50,000 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH SINCE 1996
FEBRUARY 2013
MODERN BRITISH FOOD in MODERN GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE
See our
Wedding Feature For everything
From your first date to the Big Day Don’t miss this month’s
Education Supplement HOMES
✦
FOOD
pp1-7_Front of Mag_Feb 2013.indd 1
✦
BEAUTY
✦
FASHION
✦
INTERIORS
✦
SHOPPING
✦
EDUCATION 29/01/2013 12:37
Topic
020 8852 8383 joneslanglasalle.co.uk
Dartmouth House SE10 A spacious two bedroom flat situated in a converted period building, and located within the coveted Ashburnham Triangle Conservation Area. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and secure parking.
£359,950 SHARE OF FREEHOLD
Eliot Park SE13 A truly stunning two storey apartment with direct access out to the most beautiful and secluded garden. The property is conveniently located for major transport links to include Lewisham DLR and mainline station. With the heath and Blackheath Village close by we feel this property has it all and represents a real “one off”.
£650,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD
4 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
8 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3 0TA
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blackheath.sales@eu.jll.com 29/01/2013 12:37
020 8858 9986 joneslanglasalle.co.uk
Ashburnham Grove SE10 An immaculate and spacious house located in the sought after Ashburnham Triangle Conservation Area. This three storey Victorian home with a south-facing garden, offers a versatile living space for the growing family. The accommodation offers space and light and is decorated in neutral tones from top to bottom, with a shower room and a luxury main bathroom.
£830,000 FREEHOLD
Devonshire Drive SE10 A completely refurbished and converted two bedroom period house with two bathrooms, located within the favoured Ashburnham Triangle Conservation Area. The accommodation has been finished to a high specification and comprises entrance hall, open plan living room/kitchen, mezzanine ‘chill out’ area, en-suite shower room and bathroom.
£550,000 FREEHOLD
22 College Approach, Greenwich SE10 9HY pp1-7_Front of Mag_Feb 2013.indd 3
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29/01/2013 12:37
CONTENTS 50,000 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH SINCE 1996
February
FEBRUARY 2013
MODERN BRITISH FOOD in MODERN GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE
See our
Wedding Feature
6 8
LOCAL NEWS ARCHITECTURE
9-13
HOMES & INTERIORS
The Guildford Arms’ Georgian setting
For everything
Setting up a new home
From your first date to the Big Day
14-18
Don’t miss this month’s
Education Supplement HOMES
✦
FOOD
✦
BEAUTY
✦
pp1-7_Front of Mag_Feb 2013.indd 1
FASHION
✦
INTERIORS
✦
SHOPPING
✦
2013
EDUCATION
RETAIL WIN Luxury kitchen homeware from Made by Marianne Update for Get Greenwich App Heritage Windows help us with draughts
29/01/2013 12:37
COVER: The Guildford Ar ms www.theguildfordar ms.co.uk
19
ADOPTION
20
TRAVEL
Give a child a home Woolongong to Woolwich
22-26
WEDDING SUPPLEMENT First date advice Rules of engagement Planning your big day
27-28
HEALTH & BEAUTY Skin & hair repair Walking to a healthier life
29-43
EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
44-45
FOOD & DRINK
Meridian magazine is published monthly with a genuine distribution of 50,000 to selected residential properties and businesses within the borough of Greenwich and in Blackheath, Westcombe Park, Charlton, Eltham, Lee, Docklands, Canary Wharf, Bromley, Chislehurs, New Eltham, The Borough and Shad Thames. 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.
Local independent schools round-up Celebration wine
46-48 52-55
LISTINGS PROPERTY Major regeneration scheme from Berkeley Group L&Q Group bring us new shared ownership homes
Meridian Line Publishing Ltd 8 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD Tel: 020 8319 0555 Fax : 020 8319 4555 Email : enquiries@meridian-magazine.co.uk Publisher: Joy Johnston
Editor : Valerie Breese Art & Production Director : Marta Siolkowska Advertising: Martin Bakewell, Claire McKinson, Classified Sales : Cheryl Voller Intern : Mia Tattan Contributors : Carolyn Bosworth-Davies, Jon Hallet Nanette Fielding
Printing : Garnett Dickinson Distribution : London Letterbox, 020 8940 0666 Meridian’s chosen charity 2013
w w w. m e r i d i a n - m a g a z i n e . c o . u k facebook.com/meridianmagazine
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MeridianmagLDN
29/01/2013 12:43
www.devernois.fr
Elegant and eminently wearable, Devernois’ Spring 2013 collection brings genuine French style and cosmopolitan chic to your doorstep in Blackheath Village. Drop by today and experience something very different.
www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l5 42 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD (T) 020 8318 5998 Mon - Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am - 4pm 42 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD (T) 020 8318 5998 Mon - Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am - 4pm pp1-7_Front of Mag_Feb 2013.indd 5
29/01/2013 12:45
Oscar-Winning Actress among new Patrons of
Pets As Therapy dog Bonsai (pictured) recently started his first day at work on the children’s ward at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Bromley. Pets As Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983. It is unique in that it provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing care homes and special needs schools by volunteers with their own friendly, temperament tested and vaccinated dogs and cats. Father and daughter, Jerry and Kate Fitzgibbons first registered with the charity after Jerry had been in hospital himself and had experienced a visit from a Pets As Therapy dog while on a ward. He said: ‘Hospital isn’t the nicest of places to be, so when I saw the Pets as Therapy dog come into the ward it really lifted my spirits - and everyone’s around me.’ Bonsai had to be assessed on his health, temperament, suitability and stability grounds to join the team. Play Specialist at South London Healthcare Trust, Sian Spencer Little said, ‘The reaction and impact it has on the children is paramount, I’m really looking forward to working with him.’
SLHT
Bonsai works his animal magic...
Greenwich Theatre has announced the appointment of three new patrons – Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren, regular Royal Shakespeare Company director Lucy Bailey and winner of the Whitbread Book Prize, Ali Smith. Helen Mirren, currently preparing to play the Queen in the West End opening of Peter Morgan’s new play The Audience, identified the impressive work done by the theatre in supporting those making their first tentative steps into the industry when announcing her patronage. James Haddrell, director of Greenwich Theatre, said: ‘We have been working over the past five years to change Greenwich Theatre; to transform it into a home for emerging theatre-makers, an inspirational resource for children and young people interested in watching or being a part of live performance, and the kind of venue where you will find unusual, challenging, exciting new theatre.’
GREENWICH THEATRE LONDON
News
raises money for charity Last autumn was a busy time away from the office for Jones Lang LaSalle’s south east Residential Team. In October they held their third annual charity quiz night at The Clarendon Hotel, which raised £2,280 for Community Futures Kent. This is a person centred community development organisation, which exists to support people with learning disabilities, and help them interact with their communities, find meaningful employment and become involved with sporting activities. Over the last three years, a total of £8,500 has been raised for Community Futures Kent and Demelza was the beneficiary in the first year.
Community Gardens The CCG open meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 25 February in St Richards Hall, Swallowfield Road, Charlton SE7 7NS. As well as an AGM they will be discussing plans to ‘adopt’ Charlton Station.
After two years in the making, The Charlton Parks Reminiscence Project is now complete and can be visited online at www.charltonparks.co.uk. There you will find stories and photographs looking at the history of the parks and their importance to local people over the past hundred years. You can listen to scores of interviews, with people talking about everything from wartime jazz at Maryon Park bandstand to looking after the deer and other animals in Maryon Wilson Park. Twenty four volunteers including adults, as well as pupils from Years 9,10 and 11 at John Roan School were trained in audio recording and interview techniques and more than 60 interviews were conducted. Extracts from those interviews are included on the website, while full versions are available to listen to at the Greenwich Heritage Centre in the Royal Arsenal. The website, designed and edited by Stuart Evans, Rib Davis and Carol Kenna, is now also archived with UK web archive at the British Library. To accompany the website a CPRP book has been produced, including extracts from each person contributing to the project alongside wonderful photographs of the parks. The book will be available FREE from borough libraries, Greenwich Heritage Centre and Charlton House.
Ben Episcopo of Azof Street was the delighted recipient of Cycle UK’s BMX bike in our December competition.
CYCLES UK
CHARLTON PARKS REMINISCENCE PROJECT
Memories...
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DESIGN
Exceptionally designed and engineered kitchen furniture.
0845 544 0743
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www.fiestadesign.co.uk
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29-31 Leith Hill, Orpington BR5 2RS
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Food & Drink
The Guildford Arms Modern British Food in a Modern Georgian Setting
T
he Guildford Arms has been serving local people for over 200 years but when the current owners took over in September 2009 it was falling into a state of disrepair. As well as refurbishing and revitalising the building, the new owners – including Guy Awford of the highly regarded Inside Restaurant, and Jon Hallett, director of Greenwich-based design consultancy Footprint Design Studio – decided to give the pub back its original name. The result is a venue which offers a variety of dining options, from a homemade steak and onion pie with a pint in the pub, to poached Scottish lobster with a glass of Puligny Montrachet in the first-floor restaurant. On the top floor is a private room perfect for parties, while the beautiful sunken garden comes alive when the sun shines with barbeques and its own bar. The last three years have been about regenerating the property, while building a committed and talented team of chefs, and a friendly and knowledgeable front-of-house team. The next three years is about striving for perfection, and creating a food legacy to make South East Londoners proud. Garden: Barbecues in a wonderful sunken garden, recently mentioned as one of the top ten best pub gardens in London by Elle and Time Out. Pub: The ground-floor pub offers freshly prepared food with a range of real ales, locally brewed Meantime beer and a wideranging wine list. Restaurant: Venture up the original staircase to the first floor and be treated to Guy Awford’s delicious seasonal cooking in a restored Georgian gem of a dining room. Second floor: The top floor holds a private room, perfect for canapé parties, a group dinner party or a food and wine pairing evening with The Theatre of Wine. Built as a dwelling in 1796 during the reign of George III it wasn’t long before this quintessentially Georgian building was converted into a public house. In 1808 ownership of Number 55 Guildford Grove passed to John Norfolk, a local brewer, who obtained a licence to sell ale. He renamed it in honour of Sir Henry Guildford, an influential courtier to Henry VIII who once built a banqueting house for the king in Greenwich.
THE GUILDFORD ARMS
55 Guildford Grove, Greenwich SE10 8JY www.theguildfordarms.co.uk, 020 8691 6293 By Jon Hallett, Director, Footprint Design Studio. www.footprintdesignstudio.com
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We can provide a supply only or supply and installation service specialising in timber box frames & sashes, casement windows and both internal & external doors and frames. These can be made in modern or traditional styles, double glazed to comply with current building regulations or single glazed for renovation projects.
