Bexley Life June-July 2020

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Bexley

LIFE

ISSUE 146

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Strange times for us all...

Local people have coped admirably with the crisis, but it is now time to approach the future - slowly and carefully...

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

Due to the very ‘different situation’, with which we have all been coping, the local environment is still under constant change.

Because of that, this edition of Bexley Life will reflect these changes and the effects they are having on local businesses and residents.

All Kent Plate Glass Co Bexley Inside you will find stories and articles written by those affected, showing how they coped at the height of the crisis, how they survived financially in the turbulent times, and what they are doing to move forward - as move forward, we now definitely all need to do!

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

Editor

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LIFE

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ISSUE 146

Arthur Peaches - Editor

JUNE/JULY 2020

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Avante Care VE Day celebrations at Riverdale Court

Over the lockdown, with all care homes in isolation from visitors to protect the residents and care staff, events and activities in care homes have required a different approach, with plenty of outside the box thinking during these uncertain times. One thing that is for certain are the events and activities across Avante Care & Support’s care homes have not stopped and VE day was certainly an event not to be missed.

Riverdale Court’s VE day celebrations opened with guest singer Peggy singing beautifully to the residents and staff. socially distanced within the gardens of the home.

The afternoon entertainment kicked off with a BBQ party supported by Julie and Sarah, members of the community-based project group, Progressive Welling, who kindly provided VE day party paraphernalia.

During the party, care staff from the domestic team, and Rowan and Cherry suites dressed as land girls and nurses whilst the activities team dressed up in vintage tea dresses.

Nicolas Kee Mew, Home Manager said, ‘It was a real team effort, all the staff were involved and we had a great time celebrating VE day. It has been very hard for residents to not have visits from their family members and loved ones so we are doing our very best to help fill this void with lots of fun and laughter’.

One resident said ‘I’ve had such a lovely day today, it was just the boost I needed’ Nicolas also arranged for the whole event to be live streamed toLfamily members to view throughout the day, providing that feel of togetherness during the celebrations.

Nicolas said, ‘It was the first time Riverdale had done a live stream and it was a great success. We had messages from loved ones all over CAR CHARGING POINTS the world with a total of 7369 views during the live stream’. www.avantecare.org.uk

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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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Bexley’s care leaving key workers

Among Bexley’s fantastic army of local key workers are 44 young people who have recently left the Council’s care.

The young people range from 18 - 25. They have taken on roles that include working in hospitals, care homes, testing centres, supermarkets, delivery services and waste removal.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Philip Read said: “These young people have taken on some of the most important roles during this difficult time.

They have shown us all what they are made of and my thanks go out to them.

“We know they have had a difficult start to their lives and have often faced disruption to their education as well as other difficulties as they have grown up.

This sometimes means that finding their feet in the world of employment isn’t easy.

As a corporate parent, I’m extremely proud of all they are doing for their local community. They are a great example of those we have clapped for every Thursday evening.”

The London Borough of Bexley currently supports 299 young people who are leaving care.

If you think you could help a child or young person in care, either by becoming a foster carer or part of our Host and Support scheme, please visit www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering If you are a local key business interested in taking on one of Bexley’s young care leavers please contact Dawn Mason 020 3045 3893 or 07971 329675

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Unfamiliar territory...

by Kevin Murray, Anthony Martin Estate Agents

Bexleyheath

Bexley

In recent weeks we have all found ourselves in what we would call ‘unfamiliar territory’. Many ask what is going to happen to the housing market after these surreal times we find ourselves in.

The honest answer is that we honestly do no know- however what we do know is that the demand for property has been as popular as ever, if not more.

Since being back in the office, the phones have not stopped ringing. The emails have not stopped filtering through.

But we still need fresh housing stock to keep the ever increasing applicant levels happy.

From 1 bedroom flats to 5 bedroom detached houses, we need newly listed stock to sell.

The public have always liked to surf the internet for their dream home whether they are looking to actively purchase or just flirting with the potential of moving.

