Meridian Magazine December 2013

50,000 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH SINCE 1996

DECEMBER 2013

Your local magazine

Merry Christmas To all our readers

HOMES

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FOOD

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BEAUTY

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FASHION

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INTERIORS

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SHOPPING

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EDUCATION 26/11/2013 17:59

020 8852 8383 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

Lee Terrace, SE3 An absolutely stunning first floor apartment measuring some 1,300 square feet and located just off of Blackheath Village with its bars, restaurants and mainline station. The property comes with parking within the grounds and is presented in the highest order internally. To fully appreciate this substantial property an internal inspection is a must. EPC=D

£765,000 Leasehold

Wallace Court, Tizzard Grove, SE3 Simply stunning is the only way to describe this beautiful three bedroom apartment, located within the award winning development at Kidbrooke Village.

The apartment is light and spacious throughout and benefits from a secure underground parking space.

Ideally located close to Kidbrooke mainline station providing excellent transport links into London and The City. EPC=C

£585,000 Leasehold

8 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3 0TA <p1-09_Front of Mag_December 2013.indd 2

blackheath.sales@eu.jll.com 26/11/2013 15:35

020 8858 9986 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

Greenwich High Road, SE10 A fabulous three double bedroom two bathroom penthouse apartment situated in the heart of Royal Greenwich, renowned for its world-famous landmarks, architecture and beautiful parks. The property is perfectly located for access to Greenwich main line station and DLR, Deptford Bridge DLR station and the vibrant shops, bars and restaurants of central Greenwich are a short walk away. EPC=B

£625,000 Leasehold

Maidenstone Hill, SE10 Located in a sought after street within the West Greenwich Conservation Area is this pretty two bedroom, Victorian end of terrace house. The property is conveniently located for access to the open heath and Greenwich Park while the shops, bars and restaurants of west Greenwich, along with the main line and DLR stations, are a short walk away.

EPC=D

£599,950 Freehold

22 College Approach, Greenwich SE10 9HY <p1-09_Front of Mag_December 2013.indd 3

greenwich.sales@eu.jll.com 26/11/2013 15:36

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2013

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LOCAL NEWS WIN one month Free joint membership at Bannatyne’s

13

RETAIL & INTERIORS Winter retail update

14-17

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Fashionista gift ideas Shop Smart Last minute gifts

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COVER: Churchill Theatre

Ask the expert: winter health hints

23-25

00 50,0 es i p o c ered D e l i v nth! ever y

mo

HEALTH & BEAUTY EDUCATION Parenting news and views WIN Tickets to see Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest play School news

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FOOD & DRINK Foodie news and reviews Cheers - a toast to Christmas Party on! Best places to be this New Year’s Eve WIN a raclette dinner for four at RLA’s The Old Loyal Briton’s

DISTRIBUTOR : The Distribution Company 020 8983 9944

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EVENTS & LISTINGS This month’s listings: including A column from Greenwich Theatre’s Artistic Director - James Hadrell

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, Chislehurst, New Eltham, Hither Green and Kidbrooke. 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.

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PROPERTY Property 2014... and beyond

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 Assistant Manager: Claire McKinson Display Sales: Cheryl Voller, Emma Forbes Classified Sales : Mia Tattan Contributors : Claire Allen, Michael Breese, James Hadrell, Sudi Pigitt

Printing : Garnett Dickinson Distribution : London Letterbox 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

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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

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local N E W S Bromley care business to create 50 new jobs

was attended by stars of stage and screen including: Celia Imrie, David Starkey, Nick Hewer, Lucy Worsley, Pam Hogg, Tony Robinson, Natasha Little, Shaun Dingwall, Matt Milne, Emun Elliott, Elaine Cassidy, and Amy Molyneaux.

An award-winning care company, with a reputation for changing the way in which care is delivered to people in their own homes, has opened a new office in Beckenham with the promise of 50 new jobs over the next 12 months. Home Instead Senior Care will deliver a range of care services from companionship to personal care, to elderly people in the Borough of Bromley.

The exhibition will run until 21 April 2014. Turner & the Sea is the first full-scale examination of J.M.W Turner’s lifelong fascination with the sea. The 120 works on display include: The Battle of Trafalgar, Turner’s largest ever work; The Fighting Temeraire, recently voted the nation’s favourite painting; rarely seen sketchbooks and prints; and much-loved paintings from throughout the artist’s career.

Owner, Karina Brown, is bringing a wealth of professional and personal experience to the business. As a qualified solicitor she has assisted many elderly and vulnerable people in the community. She launched her business after being shocked by the differing standards of care available to the elderly. Karina said, ‘Home Instead provides a tailor-made care package to suit each individual’s needs which can include companionship, personal care and specialist dementia care but where we really differ is our focus on companionship and matching our clients with caregivers who share similar interests, allowing firm friendships to be formed’.

Already an active member of the community, Karina is also looking for local charities to work with and fundraise for, in particular those who support older people. For more information on joining the team or on the services provided

by Home Instead in Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington please call: 020 8658 2535 or visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/bromley-chislehurstorpington. Burnhill House, 50 Burnhill Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3LA.

Turner & the Sea The National Maritime Museum’s Turner & the Sea exhibition was officially opened by writer-director Mike Leigh, director of the forthcoming film about J.M.W. Turner. The event

December 2013

We’ve moved…

Pilates Body Studio has moved to brand new premises at The Mill development, 88 Bexley High Street, DA5 1BF. New clients can take advantage of an introductory offer of unlimited use for two weeks for just £20. Call 07940 243 231 for more info.

Get the Greenwich Look An evening showcase of local fashion from Greenwich received rapturous applause from the crowds at Greenwich Market last month.

RDA calendars for 2014 A light-hearted calendar created by the volunteers and support staff of Charlton Riding for the Disabled in order to raise much needed funds.

A donation of no less than £5 for a calendar will help support the charity and allow the classes for the children to continue. Available from Sainsbury’s Greenwich Peninsula, RDA Charlton Park or at Meridian magazine, 8 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD.

Bannatyne’s 1 month joint Membership Bannatyne’s Grove Park is a superb purpose-built Health Club located close to the A20 and also Grove Park rail station.

Whether you want to drop a clothing size, get to the top of the stairs without puffing, or simply chill out and relax – their team are here to help.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits you from both our staff and existing members. So why not take that step to the lifestyle you deserve give us a call to arrange your tour today. We look forward to seeing you at the club.

One lucky winner can win a joint membership for 1 month - value £108.

Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (Bannatyne’s), 8 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine. co.uk by 27 December.

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BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS DESIGNED, SUPPLIED, INSTALLED

Ce ar leb s o ra f b tin us g in es s!

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Computer Aided Design Supply Only or Installation Service Available 42 Whitehorse Hill Chislehurst BR7 6DL

020 8467 3100 www.aqueousdesign.net 6 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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Lordship Lane Carpets Ltd.

East Dulwich 129-131 Lordship Lane London SE22 8HU info@lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk

0208 693 8728

Blackheath Village lordship flooring Co. Brigade St, London SE3 OTW next to Côte restaurant info@lordshipflooringco.co.uk

0208 852 8109

www.lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk

• • • • • • • • • • • •

wood Amtico rubber cork sisal Marmoleum woven runners custom-made runners bespoke rugs vinyl and woven vinyl concrete wood sanding & renovation

020 8166 8173 01634 799 914 www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 7

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Christmas Events

Tis the way to Celebrate Christmas

On Christmas Eve and every weekend in December, families are invited to enjoy a programme of free festive activities for children throughout Canary Wharf ’s shopping malls.

Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s Showtime

Jubilee Place, Saturday 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14 – 24 December, 11am – 5pm

East Wintergarden, Saturday 07 & Sunday 08 December, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm

Families are invited to visit Santa in residence as he returns to his whimsical themed Grotto in Jubilee Place every weekend throughout December and in the week leading up to Christmas, as part of Canary Wharf’s programme of Children’s Festive Activities.

The whimsical themed Santa’s Grotto was created from a bespoke design by Skye Stevenson at The Whimsical Cake Company. This December children will be thoroughly entertained by the cheeky elves and helpers as they wait in line to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Pre-booking is not required however visitors are advised to arrive early as the Grotto queue may need to be closed early to ensure that everyone waiting gets to see Santa before the Grotto closes. Visitors to the Grotto are asked to make a £2 donation with all proceeds going to Richard House Children’s Hospice.

Visit canarywharf.com for further information.

