all the family.

Starting on December 5th visit the town centre and search the shop windows to find 10 images of the nativity which together tell the Christmas story. At the bottom of each picture is a letter or symbol, collect all 10 to reveal the magic phrase. Trail maps can be collected from the library or downloaded from the Orpington 1st website.

Post your completed map at the specially marked post box outside the Orpington 1st office (Unit 8, The Walnuts)

THE CARD, GIFT & PARTY SHOP

or email your name, phone number and the magic phrase to info@orpington1st.co.uk be entered into a free prize draw for your chance to win £100 to spend in an Orpington business of your choice.

The draw will take place at midday on Monday 21st December and all correct entries received in the post box before the draw can collect a free chocolate gift from the Orpington 1st office for taking part, on the day of the draw between 10am and 2pm.

Happy hunting and happy Christmas!

24 Marion Crescent, Orpington BR5 2DD

 Family Run Business  Designer & Boutique Greetings Cards  Katie Loxton stockist  Jewellery  Candles  Bags  Scarves  Baby, Wedding, Anniversary ersary & Age gifts  Homeware  Large range of Helium Balloons, free local delivery 01689 822691 | www.buttercupcardsgifts.com @butercups | Open 9-5pm Mon-Sat 34

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Community engagement to begin on The Walnuts Shopping Centre

H

AVING postponed engagement due to Covid 19 restrictions earlier this year, Areli have been really keen and excited to restart the community engagement on the plans for the Walnuts Shopping Centre and this will now take place in December.

Plans are at an early stage and Areli are inviting the local community to have their say on the challenges and opportunities for the Walnuts Shopping Centre and how the plans can contribute to creating and supporting a sustainable and vibrant Orpington town centre for years to come.

In the summer, they wrote to 11,000 local households inviting comments on problems, dreams and solutions for Orpington. The team has used these themes to start to create a vision for the Walnuts. They now want to hear your ideas for the future of the Walnuts and the role it can play in meeting the hopes and aspirations of the local community.

They would love to have been able to meet everyone in person, but, unfortunately government guidelines do not permit, so they have come up with a programme of events to ensure that everyone can join in and have their say. The public engagement programme will include: • Launch of a website, www.thewalnutsorpington.co.uk, showing the latest information about the plans • Online webinar presentations for the public to participate in Session 1: Wednesday 9 December from 5pm to 6pm Session 2: Thursday 10 December from 9am to 10am Session 3: Thursday 10 December from 6pm to 7pm

• Display in the Central Atrium in the Walnuts Shopping Centre, from Monday 14 to Monday 28 December • Feedback forms available digitally or hard copy via Freepost on request • Information updates shared via social media Areli really hope that as many people as possible are able to take part and they look forward to presenting their plans to the community shortly and more importantly hearing your thoughts to help shape our vision for Orpington town centre. For further information, please contact consultation@thewalnutsorpington. co.uk or call 020 3866 4696.

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

35

36

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Orpington Scarecrow Trail 2020 Throughout October half term, families were invited to follow the Orpington Scarecrow Trail, taking them to stops at businesses across the town centre.

S

CARECROW trailers were asked to make a note of the letter with each scarecrow, unscramble the magic word, and vote for their favourite scarecrow to enter a free prize draw.

Congratulations to Alfie Beeson who completed the scarecrow trail with his mum and his little sister and emailed us his answer. Alfie and family are the lucky recipients of a £50 Nando’s voucher and a family ticket to ODEON Orpington.

Alfie said, “My favourite scarecrow place is the Cinema because the scarecrow was Harry Potter but my little sister liked the scarecrow in Wickes because it was in the bath!”

Orpington businesses certainly put a lot of effort into their scarecrows - but there could only be one winner and

Below: Scariel the Mermaid was voted Orpington’s favourite scarecrow

Wickes

Explore Learning

Graduates Schoolwear

A Time For Flowers

VTB Mobility

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

in a hotly contested battle, Wickes’ “Scariel the Mermaid” cleaned up and was voted as Orpington’s most popular scarecrow for 2020.

Orpington 1st Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin, said, “We had a great response to the trail, so thank you to all the families who took part. It proved a fun way of encouraging people to explore the town whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines. Well done to all the businesses for their magnificent creations and, of course, congratulations to Alfie and family.”

37

College launches Virtual Santa Dash to support #FestiveFEFoodbankFriday

R

ESTRICTIONS in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19 mean that sadly, the Orpington 1st Santa Dash can’t take place this year. But London South East Colleges is spreading some festive cheer with a Virtual Santa Dash to support its #FestiveFEFoodbankFriday campaign.

The fundraising initiative, first launched in March, saw staff and students raise over £6000 on a virtual platform, which was distributed to foodbanks across Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich.

Colleges from around the country joined the campaign, supporting their own local foodbanks and collectively raising almost £45,000 – the equivalent of over 54,000 items.

As demand for foodbanks sadly

remains high, the College has re-launched its fundraising efforts with a festive twist. From 11-18 December, Virtual Santa Dashers will go for a walk, cycle, or run, and ‘donate their kilometres’ to the

38

The Orpington 1st Magazine • Winter 2020

Visit www.lsec.ac.uk for more information or find the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/FestiveFEFoodbankFriday #FestiveFEFoodbankFriday fundraising page, posting pictures of their efforts.

It is hoped that colleges around the country will take part, supporting their own local foodbanks while having some festive fun!

MARKET SQUARE, ORPINGTON HIGH STREET Every Tuesday, Friday & Saturday from 4 to 22 December 2020

Festive Food & Drink

Christmas Gifts & Novelties

FOOD

NOVELTIES GIFTS

DRINK

www.orpington1st.co.uk

Roll on 2021 It will soon be spring and we are planning ahead, thinking of better times to come.

If you too are planning for the future let us know. We’ve been helping people plan theirs for over 40 years.

Wills & Probate • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Personal Injury Buying and Selling Property • Employment and Business Services Mediation • Family and Children

T H O M A S

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

D U N T O N

enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk

62/,&,7256

01689 822554 For more information, call us or visit our website

www.thomasdunton.co.uk (67$%/,6+('