The Orpington 1st Magazine - Spring 2019

F M A BU ROM AG FR SIN O A EE ES RP ZIN SE IN E ST G O TO YO N U

The

Orpington Magazine

Spring edition 2019 IN THIS ISSUE • Celebratory offers from The Orpington and Arts Barbers • Looking back at Light Up and Santa Dash • Looking forward to the Enchanted Children’s Festival • Vote for Orpington’s Finest 2019!

Supported by Orpington 1st: www.orpington1st.co.uk info@orpington1st.co.uk • 01689 829527

Published by

Tindle Newspapers

Year of the Pig Chinese New Year Celebrations Sunday 10th February 2pm - 6pm

Lion Dance Blessing

Meet the Micro Pigs

Oriental Fire Performer

Chinese Inspired Arts & Crafts for Kids

Chinese Drum Performers

Tai Chi & Martial Arts Demos

Lucky Red Envelope Giveaway

Celebrations end with a fantastic Firework Finale at dusk!

Free family Fun throughout the afternoon for all to enjoy!

Check our website for times & performers www.thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com 2

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

A warm welcome to our first edition of 2019

by Orpington 1st BID Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin building on the successful large scale events like our outdoor cinema trialled last summer and the now well-established Food Festival, to smaller activities such as town centre trails.

The season starts with a Walnuts Shopping Centre event welcoming in the Chinese New Year, Sunday 10 February, with activities throughout the day ending with a traditional firework display.

T

HE new year has started with the same uncertainty as the last one finished and high streets are facing increasing challenges. So, providing a warm welcome to all those who live, visit or work in the town centre is extremely important to us.

From the delivery of events such as the Christmas Light Up which now attracts customers from across the borough to enjoy the welcome provided by the business community who fund the event, to the Santa Dash which encourages participation from the most serious runner to the fun runner and even accepts entries from four-legged family members.

All of our events are created to give customers an enjoyable experience and to encourage footfall into town.

So, throughout 2019, the business community will once again be providing FREE events for families to enjoy,

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District Visit us at: www.orpington1st.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @orpington1st Like us on Facebook /Orpington1st Instagram: Orpington1st Published by: Biggin Hill News Ltd To advertise, call Laura Child on 07850 139386 or email laurachild@bigginhillnews.co.uk

We want to ensure that our events are accessible to all and we were recently contacted by parents who have children with complex needs. They described the facilities required that would enable the whole family to visit the town together, as championed by need2change. We are therefore looking to provide specialist mobile changing units at events, starting at Chinese New Year, and in the meantime would like to highlight to carers the facilities already available in the Walnuts Leisure Centre.

Being considered and made to feel welcome is particularly important to those customers who either have, or care for those with, dementia, and our businesses continue to train staff as Dementia Friends and make changes to their premises to make then more dementia friendly.

A welcoming environment helps to make us feel safer and provides a much more enjoyable experience so preparation for the prestigious 2019 London in Bloom competition has already started and our summer planting scheme has been booked. We are also improving the street scene with work to remove the unsightly BT phone boxes.

We have projects to engage the community, especially schools, and build on ‘greening’ the town, supporting the creation of public art and making progress on our plastic free aims to refuse, reuse and recycle.

Last but not least is the welcome that you give to our businesses, especially those that are new, and we thank you for your continued support.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Enchanted: ready to return

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OLLOWING the hugely successful inaugural festival in 2018 Bla Bla Productions are once again bringing their children’s festival Enchanted back to the Priory.

Orpington 1st is delighted to partner with Founder Embla Gisladottir to provide a fully accessible and FREE event with the aim of building a legacy for Orpington as a developing town in creative arts and environmentalism. Make sure you save the date Saturday 1 June 2019 - and visit the website for the latest information: orpington1st.co.uk or enchantedfest.com.

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SNOW FRIENDS Snow Friends are volunteers who help to clear snow and ice from their street to enable our winter gritting operations team to concentrate on the borough’s priorities.

If you would like to volunteer to help clear snow in your street, please visit: www.bromley.gov.uk/volunteering or call 0300 303 8658

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Orpington’s café culture moves to a different beat Already striking a chord with music and food lovers alike, café and record store ‘The Orpington’ is the latest addition to Orpington high street.

Above: Scott Buckle, left, with the team at The Orpington Café & Record Store.

Right: shoppers enjoy a glass of wine while browsing the collection of vinyl records.

F

OLLOWING many years working in the restaurant industry across London and the South East, owner-manager Scott Buckle chose Orpington as the location for this exciting new venture combining his passion for music and good food.