Canary Wharf’s festive programme is celebrated with the return of Santa’s Showtime. Visitors can enjoy this annual spectacular as Santa and his friends perform a very special show for families to enjoy. BBC CBeebies presenter and children’s favourite Alex Winters will join the cast for the second year running to thoroughly entertain all ages. Revel in delight as Alex, Santa and all their friends take you through a 30-minute journey filling the air with plenty of Christmas cheer!

Tickets, FREE for under 2s, £2 for children and concessions, £4 for adults. All proceeds will be donated to Tommy’s, the baby charity. Visit canarywharf.com for further information.

Art & Craft Workshops Canada Place, Saturday 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 – 24 December Canada Place will be hosting the ever-popular Cookie & Cupcake Decorating workshops. Visitors are invited to decorate a delicious cookie or cupcake; build and layer with coloured icings, sprinkles and sweeties courtesy of Sweet Couture Cake Boutique. Also in Canada Place, children can create their own head bopper by personalising the design with jewels, gems and stickers. In Cabot Place visitors can embellish a Christmas Bauble; the workshop will inspire children to customise their bauble with glitter and then roll it in magical snow. FREE.

Festive Face Painting Children can have their faces painted in an array of festive designs in Cabot Place, Canada Place, Churchill Place and Jubilee Place. FREE.

Enchanted Mirrors The Enchanted Mirrors installation will be located in Jubilee Place lower level, allowing visitors to marvel at themselves in bizarre shapes and sizes. FREE.

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Christmas Events

Add some magic and sparkle this Winter at Canary Wharf...

Get your skates on and let it snow!

Then join in for a festive sing-along.

Ice Rink Until Sunday 16 February 2014, Canada Square Park. Monday - Saturday 10am – 11pm / Sunday 10am – 10pm Nestled under the soaring buildings of Canada Square and bathed in twinkling festive lights, Ice Rink

Canary Wharf is back this year for a longer season, and bigger and better than ever before. The innovative skate path returns, weaving beneath the trees adding fun and romance to your skating experience. The Boisdale Jukebox Bar and the spectators’ area adjacent to the rink provide the perfect place to enjoy some pre or post skating refreshment and to watch friends and families out

on the ice. The rink will run until the 16 February and, with the exception of Christmas Day, is open seven days a week.

Adults (13 yrs and over) £13.50 each / Children (4-12yrs) £9 each. Visit www.icerinkcanarywharf. co.uk for details of ticket prices, party bookings, special events, skating lessons and more!

Christmas Rocks Tuesday 17 December Whether it’s Let it Snow, Santa Baby or It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – everyone has a favourite song to get them into the festive spirit. Join us in celebrating the holiday season with a spectacular sing-along showcase of classic Christmas songs led by a choir of Canary Wharf singers, plus professional singers and dancers and all accompanied by the big band sounds of the Trinity Laban band.

If that wasn’t enough to get your Christmas rocking, maverick pianist Tokio Myers also performs his unique versions of your much-loved classics. Make sure you visit the bar for mulled wine and mince pies and enjoy this very festive evening to get you into the swing of the season!

Tickets, £8, on sale now (children under 13, accompanied by an adult go free*). In advance: Visit www.seetickets.com or 0871 220 0260, In person: On the door subject to availability.

For all the latest news from Canary Wharf you can now follow us on Twitter @yourcanarywharf

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Original and limited edition artworks

137 Lee Road Blackheath SE3 9DS 0203 302 7376 www.studio61london.com

Local Builder

• All aspects of building work undertaken • Timber and double-glazed windows and doors, including sash windows overhauled, repaired and replaced • General roof repair, including slate, tile and felt • Gutters, soffits and fascias in traditional timber or uPVC • All aspects of decorating • Plumbing and carpentry

The Dovetail Joint Ltd

• Plasterboard ceilings and walls

Free estimates and a guaranteed personal service References and recommendations available on request

OAP discounts for all works John Franklin Building Maintenance & Property Development Telephone 01322 446 895 Mobile 07904 515 737

R.B. INTERIORS Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms Established 2004

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

From supplying a door to a complete installation including flooring, plumbing, plastering & all electrical work 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

01689 862 417 sales@rbinteriors.co.uk www.rbinteriors.co.uk 10 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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26/11/2013 15:49

Business

New talent on board...

Grant Saw Solicitors welcomes three new lawyers to the team.

J

ames Johnston and Deborah Webster are experienced residential property lawyers and have joined the firm’s residential property department. James specialises in new builds and Deborah in lease extensions. Both will also be carrying out residential sales, purchases and re-mortgages.

Mark Cornish is an experienced employment lawyer who has joined the firm’s litigation and commercial departments. Mark advises both employee’s and employers on such matters as redundancy and unfair dismissal claims as well as defending employment claims, drafting contracts and general employment advice. Mark also has expertise in advising employer clients when a business is being sold which involves the employees of the business transferring to the new business owner.

All the lawyers at Grant Saw Solicitors focus on the client’s needs and time frames. We want to be different for the right reasons. For instance, we provide clients with direct dials and personal emails for their appointed solicitor. We also provide our advice using clear plain English and without legal jargon.

We are a Lexcel accredited law firm. This means we have achieved the Law Society’s practice management standard which is only awarded to firms of solicitors who meet the highest management and client care standards. Lexcel accredited practices undergo rigorous independent assessment every year to ensure they meet the required standards of excellence in areas such as client care, case management and risk assessment.

If you are an existing client we wish to thank you for using Grant Saw Solicitors and if you are not yet a client then please think of us when you next require legal services. Our offices are at Greenwich and Blackheath as below. We can also meet with you by appointment at Canary Wharf.

Grant Saw, Greenwich: Norman House 110-114 Norman Road, London SE10 9EH, T: 020 8858 6971, Blackheath: 9 Hare & Billet Road, Blackheath, SE3 0RB T: 020 8858 6971 www.grantsaw.com

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SP Window Ltd

first-aid for doors and windows FREE QUOTE – NO CALL-OUT FEE Replace or Repair Misted Window Units Handles, Hinges and Door Locks Patio Door Wheels

We guarantee to beat all other genuine quotations!

All glass units guaranteed for 10 years

Call us on 0800 193 4144 or 0782 416 8044 Email: info@spwindow.co.uk

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

& Hide Ovens £100 off NEFF Slide FF appliances £50 off all other NE

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Interiors

Winter retail update SP Windows

Morley’s Pianos

SP Windows is a family run business with traditional family values that have 25 years experience in the industry. They believe in giving a fair price for first class quality and workmanship. All quotations are free with no obligation and their products all come with the appropriate guarantees and manufacturers’ warranties. They also have an extensive range of reliable suppliers so that they may cover all of their customers’ needs. They offer cladding, soffits, guttering products, windows, doors and all of the relevant fixtures and fittings, plus the replacement of misted units (windows) handles, door handles and hinges.

Contact: 0800 193 4144, info@spwindow.co.uk

For Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2014 treat yourself to something special just for you. From nursery rhymes to classical and from jazz to pop – pianos are a pleasure for the ears and the eyes.

Visit Morleys to view & play the excellent range of upright and grand pianos from Bechstein, Grotrian-Steinweg, Monington & Weston, Weber, Steinbach, Bentley and many others. For those keen on baroque or early music come and see our harpsichords, clavichords and spinets.

Call 020 8318 5838 for more details on sales, rental, restoration, repair and tuning service.

Robert morley & co. Ltd, Pianos and Harpsichord Factory Showroom & Workshops 34 Engate Street, Lewisham SE13 7HA 020 8318 5838, sales@morleypianos.co.uk www.morleypianos.com

We manufacture and install Timber Windows & Doors, specialising in box frames & sashes, casement windows and doors / frames. These can be made in both modern or traditional styles, double glazed to comply with current building regulations, or single glazed for renovation projects.

Please contact us for a non obligation quote.

We welcome your enquiry! www.greenwichjoinery.co.uk

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Fashion

Fashionista gift ideas What would you like to find under the Christmas tree this year?

LAST SEASON it was fashionable to give ‘fun’ design sweaters! This year the trend seems to be for cosy pyjamas and if the weather forecast for a severe winter is on the cards then those cosy PJs will be very welcome.

But I’m sure that the idea of giving a fashion gift to someone who is a total fashion obsessive needs to be outrageously chic so that the recipient is suitably impressed.

Here are a few ideas from stocking fillers to full blown excess and in case you didn’t get a jumper last year - they are still selling well...

Harris Tweed Hip Flask from next, £15

10% OFF Pop in and join our mailing list at Oska Blackheath or Oska Hampstead to receive a 10% discount during your birthday month! Just mention birthday month discount.

