Meridian Magazine Septemeber 2015

Meridian September 2015 £1.00 Where Sold

Your Local What, Where and When Magazine

Education Special

LOVE LOCAL

Wedding Feature

Businesses and Community

24 page local schools guide

Add a little Romance to your wedding day

WIN Tickets To This Year’s M agne Comedy Festival rs See page 64

www.devernois.fr

Celebrate the arrival of our Autumn Collection with a special Champagne event from Friday, September 25th to Saturday, September 26th.

42 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD (T) 020 8318 5998 Mon - Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am - 4pm

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HELLO I know! We can’t believe it is September already either. Despite the disappointing weather, we hope your August was kept alive with the enormousness of events across south east London and Kent. But the fun isn’t over. September has plenty in store to keep the last of the summer exciting - Greenwich Comedy Festival and Deptford X are just two great examples. We talk to Deptford X’s lead artist this year, Janette Parris, about what you can look forward to at this 10-day festival, which celebrates contemporary arts and local talent around Deptford, in places as diverse as galleries, pubs, churches and high street shops

If it’s arts and events you need to keep you going as the new school year begins, then make sure you take a good look at our listings pages and our local art pages too, for the latest news and details of up and coming exhibitions.

Talking of the new school year, you’ll see that this issue also includes our autumn Education Supplement. Whether you have children in nursery, junior or secondary school – or in nappies this trusted supplement brings together the latest schooling news in one interesting and informative guide to local education.

Always wanting to be helpful, we’ve also put together a ‘wedding planning timeline’ for all those brides and grooms to be. We look at what jobs you need to tackle when, and breakdown that

seemingly massive to-do list by month and by week. We’ve also highlighted a selection of local suppliers who can help you get your big day organised…You’re welcome in advance!

In interiors this month, colours take precedence, as we look at this season’s champion colour schemes, and how the colours you choose for you home can affect your mood, and what the colours you choose say about you – it’s all very revealing.

While in Food and Drink this September, we celebrate locally produced craft beers and spirits – and how you can enjoy enlightening tastings in interesting places: and much more.

Also in this issue: Nicola Berry talks to MP, Bob Neill about his role and the improvements he is campaigning for in Bromley and Chislehurst. Plus, local news, free to enter competitions and much, much more.

Enjoy the issue, The Meridian Team xx

INSIDE THIS ISSUE....

WEDDING FEATURE P18-25

LOVE LOCAL P7

EDUCATION P30-53

INTERIORS P11-13

WHAT TO DO 62-65

FOOD & DRINK 55-57

Meridian MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2015 Publisher: Joy Johnston Editor: Valerie Breese Art & Production Director: Paul McPherson Display Sales: Cheryl Voller Emma Forbes Gary Smythson Sam Lingham Classified Sales: Gary Smythson Contributors: Claire McKinson James Haddrell Nicola Berry Hannah Winterbourne Accounts: Janet Franklin Dawn Maguire Printing: Headley Brothers Ltd Distribution CWT Meridian Line Publishing Ltd 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE Tel: 01322 557794 Email: enquiries@meridian-magazine.co.uk

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk facebook.com/meridianmagazine

MeridianmagLDN Meridian Magazine is for you, published monthly and distributed to selected residential properties and businesses within the Royal Borough of Greenwich and in Blackheath, Westcombe Park, Charlton, Eltham, Lee, Hither Green, Bromley and Chislehurst. Copies also go to Greenwich Tourist Information Centre, libraries and leisure centres, pubs, restaurants and hotels. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (including advertisement designs) without prior written permission will result in legal action. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publisher.

Meridian Focus on Local Businesses and Community IDA Pod Your Local Form of Entertainment

LOVE LOCAL

Photo: Rico Patel

The private photo booth phenomenon made its way from the US and in the past 12 years it has boomed in the UK. Every event seems to have a Photo Booth these days. Darcy got married three years ago in 2012 planning her own Wedding from start to finish. She thought long and hard about the entertainment she would provide for their guests settling on a Magician and a photo booth.

To cut a long story short, Darcy was so taken back by the fun and enjoyment her guests received in less than six months she started her own business. Ida Pod Photo Booths. Now a busy and viable company based in Blackheath with a active workforce. Richard Branson and the Virgin Brand have also invested into this business helping to build the brand.

Ida Pod has been running for three successful years covering events including weddings, birthdays, school proms and annual parties. Last week she had bookings for a child’s birthday party, two weddings, corporate company annual awards and funeral reception this form of entertainment proving very popular.

With the current digital age of capturing everything on your camera phone the appeal of the photo booth is that your guests walk away with a physical memento from your event creating memories.

It’s that moment you stumble across a photo remembering the fun you were having at that time that makes Ida Pod the success it has been.

The sleek, modern looking pods can fit into almost any space. What an ‘Ida Pod Photo Booth’ can add to your event are the moments that can be missed whilst at a celebration. A photo booth is a must if you can.

Get in touch today to hear about package deals and benefit from a ‘Local Resident Discount’. www.idapod.com 020 3714 7433

Flawless Jewellery Flawless Jewellery was founded over 30 years ago by Robert Bicknell and is a familyrun business renowned for its high-end jewellery and excellent craftsmanship.

Robert began by making commissions for some of London’s finest jewellers and private clients and was subsequently joined in the business by two of his daughters, allowing them to build up a loyal client base. They opened their first boutique in Belmont Parade, Chislehurst followed, in 2012, by a second boutique in Westerham, Kent.

All their pieces are bespoke, meaning they are designed and hand-made in house. This service has proved particularly popular when it comes to engagement or wedding rings, as clients are able to propose with a loaned ring and then design the real thing together with their fiancé. As well as their own designs, Flawless are also renowned for their re-modelling service, where they use a client’s unwanted, unfashionable or damaged jewellery to create a brand new piece using the existing materials. www.flawless-jewellery.co.uk 020 8467 5862 Flawless Jewellery, 50 Green Lane, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6AQ.

C&G Heating C&G have been supplying bathrooms, heating and plumbing equipment to both our trade & retail customers within Erith, Dartford, Kent and southeast areas for over ten years. Their bathroom showroom has two floors of quality bathrooms on display at amazingly low prices. wwwcandgheating.com 01322 338526 46 Mill Road, Erith, DA8 1HN

Simon Carter

Free Offer

Make a stop by our Blackheath shop this September and receive a free pair of Italian socks worth £18 with every purchase over £75. To redeem this offer, please present your September copy of Meridian in our Blackheath shop. Valid until 30/9/2015 www.simoncarter.net 02083181518 Simon Carter, 9 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 OBU

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ME RID IA N HO ME

Must Have Colour

From complete makeover to adding a dash of colour Can the colours you choose for your home affect your life? Absolutely! Believe it or not, colour has a massive impact on how you feel, from your productivity and energy levels to your creativity and overall happiness. It may sound crazy to some, but ask any Feng Shui authority, colour consultant or chromotherapist and they’ll tell you just that.

New research from DFS furniture store company has revealed the nation’s favourite living room colour schemes. According to the findings, blue colour schemes, teal themed décor and grey combinations are the most popular, with blue coming out top. DFS commissioned the Colour Match Experiment to explore the nature of people’s psychological relationship with colour and ultimately discover how colour impacts people’s mood and emotions in the home.

The unique study revealed precisely why people intrinsically prefer certain colours.

Boost your mood with clever colour choices.

The research revealed that blue, teal and grey proved popular precisely because of their ability to enhance our mood. All three shades were found to be associated with positive emotions: blue is energising while grey makes people feel comfortable and on-trend teal is perceived as relaxing.

Stay in-tune with nature for stress free living.

Green was found to make people feel most

serene and with botanicals and ‘bringing the outside in’ both key interiors looks this season, the natural approach could help keep your home on-trend and your life in balance.

The colour scheme no-nos. The findings demonstrated the importance of getting the colour scheme right when making decorating choices.

Two colours in particular were highlighted as shades to shun due to their association with negative emotions. Red was found to make us feel agitated while orange was strongly associated with feelings of lethargy and tiredness.

In the Battle of the sexes, women proved themselves to be instinctively in vogue when it comes to picking interior colour schemes. Their top colour choice for living rooms was pink which featured heavily in a number of Autumn/ Winter 2015 Fashion Week collections in February, including Mary Katrantzou, House of Holland and Christopher Kane, while copper blush is Dulux’s colour of the year.

The perfect hue for your personality. Easygoing types, who tend to be naturally calm, showed a preference for white living rooms.

They associated this colour with feeling energetic (25% more than the UK average), indicating that they might not feel the need for a relaxing home environment quite as much as the average person, but instead seek out an energyenhancing palette.

Highly strung personality types, on the other hand, were found to prefer the colour green for their living rooms and associate this colour strongly with feeling calm and relaxed, suggesting that they are looking to surround themselves with colours that will help offset any feelings of stress.

Dr David Lewis, neuroscientist at Mindlab, who partnered with DFS to conduct the Colour Match Experiment, commented on the findings, “It’s clear from the results that there’s a very strong correlation between certain shades and specific emotions. What that means from a psychological perspective is that people should think carefully about their colour selections when decorating, particularly in the living room where the majority of us spend most of our time at home.

The online study of over 1,000 people was supplemented with an offline trial that used cutting edge electroencephalography (EEG) technology to monitor real-time brain activity and map participants’ mental response to colour inputs.

Get the paint swatches out; it’s time to make some big decisions.

Valerie Breese

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Pickwicks

LOVE LOCAL

The ‘Canopy’ wallpaper by Christian Lacroix.

Stunning strong colours, fullof vivid statement! £83.00 per roll, 6 other colours available, including fabrics…

“Throw Back A Glass Of Bubbly, It’s Lacroix Darling!!!” www.pickwickpapers.co.uk 020 8858 1205 Pickwick Papers, 6 Nelson Road London SE10 9JB

Fired Earth To mark London Underground’s 150th anniversary this year, Fired Earth used moulds from the archives to reproduce its historic wall and floor tiles. Some ornate (Edwardian), others retro, they make a distinctive feature in a metropolitan home (from £2.95, Fired Earth).

www.firedearth.com 020 8463 0095 2 Blackheath Grove, SE3 0DD. Dulux Colour of the Year 2015 Cooper Blush

Natural Image Natural Image Kent Ltd offers an extensive range of beautiful, High quality wood and stone flooring that will enchance your home and last for years.

John Green Decor Professional painters and decorators specialising in internal and external decorating, wall coverings, paint effects and specialist spray finishes.

They are fully recognised and assessed to be Dulux Select Decorators and Which? Trusted Traders.

www.stoneandwoodfloors.co.uk.

01580 895488.

Natural Image Kent Ltd, Unit 3, Whitehouse Farm, Green Lane, Chart Sutton, Maidstone Kent ME17 3ES

www.johngreendecor.co.uk 0800 783 1916

Interior design inspired by you Based in south east London, Kt-id creates of stylish and stunning interior design that reflects your personality, lifestyle and interest.

Their experience allows them to take the client from initial concept and design to the completion of work and those all important finishing touches. www.kt-id.com 020 3248 2023 07956 898 418 www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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An Interview with Bob Neill, MP Nicola Berry talks to Bob Neill who has been the elected MP for Bromley and Chislehurst since 2006.

Politics is not a 9-5 job. Rather it’s a way of life and whilst I’m still enjoying it I want to carry on.

I spend four days a week in Parliament but on Fridays I’m out and about in my constituency.

My office is in Chislehurst, so I often take a stroll along the high street to see how things are doing. People will stop me in the street and share their views on subjects such as the Budget or local trading conditions. It’s important I keep in touch with what they’re thinking.

I’m actually an Essex boy who moved to Chislehurst to improve his prospects! I was a barrister before I became an MP and I got to know Chislehurst when I was working on a case. I was elected MP for Bromley and Chislehurst in 2006 and moved to Chislehurst full time. I love the open spaces and the fact that it’s still very much a village with a strong sense of community.

I like to communicate what I do, so I have a website. I’m also on Twitter. I generally hold a surgery every other Friday afternoon in Bromley followed by either Bickley or Chislehurst, where people come to me with their problems. We have a lot of pensioners in the area and they will come to me with issues about their pensions. Knowing how to access local services such as housing, is also a common query. It’s not unusual for me to have a couple of hundred cases on the go at any one time, but thankfully I have a support staff of three who are invaluable. They keeping things moving!

One of the challenges we face is the way we fund local services. Bromley doesn’t always get a fair share so it’s my job to fight for more. There’s considerable pressure on Bromley in terms of development because it’s such a popular place to live. Our biggest challenge is delivering enough houses without destroying the environment, that makes it special.