Buck Rarebit, the spicy Chorizo Sausage Roll and the indulgent Banoffee Pie. The musical influence is striking throughout the space with record artwork on display, and guests can also browse and buy a wide selection of brand new and premium quality second hand vinyl from the record store area.

A full wine list and cocktail menu is on Visitors can look forward to a warm offer for those who fancy a tipple while greeting from a friendly member of the flicking through the vinyl collection. team before settling into a relaxed Scott said, “I’m thrilled with how atmosphere in stylish retro décor. All we’ve been received by the folk of the food on the breakfast and lunch Orpington so far, people really like what menus is freshly made with locally we’ve created and we’re looking sourced ingredients, and includes both forward to becoming an established Orpingtonians can rest assured that vegetarian and vegan selections, with part of the community. We’ve got some early favourites including their delicious exciting plans for 2019, so if you haven’t the town’s name is not being taken in vain. You’ll find The Orpington Café & dropped in yet, please do Record Store at 161, High Street, come and see what we are Orpington BR6 0LW; 01689 666900. about.”

The addition of The Enjoy a complimentary Orpington’s Thursday night Supper Club provides guests bottle of wine to the value with a place to relax for the of £20 when you spend whole evening and enjoy a £20 on lunch dishes. fantastic seasonal four Valid for Monday–Thursday course menu, all within a lunchtimes until 5pm throughout great community space that February. Quote Orpington 1st Wine is comfortable and cosy to claim your free bottle. a home away from home.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Developing digital skills in a changing world A column by Jo Johnson, MP

Jo with members of the Google Digital Skills Team

S

HOPPERS on Orpington High Street on the 30 November saw a rather unusual bus make an unexpected stop outside of the Walnuts centre. Google had come to town with their Digital Garage, hosted in a white double decker Routemaster bus. The Digital Garage provides lessons for local businesses and residents in digital skills including online safety, social media strategies and building a digital marketing plan.

far more common, it is important that small businesses can diversify and take on these new competitors. This involves being able to facilitate online sales and maintain a social media presence.

I know that the Government is keen to ensure a more level playing field

between online and bricks and mortar businesses. At the last budget the Chancellor announced a Digital Services Tax, a balanced measure to ensure that online businesses are taxed fairly to reflect the value they derive from UK users. This does not only include online retailers but also businesses which gain revenue through the participation of UK users, such as search engines and social media platforms. While the Government hopes that this can be addressed with a more global approach towards the taxation of online businesses, the Digital Services Tax is an important step forward.

Even with a more level playing field, it is essential that businesses remain aware of the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in a changing, more digital world. It is for this reason that I am so pleased to see local businesses and residents embracing opportunities such as the Google Digital Garage to help develop their digital skills.

It was great to visit the bus and sit in on one of the sessions. The instructors were extremely patient and responsive to a wide range of questions. One session that stood out was regarding online safety, which is particularly important for both businesses and consumers. As more people look to buy and sell online, it is important we all understand the need for strong, secret and secure passwords among other preventative safety measures.

Orpington 1st partnered with Google to organise the visit in order to highlight the importance of digital skills for small businesses. In an age where online retailers are becoming

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Tri-boroughs merge

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HIEF Superintendent Dave Stringer has become the interim BCU Commander and has taken charge of the tri-borough merger which went live on 4 February 2019. Chief Superintendent Stringer has spent over 20 years working in neighbourhood policing during his service in the Metropolitan Police.

He recently invited senior officers and councillors from of all three of the

boroughs - Bromley, Sutton and Croydon - and the chairs of Safer Neighbourhood Boards and stop and search groups, to meet his new senior management team at New Scotland Yard. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the tri-borough merger, and to review best practice.

Superintendent Colin Carswell and Chief Inspector Craig Knight then hosted a Q&A meeting with the chairs for all 22 wards in the borough and BID managers, to ensure that information about the changes taking place are communicated as widely as possible.

From Monday 4 February, all 22 residential wards will have two Dedicated Ward Officers and one PCSO. Abstractions to other duties will no longer be part of the role, so residents should have greater access to their officers. The police would now like to encourage wider engagement and greater attendance at panel meetings

Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, interim BCU Commander so that more community feedback can be heard.