Bluetooth Earmuffs Hidden inside the comfy padded earmuff are two 0.25 speakers that play your music with crystal clear sound. From RED5, £39.95

blackheath

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm Sun 11pm - 4pm

Christmas Knit from Get the Label, £19.99

Fur trim gloves from Phase Eight, £39.00

Michael Kors designer bag pricelist from www.michaelkors.com Statement scarfs from photographer Claire Swindale www.claireswindale.com

OSKA, 20 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0TA

Tel: 020 8852 9774

www.oska-blackheath.co.uk

OSKA, 71 Heath Street, London NW3 6UG

Tel: 020 7433 1482

www.oska-hampstead.co.uk

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Retail

Shop Smart

To ride the recession we’ve learnt to be savvy shoppers, and a new breed of consumer has emerged triumphant the bargainista Meridian always aims to highlight the best offers in the areas that we deliver to. Just take a look through our events pages and listings for special offers for local entertainment, or if you’re dining out head over to our food and drink section, there are some wonderful restaurants offering great deals. The same goes for hair and beauty hotspots and, of course, the most sacred to the bargainista’s heart: the home. With deals and offers on everything from bedrooms to bathrooms, the bargainista’s radar doesn’t switch off once they walk through their front door.

THE BARGAINISTA’S TOP TIPS

I

t is a universally acknowledged fact that everyone loves a bargain. And we mean everyone. After closely examining our recent survey results, we’ve found that Meridian readers are no different. You inundated us with your responses, telling us that you’d love to see even more special offers, Meridian deals and competitions in between our pages, and we’d hate to disappoint you.

Whether it’s a meal out, a new hair style, or updating your home with that much needed bathroom and kitchen, we all want to get the best we possibly can for our

hard-earned money; and it is local businesses who have responded to this so enthusiastically.

For the true bargainista it isn’t about buying cheap and cheerful but finding good deals on quality items, and they know that to find this you have to head out to your local high street. Mixing vintage and high street to look great, and have a stylish home (and knowing the companies who a great local reputation for delivering this) is the bargainitsa mantra. By putting your pennies back into your hometown you’re investing in it too – which really is a bargain.

• It’s not about cheap and cheerful, but finding the best deal for good quality products and services.

• Keep your loyalty cards in your purse at all times – don’t miss out on those points.

• If there is a deal you have your eye on, make a note of the expiry date or get in there quick. There is nothing more frustrating than missing out.

• Get to know what your local high street offers, and when the best deals are available.

• Enter our reader competitions – it could be you!

Now... let’s get shopping!

Luxury Tea, Tea Accessories, Teatime treats & Christmas gift sets.

www.thegreenwichteacompany.co.uk Use ‘MAGAZINE10’ at the checkout to receive 10% off all products.

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Christmas Gifts

Last minute gifts Last minute gifts ideas - Avoid Panic Buying This Christmas There are just a few short weeks to go until Christmas is upon us and if you’re super organised then you’ll already have all your present ideas sorted and know exactly what you’re going to get everybody. You might have even purchased and wrapped some gifts already. However, if you’re struggling for Christmas gift ideas and are looking for something a little different to get a loved one or family member this year, you’re not alone.

Gift-giving stress is a problem for many of us. Just one look at the stressed out expressions on the faces of shoppers scouring department stores on Christmas Eve is enough to tell us that not everybody has things under control when it comes to Christmas present buying.

Leatherbound – Leather bound notebooks, from £8 Greenwich Market www.etsy.com/shop/ LeatherNotebooks

ORNC Shop – Blue porcelain necklace by Melisa Dora, £20 www.ornc.org/shop

Despite knowing it’s going to come around every year, some of us still manage to leave gift buying until the very last minute. Perhaps because we’re too busy, or we’re not organised enough, or even because we don’t have any good gift ideas and dread shopping altogether. And then of course we end up rushing and buying something totally inadequate or unsuitable in a last minute panic. If you have left your Christmas shopping to the last minute a few suggestions may help…

Firstly shop local, take the stress out of travelling into the West End. We are surrounded by smaller shopping centres with extended opening times offering a rich mix of unique stores and small versions of larger brand

Beautiful range of gifts, wreaths and flowers 18 Royal Hill, Greenwich karenwoolvenflowers.co.uk

Beadoir – Bead Jar Kit, £11.99 Greenwich Church Street, Turnpin Lane www.beadoirme.co.uk

names. And wonderful markets with the cream of the local designer-makers in the area will solve the most difficult of decisions.

Whether you’re looking to buy a gift for your parents and siblings, your friends, or your husband, choosing a bespoke gift voucher (luxury beauty treatment, golf lessons or dinner at their favourite restaurant) is one way to avoid the eleventh hour of panic buying and the madness of the pre-Christmas shopping experience altogether.

Greenwich Market Opening Times: Tuesdays – Sundays 10am – 5.30pm. If shopping with children treat them with a visit to Santa’s grotto on 7, 8, 14,15, 21 and 22 December.

Butlers premium boxed chocolate assortments range from £5-12 available from Waitrose, www.waitrose.com

Corkville – Handbags from £49, Greenwich Market www.corkville.co.uk

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Santa will be in Every Friday from 29th Nov at 3-5pm Every Saturday from 30th Nov at 11-4pm Every Sunday from 1st Dec at 12-4pm

Santa comes to Sweet Sundae THE FESTIVE SEASON IS HERE and what better way to get ready for Christmas than a visit to see Santa? To celebrate Sweet Sundae’s first Christmas, the quirky sweet shop has its very own magical Santa’s grotto in the parlour area of the store!

Sweet Sundae offers a selection of traditional confectionary, delicious ice cream and scrumptious smoothies and shakes for every sweet tooth. Stock up on seasonal treats and gifts such a candy canes and chocolate selection boxes this Christmas with a visit to Sweet Sundae!

Book your visit in store, £10.00 per child (price includes photo and present). Sweet Sundae, 13 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AB

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DENTURE PROBLEMS SOLVED WITH IMPLANTS Are you having problems with your dentures? Do they feel loose or uncomfortable? Sadly, these are not uncommon problems but using the latest techniques available in dentistry, they can often be solved.

At Finn Dental Specialists in Beckenham I often see patients with denture problems.

Michael, a recent patient of ours, loved socialising but was an embarrassed and frustrated denture wearer. When he smiled his top denture often dropped. When he was eating, his lower denture was painful and he could only eat a limited range of foods.

As I looked at how his current dentures fitted his mouth, I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprised he was having problems. I could see that if I used different size teeth, aligned them differently and got them to meet properly in the bite then he would be far more comfortable. It was also apparent that his lower jaw, due to its shape, would be unable to support even the best denture; there was nothing to stop the lower

FINN DENTAL SPECIALISTS

denture moving when chewing. By placing two implants in the lower jaw we could then clip the lower denture onto them. This would hold it still and allow him to eat without pain.

Understandably, he was concerned about the discomfort of having implants as well as the cost. We spent as much time as he needed discussing the procedure fully and with the itemised treatment costing to hand, he felt confident in making a decision to go ahead. I also suggested that if he was very nervous we could always arrange sedation.

Soon, Michael was the owner of a beautiful set of new dentures. While we were making them, he remarked that he was so pleased that we were taking time to get everything absolutely right before moving onto the next step. His implant placement was then successfully completed, and once the lower denture was clipped onto the implants, Michael was soon enjoying the foods he loved again, pain-free.

If you are having similar problems or you may know someone else that does, I would love to be able to help. Please call on 0208 658 1230 or email: info@finndental.co.uk.

Guy Stephens, Associate Dentist and Specialist Prosthodontist BDS MClinDent(Prostho) MPros RCS (Edin)

Finn Dental Specialists, Backwoods, Kelsey Lane, Beckenham BR3 3NE. www.finndentalspecialists.com

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GET HEALTHY ON THE HEATH - NATURE’S GYM! Wishing all past, future and present clients a Happy and Healthy Christmas & New Year!

The Team & I look forward to training you soon!

January 6th - START DATE Four week intensive course. Only 20 places each camp.

6, 7 or 9.30 am Mon, Weds & Thurs - £150 12 x’s 45 min sessions (£120 returning team members) 7.30 pm Mon & Weds - £100 8 x’s 45 min sessions (£80 returning team members

0788 422 1343 @ natashag reen_1 www.natashag reenpersonaltraining.com info@natashagreenpersonaltraining.com

Do you want to look incredible on the outside?

