Bexley Life August/September 2019

The home of quality british made furniture since 1971

SEE OUR ADVERT ON PAGE 5

Bexley

LIFE

ISSUE 141

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

BBN BRIAN’s

020 8304 7400

BUSINESS

Where business people enjoy doing business

NETWORKING

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Autumn around the area...

The borough is always wonderful at this time of year and there is so much to do.

Welcome to the August/September issue of Bexley Life Magazine the bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for Bexley Borough and the surrounding areas.

With ‘heaps’ of things happening around the area, inside the issue you will find local news, local interest items, eating out, entertaining and much more.

So, we would like to welcome you to this edition and wish you very happy reading.

If you have any news, reviews, product launches or absolutely anything else of interest across the local market, please email it through to me at info@bljournals.plus.com for future consideration in our forthcoming issues.

Editor

The home of quality

british made furniture

SEE OUR ADVERT

since 1971

Bexley

LIFE

ON PAGE 5

020 8304 740 0

ISSUE 141

BBN

Arthur Peaches - Editor

BRIAN’s

BUSINESS

AUGUST/SEPT EMBER 2019

Where business peop enjoy doing businessle

NETWORKING

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0% APR INTEREST FREE CREDIT* available on all purchases over £499 (subject to successful credit application & deposit)

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Email:foreverfurnitureinfo@aol.co.uk

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EDITORIAL Arthur Peaches Editor Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com

SALES & PROMOTIONS

Only Fools and Three Courses A fun night of comedy and good food with the characters of Only Fools and Horses at the Holiday Inn Bexley.

Marlene and Boycie are hosting a Gala Dinner, but will things go to plan with Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert on the guest list?

David Peters Publisher Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com Brian Wakefield Advertisement Director Tel 01622 682667 Mob 07973 139959 Email brian_wakefield2003@yahoo.co.uk

Will Raquel put in an appearance and sing! Surely not after the last time? An Evening of chaos and mayhem with an extra large portion of comedy is the order of the night.

BL Journals, 3 Biddenden Way, Expect a big fun night out in a Istead Rise, friendly party atmosphere with some Gravesend, Kent DA13 9DE of the finest comedy actors in the Tel 01322 352648 Email land, professionally produced to the info@bljournals.plus.com highest standards with your enjoyment at the top of the menu. @MandMGazette CUSHTY Letterhead_Letterhead 09/11/2015 Pag Don't sit under the chandelier, Although every effort is made assure 09:37 the accuracy of the content of this magazine, though.

PUBLISHING COMPANY

www.comedy-dining.co.uk www.hilondonbexleyhotel.co.uk

Bexley Life and it’s Publishers can accept no responsibility for such.

All contents of the publication are copyright and remain the sole property of the publishing company.

BL JOURNALS

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NEW FOR SPRING The Ashford range from Sherborne is available in a wide range of fabrics and offers a range of small or standard fixed or reclining sofas and chairs

The Libon range features an antique white painted finish with natural oak tops.

The fresh nautical themed collection includes dining tables, chairs, display and storage units as well as matching occasional tables

The Havana range of bedroom furniture offers a choice of over 40 models in 12 different colours or a combination of two colours and every piece comes fully assembled and delivered to the room of your choice

FREE EXPERT DELIVERY FREE DISPOSAL OF OLD FURNITURE

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020 8298 9321 THE HOME OF QUALITY BRITISH MADE FURNITURE SINCE 1971 @bexleylife

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Bexley finishes sixth in London Youth Games

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Bexley leads in championing road safety

Councillor Val Clark was recently Bexley finished sixth place in the 2019 presented with the London Road Council’s (LRSC) London Youth Games at Crystal Palace Safety Distinguished Service award today National Sports Centre last month. for her work as a champion for Around 7,400 young Londoners aged 10 to 18 from all 33 boroughs gathered at the finals to compete in road safety across London and in sports including athletics, archery, swimming, football, Bexley. netball, basketball, diving, indoor rowing and skateboarding.

Bexley picked up Gold in Judo, Trampoline and Weightlifting. Silver in Boy’s Cricket and Boy’s Football and Bronze in Aquathlon and Boccia.

