Bexley Life October/November 2019 by BL Journals

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Bexley

30th Anniversary 1989-2019

LIFE

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Living • Dining • Bedroom • Occasional 23 PICKFORD LANE BEXLEYHEATH DA7 4RD

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Did you know... the average price of a semi-detached property in Bexley Borough last year was £429,272*?

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*figures gathered from Rightmove, September 2019

ISSUE 142

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

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Let’s all get active before the festivities begin... With fireworks and Christmas now just around the corner, it’s time for us all to get active.

Editor

Welcome to the October/November issue of Bexley Life Magazine the bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for Bexley Borough and the surrounding areas. Blazing Fires With ‘heaps’ of things happening around the area Bexley leading up to the Festive Period, inside the issue SAVE 30% you will find local news, local interest items, eating out, entertaining and much more. So, we would like to welcome you to this edition and wish you very happy reading. If you have any news, reviews, product launches or absolutely anything else of interest across the local market, please email it through to me at info@bljournals.plus.com for future consideration in our forthcoming issues. 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

LIFE

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Did you know ... the average price of a sem i-detached property in Bex ley Borough last year was £429,272*? Find out in 60 seconds how much your s is worth www.anthonym artin.co.uk

Arthur Peaches - Editor

BBN BUSINESS

up to

1989-2019

Living • Dining • Bedroom 23 PICKFORD LANE

• Occasional

BEXLEYHEATH DA7

020 8304 7400

4RD

WWW.FOREVERFURNI TUREBEXLEYHEATH.CO. UK

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*figures gathered from Rightmov e, September 2019

ISSUE 142

BRIAN’s

30th Anniversary

OCTOBER/N OVEMBER 2019

Where business peop enjoy doing businessle

NETWORKING

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

SALES & PROMOTIONS

Bexley goes electric 26 new charging points will be installed throughout the Borough by the end of the autumn in an initiative led by the Council to provide a service to people using electric vehicles. The 26 new charging points will be installed close to amenities in 13 areas and are located in parking bays that were previously underused. A survey carried out earlier this year indicated that local people are interested in making the switch to electric vehicles, but that their greatest concern is the availability of charging points. Cllr Peter Craske, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places said: “We’re investing in Bexley’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure because we know that this is key to making residents feel confident about switching to cleaner, greener electric vehicles. Making the switch will help to reduce harmful emissions and ultimately improve the quality of our air.”

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

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Istead Rise, The locations of the new electric vehicle Gravesend, Kent DA13 9DE charging points are as follows: • Welling - Bellegrove Road, Tel 01322 352648 Danson Lane, Sherwood Park Email info@bljournals.plus.com Avenue, St.John’s Road • Blackfen - Blackfen Parade • Erith - Walnut Tree Road, @bexleylife Erith Road Letterhead_Letterhead 09/11/2015 Pag Although every effort is made assure 09:37 the • Bexleyheath - Methuen Road, accuracy of the content of this magazine, Sandford Road Bexley Life and it’s Publishers can accept no • Belvedere - Nuxley Road, responsibility for such. Picardy Street All contents of the publication are copyright • Sidcup - The Oval and remain the sole property of the • Crayford - Waterside publishing company. Encouraging residents to use electric vehicles is good for the environment and means cleaner air, which is good for all of us. Increasing the availability of charging points is the first step in a range of initiatives by the Council to enable local people to make the switch.

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Changes to

local recycling

More than 160,000 new recycling bins have been ordered and Bexley Council officials expect to receive them ready to start delivery from November. Once delivery begins it will take up to 14 weeks to complete.

The contract to produce the new recycling bins was awarded to Craemer UK Ltd following an extended procurement exercise. The bins will be manufactured in Telford, Shropshire. Two wheelie bins will replace the three boxes that residents currently have for recycling. They will be collected fortnightly on alternate weeks - the blue lidded bin one week and white lidded bin the next. Residents will automatically receive a medium 180 litre wheelie bin for paper and cardboard and a large 240 litre bin for plastics, glass, cans and cartons unless you previously selected a different size, prior to the 31 May 2019 closing date. The Council is continuing to work hard to ensure that any change to your recycling services brings maximum benefits for residents. Residents can find out when they will receive the new bins from the end of October on www.bexley.gov.uk/recycling-changes Further updates and information can be received by signing up to receive the email recycling newsletter at https://www.bexley.gov.uk/stay-informed-about-subjects-you-choose The Council want to thank all residents for their patience while they have been organising the new recycling bins, and for keeping them as the number one London Borough for recycling for the 14th year in a row!