Looking slim, trim and glowing is all about getting cleansed on the inside, so treat yourself or your loved one to a 2 day detox cleanse at Mydetoxdiet, your wellbeing & health lifestyle shop in the heart of Greenwich?

Gift ers ch Vou ilable Ava

2 Day Raw Juice Cleanse 1 Iayshi Dome 1 Detoxifying Massage or Colonic Introductory offer £139 (Quote “Meridian”)

020 8858 6028 MY DETOX DIET

20 College Approach, SE109HY Greenwich | www.mydetoxdiet.co.uk

A Wedding Planning Consultancy who provides easy and budget-friendly choices for the busy Bride and Groom.

We take the stress out and put the fun into Wedding Planning.

For all your research, inspiration, styling, budgeting and advice needs contact PK Events.

Christmas Gift: 15% discount on all services booked by 31.01.14 www.lovepkevents.com | info@lovepkevents.com 07703294519

Day Spa Blackheath

Day spa Blackheath is back with a bang, with a new look, new staff new treatments.

Come in and have a look, and to take advantage of our special offers.

OPEN: Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm Sat 10ap - 6pm, Sun 11am - 3pm

Now introducing PHP health first Aesthetic Treatments

@DaySpase3 Day Spa Blackheath 020 8297 2799 | 147 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9DJ

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• Tan Truth & Lauren’s Way spray tan • 250 watt sunbeds retuned to 0.3 EU regulations • Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) • Gelish & OPI gel colour 21-day • • • •

Manicures (from £15) OPI Manicures & pedicures Creative acrylic nails Dermalogica facials Waxing and eyelash extensions

020 8293 3939 | www.b-brown.co.uk 8 Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 7BT

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Health & Beauty

Ask the Expert Max Volume, Long Lash or Multi-Effect?

Mascara has long been a staple make-up item and natural beauty brand Benecos has a range of mascaras to suit every look. Here are Benecos’ top tips:

Good Looks is once again ahead of the field, with the NEW Endermolift machine for younger looking skin. It is a 100% natural, non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment. This exclusive anti-ageing technique allows in depth redensification of the skin and erases the signs of time.

The lift delivers micropulsations onto the surface of the skin to stimulate youth cells in depth, restarting the natural production of collagen and elastin. Through its principle of Mecano-Stimulation, the skin’s surface is stimulated to generate deep biological responses that are painless, non-invasive and non-aggressive. It can be used as an independent treatment or as an add-on to any other facial treatment and is suitable for all skin types, both for women and men.

What Can You Expect? With this fabulous new treatment, you will see immediate results, a healthy glowing complexion and a natural lifting effect. With each session you will notice more improvements in your skin, including wrinkles filled in and contours re-defined. The treatment re-awakens a dull complexion, improves under eye bags and circles and brings back firmness.

You need Endermolift if: Your skin is losing density and firmness. You know that - just like your muscles - your skin needs exercise, a nourishing diet and high-performance skincare. You detest needles and artificial materials or you’re afraid of unwanted side-effects and you feel it’s either too early or too late to consider more aggressive procedures. You accept that you’re getting older, but still want healthy, firm skin a refreshed glowing face and you want to improve or sustain your skin’s youthfulness.

The Treatments: The treatments include three actions, to brighten the complexion, smooth wrinkles and firm contours, naturally and without any pain! The beauty of Endermolift is that you can have various ‘stand alone’ treatments, or you can opt to have certain targeted ones, which can be added onto your normal facials. These are 10 minute specifically targeted treatments for areas such as the eyes, puffiness and dark circles, eye wrinkles and mouth area, décolletage and hands. Our therapists will advise you on the best treatments for your specific needs.

The Venus Freeze has also been a great success so Good Looks is looking to provide joint packages for Caci, Endermolift and Venus Freeze. All three have different aims and combined give fantastic results; knocking out the need for fillers and Botox the natural way. Just the quick pick me up before Christmas or for the recovery afterwards. Good Looks continues to be a leader in the field of beauty having just been awarded by GUINOT the coveted CROWN JEWEL status for the London Area.

Good Looks, 22a Blackheath Village, Blackheath SE3 9SY, 020 8852 0651, 020 8318 0648, www.goodlooksbeauty.co.uk

For Maximum Volume: Apply Benecos Maximum Volume Mascara in Deep Black (£6.95) from the roots of your lashes and brush upwards slowly to make eyelashes dark and defined.

For Long, Fluttery Lashes: Using a lighter formula with a spaced out brush, such as the Benecos Super Long Lashes in Carbon Black (£6.95) helps to give eyelashes a long and fluttering style.

For a Voluminous and Long-Lash Effect: Achieve definition, perfectly separated and volumised lashes by applying the mascara wand in a zig-zag motion to help separate lashes and prevent any clumps from forming. The Benecos Multi-effect Mascara in Just Black (£6.95) will lengthen and define lashes for a bold and emphasised look.

All Benecos mascaras contain organic jojoba and sunflower oils, nourishing vitamin E and won’t clump or flake. They are free from synthetic dyes, fragrances and chemicals.

Make it your New Year Resolution.

Oral Cancer is on the increase! During October, the nation’s eight million smokers were encouraged to join the mass participation quit attempt – Stoptober. We know that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree.

It is found that Oral Cancer is more common in men than it is in women and also carries a higher death rate in men. Early detection is important. Research shows that 87% of oral cancer cases in the UK are in people over 50. Around 30% of oral cancer cases occur in the mouth and 30% on the tongue with only 6% on the lips. Mouth cancer tends not to cause any noticeable symptoms during the initial stages of the disease. This is why it is important to have regular dental check-ups, particularly if you are a smoker and/or a heavy drinker, because a dentist may often be able to detect the condition during an examination. You should have a dental check-up at least every two years.

However, more frequent check-ups may be recommended if you have a history of tooth decay or gum disease.

Symptoms to look out for • red,

or red and white patches on the lining of your mouth or tongue •o ne or more mouth ulcers that do not heal after three weeks •a swelling in your mouth that lasts for more than three weeks • pain when swallowing •a tooth, or teeth that becomes loose for no obvious reason • a persistent pain in the neck • a hoarse voice • unexplained weight loss • unusual changes in your sense of taste • earache • t he lymph nodes (glands) in your neck become swollen Many of the symptoms listed above can also be caused by less serious conditions, such as minor infections, that do not usually require a medical diagnosis. It is strongly recommended that you visit your GP if you develop any of the symptoms listed above and they last for more than three weeks. Symptoms of an infection usually clear up much sooner than this. It is especially important to seek medical advice if you are a heavy drinker or smoker.

It’s not all about you...Every day millions of children in the UK are exposed to secondhand smoke, which puts them at increased risk of lung disease, meningitis and cot death.

The only way to completely protect your children from secondhand smoke is to make homes and cars entirely smokefree. Our message is clear: giving up smoking is by far the best way to protect your family and give you and your loved ones a healthier future. Regular visits to your Dentist and Dental Hygienist well ensure that signs of Oral Cancer are detected early. www.smileimpressions.com To book an appointment to see a dentist call us on 020 8852-4055.

Dreams at Eastwell Manor in Ashford, Kent, has been awarded Guinot Crown Salon 2014.

This title places them in the top ten percent of Guinot’s highest achieving salons in the UK and Ireland.

Attaining Guinot Crown Salon status is recognition of excellence in the field of professional skincare. By visiting a Guinot Crown Salon, clients can be confident that they are choosing one of the country’s best salons with flawless principles in environment, customer care and treatment expertise.

Gift Vouchers are available from ‘Dreams’ Beauty Salon for Pamper Days and in £50 and £100 denominations.

For further information or booking please contact: 01233 213 111, www.eastwellmanor.co.uk/beauty

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Young Education Services Give your child a head start At YES we can help pupils fulfil themselves academically

New CEM 11+ timed practice tests, held weekly.

Contact for information.

We are now a mock exam centre for 11+ exams.

Not sure of your child’s ability?

Worried about your child’s academic progress?

Book a formal assessment with us.

TUTORS & VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

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Parenting

Parenting news and views Time to Foster Richard Farleigh (Ex-Dragons’ Den Star) Appeals For Londoners To Learn About Fostering in this open letter...

“With the country currently experiencing a shortage of 9,000 foster carers, I am encouraging your readers to learn more about fostering now, and give children a loving home.