Like many councils, Bromley has navigated huge government funding cuts, so we’ve got to look at commercial alternatives. This is the case with the new Chislehurst Library. I’m aware of the surrounding controversy but have insisted on maximum consultation. I’m determined that Chislehurst will always have some form of library presence.

I try to visit as many local schools as I can. Recently I went to Ravensbourne, where I met pupils involved in the Send My Friend To School project. I also get asked to support lots of fundraising activities.

I can work a 70 hour week so living in my constituency makes it easier for me to pop in to local events. At the weekend I like to get out and about. I might go to a school fair followed by a walk in Scadbury Park.

I’m a keen historian so I sometimes go on architectural walks, starting with Camden Place and ending up at either St Nicholas or St Mary’s Church; the original burial place of Napoleon III. I’ll often end up at The Bull’s Head.

As an MP I like the fact that I can make a difference. I may not always succeed but it gives me the chance to campaign on behalf of my constituents. For a grammar school boy like me, that’s quite a privilege!

Bob has held a number of high-profile posts including Shadow London Minister, Shadow Local Government Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. He was elected for a second term in 2010 and served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government. In 2012 he became Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party for Local Government. Bob was re-elected for a third term in May 2015 and was recently elected on a cross-party basis as Chairman of the Justice Select Committee.

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CHISLEHURST – Offers in the region of £3,250,000

Two years of reinvention and reconstruction in the late 1990’s has seen this former Government nuclear shelter converted into a stunning modern home complete with a central indoor swimming pool surrounded by the living accommodation and an atrium style opening glass roof above. Triple garaging and games room/au pair suite was built under the sizable lawn. Walking round The Glass House one has to marvel at the foresight and vision of the architects and builders in turning a grey, austere and purely functional building into a fabulous luxury home to be proud of. So many features. EPC rating D.

CHISLEHURST - £1,695,000

Presented to the market in excellent order this home has been fully extended and refurbished with no expense spared creating an extremely stylish house. Extensive accommodation includes some 4 reception rooms, 30’ kitchen/dining area, utility room and downstairs cloakroom while to the upper floors there are 5 double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. EPC rating D.

Buyers still around!

The schools have started their autumn term now and most families are back from their summer holidays, so September always sees an increase in activity on the housing front. If you are thinking of moving before Christmas, now is the ideal time to call us for a valuation and get the ball rolling.

BROMLEY - £1,350,000

Built just four years ago this 5 bedroomed detached house has 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms and a fabulous Stoneham built kitchen/breakfast room with a glass wall overlooking the very pretty landscaped south facing garden. Large bright lounge and a separate dining room.

Double garage and 49’ garden. Chislehurst station is just 0.4 of a mile away. EPC rating C.

Feel free to contact Richard Piddock or Jonathon de Maid for any further help or to arrange a free valuation of your home.

Richard can be contacted at Blackheath 020 8463 0091 richard@jdmestateagents.com Jonathon at Chislehurst 020 8325 8000 jonathon@jdmestateagents.com

CHISLEHURST - £3,500,000

Location is everything and it is a rare privilege to be able to offer such a beautiful 6 bed, 5 reception room house on a large plot in such a fabulous sought after road. Sympathetically extended by the current owners the house retains its existing character but with all the modern facilities expected in a 21st century home of this calibre. Hand-built fitted kitchen and 4 modern bathrooms. EPC rating E.

Established 1996

BLACKHEATH - £1,600,000

Location, location, location. Though a much over used phrase when it comes to talking about what is the most important factor when considering purchasing your dream home, ultimately it’s hard to argue against that logic.

Fabulous 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom semi-detached townhouse is in the heart of Blackheath village yet tucked away in a hidden spot. Off street parking and enclosed garden. EPC rating C Blackheath 020 8463 0091

Locksbottom 01689 880440

Bromley 020 8313 6800

Petts Wood 01689 819819

Chislehurst 020 8325 8000

Lettings 01689 838040

The Perfect Setting Create a very romantic looking table: a white linen tablecloth covered with a pink overlay. Tuck a tiny, perfect rosebud into each guest’s pale pink napkin.

A centrepiece might include varieties of pink blooms, such as roses, orchids and tulips.

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Add a little romance to your wedding day Make it personal and add that je ne sais quoi to your special wedding day.

Engaged at the Eiffel Tower? Incorporate a Parisian theme into everything from your save-the-date cards to the napkins at your cocktail hour. Many couples write their own vows, but you could carry this a bit further. Read aloud a few words from a note or love letter that he sent to you early in your relationship.

Such a gesture will delight him — plus, the fact that you kept the note rates a ten on the romance metre!

Carry the romance theme through your whole day.

Choose a venue that offers a romantic setting and perhaps memories of when you first met. From a simple outdoor reception with hay bales and country dancing, perhaps include a game of cricket to a stately home with chandeliers, ornate mantelpieces and a landscaped garden for guests to roam in.

With naturally gorgeous backdrops like these, you just can’t go wrong.

For a fairy-tale romance effect, try a colour scheme of pinks, whites and silvers. Or use shades of red, from the palest pink to luscious watermelon to a deep rose. If you prefer a more sensual, romantic ambience, choose a palette of strong, passionate reds.

and place one on each reception table. Put the cards in holders so guests can pass them around and enjoy them. For inspiration, think about the most romantic thing you’ve done for each other, how the groom proposed or your favorite thing to do as a couple. You could also include a line from a movie, song or poem that is special to you.

Put friends and families’ wedding photos on display.

This is a wonderfully inclusive way to show how much you appreciate the encouragement and support from everyone who loves you.

Have a lighting specialist create a special glow for your first dance. You might project your married monogram or a simple, swirling design onto the dance floor. It never fails to get guests out there to kick up their heels.

Don’t forget to wow the guests with your stunning, romantic dress. The use of light and exquisite lace fabrics and classic silhouettes come together to create beautiful romantic wedding dresses for brides who want to feel ethereal, graceful, elegant, and above all, beautiful.

Masses of candles will warm everyone’s hearts.

Float them in glass bowls or cluster some in various heights on tables. At an outdoor wedding, you can achieve a magical effect by suspending dozens of tiny electric candles in small glass globes from tree branches. And don’t forget to consider nestling pretty Japanese lanterns among the branches — utterly enchanting!

Have table cards printed with the “firsts” of your romance. The two of you can write these together.

Use them instead of standard table numbers — for example, one table would be the “first kiss” table and another would be the “first date” table and so on.

A somewhat different version of this idea: Have romantic facts about the two of you printed on cards,

The more quirky the better, have fun with your save the day cards and inviatations.

M E RID IA N W EDDINGS

Wedding Planning Timeline

The Bickley pub garden

Often, women have a very fixed idea of what they want when it comes to their wedding day, and can then be disappointed when they can’t find exactly that.

It’s an occasion that happens only once in a lifetime (hopefully) and ‘because of that’ you are thrown into a situation that you have never experienced before.

Very often something that you think is “you” invariably isn’t because of the pressure of the situation. It’s good

12 months before l Narrow down your potential date to two or three l Start a guest list l Begin looking for a wedding dress l Research locations for your wedding venue l Hire a photographer

11 months l Finalise date once you have the venue availability l Plan ceremony & reception décor l Contact a florist to arrange floral deco & bouquets l Arrange tasters and book your caterer

10 months l Search for a celebrant/registrar or vicar to perform the ceremony l Arrange for the license l Order your gown

8 months l Order jewellery l Plan & book your honeymoon

6 months l Edit, proof and print your wedding invitations l Do a run through on your hair & make up for your final look

5 months l Make arrangements for any rental items required l Arrange any additional sound equipment for the reception

to know what you want, but it’s also important to be open-minded and consider other ideas.

Every woman wants it to be the day they cherish most and something that their friends will never forget. Meridian creates a Wedding Planning Timeline complete with a Love Local list of suppliers that can help brides get started with their arrangements.

Win tickets to the UK’s biggest wedding show this autumn!

4 months l Choose groom’s attire l Send out ‘save the date’ cards

3 months l Book accommodation for your wedding night

2 months l Send out your invitations l Finalise the menu with your caterer. l If alcohol is not included, ask about corkage on your own supply of drinks

Immerse yourself in inspiration heaven and shop ‘til you drop at the UK’s biggest wedding show this autumn. From exquisite wedding gowns to fabulous flowers, striking stationery to mouth-watering cakes and honeymoon hideaways to showstopping entertainment, you can try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day, under one roof.

6 weeks l Buy wedding rings l Confirm number of bouquets, centrepieces & boutonnieres with florist

4 weeks l Final guest head count to caterer l Draw up a seating plan l Confirm all arrivals and delivery times with vendors l Relax

Meridian has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer ten lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free! Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry in today!

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save up to £5 off the door price. Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 and £18. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486.

The National Wedding Show. 25 - 27 September London Olympia.

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Your Love Local Wedding Solutions

Bickley Pub If you are looking for intimacy and personality on your wedding day, then The Bickley in the heart of beautiful Chislehurst delivers both in abundance. Our function room offers a dramatic yet tasteful setting for your closest friends and family to celebrate your big day.

We also have our stunning garden available for those summer events that need a bit more space.

Daisy cakes

Glitzy Secrets

Daisy Cakes have been creating beautiful, bespoke wedding cakes for 10 years, delivering flawless cakes that are the perfect centrepiece for your wedding day.

Model wears Rose of Eternity Side Tiara

by Glitzy Secrets - 1940s inspired bold silver tone layered rose encrusted with sparkling clear Austrian crystals and set on a triple crystal studded band.

Book an appointment for a consultation and tasting at their studio in Greenwich. www.daisycakes.co.uk nazan@daisycakes.co.uk 020 8465 5534

The Bickley Pub and Garden Chislehurst Road, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5NP 0208 468 7613

English Heritage Wedding Venues

www.glitzysecrets.com 020 8303 7161 Bexleyheath DA6 8WD

The Beaverwood Karen Woolven Floral Design With decades of experience transforming top venues with gorgeous arrangements, our talented floral design team works tirelessly to turn your dream wedding into reality. www.kwfloraldesign.co.uk 0208 858 1112 Open every day on 18 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT

Whether you are planning to get married, celebrate a milestone birthday, or hold a charity ball, The Beaverwood offers a beautiful and luxury venue for functions and corporate events. Set in extensive private grounds in Chislehurst, and just 12 miles from central London, The Beaverwood is also licensed for civil ceremonies. www.thebeaverwoodclub.co.uk 020 8300 1385 The Beaverwood, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst, BR7 6HF

‘Eltham Palace and Ranger’s House make the perfect back drop for brides and grooms looking for a quintessentially British wedding day. Eltham is unique in its offering of an art deco Palace for your ceremony and beautiful medieval hall for your wedding breakfast. Ranger’s House provides a stunning 18th century villa in the surroundings of Greenwich Park.

For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/weddings

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ME R IDIA N HEALT H

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Bleeding gums in your family?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, a long term inflammation of the gums which can lead to gum recession, bad breath, tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss in some cases.

Not everyone is susceptible to gum disease, but evidence shows that gum disease runs in the family and can be passed from one generation to the next.

“For most people, symptoms of gum disease do not appear until after the age of thirty”, explained Dr Justin Darby, Specialist Periodontist at Finn Dental Specialists, “Patients presenting with gum disease tend to report bleeding gums when they brush or floss their teeth, or have noticed an increase in space between their teeth which collects food or

is perhaps difficult to clean”. If left untreated, gum disease can progress, often without any symptoms such as pain or tenderness, and in some cases it may lead to loss of the tooth. “For a large proportion of my patients that are diagnosed with gum disease, there is a reported family history of gum disease” said Dr Darby.

Gum disease for most people can be easily managed and stabilised with a course of periodontal therapy, however it is very important to identify those patients who are susceptible, early. Treatment requires a careful gum assessment, and a specially prepared plan for daily oral hygiene, followed by regular two or three yearly visits for an assessment of your gums by a dental care professional.

“Most cases, if treated properly, respond really well with no further signs of bleeding” explained Dr Darby, “It’s also far more comfortable chewing on teeth with healthy gums, and many patients tell me just how nice it is to finally be able to chew with firm teeth again.”

Dr Justin Darby is a dental specialist in gum health, gum inflammation, the management of recession around teeth and dental implants.

Finn Dental Specialists, Backwoods, Kelsey Lane, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3NE Tel: 020 8658 1230 www.finndentalspecialists.com

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Wedding Beauty Your beauty regime shouldn’t begin on the day of your wedding!

