Bexley Life December/January 2020

Blazing Fires At Blazing Fires we offer an efficient and friendly service. We are willing to give helpful advice to our customers.

We have ten years years experience providing and installing fireplaces.

257 Eltham High St, Eltham SE91TY

Tel: 0208 8504887 Email: blznfires@aol.com

Bexley

LIFE

ISSUE 143

La Belle Cuisine

THE SCHMIDT KITCHEN SPECIALIST

Working to make our high street a better place Wellingtownbusiness@gmail.com

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 Free planning & design with full installation service, including electrics, plumbing, tiling & decorating

appliances

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01474 335693

42 High St., Bexley, Kent

78 Windmill St., Gravesend

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Celebrations are nearly with us...

Our warmest season’s greetings and best wishes for the New Year to everyone around the area.

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

With the Festive Period now fully upon us, there is much to see and, of course, much shopping to be Blazing Fires done around the area.

Bexley Inside this edition you will find local news, local interest items, eating out, gift ideas, entertaining and much more.

So, we would like to welcome you to this edition of Bexley Life and wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

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.

La Belle At Blazing Fires we offer an efficient and friendly service.

We are willing to give helpful advice to our customer s.

We have ten years years experienc e providing and installing fireplaces.

257 Eltham High St, Eltham SE91TY

Tel: 0208 8504 887 Email: blznfires@aol.com

Editor

LIFE

Working to make our high street a better place

Wellingtownbus iness@gmail.com

ISSUE 143

Arthur Peaches - Editor

DECEMBER/JA NUARY 2020

Cuisine

Free planning & design with full installation service , including electric s, plumbing, tiling & decorating

THE SCHMIDT KITCHEN SPECIA LIST

01322 555 353

appliances

42 High St., Bexley, Kent

01474 335693

78 Windmill St., Gravesend

J.G. Bird & Son Upholstery Family firm

est. 1955

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR SMALL • Repairs undertaken MANUFACTURE OF: • pouffees & footstools • headboards & ottermans • fitted window seats & cushions • fitted wardrobes in solid timber Tel/Fax: 020 8300 5705 Mobile: 07920 072813 Email: beanbird@ntlworld.com 7 Lewis Road, Sidcup DA14 4NB @bexleylife

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

SALES & PROMOTIONS

Work underway on Sidcup’s new library and cinema Plans to regenerate Sidcup’s town centre with a new library and cinema are moving forward.

Demolition has started on the site which was formerly the old Blockbuster building.

DRDH Architects Ltd were appointed at the end of last year following a competitive tendering process. Their designs for the new building were well received by local people at an engagement event back in April and the planning application for the scheme was approved in early October.

The library will be on the ground floor of the new building, with the cinema above.

“I’m delighted that work is starting. Our aim is to diversify what the town centre has to offer, with less reliance on retail and more to attract visitors,” commented Councillor Peter Craske, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places. “Working with partners we want to make SidcupL a hub for cultural activities, so it‘s an even greater place to live and visit, and where local businesses can prosper and grow.”

“This is great news for library users and for Sidcup as a whole. The new library will be in a modern, state-of-the-art building. It will be more accessible with better facilities and being co-located will enable exciting new collaborative opportunities with the cinema.”

The construction of the new building will start in early 2020 and it is scheduled to open by the end of 2021.

CAR CHARGING POINTS

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.

BL JOURNALS

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Highway issues?

Report them by app

Bexley is now using FixMyStreet to make it easier for you to report a range of highways and street issues.

The change makes self-service easier and will show you the status of the issue you raise.

You can use FixMyStreet to report around 18 issues that previously had to be reported using an online form:

•

ABANDONED VEHICLES

•

ANIMAL FOULING

•

CARS FOR SALE ON THE HIGHWAY

•

DEAD ANIMALS

•

FLY-POSTING

•

GLASS AND DEBRIS

• • • • • • •

GRAFFITI GRASS CUTTING AND WEEDING HIGHWAYS DEFECTS OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE HIGHWAY PARKS AND OPEN SPACES PUBLIC CONVENIENCES UTILITY EQUIPMENT

If you sign up for notifications, you will be notified of the Council’s response.

The FixMyStreet app is ideal for reporting incidents when you are out and about, using the camera built into your smart device. It is available to download free of charge for Android and Apple devices.

If you prefer, you can visit the Bexley website - https://fix.bexley.gov.uk

E. BRITTLE & SONS Carpet Warehouse in Welling 1000’s of Carpets from Roll Stock Large Display of Rugs Vinyls Galore Laminate Wood Flooring - Best Prices

Over 500 Room Size Remnants Bathroom Carpet 100’s of bargains at Bexleyheath Shop Best Prices Around Fitting & Delivery Available

020 8316 4121 55-59 High Street, Welling FREEPHONE 0500 666668 145 BROADWAY, BEXLEYHEATH 020 8298 9356 FREE PARKING @bexleylife

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‘What Tradesman’ scheme - keeping consumers safe for 16 years Bexley’s ‘What Tradesman’ scheme has been helping residents find reliable local traders for 16 years.