All the athletes who represented Bexley in the final will receive a complimentary Parkwood Leisure Membership, alongside all the team managers, coaches and volunteers.

Councillor Peter Craske, Cabinet Member for Places said: “What an incredible year we have had for the London Youth Games 2019. All the athletes have worked incredibly hard, improving in 25 of the 35 sports compared to last year results, which all contributed to helping Bexley reach sixth place.

“Thank you to all the young athletes for taking part and the many local volunteers whose hard work and dedication make the event what it is. They #doitforbexley year on year helping to support the young people that represent us in this annual sporting competition. And to Parkwood Leisure for their generous sponsorship over the years. Bring on 2020!”

The London Youth Games, in partnership with Nike, traditionally starts in November and continues throughout the year with regular sporting competitions. It then culminates at its final event where one London borough is awarded the Jubilee Trophy.

Since November 324 athletes have Excellent Choice • Quality • Price represented Bexley and competed, Oak • Beech • Pine etc supported and encouraged by 63 volunteers. Between them they won Any Finish • Wax • Stain 39 medals for Bexley - 12 Gold, 10 • Paint • Lacquer Silver and 17 Bronze medals.

Affordable Bespoke Service Another 100 Bexley athletes also attended trials, training or expressed Please call, you’ll be amazed! interest in the competition.

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the LRSC as well as her work promoting road safety within Bexley.

She personally delivered letters to all the charity shops in the Borough highlighting the safety issues with selling second hand children’s car seats. She is also a Walkability trainer who goes into Bexley’s schools and demonstrates to pupil’s practical skills to keep them safe on the roads.

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The LRSC presents the award in recognition of innovation and good practice in road safety education.

Councillor Clark who represents the Falconwood & Welling ward, is a long-serving and influential supporter of road safety in Bexley who is respected and admired within London’s road safety community.

She was recognised for the exceptional support she provides for

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Cabinet discusses strategy for connected communities At its meeting recently Bexley’s Cabinet discussed the latest draft of a strategy to support and invest in local people and communities.

“Local people across our borough are leading the way in showing us the power of community in shaping the places where we live, as well as the happiness, health and success of the people that live there,” said Councillor Alex Sawyer, Cabinet Member for Communities. “The Connected Communities strategy aims to shine a light on local people, like the dad who set up the toy bank in Bexley Village with his neighbours, the volunteers behind the community fridge network in Belvedere and Bostall Heath and the woman in Falconwood, who rallies her neighbours every year for their annual street party.

“The strategy outlines how we want to celebrate and support people like this. People who share their time, talent and passions to build community spirit. We want to get behind local people and groups that are looking to do something good in their town or neighbourhood - and make it easier for them to do it.”

At its meeting, the Cabinet will discuss a range of proposals to follow through on the vision set out in the strategy.

These include the launch of a community grant fund from the surplus raised by the Bexley Community Lottery and a new civic crowdfunding platform.

The strategy also includes ideas for cutting ‘red tape’ to make it easier for people who want to get on and be active in their community.

It also sets out plans to encourage and equip local people to play a greater role in influencing decisions that will impact on their community and in shaping the places where they live.

The strategy has been revised to take on board the learning from a three-month public consultation, during which the Council engaged with hundreds of local people and groups. www.bexley.gov.uk

E. BRITTLE & SONS Carpet Warehouse in Welling 1000’s of Carpets from Roll Stock Large Display of Rugs Vinyls Galore

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Murder Mystery Evening

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September 6th @ 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm Winning Can Be Murder! take part in a fun Murder Mystery Evening based on an ever popular board game. Give your ‘little grey cells’ an evening out and

discover whodunit!

The evening is located in the atmospheric, historic house at Hall Place and set in the 1930s if you wish to have fun, dress up and really get in the mood! You will need to find the clues, discover who done it? Where they did it? What they did it with?

The scene is: in a grander time - the 1930s, you have been invited to the magnificent Hall Place by the mysterious and never seen The Right Honourable Huw Dunnit. How will the evening enfold and what is in store for his guests?