Good news for Orpington is the proposal to keep the Police Station at St Mary Cray open.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD BOARD PUBLIC MEETINGS 2019 April 4 Southwest Area, Biggin Hill September 14 CRIME SUMMIT Northwest Area, Bromley Town Centre October 10 Southeast Area, West Cray

Mobile Chiropodist Chiropody undertaken in the comfort of your own home

Mandy Gifford M.Inst.Ch.P HCPC Registered

Registered Member of the Institute of Chiropody and Podiatry

Tel: 07944 763045 The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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Melange

EAT IN or TAKEAWAY

CAFE

BISTRO

RESTAURANT 190 HIGH STREET ORPINGTON BR6 0JW

01689 637200

Rise & Shine PowerView® Motorisation from Luxaflex® A remarkable new system that moves your shades throughout the day so you don’t have to. Create personalised settings with your smart phone or tablet, or use our brilliantly designed Pebble® remote control to activate your favourite pre-set program.

The Art of Window Styling 12

267 High Street, Orpington Kent, BR6 ONW Tel: 01689 898215 Email: info@thefabricplace.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 9.00AM - 5.00PM

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Melange: mixing it up on the High Street

A MEDLEY OF TREATS

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OW under new management, Melange has undergone a revamp.

Owned and run by husband and wife, Leonard and Rosie, the café/bistro/restaurant is now fully licenced and open until 11pm.

Leonard (left) with members of the Melange team.

Melange’s new drinks menu includes a full wine list and some very reasonably priced cocktails, making it a great spot to unwind!

Visit Melange at 190 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0JW; telephone 01689 637 200. melangeorpington

Guests can enjoy everything from breakfast through to coffee and cake, and a superb range of lunch and dinners, including Steak and Chips, Chicken Shish and even a delicious Roast Dinner. There is also an excellent variety of takeaway options, for those preferring to grab and go.

Rosie, who has lived in the Orpington area all her life said, “All are welcome here at Melange, whether it’s a family brunch, a working lunch, or drinks with friends in the evening.”

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Orpington illuminated with festive

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UGE crowds started their Christmas countdown in Orpington High Street in mid-November as the annual Christmas lights switch-on ‘Light Up Orpington’ took place.

The event was organised and funded by Orpington 1s and the town centre business community, with additional sponsorship from 9Round Orpington and The Walnuts Shopping Centre.

Thousands of attendees enjoyed a range of activities for all the family which were complemented by food, gift and community

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

cheer

stalls, circus performers, a string quartet, traditional fairground rides, and a main stage hosting a line-up which included musical and theatrical acts. Santa was joined by a few friends from the Orpington Pantomime, the Mayor of Bromley and Orpington ward councillors for the countdown to the firework finale, which was accompanied by some Christmas classics.

Bromley resident, Liam, said “Amazing, great night out with the family. Great job, well done,” whilst Orpingtonian mum Marie commented, “We’ve had a wonderful time, it gets better every year!”

Following the fireworks, there was more music from local rock band Stone Blind with the audience treated to an early white Christmas, thanks to a bit of festive magic.

Orpington 1st BID Manager, Chris Travers, said, “It’s been another fantastic evening in Orpington and another incredible turn-out, with more businesses than ever involved on the night, too. We’d like to thank everyone who came and contributed to the fabulous atmosphere and would encourage residents to continue to use their high street throughout the festive period and all year round.”

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Orpington Business Directory Welcome to your guide to everything that Orpington has to offer, from fashion, health and fitness, beauty and hairdressers to estate agents and solicitors.

ACCOUNTANTS

Cooley & Co Perry’s Chartered Accountants Simon & Co TaxAssist Accountants Wilkins Kennedy

ADVERTISING Orpington News

01689 835435 01689 823175 020 8432 3419 01689 414870 01689 827505 07850 139386

ARCHITECTURE/BUILDING CONSULTANCY Bailey Associates Calford Seaden Kirksaunders Associates

01689 813813 01689 888222 01689 896464

BANKS

Barclays Bank PLC Halifax PLC HSBC Lloyds Bank Nationwide Building Society NatWest Santander

BIKES

Cycles UK

0345 7345345 01689 301113 0345 7404404 0845 3000000 0800 5540274 0345 7888444 0845 7654321 01689 898923

BOOKMAKERS BetFred Coral William Hill

0800 7839146 0800 3284273 0870 5181715

ORPINGTON SUPERBOWL 01690 838333 CARS

Church Hill Garage Old Forge Garage

01689 821836 01689 823292

ODEON CINEMA

0333 006 7777

DENTISTS

AJM Whittome Dental Practice Beaconsfield Dental Practice Orpington Dental Care

DISCOUNT STORES B&M Stores Poundland

EDUCATION

01689 825161 01689 890205 01689 872217 01689 829919 01689 639276

Explore Learning JTL Training London South East Colleges

01689 867302 01689 884100 0300 3032554

ESTATE AGENTS

Alan de Maid Andrew Reeves Andrews Estate Agents Bishop Edmund Estate Agents Haart Kenton Langford Russell Lets Only Linay & Shipp Proctors Robinson-Jackson Thomas Brown Estates Your Move