Ageing Well event 2019

Over 460 people popped into Civic Offices in Bexleyheath on Saturday 12th October for Bexley’s annual Ageing Well event.

The free event provided visitors old and young with the opportunity to find out more about the support on offer for older residents and their families from over 40 local groups and organisations. They including Age UK, Mind in Bexley, Bexley CCG, University of the Third Age, Healthwatch, Crossroads Care, Bexley Civic Society, Library and Archives Team, the Alzheimer’s Society and many more.

Visitors were also able to take part in a wide range of interactive sessions, including ballroom dancing, pilates, yoga, Nordic walking, Tai Chi and meditation. Bexley Deaf Centre were also on hand to offer free hearing tests, and therapists from the Therapist Directory provided seated head and shoulder massage.

Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr Brad Smith said: “This is the third year for this event and it goes from strength to strength. We have so much to offer our older residents and their families here in Bexley. Having so many local groups at the event is the perfect opportunity for people to join a club, find out how to learn a new skill, try some Tai Chi or ballroom dancing and even take a hearing test. I’m pleased that so many people took the time to pop in.”

The Bexley Ageing Well Magazine that accompanies the event is still available.

It is full of news, useful information and contacts.

You can get a copy from your local library or download it free of charge at www.bexley.gov.uk/news/ageing-wellmagazine-2019

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Sadly, there are still incidents where residents, particularly the vulnerable, are being tricked by rogue tradesman who cold-call and try to charge exorbitant prices for work which is often shoddy, or not done at all.

Luckily, ‘What Tradesman’ members have often been able to step in to do the work for a fair price instead.

Recent examples include • A rogue trader cold-called a resident and charged £1,500 to repair the roof.

Fortunately, the potential victim didn’t pay as the bank notified the police. A ‘What Tradesman’ member then attended and it cost the consumer just £30 to do the work needed.

• A ‘What Tradesman’ member charged a consumer £80 after a rogue trader had wanted £1,200 for the same work.

• In a third incident, a rogue trader wanted £26,000 for work. The consumer paid £17,000 but was given a £8,000 refund after Bexley Trading Standards became involved. A ‘What Tradesman’ member completed the work for £795 The ‘What Tradesman’ scheme has seen great improvements since it began • The website has been updated and is now mobile friendly • There are separate consumer and trader tabs • Consumers can now leave comments • Traders can upload photos and videos Cllr Peter Craske, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places said: “We strongly recommend that people use the free Bexley ‘What Tradesman’ scheme when they need work carried out. All traders registered have gone through checks by Trading Standards officers and feedback on the site is checked for authenticity.”

The register is open to both Bexley and Greenwich traders. It costs traders £100 +VAT to join. Consumers can browse the register for free.

For further information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/whattradesman

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Congratulations Riverdale Court

Riverdale Court care home in Welling, has been recognised and awarded at the London Borough of Bexley’s Caring at its Best Awards. The award is for recognition of commitment and dedication to care and support of vulnerable adults in Bexley.

Riverdale Court provides care and support to older people and those living with dementia. The home has become a hub of activity and very popular within the local community and support groups in the area, often facilitating events and meetings at the care facility. Working closely with, and welcoming the local community into the home has helped Nicolas and his forward thinking team to continue to break down any stigmas attached around care homes.

Cllr Brad Smith said: “It is all too easy to overlook our hard-working carers. They do one of the hardest jobs in our community and yet so many of them go without recognition. My thanks go to them for all they do and to everyone that put in a nomination this year. Everyone that attended fully deserved to be there. If I could make them all winners I would!”

Winners of each of the nine categories were awarded a special glass trophy by the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Geraldene Lucia-Hennis.

One relative wrote in her nomination: "Riverdale Court has transformed the life of my mother in law. She has changed from a lonely lady to someone who is enjoying life at full now. The staff and management are caring and excellent.’

Carers collected the award at the special event at the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath. www.avantecare.org.uk

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Welling Town Business Associates plan to give a new life to Welling

by Barry Saunders

The Welling Town Business Associates has been set up by a group of traders from Welling High street.

After 11 years trading in Welling I’ve personally seen the decline within our town. Not only have the internet and the big superstores taken business away from the traders that once thrived on the high street, Bexley Council has had their fair share of blame for damage caused within our town.

The constant rise to parking charges, along with the traffic wardens that pounce to issue a ticket at any opportunity, is just one reason no one wants to shop in Welling.

The town was once a busy, thriving, friendly area, now it seems to be purely a cash cow for the local council.