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Enhancing Erith’s Riverside

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Happy 1st birthday to the Bexley Community Lottery

Following consultation with the public about how best to “With the chance to win up to improve Riverside Gardens, Erith the next stage is to £25,000 and support local good causes, what’s not brief a landscape architect on the design. More than 200 local people responded to a recent survey to tell the to like!” Lottery Council their ideas to improve Riverside Gardens in Erith. ticket holder A further 180 people took part in ideas forums and pop-up events run Linda from by Groundwork, who the Council commissioned to run the community design process. Abbey Wood, Four themes dominated the feedback: • THE RIVER THAMES who won £250 in ‚• PLAY March. • ATTRACTIONS AND IDENTITY OF THE PARK • HISTORY AND HERITAGE People said that the river is an untapped resource for the gardens and that stronger connections need to be made between the gardens and the river. Their ideas were mostly around improving views of the river, designing a better viewing platform and creating better access to the gardens from the riverside walk. There were lots of imaginative suggestions from children and adults on how to incorporate play into the gardens. Local people said they wanted to visit Riverside Gardens, but don’t feel inspired to use the space. They suggested considering events and activities in the design, as well as ways to make the space more attractive and inspiring. The Riverside Gardens and Erith have a rich history and heritage. There were lots of ideas on how this could be incorporated into the gardens, through creative sculptures and artwork, new signage and historically themed planting.

What’s next? The next stages in the rejuvenation of Riverside Gardens will be to employ a landscape architect with a brief based on feedback from the local community. There have been more engagement activities last month to get feedback from local people on the design of the park. There are also other plans to trial some of the new ideas. To stay informed about the next stages keep your eyes peeled on www.greatererith.com/riversidegardens or follow Greater Erith on Facebook and Twitter. Work has also started on detailed designs for Pier Square following public feedback. The aim is to transform this area at the entrance to Erith Pier. Work is expected to begin later in the year. These improvements build on previous regeneration work funded by the London Borough of Bexley and follow the Council’s successful bid for a further £1.6M from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund through the ‘Greater Erith Programme’.

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This month the Bexley Community Lottery celebrates its first year with its 52nd prize draw. Over the past 12 months the Lottery has raised £33,000 for local good causes and awarded £7,524 in prize money to lucky ticket holders. The number of local groups using the lottery as part of their fundraising has grown to 64. They include uniformed groups like the Scouts, Guides, Rainbows and Brownies, Parent Teacher Associations, community groups and forums, sports clubs and teams, community libraries and local charities. Some are raising around £100 a month. Lottery tickets cost just £1 each. There are a range of cash prizes, including the chance of a £25,000 jackpot and 60% of the money raised goes to local good causes. Players can either donate their ticket proceeds to the good cause of their choice, or to the community fund which will be offering flexible grants for local community activities. “We set up the lottery to give local groups an easy way to raise funds and it’s now well established” said Cllr Alex Sawyer, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Communities. “It costs nothing for good causes to sign up, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and the more people groups encourage to join, the more money they can raise.” “Buy a lottery ticket online today and help your favourite local cause!” www.bexleycommunitylottery.co.uk

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MP James

Brokenshire opens rail

Rempod at

Riverdale Court

Riverdale Court residents and staff were recently delighted to welcome James Brokenshire, Conservative MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup, to officially open their newly purchased virtual rail carriage.

The Railway Rempod is a reminiscent or reminiscence scene that creates the feel of an authentic train carriage with replica furniture, decoration and accessories that takes people with dementia back in time and on a journey through their local landscape. The Rempod has transformed an entire room to create a familiar and stimulating environment for residents which can relieve boredom and depression whilst improving mental wellbeing and help with memory loss. Home Manager, Nicolas Kee Mew commented, “We were thrilled James could join us for the official opening of our rail carriage. We have had our eye on the Rempod for some time as we have many residents at Riverdale Court who used to commute to work by train. We felt that a rail carriage would be a great way to help evoke memories of working and commuting which would then spark conversation and support interaction between residents. Often we have found the simplest of topics can lead to lengthy conversations and discussions at Riverdale Court. I am pleased to say the Rempod has done just that and we have already seen an increase in interaction with residents who in the past have been less inclined to be involved with activities”. Residents and staff at Riverdale Court have worked hard to raise the funds to pay for the Rempod and also have had a number of donations to pay for the carriage. Commenting, James said: “I was delighted to open this new Rail Carriage Rempod at Riverdale Court Care Home which adds to the already warm, welcoming and caring environment at the home. The installation will make a great addition to Riverdale Court and will play an important role in creating a stimulating and enriching environment for residents.” “I would like to thank the fundraisers and all of the staff at Riverdale Court who worked hard to make this installation possible and who contribute to making the home the special and happy place it is all year round.” www.avantecare.org.uk