FASHION

Aces (MWC) All Bags Aurora Royal (C) Bonmarche (MW) Edinburgh Woollen Mill (MW) Graduates Schoolwear (C) Ladies’ Choice (W) M&Co (MWC) New Look (W) Peacocks (MWC) Roman (W) Shoe Zone (MWC) Tone Clothing (MWC) Trespass Outdoor Clothing (MWC) ♥Yours

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Chantler Kent Investments Independent Mortgage Solutions JLT

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Co-operative Funeralcare Francis Chappell & Sons Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

01689 814544 01689 838866 01689 831619 01689 873796 01689 821904 01689 898899 01689 822207 01689 661400 01689 835999 01689 825678 01689 666999 01689 833322 01689 884444 01689 872926

01689 870151 07884 367500 01689 836555 01689 823731 01689 821439 01689 875238 01689 829853 01689 820633 01689 824252 01689 832404 01689 890516 01689 877781 01689 820540 01689 872898 01689 607007 01689 867700 01689 887400 01689 876036 01689 823777 01689 798448 19

GAMING/DVD

CeX Entertainment Exchange

GIFTS

A Time 4 Flowers Cards Direct Card Factory Gifted

0845 3451664 07985 390463 01689 870353 01689 828498 07902 565027

GYMS/HEALTH CLUBS Anytime Fitness Crystal Palace Physio Group Pure Gym Ripped Muscle & Fitness Shapers Orpington Walnuts Leisure Centre 9Round

HAIR & BEAUTY

American Golden Nails Angelo’s Barbers Art’s Avalon Laser Clinic Avinit Tattoo Barber King Cutting Remarks Elegante Elegant Nails Essensuals

01689 422027 020 8778 9050 0845 8356900 01689 874579 01689 833818 01689 870533 020 7965 7354 01689 874006 01689 890505 01689 818974 0800 0699986 01689 871175 01689 638082 01689 830024 01689 822333 01689 891839 01689 897222

HOUSE & HOME

Amity Argos Bocote & Co The Fabric Place Grand Design HSL Imms Carpets Kütchenhaus Magnet One Stop Gas & Plumbing Pat’s Textiles PJ Timber Supplies Ponden Home Interiors Robert Dyas Stak’s DIY Wickes Kitchens & Bathrooms Wilko

JEWELLERY Gemini F. Hinds Ruth Brushett

LAUNDRY

ASA Launderette Fifth Avenue Dry Cleaners

LIBRARY MOBILE PHONES 3 Store EE Mobile City O2

MOBILITY

Mobility Centre VTB Mobility

Fragrance Shop Graham Webb Groom Barbers Headmasters Hollywood Star Nails Jacob Barbers Jon’s Hair Again Marble MegaSun Tanning My Nail Bar My Barber New Image Nola Hair & Beauty The Salon Serenity Ink Supercuts

HOME CARE

Compassion HomeCare Day to Day Care Link Care

HOTEL PREMIER INN 20

01689 878418 0345 1657378 07424 247802 01689 898215 01689 891600 01689 867820 01689 833337 01689 770195 01689 897707 01689 601611 01689 870592 01689 825958 01689 830753 01689 877773 01689 871166 01689 303100 01689 821500 01689 871570 01689 839719 01689 823035 01689 830304 01689 821777

01689 831551 01689 825995 01689 878642 01689 825549 01689 835566 01689 873007 01689 837800

01689 898669 01689 839950 01689 898915 0345 4597745 01689 874375 01689 639764 01689 820565 01689 822777 01689 830007 01689 826066 01689 637374 01689 837502 01689 638479 01689 875577 07751 788597 01689 637310

ORPINGTON VILLAGE HALLS 01689 891828 OPTICIANS

01689 825155 0203 1378842 01689 898840

POST OFFICE RECRUITMENT

0871 527 9606

Boots Opticians Orpington Eye Care Specsavers Vision Express

PETS

Incredible Paws (Dog Grooming)

PHARMACY

Boots The Chemist Chinese Herbal Medicine Farncray Pharmacy Holland & Barrett Savers Health & Beauty Superdrug

Chrysalis Recruitment Centre Discoverer International

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

01689 820848 01689 820866 01689 890168 01689 669626 07887 836672

01689 821611 01689 829664 01689 831113 0168 9874773 01689 822200 01689 823915

0345 7223344 01689 332129 01689 669280

SHOE REPAIRS

Eddie & Mark Shoe Repairs Shoe Repairs

SOLICITORS

CWJ Manak T G Baynes Thomas Dunton

01689 891927 07972 168147 01689 887887 01689 870769 01689 886000 01689 822554

All About Food...