The low Bank of England interest rates have also got many taste bud’s flowing, with the prospect of borrowing the same amount of money this year compared to that of last and paying back even less!

However, the guide lines we must work within has slowed us down a little in doing what we do best - speaking with customers and selling face to face.

The majority of the country have either been told to work from home, furloughed or are possibly on reduced hours and what most of us find the time for is to surf the internet and look at properties, so the influx of applicants registering looking for a new home is steadily rising day by day.

Dartford

Swanscombe

Demand is high, but the supply is low We want to change that.

We have put new measures in place to protect our staff and our clients with fresh PPE being delivered daily but some property sellers quite rightly are still reluctant to allow anyone through their front door. Including us the agent.

Who can blame them?

Barnehurst

Locksbottom

What is it going to look like for customers when they view a property? What is it going to look like for us?

Meopham

Like all businesses, we will implement all of the relevant social distancing, whilst still being able to communicate and engage with our customer safely.

After all, we are a customer facing business and we all need to return to normality, but not at the expense of another pandemic on our hands.

Yes, we can operate using virtual viewings online, but that’s not going to get many if at all any buyers from going ahead with a property purchase without physically seeing the property in real time.

This is different for ‘Lettings’ as ‘Lettings’ are temporary and buying your forever home is well - forever in some cases.

Virtual viewings are good to a certain extent and is certainly something all estate agents need to possibly consider should this pandemic hit again.

Virtual viewings eliminate those that may have just been what we call ‘Window Shoppers’ allowing the hottest buyers to only enter the property, increasing the chance of a sale.

Like all agents of late, we have had our fair share of cautious buyers withdrawing their offers for various reasons, but the new sales heavily outweigh those of the ones lost as like already mentioned, demand is high but supply is extremely low.

We have even found some record prices are still being achieved on various properties, something which is extremely pleasing.

Another battle of late are buyers with low deposits.

Buyers who had a 5% deposit can no longer find themselves in a buying position as the majority of lenders are requiring a minimum of 10% deposits, some asking for as high as 15%, so the bank of mum and dad may need to be revisited in some cases.

Overall we forecast a positive outlook for the housing market, but who knows what’s around the corner.

All we know is the here and now and things look quite a bit brighter than what they did some 10 weeks ago when we went into lockdown.

A full ease of the lockdown will surely bring even more fruitful days ahead. www.anthonymartin.co.uk

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Thank Cod for

Fish and Chips!

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Following the resounding success of last year’s National Fish and Chip Day, and in response to the Government’s recent announcements, the organisers are absolutely delighted to say that their celebration of the nation’s favourite dish will go ahead in 2020 - but a little later than planned on Friday 4th September!

As well as being one of the most popular awareness days of the year, they want National Fish and Chip Day this year to be even more special as we say a very big thank you to this amazing industry who are at the centre of every community, and who have, when able to do so safely, adapted to keep us fed, and when that wasn’t possible have kept us all safe by remaining closed at great sacrifice to their business. All of them have shown great resilience throughout lockdown.

So let’s make National Fish and Chip Day 2020 the best yet as we bring together everyone involved in creating this iconic British dish; from Fish & Chip shops, pub chains, restaurants, retailers, to the fishermen and farmers who provide the sustainable and natural ingredients needed to create this family favourite.

Last year National Fish and Chip Day was a day like no other, with everyone talking about the nation’s favourite dish from first thing in the morning until late at night! People across the country came together to celebrate their love of fish and chips. Shops reported their highest footfall of the year, even higher than Good Friday in many cases. 62 million people would have seen, heard or read about National Fish and Chip Day and the hashtag was #1 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook from 8am until 8pm.

So around the Borough, let’s all get behind this great, if a little delayed, idea and enjoy the Nation’s Favourite - Fish and Chips!

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Having to learn,

diversify and adapt

in a crisis

by Brian Wakefield of Brian’s Business Networking.