Autism friendly performance Churchill Theatre Bromley is to hold an autism friendly performance of Cinderella on Wednesday 4 December at 1.30pm as part of its long-term commitment to maximise access to entertainment in Bromley. Relaxed performances are designed to benefit those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other patrons who may find the experience of visiting a theatre daunting, for example parents with babies or young children attending the theatre for the first time. The atmosphere in the auditorium will be very relaxed and in particular the making of noises (both involuntary or otherwise) during the performance and audience members moving in and out of the auditorium will not be discouraged. There are likely to be some small changes to the show, in terms of lighting and sound cues, but the overall content of show will not change.

Tickets for Cinderella cost £15 - £26.50 (Premium seats available) and are available by calling Ticket Sales on 0844 871 7620 (bkg fee) or online at www.atgtickets.com/bromley (bkg fee)

After a difficult start in life I was fostered as a child.

From my own experiences of growing up in foster care I know what difference a foster family can have on a child’s life, from offering love and support to helping them have a future to look forward to. I’ve gone on to have success in the financial sector and now invest in and assist start-up businesses across the world, though your readers may know me from Dragons’ Den. It’s why I’m supporting Action for Children’s Fostering Myth Busting Academy, and the charity’s drive to find loving foster parents for the 1,250 vulnerable children and young people who urgently need stable homes in London.

Foster carers play a crucial role in society yet Action for Children found that one in ten people have misconceptions about what fostering is and why children and young people are placed in foster care. It also found that one in three people believe if you live in rented accommodation, are unemployed or are gay you can’t foster - all are untrue. It’s essential we correct these myths and encourage more people from London to consider fostering.”

Visit Action for Children’s website at actionforchildren.org.uk to find out more about fostering. For Londoners this could be an important first step to opening up their home to a vulnerable child or young person in desperate need of help.

WIN Tickets to see Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, live on stage at Glow, Bluewater’s events venue this Christmas! The stars of the BBC hit TV series and books by Lauren Child are brought to life by a magical mix of puppets, live action and music in Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play. One lucky winner can win tickets to see Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play.

TO WIN: Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (Charlie & Lola), 8 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 12 December. T&C The winner receives a family ticket of 4 to see Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play at Glow in Bluewater for any performance between 13 December 2013 & 5 January 2014.

Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Best available seats will be given. Tickets to be collected at the box office with no cash alternative. Tickets are subject to availability and cannot be resold or transferred to another performance. This competition is brought to you on behalf of Charlie and Lola by boom ents (www.booments.com)

Showing at Bluewater between 13 December 2013

& 5 January 2014.

Crafty Wizards Pre-School ...Making learning magical through creativity

Magical Winter Wonderland Saturday 21st Decemmber 2013, 9am - 1pm For children 2-5yrs old

Come and discover our magic! The Crafty Wizard has worked his spell and cast our Pre-School into a Winter Wonderland!

Join in with our messy, magical activities. Get in our igloo or winter workshop and experience our enchanting world... £4 per child entrance fee.

www.craftywizards.com

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Education

School news The Power of Believing Paul Henderson, Headmaster at Eltham College A rounded education is not just about achieving examination results; self-belief can play an even greater part in one’s life after school. The formative years that your children spend in school present an enormous opportunity for them to develop their selfconfidence. It is also about equipping children with the vital skills needed for adult life and the demands that lie before them.

Outward Bound adventures to Dartmoor and the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions provide excellent vehicles for developing a young person’s selfbelief and ability to work in a team. The Community Service Programme at Eltham College takes our Sixth Form students out of their comfort zone and forces them to face challenges which they may not have sought by themselves.

As Prefects and House Captains they take on more of the leadership roles on offer, setting a standard to which the younger pupils aspire. This hands-on experience of discipline, perseverance and ability to apply themselves prepares them for future success in higher education and beyond. A good education will put them onto the path of self-discovery, leading to self-belief and achieving lasting success in life.

Our relative success in life depends on how much we believe in ourselves. A good education allows pupils to challenge themselves, take risks and gain a deeper understanding of their own behaviours. Enabling pupils to develop their thinking and problem solving skills helps to make them believe in their own capabilities to achieve a goal or an outcome.

Pupils with a strong sense of self-belief are more likely to challenge themselves with difficult tasks and be intrinsically motivated. They will exert a greater degree of effort in order to meet their commitments. Failure is viewed as something to learn from and to be as a result of factors within their control rather than blaming anything external. As a result, it is highly probable that they will meet their personal goals.

Eltham College offers a wealth of activities that enable pupils to grow in terms of self-belief and confidence, both subject related and extra-curricular.

The power of sport to increase a young person’s confidence is well documented; whether it is in the traditional sports of rugby, hockey and cricket, or in the more eclectic pursuits of fencing and chess, working as part of a well-coached and successful team leads to success in other areas of a child’s life.

Performing on a stage and in musical ensembles builds the same sense of self-awareness and can present the child with fresh challenges to overcome.

Our smaller size ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for all pupils to take the initiative in many diverse activities such as leading the Medical Society, directing the latest drama production or running intra-mural and inter-school debates. Taking the pupils away from school can often reveal their potential to take the initiative and show leadership:

Championing tomorrow’s aspiring Olympians

Bickley Park School to Welcome New Headmaster Mr. Patrick Wenham as Headmaster will take over the leadership of Bickley Park with effect from January 2014. Mr. Wenham was educated at Haileybury College and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he read History.

He is married to Anita who will also be joining the School.

Speaking about his new appointment, Mr Wenham said “I look forward to joining Bickley Park at an exciting time and working with all members of its community to continue its unique position in the area as a boys’ only, 13+ School.”

Visit www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk to hear Patrick Wenham set out his vision for 2014 and beyond.

Dwight Yorke Inspires Local Children Children at Nightingale Primary School in Woolwich enjoyed a morning of goal scoring with footballing legend, Dwight Yorke. In the UK to promote sports tourism on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago, Yorke took time out from World Travel Market to highlight the importance of sports in the community. Dwight spoke at a school assembly, answering questions from the children on his career and rise to fame. Year Six pupils then took part in a ball skills session with the ex-Manchester United and Aston Villa striker. Yorke tested their ball control, passing and challenged them to beat his ‘keepy up’ record.

Roy Coleman, Head Teacher at Nightingale Primary School says: ‘It’s so important that children have a love for sports and inspirational visits from stars such as Dwight really do motivate the children to follow their dreams.’

Sydenham High School GDST has launched a unique new programme to encourage and support its elite sporting performers as they aspire to be the next generation of Olympians.

The SydElite Athlete Support Programme is designed to help talented young athletes attending the school, who compete at district, national or even international level, to better manage their sport/work/life balance and maximise their potential both academically and in their sport. The programme will track and monitor the girls’ progress; provide mentor support and guidance; deliver dedicated workshop sessions and ensure school and sport demands can be appropriately managed.

The scheme was launched at the school this week

by Claire Bennett (pictured standing far right) - a Sydenham High alumna, GB fencing champion and recently-appointed Athlete Co-ordinator for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.

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Beverley Morris

Geoff Cohen

Angela Stanton

Your local legal experts...

Specialising in:

Peter Anderson

Huw Jones

Christine Bolam

• All aspects of Family Law • Litigation and Employment Law • Residential & commercial conveyancing • Lease extensions • Planning Law • Collective freehold purchases • Wills and the administration of estates • Lasting powers of attorney Tel: 020 8852 4433 | Fax: 020 8463 9494 Web: beverleymorris.co.uk | Email: enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk 35 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0TJ

Martin Hopkins

Tony Stafford

Richard Hutson

(ground floor offices - adjacent to Montpelier’s Delicatessen)

62 High Street, Lewisham SE13 5JH (Close to Lewisham DLR)

S O L I C I TO R S Shirley O’Neil

Esther Hudson

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Lee, Bernadette & Staff, at Would like to wish our customers a

Merry Christmas

Raclette Restaurant

Real Ale & Craft Beer bar

Now taking booking for Christmas Parties Your hosts Richard, Lucy and Amy

and a

Happy New Year

OPEN DAILY FROM MIDDAY

RLA’s at ‘The Old Loyal Britons’ 62 Thames Street, Greenwich SE10 9BX 0203 601 8941, www.ewbrewery.com

6 The Village, Charlton, London SE7 8UD

020 8355 8287

twitter.com/EWBrewery facebook.com/eastwbrewery

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Food & Drink

Foodie news and reviews NEW - AQUA, Blackheath As we huddle in from the cold on a Sunday afternoon, it’s bustling at Aqua. Empty plates and contented faces to the left of us and declarations of ‘absolutely delicious’ to the right, as diners sidle back out in to the cold. If you’ve dined at the Bromley or Croydon Aquas you’ll be familiar with the truly Mediterranean menu.