Start now to ensure you look your bridal best. Great bridal locks require a little love and devotion. We all know that washing, blow-drying, and heat styling on a daily basis makes for a messy head, full of split ends. Start repairing from the inside out. Experts believe that a diet filled with Vitamin B helps bring out your hair’s natural shine (dull hair is actually a symptom of a Vitamin B deficiency). Foods like fish, nuts, and eggs will give you a good head start. On the outside, an invigorating scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment (about 4 weeks prior to the event) not only feels good, but stimulates the hair follicles and adds body. Despite what many bottles claim, there is no way to repair damaged ends -- once your hair breaks, get a trim.

Bromley Bike Co

Bromley Bike Co has been in Bromley for 20 plus years, supplying all types of bikes.

Originally a nationally recognised mountain bike specialist, it now caters for all sectors of the market - from kids to the mature market.

The company can create fabulous custom-built bikes for those who want something a bit special, but if you just want to commute or go out at the weekends, we have a bike for you.

Bromley Bike Co., can offer 0% credit terms, and cycle to work schemes (ask your employer) as well as fully qualified mechanics in our in-store workshop that operates a same day repair service. www.bromleybike.com 0208 290 0807 Bromley Bike Co. 27 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RW.

Eye Care Week The sixth annual National Eye Health Week (NEHW) will take place between 21 – 27 September. Once again, eye care charities, organisations and health professionals from across the UK are joining together to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all.

Having an eye examination at least once every two years should be part of everyone’s health care routine. Over half of all sight loss in the UK is preventable. Visit your optician to catch sight loss early.

Getting Fit Can Be Fun Before I became a fitness expert I was a size 18 gymaphobic, whose idea of exercise was pushing a trolley around the biscuit aisle in my local supermarket.

It wasn’t until my 40s that I discovered the fantastic benefits of exercise, and also that it could actually be fun.

Now, I’m a Personal Trainer, offering completely personalised, one-on-one experiences in the privacy of a private gym.

For a FREE consultation, call Alex Riley on 07845 192 653 or e-mail alexrileypt@gmail.com www.alexrileypt.com REPs registered Level 3 PT TRX Suspension Instructor (TRX FORCE L2 Qualified) Functional Performance Specialist Certified PadBox Instructor www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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Babington House On the 30 September, The Chislehurst Society and Babington House School will be inviting local residents to join them in A Great War Concert.

But did you know the school actually began life in Eltham? Nicola Berry investigates.

Babington House was founded in 1887 by a Belgium widow named Madam Rossel. At the time, young ladies were educated at home, but Madam Rossel had the enlightened idea of opening a school to provide “a liberal education for young ladies and small boys.” She purchased a large property in North Park in Eltham and named her new school in honour of her good friend, the great Victorian writer and politician, Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay.

After just three years Madam Rossel remarried, and Babington House subsequently passed through various owners until 1930, when it was purchased by Miss Perkins and Miss Berry. At the time there were just 80 pupils.

These two ladies had been on the staff of Wycombe Abbey and had ambitious plans to run Babington along the lines of a public school. Under their leadership the school expanded until the site reached as far as Blackheath Golf Club. An important milestone was reached in 1935, when Babington was granted full recognition by the Board of Education, but heartbreak followed when the school was forced to close at the outbreak of WW2.

Faced with loss of income, Miss Perkins and Miss Berry hurriedly found work elsewhere, whilst still having to provide meals for a number of officers who had been billeted at the school. Fortunately former pupils soon began returning from the countryside, where they had been evacuated, and Babington House was able to re-open.

During the post-war years the school continued to thrive, and it was during this time that it acquired its fine reputation for music. In 1958, the school was made into a charitable trust but then came the devastating news; the lease on the land had expired and Miss Berry announced that Babington House was to close. Reaction was swift.

The announcement made headline news and many parents took against Miss Berry, despite her 29 years of dedicated service.

A group of parents mounted a ‘Save Babington’ campaign, and their efforts were rewarded when they discovered the Bilbrough family had put their family mansion, Elmstead Grange, up for sale.

Miss Emily Williams, who had been enticed away from a school in Havant, was persuaded to take on Babington’s Headship and oversee the move to Elmstead Woods. Just a handful of teachers and 48 pupils made the journey, but a number of loans, amongst them from the loyal Miss Berry, ensured its success. The last speech day of the old school

took place on the 18th July 1959 with the dedication of a window in Holy Trinity Church, Eltham.

Babington House re-opened at its new home in Chislehurst on Tuesday, 22nd September 1959.

The move proved a huge success and the school has continued to flourish. There have been many changes over the last few years: Babington House now takes boys as well as girls up to the age of 11 and has recently opened a new Sixth Form.

One thing’s for certain. The move to Chislehurst certainly paid off and the school is now an important part of the local community. Miss Berry would have been proud!

Mr Neil Jopson is continuing to research the history of Babington House and will post regular updates on the School’s website. If past pupils have memories from their time at Babington House that they would like to share, please email them to: smean@babingtonhouse.com

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Just Two’s, cornerstone of the community.

You hear about poor quality childcare daily on news channels, in the papers and through social media, well here is a nursery that seems to be bucking the trend. Just Two’s, which is located at the wonderful Mycenae House, Blackheath, London has been in operation for the last 15 years. Seen as a cornerstone of the community, this wonderful small and independent nursery has seen countless children come through its doors and leave as independent, well rounded children, who go onto a number of local schools within the area.

The nursery has seen somewhat of a transformation over the last couple of months with the help of Mycenae House. The nursery now has a brand new wooden floor, new secured doors with security locks and new age appropriate equipment for the children.

The nursery also has new management, as well as experienced care givers, with whom some of them have been there from the very beginning. All members of staff are nurturing and warm and provide an environment which is stimulating and inviting.

Due to the success of Just Two’s, In January 2015, the nursery opened its new preschool room which is known as Just Threes. Although early days, it is destined to be a huge success amongst parents and children.

The nursery in the early days only use to operate from 9:30am to 12:30pm, but due to the success of the nursery and the demand for this unique setting, from Monday 7th September 2015, the doors will be open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, term time only.

If you ask most parents, when it comes to child care, the one aspect which is on high on the agenda of parents is cost. Just Two’s, I think it will be fair to say is one of the most reasonable priced nurseries within the area. They have a motto which is “childcare need not be expensive” without compromising on the quality. Just Two’s also offer the free 15 hours which is rarity in itself and is among a small number of nurseries to do this.

Just Two’s is not just unique in its approach, but at its foundation, it believes that childcare should be open to every family and child. Just Two’s welcomes everyone without judgment, and you could say that this is one of the pillars which has led to it becoming a cornerstone of the community. www.justtwos.com

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Brilliantly Bromley High

We are a school where both excellence and endeavour are valued; where academic achievement and extra-curricular commitment are expected of every girl; where every girl’s intellectual potential is nurtured.

In 25 leafy acres, girls have space to grow and have fun and they make rapid progress academically and socially. They are happy to express intellectual enthusiasm; free to pursue their interests without regard to preconceptions about ‘boys’ subjects’ or ‘girls’ subjects’; confident to take the lead in the multitude of opportunities we offer. Our girls participate with enthusiasm and commitment in Music, Drama, Sport and an overabundant range of activities – and where they have interest or talent or enthusiasm, it is nurtured so that they learn to excel. This year alone, our girls have sung on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, played in national youth orchestras, won starring role in television and the West End and competed at a national level in Swimming, Diving, Athletics, Tennis, Netball, Biathlon and Cross Country.

Aspirational and innovative, Bromley High School was shortlisted in 2015 (alongside Wellington, Brighton College, Kilgraston and Newcastle Grammar School) for ‘Outstanding Progress in a UK Independent School.’

Bromley High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK and an extraordinarily effective network for innovation in teaching and learning and for the sharing of best practice whether it is excellence in hockey, Oxbridge Entrance or Career Networking with its alumnae network of 65,000 women. We believe that a girls’ school education, where girls gain the experience and expectation of taking the lead, gives our young women the competitive edge in employment but also gives them a network of female friends who will sustain them throughout their adult lives.

As an HMC school, we offer girls plenty of opportunities to collaborate and be creative with boys – we host academic conferences, specialist careers events (such as our recent ‘So You Want to be a Doctor’ Day), fashion shows, debates and we even keep bees in a joint environmental project with a local boys’ school. Yet we also have a uniquely developed understanding of what is required to keep girls happy and healthy in a demanding world. ‘Resilience’ is taught as a timetabled subject to our teenage girls in the SUMO programme (Stop, Understand and Move On.) At Bromley High School, your daughter will thrive.

Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School Taster Sessions: 3+ years: 10th, 18th, 24th November; 6+ years: 13th October; 10+ years: 10th & 18th November 2015 Pre-registration is essential as places are limited. Please contact admissions@bro.gdst.net or register online at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Twitter @bromleyhs

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Successfully Steering Boys into University Last year, after the A level results and university applications process was completed, UCAS issued a warning that weak demand for higher education among men was becoming more of a pressing issue than under-representation of youngsters from poor homes, with girls being a third more likely to enter university. The same complaints have been heard this year.

This shocking statement was attributed, by the press, to a school system that is failing our boys. Teaching practices, the exam system and a shortage of male teachers were all deemed to be contributing factors.

The recent reforms to education, with the re-introduction of end of course exams and less bite-sized modules, will go some way to redressing the perceived in-built bias in the examination system. But the thought that so many young men, with all of their potential, are being let down throughout the school system is heinous.

Teaching boys in a single sex environment enables teaching methods to be adapted to facilitate learning in the most productive way. Engaging and active learning, challenging experiments and stimulating field work together with a culture of genuinely independent learning suits bright boys.

And a boys only environment up to the age of 16 also allows young men to engage with the creative subjects without fear of ridicule or appearances.

Healthy participation in choirs, orchestras and ensembles, drama and art helps boys to broaden their minds and keep active through the many co-curricular opportunities that these subjects bring with them. Keeping boys occupied and

active, multi-tasking and happy, develops well-rounded and happy individuals who become organised and focused learners.

Excellent teaching staff is a priority for a school such as Eltham College.

Many male teachers as well as the female teachers, are able to inspire the boys, making their education and learning interesting and fun, both within the confines of the classroom and outside it with the many societies and trips facilitated to enhance the curriculum.

Eltham College is proud of its efforts to inspire boys with a desire to learn and of its records of examination success. Pupils enter higher education at a university of their choice; almost all go on to elite Russell Group universities, with high numbers going to Oxford and Cambridge. With dedicated resources and advice enabling access to international universities too, students at Eltham College show that entry to university for both genders is stronger than ever.

Guy Sanderson, Headmaster of Eltham College www.elthamcollege.london

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Life starts here

From Colfe’s School to 10 Downing Street? A bit of a leap, perhaps?

Not for Sixth Former Marcus Brockman. Thanks to an internship arranged through the school, he spent part of his summer helping civil servants to organise a conference of NATO leaders. He said, “Journeying up and down Whitehall from the Department for Business to Downing Street, I was able to see first-hand the work that keeps the country running.”

At the same time, Emma Williams was working on design projects with Arup, the global engineering firm. Arup met her at Colfe’s Careers Convention and she impressed them, as simple as that. After the work experience she’s keener than ever to be an engineer. As a bonus, she said, “it improved my social skills and confidence dramatically.”

And that’s the point. Colfe’s Sixth Form isn’t the end of school: it’s the start of real life.

Whether you go for university (as most do) or your first job, it’s the personal qualities you absorb at Colfe’s that can give you the edge. Mental resilience, teamworking, leadership ...

You develop these qualities by doing, not just learning about them. Hence the internships. Hence the Sixth Form teacher who said, “Our job is done when you no longer need us” – because by then you will have learned to think, work and plan for yourself. And hence Colfe’s hugely popular Outdoor Pursuits programme and Cadet Force. When asked, ‘Why join the Cadet Force?’ one student didn’t hesitate: “It teaches you how to communicate with people and lead them.”

Come and find out more about life at Colfe’s: Saturday 26 September: whole-school open morning, 9.00am – 12.00 noon Saturday 8 October: Sixth Form open evening, 5.00pm – 9.00pm Saturday 7 November: Senior School open morning, 9.00am – 12.00 noon See the superb new the Sixth Form Centre, with its dedicated areas for study and common room – as well as a coffee bar. www.colfes.com

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Sport & Creative Success at Faraday Faraday Independent Prep school is starting the new year with a revamped playground, thanks to a Sport England grant award.

The school were lucky enough to win a Primary Spaces grant after demonstrating that PE and play provision could be greatly enhanced by improved facilities.

Thanks to the grant, the pupils now have a climbing wall, soft play surface, kick walls, hoops and new goal posts – all within the dramatic backdrop of the O2.

Faraday has a unique historical location, besides the River Lea, at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

The school is nestled in a creative hub known for its art and music. Whilst the knowledge-based curriculum is traditional, pupils additionally benefit

Enriching young minds For over 125 years Sydenham High School GDST has been educating girls aged 4 to 18 to outstandingly high standards.