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Annual fireworks in Danson Park

Local Charitable group Welling Round Table and friends will be presenting the annual Fireworks extravaganza on Saturday 2nd November this year at award winning Danson Park, Bexleyheath. The festival which is a permanent fixture in the local calendar, and has been for over 50 years is the biggest Charitable Fireworks evening in the South East area and all profits go back into local good causes which benefit the people of Bexley Borough and surrounds This year sees the much demanded return of the music stage which will be again down by Danson Lake. Local artist George Manning will kick off the live entertainment at 6.25pm followed by local group Dishy Tangent at 7pm before handing over to The Mayor of Bexley and the countdown at 8pm when the real event begins: 25 minutes of breath taking Fireworks dancing along to music across the beautiful calm Danson Lake. Gates open at 6pm , advance tickets on sale in local shops from 1st October and available now online at Dansonparkfireworks.co.uk Its advised to turn up early to beat the crowds, plus enjoy the Funfair, Footstalls and of course the entertainment from stage. Event finishes 9pm Advance tickets £7 adult, £4 child (under 18). On the gate £10 adult and £5 child (unaccompanied children charged as adults) Danson Fireworks plus Great Welling Beerfest are the main events that Welling Round Table and friends put on every year, the aim to provide a great evening out for all the family and encourage the community to come together, and also to raise much needed funds for local good causes. www.dansonparkfireworks.co.uk

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Great results around the area

With the recent exam results for students all around the borough, those at the Learning & Enterprise College have continued to achieve high grades in GCSE English and Maths. The proportion of students achieving a 9 -4 grade in GCSE Maths is 31% above the national average, the proportion of students achieving a 9-4 grade in GCSE English is 16% above the national average. These results are testimony to the constant hard work of both students and staff and all must be warmly congratulated. https://www.lecb.ac.uk/

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New revenues and benefits contract brings big savings

New food

recycling boxes

Bexley has awarded its revenues and benefits New sturdier food recycling boxes are contract to Capita following a competitive now available and can be ordered tendering exercise and aligned procurement exercise with the London Borough of Bromley. free of charge by Bexley residents.

If you are struggling with your current food box or have given up on food waste recycling completely, why not start afresh with a new improved food box. The new version is the same size as the old one but it can only be unlocked by pushing a button on top of the lid. You can order your new food box at www.bexley.gov.uk/foodboxes Visit your local library if you need help completing the form online. If you would prefer not to keep your old food waste recycling box you can arrange for this to be removed when ordering your new one. Cllr Peter Craske, Cabinet Member for Places, said: “We’re always looking at ways to improve the recycling service for local people. That’s why we’ve bought sturdier food boxes, which residents can get free of charge.” “It’s also why, later this year, we’ll be replacing the current three boxes that you have for recycling with two wheelie bins, which will reduce windblown litter and help increase recycling.” From November 2019 residents will get a blue lidded bin for paper and cardboard and a white lidded bin for plastics, glass, cans and cartons. Delivering all the new bins will take up to 14 weeks. The new wheelie bins will be collected every two weeks - blue lidded bin one week and white lidded bin the next. Food recycling will continue to be collected weekly. You will be able to find out when you will receive your new bins from the end of October at www.bexley.gov.uk/recycling-changes You can also receive further updates and information by signing up to receive our email recycling newsletter at https://www.bexley.gov.uk/stay-informed-about-subjects-youchoose

