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Moving forward around the area...

Welcome to the August/September 2020 edition of Bexley Life Magazine the bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for Bexley Borough and the surrounding areas.

With the Covid-19 crisis still with us, businesses and events around the area are still greatly subject to change, adaptation and a general ‘take each day as it comes’ attitude.

We should all be rightly proud of the manner in which the local area in general is coping and the way that local people are still helping each other through these ongoing strange times. Bexley Life is still reflecting Bexley SASAV VEE 20% 30% these changes and the effects they are having on local businesses and residents.

Inside you will find stories and articles, some of the type you’d expect to see and others representing the differences in the current climate.

So, we would like to welcome you to this edition of Bexley Life and wish a safe and very happy Summer period to you and your loved ones.

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 La Belle Cuisine info@bljournals.plus.com for future consideration in our forthcoming issues.

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AUGUST/SEPT EMBER 2020

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New pop up market for Welling

London Borough of Bexley has been working with Welling Town Business Associates and local events company CC Events to bring a small pop-up market to the town, to provide even more choice to local shoppers.

The pop-up stalls made their first appearance in Bellegrove Road outside Iceland on Saturday 11 July 2020 and will now be in place every Saturday from 9.30am -4.30pm until the end of October.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth, Cllr Louie French said: “There is no doubt that businesses up and down the country have suffered as a result of the pandemic. As shops start to re-open safely, in line with government guidelines, businesses are looking for new ways to sell their goods. We have worked with businesses in the town to bring these new stalls to Welling in a bid to provide an extra incentive for people to visit the town. Along with the stalls, visitors can take the time to pop-in to other local shops. If we can remember to support our local town centres at this difficult time, it will go a long way to help businesses stay open.”

Throughout the course of the pandemic the Council has awarded over 2,500 grants to businesses to L help them cope during lockdown.

To find out more about the support available to businesses visit www.bexleyforbusiness.co.uk For more information and to see what stalls will be there go to www.fb.me/WellingPopUps

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

SALES & PROMOTIONS David Peters Publisher Tel 01322 352648 Email: info@bljournals.plus.com Dennis Smith Advertisement Manager Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com

PUBLISHING COMPANY BL Journals, 3 Biddenden Way, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9DE Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com @bexleylife Although every effort is made assure the accuracy of the content of this magazine, 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.

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Another free school for Bexley Trinitas Academy Trust has been formally appointed to run the London Borough of Bexley’s new SEN Free School in Belvedere.

The new school will be built in Halt Robin Road on the site of the former Woodside School and will be called Cornerstone.

It will be the second Free School that the Council has secured for the borough.

Together they involve nearly £25m of central and local government investment in education in Bexley.

The Council hopes that the new school will open in September 2021. When completed and fully occupied it will educate 90 students with Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs aged 11 to 19.

Today’s announcement follows the successful handover of Bexley’s first SEN Free School, Cleeve Meadow, to the Kemnal Academy Trust last month (8 June). The two new Free Schools mean that 210 pupils with Special Educational Needs will be educated within Bexley.

Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor John Fuller said:, “We look forward to working with the Trinitas Trust to deliver this much needed new school which will enable more of our pupils to be educated in their local communities. Along with the new Cleeve Meadow School, the plans for Cornerstone show our commitment to families in Bexley. I look forward to work starting at the site.”

Beverley Gardener, CEO Trinitas Academy Trust: “This is an exciting opportunity for the trust to further meet the needs of Bexley children. For too long, these children’s needs could not be met locally, meaning that children had to travel quite a distance just to go to school. They will now be able to go to school where they live, and enjoy the benefits of both belonging to their new school and to Trinitas.” www.bexley.gov.uk

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Local Bexley resident launches new book publishing company Recently, enterprising local Bexley resident Will Dady launched a new book publishing company with a new view on the industry - Renard Press.

The business is based in London and will be a fresh face in the independent market, predominantly publishing classics, supplemented by a small handful of contemporary fiction, non-fiction and theatre titles.