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Your local design & build company
Extensions | Lofts | Basements Refurbishments | Design & build service Complete design & build service from initial conception through planning to final completion 67 Cressingham Road SE13 5AQ 020 8318 5001 / 08456 802 341 www.meridianconstructionservices.co.uk
The Dovetail Joint Ltd
Bespoke Kitchens Bedrooms Studies
Wood
Steel
Paint
Corian
Glass
Granite
Tel 020 8291 5578 Unit 15, Forest Hill Business Centre, Clyde Vale, Forest Hill, London SE23 3JF www.thedovetailjoint.co.uk
info@thedovetailjoint.co.uk
blackheath flooring studios ltd
local family run business 133 lee road blackheath SE3 9DS
classic & contemporary flooring carpets, rugs, sisal, coir, seagrass, wood solid & engineered boards, laminate, rubber, amtico, moduleo, vinyl. for a free estimate call today 0208 297 9600 blackheathinteriors.com blackheathinteriors@gmail.com
for all of your home, whatever you need we are here to help with our expert knowledge & experience. www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 11
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Interiors
Because sofa if you want to create a more open feel. Before choosing a sofa, think about how many people normally use the space and how much seating you really need. Sofas range in size from around 174cm to over 200cm, so choose the smallest sofa you can that will still meet your needs. Look for furniture that has hidden storage, such as footstools with lids, and if your lounge doubles as a home office, choose a fold-away bureau so that you can keep work out of sight when you want to unwind. Careful planning and well thought-out storage solutions can help you make the most of a tiny kitchen. Think glossy cabinets, glass doors and neat integrated appliances, uncluttered work surfaces and you're well on the way to achieving a functional kitchen. The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house but one of the most used. It’s important to make sure you make the most of the space you do have by installing useful storage solutions, clever design tricks and banishing unwanted clutter. Underfloor heating means no wall-mounted radiators and cleaner lines. If you only have a shower, how about converting to a wet-room? If your windowless bathroom feels a little claustrophobic, use (heated) mirrors to create more light and they stay mist-free. Condensation can be
small
is beautiful! SETTING UP HOME, whether it's moving, redecorating or renovating a property from scratch, is stressful enough. But dealing with space or more importantly the lack of it can be trying to say the least. It's easy for a small living room to become cramped, messy and cluttered! Space saving furniture, and clever storage can make a huge difference. Fitted cupboards that make use of alcoves will create space. Use shelves for items you really want to display, but in a cramped space it is best not to have too many objects on show. Floor to ceiling shelves make good use of all the space you have at your disposal. In an awkward-shaped living room, consider whether a corner sofa would be more practical. Opt for armless chairs and consider a chaise longue instead of a
a problem in a small bathroom, so make sure it is well ventilated with a good extractor fan. Consider a neutral colour scheme using light, plain or pastel colours on your walls, floor and ceiling. If you find monochrome boring, try playing with textures and finishes. Vertical lines give the illusion of height and horizontal do the same for width, so do consider this when choosing furniture, or wallpaper, and deciding which way to place tiles. Introduce colour with towels and other accessories. Small is beautiful and takes less time to clean. By Nanette Fielding
Kent Building Services 1
2
3
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Specialising in: • General Building Work • Structural Alteration • Brickwork • Plumbing • Plastering • Roofing • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Painting and Decorating • Carpentry • Electrical Installation • Double Glazing
0800 633 5929 07867 778 154
FREE ESTIMATES
www.kentbuildingservices.com kentservices@fsmail.net
FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING REQUIREMENTS BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS DESIGNED, SUPPLIED, INSTALLED
• Dripping taps • Leaky radiators
Computer Aided Design Supply Only or Installation Service Available
• Full heating systems • Boiler replacements • Bathrooms installed
42 Whitehorse Hill Chislehurst BR7 6DL
020 8467 3100 www.aqueousdesign.net
020 8467 3100
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BAYTREE BUILDERS • Decorating • Bathrooms • Joinery • Repointing & brick restoration • Maintenance & Improvements
020 8851 1021
www.baytreebuilders.co.uk
or email baytreebuilders@btconnect.com
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Retail
Competition! MADE BY MARIANNE
Made by Marianne of Greenwich, which specialise in handmade, luxury kitchen homeware has a ‘Valentines collection’ to offer as a prize for one lucky reader.
The set comprises of: Half apron, Childs apron, Oven glove, Heart decoration. Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone to Meridian magazine (MbM), 8 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD or email competition@meridianmagazine.co.uk by the closing date of 28 February for your chance to win!
GET GREENWICH
UPDATE FOR GET GREENWICH APP Get Greenwich has received a major update for iPhone, iPad and iPad Mini available to download from the App store, while a new Android version will be available this summer. Designed and published by Fit Creative, a creative consultancy based in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, this app will help residents and visitors alike to make the most of their precious free time. The app will be the most comprehensive events listing source as well as providing unique offers to be redeemed on site. Users can try it out for FREE, a one off in-app purchase price of a mere 69p enables full access to the event and offer listings. The app’s real-time feed will keep users up-to-date with the many events in Greenwich from grand festivals right down to the humble pub quiz. There will be great offers from a wide range of shops, eateries and attractions, which are instantly redeemed by using a smart phone. Events and offers can be filtered to easily find them. Listings display the distance from the user and the venue, plus the map button makes even tucked away locations easy to find. Users will be able to create their own favourites on their app, and an event can be placed in their calendar. Look out for the Get Greenwich stickers and cards on windows and doors featuring the ‘Genie’s lamp logo’ to see participating businesses. www.getgreenwich.co.uk
HERITAGE WINDOW COMPANY
COLD, DRAUGHTY STEEL WINDOWS? Winter is well and truly upon us, so perhaps it is time to reduce those costly energy bills, stop the draughts and heat loss from those old windows and consider thermally efficient replacements? Benenden™ Slimline Aluminium Windows from The Heritage Window Company have been developed specifically for those who want all the benefits and performance of modern double glazed replacement windows without compromising the appearance of a period home. The strong, durable aluminium has a powder coated finish available in over 200 RAL colours, and every Benenden™ Window is uniquely designed to fit into existing timber frames or direct to brick or stone. For more information call 01732 461 919 or visit the website at www.thwc.co.uk Showroom at: The Heritage Window Company, 145 High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XJ.
R.B. INTERIORS Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms
From supplying a door to a complete installation including flooring, plumbing, plastering & all electrical work Established 2004 • FREE no-obligation planning & design service Visit our showroom at: 3 Church Road, Farnborough, Kent BR6 7DB Open Tuesday & Friday 9.30am to 3pm; Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. All other times by appointment Tel: 01689 862 417 Email: sales@rbinteriors.co.uk Web: www.rbinteriors.co.uk 14 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
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Second Glance Always worth a second look!
For more information telephone 07802 845 881 or visit our Chislehurst Showroom Tuesday and Thursday 1pm until 5pm. Appointments can be made out of opening hours Exquisite Occasion Wear and unique individual clothes and accessories to buy at bargain prices. A unique shopping experience where you will find a wonderful selection of New and Nearly New clothes (sizes 10 -18) Shoes Hats and bags. Always looking for Designer / Top Brands to sell. 28a High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AN
www.secondglanceuk.com
Papillon is a treasure trove of beautiful ribbons, scrumptious yarns, handmade buttons, interesting fabrics and all things gorgeous for all your hand made projects.
9 College Approach, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HY (2 mins walk from Cutty Sark DLR) papilloncreativeltd@gmail.com Bring this advert with you and receive a 20% discount on any purchase in the shop! Offer valid until 28th Feb 2013.
LOVE
AND LIFE’S PLEASURE
Exclusive handmade Italian mens shoes and boots
OPEN: Thursday - Friday 12 - 8 Saturday 12 -7 Sunday 12 - 5 020 8460 2307 | 07805 479 328 54a Widmore Road, Bromley, BR1 3BD www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 15
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Retail
The secrets...
...most window companies don’t want you to know
PICS: WINDOW GEEKS
Revealed by a your local window expert James Douglas
FOR YEARS double glazing firms have had it their own way. Often charging customers thousands for new windows when a replacement part is all they need. And that’s hitting households hard at a time when every penny counts. Fortunately that era has come to an end. With national window, door and conservatory repair specialists, WindowGeeks, now open in South East London, local home owners have access to a real money-saving option. One that will reduce what could be an alarming bill in the thousands to an honest one in the low hundreds – or even lower than that. In fact, the average single repair or replacement undertaken by WindowGeeks nationwide is less than £65.
The business is owned by James Douglas, a Lewisham local who left his career in the city to join dozens of other WindowGeeks franchisees operating across country. ‘The first person we discussed the business with was our accountant, and he was hooked straight away,’ says James. ‘It turns out he’d been trying to get a window repaired for some time and nobody was interested. The companies he contacted either wouldn’t come out, or tried to sell him new doubleglazing that he just didn’t need. And that’s a story we keep on hearing. ‘There’s nothing else quite like WindowGeeks in the UK,’ he adds. ‘We offer a practical solution that other window companies simply can’t – or won’t – provide. And while saving money is the biggest draw, we’re an environmentally friendly option too. We take the stress out of a situation that worries a lot of households, with repairs so simple that we’re usually in and out in an hour or so.’ Great news for those home owners tired of peering through misted up windows, or parents with broken handles that have been swung on one time too many, all putting off calling out window firms for fear of the costs and upheaval involved. ‘Everyone wants to save money, but nobody wants to compromise on quality,’ says James. ‘By fixing only
the broken parts, and using like-for-like replacements, our customers get something that is as good as new and save a small fortune in the process. They also get a level of service that can only be found in a franchised business. WindowGeeks is a national brand, but I own the South East London franchise. That means customers get the best of both worlds: the security and reputation of a big brand with the care and attention from a local business owner.’ Contact WindowGeeks today on 0800 61 22 943 or visit www.windowgeeks.co.uk
Ecological ving glass Energy-sa
Frame and windows re steamed pa irs and more
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Lordship Lane Carpets
a e s l
Ends February 16th
Blackheath
Dulwich
lordship flooring Co. Brigade House, Brigade Street London SE3 0TW
Lordship Lane Carpets 131 Lordship Lane London SE22 8HU
Tel 020 8852 8109 email: info@lordshipflooringco.co.uk www.lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk
Tel 020 8693 8728 email: info@lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk www.lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk
When considering home improvements, choose a contractor you can trust. We have been trading locally since 1985
B U I L DING
ROO FING New Roofs Slates or Tiles Roof Repairs New Flat Roofs Roof Terraces Guttering
ROOFING ADVISORY SERVICES THE COMPLETE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY
Kitchens Bathrooms Decorating (Interior/Exterior) Loft Conversions Extensions
A selection of previous projects can be seen at: www.roofingadvisory.co.uk Call for a FREE estimate 0800 612 6580 or 0208 859 5681 www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 17
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London and the South East is a hard water area. Fit a Twintec water softener and start feeling all the soft water benefits:
10
GU YEAR AR AN TEE MADE IN UK
020 8319 0555 www.twintec.com watersofteners@meridian-magazine.co.uk 18 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
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Adoption
Give a child a home
C
hildren need new families for a number of different reasons. In Bexley our children come from a range of backgrounds and are a variety of age groups. Some may need to be placed together with their siblings and others have special learning needs or a disability. Many have had a difficult start in life and all of them need parents who can offer sensitive care and attention. Our adoption team is looking for people who are patient and adaptable, as well as practically and emotionally prepared to take on the responsibility of looking after a child. Adoptive parents can come from a range of cultural, ethnic, religious and social backgrounds. They can
be single or married, in a civil partnership, divorced or living with a partner. You can be heterosexual, lesbian or gay, childless or already a parent. You do not have to own your own home but you must have enough living space for the child and your home must be suitable at the time of your application. You can adopt if you have a disability and experience of a disability can be positively welcomed. There are of course some legal requirements to take into consideration if you are thinking about adoption. For example you must be over the age of 21 and you must have lived in the UK for at least one year before applying to the court for an adoption order. We recognise that adoption is not an easy decision to make and the process can be a
LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEY
We recognise that adoption is not an easy decision to make and the process can be a challenge but in Bexley we do everything we can to help... challenge but in Bexley we do everything we can to help, advise and support adoptive parents to meet that challenge. We have a very friendly and experienced team who are able to understand peoples different life experiences and we will be with you throughout the adoption journey. If you live outside of the Bexley Borough and would like to find out more, or if you are unsure about whether your circumstances are acceptable please contact us and quote ’MD’. We are here to help you make the right decision for you and our children. We hold regular information events throughout the year and details of those are available on our website. www.bexley.gov.uk/adoption
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Travel
WILL & KATE ON THE JOURNEY OF THEIR LIFES
Wollongong To Woolwich
With their minds made up to leave Australia, instead of heading to the airport like any sane couple would, they loaded up their trusty motorbikes and headed off on their long ride home to Woolwich.