A scream rings out! Is it Lady Limerick with the candlestick? Rev Jefferies in the parlour, lieutenant-Colonel Baron Churchston with the dagger or Ms Orme in the Great Chamber? It is up to you as detectives to solve this dreadful crime. Will you uncover the truth or not have a Clue-Doh!?

Great for a family or friends get together.

The evening includes a full three course sit down meal with coffee and the bar opens at 6.30pm wit the meal at 7.30 and carriages at 11pm £55.00 per person (over 16 years old) www.hallplace.org.uk

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H O M E S T Y L E

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How to accessorise your garden and outdoor spaces

classic style 4XHHQ $QQH

by Julie Stevens - Creator of Happy Homes at Younique Designs Ltd “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris 0DOGRQ

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Our chaises longues are compact in size, elegantly designed and beautifully made. Choose a fabric from our large pattern selection or even have a chaise longue upholstered in your own material. Available from £395.00.

Drop in to see our display in Wrattens of Chislehurst, visit our web site: www.johnsons furniture.co.uk to view our complete collection or please telephone us to obtain your own brochure and with any enquires.

www.johnsonsfurniture.co.uk Wrattens, 51 – 53 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AF

020 8467 5892 johnsonsfurniture@btinternet.com

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Summer took a little while to arrive with us this year, as I write this article we are struggling to have continuous warm and sunny days. I live in hope we will have a summer akin to 2018.

This time of year is one where we all generally want to get outside. After being huddled up indoors during the short evenings of winter, the long hazy crazy days of summer are very welcome.

Spending time outdoors may mean time on a balcony, a terrace or a garden with verdant green grass. Where ever you spend time you can create a space of sanctuary and relaxation by adding accessories and styling with a sense of purpose.

In previous articles we have started the accessorising process by first understanding what surfaces there are in the room. The same is true for the outside spaces of your home. The external walls of a home are a common backdrop to any outside space, the decking, paving or grass a floor.

So let’s start with these two areas - the external wall of your house is likely to be bare faced brick, or render - fairly plain. How about adding a feature trellis with a climbing rose or clematis? Or create a living wall of herbs. Outside spaces often need more lighting and the external walls of your house are obvious places for decorative lighting as well as security lighting. The floor of your outside space - is a great place for outdoor rugs and a picnic blanket.

If you have a large garden space you think about the garden in the same way as you do your home and create spaces, rooms, within the garden. By zoning your garden you can create spaces for different activities. A children’s play area with sand pit and climbing frames, not forgetting a picnic area underneath a shady tree for them. A space for a teepee, a space for your children to relax in safety and a space for them to realise their dreams. A good way to segment these areas is by using planting - a screen of bamboo will move gracefully in the breeze adding to the overall atmosphere.

If you are mindful to grow your own veg then a wall of maize plants could be used. You don’t have to keep your vegetable growing to the allotment or to one specific area of the garden.

Other areas could be zoned by using planters with seasonal flowers. You could keep to colours that are in your palette inside your home or go for a single colour such as white which will be a lovely contrast to the green. Another way to create separation is by changing heights. A raised decking or a sunken garden.

Whilst I mentioned lighting earlier, lighting is something that can be used extensively in any outdoor space. You could add floor lighting into the paving or decking and fairy lights along a boundary fence or around the trunks of trees. Solar lights can be placed in flower beds to highlight particular plants or sculptures, which of themselves are wonderful accessories for your gardens.

Let’s return to the dining area of the garden. If you have a balcony, hopefully it is large enough for a table and chairs. Dining alfresco is a true sign that summer has arrived. Just as you consider the dining table in your home, so you should consider that table in your garden. If the table is not in great condition cover it with a cloth, held in place by weights. Use placemats and napkins, and solar lights or candles to add the finishing touches. Don’t forget the citronella candles, but it would be wise not to have them on the table whilst you are eating.

When thinking about adding accessories to your garden it’s good to think about how you will experience the space sensually. Think not only about what you will see, but also about what you will hear, smell, touch and taste. Our outdoor spaces are amazing spaces to experience all of the senses, so think about them as you create your outdoor living rooms.