BAKERS Greggs Greggs

CAFÉS

01689 896815 01689 890336

BR6 Bakehouse Caffe Tea Tree Costa High Street Costa ODEON Costa Tesco Creams easyCoffee Olive Tree Café & Restaurant The Orpington Melange Café Bar Primo Caffe Scotts Pie & Mash Star Café Starbucks Swell Café

PUBS & BARS

The Harvest Moon Pato Lounge The White Hart

RESTAURANTS

A·Mano Bar & Kitchen Bella Italia BR6 Restaurant Café Medi Cow & Pig Crystal Lake Ephesus Fiesta Mexicana Hisar Meze Bar Joy Kitchen King Palace Masala Dabbas

0208 2957096 01689 822268 020 89473536 01689 822063 01689 834987 01689 822654 01689 666900 01689 637200 01689 827779 01689 876744 01689 820911 020 35100444 07737 836421 01689 876931 01689 891427 01689 837778

STATIONERY/BOOKS/PRINTERS/DESIGN Cut Price Cartridges Ryman The Stationer The Works WH Smith

TRANSLATION AGENCY Language Link UK

01689 896172 01689 891761 01689 891342 01689 817516 01689 283777

Pubs, cafés, restaurants, take aways, supermarkets and convenience stores

Miso Noodle Bar Nando’s Parkside Chinese Restaurant Pizza Express Reku Zen Scala Shimla Pink Xi’an Vibe

01689 896808 01689 831716 01689 822033 01689 833811 01689 826880 01689 871111 01689 828800 01689 871881 01689 831911

SUPERMARKETS & CONVENIENCE STORES Aces Express Aces Local Eko Food Market Harry’s Allsorts Iceland Iroko Kram Oriental Food Sainsbury’s Tesco Extra

SWEET SHOP

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe

TAKE AWAY

Best Kebab Burger King 01689 387997 Chandni 01689 769342 Crispy Cod 020 82957096 Domino’s Pizza 01689 821561 KFC 01689 820033 Lotus House 01689 820888 McDonald’s 01689 832444 Naz Balti 01689 823334 Pizzabulls 01689 898000 Quality Fish ‘n’ Chips & Kebabs 01689 829341 Subway 01689 831848 Sun Moon Lake 01689 601429 The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

01689 830946 01689 897204 01689 822334 01689 821687 01689 832467 01689 251840 01689 823886 01689 823160 0345 0269567 01689 820384

01689 822252 01689 823638 01689 870511 01689 870312 01689 836836 0345 753 2532 01689 833320 01689 828360 01689 825298 01689 821411 01689 897755 01689 820685 01689 897770 21

Mobile Chiropodist | Helen Powell MSSCh MBChA • HCPC registered • Over 20 years experience • Complete footcare service direct to your door • Covering Orpington and the surrounding areas • Appointments available to meet the individual needs of every client

To book a consultation contact me on Mobile: 07876 218889 or Email: helen.powell27@hotmail.com

stagecoach.co.uk/orpington orpington@stagecoach.co.uk 01732 750783 22

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Take a fresh look...

WALNUTS LEISURE CENTRE

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ALNUTS Leisure Centre gym in the heart of the town centre has recently enjoyed a total refurbishment, with challenging state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment installed.

The large investment is part of mytimeactive’s mission to improve the wellbeing of the community by encouraging people to eat well, be active, be positive and be together. For more information or to enjoy a Free One Day Guest Pass, please call 01689 870533 option 1.

(Terms and conditions apply.)

POP IN TO THE LATEST POP UP

TRY A TINO’S PIZZA

LIBERTY’S Boutique is coming to Orpington, opening on Saturday 9 February.

HAVING had a succesful visit to the town centre for Orpington’s Light Up Christmas event, Steve of Tino’s Pizza has now taken up a pitch at the Orpington Market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Selling a collection of beautiful women’s clothing, handbags and accessories, it will also include a selection of unique gifts.

Visit at 48, The Walnuts. Call Lisa on 07826 527835.