114 Westmount Road, Eltham, London SE9 1UT Tel: 020 8850 1786 Fax: 020 8850 2786

275 Main Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6QL Tel: 020 8300 1465

The contract is broad. It covers revenue collection for Council Tax and Business Rates, administration of Housing Benefits, financial assessment services and cashiering. The new contract will mean annual savings of more than £1m for Bexley. Under the new contract, Capita will maximise the effective use of digital technologies to deliver services in a more citizen-centred way, to make accessing them easy and efficient. Councillor David Leaf, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Resources said: “We look forward to continuing to work with Capita to improve services for our residents and the efficiency of our back office systems. This new contract gives us the opportunity to raise standards further and deliver a modern service “The savings reflect the strong partnership we have established and our joint focus on reducing administrative costs to deliver better value for money for our taxpayers.” Andy Start, Chief Executive Officer of Government Services at Capita, said: “Capita’s partnership with the London Borough of Bexley is one of our most enduring. We are delighted to have been selected as their partner to continue to provide these critical services and deliver better outcomes for the authority and its residents. We are focused on creating technology-led solutions for our local authority clients, to help them run efficient back-office services.” The decision means that the Council and Capita will continue their relationship, which started in 1996. The new contract period will run until 2027.

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An evening out at George’s Bar & Grill, Welling... Georges Bar & Grill in Welling is great for an evening out, whether it’s just for the wonderful food and service, or for one of the great tribute nights. George and his excellent team pride themselves on a high level of service and friendly family run atmosphere - ensuring that you have an unforgettable dining experience. But on top of the excellent service, George’s also hold their own events every month and coming up in the near future are: Adele Tribute - 4th October George Michael Tribute - 1st November Freddie Mercury Tribute - 9th November Elvis Tribute - 29th November Also from the end of last month Georges have a New Menu at £12.95 for 2 courses, plus a new Fish Menu on Thursdays and Fridays at just £9.95. There is also a DJ every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during December, plus they are now taking bookings for Xmas parties and for New Years Eve. https://georgesbarandgrill.co.uk Telephone 020 8301 1272

Entertainment nights at Georges

Adele Tribute Night 4th October - with Maria Hernott

George Michael Tribute Night 1st November - with Darren James

Freddie Mercury Tribute Night 9th November - with Gary Walsh

Elvis Tribute Night 29th November - with Gary King

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

Telephone: 020 8301 1272 @bexleylife

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Hall Place

Christmas Party

Christmas Party, dinner and dancing in a delightful setting. December 13th from 6:00 pm to 11:59 pm, all for just £58

With Christmas festivities now just around the corner, why not ‘get in early’ and book your ticket for the hugely popular Hall Place Christmas Party? 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 Tickets - £58.00 per person - must be booked in advance by calling 01322 621238 or visit the historic house reception. Don’t miss out on what is always a truly memorable event! Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley,Kent DA5 1PQ www.hallplace.org.uk

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Great comedy at Bexley Park Bexley Park Comedy is back on Friday 25th October with John Ryan as the headliner John Ryan is an award-winning comedian who also works in men’s health. By combining comedy with practical advice, John is living proof that laughter really is the best medicine. His shows on the comedy circuit are highly-acclaimed - even the Daily Telegraph called him a ‘genius’ - but it is his work in men’s mental health that is truly groundbreaking. His Home Front project with the Army toured many army bases and won him a second Royal Society of Public Health Arts and Health Award in 2015. The first came in 2010 for his work in prisons. He has even had a research paper published in the Journal of Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology on how comedy can boost mental wellbeing. The irresistibly amiable John Ryan uses his acerbic wit and seemingly encyclopaedic knowledge of the world around him to keep any audience on their toes. His East End Irish upbringing gives him the rare ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. No stranger to either the strange or the norm, he will put an amusing spin on any subject matter going. John has a reputation for thinking on his feet and confidently and cleverly adapting his show to any audience. His high energy and warm personality has also helped rocket his health shows into the limelight through ongoing projects with The London Science Museum, Unison and Surrey and Plymouth NHS Primary Care Trusts. “Genius 5 *****” - Daily Telegraph As always there’s a great supporting lineup direct from the London Comedy Circuit! Book early for best prices! Tickets are going quickly and start at £10.00, they 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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A busy time at The Bob Hope Theatre

Goodnight Mister Tom One of the most uplifting stories ever written, Michelle Magorian’s stunning Goodnight Mister Tom is brought gloriously to life in this stage adaptation by David Wood - the UK’s ‘National Children’s Dramatist’ (The Times). Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London.