To accompany this article I have created a Board on Pinterest (an online tool which I love to use, to collect images for project inspiration). Type in this link http://bit.ly/GMLifeGardens and it will take you right there and you will be able to see examples of some of the things mentioned here, plus lots more inspiration.

Wishing you all an amazing summer. Enjoy your outdoor spaces and if you need any help don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask.

And, if you would like to know how to discover your unique Design Style and how to accessorise for it, check the website for details of my next masterclass which will be in September.

Next time I will discuss how to accessorise your bedrooms and bathrooms.

Julie Stevens, the Happy Home Creator at Younique Designs - 07889 021140 www.youniquedesigns.co.uk

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G A R D E N I N G

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Problem soils: A new-build site

2. Remove buried rubble Take as much out as you can whilst digging. It can be used to provide better drainage in high raised beds and any reasonably good bricks may be used as border edging. Remember that lime from cement and mortar makes soil alkaline and unsuitable for azaleas and other limehating plants.

3. Other options for poor soil

by Eva Girling of Gardenity

Whether the area behind your new house is just bare soil or it has been turfed, you may encounter similar problems: ground compaction, buried rubble, poor soil. It makes sense to tackle those first, before you start to create your dream garden. Your new lawn may be good enough (for now), but the border areas will need some Raised bed gardening elbow-grease.

1. Break up compacted ground Double digging would be ideal but failing that, using a digging fork, turn over the ground about 20 cm deep. Spread a bucketful of garden compost or similar soil improver over each square meter of the dug ground, add some general-purpose fertiliser, and fork it all in.

Consider raised beds, making sure the topsoil you bring in to fill them is of good quality. Or, buy a suitable seed mix and create a pollinatorfriendly perennial flower meadow full of plants that thrive in nutrientpoor soil.

MID-SUMMER JOBS • keep up the weeding, mowing, watering, deadheading routine • Water plants sensibly, only those that need it (aren’t you on a water meter?)

• feed plants in containers either with a liquid feed or a slow release fertiliser • visit other gardens for inspiration, check out the National Trust (nationaltrust.org.uk) and the National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) Eva Girling offers practical advice and garden design in Medway and North Kent. Professional, friendly, affordable.

More information at www.gardenity.co.uk

Pilkingtons OF BEXLEY

THE VILLAGE JEWELLERS We buy and sell all types of second hand jewellery.

ALL TYPES OF SECONDHAND ROLEX WATCHES SOLD WITH GUARANTEE All repairs on watches, clocks and jewellery are done on the premises and we can supply batteries for all makes of quartz watches.

OUR WATCHMAKER IS ROLEX TRAINED WE OFFER A COMPUTERISED ENGRAVING SERVICE ON THE PREMISES FOR THOSE PERSONAL PRESENTS.

39-41 BEXLEY HIGH STREET, BEXLEY, KENT Tel/Fax: 01322 521664 Web: www.pilkingtons.uk.com

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An evening out at Georges Bar & Grill, Welling...

Based in Bellegrove Road, Welling, Georges Bar & Grill is the ideal place for an evening out, without all that travelling.

George and his excellent team have been serving the best Greek Traditional food for over 25 years. They pride themselves on a high level of service and friendly family run atmosphere - ensuring that you have an unforgettable dining experience.

Georges is also ideal for a special celebration, so, if you are planning a party or a special event they will cater and take care of everything for you, whether it’s a large family event or a business event they will guarantee the same great level of service to ensure you have a wonderful time.

Georges also hold their own events every month and coming up in the near future are: Michael Buble Tribute - 6th September Famous Greek Night - 28th September and 26th October George Michael Tribute - 1st November https://georgesbarandgrill.co.uk/

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TooREX at the Beaverwood

On Thursday 19th September, TooREX bring the Glam Rock era of the early seventies back with a spell binding show at the Beaverwood, Chislehurst..

Featuring the incredible Bobby T as Marc Bolan, TooREX bring back the Glam Rock era of the early seventies back with a spell binding show that covers the whole of Marc Bolan’s career from the early hippy period of Tyrannosaurus REX to the megastar, chart topping days of T-REX, complete with full costume changes, glitter and more than a dash of star quality, TooREX come incredibly close to the real thing.