Once businesses displayed their good outside their shops, coffee shops had people outside chatting, laughing and enjoying the social environment that Welling once was.

After years of the town being this way the council decided to charge the business owner to have their goods, tables and chairs outside their shops, this caused us to take this away as the charges were ‘crazy high’. This caused the high street to begin to be of no interest to the local population. The community sprit and social environment died fast leaving Welling as the ghost town it is today.

There has become no variety in shops, no cap has been put on the number of the same businesses being opened within one high street - 22 nail bars, 11 barbers and coffee and kebab shops so many we loose count. What else is there to come to welling for these days? There is nothing else other than to have your nails done, look pretty and eat.

In the eyes of all business traders we see that the council have taken away why we came to trade here in the first place. Some of us have tried to put on events to attract people back to the town but once again the council blocked us, quoting extra charges, in any way they could.

Welling has one of the longest high streets and with 70% of the high street being independent traders.

For how much longer can we survive? The traders of Welling are rightly so angry and feel they have no help from a council that only take their money and impose charges, it’s wrong in so many ways and our beloved council are destroying livelihoods.

As traders who see the everyday struggle decided to form our group - Welling Town Business Associates (WTBA). We as a group have become the voice of all traders within our town and our aim is to fight to get our town back, make changes and make Welling a place people want to come to shop, spend their time and feel safe whilst within our town.

The WTBA is made of of a mixture of traders within the high street. Myself Barry Saunders owner of Demon Inkorporation Tattoo Studio. Ilana Mickonyte of I.M.Beauty, Wendy Guest Manager of McDonalds. Harry Benmore of Benmore beds. David Hunt, Manager of Barclays Bank. James Robinson our very own police officer and Stef and Layla Baker from Liquorice kids.

We aim to highlight the issues of all business owners within Welling - a handful of people but with the whole of Welling traders behind us we are determined to make changes to improve our forgotten town.

We are trying in many ways to make our voices heard, working with Mencap to promote their safe place scheme for people with learning difficulties and mental health issues, giving them a visual sign that our businesses are a place of safety and a place they can go for help.

Progressive Welling (Twitter - @ProgressiveWel1)is a residential group who has done some amazing work bringing a Christmas market and more lights to Welling than ever before, we will work along side and support them in anyway we can.

We have invited the Army and the Army cadets to Welling just before Christmas, to display their vehicles and interact with the public, showing the local kids that these more to life than walking the streets. There is nothing for youngsters within Welling so to show them these always another route to take in life and a future they can build. Getting this event the go ahead again has not gone without council issues, issues I feel we should never face when doing something positive for the community and promoting our town.

After the problems we faced, now all being dealt with we are excited this event will go ahead and we will give the residents of welling something different and something interesting to see in and around our town We are also working with the police to have in place a knife amnesty scheme within our high street. Anti social behaviour has increased tenfold within our town and the police are so under-staffed we want to help in anyway we can. People are scared to walk the streets at night, families frightened to take their children out. All this has to change and I know all these issues are county wide but Welling is our town and it’s our fight to bring back what once we had and make a place people will feel proud to be part of.

We have had many meetings with council and supporting groups, there wasa very interesting meeting recently with our MP James Brokenshire, so we are being heard and the right people are on our side. We have a long hard fight on our hands but we are determined to change the future of the people that have worked half their lives to build businesses within our town and give residents a safe and inviting place to shop.

Twitter @WellingTBA

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Helping our young people prepare for adulthood Bexley Cabinet Members approved a ‘Preparing for Adulthood Strategy for young people aged 14-25 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)’ at their meeting recently.

The strategy follows an Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission inspection in October 2016, that commented that ‘transitions between child and adult social care services are not managed well’.

In response to this, a multi-agency ‘Preparing for Adulthood (Transitions) Board’ was established to improve the transition process. The strategy was developed as part of the Board’s work. It sets out the key priority areas for successful transition into adulthood.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE commented: “Since the inspection we have worked with our partners to improve the transition process for young people and their parents and carers.

“We have developed the strategy to underpin that work because we know that this can be a difficult and stressful time. Thanks to the work of the board we have already seen improvements and the strategy sets out our plan to do more.”

The Strategy also aims to raise awareness of SEND, providing information to parents, carers and professionals who are supporting • General Household Maintenance • Building Flatpack Furniture young people preparing for • Painting & Decorating • Contractor Sourcing & adulthood. www.bexley.org.uk

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S T O R Y

A great year of celebration for Forever Furniture, Bexleyheath 2019 was Forever Furnitures’ 30th Anniversary and what a fabulous year it has been.

With the retail sector sadly losing more trusted big names from the high street Forever Furniture has bucked the trend with increased year on year turnover.