It’s March, things are a little strange, worry is on the increase due to a pandemic, Covid-19. A never before heard of ‘flu like’ virus is in China, now Italy, now Spain and getting closer to us. People are starting to listen more attentively to the news; we get our first cases diagnosed here in the UK. Before we really know what’s happening a lockdown is announced.

From tomorrow everything will close! Who remembers this? How do we remember it? IT seems a very long time ago now. Panic buying sets in, supermarkets run out of, pretty much everything. Will we ever be able to buy toilet rolls again? Will we see hand sanitizer, soap, rice, bread, flour back in the shops any time soon? So many unanswered questions, such uncertainty, plenty of worry.

What about people’s jobs, businesses, livelihoods? The worry about jobs subsided slightly once the government rolled out a strange scheme never seen before, furlough. Suddenly, many employees are in a different place, now on a several month long holiday, on full pay, or certainly enough pay considering there is now nothing to actually spend your money on apart from household bills. Businesses are a very different thing, the buck stops with the owner, or you if you are self employed in an owner managed business. Let the challenge begin. I now have to find new ways of working and running my business. Find the positive, what an opportunity to learn new skills, appreciate new experiences, work on the business as opposed to in it.

I run a business networking business. With groups meeting every 2 weeks in Dartford, Maidstone and Medway, 50 business people attend each time to meet each other, build relationships, promote their businesses during a ‘60 seconds slot’ to the room, use and refer their fellow group members, all over coffee and enjoying a full English breakfast afterwards with discussion a plenty.

Well that’s the end of that then, no gatherings, into lockdown, isolation, all venues ordered to close, or is it the end? I must admit it was a shock which took me some days to come to terms with and think through logically. There is work to be done. What could I do? I felt I had an obligation to the 200 Kent business people who attend the face to face meetings. How can I help and support them? How can I get around this and still allow them to meet up once a fortnight and support each other? This is where the technology comes in and technology a few weeks before I hadn’t even heard of. Zoom they call it! All of our 3 groups are now continuing on Zoom. For those who don’t know what that is, it’s a video conferencing facility where groups of people can still see and talk to each other on screen. I host and run the meetings in the same way; everyone gets a 60 seconds slot. A section of the meeting is given to ‘break out rooms’, smaller groups of 3 or 4 people having a conversation, helping each other by discussing challenges, supporting each other with work, advice. Getting to know, like and trust people through regular meets and conversations is good in lockdown, and will stand them in good stead out of it. We now enjoy ‘screen sharing’ presentations each meeting on a variety of people and subjects, again all good help, advice and learning for the group members. There was some learning to be done on my part, and indeed for many of the members. As many needed to get their head around the situation, find a new routine and learn some basic technology, Early April saw 25 or so of us on screen. Very quickly this developed up to many more, with one meeting attracting 44 delegates, there is something in this! Moving with the times and adapting, snooze you lose and all that. Many if not all business have had to find new ways of working, generate an income, a living. Don’t get me wrong, I miss the regular breakfast meetings, the buzz, banter, atmosphere and of course breakfast itself and we’ll be back like a shot when we can, but Zoom networking has been more than a stop gap. In many instances it will replace some one to one meetings, saving time, petrol, parking etc. That’s good as it will cut down on traffic, in theory. Many people and businesses have learned they can work from home at least some of the time, many will continue to do so when we’re back to ‘normal’ and this is all over.

You know your business inside and out, you know your customers. Have your customer’s needs changed, and are there things your business can help them solve? What resources do you have that can be slightly adapted to help with that?

It might help you to write down a small list of problems in your industry, temporarily created by the current climate. Can you find a solution for any of them that you can offer?

If you operate a cafe/restaurant, can you use your site and social media profiles to drum up a temporary delivery business, perhaps supply and deliver food boxes, or set-up a temporary boutique supermarket?

Pictures: (Upper): Usual BBN meeting (Lower): Zoom networking

How much of your face to face business can be continued with video delivery?

Perhaps in person lessons can be continued with a combination of video, or online learning courses - even including delivering materials in advance. We’ve seen some enterprising companies delivering ingredients and recipes, pottery painting supplies to customers who would love to be able to continue their classes. I know personal trainers who have developed on line classes to such an extent, a number of them will remain some in halls and venues will not restart as we learn to do more in the comfort of our own home.