The focus of the classics list is on lesser-known works by literary giants, as well as some by undeservedly forgotten authors; the contemporary list focuses on good writing, properly edited, and covers fiction, non-fiction and theatre.

The press is open to unsolicited submissions, as well as from agents, and operates an anonymising policy for submissions.

Renard Press is mindful of the rich tradition of independent publishing, and, while dedicated to making titles available to as wide a readership as possible through the advances in technology, remains resolutely committed to making beautiful physical objects.

The press has also just launched a subscription service, allowing readers to sign up to receive a copy of every book published in advance of the publication date.

The company also produces deluxe hand-bound editions - every month, one such edition is produced, and the press’s subscribers have the chance to win it.

By way of a nod to one of the greatest pioneers in independent publishing - and one of the Publisher’s heroes - the press will be starting off the classics list with A Room of One’s Own, and will take in largely neglected writers, such as Aphra Behn, Phillis Wheatley and Eliza Haywood, as well as forgotten works by authors as well-known as Bram Stoker and Leo Tolstoy.

In an effort to be the change that readers want to see in publishing, Renard is committed to keeping authors’ genders in balance, and have set up a counter to make sure this is always the case.

Renard is proud to be a queer-led publisher, and looks forward to fleshing out the literary classics canon - and to building on it with newly commissioned titles - with underrepresented voices from across the globe.

The Publisher - and local resident - is Will Dady, a former Editor and Designer at Alma Books.

Renard Press is represented by Signature, and is distributed by Central Books. www.renardpress.com @bexleylife

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Last month saw the reopening of the visitor centre and toilets at Hall Place and Gardens. The Riverside café also reopened, initially for takeaway service only.

Visitors will be asked to continue to observe the current government social distancing guidelines and use hand sanitiser on entry.

There is a one way route through the visitor centre from the stone arch gate and signs are in place so that visitors can move through the site safely.

Visitors are also be asked to provide contact details for the NHS Test and Trace scheme when they visit the site and again if they choose to use the café. These details will be held for 21 days to support the NHS with rapidly tracing individuals who may have been in contact with someone who tests positive for Covid-19.

Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske said: “This is another small step on our road to recovery. Visitors to the gardens will soon be able to once again enjoy a well-earned cup of tea from the Riverside Café.”

The visitor centre toilets will be closed periodically during the day for cleaning in line with the current covid regulations.

For information on the café and gardens opening times and the opening arrangements of the other onsite facilities, including the Farmers Market, visit www.hallplace.org.uk

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Anthony Martin Estate Agents: Rebranding above and beyond Leading Estate Agents, Anthony Martin have been serving property buyers and sellers in Kent and London for almost ten years and boast full coverage of offices in Dartford, Swanscombe, Barnehurst, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Locksbottom, Meopham and London.

Due to their excellent reputation, every office has seen an increase in demand for properties outside of London and recently opened an office on Hanover Square, Mayfair.

While the UK Property Market has seen a significant surge in sales during COVID-19; Anthony Martin Estate Agents, have undergone a comprehensive rebranding to represent their status of becoming one of the most popular and successful Estate Agents in Kent and London. Delivering exceptional services and creating a positive impact to support those looking to relocate during these unprecedented times.

This fresh new brand includes a modern identity with a new logo incorporating traditional brand colours. Anthony Martin Estate Agents have also invested in a bespoke, Google-friendly website, which provides an industry-leading user experience for their customers. It also allows potential buyers to view all available properties to buy and rent in the local area.

Anthony Martin, CEO went on to say, “Our clients expected us to move with the times and ensure our business kept up with change.

The Spring and Summer of 2020 have been a challenging and unexpected battle that no one anticipated. Our role is to fight the challenges we have faced and help our sellers and home movers feel confident and positive about the future. I am pleased with the actions we have taken, and we will continue to help all our clients in the locations we serve.”

The rebranding has taken place as part of wider changes in light of Rishi Sunak’s announcement in regards to Stamp Duty Holiday, raising the exemption threshold on residential property from £300,000 to £500,000. Due to the tailored nature of the website, Anthony Martin was able to rapidly adapt to the fast-paced changes in Government guidelines with relative ease.