H
ave you ever wondered what it’s like to sell up your house and ride half way around the world on motorbikes? Well that’s exactly what this homesick English couple did. Setting off from Wollongong, near Sydney they headed for their real home in Woolwich to have a nice cup of tea with their mums. Most people's first question is, why leave Australia in the first place? Well after being there for 12 years they described it as ‘like having your favourite meal everyday - It's a great place to live but however much you like it, you start to want something different and as it's stuck down on the other side of the planet, getting to something different is expensive and time consuming’. So, with their minds made up to leave, instead of heading to the airport like any sane couple would, they loaded up their trusty motorbikes and headed off on their long ride home. In five months they covered about 15,000 miles across 20 countries. First they crossed the emptiness of the great Aussie outback and then negotiated the manic traffic of Bangkok, Kathmandu and Delhi. Next came the fabled and dangerous Karakoram Highway through the mountains of Pakistan, up and over the 4600 metre Khunjerab
pass and into China. More rough roads through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan led them to Russia, through Ukraine and then the final 3,000 mile push through Europe. Their book ‘WOLLONGONG TO WOOLWICH’ tells the tale of their adventure. It’s a really easy, fun book to read and is a bit of an inspiration, just going to show that normal people can do this kind of an adventure without doing loads of planning or having a back-up 4x4 or support team. They’ve even been so kind as to give an A-Z of useful tips on how to do a trip like it, just in case you've ever been tempted to head on out into unknown horizons. They’ve got their own website with plenty of photos of their trip, extracts from the book and the all important information on how to buy it. The price for this 224 page paperback with 14 pages of colour photos including post & packing is £9.99 and if you're local, they'll deliver it to you so saving the £1.60 in postage! If you're an ebook fan there is also a Kindle and PC readable version available for just over £3 via Amazon. Or visit www.wollongongtowoolwich.co.uk
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Your local legal experts… Specialising in: All aspects of Family law • Litigation and Employment Law • Residential & commercial conveyancing •Lease extensions • Collective freehold purchases • Corporate work • Planning law • Wills and the administration of estates •Lasting powers of attorney
Beverley Morris
Geoff Cohen
Angela Stanton
Peter Anderson
Huw Jones
Christine Bolam
Martin Hopkins
Tony Stafford
Richard Hutson
Shirley O’Neill
Beverley Morris & Co.
35 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0TJ
SOLICITORS incorporating Peter Egan & Co. T: 020 8852 4433 F: 020 8463 9494
62 High Street, Lewisham SE13 5JH
E: enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk
Also at Hamilton House, 1 Temple Avenue EC4Y 0HA (By appointment only)
(ground floor offices –adjacent to Montpelier’s delicatessen )
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Weddings
First Date
How to avoid the pitfalls and make it a success with a second date to follow…
W
hen planning a first date, most men settle for some variation of the dinner-and-a-movie night. There’s nothing particularly wrong with this strategy. It’s been tried and tested and it’s easy. The only thing is, when taking a woman out on a date, you don’t want to be like most men; you want a date to remember, for all the right reasons. And of course with equality there is nothing stopping a woman asking a man out on a date, same rules apply think outside the box and get their attention. A good first date allows for conversation, but at the same time takes some of the focus off you so that you’re not under pressure to talk incessantly. The first date ideas below provide the right balance of conversation and pleasant distraction. Just recognise that not every first date idea will work for every type of person. Before you plan some kind of outdoorsy activity, you’ll want to make sure they’re the outdoorsy type. And you don’t want to take someone to a museum if she’s going to be bored to tears. Think about their interests and personality before you decide which of these first date ideas to try. Dancing – Two left feet? Don’t worry, with expert advice on hand you can learn a few simple steps and enjoy the atmosphere. Try the Vintage Dance Club Valentine’s Tea Dance at the East Wintergardens on the 14th! An evening with the stars at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, where you can explore the more romantic aspects of astronomy in the planetarium and look at the moon through a telescope while sipping a glass of fizz. Check their website nmm.org for more info. Ice Skating – Innocent fun, a great way to get to know one another and it's a perfect excuse to hold hands. For foodies or wine lovers try a Wine Tasting at Theatre of Wine or Food Pairing with
Wine at the Spread Eagle or Locale. Shared interest will give you plenty to talk about. After-hours museum visits are the perfect cultural night out. What's not to like about checking out a new exhibition, drink in hand, often with music, talks and tours to add to the buzzy atmosphere? The National Maritime Museum opens late on Thursdays with an exhibition of Photography by American Ansel Adams. For a daytime date why not become a tourist and join a guided walk around Greenwich and find out the history or try an amphibious Duck Tour for a road/river adventure. And if you really want to ‘push the boat out’ and impress, visit the Shard, London Bridge and view London from the open-air viewing platform on the 72nd floor. That should take their breath away.
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Rules of Engagement More than just a ring... by Valerie Breese
T
he tradition of symbolising impending betrothal with an engagement ring dates back to the Ancient Romans where they gave each other simple iron hoops. And dating back even further the Ancient Egyptians wore rings on the ring finger on the left hand, as they believed that’s where the ‘Vein of Love’ ran through to the heart. But what is the etiquette of getting engaged in the 21st century, do you still ask the father’s permission, one of the oldest rules and one which goes back to a time when marriage was up to the bride’s family, not so much the bride herself. Obviously things are much different now, where it’s acceptable for couples to elope without bothering to contact their families. So should we still expect grooms to ask the bride’s father for permission to get married? Men who pride themselves on manners, etiquette and old-school charm will undoubtedly ask permission simply because it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. But some women might be slightly offended by the act. After all, she can think for herself. And even if her father said no, that’s hardly going to stop anyone these days. But not wishing to offend the in-laws to be, involve them and make them aware of the forthcoming proposal. A good way is to include her family in the setting up the proposal or help to organise an engagement party after the event.
Surprise proposals - It takes a very brave, confident person that knows the other person well enough to make a public proposal at an event or party, just in case it’s a resounding no! So think about it first. Choosing the ring? Does the man buy it on his own and hope it’s to the liking of his intended, or is a grand statement like celebrity Katie Price, (Jordan) who designed her own ring (only to take receipt of it after the romance failed), but more likely a romantic moment for two at a jewelers, where she gets to choose the ring of her choice, dare he mention budget at this point. And what is a reasonable amount of time before getting married? The kind of relationship you are in plays a huge role in determining how long it takes before you plan the wedding. There are men out there who are genuinely looking for lifetime partners, either because age is catching up with them or they are tired with on-and-off relationships and want to settle down. Whether its six weeks, six months or six years, it is a time to explore the meaning of commitment and prepare for spending the future together. And if it all goes pear shape who gets to keep the ring? That depends on who ends the engagement, but lets not think about that.
DEVONPORT HOUSE Royal Borough of Greenwich
• Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships • Courtyard and lawn, ideal for photographs • Capacity from 10 to 120 guests • 99 bedrooms Onsite car parking • Special summer and winter Wedding Packages to meet your budget Wedding Fayre on Sunday 24th March 2013 – 11am to 4.30pm Come along and receive a complimentary voucher for Sunday Lunch
Devonport House, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9JW Tel: 0 208 269 5420 Email: devonportsalesteam@deverevenues.co.uk www.devere.co.uk
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DESIGN SERVICES
Weddings
Planning Your Big Day ...with a little bit of help venue – but who knows the ins and outs of what goes on at weddings there? Is the catering always to an exceptionally high standard? Does the venue co-ordinator actually listen to your requirements? Do your chosen suppliers always deliver the products on time, in perfect condition – and to your exact specifications? A good wedding planner will offer a free initial consultation allowing you to tailor-make a service to suit your budget. They can develop a schedule or timeline to work by, ensuring that nothing is overlooked and every detail is thoroughly checked. They can ensure your budget is realistic and recommend suppliers within your price range as necessary. A lot of brides are put off by the cost of a wedding planner. The wedding is an expensive outlay and couples sometimes feel that there’s no budget for ‘extras’. However, the savings you can make by using a good wedding planner effectively can more than cover the cost of the fee. Not to mention saving a huge amount of your precious time in the run-up to the big day.
Wedding Fair Celebrate your nuptials with a view to thrill at one of Inc Group’s City Collection – Battery Events, Tompkins and Madison, three stunning venues that would create a fabulous wedding reception. For a sneak peak at what Battery Events has to offer, plus a great deal more besides visit the free Wedding Fair on Sunday 3 March from 10am – 4pm. Under one roof will be gathered the most experienced and sought after local suppliers, from photographers and florist through to entertainers and wedding planners. The Battery, Canary Wharf is situated at the top of an iconic building providing spectacular panoramic views across the city and docklands. If you use the Clipper Boat service quote: 'Battery' and get a 2 for 1 ticket. The Battery, 34 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf E14 8RR
J A y re Eltham-based, and established since 1953, J Ayre design and create cakes using only the finest quality ingredients, suitable for all occasions, including weddings, birthdays and celebrations Buffet orders are available on request.
Mycenae House This historic building is set in urban woodland gardens. Often described as ‘one of South East London’s best kept secrets’, it boasts a beautiful spacious hall which overlooks the tranquil gardens. The relaxed atmosphere, efficiency and flexibility are consistently highly praised. The hall and bar can accommodate up to a hundred and twenty people for wedding receptions and family celebrations. Located in the heart of the Blackheath and Westcombe Park area, it is just off the A2/102 and 500 yards from the train station. Call 020 8858 1749 for a brochure and an informal chat, and you will find that they strive to make your big day that much more special.