Panto time This year’s annual Pantomime is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, by Ben Crocker. The fun and festivities will be directed and choreographed by Kirsty Davide and will run from 3rd January to 1st February 2020. www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk

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GREENWICH THEATRE CELEBRATES 50th YEAR IN PANTO STYLE For theatres up and down the country, the opening of the annual pantomime marks the biggest moment of the theatrical year. Many venues are kept open by the success of their festive shows, and audiences come back year after year for the recognisable jigsaw of music hall routines, commedia dell-arte characters, fairy tale adventures and topical jokes. The best pantomimes always include jokes that lift you out of the story and poke fun at current events, whether about national news, the local football team, rival venues or local celebrities. The annual pantomime in Greenwich is no different – it is not unusual for the script to include asides about Charlton Athletic or the Greenwich one-way system and last year’s show, like so many others around the country, had the obligatory Trump and Brexit moments. For 2019 there will surely be Boris Johnson wigs popping up in pantomimes up and down the land. However, at Greenwich Theatre this year we are going one step further in making the show locally relevant by celebrating the theatre itself. Greenwich Theatre has a long and varied history. First opened in 1855 as the Rose And Crown Music Hall, in 1871 new owner Charles Crowder refurbished the venue and re-opened it as Crowders Music Hall. Despite prosecution the following year for ‘the unlawful performance of stage plays', resulting in a fine of one shilling, Crowder continued to offer a rich mixture of burlesque, concert and ballet acts every evening. The following years saw more rapid change, with the Theatre becoming known as the Temple of Varieties, the Royal Borough of Varieties, the Parthenon Theatre of Varieties and then the Greenwich Hippodrome Picture Palace showing a mixed bill of film and live performance. When the Theatre lost its licence for live performance in 1924 it restricted its operation to screening films,

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but the next major change came during the Second World War when an incendiary bomb crashed through the roof into the auditorium. From this point, the Theatre was closed and remained empty. In the 1960s the building was scheduled for demolition but thanks to the determination of local actor Ewan Hooper, and with help from the Arts Council, the local council, the GLC and local businesses and supporters, the theatre was saved, reopening in 1969 under Hooper’s artistic directorship. That means Greenwich Theatre Ltd, the company set up by Ewan to run the theatre and still in place today, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Therefore our latest pantomime, an original version of Sleeping Beauty written by one of the country’s leading pantomime writer/dames Andrew Pollard, is set (at least in part) in 1969 with local hero Ewan working to save his local theatre. Whisked backwards and forwards through time, Ewan will find himself in Russia battling Rasputin and falling for Sleeping Beauty, and even heading on a 1960s out-of-this-world adventure, but ultimately he and everyone else involved in his time-hopping adventure will find themselves celebrating the survival and ongoing success of Greenwich Theatre itself. At their hearts, pantomimes are always moments of celebration. They celebrate family, as they are one of the only shows throughout the year that appeal to every generation. They celebrate the festive season as they have become synonymous with Christmas. They celebrate storytelling and the fairy tales that we all grew up listening to. This year, we are delighted to add to that – anyone visiting the Greenwich Theatre pantomime in 2019 is celebrating the vision of one man that saw a derelict theatre and transformed it into the heart of a community, the audiences over the past half-century that have supported the theatre and kept it open, and the work taking place now to lead the theatre into its next 50 years. Sleeping Beauty plays at Greenwich Theatre from 22 November 201912 January 2020 Box Office 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

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What’s on at the Beaverwood

SPECIAL OFFER Every Wednesday

£9.95

Eat In

1 x Starter, 1 x Main Course, 1 x Side , Rice or Naan

Petty Criminals play Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 17th October: 19:30 – 23:00 Phone your order now

020 8302 4444 020 8302 6677

Petty Criminals bring you an evening of classic rock in the shape of an American icon, Tom Petty. From deep cuts to greatest hits, you’ll journey through early songs like American Girl, Breakdown & Refugee, through the ‘80s and early ‘90s with classics like Freefallin’, Runnin’ Down A Dream, I Won’t Back Down & Learning To Fly, with highlights from the seminal album “Wildflowers” and his later albums. This show is an unforgettable musical journey through the life and works of one of the greatest and much missed rock stars of our time. The event is from 19:30 to 23:00 and tickets are available at £12 in advance/£13 on the door.