Mortgage rates are reported at its lowest point since records began; therefore, Anthony Martin Estate Agents can provide an opportunity for buyers to bolster their cash reserves and provide affordable housing for many families and first-time buyers.

Tony Langley, further comments: “Our teams have been working incredibly hard to help where and when we can. Despite the uncertainty, we have continued to compete on sales and lettings.

I'm delighted to report that we have been booking over 500 viewings each month with the help of the rebranding - in a COVID safe fashion, of course!” www.anthonymartin.co.uk

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Celebrating LGBTQ Diversity at Riverdale Court

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There have been countless events and concerts put on hold or cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many organisers either rescheduling or in some cases using digital platforms to stream live events directly into people’s living rooms.

This year’s Pride events were no exception to the rules, with large public events planned to celebrate gay and other LGBTQ identities, culture and experience, postponed until next year.

Every June the LGBTQ community celebrate in a number of different ways across the globe including street parties, parades, community events and festivals, and through sheer determination Pride celebrations still took place this year but nothing like how they have been celebrated before. Staff and residents at Riverdale Court were also determined not to let the pandemic stand in the way of their celebrations and held their own socially distanced event outside the home. Riverdale Court was beautifully decorated inside out with a rainbow of colours with many staff dressing up in bright colourful and fun clothing to match the décor. Nicolas Kee Mew, Home Manager said, “We wanted to make sure the event didn’t get lost due to Covid-19. It was a celebration for the LGBTQ community and a great way to celebrate diversity together. We had a party in the grounds of the home, with a BBQ and music, everyone was involved either on the day or in making decorations in the run up. There was a fantastic atmosphere and a wonderful opportunity to talk openly with residents and staff about diversity and LGBTQ and to celebrate this together’.

Avante Care & Support realise that during the pandemic people are still looking for and requiring residential care or home care services. They are currently taking admissions at Riverdale Court care home for those that need care. Please call the Home Manager on 0208 3179067. www.avantecare.org.uk

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Have your say on Bexley’s savings proposals As part of its response to its financial challenges, the Council is consulting on five savings proposals over the summer.

You can have your say by taking part in its online survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GTSHR8K A paper copy of the survey is also available in libraries.

Responses must reach the Council by 30 September 2020.

The Council is developing a plan to address its financial challenges and is continuing to review the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its forecasts.

As well as increasing spending, the pandemic has also caused a dramatic fall in the Council’s income, including from Business Rates, commercial rents and other fees and charges.

Based on its latest forecasts, the Council faces a budget gap of more than £10m in 2021/22, increasing to £32m by 2024/25. These figures do not yet take into consideration the longer-term impact of the pandemic.

The five savings proposals on which the Council is consulting will help reduce its spending and increase income to balance its budget. Many other savings proposals have already been approved that will have no direct impact on local people.

A second and larger set of proposals is being developed for public consultation from November to January.

All councils are required by law to set a balanced and sustainable budget and keep enough financial reserves to ensure that they can deliver their legal responsibilities and priorities. www.bexley.gov.uk

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Nominate your Bexley heroes

The Mayor of Bexley is calling on residents to nominate local heroes for a special commendation award that recognises exceptional contributions and acts of kindness made during the pandemic.

The special commendation awards will celebrate the invaluable contribution that #Bexleyheroes have made to the community during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you know someone or a group/business who has gone out of their way or been a good neighbour this is your chance to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.

Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt commented: “We are keen to hear your stories, whether it was someone buying your shopping, or maybe it was a business or group who have been there during the recent crisis – thanking those keyworkers, volunteers and groups who went above and beyond is our goal – we owe them all for being there when we needed them most they all truly #doitforbexley” Over the past 3 months hundreds of volunteers came forward via the council, BVSC, The Exchange and other groups such as Isolation Bexley.

We will be working with these groups to deliver an award to those who registered also.

To nominate fill in the form online or, to request a form, call 020 3045 3678.

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Are you eligible for free online group support with Slimming World?