Our belief that a 21st century education is about more than examining our students is equally central to our success. So, as well as being proud of students’ excellent exam results, we are equally proud of our award-winning choir, talented musicians, drama, creativity and excellent sport.

from inspiring collaborative projects with resident artists.

Faraday also has its own nod to the Wharf’s nautical past with a shipping container playground on the roof and two container classrooms on the ground floor.

Some pupils travel to school by boat from North Greenwich pier and others take the more traditional approach and use the school bus service, travelling from Canada Water, Mile End, Wapping and beyond.

Head Teacher, Susan Stark, explained Faraday’s uniqueness: “Our location and environment must surely be one of the most unusual in London.

However, what makes us really special are our excellent standards of maths and literacy and the confidence and happiness of our pupils.” www.faradayschool.co.uk

BREASIDE CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING EXAMINATION RESULTS

We pride ourselves on enriching young minds in a way that will endure when exam grades are forgotten. That enrichment is embedded in school life, right from Junior School. With small class sizes and individual attention, our education focuses on helping each student to achieve her personal best.

For details of our Open Days see our website at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Enrolling now for September Each year Adult Learning Lewisham (ALL) helps over 4000 people to achieve their goals, improve their skills and transform their lives through learning. We offer classes in modern facilities with well equipped classrooms, specialist art, design and textiles workshops. ALL offers a friendly relaxed environment in which to learn with supportive, knowledge staff to help you make the most of your time with us.

With over 1,000 courses on offer there is something for everyone; from art, to childcare, to clothes making, to ICT and English and maths.

Not all of our courses require a big commitment.

If you like, you can choose a shorter course or a one-off workshop.

Adult learning Lewisham has three main centre’s across the borough in Brockley, Lewisham and Grove Park; ten minutes from Grove Park, Lewisham and Honor Oak Park stations.

It’s never too late to learn something new so why not enroll now for courses starting in September? For details on how to enroll and a full list of courses visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/adultlearning or call 020 8314 3300.

This piece of glass work below was made by one of our learners on a glass work bowls fusing and slumping course.

Breaside Preparatory School prepares pupils from 2½ to 11 years for both Grammar and Independent Senior Schools in a caring and nurturing environment.

Once again, SATs and 11+ entry results for 2015 were outstanding.

Pupils also received academic, creative and sports scholarships to Eltham College, Trinity, Colfes, Walthamstow Hall and Bromley High, together with places offered to local Grammar Schools, including St Olave’s, Newstead Woods, The Judd, Dartford, Tonbridge, Beths, Chislehurst and Sidcup and Wilmington.

Breaside is committed to achieving the very best for each individual child from Kindergarten through to preparation for secondary transfer at the end of Year 6. info@breaside.co.uk, www.breaside.co.uk www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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Aim high at Babington!

“Babington House is an outstanding school in every way. The boys and girls receive a first class education in a supportive and academic environment.” Tim Lello, Headmaster Fast becoming the school of choice in the Bromley area, Babington House School is an independent day school from 3 to 18 years, situated in a beautiful group of buildings on Grange Drive in Chislehurst, Bromley. It is co-educational up to 11 years old, girls only from 11 to 16 and has a mixed Sixth Form.

This is a really exciting time for Babington with the arrival of a lot of new children and boys now being accepted to the age of 11.

The pupils are enjoying using the new sports grounds on Elmstead Lane.

Babington has also added to the sporting provision by building a state of the art climbing wall on the school grounds. Sport is taken seriously at Babington House and pupils compete at the highest levels in several disciplines.

Entry to the Senior Department is selective but unlike other schools, at Babington it is possible to take assessment tests for entrance into Year 7 during a taster day while your child is in Year 6. This makes the whole experience less stressful and as the Headmaster, Mr Lello, said “it gives us a chance to see the wider talents and gifts of our prospective pupils”.

The Sixth Form is unusual in that most of the ‘free periods’ are on Wednesdays, when the students undertake work experience in a variety of professional and business contexts; something that will help their university applications stand out and provide them with great self-confidence.

Above all, Babington provides an academic environment which is tailored to the needs of your son or daughter, believing that bright children benefit from carefully monitored and well directed learning, where self-discipline is highly prized and where each pupil is known as an individual. This helps Babington House pupils grow into confident, accomplished, creative young people with emotional intelligence and high standards.

The years at school are precious; the lessons learned can last a lifetime. That is why it is so important to find the school that is right for your son or daughter; the school where they will be happy and love learning from the outset.

Our academic, social and sporting endeavours are underpinned by core Christian values which include a respect for others and an awareness of a purpose greater than us.

Come and see for yourself – Open Morning on Saturday, 3rd October from 9am www.babingtonhouse.com

Steiner education…

A Love of Learning Greenwich Steiner School a dynamic and modern version of the Steiner Waldorf curriculum to provide an all-round education for children aged 3-14 years.

Steiner education develops a love of learning and an enthusiasm for school through artistic activity and the development of the imagination as integral to learning.

The priority of the Steiner ethos is to provide an unhurried and creative learning environment, which is experienced, explored and savoured. The main differences you first observe at a Steiner school are that the children do not start formal literacy and numeracy until aged 6. From age 3 to 6 they are in kindergarten where there they learn through free play and imitation. From age 7 until 14, children have the same class teacher, which fosters a real sense of security within the pupils.

Whole class, mixed ability teaching is the norm.

Children learn to play a stringed musical instrument and eurythmy (expressive movement) as well as all the subjects of the national curriculum in a way, which engenders creativity,

resilience and the joy of learning rather than academic hot-housing.

The children become confident, sociable and able young people equipped to move on successfully to mainstream schools.

In the school’s most recent Ofsted report, the findings were: ‘…there is much outstanding teaching, which results in enthusiastic learning and high standards’ ‘Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) make a good start to their education; their personal and emotional development is outstanding…’

‘The quality of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding; they are confident, articulate young people with high selfesteem who value both their own uniqueness and that of others.’

Steiner schools have a reputation for producing well-rounded and balanced human beings who are able to cope with the demands of a fast-changing and uncertain world.

Open Day on Saturday 3 October 2015 10am-12.30pm Greenwich Steiner School Kindergartenm Lower & Middle School Woodlands, 90 Mycenae Road Blackheath London, SE3 7SH 020 8858 4404 www.greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk

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Learning together, enjoying success

At Corelli College Co-operative Academy we are uncompromising in our ambition for our students and emphasise scholastic excellence in academic and vocational work. We are committed to providing exceptional opportunities for all, in a culture of the highest of expectations of, and for, our students.

We maximise success by ensuring all students are provided with rich, high quality educational opportunities, within our culture of high aspiration where achievement is recognised and celebrated. Our central aim is to enable each young person to achieve great things in whatever he or she undertakes. We pride ourselves on continuously striving to offer the highest quality teaching and learning experiences and use self-improvement to drive up standards.

To coincide with the completion of a new state of the art Sports Hall development including a multi-gym and dance studio, the academy is launching two new sporting opportunities available to all Corelli College Co-operative Academy students.

Corelli Basketball Academy Our elite Corelli Basketball Academy has been formed through the success of the National and International schools’ Basketball Programmes. Primarily the Basketball Academy caters for sixth form students from the age of 16 to 19.

However, girls and boys aged 11 – 16 will be able to tap into numerous playing opportunities through the Corelli Basketball Academy.

Coach, Joel Moore, ex England Men’s Team Basketball player, will be running the Corelli Basketball Academy. Joel has a wealth of experience spanning 40 years in Basketball as a professional player and has coached at various universities and academies for the past 20 years. Joel is also a Basketball Tutor for England Basketball teams.

Corelli Basketball Academy has links with some of the biggest Basketball clubs in Europe in Germany, Belgium and France. We also have links to ‘under 21’ Academies which in turn have professional links in Holland and Belgium alongside strong and successful connections with several American Universities.

Maze Hill

Corelli College SurPASS Your Goals SurPASS Your Goals is a football training scheme offered at Corelli College Co-operative Academy to provide girls and boys with the unique opportunity to be coached by professional footballers and embrace the principles that give professionals the edge, by recreating an environment that aims to mimic that of a professional club while still sharing an enjoyment of the game.

Students benefit from sessions delivered by Solomon Taiwo - a former Corelli College Co-operative Academy student, who went on to play professionally for nine years and now holds F.A. certified coaching badges. Solomon has played for Cardiff, Dagenham and Redbridge, Luton and Leyton Orient in over 300 professional games against and with the elite of football, to name a few - Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Yanick Bollasi, Jason Puncheon and Joe Ledley. Corelli College girls and boys football teams continue to make excellent progress in local leagues, we believe SurPASS Your Goals will add to our success on and off the pitch. www.corellicollege.org.uk

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Short Courses at GoldsmithsJoin our community of learning In October, Goldsmiths, University of London will unveil a brand new portfolio of short courses to be offered alongside its established arts, design, humanities, and social sciences degrees. These evening and weekend courses in a range of subjects - including Creative Writing, London Literature, Music, Dance and Chinese Mandarin - are a chance for members of the public to come and learn something at Goldsmiths alongside work and daily commitments.

When Goldsmiths opened in 1891, we provided short courses that focused on “the promotion of technical skill, knowledge, health and general well-being among men and women of the industrial, working and artisan classes”. As a modern institution, Goldsmiths is still devoted to nurturing creative talent and developing cultural industries and as a degree-provider, we rank among the global elite.

These courses, offered by prestigious departments such as Design, English, Anthropology and Psychology are taught by the same experts that teach our degrees. So whether you want to learn a new career skill, develop your networks, enhance your job prospects or just explore a new hobby, why not come and do it at a world-class university?

For more information on short courses at goldsmiths visit: www.Gold.ac.uk/short-courses/

MONKEY MUSIC CLASSES BLACKHEATH AND GREENWICH

Promoting Excellence At Plumstead Manor we are committed to providing an education that promotes success, harmony, excellence and justice. We recognise that high quality teaching, in a safe and friendly environment are vital to helping all of our young people succeed.

There are a key set of qualities that are the hallmark of learning here: creativity, collaboration, resilience, discipline, imagination, curiosity, and tolerance, all of which support our commitment to excellence in learning for everyone. These dispositions empower our young people to become independent and fearless learners, to be in command of their own future success and to go on to lead and change the world for the better.

Head Teacher Douglas Greig commented: “Across both academic and vocational pathways this year’s results demonstrate our commitment to providing high quality teaching, in a safe and friendly environment. We’ve seen 28 students gain 5 A* or A grades, and 5 students in Year 11 achieved A*or A grades in all of their subjects.

I have to pay tribute to the hard work of the staff at the school, and to the dedication and commitment of so many of our students which have seen them achieve so well.”

Overall 51% of students gained 5 A*C including English and Maths, and 74% gained 5 A* to C grades. 19% of grades were at A*A and 23% of students achieved the EBACC. www.plumsteadmanor.com.

Monkey Music is enrolling for the autumn term now! Monkey Music offers top quality music classes to pre-school children from 3 months to 4 years. Four separate curricula specifically cater for each age group using original songs, beautiful props and percussion instruments. Rebecca Maskell who originally trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama has been running Monkey Music classes in the local area for 18 years and continues to love introducing music to very young babies and then watching them develop and grow into little musicians!

Book a free trial session for September blackheath.dulwich@monkeymusic.co.uk 020 8291 4092 www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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Developing the right attitudes of mind It was a real pleasure to hear from two inspirational women at this year’s annual GDST conference: Sacha Romanovitch, CEO Elect of Grant Thornton UK LLP, and Sandie Okoro, General Counsel of HSBC Global Asset Management.

It was reassuring to hear that what we want to instil in the girls at Blackheath High chimes so well with what these employers want to see. Of course academic qualifications are important, but the message was very clear that it is the right attitude of mind that is essential.

Sacha Romanovitch went further. She doesn’t want an “expert” with a perfect knowledge base – it is easy for anyone to access information these days. Her company looks for initiative, adaptability and conceptual agility. An ever-changing world needs people who might not know an answer but who will find a way through the problem. Resilience is right up there too, sheer tenacity in ‘keeping on keeping on’ is highly valued by both women. Both also talked about the ability to work with other people, to facilitate consensus and respect different perspectives, because the best collective thinking comes from diverse minds.

Sandie Okoro spoke of the need for courage and confidence in the workplace, and not to take advice based on current stereotypical views. Starting out in work, she had been warned of the perils of being a woman managing a man – it’s reassuring to know that this is now an irrelevancy. The issues of the future will be different to the issues of today, and our girls need the imagination and flexibility to cope with whatever comes their way.