Their ethos of supplying quality furniture at realistic prices - all supported by their ‘good old fashioned’ customer service - is simple but highly effective.

Since opening in 1989 the business has seen many changes - initially called Pinestyle selling mainly Pine Furniture (the clue’s in the name!) they now offer a huge choice of styles including oak, glass and painted Living, Dining, Occasional & Bedroom furniture - hence the name change to Forever Furniture.

Made to measure (bespoke) furniture is a an option that has always been popular. The options are literally infinite - from a basic bookcase made to fit an awkward space through to pieces that are designed entirely by the customer and made real by working closely together to ensure a superb end result.

Semi fitted wardrobes are a relatively new addition to the Forever Furniture portfolio but have proved to be a fantastic alternative to fully fitted wardrobes at a fraction of the cost.

Available is sizes from sizes from 50cm to 4m wide you can choose from sliding doors or hinged doors , mirrored doors and a host of internal fitments and extras including shelves, drawers, LED lighting & much more.

Amazingly, complete home assembly is included so you won’t need to spend a weekend putting them together!

On trend colours and finishes, including grey, white, black and various wood grains allow for complete customisation - it’s no surprise that semi fitted wardrobes from Forever Furniture are proving so popular.

Compact table and chair sets continue to be in demand and Forever Furniture do not disappoint. Ideal for kitchens and ‘cosy’ modern properties they come in all shapes and sizes including round, oval and square.

Be prepared for that unexpected guest with an extending table that takes up little space when closed down and ample space when opened up.

If entertaining is more your thing Forever Furniture’s dining table & chair sets seat up to 16 and will ensure your guests are sitting comfortably - go on, get gastronomic!

The ever increasing popularity of the internet has given Forever Furniture a great way for their customers to see a selection of the thousands of items available with the benefit of ordering online if you’re not able to visit the store. Take a look on their website for a taster of their range new pieces regularly added. (www.foreverfurniturebexleyheath.co.uk - then click the link to view online shop) Many items are available immediately from stock - Delivery is free and carried out by their own staff.

They can also take away your old furniture if needed whatever the condition (they responsibly dispose of items that have come to the end of their useful life and pass on useable pieces to the local charitable organisations).

From TV stands and Coffee tables to Wardrobes and dressing tables - Forever Furniture is the place to go.

Pop in or give them a call for more information - and don’t worry, there is no pressure selling - just friendly, helpful advice and service with a smile.

A warm welcome will definitely await you!

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Hall Place & Gardens a great place to visit and learn Hall Place & Gardens has been awarded the national ‘Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge’ or LOtC, for good quality educational provision.

This is the eighth year in a row that Hall Place has picked up the accreditation. The historic house and grounds welcome over 7,000 school children to its sessions and activities every year.

The LOtC national award combines learning and safety into one accreditation scheme for all types of learning outside the classroom. Department for Education guidance on visits recommends that schools look for the coveted accreditation before planning outside lessons.

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske said: “My thanks go to the Hall Place team for their part in achieving this award once again. Hall Place & Gardens is so many things to so many visitors. It is easy to forget when you are enjoying a cup of tea in the café, or strolling through the fantastic grounds, that school children visit every day as part of their learning. It’s also a learning destination for our new Bexley Children’s University.”

The LOtC scheme is managed and developed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Hall Place & Gardens is also the holder of the internationally renowned Sandford Award for Educational Excellence.

The award winning Education Service at Hall Place delivers a varied programme of sessions and activities every year. Visit the Learning pages on the Hall Place website at www.hallplace.org.uk Bexley Children’s University is an award programme that encourages children aged 5-14 to get involved in exciting activities and experiences around the borough. To find out more about the Bexley Children’s University visit https://www.lsec.ac.uk/childrens-university

WIDE SHOES

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8 GLOUCESTER PARADE, BLACKFEN ROAD BLACKFEN, DA15 8PS Telephone: 0208 850 3311 / 7755 www.mozaspice.co.uk @bexleylife

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Avante Care

- A time to

sparkle awards

Avante Care & Support, the not-for profit care organisation, hosted their first Sparkle award ceremony celebrating, recognising and rewarding the excellent work that goes on across Avante.

There were 16 award categories including Registered Manager, Volunteer, Home Carer and Ancillary awards.

The ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Bexleyheath with over 140 staff members, Trustees and residents in attendance.

Stuart Cross, Managing Director, opened proceedings with a warm welcome congratulating all those who had been nominated. He also took the opportunity to thank all staff across the organisation for their hard work and dedication.

Stuart then invited guest speaker Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum, on to the stage who spoke to the audience with a highly engaging and thought provoking talk, sharing with the audience her thoughts on the future of care, in particular around technology.

Next came the award ceremony which was compered by HR Director, Derek Lindars. The afternoon celebrated good care practice across the care homes and home care services, staff development across the organisation and those staff who go the extra mile to support their work colleagues and others.