If not, your best bet is getting yourself as ready as possible to get off to a flying start when you can re-open fully - focus on that now.

You can make steps now to improve or streamline processes or workflows, get marketing ready, or see what you can do now that will benefit your business and team later. Put the time to good use, if you are not able to make profits now, use this time wisely and work on your business so you hit the ground running, with an ‘edge’, when normal service is resumed. www.bbnetworking.co.uk

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Insurer’s survey reveals many Lockdown DIY accidents

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A report from Confused.com says that in the region of 71% national residents have been tackling DIY jobs during lockdown, with some spending more than £500. This is obviously reflected around the Bexley Borough area.

• Big jobs homeowners have tried include plastering, laying flooring and even fitting kitchens, hoping to add £1,500 to the value of their home, on average.

• According to insurance figures from Confused.com, around 53% have reported a mishap, including burst pipes, smashed windows and holes in walls.

• However it seems that a quarter of homeowners are unaware of when DIY changes need to be declared to insurers - Confused.com’s handy guide clears up any confusion.

The new research by Confused.com found that 72% of homeowners across the UK have been using the extra time during lockdown to make improvements to their home. Now popular DIY stores are opening back up, this could rise even further.

Lots of people have been easing their way into home improvements with some outdoor gardening, as more than half of homeowners have taken on painting fences and laying decking. But most commonly, people have been sprucing up their interiors, as around 65% of homeowner’s have been painting and decorating.

However, some DIY darers have been taking on mammoth tasks, with one in ten trying their hand at plastering or laying flooring. While a further 9% have attempted to fit a new kitchen or bathroom during lockdown.

It can be easy for home improvement projects to get carried away and escalate into something a lot more complex, especially with the free time some people have had. According to the research, more than a quarter of homeowners stated they carried out DIY work due to boredom. But in contrast, around28% say they’re more motivated to crack on with jobs because of being at home.

But some people haven’t ended up with the results they desired.

Confused.com research found that 47% of those have experienced mishaps while doing DIY. Apparently almost one in ten have ended up with burst waters pipes whilst carrying out home improvement works or have accidentally knocked holes in walls, doors and floors. Also worryingly, around 5% have accidentally smashed a window.

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S T O R Y

Stunning new ranges for the coming months at Forever Furniture What a bizarre couple of months it’s been, we do hope this article finds you and yours in good health.

With all the recent uncertainty we wanted to reassure you that we will be trading again by the middle of June, as advised by the government.

Obviously everyone’s safety is our priority so everything required to ensure appropriate social distancing and hygiene will be put into place.

During the lockdown, (apart from discovering what a great job the school teachers do!) we have been in regular contact with our suppliers. Many of them are now making plans to start delivering again. If you have an outstanding order with us we will be in touch again as soon as we have a firm arrival date for your furniture. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Before lockdown we had just introduced a stunning new range of furniture (see advert on opposite page) This classy collection will add a touch of style to your room - available in living, dining & bedroom you’re sure to find the pieces you require. It also offers the choice of either a soft satin sheen which highlights the natural tones & beauty of the oak - alternately it can be ordered in a gorgeous soft modern grey painted finish - the choice is yours.

As we all take the tentative steps towards finding the new ‘normal’ we ask that you check our website www.forever-furniture.myshopify.com for updates regarding opening hours and any safety advice before visiting the shop.

Please stay safe - we look forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes from Kerry & staff at Forever Furniture.

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Residents and care staff feeling energised at Parkview care home Parkview care home is a popular care home within the local community of Bexleyheath. The home is well supported with many groups and classes visiting the home to help keep residents engaged, energised and support them to continue to feel part of the community around them.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has meant community engagement for all care homes has become harder to fulfil, all care homes across the UK are now in isolation with only health care professionals able to visit. But to continue to keep residents and staff entertained through this crisis has not been impossible, and certainly not for the team at Parkview. The entertainment and activities have not stopped.