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Once you’ve got over the thrill of getting engaged, the time comes when you need to start planning that dream wedding. Not only is it exciting, it can also be a bit daunting: the average wedding can take more than 250 hours to plan. You might be looking forward to organising the whole day from start to finish yourself but once you begin, you will probably find it more difficult, time-consuming and stressful than you thought! Particularly if, like most people, you’re holding down a full-time job, running a household and leading a life that offered hardly any free time even before you got engaged. This just leaves you a few hours in the evenings and at weekends to plan and organise what will probably be the biggest day of your life. That’s where a wedding planner/organiser/co-ordinator comes in. Wedding planners can help in many ways. As professionals, they will have experienced numerous weddings and know a great deal about the various suppliers: they may well know the ‘best’ in the local market because they have tried and tested them on many occasions. You may think you’ve found the perfect
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Bromley Cricket Club
BCC Cricket • Tennis • Squash Racketball • Bridge 98 Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1 3AS
020 8460 0281
FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Including Business Functions and
Weddings
Opening hours 9.30am - 4.30pm
(closed Wednesday & Sunday)
020 8325 6930 We regularly host: •Birthday parties •Anniversaries •Wedding receptions •Small business conferences and meetings •Wakes/Funeral receptions We do not host •Children’s Parties •Birthdays for young adults under the age of 21
Please direct all enquiries to Linda Ellan on 020 8460 0281 or email admin@bromleycricketclub.org.uk
3 Walden Parade Walden Road Chislehurst Kent BR7 5DW
www.shelleyscakes.com
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Skin and Hair Re air
ORA NATURALS
By now the winter weather has started to take it’s toll on our skin and hair, leaving it dull and tired and in need of some TLC. Exfoliating dead cells is the first step to pampering your dry skin because the clearer the skin, the deeper a moisturizer can penetrate. And whether or not you're dealing with normal, sensitive, or dry skin, it's always a good idea to exfoliate gently - a soft scrub is all you need. If your skin is super dry or irritated, talk to your doctor before starting a new skin care product or regimen. Once you've got a fresh, smooth surface to work with, soothe winter-dry skin with an oil-based moisturizer. Products like these have more staying power, and keep water from evaporating from your skin. Smooth on your preferred moisturizer right after a shower, and then pat your skin dry for the best effect.
combined with a blustery winter wind as well as snow, rain, and icy cold temperatures can all come together to create some pretty bad winter hair days. Split ends to dry frizz, when winter weather hits, a bad hair day can last an entire season. The environment can have some of the most damaging effects on hair in both summer and winter, but in winter it's often worse because our hair is under attack indoors as well, when we turn up the central heating controls, experts say this can be something akin to spending an entire afternoon under a hair dryer! To get your hair back under control, start with a visit to your hairdresser for a good trim to remove the split ends and then use a regular oil treatment after washing and before drying to get the smooth, glossiness back into your hair.
Sun exposure (which can be as intense on a ski slope as it is on a beach)
If the bathroom cabinet is full to capacity, one product that will look after both your
hair and skin is Ora Naturals Pure Argan 100 % Organic Oil. A deeply nourishing skin and hair treatment for long lasting restoration and repair from weather damage. Rich in essential fatty acids Omega 3,6 and 9, anti-oxidants and Vitamin E and part of the new range from Ora Naturals Beauty Company, which are 100% organic and natural. Ora Naturals Pure Argan Oil (pictured left), 50mls, £24.90 from www.oranaturals.co.uk.
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DESIGN SERVICES
Health and Beauty
Walking to a healthier life
W
alking is a gentle, low-impact exercise accessible to just about everybody. It's safe, simple and doesn't require practice and the health benefits are many. Walking can help you: • Lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) • Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol) • Lower your blood pressure • Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes • Manage your weight • Improve your mood • Stay strong and fit All it takes to reap these benefits is a routine of brisk walking. It doesn't get much simpler than that and you can forget the ‘no pain, no gain’ talk. Research shows that regular, brisk walking can reduce the risk of heart attack by the same amount as more vigorous exercise, such as jogging. Walking isn't as likely to lead to injuries as other types of exercise. Still, take time to prepare yourself to prevent injuries, such as blisters or muscle pain. Most importantly, wear comfortable footwear. Choose shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick flexible soles to cushion your feet and absorb shock. Also dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and in layers if you need to adjust to changing temperature. If you walk outside, choose clothes appropriate for the weather. Avoid rubberised materials, as they don't allow perspiration to evaporate. Wear bright colours or reflective tape after dark so that motorists can see you. Spend about five minutes walking slowly to warm up your muscles. You can walk in place if you want. Increase your pace until you feel warm. STRETCH - After warming up, stretch your muscles before walking. Include the calf stretch, quadriceps stretch, hamstring stretch and side (iliotibial) stretch. COOL DOWN AFTER EACH WALKING SESSION - To reduce stress on your heart and muscles, end each walking session by walking slowly for about five minutes. Then, repeat your stretches. If you're a seasoned walker, keep doing what you're doing. If you've been inactive and tire easily, it's best to start slow and easy. At first, walk only as far or as fast as you find comfortable. If you can walk for only a few minutes, let that be your starting point. For example, you might try short daily sessions of five to 10 minutes and slowly build up to 15 minutes twice a week. Then, over several weeks' time, you can gradually work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes of walking most days each week. As you walk, measure the intensity of your workout by checking your heart rate. Knowing your heart rate allows you to increase the intensity to maximise your workout or slow down to avoid overdoing it. To find out if you're exercising within the range of your target heart rate, stop walking to check your pulse manually at your wrist (radial artery) or neck (carotid artery). Another option is to wear an electronic device that displays your heart rate.
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MERIDIAN E D U C AT I O N S U P P L E M E N T
O u r gu i de to the best in education locally * Pr e- s chool & N u rs er y * Primar y S chool * S econdar y Sc hool * Col l eg e * Vocational Courses * Private Tuition * After-school Activities
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Education News
Ju st ch il d’s pl ay ? a but explore deeper and you will see How simple child’s play seems – ted path of exploration and learning. istica soph very and pth in-de lex, comp ifying, is to develop children’s play by ident The skill to an exceptional nursery ing opportunities. That’s why at learn ted targe ent lopm deve and planning Not only does it mean increased Zoom we take play very seriously. makes the day a lot more fun! also it ent lopm deve opportunities for chat and look around one of our mal infor an or n, For more informatio l Ann Briley, Assistant Childcare emai SE9 and four sites in SE3, SE13 www.zoomnurseries.com m ail.co Director, annbriley.zoom@gm
TRINITY LA BAN CONSE RVATOIRE Greenwich an OF MUSIC d Deptford, AND DANC is Its innovativ E based in e course prov the UK's only conservato ire of music ision, excitin education, co and dance. g performan mmunity an ces and grou d social incl the advancem ndbreaking usion work m en ake Trinity La the musicians t of elite and creative ar ban a leader tistic practic , dancers an in e. The organi d vibrant cultu sation foster ral life and its artistic leaders of the fu s tu re, enriching creative indu diverse econ st Britain's omy. More th ries which ar e vital to a ba an 97% of ou or further stud lanced, r first degree y six months leavers are in after gradua entire higher employmen tion - the fifth education se t highest figu ctor. www.trinityla re across th ban.ac.uk, e Music: 020 8305 4444, Dance: 020 8305 9400
MONKEY MUSIC - THE UK’S PREMIUM MUSIC GROUP FOR PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN. Monkey Music offers four separate curric ular specifically designed for the individual age groups. Rock’n’Roll for very young babies 3 – 10 months, Heigh-Ho 10 months – 2 years, Jiggety-Jig 2 – 3 years and Ding-Dong 3 – 4 years. Experienced teachers run weekly Monkey Music classes locally in Blackheath and Greenwich. All Monkey Music customers are entitle d to 30% discount at Giraffe restaurant, Blackheath village and 20% discount at Café Rouge Greenwich. Booking now for the spring term. Please call Rebecca on 020 8764 5185 to book a free complimen tary class. www.monkeymusic.co.uk AT BISHOP CHALLONER your child will learn within a caring happy and secure environment. We are committed to ‘outstanding pastoral care’ and the highest level of academic achievemen t. As a Catholic, Independent, Coeducational Day School, all our students from 3-18 are able to grow to their full potential so that they may become confi dent, responsible and caring members of society. Our ethos is one that nurtures individual talent, respects all faiths and creates a learning partnership for all. We are proud of our students who flourish in a community where individual support and attention is second to none. We achieve excellent results at GCSE and A Level representing a lot of hard work and dedication. Our motto challe nges each and every student to ‘dare to do their very best’. Visits are welcome - please contact the Admissions Secretary on 020 8460 3546 or email admissions@bis hopchallonerschool.com
r e t s e h c o R s ’ g n i K
al s flo ur ish whe re in di vi du a co m mun ity school g 21st century o an outstandin high
ed int all levels and King’s has evolv llent facilities at Founded in 604, d girls with exce ognises that an rec ys d bo an e old ak ar int ility for 3 to 18 ye has a broad-ab d far beyond ten g’s ex Kin y s. ma ard ich nd s wh academic sta ts and strength en tal h wit e iqu every child is un vides nt, King’s also pro ley the classroom. ndon and NW Ke om Br Lo n SE ee m tw fro be in ss ce by tra With ease of ac pupils travelling y. urn travel for all rne ret jou ied te an nu mp mi co ac t a 30 ester.co.uk www.kings-roch ester which is jus 01634 88590, South and Roch ll ca , 13 20 : 1 March Open Morning
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St Olave's recognises talent! No matter what your child’s interests or abilities, our non-selective ethos means that we have children like yours! We aim to offer every possible opportunity their full potential and recognise reach to years 3-11 aged girls for boys and different areas. We are proud of our their talents and strengths in many and have a strong track record of esses succ mic cade academic and non-a to Year 6 pupils. ols scho r senio of h achieving the best matc nt, to our school either by appointme We look forward to welcoming you on ing Morn Open next our at office@stolaves.org.uk, or Saturday 2 March 2013.
29/01/2013 13:28
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More News Jone s Lan g LaS alle spon sors spor ts team s at Colf e's Scho ol
Young Education Services has been established for over 20 years. We provid e extra educational support for students from KS1-KS4. Many parents are often unsur e of their child’s academic ability. Therefore, students can now sit a one-off national assessment in order for paren ts to ascertain their level. YES has also become a mock exam centre . Parents may send their children to YES for regular practice prior to 7+, 11+ or 13+ exams. During holiday times we run courses relevant to students’ academic needs. If you would like to know more abou t these facilities, please contact the centre on 0208 858 9180/ 07850 132 904, or you may email your enquiry to info@youngeducationserv ices.co.uk.