Drop by his smart pizza van for a classic taste of Italy,

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Arts & Co. Barbers makes the cut

THE FINE ART OF BARBERING

A

RTS & Co. Barbers is a family run business which arrived on Orpington High Street 11 years ago, having branched out from Chislehurst. Since then, Arts have built a loyal community of clients with the aim to not “just cut hair”, but to offer advice, lend an ear, or give them a laugh.

Their recent refurbishment, achieved using local businesses, has resulted in a classic and fresh look, with eye-catching black and white signage and a super smart grey interior.

Arts offers a large range of services, from scissor cuts to skin fades, and caters for all ages from babies to OAPs. Manager Phoenix says, “We’re very conscious of keeping up to date with all the latest trends and fashions in male grooming. Our newest service is beard dying which is proving very popular indeed.”

You can find Arts Barbers at 310 High Street, Orpington; telephone 01689 818974. arts_co_orpington

Arts & Co

In celebration of their recent revamp and as a thank you to Orpingtonians for over a decade of custom, Arts & Co. would like to offer £2 off your haircut when you bring this magazine with you.

Auksu, Phoenix and Emma: Sharp skills in the art of barbering.

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Hundreds take part in the 2018

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Orpington Santa Dash

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ESTIVE feeling went up a gear in Orpington High Street on Sunday 9 December, as hundreds of men, women, children - and the odd dog - painted the town red for the second ever Orpington Santa Dash, organised

by Orpington 1st in partnership with mytime Active.

The 2km fun run saw participants don their Santa suits and make their way round Orpington’s Priory Gardens, up the High Street, then end up in Market Square where they were welcomed by the sound of seasonal song from an a capella choir.

Runners were rewarded with a souvenir medal and a well-earned drink in a special reusable Santa Dash water bottle. Orpington mum, Jill, said, “The whole family ran this year and we’ve all had a brilliant time. Such a lovely festive atmosphere; my girls absolutely loved it.”

BID Manager for Orpington 1st, Chris Travers, said, “A big thank you to all the runners and their supporters for being part of a great day. It’s particularly pleasing to see so many Santas and their families using the high street before and after the dash. We’d also like to thank the Bromley Fire Cadets for for helping us make sure the event ran smoothly.”

Paul Robson, manager of mytime Active’s Walnuts Leisure Centre, said “We’re delighted to have partnered Orpington 1st in bringing this celebration of fun, fitness and festive spirit to Orpington town centre. We’ve had a huge increase in the number of Santas registering to take part this year and we look forward to seeing the event continue to grow.”

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Better for Business REPRESENTING YOUR VIEWS THE BID holds regular meetings with senior representatives to ensure that your voice is being heard. Most recently we have met with Rajesh Argawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Jo Johnson MP, the new CEO of Bromley council Ade Adetosoye OBE, and the new BCU Police commander David Stringer.

If you have a question or comment you do not need to wait for a meeting. Contact us any time on 01689 829527, or email chris.travers@orpington1st.co.uk

BID Manager Chris Travers with Jo Johnson MP discussing the new High Street Fund. unintentionally affects the ability to ensure well balanced mixed use schemes.

BID RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING REFORM CONSULTATION THE BID team would like to thank all of you who engaged in the consultation process: below is a summary of the response from Orpington 1st.

• The MHCLG proposal diminishes the power of local planning authorities and partnerships to influence changes in property use, the consequences of which can have long term economic and social effects.

• There is merit in ensuring underused office space can be converted to housing quickly. Unfortunately, the PDS introduced in 2013 and its proposed extension, has not been limited to vacant offices but is being implemented in areas most profitable to developers; and

• The impact is a loss of wealthgenerating hubs for employment and innovation and the undermining of the vitality of town centres as it

• Decisions on town centre evolution and change of use should not reside at national government level or with individual stakeholders, but instead be decided at a local level in line with the vision and strategy of a Local or Neighbourhood Plan that has been developed with a clear understanding of local dynamics.

• We are supportive of limiting the permitted development right to offices that have been vacant since 30 May 2013 to prevent further harmful disruption.

LONDON BIDs

news direct from the Mayor’s team and is an excellent opportunity for the BID community on behalf of its levy payers to debate and shape the response to the big challenges facing London including: • The Mayor’s Housing priorities planning and town centres;

• TFL – delivering the Mayor’s Transport Strategy;

• High Streets for All – adaptive strategies.

We will also have an update from the Metropolitan Police Commander Mark McEwan on how the engagement with BIDs can shape and support the policing of our towns.