We are confident that the extra we give to the students at Blackheath High focuses on acquiring these attitudes of mind. One example of this was clear at the GDST Junior Quiz tournament in June; we could see our Year 5 and 6 girls realising the need to work as a team, to think quickly and to take a risk pressing their buzzers if they wanted to win.

A recent and impressive mock election campaign run by our Year 12 girls saw them rebound from all sorts of challenges: a lethargic electorate; unpredictable guest speakers and technical hitches. All of these potential setbacks were handled with aplomb, energy and imagination; what employer wouldn’t be delighted with such an approach?

Our girls constantly amaze us with their attitude. Disaster nearly struck the Year 5 and 6 drama production when ‘Robin Hood’ came down with laryngitis, but another girl picked up the script, learned it, and played the whole role later the same day to a packed theatre. No fuss, no dramas, she just got on and performed brilliantly.

These activities and events matter but, of course, so do those all-important academic outcomes. For many state schools the focus is all about testing and league positions. We are so fortunate not to have to bow to this. We can achieve highly whilst still developing the qualities the girls will need in the future, through a broad, balanced and enriching curriculum.

Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head, Blackheath High School and Sarah Skevington, Head of Blackheath High School Junior School.

Open events in October and November – see www.blackheathhighschool.gds

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Superstar Saints’ Great Results St Saviour’s and St Olave’s is once again delighted to announce impressive A level results. Over 50% of grades are between A* and B, making this the fourth year in a row that this benchmark has been achieved. There was also a 100% pass rate, without a single failure. Within this array of fantastic results, there were some outstanding outcomes for individual students: Samantha Hunter (A*A*AA) will take up a place at Imperial College, London to study Physics. She said: “ I wasn’t feeling too nervous until the last week or so.

I got up at 6.30 this morning and just kept refreshing the UCAS website, but now that I’ve got in, I can’t believe it!”

Amongst a number of students securing places at Russell Group universities are Emily Wong (A*AAA) who will study Psychology at University College, London, and Magdalene Kasshun who will be going to Southampton to study Medicine. The following students also achieved A* and A grades in all their subjects: Franciska Howarth (A*AA), Larise Cummings (AAA), Dana Nurse (AAA) Headteacher, Catherine May, said: “I am delighted with these results. They reflect the hard work of the girls and their teachers as well as the support of their families. We have girls going to the best universities and into some excellent opportunities in the world of work. I am proud that, in a relatively small 6th Form, girls have succeeded in an impressive range of academic subjects from Further Maths to Drama and from Modern Languages to Psychology. I am confident that they have, in addition to strong qualifications, the personal skills and qualities to make a difference in the world. I wish them every success.”

Head of 6th Form, John Breslin expressed his delight: “This confirms my belief that whether you are aiming for the best universities or the most prestigious industry placements, St Saviour’s girls have shown that with hard work and commitment, you can achieve these goals. We are heavily oversubscribed for entry in September 2015 and this is testament to the outstanding reputation that our staff and students have established.”

If you have a daughter approaching secondary school age and would like to find out more about St Saviour’s & St Olave’s then make sure you attend at least one of the up and coming open sessions: Thursday 17th September (10am), Tuesday 22nd September (6pm), Wednesday 23rd September (10am and Thursday 1st October (10am).

More information about the school can be found online at www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk.

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King’s Rochester - Top academic results and so much more.

Founded in 604 AD, King’s Rochester is the oldest Cathedral Choir school in the world and the second oldest school. No surprise that it has built on these great historic foundations to become an outstanding 21st century school for 3 to 18 year old boys and girls.

King’s is proudly broad-ability but academic results are impressive at all levels.

In 2015, King’s A level pupils netted over 80% A* to C grades with over a third being A* or A and almost two thirds, A* to B. At GCSE, top grades were up again with almost half of all grades being A* and A and just under 70%, A* to B. In Pre-Prep and Prep, 2015 Key Stage 1 and 2 results again exceeded national scores and the latest (2013) inspection report (ISI) deemed Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools “good” or “outstanding” in all areas.

At King’s we recognise that every child is unique with talents and strengths which extend far beyond the classroom. Music plays a central role here and many concerts are staged in Rochester Cathedral - our School Chapel. Our Cathedral Choristers have recorded for BBC radio and television, performed on London’s South Bank and taken part in many, more local festivals in addition to singing at the daily Cathedral services. The outstanding musical abilities of our pupils cross all musical disciplines from Choral Music to Strings, Piano to Percussion and Opera to Jazz and, this year, Kieran Lamb has just earned a place, with his 3 A* grades, to read Music at Magdalen College, Oxford.

King’s Rochester Sports Centre provides first-rate sports facilities for local residents as well as for King’s pupils with seven outdoor (Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) approved) tennis courts, five netball courts, a large multi – purpose Sports Hall, fitness gym and physio suite. Together with a boathouse

on the Medway for rowing, King’s pupils also have a heated, indoor pool on site and access to first-class rugby and hockey pitches at nearby Holcombe.

Easily accessible from Kent and South East London and only 30 minutes by train from Bromley South and Central London, King’s has now added a new Blackheath route to its already extensive bus network. King’s enjoys a beautiful, safe location in the heart of Rochester.

To find out more about the School, a great place to start is our Open Day on Saturday 3rd October 2015 from 9.15am to 12.00pm. No booking is required but for further information, please contact Registrar, Lynne Davies on 01634 888590 or email admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk.

M E RID IA N EDUCAT IO N

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Shooters Hill Campus Over 13 years Shooters Hill Post 16 Campus has built a strong reputation for providing an enriching and empowering adult learning environment.

The majority of our Ten Thousand students have gone onto university, or into apprenticeships, opened their own businesses or found exciting careers in their chosen industries. The Campus is immensely proud of their achievements and the legacy it is making in our local community. This summer we are celebrating another set of outstanding results.

If you would like to find out more about The Campus come to one of our Open Days or visit our website at www.shootershill.ac.uk

ASK THE LANGUAGE EXPERT

Apprenticeships earn while you learn!

If you are 16 – 18 and left school this summer - you can start to earn while continuing to learn with an Apprenticeship or Traineeship at Shears Academy!

Traineeships - You will be supported to find a placement, and you will learn all the skills you need to become “work ready” and move on to the Apprenticeship of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to get the best of both worlds, you gain work experience and a qualification at the same time, what more could you want?!

Apprenticeships – Include a City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ; training takes place at work and at the Academy one day each week. You will be paid a minimum Apprenticeship rate of £2.73 p/hour (increasing to £3.30 in October) so you will earn while you learn – we have salons waiting to employ you!

The Shears Academy team will be there to help you every step of the way, and if you are committed and hardworking you could be qualified in just over 1 year!

Shears caters for everyone; so don’t wait, call Carole NOW on 020 8461 3504 for a brochure, and she will help you chose the best course for you! email: admin@shearsacademy.co.uk Website: www.shearsacademy.co.uk www.facebook.com/shears academy

Bethany School’s Year of Celebration This coming academic year is an auspicious time for Bethany School near Goudhurst, which is celebrating 150 years since its establishment. The School, which sits in the heart of the Kent Weald, has organised a whole host of celebrations, beginning with the unveiling of a new sculpture, designed by a pupil and styled on the historic oak tree, which is also the School logo. A Grand Celebratory Ball, to take place next summer, is in advanced stages of planning, and is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of festivities. More details will be announced later in the year.

Open Mornings: Sat 26 September 2015 Wed 7 October 2015 www.bethanyschool.org.uk

Neve Ludzik Dir. of Studies at LIVE TO LEARN LANGUAGES

Real benefits of learning languages While multilingualism may not necessarily make you smarter, it does make your brain more healthy, actively engaged and efficient . This is why: The effort and attention needed to switch between languages triggers brain activity, strengthening memory capacity.

Also, actions like problem solving, focusing while filtering out irrelevant information and switching between tasks become more effective.

Last but not least, the heightened workout a multilingual brain receives can help delay the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia by up to five years.

So as you can see, when it comes to our brains, a little exercise can go a long way.

Visit www.livetolearnlanguages.com www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

CELEBRATIONS AT SHOOTERS HILL CAMPUS. Shooters Hill is celebrating with their students and families one of the strongest set of results it has achieved in its 13 year history. A* and A grades at A Level have both increased across the Arts, Humanities and Science subjects. This improvement is matched by a very high percentage passrate of Distinction & Distinction* grades at Level 3 BTECs that cross ten specialist vocational areas.

Mark Vincent, Head Teacher for the Campus states: ‘Our 2015 results are looking to be the best we have ever achieved. Over two hundred Campus students will be going to university this autumn; with the majority getting their first-choice places. The senior team and governors are very proud of the talent, hard work and effort shown by our students and staff. It’s a very positive and successful results day.’

Vocational Stars

The following students all received 3x Distinction Stars D* the highest possible grade for a vocational programme.

A&D:

Emanuel Colban

D*D*D*

Sport:

William Shuck

D*D*D*

Media: Business:

Susette Anson Martha Akele

H&S Care: Oljumoke Femi-Dada Chantelle Barritt

ICT:

Joe Kelly

Science:

Ryan Duke

Adeola Akinade

Michael Newcombe Ayomilekan Oni Larisha Amatya

D*D*D D*D*D

D*D*D* D*D*D* D*D*D* D*D*D* D*D*D* D*D*D* D*D*D* D*D*D*

Find out more at www.shootershill.ac.uk or Call 020 8319 9427

Les Happee Tummeez fruits compotĂŠes

Add that little je ne sais quoi to your everyday diet.

Crafted compotĂŠes with natural ingredients, steamed, crushed, mildly pasteurised, NO additive ! Suitable for gluten intolerants, vegans, diabetics and children from 6 months. Stay Happee Currently sold at Greenwich Baby Boutique 52 Greenwich Church Street, London SE10 9LB Call 07795965444 or e-mail hello@happeetummeez.com More on Facebook.com/leshappeetummeez or on Twitter @happeetummeez

ME R IDIA N FO O D & DRINK

Kitcho by Aji Ichiban

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Spirited Tasting and Crafty Beer Tours Try some truly local produced beers and spirits this autumn, just ring ahead and book a tour.

While London’s craft beer craze grabs the headlines, there are many excellent distilleries across the city creating small-batch gins, vodkas and liquers, too.

Greeted by smiles as we stepped inside this vibrant restaurant, we instantly felt the warmth of a family run business.

Over gin and tonics we studied the extensive menu, which certainly covered all aspects of Japanese cuisine. We were spoilt for choice and decided on a combination of sushi, robata, the chef’s special maki and a la carte dishes.

Although artistic presentation is the emphasis of Japanese cuisine, the menu did not provide pictures. However, we later discovered the food was definitely served in style!

We started with the chef’s special maki rolls to share (8 pieces per roll), and the ‘Tornado’ definitely lived up to its name! Presented asymmetrically with a combination of height and contrast, our table began to fill with a variety of dishes.

Our robata and a la carte dishes included grilled salmon with teriyaki (Yakizakana), pork fried with ginger, sake and soy sauce (Buta Shoga Yaki) and sweet potato tempura. All were delicious, and you receive plenty to make you feel contented. That didn’t stop us wanting more of the ‘Yakizakana’ that was incredibly flavoursome.

Mead was the drink of choice for discerning drinkers in the craft-beer bars and hip cocktail clubs of the Middle Ages, and it looks set for a comeback.

Gosnells has gone back to the traditional base of mead, using just honey and water. No addition of hops, apples or grapes, just a product that celebrates the simplicity of the drink, and the sweet, floral notes of the honey. They use traditional ingredients and methods to create mead with a modern twist; served in a 330ml bottle, 5.5% ABV and lightly sparkling.

Gosnells Beverages Ltd. Unit 2, Chadwick Road, Peckham SE15 4PU. www.gosnells.co.uk 020 3289 9562 The granddaddy of the London craft beer scene, Meantime Brewery has been making delicious beers in Greenwich since 2000. Founded by Alastair Hook, a graduate of the world famous brewing school at the Technical University of Munich, Meantime’s beers are notable for their subtlety of flavour. The brewery combines the brewing methods of small-scale craft beer production found in wartime London with the precision of modern technology. A comprehensive tour of the brewery followed by a tutored tasting of a selection of their beers.

Lawrence Trading Estate, Blackwall Lane, London SE10 0AR. www.meantimebrewery.com 020 8293 1111.

After another round of maki sushi, this time crispy duck and cucumber rolls, we were addicted to the authenticity and freshness of the food. We decided to pass on desserts, which took a lot of debating as the green tea ice cream served at our neighbouring table gave us food envy!

The Bermondsey Distillery is housed in a railway arch beneath the main line from London Bridge station. The still itself is unique: designed and built to Christian Jensen’s precise specifications by John Dore & Co, one of the original still makers. Out of sight, behind the still is a fully equipped laboratory where new spirits and infusions are developed and refined.