Lyndsay Hopper, Marketing Manager, Sparkle Award Organiser, said “The Sparkle Awards 2019 were a huge success, with over 140 people in attendance. The ceremony provided an excellent platform to recognise and thank staff and volunteers across the organisation for their dedication and hard work.

Well done to all of the award winners, runners-up, those shortlisted and also to those that were nominated for the Sparkle Awards 2019. I would like to thank Vic Rayner for being our guest speaker and thank NursePlus who kindly sponsored and attended the event.� www.avantecare.org.uk

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Festive Season at George’s Bar & Grill, Welling...

Georges Bar & Grill is gearing up for Christmas and the New Year with some great entertainment, party nights and general ‘good cheer’ for all!

Recently George and his team, put aside all thoughts of the impending festivities and held a wondeful fundraising evening for Myeloma UK and raised an amazing £600 - a truly great effort!

To kick-off the season at the restaurant there will be a DJ every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during December, plus bookings for Xmas parties and for New Years Eve are well underway.

On Tuesdays and Wednesday in Decemberyou can book an Xmas Party for just £19.95 a head for a 3 course set menu On Christmas Day there will be a set menu of traditional turkey with all the trimmings for just £55 +10% per head. New Year’s Day is also the same price, but places are going quick, so booking is essential.

Georges will also be open on Monday 30th December and on New Year’s Eve there will be music right through to 2am.

The restaurant will also be open on Boxing Day from 12 noon, for an a la carte Greek meal including kebabs.

Into the New Year George’s will be having their ever popular live music evenings including: Classic Sinatra with Ian Gallagher - 24th January Tom Jones Tribute with Ian Gallagher - 27th March https://georgesbarandgrill.co.uk Telephone 020 8301 1272

Entertainment at Georges Bar & Grill

Classic Sinatra Night 24th January - with Ian Gallagher

Tom Jones Tribute Night 27th March - with Ian Gallagher

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS DAY, BOXING DAY & NEW YEAR’S EVE Midweek Christmas Parties during December £19.95 per head (Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Set Menu)

22-24 Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent DA16 3PU

Telephone: 020 8301 1272 @bexleylife

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Festive Season at Hall Place...

Family Christmas Concert - December 8th from 2:30 pm (doors open at 2.00pm), only £12 Why not pop down to Hall Place and join the fun with this family carol concert.

It will be filled with toe tapping favourites that will have you singing along.

Father Christmas will also be arriving to spread the festive cheer!

Festive refreshments - mulled wine/juice and a minced pie - are included.

The musical entertainment is by the wonderful Erith Operatic Society.

This event is extremely popular, so try to book first to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Party, dinner and dancing December 13th from 6:00 pm - just £58 A festive evening of fine fare and dancing in the beautiful Great Hall under the sparkling Christmas tree. The evening includes a three course meal, coffee and mince pie with a glass of wine and dancing till midnight. Eat, drink and be merry!

Arrivals are from 6pm, fully stocked cash bar opens at 6.30pm, with the meal at 7pm and carriages at 12am Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley,Kent DA5 1PQ. Telephone 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Modern Indian Restaurant & Takeaway

FREE HOME DELIVERY orders over £15.00 (3 mile radius) FULLY LICENCED & AIR CONDITIONED

01322 551122 or 01322 557340 5 Mill Row, (under Railway Arch) Bexley High Street, Bexley, Kent DA5 1LA Web: www.baltizer.co.uk Email: baltizer@hotmail.co.uk @bexleylife

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FESTIVE COMEDY AT BEXLEY PARK Bexley Park Comedy is back on Friday 27th December with Ian Stone as the headliner, plus a great supporting cast.

Ranked amongst the top ten stand-ups in Britain by The Independent, Ian Stone is one of the most talented topical acts in the country and has performed all over the world. Edgy and provocative, with an easy-going manner and self-depreciating style, Ian is at great ease bantering with an audience. He’s a member of the Comedy Store’s critically acclaimed ‘Cutting Edge’ team and he’s entertained the troops in Kuwait, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus and Afghanistan.

Ian’s many TV appearances include Mock The Week (BBC 2), The World Stands Up (Paramount Comedy) The Comedy Store (Ch5), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC 2), The Stand-Up Show (BBC 1), Saturday Live (ITV), Live at Jongleurs (ITV), two series of The Katy Brand Show (ITV2) & The 11 O’clock Show (CH4).

“Seriously funny” - The Guardian As always there’s a great supporting lineup direct from the London Comedy Circuit!

Book early for best prices! Tickets are going quickly and can be purchased online at https://www.houseofstandup.co.uk/dartford/ The show contains adult humour. So be prepared for some naughty jokes and strong language.

All acts are subject to change without notice.