LATER this month we will be joining colleagues from BIDs across London and key strategic partners at an event hosted at City Hall by the City Hall, London GLA.

Joined by Rajesh Agrawal (Deputy Mayor for Business) and Jules Pipe CBE (Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills), the event will provide an opportunity to hear the latest views and

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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V

OTING is now open for the Orpington’s Finest Awards 2019. The annual awards, organised by Orpington 1st, sponsored by Perrys and the Walnuts Shopping Centre, and supported by Insight 6, celebrate quality and excellent service within the town centre’s business community.

As usual, we are looking to Orpingtonians to decide two of the categories, Favourite Business and Best Employee. Whether it’s your favourite place to unwind, the shop you just could not live without, the member of staff who goes above and beyond, or the sales assistant whose smile brightens your day – give them a mention and you could both be winners!

Sarah Sterry of Megasun Tanning with her Best Employee Award for 2018 and directors Rob and Justin.

Members of the Anytime Fitness Orpington team receiving their 2018 Favourite Business Award from the Orpington 1st BID Manager, Chris Travers.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Vote for Orpington’s Finest 2019 To cast your vote, visit orpington1st.co.uk and complete the voting form telling us the name of your Favourite Business and/or the name of the person you think deserves to be crowned Best Employee in Orpington town centre and you will be entered into the prize draw for £100 cash.

Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

If you would prefer to vote by post, cut out the form below and send to Orpington 1st, 48 The Walnuts, Orpington, Kent BR6 0TW to reach us by 28 February 2019.

WIN £100

Last year’s prize draw winner, Emma Prendergast (centre), receiving her cash prize from Orpington 1st Executive Director, Sharon Baldwin (left). Emma’s ‘Best Employee’ vote went to Leanne Trower from The Salon (right) who made the shortlist for the accolade.

ORPINGTON’S FINEST AWARDS 2019 Favourite Business: ........................................................................

Best Employee: ................................................................................

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Reason for nomination: ............................................................

Reason for nomination: ............................................................

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Your name: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your phone number: .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

(So we can contact you if you win the prize draw) The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

PROFILE

Compassion HomeCare Orpington 1st: Is there such a thing as a typical day at Compassion HomeCare?

Eniko: There are four of us based in the office, where the administrative side of running the business is carried out. But we could be visiting potential clients’ homes to assess how we can best support them, making spot checks, providing face to face reassurance to existing customers, liaising with GPs/clinics in response to a change of circumstances…

Tony: Of course, the majority of the team consists of our 40 full and part time carers who are out at customers’ homes, giving support every day, ranging from a 30-minute visit to help someone get up, dressed and make breakfast, right through to 24 hour live-in care.

Orpington 1st: What do you think sets Compassion HomeCare apart from other home care companies?

P

ROVIDING high quality at home care for residents in the Orpington area, the awardwinning Compassion HomeCare is owned and run by husband and wife team Tony and Eniko Benfield. We dropped by their office in Priory Gardens to find out a bit more about them and their work.

Orpington 1st:

your background.

Hello! So, tell us a bit about

Eniko: I am a Registered Nurse having trained at King’s College Hospital. I specialised in palliative nursing for 18 years, both in the community and at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals. During this time, I completed a degree in Professional Practice in Healthcare at Greenwich University.

I helped set up and managed the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre in Kent Oncology, Maidstone Hospital, prior to setting up Compassion HomeCare. I have also recently completed three years of being a Public Governor for the PRUH, Bromley, as part of Kings College Hospital.

Tony: I previously worked in Book Publishing and I also

spent many years with BT where my main focus was business administration and project management. I’m qualified in accountancy and management studies, so we have two very diverse backgrounds, but they certainly complement each other! I was born in the Bromley Borough and we’ve both lived in the Orpington area for around 30 years.

Tony: The fact that we have an experienced nurse running the company, in Eniko, means we’re able to talk knowledgably to GPs and customers about their needs.

Eniko: Having that insight allows us to respond to any changes in our customers’ requirements adeptly, sometimes taking preventative action which removes the need for hospital admission.

Also, our three core values of Compassion, Kindness and Respect: our carers can be the only person our customer sees in the day, so whether they are completely bedbound or just need a bit of help with shopping – these are at the heart of the care we provide.

Tony: We’re very conscious that it’s a big step for someone to go from living their life independently to not being able to perform simple daily tasks like putting their own socks on, so we believe it’s important to include them in every aspect of choosing the right care.

Orpington 1st: What does the future have in store for Compassion HomeCare?