Spread over two floors, this stunning new restaurant has definitely brought the taste of Japanese food back to west Greenwich. Book ahead, especially at the weekend, as word is spreading fast about the re-opening.

Hannah Winterbourne

Try Old Tom, a faithful reproduction of a 1840s recipe, it is unique on the modern day gin market in that it is unsweetened. It is rooty; intensely complex and a fantastic base for many a cocktail, as well as making a divine gin & tonic!

57 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JL www.kitcho.co.uk 020 8691 5511

Open on Saturdays for tastings.

55 Stanworth Street, Bermondsey SE1 3NY. www.bermondseydesign.com 020 7237 1500.

Win dinner for two at Locale, Blackheath Locale’s signature steak, Fiorentina T-bone steak for two. A 1 kilo steak especially imported from Tuscany from 100% Chianina beef accompanied by triple cooked fries, wilted spinach and seasonal vegetables.

Washed down with a bottle of Argentinean Malbec.

A DINNE R FOR TWO

To enter go to www.meridian-magazine.co.uk/win or send a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone to 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE. www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

ME R IDIA N FO O D & DRINK

Pub Classics at The Queens Head

By Nicola Berry

There are times when, after a day spent at the computer, all I want is a simple bite to eat. Nothing fancy; just a decent meal in a good pub for under £20 a head. Nowadays, this isn’t as easy as it sounds, so I was impressed when I saw The Queen’s Head in Chislehurst advertising a three course, set menu for £10.99? Hmm, I thought.

That sounds too good to be true.

Turns out, it’s not!

The Queen’s Head has undergone a serious transformation in the last 12 months. To be honest, I haven’t been there for years (I suspect many locals will say the same) but trust me, it’s changed. The new manager, Scott, runs a tight ship and things are very different under his eagle-eyed gaze.

The pub was completely refurbished last November and now boasts cosy corners for two and generously-sized long tables for families and groups. There’s even a designated table for regulars.

I suspect the main attraction for many will be the number of hand-pulled pumps; eleven in winter and seven in summer (the others are cider).

Scott tells me the latest favourite is a Shipyard American Pale Ale and with prices ranging from £2.85 £3.80 a pint, buying a round here is less of a heart-stopping gesture.

And so to the food. The menu covers all tastes, from proper pub classics to Fish Pie, Burgers and salads plus a good choice of little meals for little people. I chose from the evening set menu: crispy battered mushrooms with a dip to start followed by an attractively presented pulled pork and Monterey Jack cheese bun, served with onion rings, chips and slaw. My husband had the steak and Doom Bar pie, which, with its golden pastry top and rich filling, tasted just as a pie should. I rather liked my dessert - a mini crème brûlée in a little jug plus a good cup of coffee. And the bill? Yes, my three courses really did come to £10.99. Throw in a couple of drinks and I was still under my magic total of £20 per head. For Chislehurst, that’s impressive!

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LOVE LOCAL

The British Oak Come and grab an award-winning Pieminister pie at the British Oak in Blackheath.

Known locally for its great beer, friendly staff and regular live music nights, the British Oak serves the full range of Pieminister’s delicious pies with sides from mash, gravy and peas to delicious chutney. www.britishoakblackheath.com 020 8305 1781.

The British Oak, 109 Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 8SU.

Moghul Celebrations

The Queen’s Head, Chislehurst, BR7 5AN www.emberinns.co.uk The Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Sybil Camsey, formally reopened the Moghul restaurant after a major expansion and refurbishment. The restaurant now has doubled in size and has a stunning, contemporary wood and stone interior with designer lighting adding that touch of glitz.

As part of the celebrations, regular diners and local residents and businesses were invited to view the new interior and sample the delicious food.

The cuisine reflects both the traditional styles of cooking and modern flair that creates a menu offering classic dishes to satisfy and innovative meals to thrill.

The chefs have drawn from their culinary experience and passion for food to create several contemporary dishes, ensuring the Moghul continues to be as popular and successful as before. www.themoghul.uk 020 8300 2540.

The Moghul, 99-101 Main Road, Sidcup

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

A fusion of taste and culture

Greenwich has plenty of restaurants but an independent, family run restaurant such as The Hill stands out from the crowd.

Andres and Alyvar Villamagua will celebrate five years of running this successful restaurant at the end of the year. The restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean food with an interesting twist of Latin American. With family roots in Ecuador, Andres and Alyvar express their artistry and passion in cooking and developing their menu so that diners can experience a true taste of Ecuadorean foods.

Recently, after a visit from their father Alivar Villamagua, is a well-known Ecuadorean artist, the restaurant has the added attraction of several commissioned works gracing the inside of the restaurant and a large mural in the garden conjuring up images of the Andean region.

All dishes are prepared from scratch using quality, fresh ingredients and spices, and can be adapted to the taste of the individual diner on request. There are a range of Tapas dishes including Gambas al ajillo, Chorizo al vino and Patatas Bravas. All rich in flavour and tradition.

On the main menu, a popular specialty is Ceviche, a dish of onion, coriander and fresh tomato with

either heart of palm, meat or prawns, marinated in lime juice. As well as Cordero Lechon (grilled leg of Spanish suckling lamb), and succulent Argentine steaks as well as a range of pizza and pasta dishes.

Paella Valenciana is their popular signature dish and has the reputation of being the best in the area.

Cooked on request, the traditional Spanish dish with seafood and chicken is a family favourite, a vegetarian option is available. To complete the meal a choice of desserts including the Spanish favourite, Churros con azucar, fried dough pastry dusted in sugar and home made sorbets and ice creams.

On Saturdays from 7.30pm, local guitarist, Steve Mac plays acoustic guitar.

The Hill restaurant is also available for hire for functions, wedding receptions and is now taking booking for Christmas parties. www.thehillgreenwich.com 020 8691 3626 The Hill, 89 Royal Hill, London SE10 8SE

Every Wednesday

Proud of what’s British

8oz Hereford sirloin, cut to order with chips, smoked rosemary butter and a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Cow and Pig British Kitchen was a labour of love created

by Gavin Boyer, Elaine Stockbridge and Steven Greenwood as a group of friends with a passion for good quality food, cooked well and best of all locally sourced. Not to mention their huge love of a good steak!

The mission behind the restaurant is to utilise the best and freshest produce found throughout neighbouring London, Kent and Surrey and most importantly through local suppliers. That includes quality British charcuterie from Cannon & Cannon of Borough Market, a cheese menu

by Cheese Works and Meantime beers on draught plus a comprehensive selection of wines to match the food.

The menu aims to take classic British dishes and add a contemporary twist. All day dining will include crumpets, cafetiere and pots from 10-1pm including a range of toppings from cinnamon, lemon and raspberry honey to a full English. Lunch menu will tease with pastrami on rye with a cheese and mustard melt, six-Kentish cheese toasted or vegetarian Ploughmans. Grazing will be the order of the day with a cheese counter with the likes of Lord London Brie and dry cured meats served with homemade salted butter and smoked garlic bread from their own smokery.

With an emphasis on locally sourced food and a scratch kitchen, everything is made in house, from the thricecooked chips to homemade retro desserts.

Eat Red Drink Red £30

Christina Bailey (wine geek)

The Cow and Pig British Kitchen has contemporary style with a polished yet causal atmosphere, making it ideal for either celebrating a special occasion or just stopping by after work. So come along and let us take you on a journey of the Best of British! Rest assured that alongside the house favourites, there will always be something new to whet your appetite and keep you coming back.

The Christmas party menu, just published has fused the traditional with their hallmark twist; so you’ll find oak smoked, gin infused salmon along side Turkey Ballotine and a chocolate truffle torte with salted caramel for pud.

Book to avoid disappointment.

Call 020 8464 8877 39a East Street, Bromley BR1 1QQ www.cowandpig.co.uk

“Nothing pairs with a Rhone Valley wine quite like a well-marbled cut of red meat grilled to perfection! Grind fresh pepper over a flat iron or fillet steak and grill it to medium-rare – the ultimate doneness for flavour and texture. Chateauneuf du Pape wines bear profiles perfectly suited for these cuts of beef – as they yield to the wine, instead of, like a dry-aged Porterhouse, demanding more and more tannins, and bigger and bolder fruit with each sip and ensuing bite.

20% OFF

Not in conjuction with any other offers

WH AT TO DO W HERE & WH E N

SEEKING OUT THE BEST FOR GREENWICH

ONGOING ART, DRAMA, MUSIC, LANGUAGE & WINE COURSES

One-to-one instrumental & vocal tuition for all age groups, plus a range of courses.

The Conservatoire, Lee Road Blackheath, SE3.

Info: 020 8852 0234 or info@conservatoire.org.uk

BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

Stimulating lectures and intriguing outings. Fourth Thursday of the month except Aug and Dec 2.30pm. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk St Mary’s Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackeath SE3.

GREENWICH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

Monthly lectures at King William Court, Room 315, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10. 8pm on 2nd Monday of the month, except April & August. Refreshments from 7.15pm.

020 8852 7873 or www.gdfas.org

DROP IN CLASSES FOR ADULTS

JAMES HADDRELL, DIRECTOR OF GREENWICH THEATRE, RETURNS FROM THE BIGGEST ARTS FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD I am writing this on the train from Edinburgh to London, at the end of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For the last four weeks the city has been overtaken by thousands of theatre companies, cabaret artists, comedians, dancers and circus performers, coming together to create the largest arts festival in the world.

Every year I head to the festival in search of the best young and emerging companies, looking for a range of exciting new shows to add to our programme in Greenwich – and this year I am delighted to have already signed up one of the most talked about shows of the festival, DugOut Theatre’s THE SUNSET FIVE, for a run in Greenwich this autumn.

DugOut Theatre is a company of actor-musicians with an amazing array of talents between them, and for this show they have turned those talents to a hilarious comedy about a pub quiz team who mount a daring, but oh-so-English, casino heist in order to save their local pub from closing.

This year I also directed a production for the festival – a revival of John Retallack’s HANNAH AND HANNA from 2001, produced in partnership with new company CultureClash. The play tells the story of a young Kosovan asylum-seeker’s battle to form a friendship with a girl from Margate through their mutual love of pop music, despite the prejudice that was so common among depressed seaside communities at the turn of the millennium.

Like so many other companies, we used the festival to try out the show, to see what critics

and audiences would make of it, and having received four and five star reviews and fantastic feedback from audiences, we are also set to bring that show back to Greenwich for Cassandra Hercules as Hannah a week at the end of and Serin Ibrahim as Hanna the month.

At Greenwich Theatre we have become one of the most fervent supporters of new theatre makers in the country. Every season features a range of ground-breaking new companies, so alongside DugOut and CultureClash this season you can see the acclaimed all-female Shakespeare company Smooth Faced Gentlemen, the award-winning classical ensemble The Faction, the magic company Simply Told and more. Not only do these companies need the support of theatres like ours to make their work – we also make sure that our audiences have that rare opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, and to say “I saw them first in Greenwich”.

THE SUNSET FIVE 15 -19 September HANNAH AND HANNA 29 September - 3 October Box Office 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Starting in September come and try Yoga, Flamenco, Zumba, Contemporary or Egyptian Belly Dancing at Greenwich Dance. For more info 020 8293 9741 or www.greenwichdance.org.uk. The Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich SE 10 8RE.

WORKERS’ EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Courses for Adults (Sept-Dec). Art & Music studies: Anniversaries & Exhibitions. 2-4pm. History: A History of the 20th Century through the eyes of the people. 7.30-9.30pm. The Learning Centre Bexley, 5 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ. Literature: What Kind of Book are You? 7.30-9.30pm.

Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Place, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH. For detail email weabexley@ hotmail.co.uk, 020 8300 1845 or visit www.wea. org.uk/courses.

UNTIL OCT CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Churchill’s death it also marks 75 years since he made his ‘finest hour’ speech on 20 Aug 1940. Step back in time and discover his secret underground headquarters. Daily 9:30-6pm.

Adult-£16.35, Child (5-15, under 5’s free)-£8.15. 020 7930 6961. Churchill War Rooms, Clive Steps, King Charles Street London SW1A 2AQ

EVERY MON ROTARY CLUB OF LEWISHAM & PENGE

Local businessmen and women giving help locally, national and internationally. We meet at 7pm for a dinner, with speakers on a variety of subjects. Contact Peter Earll 020 8303 3361 or Alan Davis 020 8467 2032. Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley.