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Christmas Unplugged

by James Haddrell, Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre.

The festive season in theatre-land is traditionally our biggest time of year, and the production values that are exhibited in the average festive pantomime or Christmas show go far beyond anything seen during the rest of the year.

Bigger casts, live bands, snow machines, glitter by the bucket-load - festive shows often sell enough tickets to keep theatres open all year, and theatre managers make sure they don’t short change their audiences.

Pictures courtesy: David Bartholemew

However, you don’t necessarily need to bring the Blackpool illuminations into a theatre to captivate people with the spirit of Christmas. In the 1850s and 1860s, Charles Dickens toured all over Britain and America performing his one-man readings of A Christmas Carol to three thousand people a night and was an absolute sensation.

Now, for European Arts, John O’Connor is recreating those special evenings in the presence of Dickens with his own touring show, coming to Greenwich Theatre on 9 and 23 December.

“By all contemporary accounts, he was an astonishing performer” said John. “Far from ‘reading’ the stories, he learned them, rehearsed them meticulously and turned them into an acting tour de force. So

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successful was he, that he made more money from his readings than from all his books and novels put together!”

Dickens performed a reading of the festive story in Greenwich in 1866, so these are set to be very special performances for us.

“This is our fourth year of touring the show and the second time we’ve done it at Greenwich Theatre” John continued. “I’ve performed it about 200 times all over the UK and Germany. This time, I’m looking forward to visiting many of the places Dickens himself performed in or wrote about including Margate, Cambridge, Brighton, Hereford, York and, of course, Greenwich. There is always something new to discover in the story and in the telling of it. In these times of austerity and social division, its themes of greed and want, family and community feel as important as they did when Dickens first wrote the story. What’s more, he practically invented our idea of what's important about Christmas and all the best elements (family and feasting, charity and giving, love and redemption) are there in the show for the audience to savour.”

Recreating a performance from history can have its challenges, John told me. “We have done a lot of research into how Dickens used to perform the story, recreating his style of dress, the set he toured, the gestures he favoured and even the script that he used. However, there is one point at which I have drawn the line – preparation. This is how Dickens prepared for a performance: two tablespoons of rum mixed with cream for breakfast, a pint of champagne for tea and, half an hour before he went on stage, a glass of sherry with a raw egg beaten into it!”

Box Office 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

A Christmas Carol Greenwich Theatre, 9 & 23 December

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Festive events at the

Beaverwood The Rollin' Stoned Xmas Show - Thursday 12th December, 19:30 – 23:00 Get Stoned on nostalgia as the Rolling Stoned play the best of 1964-1969!

SPECIAL OFFER Every Wednesday

£9.95

Featuring the ‘ghost’ of Brian Jones, the Rollin’ Stoned have been described by The Stage as ‘The best tribute band in the UK’ and have been revered by both Stones fans for their authenticity and the real Stones who booked them for the band's birthday. Tickets £13 in advance, £15 on the door.

Eat In

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020 8302 4444 020 8302 6677 Mainly Madness Xmas Show - Thursday 19th December, 19:30 – 23:00 A tribute to Ska and 2 Tone Mainly Madness are a group of Two Tone loving musicians that bring the Madness experience to your doorstep. Not only are they a tribute to the great band itself but they are also a celebration of Two Tone and Ska, which include such inspirational bands as The Specials, Bad Manners, Prince Buster, Toots & The Maytals and The Beat to name a few. Tickets £12 in advance,£13 on the door.

Absolute Bowie End of Year Show - Saturday 28th December, 19:30 – 23:00 Absolute Bowie presents 50 Years Of Bowie Absolute Bowie presents a brand new stage show ‘50 Years of Bowie’; a musical journey through the iconic singer's ever changing personas. Absolute Bowie will take audiences on a trip that presents all David Bowie’s best-loved personas in all their glory.

This brand new and unique concert features 2 long sets and more costume changes than any other show. A true extravaganza of the wonder that is Bowie’s work.

All of the Starman’s greatest hits are performed plus the band perform tracks from the albums David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars, Heroes, Aladdin Sane, Hunky Dory and Young Americans through to Heathen, Outside, Reality, Earthling and Blackstar.

Vocals are John O’Neill as David Bowie, with Chris Buratti on guitar, Fabio Cashio on bass, Alex Paollilo on keyboards, Alessandro Ricardi on drums and Fiona Asbury on saxophone. The band have toured the UK and Europe for the past 10 years performing the hits of Bowie with their energetic (and theatrical!) stage show and look to take things to the highest level with this huge new show.

Tickets £14 in advance, £15 on the door. www.thebeaverwood.com

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Christmas with the dogs

A very different Christmas dining experience at Crayford Greyhound Stadium.