The two set show includes some early singles such as “Deborah”, and “One Inch Rock” and “Ride A White Swan” to the big hits from “Get It On”, “Telegram Sam”, Hot Love”, “Jeepster” and "Children of the Revolution”, to some of the fondly remembered album material.

The event is from 19:30 to 23:00 and tickets are available at £12 in advance/£13 on the door. www.thebeaverwood.com

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NHS chiefs panned over progress on Erith Urgent Care Centre Local NHS chiefs have been criticised for the extremely slow progress on revamping the overextended NHS facility in Erith that is leaving patients short of vital cover.

The out-dated and cramped urgent care centre at Erith Hospital is working at full capacity, and concerns have been raised that it is unable to meet increasing demand.

NHS bosses launched a review last year following concerns the site is operating at a ‘critical level’, with patients even resorting to prising doors open when the unit is full and closed.

At times, the doors have been closing as much as two hours early because so many patients are needing care.

Councillors were told by the clinical commissioning group, the national body that oversees local NHS facilities, at a meeting in October last year that patients were being forced to sit on the floor because the waiting room is so packed.

Initially it was believed the centre would close and/or move, but at a recent meeting on July 2, NHS bosses said that short term fixes to the UCC to keep it at Erith Hospital had been agreed.

At the same time a long-term vision for medical facilities in the north of Bexley was being developed to deal with growth pressures.

As of yet, there has been no further movement on the matter.

Visit us at Nicholasjohninteriors.co.uk and view our fabulous range of furniture, mirrors and lighting that will transform your home

Telephone: 0845 676 9286 Email: sales@nicholasjohninteriors.co.uk Website: www.nicholasjohninteriors.co.uk @bexleylife

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C O V E R

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S T O R Y

Bev Farren – Home Care and Support carer Bev Farren is a carer for Home Care and Support and has been for nearly three years. She previously worked as a Teaching Assistant for 10 years with children with mental health issues, and before that Bev worked at the Royal Mail for 13 years.

‘I have three children, now all grown up, but I’ve always chosen work that fits around my family so that I am able to balance being a mum as well as being able to work,’ said Bev. Bev had often seen carers in and around Bexley wearing Avante Care & Support uniforms. Then, she noticed an advert in the local paper advertising an Open Day with Avante Care & Support and decided to pop along and see what job opportunities there were.

Bev joined the Home Care and Support team in April 2016 and hasn’t looked back since. Work colleagues have regularly commented on Bev’s attributes and ability to think outside the box, going above and beyond for people.

As a Home Carer, attributes like these can help enrich people’s lives. For Bev it is just second nature and all part of her job.

Bev says, ‘I enjoy being a carer, and always have done since joining Avante Care & Support. I care for both the service user and support the family when it’s needed. One of my service users, Ivy, is cared for by her friend Ethel, and we provide support to her so she is able to continue caring for Ivy. The support includes housework and gardening which allows Ethel the time to care and spend time with Ivy. Another client for whom I care has his wife as his main carer, but she finds it hard to keep on top of everything. We are caring for her husband but no one is caring for her. This is so often the case for care givers who care for loved ones, so we try and support everyone, if they need it. It’s about washing up the odd few dishes, puffing up the cushions and picking up the post from the floor. It takes seconds but I know these little things can go a long way.

Since working as a carer I’ve seen how important it is to get to know the people you care for and support. You don’t just assume that because you like your toast cut into triangles that other people do too, and while you may like your tea strong it doesn’t mean everyone else does. One of my service users liked their food and drink prepared a certain way and had been very upset with previous carers from another care company who never listened to his simple requests. And they really were simple!’

When asked what Bev liked about her job she commented, ‘It’s a varied job. No day is the same and it’s rewarding knowing you are brightening someone’s day during the time you are with them. You need to be respectful as a home carer. You are entering someone’s home on a regular basis; they are letting you into their family life and trusting you. It’s so important this is respected.’