We weren’t, so started with King Scallops wrapped in Pancetta with a Pea Purée: meaty, twangs of saltiness and delicate freshness and faint sweetness courtesy of the purée.

From the Sunday Lunch Menu (2 courses for £15 or 3 for £17) I chose Soup of the Day - butternut squash - light and frothy, followed by Belly of Pork. The pork managed that perfect yin and yang of juicy and crispy, paired with buttery, silky mash that even your Mama couldn’t make; and served with veg so vibrant you feel much less guilty about devouring it with such carnivorous glee.

BUENOS AIRES, Blackheath Village Argentines are Italians who speak Spanish, live in French houses and believe they are British, said Ernesto Sabato, the Argentine writer. This restaurant is named for the capital of Argentina, and the above seems to apply charmingly. Campos, the vast Argentine grassland, produced a massive amount of beef throughout the last century; most of it exported in cans as ‘corned’ beef.

They may not export as much beef as before, but they have not forgotten how to cook it.

Bread pudding is very variable as most are made to a family recipe. Some are fantastic, others dreadful stodge.

This one was more homogenous than any I recall. It had a lovely brown outer coating, but had less texture inside and little fruit. Not bad, but I admit to feeling a little jealous of my partner’s Helados unadulterated hand made ice cream made locally at their Greenwich Café which looked fantastic and beautifully presented.

Ragnaud Sabourin, a Champagne Cognac, better than coffee on a cold night, gave us a glow to light the way home. The ham sandwiches are still doing well.

By Michael Breese

I always go on about steaks, so while my partner chose an 8oz medium rare Rib-eye, I searched and found

If it’s not the restaurant scene you are looking for, recharge your batteries and relax with a quiet beer or wine in front of the big match, the news in the lounge or just sit back and watch the world go by. And if you’re hungry, then order from our bar menu – we’ve

With a fantastic wine and cocktail menu to work through, it’s ideal for last minute Christmas parties (ask for the booth seats), and comes highly recommended for a mid week treat, chilled Sunday or somewhere to bring friends and boast that you knew about it first.

By Claire Allen

Now an eighteen stone Rugby player might well have managed, but I would need time and a year’s digestion to cope with what arrived. There was no messing about with garnishes, we shared a bowl of chips and garlicky spinach with beautiful hot yellow mustard and a half litre carafe of red Astica while we ate to a standstill.

They make their own chorizo, naturally coloured brown, not red, in natural skins. Milder than the heavy paprika of Portuguese sausage, they have an almost European appearance with a flavour of their own. We shared one with a plate of short spare ribs as a starter, a small taster before the meat to come.

Visiting or staying a night... We’re fanatical about food at De Vere Venues Devonport House. That’s why our chefs serve up consistently high quality food, topped off by a great atmosphere in our welcoming restaurant.

Our mouth-watering dishes are freshly prepared; from Roasted Pork Belly, sticky red cabbage and apple fritters to crispy skin Sea Bass, braised leeks, saffron potatoes and sauce vierge – simply cooked to perfection.

Despite it being their opening weekend, service was sharp and staff were cool and calm, and conversed with every table.

Jambonon Edelweiss instead. This is a family recipe for ham hough cooked slowly in a white wine stock that must have originated in the Italo-Suisse Alps long ago.

“It’s a very big meal” warned the waiter, “you’ll have ham sandwiches all week!”

Beef steaks feature on the menu, and looking around we could see some serious meat cooked in the Spanish manner, i.e. cut 60mm thick with quite a dark grilled finish, and looking wonderful.

DEVONPORT HOUSE, Greenwich

As we had already planned on returning for steak night (every Monday night: 50% off a la carte steaks) My husband was fixated on ordering the Mixed Grill, so we could trial the grill menu. The sirloin had a gorgeous blush to it, the chicken succulent, the Lamb cutlets smoked from the charcoal, and the greek sausages had an almost mulled taste to them - and all glistening in a fruity, balsamic marinade.

put together a selection of delicious options to suit all appetites. If you fancy a quiet night at Devonport House, then why not try a tasty meal from our Verve Deli menu and we’ll deliver straight to your room. From our Fish Finger Bun to our Chicken Supreme Caesar Salad or traditional Beef Bolognaise, our tasty menu has something for all.

If you’re staying over, kick-start the day with our great British Breakfast – as it’s the most important meal of the day we make sure it’s one to remember. Help yourself to our appetising hot and cold buffet, from muesli, pastries to the full works – we’ll guarantee you won’t go hungry at Devonport House!

King William Walk, London SE10 9JW, 0844 980 2304

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T

E

ILLAG V HE

GREEN GROCERS

Buy your Christmas Tree and Turkey Crown from us and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll deliver it to you for free

All day Breakfast & New Grill Menu

Fresh fruit, vegetables and more Freshly baked organic bread OPEN: Monday to Saturday 9am-7pm | Sunday 10-4pm 2 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD | 020 8319 8611 info@fclcatering.co.uk Total food service available. Free delivery to local restaurants & pubs, hospitals, schools and carehomes.

Freshly ground coffee, sandwiches, omelettes, grilled meats, salads, desserts and much more.

Open 7 days a week Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm Sat: 8pm - 5pm Sun: 8am - 3pm

2a The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD 0208 856 0771

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Cheers!

The toast to Christmas and the New Year Party Season Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to You

From contemporary Greek to delicious Italian, Aqua Bar & Grill offers an exciting fusion of modern Mediterranean cuisine and impressive cocktails in a relaxed and friendly environment.

25% OFF

your food bill with this voucher

A la carte menu only. Sun-Thurs. Maximum 6 diners. Valid from 1st - 31st Jan 2014

BOXING DAY LUNCH MENU

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA MENU Dinner & Dance with DJ till late 3 courses £60.00

3 course meal £22.95

STEAK NIGHT MONDAY NIGHTS

50%

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST 2 Courses - £15 3 Courses - £17

off all steaks

Early Bird Offer - 50%off New Years Eve set menu

NOTHING PUTS YOU IN THE FESTIVE MOOD FASTER THAN A GLASS OF BUBBLY. This year, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte offers two of its most popular bottles featuring a brand new Palmes d’Or Brut vintage 2002 and a classic Brut non-vintage.

Recently released in the UK, the Palmes d’Or vintage 2002 oozes style, elegance and finesse.

One-of-a-kind design, the Brut Palmes d’Or 2002 is a must-have drink for the party season. The sophisticated look alone makes this champagne an ideal fit for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, not only as a great Champagne to toast with but also as a stunning twist to the classic table centerpiece.

Palmes d’Or Brut vintage 2002 - Available at www. johnlewis.co.uk RRP : £85. The Brut non-vintage is one of Nicolas Feuillatte’s most popular champagnes yet. This classic Brut is a great alternative for an uncomplicated celebrative drink. Brut Non-Vintage will delight friends and family alike. Whichever you choose, there will always be an occasion for both!

CHRISTMAS WOULDN’T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE LOVELY SEASONAL SCENT OF MULLED WINE…There are endless recipes around for mulled wine but having tried this years offering from Devonport House in Greenwich I had to ask for the recipe.

Mulled wine: 750ml clementine juice, 750ml Cranberry juice, 200g caster sugar, 1 lemon, 1 lime, 6 whole cloves, 2 sticks of cinnamon, 1 whole nutmeg for grating, 3 or 4 bay leaves, 2 star anise and 2 bottles of red wine.

Start with the sugar in a large pan along with some clementine juice and cranberry juice, lemon and lime peel, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, and nutmeg, and then pouring in enough red wine to just cover it all. This is then gently heated until the sugar has dissolved, at which point turn the heat up keeping the mixture at a rolling boil until it becomes thick syrup. The sugar and spices infuse and blend well with the wine.

Once the syrup is ready, you can pour in the rest of the wine and a couple of star anise, gently heat through not to lose all the alcohol, and serve.

Must vacate by 8.30pm

Raclette meal for four...

The new Raclette Restaurant at RLA’s The Old Loyal Britons in Thames Street has based their menu around the French raclette dish, grilling cheese at your table to go with their fine beers and wines. One of the main aims of opening RLA’s is to allow everyone to help with the creation of beers, designing them from the ground up.