Why not celebrate the Festive Season at Crayford dogs, the local Home of Greyhound Racing. The venue can cater for either individuals or groups in the Heathview restaurant seating up to 230 guests. Christmas options come with a fantastic choice of food, fine wines and something you definitely won’t get anywhere else - panoramic views over the track, where you can watch live and exciting greyhound racing whilst enjoying your meal.

Crayford Stadium is the perfect venue for a different Christmas night out and this year they have an action packed race programme full of all the goodies you can expect from the venue, great racing, plus helpful and friendly staff to attend to your every need.

As well as Tuesday and Saturday evenings they also have a Christmas lunch available on Friday 13th December, which is during the afternoon race meeting, priced at just £30 for a three course meal.

On Tuesday 24th December and Tuesday 31st December, the Stadium are offering a Christmas brunch special. Doors will be open from 10am. Adults £9.95, Children £4.95 and under 3's eat FREE. Call to make a booking on 01322 557836, email at info@crayford.com. www.crayford.com

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Christmas

Pamper Day 14th December, 9.30 - 3pm

VENUE: Freemantle Hall Bexley High Street DA51AA Women Only - FREE Entry Beauty and Holistic Treatments at affordable prices.

Selection of local business stalls to browse.

Christmas Wreath workshops at Hall Place 7th & 14th December - 14:30–16:30

These workshops are suitable for complete beginners & improvers, so why not get into the festive spirit on Saturday afternoons in December, there are 2 dates available to choose from. Enjoy a festive welcome glass of Bubbly (or non alcoholic drink) and nibbles, while the various stages of constructing the wreath are demonstrated.

A ready made willow wreath base will be provided, made by Alison using British willow which you will decorate, the scented mixed evergreen layer of scented seasonal foliage is added. The top layer is added next, you can make this very personalised and there will be a variety of spices, fruits, nuts, pine cones, seed heads and berries. There will be natural gold and silver foliages, seeds and nuts and colourful fruits and berries etc. Finished off with a hessian, linen or paper raffia ribbon tie, variety of colours to select from.

The door wreath can also be used as a table decoration, you just need to place it on a waterproof platter or similar, pop a lovely candle in the centre and it's good to go. It is all 100% natural materials and totally biodegradable.

Why not spend a whole day at the award winning Hall Place & Gardens, there is so much to see, join in the festive workshop at 2.30pm for two relaxing hours creating and making.

All tools and materials are supplied to complete the project, but please bring your own gloves if you wish. Admission is £45 - £49.10.

Lesnes Abbey Christmas Grotto & Fayre Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December, 12.00-16.00 Admission Free.

Santa's grotto, gifts, crafts, local produce, food, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, kids' activities – all at Lesnes Abbey, Abbey Road, Belvedere, Bexley DA17 5DH Join everyone for a two-day Christmas extravaganza at Lesnes Abbey.

With over 30 different craft and gift stalls plus an amazing prebookable Santa's grotto and live festive music, this is the perfect way to kick start your Christmas season!

On the Saturday there is a Christmas Market, Grotto, stalls, mulled wine, mince pies and cakes. Kids' activities include a visit from Anna and Olaf and badge making.

On the Sunday there will be a dozen new stalls and the kids can be entertained on the Frozen bouncy castle and the indoor Christmas pop-up disco!

For updates on the Fayre and how to book Santa's Grotto please join Facebook Group: ‘Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Events – What's On?’ @bexleylife

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Baby Sensory presents Baby's First Chrismtas

Get ready for jingle bells and yuletide cheer to celebrate all things Christmas with baby! A perfect festive party for your little ones aged 17 months and under!

From dancing snowmen to rocking around the tree, what will happen on Christmas Eve if Santa gets stuck up the chimney? Will there be snow?

Come along and see and have some Christmas fun with Baby Sensory (the nation's favourite baby development class!)

Wow Centre Parties are on 14, 16, 17, 18 December at Baby Sensory WOW Centre Bexley, 1 Davis Way, (North Cray Neighbourhood Centre), Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5JR www.babysensory.com/sidcup/

Stunning Christmas photo gifts for all the family from

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Have your say on the Council’s budget plans Local people are invited to have their say on the Council’s budget for the 2020/21 financial year.

The Council is asking people to complete its online survey at www.bexley.gov.uk/budget2020 Paper copies of the survey are available from Bexley libraries. The deadline for responses is 6 January 2019.

The draft proposals on which people are being asked to comment include; • Making the best use of the Council’s assets, including land and buildings; • Re-procuring and re-negotiating contracts which are due to expire, or be extended; • Looking for ways to work differently in partnership with others, including local communities; • Considering action to influence and reduce demand for services; • Exploiting opportunities for digital transformation; • Maximising the potential for generating income and taking a commercial approach where appropriate; • Looking at where investment now can save money in the longer term; • Looking for opportunities to support residents to do more for themselves; • Ensuring the Council is as efficient as possible and is practicing robust ‘housekeeping’.