WOOLWICH SINGERS

A community choir. No audition required to join. The aim is to sing together and have fun! £2 per week, refreshments provided. 6.30pm-8pm. Call 07812 477 775 Public Hall, Wellington St, Woolwich SE18 6PW (entrance via Town Hall)

E:MAIL events@meridian-magazine.co.uk

EVERY THURS BLACKHEATH MORRIS MEN

Practice 8.45-10pm. St Marks Church Upper Hall, Greenwich South Street SE10. Free. Contact John on 020 8461 2440. www.blackheathmorris.com

ROTARY CLUB OF GREENWICH.

For like-minded business people to meet & help the community. If visiting please contact Sarah Campbell 07958527877 Old Colfeans Rugby Football Club, Horn Park, Eltham Road SE9 8UE.

EVERY FRI LUNCHTIME CONCERT

1pm – 2pm. Free. www.charlton-house.org 020 8856 3951. Charlton House, Charlton Rd; SE7

TANGOWORKOUT

Classes connecting Tango with health and well being, for men and women. 7.15pm - 9.15pm. Beginners and intermediate classes. £7. West Greenwich Community Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JA.

BROMLEY GREEN GYM

Meeting weekly to carry out wildlife gardening tasks to bring back some of the site’s heritage, and transform the space for the benefit of wildlife and the local community. www.tcv.org.uk. Free. 11am-2pm.

07740 899 689. College Green & Slip, West Street, Bromley, BR1 1PA.

CHARLTON JUDO CLUB

Judo training sessions for anyone aged 10 years and over. If you do not have a judo suit wear baggy t-shirt and old jog bottoms. From beginners upwards.

8.15-9.30pm. £3 per session. Call Lorraine on 07932767385 or email lollyjudo1975@aol.com.

NCCA Community Hall, 217 Maryon Road, Charlton SE7 8DB.

2ND SAT OF EVERY MONTH WOOLWICH FARMERS MARKET

A variety of stalls selling quality, artisan food that’s been grown or produced locally. 10am-3pm. No.1 Street, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich SE18.

EVERY SUNDAY CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY,

Bromley’s premier male a capella chorus were placed in the top twenty choruses at the UK national barbershop convention in May, and later this year will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. This month they will be appearing at an international festival in Holland, following which they are running a FREE 6-week Learn to Sing in Harmony Course, which starts on 1 October. All welcome, it’s good fun and singing is good for your health.

You can read about us and register for the course at www.thekentones.org or email enquiries to singharmony@thekentones.org or phone Brian 020 8460 0831.

ART DECO

Blackheath. Services and Sunday School held at the Clarendon Hotel, Blackheath at 11am. Also at the Clarendon Hotel, our monthly Testimony Meeting is held every second Wednesday of the month at 8pm.

English Heritage’s Art Deco Fair at Eltham Palace is back this September, and it’s bigger and better than ever. During the popular two day event, visitors will have the opportunity to browse everything from jewellery to furniture in the Palace’s opulent Art Deco setting.

BLACKHEATH QUAKERS.

Over the weekend of Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, come and join the experts and browse the specialist stalls for antique and reproduction pieces that will add a touch of Art Deco glamour to your home.

Meeting for worship. 10.30am-11.30am every Sunday.

Visitors welcome. For more details, including room hire on 07908 587 695 or email quakerhall@aol. com. Quaker Meeting House, Lawn Terrace, Blackheath SE3 9LL.

TUES 8 SEPT MINI-MASTERPIECES

Windows & Light: Exploring the Architecture of Dulwich Picture Gallery. Experience the delights of the gallery with your child aged 6-18 months. Enjoy sensory interactive discovery through art sessions tailored for you and your baby, followed by an informal and child-friendly gallery visit. 10.30am-12noon. £12 per adult & child (booking essential). www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk. Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD.

THE KENTONES

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TUES 8 – 12 SEPT AVENUE Q

An irresistibly charming musical with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of talented performers and puppets. £15. 5pm & 8.30pm. (Fri & Sat Mat 2.30pm). www.atgtickets.com/bromley. Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.

THURS 10 SEPT BACH TO BABY

Offering the perfect opportunity to discover original and coveted pieces from the period in luxurious art deco surroundings, this Eltham Palace event will have even more stalls with items from across the era on sale. Art Deco dealers from around the country will be attending so if you are a 1930s enthusiast or simply love beautiful, elegant period pieces then this is the ideal event for you. www.english-heritage.org.uk

SAT 10, 17, 24 SEPT & 1 OCT LUNCHTIME RECITAL

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Visit trinitylaban.ac.uk/whatson for details. 1.05pm. Free.

St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

SAT 12 SEPT TIDES OF THE THAMES

Take the opportunity to enjoy guided tours of St Nicholas Church and Scadbury Moted Manor.10am-4pm www.visitchislehurst.orh.uk CONTACT DETAILS

TUES 15 SEPT GREENWICH INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Talk on Merryweathers of Greenwich by Neil Bennett.

See the Thames as you have never seen it before, 7.30pm. The Old Bakehouse (rear of Age Exchange), by designing your very own moving river in this art Bennett Park, SE3. No parking. workshop. Suggested ages:5+. 12-1.30pm & 2.304pm. Free. 020 7001 9844. www.museumoflondon. org.uk/docklands. Museum of London Docklands, West TUES 15 - 19 SEPT India Quay, Canary Wharf E14 4AL.

Classical Concert series for Baby and You founded by concert pianist and mum, Miaomiao Yu. Classical music, feeding, crying, dancing and nappy changing. Be amazed at how your child will love Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. 4pm. £10. 020 8858 1749. Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, SE3 7SE.

LUNCHTIME RECITAL

ABSOLUTE BOWIE

The successful music festival returns to Blackheath with headliners Elbow and Madness, alongside Manic Street Preachers, Kelis, Anna Calvi and Laura Mvula.

Plus national radio DJ Gilles Peterson and his Worldwide Stage. Sat adult day £54.50, U16 £35. Sun adult £45, U16 £29. Weekend Adult £89, U16 £49.

U12’s free. www.onblackheath.com or from SEE tickets hotline 0871 230 7157.

End of Summer Show. The two set show is split into Ziggy Stardust & The Young Americans including Space Oddity, Heroes, and many more. 7.30-11pm. £13.

Book on line www.feenstra.co.uk or call 020 8761 9078. The Beaverwood, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HF.

HERITAGE OPEN WEEKEND

Laefer Quartet. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

SAT 12 & SUN 13 SEPT ONBLACKHEATH

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ

The most famous songs of the Golden Age of Hollywood are recreated live on stage with specialguests Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. 7.30pm. (Thurs & Sat Mat 2.30pm).

From £17.50. www.atgtickets.com/bromley. Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.

THURS 17 SEPT TOOREX PLAY T-REX

This two set show includes some early singles such as Deborah, One Inch Rock and Ride a White Swan to the big hits of Telegram Sam, Children of the Revolution and more. 7.30-11pm. £10 in advance, £12 on the door. Book on line www.feenstra.co.uk or call 020 8761 9078. The Beaverwood, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HF.

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WH AT TO DO W HERE & WH E N

WIN A PAIR OF PREMIUM TICKETS WIN S T E K TIC TO THIS YEAR’S MAGNIFICENT MAGNERS GREENWICH COMEDY FESTIVAL! Be in with the chance to win tickets to the annual comedy extravaganza coming to the National Maritime Museum this month 16th -20th Sept. You could be laughing the night away with the multi-award winning comedy legend Omid Djalili (above), Live at the Apollo star Joe Lycett, brutally funny Dan Atkinson plus very special guest in the Big Top on Thurs 17th Sept. We’ve even arranged some food & drink tokens to help get you into the comedy spirit at the lovely bars and gourmet street food stalls. To enter go to www.meridianmagazine.co.uk/win or send a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone to 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE.

FRI 18 SEPT BEAVERWOOD PARTY NIGHT

Have fun at the ‘best’ party in town!DJ Dave Collins will be playing the best chart/club/soul/RnB and so much more. Age 30+. £8 members /£10 non-members. Book on line www.feenstra.co.uk or call 020 8761 9078. The Beaverwood, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HF.

SAT 19 SEPT GOLDSMITHS RAMBLING CLUB

A 6 mile linear walk from Putney to Richmond Station through Richmond Park, taking in The Isabella Plantation. Meet: 10.am Putney Railway station.

Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details.

New members welcome.

SAT 19 & SUN 20 SEPT OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

Open House London is the capital’s largest annual festival of architecture and design. You will need to find out which buildings are opening / walks and talks planned in order to plan your visits. To order a copy of the programme for this year’s event go to www.openhouselondon.org.uk

SUN 20 SEPT THAT’LL BE THE DAY – 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Prepare for a nostalgia party extravaganza as the legendary That’ll Be The Day returns featuring a fantastic line up of hits from the 50s, 60s & 70s. 7.30pm.

From £25. www.atgtickets.com/bromley. Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.

MON 21 SEPT BLACKHEATH MUSIC APPRECIATION SOCIETY

Over ten weeks illustrated lectures of the Russian Nationalist. Mondays 10am -12noon. Course £85 or £10 single lecture, Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ. www.blackheath-music.co.uk

LOVE SINGING?

Vocalize is an innovative new choir offering members the chance to sing everything from Tina Turner to Thomas Tallis. Weekly rehearsals start on the 21 September from 7.45 pm - 9.15 pm at All Saint’s, Blackheath. www.vocalize.org.uk

TUES 22 SEPT BACH TO BABY

Classical Concert series for Baby and You founded by concert pianist and mum, Miaomiao Yu. Classical music, feeding, crying, dancing and nappy changing.

Be amazed at how your child will love Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. 10.30am. £10. 020 8858 1749.

Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY.

THE NIMMO BROTHERS

The brothers have toured The States playing at the prestigious Carolina Blues Festival, and jammed with Debbie Davies. 6.30-11pm. Book on line www.feenstra.co.uk or call 020 8761 9078. The Beaverwood, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HF.

BP BIG SCREENS: ROMEO AND JULIET

Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet of Shakespeare’s starcrossed lovers is a classic of 20th-century ballet, and a heartbreaking match for Prokofiev’s score. Created for The Royal Ballet in 1965, it’s a key work in the Company’s repertory and a must-see for ballet fans and newcomers alike. Take a cushion or blanket. No portable seating permitted. Available at two venues, Canada Square, Canary E14 and General Gordon Square, Woolwich SE18 6PW. Free. 7.30 – 10.30pm.

WED 23 SEPT GOULD PIANO TRIO

The Gould Piano is described as ‘musical fire that ignites from the first bar’. Enjoy an evening of masterpieces from their repertoire to including Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’ Trio. Includes a glass of wine. 7.30pm. £20, £18 Friends/Concs. www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD.

THURS 24 SEPT BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

The glamour of 50’s arts, style and progress exploded at the Festival of Britain in 1951. Hear the full story: who, how and the aftermath from our gifted lecturer, Jo Walton. 2.30pm. Visitors £5. (Members please note AGM at 2pm). www.artsinblackheath.org.uk. St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackheath SE3.

AN EVENING OF ROD STEWART

Featuring guitarist Jim Cregan who co-wrote, co-produced, recorded and toured with Rod Stewart during 1976-1994. 7.30-11pm. £12 in advance, £15 on the door. Book on line www.feenstra.co.uk or call 020 8761 9078. The Beaverwood, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HF.

AUDITIONS…

All the Arts Theatre School with award winning classes in drama, song & dance is now enrolling students ages 3-18 years into weekly sessions in Chislehurst, Bexley & New Eltham. Auditions for youngsters to take part in the Christmas pantomime ‘Maleficent’ are on Sat 26 Sept between 10am-2pm. www.allthearts. co.uk. Call 020 8850 2384 for details.

YOUR RIVER FAMILY FESTIVAL Join in an exciting family day where you can explore the sights, sounds and stories of the Thames. Be inspired by the river and its impressive history and take part in crafts workshops which celebrate this famous London landmark. Suggested ages: 5+. 12-4pm.

Free. 020 7001 9844. www.museumoflondon.org. uk/docklands. Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, Canary Wharf E14 4AL.

SAT 26 & SUN 27 SEPT GREENWICH MARKET: CONTEMPORARY ART & CRAFT WEEKEND

A unique two day art and craft market in Greenwich Market alongside exhibitions in local galleries. More info www.greenwichmarketlondon.com.

WED 30 SEPT A GREAT WAR CONCERT

A special event to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, featuring popular wartime songs and the diaries, songs and paintings of Ethel Bilbrough, resent of Babington House at that time.

4.14 -5.45pm. Free. Tickets 020 8467 0900.

Babington House School, Grange Drive BR7 5ES.

TEA DANCES

FRI 25 SEPT PIANO & CELLO RECITAL

In aid of Cancer Reserch UK and St Alfege’s Church, this hour long concert by Alison Moncrieff-Kelly and Ester Cavett will include the dramatic and cello sonatas and other classics. 6-7.30pm. There will be a glass of wine and nibbles. Donations split between the two charities. www.cancerresearchuk-greenwich.co.uk.