From the end of last month, Bexley residents who meet eligibility criteria are able to selfrefer to Slimming World virtual groups and receive 12 weeks membership for free.

Since the start of lockdown Slimming World has obviously moved all face-to-face groups to virtual sessions, but until now, this has only been available to those who were already members.

You could be eligible if you are: • Aged 16+ • A Bexley resident or registered with a Bexley GP • Have a long-term health condition and BMI 27.5+ • Or a BMI of 30+ To register, or to find out more details call 01773 307387.

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Families finally reunited with

loved ones

Avante Care and Support were recently delighted to have been able to implement the first phase of opening the care homes to visitors, which has begun with visits held in the gardens and grounds of the homes. The period of lockdown has been particularly difficult for family and friends who have not been able to visit loved ones, so Avante were rightly pleased to be able to open the homes in this safe and practical way.

Stuart Cross, Managing Director at Avante Care and Support, said, “It has been something quite special to open our homes again, and definitely worth the long wait.

It is a reminder to everyone that care homes are not only safe places to be, but can also offer older people an environment where they can thrive and have a vibrant and fulfilling life.”

Riverdale Court care home in Welling, opened a visitor’s centre in the grounds of the home to welcome families to visit their loved ones. Families can now book a visit at Riverdale Court in a comfortable and safe environment; a big step forward for families who have patiently waited to be reunited with their loved ones since lockdown was introduced.

Other Avante homes are using their gardens and outside areas for families to visit safely, such as Puddingstone Grange in Plumstead where they have also recently welcomed families back for planned garden visits. Many families have taken advantage of this and have been reunited with their loved ones.

One family member said, “It feels so long since we have been able to visit and although we cannot hug mum, we are delighted that the staff at Puddingstone Grange have worked so hard to make these visits safe and possible”.

Another relative shared how excited she was when she heard the garden visits had been arranged and how she couldn’t sleep with anticipation in seeing her mother.

As the country emerges from lockdown and we see further easing of the restrictions in the communities, Avante want to ensure their care homes remain a safe place for residents and staff. Every Avante Care & Support care home has a unique layout and access, and there has been an agreed VERANDAS, AWNINGS AND CARPORTS visitors plan designed to suit each home to now be able to safely welcome Supplied and installed. Call for a free quote today! back families to visit either in the gardens or through an undercover visitor area.

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The company know how much people want to get back to normal and have the flexibility to visit their loved ones when they wish to, but Avante cannot yet extend visiting beyond external areas until their is government guidance which says this is safe to do so.

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A hopeful return to theatregoing...

by James Haddrell, Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre.

This Summer represents a major period of transition for theatre.

Fundamentally, we are all looking at a post-COVID reopening, in one form or another. While Andrew Lloyd Webber conducts a series of trials at the London Palladium to work out what is and isn’t safe, across the industry we are also working out what we can and can’t present with social distancing, what audiences are going to want to see, and how we can best offer them a return to theatregoing.

At Greenwich Theatre we have been busy during lockdown, streaming old shows, offering industry advice sessions, profiling emerging theatre companies and providing shows and activities for families, but as we plan our reopening the online programme has reached its most ambitious stage yet – our first ever show created entirely for an online audience – and what better way to prove that theatre can be a thrilling prospect whether presented online or in person.

The show is a reworking of Steven Berkoff’s The Secret Love Life Of Ophelia, a play written for two actors and structured as an exchange of letters between Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Ophelia, reimagining their relationship and filling in the gaps left in Shakespeare’s play. I came across the play while I was looking for a piece to present as socially distanced theatre live on stage, but as I was reading it I started to see it differently. Anyone could experience the kind of astonishing, life changing love affair that these two characters enjoy, so why limit the cast to two people with just @bexleylife

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one version of each of the characters? What if, each time an audience meets Ophelia, she is played by a different performer, and the same with Hamlet? Why not have a cast of 39 instead of 2?

With that in mind I approached Berkoff and suggested this new online version, changing the letters to video messages, setting the play now, and filming each of the messages in the cast members’ own homes. Steven agreed with the approach, and then came the biggest endorsement of all. The final letter in the play, the only one to come from another character, is from Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, and Dame Helen Mirren graciously agreed to perform and film that piece for us.