Residential property company, Jones Lang LaSalle entered into their second year of working with Colfe's School, Lee. The first year was sponsorship of rugby shirts for the boys Under 15s. Last year was sponsorship of the Rugby 1st XV and the award winnin g girls Netball Under 19s team. A sample of the 1st XV shirts can be seen in the residential offices in Blackheath, Greenwich and Canary Wharf . “I love the new kit. When you look the part, you feel the part and it definitely makes you play better.” said 17-year old Alice Foste r; a member of Colfe's Netball Under19s team. Residential Director, Ken Deamer, based in Blackheath, said he is delighted to have extended this sponsorship with the school: “Jones Lang LaSalle is extremely pleased to have helped provide the children with really outstanding professional sports kit. As a company we are proud to celebrate sport and last year we had the opportunity to show our commitment by supporting our Olymp ic Athletes, Alan Campbell in Rowing and Helen Jenkins in Triathlon, and Paralympian Will Bayley whose sport is table tennis. Colfe’ s has developed, over many years, a very strong reputation in the local area for successful and high level sport particularly in rugby and netball, and Jones Lang LaSalle is deligh ted to be part of helping this grow even stronger.” Director of Sport, Nicci Rayes said “This is such an important moment for us, not least because now our girls and boys are going out and feeling extremely professional which is reflected in a definite improvement in how they play. The new kit gives them a real sense of identity and pride in the school and becau se they feel rewarded, they want to play even better to give something back. We are really grateful to Jones Lang LaSalle for believ ing in us, and what we can achieve, and we look forward to many more years of a fruitful and strong partnership.” Picture credit: Ian D Bassett, Colfe's. (left to right) Saskia Leese, Jade Deol, Tara Dennehy, Alice Foster, Ken Deamer, Rochelle McKay Pryce, Octavia Willoughby, Sophia Debney, Jenny Dearsle y, Megan Deverson
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Imagination for the everyday! Flexible payment schemes. Contact us: 07801072776 info@theatretots.com www.theatretots.com 32 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
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The Pointer School (Blackheath)
First Class Examination Results (100% success in 2012 Examinations) Organic Food • Christian Evangelical in ethos Breakfast Club & After-School Care Large variety of outdoor and PE activities Three languages taught Numerous Extra-Curricular Activities (Fencing to Horse Riding) Holiday Club (Christmas, Easter & Summer) OFSTED: OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS
19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath SE3 7TH 020 8293 1331 secretary@pointers-school.co.uk www.pointers-school.co.uk www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 33
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Op Mornen ing Sat 2 M
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arch -12 p m
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COLFE'S
Why Study Classics? I WAS DELIGHTED to hear recently that 40% of our pupils at Colfe’s had chosen to continue their study of Latin into Year 9 this year and thereafter to GCSE. In the course of the next three years they will have the opportunity to visit ancient Pompeii, Rome and Classical Athens whilst they get to grips with the unique linguistic challenge of the Latin language. A growing number are also opting to study Ancient Greek whilst Classical Civilisation has become established as a popular A level option for those who wish to study the Classics in translation. There are a range of practical advantages which derive from the study of Latin, including easier access to modern languages like French, Spanish or Italian, all of which derive from Latin. The intellectual rigour of the Classics is also widely celebrated. For children, however, the most convincing argument in support of the study of Classics is that it is intrinsically and inherently interesting: the ancient world is an utterly fascinating, sometimes exhilarating and often dangerous place. These characteristics are reflected in a welcome trend towards more accessible literature about, or inspired by, the ancient world. The brutal age of Julius Caesar and Cicero, for example, has been vividly brought to life by Robert Harris in his Roman novels, Imperium and Lustrum. Mary Beard’s study of Pompeii brings a unique collection of ancient ruins to life as effectively as any of its predecessors asserting, for example, with all due reference to the archaeological record, that most ancient Pompeians suffered from chronic halitosis. The Roman Empire is also the cradle of Christianity, although the religious enthusiasm of the ancient Christians was markedly greater than that of their modern counterparts. Ammianus Marcellinus, historian of the later Roman Empire, observes that “no wild beasts are so hostile to humans as the majority of the Christians are to one another.” He knew what he was talking about, not only because he would have attended the gladiatorial spectacula in the amphitheatre at Antioch as a young man but also because, within living memory, Bishop George of Alexandria, sometimes identified as the patron saint of England, had been torn to pieces by a mob in Alexandria whose take on the first version of the Nicene Creed differed fatally from his own. Supporters of the Classics have been suitably vociferous recently, with a recent Politeia study even advocating the introduction of Latin to the primary school curriculum. Signatories to that study include Tom Stoppard and Ian Hislop. Boris Johnson is also to be commended for his successful campaign to rescue A Level Ancient History from oblivion. As the recent obsession with Mandarin Chinese in independent schools begins to fade, it is to be hoped that more pupils in more schools, including those in the state sector, will have the opportunity to experience the ancient world through the study of Latin. The classical renaissance is overdue. Christopher Pelling and Llewelyn Morgan: Latin for language learners. Opening opportunity for primary pupils. Politeia 2010. Richard Russell, Headmaster, Colfes School, Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW. Tel: 020 8852 2283. www.colfes.com
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Education
T he Power of Lear ning
ELTHAM COLLEGE
for Lifetime Success
HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS ENCOURAGED TO THINK ABOUT HOW THEY LEARN? Are they praised for using their imagination? Are they encouraged to share with others how they managed to solve a problem or how they overcame certain distractions? Classrooms are going through a sea-change - teachers are using a different language to support their pupils. Gone are the days when pupils are told to “work harder” or “put in more effort”; instead pupils are being encouraged to consider how they learn, what they do when they find something difficult, and whether they collaborate and empathise with others or prefer to learn on their own. Despite the rather traditional appearance of Eltham College, we are tackling this learning revolution in the classroom head on. Under the leadership of Ms Rachel Gordon, as Head of Teaching and Learning, all staff are being encouraged to consider how to put more emphasis on “learning” rather than “work” in the classroom, and pupils are being helped in developing skills that will enhance their performance in examinations and also provide them with the confidence to take on the challenges they will face in the world beyond school. Teachers are “facilitators” in the classroom while pupils discover more about themselves as well as the subjects which they are studying. The boys and
girls at Eltham College are learning about how to become more effective learners, and this is giving them a step up on the educational ladder. The language of “learning” encourages everyone to consider how resilient, reflective, resourceful and flexible we are. We can all acknowledge how easily distracted we can be, and this can lead us to miss subtleties and nuances in our work. Improvements are often made when we think again about what contributes to our successes and we reflect on our failures. That sense of achievement when we have overcome a real difficulty is so much better than being able to coast through everything with ease. Being challenged is something we should all relish and embrace. Having the confidence to take on new challenges, be flexible in new situations and learn from the experience is powerful learning that will endure beyond the classroom. Henry Ford is reputed to have said, “Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can’t are both right.” The philosophy within the classrooms at Eltham College is to encourage all to believe they can, and understanding how they learn is key to that success. Eltham College, Grove Park Road Eltham SE9 4QF. Tel: 020 8857 1455. www.eltham-college.org.uk By P J Henderson
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Education
l a n o i t a n r e t T he In t a e t a e r u a l a Bacc l o o h c S s ’ n e e George Gr GEORGE GREEN’S SCHOOL on the Isle of Dogs has been an authorised as an IB World School since October 2008. We are one of the few state schools to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB), offering a truly world class education to our students. There are two options available to students interested in the IB programme – • The IB Diploma Programme • The IB Career related Certificate (IBCC) The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education and is accepted by leading universities worldwide. It provides students with the critical-thinking skills and a sense of ‘international-mindedness’, essential for today’s global economy. It is a challenging programme that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. Students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5. In addition, the programme has three core requirements: • the extended essay, an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects students are studying; • Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course designed to encourage students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and different kinds of knowledge; • Creativity Action Service (CAS) which requires students to actively learn from experience doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students take written examinations marked by external IB examiners, at the end of the two year programme. Results are excellent with over 90% of students entered gaining the full IB Diploma, and with an average points score above the worldwide average. Since 2012 George Green’s Sixth Form has offered the IB Careers-related Certificate (IBCC), a new qualification that increases access to an IB education and is specifically designed to provide a flexible learning framework tailored by the school to meet the needs of students and the local community as well as the world beyond. We have excellent links with businesses in London and beyond, enabling us to offer all IBCC a paid internship as part of the course. We are passionate about the IB programme – we think it is the most exciting learning programme for sixth form students, and the best possible preparation for university and global citizenship. We look forward to welcoming you to our growing school community. To arrange a visit or find out more, give us a call on 020 7001 9433. Visit our website for more information – including videos and course descriptions. www.georgegreens.com/sixthform
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Education
SYDENHAM HIGH is currently celebrating 125 years of educating girls aged 4 to 18 from across London and the South East to the highest possible standard. In fact last summer the school achieved quite exceptional GCSE and A level results – some of its best of recent years and somewhat bucking the trend nationally. This followed an Inspection report which judged the school to be outstanding for providing a first class education that allows pupils to be intellectually fulfilled at the same time as offering lively and stimulating enrichment beyond the classroom. Headteacher Kathryn Pullen firmly believes that the school’s approach to educating and not just examining pupils is at the heart of enabling each girl to achieve her full potential – something she refers to as the Syd Effect. “Our aim is to prepare each girl for what the future holds – by setting high expectations, providing a strong academic framework, instilling confidence and supporting every girl’s emotional development so that she can be the absolute best she can be.” This approach can be seen at every level of the school. At Junior School each pupil has her own development plan right from the moment she arrives, ensuring that she can be supported and encouraged at every stage of her school life. In the sixth form as well as her A Levels each girl has the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This allows students to pursue independent areas of study supervised in a similar way to a university dissertation or thesis. Life beyond the curriculum is also vibrant and enriching, with plenty of sport, music, drama, art and clubs of all kinds so that every girl has the opportunity to stretch herself.
SYDENHAM HIGH SCHOOL
An education that goes beyond great results...