Guitar Legends 24th October: 19:30 – 23:00 Best of Hendrix, BB King, Santana, Dave Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, Brian May, SRV, Eric Clapton, Brian Setzer, etc... The 'Legends' will mesmerise you with the greatest guitar hits of all time – from the early 50s right up to the present day. Featuring classic tracks from the worlds most legendary guitarists: Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Carlos Santana, Dave Gilmore, Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Brian May, Eric Clapton plus many more….. The band features guitar ace Marcus Flynn on lead guitar, UK session guitarist and TV composer. He is joined by superb vocalist, Nick Reiber Hodgson who amongst other accolades, has performed with Bon Jovi in Japan. This duo are partnered with talented multi-instrumentalist, Phil Spencer on guitar/keys who as the 'young gun' in the band has already managed to notch up a MOBO Awards (Official) playing session guitar. Top Spanish drummer Danny Antonio Gonzalez is the fourth member of this exciting line up, he has performed with many top artists including Albert Collins and Roy Wood. Booking website: http://www.feenstra.co.uk/chislehurst/index_f.htm www.thebeaverwood.com

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C H A R I T Y

V O L U N T A R Y

S E C T O R

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“An employer saw potential in me”

When Porchlight first met Adam, he was 18 years old and homeless.

Now aged 26, he’s an assistant manager at a major high street shop who is responsible for managing large sums of money, dealing with customers and motivating a small team of staff. “I’m in a job I like and am in charge of a great team - all because an employer saw the same potential in me that Porchlight did.” Adam has been with his employer for six years. He started out as a cashier while still living with Porchlight. Adam had become homeless due to a family relationship breakdown. He spent over a year being supported Porchlight and rebuilding his life. Employment allows people to leave homelessness behind for good, but we know that people must recover from the trauma of homelessness before they’re ready to work. Porchlight helped Adam to overcome the trauma he had experienced and rebuild his confidence. An important step in this process is helping people find volunteering opportunities with local organisations. For Adam, this involved helping to run a large jobs fair. “Volunteering really boosted my confidence. At first, I felt out of my comfort zone but by the end it made me realise I was ready to start applying for jobs.” When someone feels ready to return to work, Porchlight gives them the support to do it. They help people identify jobs that match their talents. Adam was good at talking to the public - something he’d realised while volunteering. He began applying for public-facing jobs with help from his support worker. Soon, Adam’s employer offered him a cashier role. He began work and was able to move out of Porchlight accommodation a few months later. Since then, he’s established himself at the company. “I’m happy where I am. I have made friends with colleagues and customers. At one point in my life, it’s not something I imagined myself being able to do.” If you’ve been homeless it can count against you when going for a job. Most people we support want to work but their past is held against them. “My story is proof that no one should be judged because of their situation. If employers are willing to look beyond homelessness, they will find many more people like me who have a lot to give.” www.porchlight.org.uk

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Getting a healthy start in Bexley Organisations from across Bexley came together at Bexley’s Civic Offices recently to boost local uptake of the Government’s Healthy Start scheme. The scheme provides free vouchers for eligible families to buy fruit, vegetables and milk. Families may also be able to claim free vitamins. More than £150,000 worth of Healthy Start vouchers go unclaimed in Bexley every year. Information about the scheme is available online at www.healthystart.nhs.uk. Dr Anjan Ghosh, Bexley’s Director of Public Health said: “The Healthy Start scheme is part of our efforts to tackle health inequality. Parents can use the vouchers to help their children in the crucial first 1,000 days of their life.” Guests were welcomed by Council Leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE. She said afterwards: “I was pleased to see people from a wide range of organisations at today’s event. The vouchers can be a great help to families who may have trouble making ends meet. They help children develop good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle that we hope will help them live a long and healthy life.” If you work for a local retailer, nursery or community organisations and would like to help promote the Healthy Start scheme please email public.health@bexley.gov.uk. Among those who attended the recent event were representatives from the Council, NHS, local and national food retailers, nurseries and community groups. It was organised by Bexley’s Public Health team. THE KITCHEN & BEDROOM SPECIALIST