Bev used to care for a gentleman called Kelvin, she spent time researching Kelvin’s interests. He was from South London and loved talking about his beloved Millwall FC and his favourite foods like Pie ‘n’ Mash and curry. Bev wasn’t particularly interested in football but would take the time to find out the football results from the weekend so she could chat with Kelvin on her Monday morning visit. Kelvin passed away this year and Bev, a keen poet, decided to put pen to paper to write a poem about Kelvin.

Kelvin’s family were very grateful to Bev for the poem and said it was so accurate, the family have since had the poem framed in memory of Kelvin. www.avantecare.org.uk

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N E W S

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Getting to know your Mayor...

Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis, who represents Crayford, was chosen as the London Borough of Bexley's 56th Mayor at the Council's annual meeting on earlier this year.

Geraldene is the 80th person to hold the title of Mayor of Bexley, since the old Borough received its charter in 1937.

Geraldene's husband, retired London Brigade Fireman Peter Lucia-Hennis, will be the Mayor's consort.

Geraldene was born in West Hill Hospital, Dartford in 1950. She has lived in Crayford all of her life, first in the High Street and then in Iron Mill Lane. Like her father before her, Geraldene attended St Paulinus School, she then went on to Crayford Secondary School for Girls. Geraldene is Crayford 'through and through' and is able to trace her family roots in the town back to 1786.

A keen businesswoman, Geraldene has run a number of businesses in her hometown, including a dry cleaners. It was only when she closed the doors that she finally gave in to local MP Sir David Evennett's request to run as a local Councillor. She stood in 2006 and has represented the town ever since.

Geraldene is fiercely proud of her four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who all live close to the family home. She takes her roles as mum, grandma and great-grandma extremely seriously and has great involvement with each generation.

Geraldene's other passion is for the local rivers. She is the Director on the Dartford and Crayford Creek Restoration Trust and is very active in her role there. Her ambition is to try to re-open the Crayford Creek waterway for river pleasure boats.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to my year in office. I have considered running for the post for a number of times, but this year is particularly special as we celebrate the 'Alcock and Brown' centenary, a project that I am helping to lead as part of the 'Alcock and Brown Centenary Project Group, Crayford'. It is an honour to be able to help mark their link with our great borough – and my home town!”

“I am looking forward to getting out and about as much as possible, representing Bexley and putting us on the map. It is going to be hard work but I'm looking forward to every minute.”

The Mayor's Chaplain will be Reverend Paul Prentice from Cllr LuciaHennis' church, St Paulinus.

The Mayor has decided to support a number of smaller local charities, under the slogan 'Doing it for Bexley and celebrating winning for Bexley'.

Geraldene has appointed Cllr James Hunt to be her Deputy Mayor and James' wife Christine to be Deputy Mayoress. Cllr Hunt is a Ward Member for Blackfen and Lamorbey. He has been a Bexley Councillor since 2006 and has lived in Blackfen all his life. He and Christine have two children aged four and seven and a English springer called Jasper.

Cllr Hunt is Vice President of GLSE Scouts, Vice Chairman of Bexley Scouts Telephone: 07841 536331 and a Non-Exec Director of Bird College. He is the Head of Fundraising safetyfirst1704@gmail.com www.safety-first-welling.org and Engagement for The Haemophilia Society.

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G A R D E N I N G

21

Is your ‘dream pond’ a bit of a mess?

Sometimes the reality of a garden pond doesn’t quite live up to the original dream and often it’s the edging that lets it down.

Getting things right at the start is, of course, important but even the most forlorn looking pond can be improved with the addition of attractive rocks or paving.

If your pond needs re-lining this can be a good opportunity for putting things right second time around by, for instance, adding a couple of shelves at a suitable depth for plant baskets.

Even without a full re-line, poorly finished pond edging can be improved by removing the existing paving, rocks or sleepers and lifting the liner so a shallow shelf can be added on which rocks can sit to provide a natural looking surround even when the water level drops a few inches.

Adding suitable aquatic plants can really lift a garden pond, both visually and health-wise. As well as the oxygenating qualities of specific plants the surface cover provided by gentle ‘spreaders’ such as Myosotis scorpoides (Water Forget-me-nots) and the pads of Water Lilies both help to keep off the sunís rays, reducing unsightly blanket weed, and keep the water cooler for fish and wildlife.