Girls are also encouraged to take part in charity fundraising and community service. Pupils recently raised over £10,000 for cancer charities as part of the school’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Looking ahead to the world of work, the school has also launched a Young Enterprise initiative for sixth formers in conjunction with Dulwich College, designed to give pupils a taste for entrepreneurship and build practical business skills. Two combined school teams are now working on solid business ideas. “We’re proud of the excellent academic achievement of our girls – just as we are proud of our award-winning choir, our range of sports, our theatre productions and the creativity in art and design. But our definition of success is broader than that", says Kathryn Pullen. “When we look at our girls, we see people who are articulate, well-informed and open-minded. They are not afraid to accept a challenge and have the courage to try new things and the self-belief to see them through – attributes that are vital to deal confidently with an ever-changing world.” Headteacher: Kathryn Pullen BA, MA Sydenham High School: Senior School, 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL Junior School, Huw May MA Ed, NPQH, 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL 020 8557 7000, info@syd.gdst.net, www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net
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Education
Blackheath High School
A
t Blackheath High School we are committed to creating lifelong learners who are equipped with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to be happy and successful in their adult lives. We have traditional values which, successfully coupled with a forward thinking, innovative approach to education, give every one of our pupils all of the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. Our motto is ‘a place to grow, a place to excel’ and every pupil is inspired to ‘aim high’ in all that they do, academically and otherwise. Our unique educational experience is described as “stimulating and extraordinarily supportive, conducive to the highest standards of teaching and learning” by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate and, as one year 10 student sums it up; “Our school has an inclusive and positive feel – everyone really does have ‘a place to grow, a place to excel’ and excellence is encouraged. There is always something or someone to support your current talents and help you develop new ones.” Girls at Blackheath High enjoy school and make remarkably good progress, in both their academic studies and personal development, through a holistic approach showing care and thought for the wellbeing of the whole person, whilst providing many challenging opportunities. We strongly believe in the importance of the traditional core subjects and are proud of the excellent results our girls achieve in subjects including Languages, Mathematics and Science. One of our mathematicians, Danshu Zhang, scored so highly in the UK Mathematics Trust’s Olympiad that she is now taking part in the second round of the British Mathematics Olympiad and hopes to represent the UK in the European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad in April. Blackheath High was the first school in Greenwich and the GDST to be awarded the prestigious ICT mark in recognition of the school’s success in developing the strategic use of ICT across the curriculum. We achieved re-accreditation last year with the Naace assessment report stating “It is excellent to see sustained ICT development, year on year, making this school an exemplary model for any educational establishment.”
We believe that incorporating new technology into the curriculum can empower children and better prepare them for life in our fastpaced, online world. Girls work within a hi-tech environment; each sixth former is provided with a laptop whilst all pupils are competent at pod casting, filming and using the school’s digital radio station and language laboratory to support their learning. A stimulating virtual learning environment has been created which allows students to access school files, homework and lesson plans from home and, this year, teachers and pupils have started to use iPads to enhance learning. However, as exciting as new technologies are, they should not be seen as a panacea for all ills, or a short cut to more effective teaching. Our excellent teachers deliver interesting and inspiring lessons with appropriately challenging
to study Mandarin as one of their language choices, from Year 7. However, equally, we believe that learning Latin is still very important as it not only helps develop English language skills, but also supports the learning of other European languages and is a very interesting subject in its own rite. When moving onto higher education, Blackheath High School students gain places at their chosen universities and we are delighted that each year we have students receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge, this year to read subjects including Natural Sciences at Cambridge and Music at Oxford. Equally, we encourage our girls to follow their ambitions in the Arts and more contemporary fields, in order to achieve their career aspirations. This year, girls have been offered places on courses as diverse as Biochemistry, Medicine, Animation, Fashion Journalism and Psychology. Our girls are well qualified and become resilient, confident and adaptable young women. With a love of learning, traditional values and independence of thought, they are well prepared for university and the world of work and they typically go out into the world and make a difference. For more info visit: www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net
PUPILS AT BLACKHEATH HIGH SCHOOL
...where Tradition blends successfully with Innovation
tasks, pace, lively discussion and active pupil involvement. They make every effort to ensure each girl is happy at school and there are very positive relationships between staff and pupils and amongst pupils themselves. As we embrace innovation and new technologies across the curriculum, we retain traditional values. We recognise that China plays an increasingly important role in the global economy and that it is vital that we equip our students with the necessary language skills to compete and succeed in the modern world. Therefore, our girls are given the opportunity
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Inspiring excellence in individual tuition for: • 11 plus preparation for grammar school entrance examination • Common entrance preparation for 7plus - 13 plus for independent school entrance examination • Tuition for scholarships to all leading prep and senior independent schools • GCSE preparation in mathematics and all sciences • AS & A2 preparation in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology • I.B. We are now enrolling Year 5 pupils for Year 7 entry into Grammar and Independent schools
To book or to find out more contact
www.theedcentre.co.uk enquiries@theedcentre.co.uk 0208 318 2106 Lewisham SE13 5AF
(1 min walk from Lewisham dlr/bus garage)
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Education
s s e c c u S s... at Shear
Shears Academy Annual Presentation & Graduation evening celebrated Shear's students’ success and achievement, and paid homage to the Best of British following the Jubilee celebrations and Team GB’s Olympic & Paralympic “Go for Gold” success earlier in the year.
“The Academy celebrated a record breaking number of achievers this year, and we are so proud of them all” said Pauline Brooker, MD, as apprentices filled the stage to receive their hairdressing and customer service certificates, and were joined by the first barbering and Assessor Award graduates.“The whole Academy team have all worked so hard to bring these qualifications to Shears - and they deserve all the success they’ve achieved!” The Award winners this year are pictured above centre, winning trophies, stylists’ pouches and vouchers. Far left: Charlotte Hawkins, The Lounge, SE16 - Customer Service Achiever of the Year 2012 Centre: Christie Hedge, Claus & Co, Bickley - Hairdressing Achiever of the Year 2012. Far right: Jade Clarke, Chandler Wright, Blackheath - Apprentice of the Year 2012. The top presentation prize, a hairdressing photo shoot went to Chris De Faria,
pictured left, third from the right. Chris is head receptionist at Michaeljohn, W1 and is currently on a hairdressing apprenticeship with Shears Academy having achieved Customer Service qualification earlier this year. Amy King, 2nd from right was joint winner with her Model No. 6 (far right). Amy was the very first of our barbering achievers recently and entered the competition to promote the new Barbering class at Shears! Chris and Amy were joined on the stage by the runners up – 2nd place went to Lara Dean, 4th from left, with model No. 12, and in 3rd place was Michaela Holliday 2nd from the left with her model, No.4. For more information about Hairdressing and related training at Shears Academy, please call Carole on 020 8461 3504 or go to: www.shearsacademy.co.uk Check us out on our acebook page: www.facebook.com/shearsacademy - you might like us!
SHEARS ACADEMY OF HAIRDRESSING
“T he Academy celebrated a record breaking number of achievers this year, and we are so prou d of them all”
By Pauline Brooker/Shears Academy
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Life at Cobham Hall COBHAM HALL SCHOOL is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and, as we celebrate, we reflect on what creates a successful and very special place to learn, live and grow. We could tell you about all our facilities - our magnificent Manor House, beautiful grounds, swimming pool, tennis courts, art studios, dark room, cookery room, fitness suite, dance studio, huge gym, even our new solar panels – we could talk about our small class sizes and our Round Square ethos. But what does that really tell you about what makes us different from every other school you’ve ever read about and what life is like at Cobham Hall? WHAT DOES MAKE US DIFFERENT? Principally two things. Firstly, we believe that to succeed in and to contribute to the world community you need more than good exam results. Certainly they’re important and we take pride in the fact that our girls regularly perform above expectations and get to the university and study the subjects of their choice. But it is not solely exam results that define our girls. As important to us is developing self-esteem and confidence, inter-personal skills, creativity, initiative, perseverance and happiness; empathy, kindness and a young person’s desire to make a difference in the world. Skills and characteristics invaluable to the individual and valued by employers. Secondly, we’re driven by the underlying belief that ‘there is more in you than you think’. By giving girls the opportunity to try new things, to take risks, to succeed and fail in a constructive rather than destructive environment, mixing with girls from different communities and cultures, bringing out the best in our girls, developing resilience and confidence, fostering understanding and compassion and uncovering new skills and interests. The true nature of Cobham Hall - the practical expression of all our philosophies
COBHAM HALL
Education
and ideals, our size and our pupil make-up - is perhaps best defined by the tiny details of our everyday life. It’s inseparable roommates, enthusiasm engulfing young faces, animated greetings between teachers and girls and bedtime chats between Housemistresses and their “little ones”. It’s teenagers fluent in many languages and the random trade of expressions and phrases between students of different cultures. It’s in the laughter in the corridor and the singing in the hallway and the cheerful roar of the dining room at mealtimes. It’s found in the members of staff still at school well past the end of lessons; the cheers on the sports field and the melodies floating from the music wing. It’s in the art on the walls and in the many hands up in class. It’s in the very air as you walk through the front door. Come and see. Cobham Hall School, www.cobhamhall.com, 01474 823371
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Food & Drink
Love is in the air… ...so what should you drink? Carolyn Bosworth-Davies offers some romantic suggestions
PLANNING A ROMANTIC VALENTINE’S EVENING, or a first date, or a spring wedding? If so, you'll want to choose a wine that will impress and yet not be overtly ostentatious, or, in these economically difficult times, one that breaks the bank. You also want to pick something that looks as though some effort and thought has gone into your choice for your loved one, rather than simply grabbing the best offer from the supermarket shelves! This is where buying from independent wine merchants should be your first port of call. Two local independents well up to the task of giving you enthusiastic, knowledgeable and specialist advice are Theatre of Wine (75 Trafalgar Road) in Greenwich and Champion Wines (17 High Street) in Chislehurst. Both aim to offer wines the owners themselves know and love, wines that have often been sourced direct from producers or from other highly-regarded wine merchants, wines that have real character, personality and flavour. Both shops sell wines from all around the world, though Theatre of Wine has a stronger leaning toward European wines, and Champion Wines favours more New World wines. For several years Theatre of Wine have championed the wines from a small producer, Vignobles Guillaume, based
in the Franche Comte in France. Situated north-east of Burgundy, Guillaume’s produces terrific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, but at far more competitive prices than its famous neighbour. Alongside these wines, Theatre of Wine stock Guillaume's lovely Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, made using the traditional method, and called – somewhat appropriately for Valentines Day – ‘Seduction’! At £16.90 a bottle, it is made from 100% Chardonnay, and is full of rich pastry shop or brioche flavours and has a wonderfully balanced acidity and gentle mousse. If you are buying chocolate for your Valentine, then Tawny Ports work well, but as an alternative, Yalumba’s Antique Solera-Aged Tawny at £13.30 for a 50cl bottle has dried fruits, caramalised toffee and chocolate with a sublime creamy structure that is quite hedonistic. Another option for chocolate is the 1963 Rivesaltes Domaine de Gorge du Soleil. Having matured in barrels for nearly fifty years this is a Vin Doux Naturel blend and had recently been bottled. A perfect gift for anyone celebrating a 50 Birthday this year and at £66.13 a bargain. Penny Champion at Champion Wines, now into her second year of trading, has a full licence, so you can 'try and buy' the wines in the shop while enjoying a platter of
cheese. A small corkage fee is added to the retail cost of the bottle, which makes these a very attractive way of buying wine. Here Penny stocks one of my favourite New World sparklers. This is the Yalumba-owned Tasmanian outpost of Jansz. Offering both the Premium Cuvée and Rosé at £15.99, this beats many inexpensive Champagnes hands down. Using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and produced in the traditional method, Jansz sparklers have an extended ageing time, longer than many cheap sparkling or Champagne brands. The delicate fizz is supported with lots of flavours and a delicious creamy texture, and the red fruits of the Pinot Noir are quite marked on the palate – especially in the rosé. If you are buying for a wedding, bulk discounts are offered starting at 5% off a case and Champion Wines also offer 'sale or return' for weddings. Definitely worth a visit if you are planning your 'Big Day’ in 2013.