Tony: We hope to continue to grow and to go on supporting the elderly in the Orpington area. Technology will play an increasingly important role, too. We are about to adopt an electronic system for medication management which will enable us to continue to improve in meeting our customers’ needs.

Orpington 1st: So, you know the area extremely well. How do you feel about Orpington as a location for Compassion HomeCare?

Eniko: There is a really strong sense of community in town, whether it’s through churches or leisure groups, and certainly amongst the businesses, too.

Tony: Yes, it’s amazing how many people you meet who are connected to your existing network in some way.

Orpington’s location is great for recruitment, with its transport links and proximity to the capital; and being familiar with the area, coupled with Eniko’s background, is invaluable in navigating the healthcare system.

Visit www.compassionhomecare.co.uk or call the team on 01689 825 155 to learn more about Compassion HomeCare.

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT • DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL AREAS 34

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Priory Gardens: winter volunteering opportunities 10am– 1pm every Monday until 18 March

F

I

F you love gardens and gardening, why not join volunteers in helping to conserve the Arts & Crafts and Italianate-style Priory Gardens created by Cecil and Lilian Hughes, the last private owners of The Priory, during the 1920s and 1930s.

Come and meet the Priory Gardeners on Monday mornings in the historic gardens and find out more about their history and the variety of volunteering opportunities available under the guidance of Caroll Long (the id verde community manager).

Friends of Priory Gardens welcome practical gardening help, horticultural skills, and assistance with research to restore Priory Gardens to its former glory.

OLLOWING on from the success of being awarded the Metropolitan Police Trophy for Outstanding Commitment to Public Events, volunteers from St John Ambulance in Orpington are offering you the chance to learn lifesaving skills with FREE sessions:

• 12 February, covering how to treat choking, heart attacks and strokes; • 26 February, covering how to treat bleeding and burns; and • 12 March, covering how to treat sprains, strains, fractures and dislocations.

At 7.45pm and 9pm, the free sessions are held at TS Whirlwind, Park Road, St Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 4AS and are open to all.

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

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Dick Whittington does Orpington Village Hall proud!

T

HE Christmas season was well and truly underway as Orpington Village Hall hosted its fourth annual pantomime, performed by the Shooting Stars touring theatre company and sponsored by Orpington 1st.

Three fantastic performances were completely sold out, meaning 600 members of the local community got to come together to enjoy some traditional pantomime fun.

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Louise Crocker-Lancaster, Marketing and Fundraising Manager of Orpington Village Hall, said, “The children seemed even more mesmerised and made the most of being able to sit on mats up close to the front of the stage. They participated in several songs and actions including ‘Baby Shark’ which was a pleasure to watch and entertaining for all!”

Lucy Jervis, Facility Manager, said, “We’d like to thank the town’s business community for their continued support in sponsoring the pantomime. This contribution makes all the difference, not only with regards to keeping the tickets at an affordable price, but allowing this community centre to make a profit, to be reinvested back into the Hall’s facilities.”

This has been

particularly important for the Hall this year as, due to the fire at the Hyde Housing flats above the facility in June, fundraising of £3.5k was required to get the Hall’s lift back up and running.

For further information about the Orpington Village Hall Charitable Trust and Community Centre and what goes on there, including regular classes and events, please call 01689 891 828 or email admin@orpingtonvillagehall.org.uk.

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

Visit www w.o .orpington n1st.co.uk the he latest across town

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The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019

39

Protect your family this year FAMILIES MATTER: looking after, and protecting them is important.

As solicitors, we understand this. We have been helping families tick off the ‘grown up’ tasks from their to-do list for over 40 years, leaving time to enjoy family life without worrying about the ‘what ifs’.

Get a Will Such an important document, and one often overlooked, because “they’re for old people, right?� Wrong. A Will can help you protect your family if the unthinkable happens. It will give clear, legal protection for your children and family, and peace of mind for you.

Not married?

Common law marriage does not exist, so if you and your partner are not married, you do not have the same rights as those that are.

A cohabitation/living together agreement is therefore a wise choice. It will outline both parties’ wishes and details how financial matters will be divided in the event of separation.

Thinking of moving home?

If now is the right time to move to a new family home, look for the Law Society’s accreditation for conveyancing quality and the Lexcel audit logo.

Both provide assurance that your case is dealt with by professionals who adhere to enhanced standards of professional conduct.

217–219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ Tel: 01689 822554 Email: enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk

T H O M A S D U N T O N

For more information, call us or visit our website

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www.thomasdunton.co.uk

The Orpington 1st Magazine... Better for Business • Spring 2019