The resulting piece is very different from any live production of the play that may have been staged before – the two characters are played by 39 recently graduated or marginalised actors, giving the opportunity for those embarking on a career at the worst possible time or routinely overlooked for major Shakespearean roles for reasons of ethnicity, accent, appearance etc to secure a major credit on their CV and to be seen at work by casting directors and agents. More than anything I hope that audiences enjoy the show, which is available for free on the Greenwich Theatre YouTube page until 14 August, and that some of the actors involved secure additional work as a result of being seen by the right people.

When the online production has finished, we move back to our venue – and hope that audiences will too. Our studio space has been reimagined with a cabaret layout and we have some great stand-up scheduled for the studio including performances by Juliette Burton and Richard Stott. The main auditorium will be host to an eclectic programme including a screening of the black and white silent film Nosferatu with an original score performed live on stage, a musical celebration of the work of Tom Lehrer and a Greenwich debut for Steve Richards with his Kings Place hit Rock & Roll Politics.

We anticipate finishing the year with pantomime, and are working with regular writer/dame Andrew Pollard on the rarely presented story of The Queen of Hearts. All being well, this Christmas will be one to remember for all the right reasons in Greenwich! www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

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Bexley Council - Online and on the button...

The latter part of last month saw the launch of the Council’s new website at www.bexley.gov.uk.

Councillor David Leaf

Bexley’s own team of digital experts have completely redesigned the site around the needs of local people. The content and navigation have been tested with residents.

As well as a much cleaner, modern look, the site offers the services and information people need more quickly and easily.

“Recent months have shown us how comfortable most people are with online services, which are open to all and available at times that suit your lifestyle,” said Councillor David Leaf, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources.

“And just as with banks and supermarkets, providing services and information online keeps our costs down, meaning we can use more of our resources on frontline services, and less on administration.”

The site includes a straightforward way to give feedback at the foot of every page.

The launch was the result of a thorough design process and is part of wider moves to improve services. An updated telephony system is also being introduced to help those who still need to call the Council.

“Our finances are under pressure and behind the scenes improvements like these mean we can help local people and save money,” added Councillor Leaf.

Bexley’s website logged more than 6 million unique page views over the past 12 months. The Council expects this to grow following the launch and as more improvements are made over the coming weeks and months. www.bexley.gov.uk

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B R I E F

If you currently live, work or study in the London Borough of Bexley or hope to in the future – the Council would like to hear your views on its new Draft Housing Strategy 2020-25. It is also keen to hear from local organisations or groups who have an interest in housing and related issues.

WIDE SHOES SPECIALISTS IN LADIES & GENTS WIDE FITTING SHOES

The draft Strategy sets out how the Council hopes to secure the homes that local people and the borough need, not just for new residents, but for those in Bexley whose lives have changed.

You can have your say by completing the online survey by 30th September 2020. Paper copies of the survey are also available from Council libraries.

“Ensuring that we have the right type and quality of housing is central to our borough’s future,” said Council Leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE. “We need housing for young people, but also for people who are growing older and whose needs have changed due to their children leaving home, or their lives have entered a new phase.

“We want to ensure a supply of good quality and well-managed new homes and to make sure we make the best use of the homes we already have.”

Jackie Belton, the Council’s Chief Executive added: “Meeting housing needs is a real challenge, but we know from talking to our partners that they are keen to work with us. We will learn from the good work that has been done in other areas and we are keen that local people share their ideas with us, because they know the borough better than anyone.”

The draft Housing Strategy sets out how the Council plans to approach the challenge of providing the mix of housing that is needed, using its ability to build homes itself and influence development by housing providers and developers.

A recent Cabinet meeting also approved a new Draft Housing Allocations Policy. The policy was revised to reflect the outcome of public consultation in 2018 and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.

The Council will be sharing the amended policy with registered housing providers for their final comments and agreement. It will return to Cabinet alongside the Housing Strategy for final approval later this year. www.bexley.gov.uk

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