VENICE a n a i l a
Book now for Valentines Day 14 February 3 Course meal from £18.55 per person From 1st - 28th February
Bar - Restaurant
It
Now under new management
Lunch 2 Course £8.95 per person with any drink Dinner 2 Course £10.95 per person with any drink Saturday buffet £11.95 eat as much as you like from 5pm-11pm Sunday buffet 11.95 eat as much as you like 12pm - 6pm
DISCOUNT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ON AL CARTE MENU EVERYDAY
∙
∙
∙
£5 off for a table of 2 plus 2 glasses of wine! £10 off for a table of 4 plus a bottle of wine! £20 off for a table of 6+ and a bottle of wine!
OPENING: 12pm - 11.30pm | 1-3 Lee Road, Blackheath, London SE3 9RQ | Tel: 020 8852 9111 44 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
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Probably London’s most Romantic Restaurant!
On Valentine’s Day, join us to celebrate with a romantic, candle-lit three-course meal, including Champagne and Entertainment. We’ll even ensure your loved one leaves with a rose to remember the occasion! Tickets for Valentine’s Day are £27.95 per guest.
Please visit www.towertandoori.co.uk for more information about the menu and sitting times
The Season of Love is finally here, and to commemorate the occasion ‘the Lover’s Menu’ is available until 13th February at £19.95 per guest. If you’re in a romantic mood, why not write a message for your beloved on our legendary Lover’s Message Wall, available from the beginning of February!
‘As great as ever! Always a pleasure to go back’ (Dining Website)
74-76 Tower Bridge Road SE1 4TP | Tel: 020 7237 2247 | Email: info@towertandoori.co.uk |
re s ta u ra n t indian • chinese • thai • mexican • italian TIMES AND PRICES LUNCH BUFFET (MON-FRI) 12 NOON - 3.30PM Adults £7.95 Children under 10 £4.95 LUNCH BUFFET (SAT) 12 NOON - 3.30PM Adults £9.95 Children under 10 £5.95 DINNER BUFFET (MON-THURS) 5PM - 10.30PM Adults £13.95 Children under 10 £6.95
Seating for 150 • Multi-cuisine • A variety of 80 dishes from various countries to choose from • live kitchen using your choice of ingredients prepared by our chef the way you want it • 100 of the finest cocktails, spirits, mocktails, beers, wines, soft drinks etc 45-54 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 3BD 020 8460 6452 / 020 8460 6448 www.buddhabelly.co.uk
DINNER BUFFET (FRI-SAT) 5PM - 11PM Adults £14.95 Children under 10 £7.95 SUNDAY BUFFET 12 NOON - 9.30PM Adults £11.95 Children under 10 £6.95 Children under 5 eat FREE For Friday & Saturday nights the following time slots apply: 5-7pm; 7-9pm; 9-11pm For Friday, Saturday & Sunday all reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance
Now open in Maidstone (seating for 180) 23-17 High Street, 1-9 Pudding Lane, Maidstone Kent ME14 1JF 01622 758159 / 01622 682485 www.buddahbellymaidstone.co.uk
New menu available for Valentines Day 14 February. £19.95 per person. Book Now! www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 45
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News
Listings
DESIGN SERVICES
Join us for one of our exciting wine events If you love wine, you'll love Chapters wine events, a series of talks and tastings throughout 2013, starting on Monday 25 February, 6.30 – 8.30pm.Two, top wine professionals: Mike Herrick, Sales and Marketing Manager of Mt Difficulty Wines (one of the oldest and most respected wineries in New Zealand's Otago region), and Carlos Estevez, Wine Ambassador for Bilbao-based Diego Zamoura will host the evening. They'll be talking about their wines and the history of their vineyards. Plus there'll be a chance to taste a selection of their wines, accompanied by some carefully harmonised canapés prepared by our Chef Alex Tyndall. Chapters have specially chosen these wine makers for the recognised quality of their products, which are not available in any UK shops or supermarkets. During the evening there will be an exclusive opportunity to buy the wines at shop prices. The cost is £15pp, places are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis, so book early. A complimentary glass of Champagne for anyone who books a table to dine after the event on the day. To book call 020 8333 2666 or e-mail philip@ chaptersrestaurants.com. Chapters All Day Dining, 43-45 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0TJ.
KATHERINE BREESE
MWAP Update The last month has been busy at MWAP, gaining 4 new board members, one of which a much needed treasurer! We look forward to working hard this year and everything so far has been really positive.The snow at the end of January left the park looking beautiful, and although it’s been cold, the animals have enjoyed having a change of scene. Visit the temporary website www.sites.google. com/site/maryonanimalpark for the most up-to-date info and events.
wich & Blackhea n e e A Historical Alphabet th Gr
Dr. Hugh Hawes, local octogenarian enjoyed the challenge of writing this book with the dearth of available material about the fascinating area in which he has lived for nearly fifty years. Read about many different folk from Kings and Queens to Cornish revolutionaries and highwaymen. Available from bookshops and the Tourist Information Centre or email hhawes1@aol.com.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARY HERBERT AND NAOMI TILEY
T h i s m o n t h ’s e v e n t s 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 August and December. 2.30pm. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk. St Mary’s Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackheath 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. New members welcome. 020 8852 7873 or www.gdfas.org Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park. Drop-in activities for Sunday. 10am-5pm. Free. Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park Trust for Urban Ecology, John Harrison Way, SE10. 020 8293 1904. Greenwich Tour Guides Association. Walks start at 12.15pm & 2.15pm from the Tourist Information Centre, Pepys House, 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10. £7 (£6 concs). 07575 772 298 or email: guides@greenwichtours.co.uk Greenwich Market. Tues - Collectables & crafts. Weds - Food market with local producers & organic produce. Thurs & Fri - Antiques, collectables, arts & crafts. Weekends & Bank Hols - Arts & Crafts & Food. 10am-5.30pm, www.shopgreenwich.co.uk 020 8269 5096. Greenwich SE10. Guided Walk in Maryon Wilson Park. This park includes an animal park & deer enclosure. 1.15pm & 3.30pm tour of the animals every Wed. Extra tours Mon & Fri in school hols. Free. Maryon Wilson Park, Thorntree Road, Charlton, SE7. Park Ranger Service, 020 8319 4253. Learn Tarot Cards. Develop your intuition and communication skills. Private tuition and workshops with experienced reader, inspiring teacher. Tel: 07791 139 380, 020 8293 1737 E: marieclaire@tarotgift.com. www.tarotgift.com. Sing it out. Stress-relieving singing group for local people interested in singing as a way of relieving stress. All abilities catered for. First session FREE. Evening sessions Wed 8pm. Mother & baby sessions Thurs 1.30pm. Maze Hill area. Call Toria on 07747 794 321 or email toria@singitout.co.uk Swing The Needles & Lets Get Hooked. Half Term kids knitting and crochet workshops at the knitshop.co.uk Boutique Outlet in Lee Green. £10 per 2 hour session. Book at www.knitshop.co.uk or call 020 8144 4523. Knitshop.co.uk, 326 Lee High Road,Lee Green SE13 5PJ.
UNTIL 10 MAR Current Exhibition. Featuring: Sowako Ando (Until 10 Feb), Aimee Birnbaum (12 – 24 Feb), David Bowyer (26 Feb – 10 Mar). Tues–Sun, 10am–5.30pm. 020 8858 1569. Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1A The Market, SE10 9HZ. Annual Exhibition. Winners of the world’s best amateur astro-photography competition. Free. Royal Observatory, Greenwich Pk, SE10.
UNTIL 23 FEB Merrily We Roll Along. Musical based on the 1934 play looks at the career of songwriter
Franklin Shepard. Tues – Sat 8pm, Sat & Sun 3.30pm. Tickets: 020 7378 1713. www. menierchocolatefactory.com. The Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, SE1
UNTIL 13 MAR Illuminated World. An exploration of early photography by an extraordinary local man, Arthur Boswell (1880-1966). 10am-5pm, last entry 4.30pm. Adults £7, concs/under16s £5, family £20. Bexley Heritage Trust, Hall Place, Bexley DA5 1PQ.
FRI 8 FEB Last & First Cabaret. Kick-starting the season of anniversary festivities & bidding farewell to Director, Brendan Keaney. Enjoy an assortment of dance, circus & film in a traditional setting with table service, live music and a compere. 7.30pm. £15, £12 concs. 020 8293 9741. Greenwich Dance, The Borough Hall, Royal Hill SE10 8RE. The X Factor Live. Your chance to see the final seven stars of The X Factor perform live. Doors 6.30pm. £32.50. www.theo2.co.uk. The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX.
SAT 9 FEB Bird Watching Walks. Not suitable for young children. 2pm. £2, Under-18 £1, Free for Woodlands Farm Trust members. Wear sturdy clothes. In the event of heavy rain or strong winds the walk will be cancelled. 020 8319 8900. Meet in the farmyard outside second building on left. The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, Kent DA16 3RP. Concert. Newly-formed chamber group, The Vanbrugh Ensemble, will perform a series of concerts. The first features Mendelson’s ‘The Fair Melusine’, Mozart’s Piano Concerto K491 in C Minor and Symphony No.4 by Beethoven. 7.30pm. Free. Retiring collection in support of the All Saints Organ Restoration Fund. All Saint’s Church, Blackheath Village SE3.
SUN 10 FEB Antiques, Collectables, Vintage, Retro & Craft Fair. Search for a bargain. 9am – 2.30pm. £1. Email: info@r-and-t.co.uk or visit www.r-and-t.co.uk. Kemnal Technology College, Sevenoaks Way, Sidcup DA14 5AA. Cajun & Zydeco Dance Workshop. Everyone welcome, including beginners – on your own or bring a partner! 2.30 – 4.30pm. £5. Licensed bar. Email f.norcutt@live.co.uk or call 01322 524 440 for details. Blackheath Newbridge WMC, 22 Charlton Rd; Blackheath Standard, SE3 7HG.
MON 11, 18 & 25 FEB A Stitch in Time. Tapestry group. Get involved in a community-sewing project. For more info contact Jenny Bracey on 020 8853 0687. 10am – 1pm. Caton Room, St Alfege Church, Roan Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.
TUES 12 FEB Rare and Migrant Birds. Blackheath Townswomens Guild Talk by John Beckham. 2pm. Boys Brigade Hall, Reynolds Place, Blackheath SE3. Free. Canary Wharf Comedy Club. Sara Pascoe, Hal Cruttenden, Julian Deane & more. For more info visit www.canarywharf.com. 7.15pm. £12. East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf E14.
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Listings
Valentine’s Day with a 1920’s twist!