People are also invited to comment on the Council’s schedule of proposed fees and charges for 2020/21, its investment programme and to suggest ways they think the Council could save money.

The Council’s Cabinet will consider the feedback from the consultation at its meeting on 27 January. It will meet again on 25 February to recommend a final budget and Council Tax to the full Council meeting on 4 March. www.bexley.gov.uk

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S P O RT S

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End of Season summary for the Bexley CC girls u13s The U13 Girls played extremely well this season to win the NKJL u13 Girls League after only losing one game all season.

Bexley finished two points clear of their main challengers, Hayes (who won the league the previous season). The highlight of the season was the very first fixture when they beat a very strong Hayes team away from home, but the girls performed well all season and finished worthy winners.

The team boasted had a good squad size and 13 girls participated in league games over the course of the season - and all girls with experience of hardball played at least one friendly fixture.

They had a good range of ages - having Risha and Daniella available as their two eligible overage players made a huge difference and they also had three under 11s ‘playing up’ Devon, Julia and Reese.

In terms of individual performances, Evie Y won batsman of the Year award as she scored the most runs in the league across all clubs (85 runs at an average of 24). Freya B, Risha A and Lauren R also had good seasons with the bat. The team’s main strength, however, is their bowling.

Risha and Daniella took 7 wickets each and Lauren and Freya took 5 and 4 wickets respectively. Lauren won the u13 bowler of the year award for her overall improvement.

Freya B, the captain, won the fielder of the year award as she took the most catches in the league (4).

So in short the team had the best batsman, bowlers and fielder in the league - what a season!

The team manager would also like to thank all the other girls who represented the club and all contributed to the team - Daisy, Emily, Ella, Amber and Jessica (wicketkeeper).

The manager's award went to Daisy for her overall improvement over the course of the season, particularly in her bowling, and the effort she has put in to improve her game.

The girls are a credit to the club and it is hoped (especially bt the team manager) that they will continue to work on their game over the winter, so the team can do their best to defend the U13 league title next season.

The club are also taking steps to ensure that those girls who move up to u15 will also have competitive cricket moving forward.

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The meteoric rise of Welling Town

As recently as 2014, Kevin Oakes, owner of Danson Property Services in Welling, decided to start Welling Town FC - and they have really never looked back!

The club began as a Sunday side playing on the Council pitches at Hall Place, Bexley. They originally competed in the London and Kent Suburban League.

Achieving two promotions in as many seasons, the club then expanded to include a second Sunday side, with both playing in the Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance.

With the success, the move to Saturday football was obviously inevitable and the club were accepted into the Kent County Football League in the summer of 2016. This was despite having no past playing record in Saturday regional football, but on the basis of their great Sunday record, excellent conduct and professional setup, demonstrating ambition and organisation beyond many other sides at that level.

Their ‘Saturday’ debut season in 2016/17 saw the club win promotion yet again, plus victory in the West Kent Challenge Shield beating four teams from higher divisions in the process - their first

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ever silverware.

The 2017/18 season was also extraordinary, winning the Kent County Second Division, as well as defending the West Kent Challenge Shield.

However, the real peak of the season was victory in the Kent Junior Cup - a competition with over 160 entrants, thus ranking Welling Town as the top amateur side in Kent.

A rare treble had been achieved, scoring over 130 goals in the process, and losing just one match in 53, over a 21 month period.

Meanwhile, the club’s success on the field, had been mirrored by an application off the field to the FA to move in to the semiprofessional ranks for 2018/19.

After many months of paperwork, calls and meetings, the agonising wait was over, and Welling Town were approved for membership of the Southern Counties East Football League First Division, Step 6 of the non-league pyramid, for the new season ahead.

As ever, not wanting to have gone to such lengths in gaining entry just to make the numbers up, the club were determined to prove their worth and be up towards the top of the table pushing for another trophy and promotion. Gaining a huge points advantage early in the season and setting the early pace, they were slowly clawed back as others made up their games in hand, but a strong run in the last two months of the season ensured another historic title win, lifting the Southern Counties East First Division title at the first time of asking, and therefore promotion to their Premier Division for 2019/20.

As a result of this new found level the club were also drawn in the FA Vase and FA Cup for the first time.

The club has therefore progressed from recreational Sunday football in the park, to semi-professional football in stadiums, in a little over three years, including numerous promotions, title wins and cup victories along the way, and we believe that moving from one to the other in such a short period is virtually unique.

The club’s current stadium is at Baylis Avenue, Thamesmead, SE28 8NJ, which is a great venue at which to be playing, however they are eager to move back into the Borough should the opportunity arise in the foreseeable future. www.wellingtown.co.uk

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