Residents recently enjoyed visits from EMA Catering who kindly provided all residents and staff with ice-creams and refreshments during the hot weather, food parcels were delivered from TK Maxx Bexleyheath, not to mention other generous food and gift donations received since the start of the outbreak. The home has also hosted a VE day garden party and last Friday the care staff were treated to some much-needed time out. Energie Fitness, Erith, have generously offered all Avante Care & Support staff free access to their live fitness classes to help support staff with their fitness, nutrition and wellbeing. Friday saw some of the staff at Parkview care home take part in a stress relief session during their lunchbreak.

Claire Evans, Home Manager said, ‘Keeping our residents safe, healthy, engaged and entertained is our main focus but equally the wellbeing of my care team is vital to continue to be able to provide the care and support required through these unprecedented times. Friday’s fitness session was a great way for us all to re-group, laugh and exercise’.

Whilst residents and care staff have been keeping busy at Parkview, behind the scenes and in line with government guidelines with social distancing, there have been a number of suites transformed and modernised to the same standard as the rest of the home. The Willow dining suite is the most recent project completed, which now boasts a beautiful bright area for residents to enjoy whilst dining. The refurb has modernised the area and made the whole dining room a bright and more welcoming environment.

The next project includes converting part of the home, formally used as a day care facility, into 5 en-suite bedrooms, allowing Parkview to provide the local community more much needed residential or respite care.

We know that during the current pandemic people are still looking for and requiring residential care or home care services. We are currently taking admissions at Parkview for those that need care. Please call the Home Manager on 0208 303 7889 or visit www.avantecare.org.uk We want to assure you that when we are admitting new residents from the community, we are doing so safely. We have clear policies in place to ensure that screening or testing is undertaken prior to any new admission into the care home. www.avantecare.org.uk

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Bexley

Cricket Club

surviving the

The lockdown did not stop these family members practicing their skills at home

by John Daniels

Lockdown

The lockdown has caused many sporting clubs great difficulty. Bexley Cricket club is just one, the season should now be well under way but the lack of income will cause all sorts of financial problems and I suspect some sporting clubs may not survive.

Lots of clubs have thought of ways to try to alleviate this problem. However, there is a very active project promoting cricket for girls in Bexley and an ebay account was set up for them a few years ago to raise funding to support this venture for girls cricket around the borough at Clubs, Schools, District including indoor cricket during the winter.

As Bexley CC have been big supporters of girls cricket the fund decided to say ‘Thank You’ to Bexley CC by donating the proceeds from some of their Ebay sales to Bexley CC. At the moment the donation looks like it will be in the region of £200.

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Looking to the future with a new optimism

by James Haddrell, Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre.

The arts press, and increasingly the mainstream press too, has devoted a lot of space to the suggestion that theatres may remain closed for the rest of the year, not able to reopen until Spring 2021 at the earliest.

However, those predictions have come from some of the country’s largest venues and what is right for one theatre is not necessarily right for another.

There are certainly shows made for large venues that are not financially viable without selling a large percentage of the seats, so the largest venues in the West End, the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and more may remain closed until a vaccine has been found for COVID-19. However, venues with the ability to programme more creatively, on a smaller scale, and to implement social distancing among audience members, staff and artists – venues like Greenwich Theatre – can absolutely reopen before that.

Juliette Burton

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For Greenwich, I have already begun programming a series of shows and events for later this year that can be presented to a socially distanced audience spread around the auditorium, with bar orders made before the show to avoid a crowd, and without intervals to avoid high demand for the theatre toilets at any one moment. With careful attention to detail we can ensure social distancing measures to prevent any transmission of the virus within our venue, and make a trip to the theatre possible this autumn.