Blackheath restaurant NOW OPEN! Book your table now

0208 318 1143

020 8460 2346

4-6 Market Parade, East Street, Bromley BR1 1QN

www.aquabarandgrill.co.uk

3-5 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3 0TA (Former Bella Vista location)

www.aquarestaurantblackheath.co.uk

One lucky winner can win a Raclette dinner for four with a bottle of wine and a glass of fizz before the meal. Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (OLB), 8 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD. Or email your details to competition@meridianmagazine.co.uk by 27 December.

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DEVONPORT HOUSE Still undecided on your plans for the festive season?

Join us at De Vere Venues Devonport House for an unforgettable celebration, offering you a selection of enjoyable mouth-watering treats for you and all the Family!

FOUR-COURSE SUNDAY LUNCH MENU only £10.80

per person

Minimum 2 people 12 - 5.45pm

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Christmas Day Lunch

Ample car parking at rear - easy access to restaurant 10% off takeaways

Monday: closed Tuesday to Thursday: 12 - 2.30pm & 6 - 11pm Friday and Saturday: 12 - 2.30pm & 6 - 11.30pm Sunday: All Day 12 - 10.30pm

Festive lunch with all the trimmings…and forget about the washing up!

Only £45.00pp

Boxing day Brunch

Need to relax after the big day? Sit back and let us look after you... you’ve earned it!

Only £18.95pp

New Years Eve Party!

Countdown in style with dinner and a disco, from £65.00pp, including a glass of fizz at midnight, on us!

Book now to avoid disappointment

call 0208 269 5400 or email devonportsalesteam@deverevenues.co.uk Devonport house, King William Walk, Greenwich SE109JW

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Food & Drink

A cut well above the average steakhouse

by Sudi Pigott

S

teakheads rejoice; the British steakhouse revival is booming, with independently owned, chef-run restaurants including Chapters (with its wow-factor Josper oven) in Blackheath. This beacon of individuality offers the kind of quality, service and attention to detail you’ll rarely find in a chain restaurant and has built a sterling reputation for impeccable sourcing and understanding the ways of meat, from fat marbling to the thickness of the cut.

Chapters’ Head Chef Alex Tyndall is a self-confessed steak fanatic, “I have a passion for butchery,” he explains. “I relish dry-ageing our meat here at the restaurant for 3-4 days to add character and enhance its texture, as do all the best steak restaurants, and this requires specialist knowledge accrued over years. I know exactly where the meat is from and why I choose it. I favour Herefordshire beef for its massively big rib-eyes. It is grass fed and has exceptional marbling, stonking flavour and phenomenal taste with a proper bearnaise on the side. As for fillet steak, Black Angus has to be first choice for its depth of flavour and melt-inthe-mouth texture. British beef is more than a match for any other in the world.”

What gives Chapters’ steaks extra edge and makes them bang on-trend is cooking watchfully over charcoal embers at extraordinarily high heat on a state-of-theart Josper oven. It gives the steaks even more natural distinctive flavour and a well-caramelised (rather than charred) delectable finish.

It’s not only steaks that get the Josper treatment at Chapters. Outrageously large Barnsley lamb chops and spatchcock chicken with lemon and thyme are delectably enhanced for maximum flavour. Try Josper-grilled fish specials too, including hake with preserved lemon. All are better still when accompanied by definitive triple-cooked chips and bok choi with chilli and garlic. Special mention must go also to Alex’s highly creative Josper-cooked quail starter with choucroute, carrot and vanilla puree and praline cashew nuts.

Look out for all manner of game specials in season, from mallard and partridge to teal. What makes Chapters truly a destination restaurant, as well as a welcoming local, is that the menu draws on plenty of modish European ingredients gathered on Alex’s travels for dining beyond the specialities from the Josper. It’s a very different offer from the influx of chain restaurants in the area with their central production kitchens. At Chapters it is all about seasonality and creativity – cooking from scratch from impeccably sourced ingredients is a given – and there are strikingly original salads, from mange-tout, green beans, fennel, candied orange and hazelnuts to roast cauliflower, golden beetroot, maple syrup and parsley, as well as enticing mains such as Loch Duart salmon with couscous, almonds, bok choi and saffron sauce.

Come Sunday lunch, Chapters’ prowess with understanding the ways of meat comes into its own once more. Favourite roast is the beef slow-cooked overnight at 52 degrees to keep it marvellously rare throughout,

served with impeccable Yorkshire pudding and generous side orders. There are also inspired vegetarian options such as sweet potato tart with leek fondue, mushrooms & quinoa. Plus children’s main dishes start at only £4.00.

Chapters is far more than a superlative British steakhouse and brasserie, with all-day dining, including formidable breakfasts (duck eggs with olive bread, Parma ham and tomato salad is a winner), cocktails, charcuterie plates (including homemade game terrines) and even scones for afternoon tea.

The ambience too, with its warm brick walls and toffee banquettes, is always welcoming, a great place for laid back dining whatever the occasion. However, be warned, at weekends especially booking is essential: such is Chapters’ popularity that they regularly do 300+ covers.

Truly, it speaks volumes that Chapters remains a much loved and ever-evolving landmark dining destination, with its chic yet relaxed interior and incomparable views across the Heath. Quite simply, Chapters is synonymous with Blackheath Village. Like the most engaging bestseller, it deserves to be dipped into time and time again.

Chapters All Day Dining, 43-45 Montpelier Vale, London, Blackheath Village SE3 OTJ, 020 8333 2666 www.chaptersrestaurants.com Sudi writes regularly for Time magazine, American Express Centurion Magazine, The London magazine and many others.

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Food & Drink

Party On! However you celebrate New Years Eve make it a good one... a casino, vodka ice luge, photobooth and live music with dinner to help you celebrate the turning of the year.

Across the water at Canary Wharf Boisdale is creating a Vegas New Year’s Eve with a blockbuster night of casino tables, food and superb entertainment from the King of Rock and Roll – Elvis!

N

ew Year’s Eve falls on a weekday this year, which makes it a rushed one for people who aren’t on holiday come 31 December. 1 January is still a bank holiday, though, which means you can head out and enjoy a big night with your friends and family. How to choose your celebrations for the night is a tough one.

Many restaurants will be offering a special dinner and some may offer entertainment as well. Some venues organise a party for you, Devonport House have their own New Years Eve Party with dinner and disco and if you don’t want to make the journey home, book a room for the night. The Tudor Barn in Eltham has combined

to The O2 with the same energy that saw them become a British institution. The Prodigy haven’t toured much at all in recent years so needless to say, tickets to see them as well as Rudimental for NYE at O2 are set to be in very high demand indeed.

O2 - New Years Eve, 8pm - 3am. Tuesday 31 December. Tickets cost £75.

If clubbing is the order then a £10 ticket gets you entry to both the Admiral Hardy and Inc Bar and one complimentary drink on arrival (Tickets can be bought in advance).

Bromley Theatre have top standup musical comedian Mitch Benn performing a New Years Eve show with a two course dinner if you want to start 2014 with a laugh.

Those with stamina and lucky enough to get their hands on Prodigy tickets will be able to see one of the defining groups of the last two decades, as fire-starting front man Keith Flint brings the trio back

RoyalBorough Cars In partnership with Station Cars and Arena Car Service

A family run mini cab company based at Blackheath standard, servicing the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Charlton, Blackheath and the surrounding areas, for all your transportation needs. ◆ Friendly, helpful drivers ◆ Clean comfortable cars ◆ PCO Registered

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our customers!

New drivers required!

020 8858 8070 0800 876 6545 www.royalboroughcars.co.uk For more information contact Mark Lazarus, Mananging Director

Our Christmas fares are normal excluding Christmas Day and New Years Eve. Christmas Day, normal fare plus £5.00. New Years Eve 8pm until 8am New Years Day, double fare.

Please be safe over the Christmas period, You drink, we drive!

Airport transfers are our speciality

Special offer for December 2013

Established 2005

Return journey discount when quoting RBC12M

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Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Monthly Live Flamenco shows Next show: Sunday 22nd December 6.30pm & 7.45pm

Now taking Bookings for Christmas and New Year New Years Eve Party Dinner & Dance till 2:30am 4 course meal for only £32.00 each Full A’La Carte or Party Menu of fresh bread and 8 tapas each, then choose the main course and dessert for only £19.95 each £50 Deposit per booking

@SanMiguelTapas 18 Greenwich Church Street, London SE10 9BJ 020 8305 1720 | www.sanmiguelgreenwich.co.uk 36 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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Catering for all occasions and budgets specialising in cocktail parties

Now taking bookings for Christmas Parties, Christmas Day Luncheon and our Fantastic New Years’ Eve Party!