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Ageing Well event 2019

On 12 October from 11-4pm Bexley Council officials will once again be welcoming partners from across the Borough to showcase what they can do to help residents stay healthy, fit and connected to their local community at the annual Ageing Well event. As well as over 30 organisations taking part in a market place, there will be free interactive sessions including ballroom dancing, nordic walking, Tai Chi, singing, and you can even get your hearing checked. Last year the event attracted over 320 people who were able to speak to council staff and voluntary organisations about what’s available locally. Visitors can enjoy free tea and coffee and free parking is available at the Civic Offices. Entertainment is also provided during the day. The free event is open to everyone including older people, their families and carers. Cllr Brad Smith, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services said: “This is a great event for our older residents and their families to pop along and see what’s on offer for them in the borough. As well as being great fun, the day offers a chance to chat to some of our local organisations and partners that provide support and guidance. It’s also a chance to meet like-minded people and discuss what they would like to see more of in the borough. Our Pathways Team will also be on hand to get your views on the proposals for Pathways, the redesign of Adult Social Care in Bexley. So whether you are looking for a new club to join, advice on how to stay independent, a regular exercise class or activities in our libraries, come along and see what’s on offer in our brilliant borough. Keep an eye out in your local Council library for our Ageing Well magazine with more information.” Feedback from the 2018 Ageing Well event included • “Stalls were useful with information and willing to listen” • “Great for establishing potential support available for mum” • “Exercise classes! A chance to ‘have a go’ in the foyer” • “All exhibitors were helpful” • “Taster classes - I’ll use Nordic walking, WI and the free hearing check” 100% of visitors graded the organisation of the event as excellent or very good • 98% of visitors graded the venue and facilities as excellent or very good. • 98% of visitors graded the mix of exhibitors as excellent or very good. • 98% of visitors graded access as excellent or very good For more information on Pathways visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ASCpathways or for more information call 020 8303 7777 and ask to speak to the ASC Pathways Transformation Team or email Pathways.Programme@bexley.gov.uk

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Bexley Local Group 40th Anniversary Choral Concert with the City Chamber Choir "A Celebration of Nature" SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2019 Time: 18.45 - 21.30 Join us for a choral concert as part of our 40th Anniversary Celebrations Location: Slade Church Hall, Plumstead SE18 2NB

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EastEnders' star Jacqueline Jossa opens performing arts school in Bexleyheath Jacqueline Jossa, who used to play recovering alcoholic Lauren Branning in EastEnders, has last month opened her own performing arts academy in Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath It is called The Jac Jossa Academy and will train talented dancers, singers and actors of all ages from toddlers to adults. Jacqueline was born and grew up in Bexley and trained at D&B Theatre School, in Bromley, so it was an obvious decision to return to the area for this venture. Her husband Dan Osborne also owns the tattoo parlour, Ink Paradise, also in Pickford Lane so it makes sense personally as well. A statement on the Jac Jossa website says: "Jacqueline has first hand inside knowledge of the performance industry and is keen to pass on her extensive knowledge to the students at the academy.â&#x20AC;? https://jacjossaacademy.co.uk/

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Goals Soccer Centres now up for sale After hitting the news recently due to a multimillion pound accounting fraud, Goals Soccer Centres have now put themselves up for sale. The company is currently under investigation for a VAT fraud allegation in the region of ÂŁ12 million. They have appointed Deloitte to find a buyer. Goals has admitted it will not have a full set of accounts ready by the end of September and so will have to de-list from the stock market. Shares were suspended earlier this year after the fraud was originally uncovered. The alleged fraud is believed to include avoiding VAT payments to HM Revenue and Customs. Sports Direct, the company owned by Newcastle United out-of-favour owner Mike Ashley, is already rumoured to be a front-runner in the process, having already bought up a 19% stake in the business. Deloitte is now set to send out sales documents to interested parties, and is expected to use revenues data and booking information to show it remains a viable business. Earlier this month, Goals confirmed that its former chief executive and finance chief, Keith Rogers and Bill Gow, are under investigation over historic financial irregularities.

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Erith Town FC continues expansion Erith Town FC recently showed off it’s ever growing youth section at a League match at Erith Stadium on 7th September, where they also recorded their first win of the season, beating Punjab United 2-1.

Two first half goals from Michael Power and Ralique Lawrence gave The Dockers the points. Will JohnsonCole converted an 84th minute penalty to set up an exciting end to the game, but The Dockers saw the game out well with a solid performance. The Dockers now have 7 sides from u10 to u15 age groups and also Senior Men’s Sunday side and they all took part in a group photo (above), to showcase their ‘One Club’ ethos. The club are now looking to set-up Girls sides in 2020/21 and anyone interested in getting involved with this should contact Club Chairman Mark Deveney at info@erithtown.co.uk. www.erithtown.co.uk

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