One of the highlight events will be a screening of Franz Murnau’s Nosferatu from 1922, presented with a live score. Murnau’s film is notable as the first cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the film arguably gave birth to the horror genre. Made without the permission of the Stoker estate, the film changed various details from the novel – including Dracula himself being renamed Count Orlok – but it was nevertheless very clear that the novel had provided the source material for the film and Stoker's heirs sued over the adaptation. All copies of the film were supposed to have been destroyed in line with a court ruling but some survived and the film has since been acknowledged as a masterpiece.

The new score by Chris Green, originally commissioned by English Heritage, is a haunting blend of electronic and acoustic instruments performed by the composer, and this unique live event will see the score combined with FW Murnau’s iconic, expressionist images, ensuring a genuinely remarkable and unique cinematic experience.

We will also be reimagining our studio space – usually an intimate space for small scale drama. With a new cabaret set-up, audiences will be able to sit at tables separated from one another but feeling all of the atmosphere of a comedy or cabaret venue. The space will reopen with a special performance by Juliette Burton of her new touring show Defined.

This charming, very funny and superbly executed show delves into the labels we give to ourselves and each other through online dating, The season will also feature an evening with TV antiques expert David Harper, an evening celebrating the songs of Tom Lehrer and a special family show with TV presenter and dinosaur expert Dr Ben Garrod.

Full details and tickets are now available at www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk.

15

Nosferatu

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N E W S

I N

B R I E F

17

Welling in lockdown and afterwards...

by Barry Saunders of Welling Town Business Associates

Well who would have thought we would see a time like this? Not in my lifetime did I expect to see our country go into lockdown let alone the world.

One day we are all busy working, people in the high street, traffic everywhere as normal and the next day a ghost town, people locked away in their houses and the roads empty.

We all sat at home; eyes fixed to the tv waiting for updates each day from our prime minister. These are scary times as we see the extent of this virus taking hold around the world and no matter what your political views are, we all turned to one man for the answers and guidance in this time of uncertainty. Love him or hate him, Boris Johnson has now got his country under attack by an invisible enemy and this is an enemy no one has ever faced not only our country but so many countries around the whole world, all being attacked and no one had the answers to fight back.

Prime minister is one position I don’t envy anyone being in at this time. There is no reference book to read or manual how to deal with a virus the world has never encountered before. This is a cross your fingers and pray the decisions you make are the right ones.

I don’t pretend to know anything about politics and to be honest I think no matter who was running our country they would all be facing the same situation of not having any answers but looked at by every person in the country expecting just that, to have the answers.

Look up into the sky, what do you see? You see Nothing and it’s the emptiness of nothing we now face within our fight.

We can’t see it, we cant taste or smell it and its swallowing us up in its wake and we cant do anything to stop this happening.

When will this be over? Who knows, when will we be able to hug our families or sit next to a friend and share a drink together, who knows, the loss of life everyday is frightening and we all worry about our loved ones, this is definitely a sad and confusing, stressful time for us all.

Our future now is in the hands of the experts and to those who battle everyday with the ongoing fight to find a vaccine, not only for us but for every person that walks this earth.

These are extraordinary times and in this time of crisis it wasn’t the Army called to save the day it was the nurses and the doctors that was sent to the frontline to take on this battle. Thrown into the lion’s pit not knowing if even they would come out alive. We have all seen the images of the conditions these heroes face everyday but everyday they go, they leave their families not knowing when they can be close to them again but still they march on in our war to save lives.

These men and women of the NHS are true heroes and in showing our appreciation every Thursday night outside our homes clapping has not only showed as a nation we thank, we appreciate them in every way possible. Not only did we see the overwhelming support for all Key Workers, this has also brought communities together. We now shout and wave to our neighbours that we have never spoken to before, we see how people are volunteering to help those that are old or vulnerable, we see people from children to Sir Tom Moore at the age of 100 doing extraordinary feats to raise money to help others, makes you proud to be British but its not only the British who should be proud, we have many nationalities living in our country and all have shown that no matter where you was born, no matter the colour of your skin, no matter of religion or beliefs we are as one and as one we fight this together. We are united within a nation in crisis and in this crisis we all became one nation.

Before Covid-19 did an emergency stop on our lives the Welling Town Business Associates was working hard alongside Bexley council.