Celebrate the roaring twenties and a decade of decadence at this adult-only Valentine’s late event held at Museum of London on 14 February. From 7 – 10pm, the museum will take a trip back in time to the age of jazz, cabaret and fabulous flapper fashion. Dress up 1920’s style and learn to dance the Charleston alongside your partner or friend with demonstrations and classes held by Swing Dance UK. Live jazz will be performed throughout the evening in order to give you the chance to try out your moves, and cabaret will be brought to you by top tap dancer, Josephine Shaker. And as ever, there will be a bar to provide refreshment when you need a break from dancing the Charleston. Valentine @ Late, 7 – 10pm. Adults only, £7 / £6 concessions and Friends FREE. To book please call the box office on 020 7001 9844 / www.museumoflondon.org.uk. Museum of London
DESIGN SERVICES
Half term Courses HOLIDAY ART CLUB Monday 18 – Wednesday 20 February, £60 7-11 years, 10am12.30 pm, 12-15 years, 1.30-4pm Create exciting and experimental artwork using a range of materials and techniques at the Holiday Art Club. Try your hand at printing or create an exciting sculpture to take home to admire! CLOTHED LIFE DRAWING Thursday 21 February, 10am-4pm, £50, Ages 14-18 Develop work for your GCSEs or A Levels with a rare chance to spend an entire day life drawing. With a special focus on materials, movement, and the model you will have a chance to work closely with an artist to explore drawing using a variety of techniques and media. GCSE PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT Friday 22 February, 10am-4pm, £50 Intensive one-day course tailored to develop your coursework and exam portfolio for your Art GCSE. Spend one day dedicated to a miniproject devised and taught by a contemporary artist, which will include photography, college, drawing and sculpture. All proceeds from adults and childrens’ classes go back into fund public projects, exhibitions, and events. Call 020 8857 0448 or email info@ geraldmooregallery.org www.geraldmooregallery.org. Gerald Moore Gallery at Eltham College, Mottingham Lane, Mottingham SE9 4QF.
WED 13 FEB Starlight Cinema: The Breakfast Club. Pure nostalgia with this classic 80’s Brat Pack film. 7pm. Free. East Winter Garden, Canary Wharf E14. www.canarywharf.com
THURS 14 FEB Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church St, Greenwich SE10 Evening with the Stars: Valentine’s Day Special. Planetarium show followed by a look through a 18-tonne Victorian telescope, and some time on the Prime Meridian after dark. Add a glass of fizz, and some astronomers to answer your questions. www.nmm.org. 5.30 - 7.30pm or 6.50 - 8.50pm. £28. Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park SE10 9NF. Valentine’s Tea Dance. Music from the Berkeley Square Society Band & dances by Ragroof Theatre’s dancers. Instructors onhand to run through the steps in a drop-in workshop from 6pm. Dancing 7.30 - 10.30pm. £12 incl. Venetian-style evening with tea, cakes and a complimentary glass of bubbly. East Wintergarden, 43 Bank St, Canary Wharf E14
FRI 15 FEB Blackheath Scientific Society. Catalogue of Stellar Identification: Using Spectra to Understand Space. Talk by Dr Radmila Topalvic, Royal Observatory, 7.45pm. Visitors £3. Mycenae House, Blackheath SE3 7SE. www.nss.btik.com
SAT 16 FEB Sewing Workshop. Get to know your sewing machine. Make a book wrap or cover. Call Ann on 020 8464 1662. One day course £30. St Josephs Convent, Plaistow Lane, Bromley BR1 2PR. Ramble. Five & a half mile linear walk, from Brookwood Station to Ash Vale Station, along the Basingstoke Canal. Meet either at 10am at Waterloo mainline, under the clock or at 11am at Brookwood station. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. Full details: Rona on 020 8850 4417. Ben Oakley Gallery. Work by Ray Richardson, David Bray & Ben Oakley. Thurs-Sun 11-6pm. 9 Turnpin Lane, Greenwich SE10. 07976 692 751 Lunchtime Recital. Suzy Ruffles, trio. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. The Peoples Wartime Charlton Society talk by Prof. June Brayshaw. 2.30pm. Charlton House, Charlton SE7.
SAT 16 FEB - NOV Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes & other Riches. Major interactive, family-friendly exhibition opens, combining hands-on experiences, magical aquariums, colourful artwork and scientific research. Discover the Amazon, its creatures and environment. 12.20pm. For prices, bookings and more info go to www.horniman.ac.uk. Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23.
MON 18 - 22 FEB Peter and the Wolf. Holiday Activity - hear how young Peter and his animal friends defeat a hungry wolf. Make your own mobile. 10am & 2pm (1hr sessions) £4 per child. Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Rd; Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ. Charlton & Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society. AGM and Bring & Buy. 7.45pm. £1 visitors. Charlton House, SE7 8RE.
TUES 19 FEB Greenwich Industrial History Society. David Watts on Johnson and Jorgenson. 7.30pm.
Non-members £1. The Old Bakehouse, Bennett Park, Blackheath SE3.
WED 20 FEB Half Term Princess/Knight Workshop. LCN Performing Arts organised arts activities. Call Laura on 07790 037 288 or email on laura@ lauranewman.co.uk for more info. Kingswood Halls, Blackheath SE13 5BU.
THURS 21 FEB Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.
FRI 22 FEB Bach to Baby: classical concert series for baby and you. With award-winning concert pianist and founder of Classics with my Baby, Miaomiao Yu. 10am – 11.30am. Adults £10. For more info visit www.bachtobaby.com St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church St, SE10 9BJ.
SAT 23 FEB Chinese New Year Celebrations. Celebrate the Year of the Snake, and British East Asian heritage with music, workshops and performances. Discover how trade by sea brought ideas, culture, language and people from Asia to Britain. 11am - 4pm. Free with entry. Sammy Ofer Gallery, National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10. Find out more about the animals that live in the park. 1pm – 3pm. Free. Wildlife Centre, South end of lake in the flower garden, Greenwich Park, Blackheath SE3. Lunchtime Recital. Naufal Netsky, piano. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.
THURS 28 FEB Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. Blackheath Decorative and Fine Arts Society. What was life like for the British upper classes in The Raj? Dr Patrick Conner offers an insight in his lecture The British Army in India. 2.30pm. Visitors £5. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk. St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackheath SE3.
SAT 2 MAR Pottering Around. Join the friendly garden staff pottering around in different parts of the gardens for a gardening chat and get handy seasonal tips. Free. Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ. Woolwich Antiquarians. AGM followed by Objects of Interest by members. 2pm. Charlton House, Charlton SE7.
SUN 3 MAR Wild Things – family activities in the glasshouse. Make useful and wonderful things for outdoor fun. This month make gift tags out of seed paper. Plant them at home and watch the flowers grow. 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. (30 min sessions) £3 per child. Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ. Ramble. 5 mile walk mainly on woodland paths and bridle ways, can be muddy. Lunch at the National Trust restaurant, Chartwell. Meet in Westerham at the Churchill statue on green for a 10.45am start. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. Contact Rona on 020 8850 4417 for details.
MON 4 MAR Jazz. Mick Collins Modern Jazz Orchestra. 8.30-10.45pm. £6. 020 8466 1726. H G Wells Centre, St Mark’s Road, Bromley High Street South, Bromley BR2 9HG.
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Classified
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Classified GARDEN SERVICES
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Property
BERKELEY’S AWARD-WINNING KIDBROOKE VILLAGE development has taken another significant step forward as one of the country’s most successful regeneration programmes, with the completion of a temporary village centre offering new shopping and health facilities. The newest addition is a Sainsbury’s Local, a 20,800 sq ft store close to Kidbrooke train station, which serves the development. The store will be temporary while work on the permanent commercial heart of the scheme continues. This permanent Kidbrooke Village Centre will include a major Sainsbury’s supermarket, restaurants and shops in 170,000 sq ft of commercial space. These will complement the existing and reputable Holy Family RC Primary School, a recently opened community centre and stunning newly created public open spaces and lakes. Paul Vallone, Managing Director, Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) comments: “There has been a huge amount of progress at Kidbrooke Village over the past year and those who have not visited the development for some time will be amazed at the transformation. Our vision of a vibrant new community is now becoming a reality and this exciting milestone for the development reflects the future shape of things to come. The pace of progress is testament to the success and enthusiasm of the development and its growing community.” Berkeley has described the development as a new village for London, and has carefully designed the scheme to create a sense of place and community, centered on open spaces
New shared ownership homes in Sydenham, Eltham and Chislehurst L&Q, ONE OF LONDON’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS, is adding three new developments to its range of shared-ownership homes for sale in southeast London. In early February, L&Q launches the second phase of its Cowdrey Mews development on Southend Lane in Sydenham, within five minutes’ walk of the newly redeveloped Bell Green shopping centre and the shops, gastro pubs and restaurants of Sydenham High Street. Also launching in the first half of 2013 is the Eltham Springs development in London SE9, comprising 45 one and two-bed apartments and two threebed houses. And from mid-February, L&Q will be marketing 37 two-bed and one-bed apartments on a shared-ownership basis at Ravensbourne Place in Chislehurst. The homes can be bought on a shared ownership basis by anyone whose annual
and a ‘traditional’ village centre serving all the needs of the local population. It is this focus on designing a new community, which prompted a government architectural body to praise it for being “an exemplar in urban regeneration”. The development will include four distinct communities, which will integrate seamlessly with each other and the surrounding areas. City Point is the first phase of this scheme and consists of one, two and three bedroom apartments situated beside Sutcliffe Park, a Green Flag status park and nature reserve. Berkeley will shortly launch Blackheath Quarter, which will feature three and four storey family homes offering three, four, and five bedroom options, as well as one, two and three bedroom apartments overlooking Cator Park, and Meridian Gate. Meridian Gate features Manhattan suites, one, two and three bedroom apartments, which are ideally located between Sutcliffe Park and Cator Park. Kidbrooke Village benefits from superb transport links with easy access to the West End, City and Canary Wharf. Existing train services provide direct access to London Bridge in just 15 minutes as well as Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Victoria, which link to the London Underground network and the DLR. Prices at the current phase City Point start from £305,000 for two bedroom apartments. For further sales information, or to register your interest in forthcoming phases, please contact the sales and marketing suite on Tel: 020 8150 5151 or visit www.kidbrookevillage.co.uk
household income does not exceed £64,300 for one-bed and two-bed homes, and £77,200 for homes with three or more beds, so long as the buyer lives or works in London’s south-east sub-region (the boroughs of Greenwich, Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Southwark). Cathy Lloyd, Sales Director at L&Q, said: “These new homes are in parts of the capital that are great in their own right, as well as being superbly convenient for commuting into central London.” For further details of any of the homes offered for sale by L&Q, please visit www.lqgroup.org.uk/sales-and-rentals/ or call 0844 406 9800 (option one).
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To caim your COMPLIMENTARY tickets to this LIVE event simply call 0800 505 3090 Spaces are limited, so call NOW 54 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk pp49-56_Property&Classified_Feb 2013.indd 56
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