St Alfege Church, Greenwich SE10.

LEBOWSKI FEST

A travelling festival that celebrates all things related to the Coen Brothers’ cult classic film, The Big Lebowski.

Bowling, costumes, entertainment, triva and other contests followed by a screening of the film. Door 7pm, Show 8pm. £25, 18 +. www.brooklynbowl. com. Brooklyn Bowl, Peninsula Square SE10 0DX.

SAT 26 SEPT THE CHISLEHURST BIG DRAW

Hundreds of would-be young artists will be descending on Chislehurst Common. Now in its 11th year, the event is sponsored by JDM and The Chislehurst Society. 1.00pm - 5.00 pm. www.thebigdraw.co.uk

The beautiful 1930s Art Deco Borough Hall is the perfect setting for a vintage afternoon of live music and social dancing.

Styles will include Ballroom, Latin, Jive and Sequence dancing. A cup of tea and a slice of cake is included in the entry price and the bar will be open throughout.

To book visit www.greenwichdance.org.uk or just turn up on the day.

10 October, 14 November or19 December 2:00 - 4:30PM £5 At Greenwich Dance, The Borough Hall, Royal HiTll, London SE10 8RE

E:MAIL listings@meridian-magazine.co.uk

THURS 1 OCT THE COUNTERFEIT STONES

Billed as ‘The Most Famous Stones band in England’

by Sir Mick Jagger himself. Their new tour, Grass Me Up is the chance to catch their note-perfect performances of the Stones classic songs. 7.30pm. From £16.50. www.atgtickets.com/bromley. Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.

FRI 2 OCT STRICTLY MUSIC HALL

Brush off your big hats, moustaches, boaters and tails and exercise those vocal chords with this old fashioned fun and nostalgia visit to Music Hall. 2.30 & 7.30pm. From £15. www.atgtickets.com/bromley.

Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.

MYCENAE SOUP

Based on ideas gained from the BBC documentary ‘Detriot Soup’, Local community groups, submit project proposals, then the best eight projects will be chosen to present their projects at the event. The project voted best project by diners will receive all the ticket money and donations obtained from the dinner to fund their project.

Make sure you get your place for this fun, innovative, micro-granting community dinner! Tickets will be charged at a minimum donation of £7. Book your place by calling Mycenae House 0208-858-1749. 90 Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 7SE.

SAT 3 OCT LUNCHTIME RECITAL

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GOLDSMITHS RAMBLING CLUB

A 51/2 mile circular walk on the North Downs taking in Farthing Downs and Happy Valley with a visit to an 11th century church. Meet: 10.30am at London Bridge Station main concourse near Nero Express for 10.45 train to Coulsdon South. Or 11.10am Coulsdon South Platform 2 exit. Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details. New members welcome.

PILLOWS & PAINTBRUSHES

An amazing children’s sleepover that will take 8-13 year olds on an exciting night-time adventure. After an evening of creative activities and storytelling children can enjoy a special night’s sleep in the company of the Gallery’s Old Masters. Followed by a healthy breakfast.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. 6.45pm8.30am. £50, £60 incls a copy of The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler. Book via www.dulwichpicturegallery.org,uk. Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD.

VAMPIRES ROCK GHOST TRAIN

After 12 years and over a million tickets sold, Steve Steinman returns as Barron Von Rockula in the all new Vampires Rock Saga The Ghost Train. 7.30pm. From £24.50. www.atgtickets.com/bromley. Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.

SHOP2GETHER

Refresh your autumn wardrobe. The Chislehurst charity shop2gether is showcasing autumn and winter clothing and accessories. 9am-5.30pm. 103 High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AG.

Ben Socrates, piano. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

OKTOBERFEST 2015 Live Music -- Real Ales - Fine Feasting incorporating Wild Boar Week. Dozens of Events, mainly in Kent & East Sussex spanning 1st-31st October 2015.

The time-honoured celebration of German Beer, Clog Dancing & Frankfurters is crossing the Channel to Rye in East Sussex.

We may substitute Kentish Ales, English Trad Bands & Wild Boar Sausages for Munich Pilsner and Bavarian Clog Dancing. On Thursday 1st October The Mermaid Inn, Rye is host to the Opening night featuring the Musical and whimsical supremo Earl Okin.

Sarah Jane Hassell, Roger Alexander Lewin, Skinners Rats, Roger Carey, Terry Parsons and Dave Silk are headlining at prime venues including The Ypres Casle Inn and The Lodge at Winchelsea Dozens of mainly family-orientated events are programmed in East Sussex and Kent, extending to Bromley Court Hotel, Mycenae House and The Clarendon Hotel Blackheath. We hope to include floodlit Owls flying by night at Eagle Heights, Eynsford, a tour of Medieval Cellars at Winchelsea and a Spooky ride on a vintage steam train celebrating Halloween from Tenterden to Bodium Castle.

For more info visit www.jazznights.co.uk and coming soon www.oktoberfest2015.co.uk

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Deptford X Launching on Friday 25 September, this 10 day festival of contemporary visual art will see exciting new projects happening in a diverse range of venues across Deptford, south east London, linked by the 2015 festival theme: DEPTFORD CONVERSATIONS. Deptford X is a chance to explore open studios and exhibitions in local galleries, as well as exploring new work by local artists selected for the Festival Fringe, which will take place across a diverse range of Deptford venues from galleries to pubs, churches and High Street shops.

50 guest artists have also been invited to participate in this year’s featured Deptford X Programme, which will host artists’ work in an exhibition at the new Deptford X Gallery on Brookmill Road and an evening of performances at The Albany, as well as placing several new site specific art works in venues across Deptford. Simon Patterson is developing a site-responsive piece at the AHOY centre, Karin Ruggaber will be altering the façade of the Deptford Lounge library building, Alison Jones and Milly Thompson will display art work on a bus shelter and Liz Wright has been working with the Creekside Education Trust to create a set of images which can be accessed online. Louis Ignacio Rodriguez, winner of the 2014 Fringe Award for his ‘Dancing Builder’ project, will take over public phone boxes as part of a new ‘Louis TV’ project. His performances documenting the festival will be live streamed via a mobile app, linking art enthusiasts across the world to south east London throughout the festival dates.

Guy Denning

Lead artist Janette Parris, is a contemporary artist who has strong links with the South East London area: having studied at Camberwell College of Art and Goldsmiths, she now lives and works locally. The drawings and animations she creates take inspiration from people and everyday situations to create humorous and socially engaged work, with a strong sense of narrative. For Deptford X 2014, Janette spent time talking with local residents and stallholders at Deptford Market to develop a comic, which was given away on market days during the festival. Janette is now building on these conversations to create an animation, which will be on display at Deptford Lounge throughout this year’s festival.

This year’s Deptford X Festival will take place from 25 September to 4 October 2015. www.deptfordx.org

Janette Parris “I like Deptford and live nearby and was involved with Deptford X last year, so I was really pleased when I was asked to be the lead artist for this year’s festival.

I like people and my work is all about conversations and narrative, and trying even if you don’t succeed.

I wanted a title that would reflect those themes, yet also enable other artists, using any media or concept, to take part and exhibit their work. It’s about place and it’s about Deptford, but equally Deptford could be a character, an old friend or an idea personified. At the end of the day, I thought what better way to spend your weekend than sitting down with a cup of tea and ‘Talking with Deptford’.”

Janette Parris

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Seconds Out Now in its third year, Kevin 3Sauds (David Bray, Ray Richardson & Ben Oakley) successfully transformed the Ben Oakley Gallery into a pub in 2013; then in 2014 it became Kevin’s bed sit - (70’s style) complete with net curtains, swirly carpet, Baby Belling oven and a Z-bed with a body in it (Kevin?) throughout the exhibition & the obligatory dog eared Playboy under the bed.

Though the lead character is fictional in these installations, and there is a hint of light heartedness about the exhibitions, the work is considered with each artist producing five or six new pieces with relevance tailored for each show.

And then there were four. Kevin 4Sauds is the new 3Sauds with another heavyweight joining in. Guy Denning will be taking one side of the room as the gallery gets dressed as a boxing ring for ‘Seconds Out’, another stage in ‘Kevin’s’ life. Join us on Friday 11 September 2015 to what is already creating a rumble in the art scene jungle. Gum shield optional. Get ringside and watch all the surrounding galleries throw the towel in, as your art metal is seriously challenged. DING DING Round 4 K4.

Opening Times: Thursdays –Sundays 11-6pm Monday –Wednesday by appointment. 07976692751 benoakleygallery.com, 9 Turnpin Lane, Greenwich, London SE10 9JA.

Guy Denning

Eduardo Paolozzi General Dynamic F.U.N. A new Hayward touring exhibition of screen-prints

by Eduardo Paolozzi will open at Gerald Moore Gallery, as part of a national tour.

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005) was one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in the UK. General Dynamic F.U.N. is a series of fifty screen-prints and photolithographs created between 1965 and 1970.

Here, Paolozzi employs the technologies of massreproduction and gorges on its idols – the household names and familiar faces of consumer advertising, high fashion and Hollywood.

Eduardo Paolozzi: General Dynamic F.U.N. opens at Gerald Moore Gallery on 5 September, 12pm to 4pm, and is open on Saturdays until 26 September 2015.

Entry is free of charge to the public.

© Trustees of the Paolozzi Foundation, Licensed by DACS 2015

Bespoke Framing Service Framing on the Heath is a complete bespoke framing service to conservation standard. Offering a large selection of wood and aluminium frames, as well as acid free mount boards.

With over twenty years experience of framing from the premises in Blackheath Village. www.framingontheheath.co.uk 020 8852 8220 14 Royal Parade, Blackheath, SE3 0TL

For more details visit www.geraldmooregallery.org 020 8857 0448 Gerald Moore Gallery Mottingham Lane, London SE9 4RW Open selected Saturdays 12-4pm.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS Selection of prints from local artist Until 20 Sept – Sally McKay, From 22 Sept- 11 Oct – Elaine Marshall.

Tues-Sun, 10am-5.30pm.

020 8858 1569. Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1a The Market, Greenwich SE10 9HZ. Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct Propeller Foundry An exciting art event with 70 artists opening their studios; together with a postcard art auction, industrial history, family art trail and handcrafted refreshments, all make for a great day out.

Free. 12-6pm. www.propellerfoundry.com 165 Childers Street, Deptford SE8 5JR Tue 8 Sept Sat 3 Oct September Trinity Paul McPherson Gallery presents an exciting trinity of artist, Tim Burns (above), Marilyn Durkin and Jett Burns.

Visit www.paulmcgallery.com Paul McPherson Gallery 77 Lassell Street, SE10 9PJ 020 8269 2990

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Aspiring Homemakers

Virtually none of Britain’s aspiring homemakers can now be found living in central parts of London, according to new research showing where the youngest generation of house buyers in the UK are now living.

Most likely to be first time buyers, Experian defines ‘aspiring homemakers’ as young families on the first rung of the property ladder, aged 26-35, typically thinking about starting a family. This group are driven by affordability when selecting somewhere to live, typically looking to balance a location close to city centre amenities with cost.

Richard Jenkings, senior consultant at Experian Marketing Services, commented: “Rising house prices have been a constant challenge for first-time buyers in the UK, and with deposits for first time buyers at over £80,000 on average in London, it’s clear to see why it is those trying to get onto the ladder who have been most affected by burgeoning property prices in London.

“Where young families are now setting up a home clearly has implications for a wide range of businesses and public sector organisations, from retailers to local authorities and the NHS.

“The majority of first-time buyers in London are now living in the outer boroughs, and, particularly those in the more affordable South and East of London. The central areas have become inaccessible, with the impact of house prices meaning that the percentage of aspiring homemakers within boroughs such as Kensington and Chelsea is actually fewer than we see in more isolated regions, such as the Isles of Skye and Lochalsh.”

This follows from previous research that has shown how younger families, on the first step of the property ladder, are in the process of creating rural suburbs in their search for more space to bring up growing families.

Nationally, the picture highlights the presence of aspiring homemakers in many towns that are within commuting reach of major cities, particularly London.

In London, where 54% of people can no longer afford to purchase where they live, those first time buyers that remain have been pushed to the outer boroughs, with the top five locations accounting for nearly half of the total population of aspiring homemakers in London.

London Borough

% of Aspiring Homemakers

Bexley

16.06

12.95

Havering Sutton

9.07

Bromley

5.38

Hillingdon

5.37

Croydon

4.99

Greenwich

4.20

Barking and Dagenham

3.51

Newham

3.19

Tower Hamlets

3.07

Find out more at www.experian.co.uk

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