Now as many of you know we have never been the Council’s number one fan and we have had many issues we approached them with but as time has gone on we are slowly making progress, well we were until this all happened. Bexley council approved for us to hold the VE day celebrations within the high street, giving us parking for free to accommodate the vast amount of Army vehicles that we had organised to be there on that day, market stalls to be trading every week bringing the much needed interest and life back to Welling. There are many plans and unfortunately all these have had to be put on hold, but they will happen, we will get the market stalls running and we will have more events for everyone to enjoy.

They say you see the best in people in times like this and I for one have seen how hard the people of Bexley Council have been working, they have spent hours and hours making sure the government grants have reached us business traders, this has been a mammoth task for them all and each and everyone of them deserve the credit they are due.

They have made sure we are all receiving what we are entitled too, helping with applications and going out of their way to contact business owners that may have thought they was not entitled to claim, these guys have set up food banks to collect and distribute food to those who needed it the most, the people too old or too scared to go out from their houses. These people who have worked from their homes day in and day out making sure the borough of Bexley is safe and looked after. None of us see what goes on behind the doors of the council office and most don’t care but not all what goes on is to cause us all a hard time to run a business, there is good and plenty of it that I’ve personally seen over the last few months.

Maybe this time will change many things for the better and bring people together to support each other and help one another to build the high street once again, sadly though I feel we will lose some businesses along the way as many of us will struggle to build the business we once had. When can we open again is still uncertain but the longer we are shut the harder it will become to build again.

This for sure is the time for everyone to be supporting their local businesses and when the day comes that the doors reopen please remember the small shops that serve our community. We will need the support more now than we ever have before. Covid 19 has turned our struggling high street into a dead zone and I for one will not let this virus take what we all have worked so hard for over so many years. We will rebuild and we will rebuild bigger and stronger than before. Welling maybe just a small high street in the larger scale of things but this high street is ours and for the business owners and the residents of our town we will stand up and fight to make Welling a place we all can be proud of and when the high street is busy, people sitting drinking coffee, friends enjoying a drink together, we can say we did this.

The future is what we make, together we can accomplish so much. If we work together rather than fight each other, we can achieve anything.

Until we are all back, keep positive, keep safe, keep well.

Welling Town Business Associates @bexleylife

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Bexley CounCil Coping with Covid-19 N E W S

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the Council response to Covid-19

Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE said; “Since the lockdown was first announced we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are supported.

“Our helpline has helped a lot of people and the thanks and compliments we’ve received show just how much difference it has made.

“Our finance teams have worked flat out to ensure that local businesses have received the support they needed, while our education team has helped schools stay open for the children of local key workers.

“The fantastic efforts of our staff, partners and volunteers, shows just why Bexley is such a fantastic borough to live and work in.”

Bexley’s response

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• We quickly put in place an emergency phone line for residents who need support, using staff from across the council • Were among the first councils in the country to set up a free parking scheme for care workers, to which more than 5,000 people have so far signed up • We have called every Bexley resident identified by NHS as ‘shielding’ to find out their needs • Received over 2,000 calls from non-shielding Bexley residents who need help • Improved our web information to help people refer themselves for help • Sourced an emergency food supply and supplied food parcels to residents before the Government’s delivery arrangement were established • Provided emergency food supplies to nearly 3,000 families up to 29 May • Contracted a hot meal service for vulnerable residents with limited ability to cook for themselves • Supported residents to access the government’s food deliveries and supermarket priority delivery slots • Followed up with residents who don’t respond to calls - making over 900 welfare visits to people’s homes • Arranged to have medicines delivered to people’s homes by community pharmacies and GPs - stepping in to make those deliveries when the need was urgent and couldn’t be met by NHS • Made support payments to nearly 3,000 local businesses • Acted to implement to help reduce Council Tax bills for eligible residents • Recruited volunteers to help local voluntary organisations provide support to local people • Issued regular communications to support residents using our website, social media and email newsletters. www.bexley.gov.uk

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