So whether your pond requires a thorough make-over or just the right planting and regular maintenance essential to keep ponds healthy and looking good, contact Waterlilies Pond Care. Run by sisters Merry Tyler and Joy Bentley, Waterlilies provides cleaning, planting and maintenance for garden ponds all year round.

Before

Call 01732 885726 or see website www.waterliliespondcare.co.uk or email info@waterliliespondcare.co.uk

After

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S P O RT S

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PA S T I M E S

Courses at Danson Park Watersports Centre Given the recent good weather and a desire to ‘get outside’, we can all take to the water in Danson Park - well, with a little tuition! Here are some of the courses on offer to get you afloat.

Sailing RYA Level One course - 9.30am to 4.30pm The RYA Level One course is the introductory beginner's course into dinghy sailing. It is aimed at those who have done little or no dinghy sailing before.

It is the first part of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training scheme and its aim is to provide basic boat handling techniques and essential background knowledge.

By the end of the course, you will be able to sail safely under supervision.

Participants must be aged 16 and over.

A change of clothes is required for each session.

Included in the course: • RYA Level One Certificate • RYA Start Sailing Book • RYA Sailing Logbook • All equipment provided

RYA Level Two course - 9.30am to 4.30pm The RYA Level Two Course is the second part of the RYA training scheme for those who have completed their level one or have equivalent experience. Its aim is to consolidate your basic knowledge of sailing and develop awareness of safety.

It will be assumed that every student starting this course has already mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required to start sailing. By the end of the course, you will be capable of sailing a dinghy alone, without an instructor on board. Participants must be aged 16 and over. A change of clothes is required for each session.

Included in the course: • All required equipment • RYA Start Sailing book and national scheme

Youth Courses are available for those aged 8 to 16, individuals can take part in RYA Stage One, Two, Three and Four courses.

Each Stage is based on a two-day course running from 10am to 4pm.

Stage One - gives a basic understanding of how to handle the boat, steering and wind awareness.

Stage Two - focusing on basic sailing skills, rope work and turning whilst controlling the boat speed.

Stage Three - covers everything from man overboard recovery to sailing around a triangular course Stage Four - looks at sailing both single and double handed dinghies focusing on more in-depth techniques and manoeuvres.

Steven Hoadley +44 (0) 7957566033

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S P O RT S

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PA S T I M E S

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Canoeing/kayaking Adults The Centre offers British Canoeing (BC) accredited courses for beginners and for those who want to get better and improve their skills. All the kit and resources you will need are provided, all you will need to bring is a change of clothes and a towel.

Youth Just because the initial BC Level one course is tailored for those over the age of 14, youths can still take part in the canoeing and kayaking schemes! To complete your Paddlepower Start, Passport and Discover come and join the youth night sessions.

British Canoeing One Star course Designed to recognise the level people would typically reach after an introductory course of six hours quality on-water time. Participants must be aged 14 and over. The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm Included in the course is all the required equipment and a British Canoeing certificate on successful completion.

Course content: • safety, leadership and group skills • personal paddling skills • rescue skills and techniques • theory and more

Powerboating The Centre offers RYA Powerboat Level One, Two and Safety Boat courses. As an Inland Centre, the courses offered are Inland endorsed courses.

Working closely with the local tidal club on the River Thames they can arrange for a Coastal Conversion day for the Level Two and Safety boat course.

RYA Powerboat Level One Courses (1 day) 9.30am to 4.30pm Minimum age eight years old. Candidates aged under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate.

Course content: • launch and recovery • preparation of the boat and crew • boat handling • picking up and securing to a mooring buoy • leaving and coming alongside • being towed Outcome: • Able to drive under supervision.

RYA Powerboat Level Two Courses (2 day) - 9.30am to 4.30pm Minimum age 12 years old. Candidates aged under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate.

Course content: • the Powerboat Level One syllabus • low-speed close quarters handling • man overboard recovery • an introduction to driving at planing speed • IRPCS Outcome: • Self-sufficient powerboat driver in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft. www.bexley.gov.uk

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