Reserve your table today and find out why we are rated as the best Portugese Restaurant in London

07909056128 | 02082972880 thesunnykitchen.uk@gmail.com The Sunny Kitchen/Blackheath Catering

Buenos Aires Cafe Our café is open daily for croissants and our own-blend coffee, tea and homemade cake or made-to-order sandwiches and platters.

For that relaxed meal with family and friends, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Buenos Aires, serving Argentinian steaks, pizzas, pasta and a wide range of excellent wine.

Follow us on Twitter (@VillaMoura_RST) or like us on Facebook for details of our mouthwatering specials and money-saving deals Villa Moura, 121 Lee Road, London SE3 9DS Tel: 0208 318 2116 www.villamoura.com

86 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT 020 8488 6764

17 Royal Parade, Blackheath SE3 0TL 020 8318 5333

And, for that perfect Christmas gift for the foodie, coffee or wine lover, look no further than our range of bespoke hampers!

Bo okin

gN

ow

Freshly brewed craft beer paired with a specially created gourmet Christmas menu, fit for Santa Claus himself!

Let our helpers take care of all the trimmings for you! Booking with us is perfect for a group booking or an intimate celebration!

Book Now for Christmas Christmas Lunch £25

|

Christmas dinner £28

Have a look at our menu at www.zerodegrees.co.uk

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Where can I find authentic Nepalese food in London?

‘It’s not a common cuisine, but that doesn’t mean it’s not available in London.

Try Panas Gurkha Restaurant.’

By Donald Starchan Sunday Telegraph travel writer and lifestyle journalist.

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN A 3-MILE RADIUS

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Panas Gurkhas Kitchen, 350 Baring Road, Grove Park SE12 0DU

020 8851 6728 Online ordering now available www.panasgurkhaskitchen.co.uk

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Food & Drink

One Canada Square A truly impressive restaurant and cocktail bar situated on the ground floor of the iconic building from which it takes its name.

D

avid Collins Studio has created a timeless and elegant space at One Canada Square. Highlights of the 30-cover bar and 60-cover restaurant include a grand staircase and three imposing columns that separate the bar and restaurant whilst linking it to the 30-cover Mezzanine.

The seating, inspired by elements of vintage car design, adds to the art-deco-reminiscent style.

Ribbed detail upholstery in ox-blood leather for the bar and British racing green for the dining room with contrast piping is teamed with herringbone-patterned table-tops and oak timber flooring, creating a classic and comfortable space where you can socialise over drinks or sit down to dinner.

The Raw selection allows star ingredients to shine.

Delicious British-sourced meats and seafood fresh from Billingsgate Market – just a few hundred metres from the kitchen door – are beautifully presented in the form of ceviche, carpaccio and tartare dishes that stimulate the palate and set the tone for a meal bursting with flavour. Vegetarians can also opt for the innovative Allotment dish that takes favourite garden vegetables and recreates the moment they’re plucked from the ground using ‘olive soil’. Comforting starters include: butternut and parmesan soup with partridge sausage roll; quail Kiev with Waldorf slaw; smoked eel, crispy chicken wings and pickled apple sauce; and sautéed razor clams, chorizo and sea purslane.

One Canada Square has an exciting modern European menu with an exquisite raw section from ex-Ivy Club Head Chef Jamie Dobbin; a sensational cocktail list where the Negroni and G&T take centre stage; ‘dude’ bar food. Making his mark from the word go, chef Jamie Dobbin has merged food traditions, techniques and flavours from Europe, the USA and Asia, to bring the very best out of the seasonal, home-grown produce that ETM Group passionately champions.

Main events again showcase the spectacular fish offering with a scallop and shrimp burger with kimchee and fries whilst Torbay wild bass with squid ink risotto, lemon and parsley dressing is sure to become a signature dish. Meat is sourced from Lake District Farmers, a co-operative of Cumbrian farmers who share ETM Group’s commitment to quality ingredients.

These include a daily changing One Canada Square pie; sublime Shorthorn steaks; and melt-in-the-mouth Herdwick lamb with confit leg boulangère potatoes,

rosemary curd, crosnes and lamb jus. Game is sourced from a select number of gamekeepers and riflemen as well as Yorkshire Game Company, with choices including salt-baked Yorkshire red grouse with black figs and foie gras, topped with a grating of bitter chocolate. Sweet treats receive Jamie’s magic touch too with blackberry cannoli and ricotta; pineapple soufflé with coconut sorbet; and a creamy lime fondant with jellied cubes of rosewater and pomegranate.

The wine list has been given a high-tech touch and arrives at the table in tablet form. Customers can scroll through sommelier suggestions, view full descriptions and peruse both familiar labels and fine wine varieties, available both by the bottle and the glass thanks to the addition of the restaurant’s Enomatic wine dispenser.

Special finds include an earthy Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru, Clos des Réas, Dom A-F Gros, Burgundy, France 2001.

An elegant and stylish venue requires a drinks list to match and One Canada Square will put a strong focus on serving classic drinks of exceptional quality.

One Canada Square, No.1 Canada Square, London, E14 5AB. 020 7559 5199 www.onecanadasquarerestaurant.com

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This months listings

On stage

ONGOING

» Art, Drama, Music, Language & Wine courses. One-to-one instrumental & vocal tuition for all age groups, plus a range of courses. The Conservatoire, Lee Road Blackheath, SE3.

Info: 020 8852 0234 or info@conservatoire.org.uk » Blackheath Decorative & Fine Arts Society.

Stimulating lectures and intriguing outings.

Fourth Thursday of the month except Aug and Dec 2.30pm. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk St Mary’s Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackeath SE3. » Greenwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society.

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

Refreshments from 7.15pm. 020 8852 6248 or www.gdfas.org » 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. With an animal park & deer enclosure. 1.15pm & 3.30pm Animal tour every Mon Wed & Fri. Free. Maryon Wilson Park, Thorntree Road, Charlton, SE7. » Kids Knitting & Crochet Workshops.

This Summer holidays Every Fri & Sat 11am1pm. Special discount £8/2h session (quote:MERIDIAN) Book online at www.knitshop. co.uk or call 020 8144 4523, Boutique Outlet, 326 Lee High Road, Lee Green SE13 5PJ. » Learn Tarot Cards. Develop your intuition and communication skills. Private tuition and workshops with an experienced reader. Email: marieclaire@tarotgift.com | www.tarotgift.com Tel: 07791 139 380, 020 8293 1737. » Sing it out. Stress-relieving singing group for local people. All abilities catered for. First session FREE. Evening sessions Wednesday 8pm. Mother & baby sessions Thursday 1.30pm.

Maze Hill area. E:toria@singitout.co.uk or call: 07747 794 321.

A few words from Greenwich Theatre's Artistic Director, James Hadrell

» Blackheath Morris Men. Practice 8.4510pm. St Marks Church Upper Hall, Greenwich South Street SE10. Free. Contact John on 020 8461 2440. www.blackheathmorris.com » Rotary Club of Greenwich. For like-minded business people to meet & help the community.

Fred Nunn 020 8858 6410. Charlton Football Club, Floyd Rd; Charlton SE7 8BL.

EVERY FRI

DURING THE 2012 Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival we hosted an event which, for most in the audience and certainly for all of the children, offered an entirely new experience.

We teamed up with Filament Theatre, one of our associate companies, to present 40 minutes of a ground breaking new a cappella musical called MOMO. At that time, it was the only 40 minutes that had been written, and afterwards we asked the audience what they thought. Was this a show they would like to see developed to full length? Did it make sense? What would they like to see done differently?

Based on a book by the author of another fantasy classic, The Neverending Story, MOMO tells the story of a girl without a past who arrives in a town and becomes friends with all who visit her. Her greatest gift to people is her time, but creeping through the alleys are the sinister Men in Grey, intent on stealing as much time as they can lay their hands on. With the help of the mysterious Professor Hora and his clairvoyant tortoise, Momo must defeat the enemy before the world she knows is lost forever.

Last year’s audience was unanimous in wanting to see more, and adults and children alike had lots of feedback to give us, so with Filament we went back to the rehearsal room and back to the piano to finish the work.

I have loved Filament’s work since I first brought them to Greenwich four years ago. It is astonishing to see a piece of music theatre with no instruments, but with 7 or 8 voices singing intricate harmonies together, and MOMO looks like becoming their most impressive show to date. We have now secured support from Arts Council England for the show as well, but most importantly, when it returns to the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival in April next year, this time as a full show, it comes filled with the input from those audience members who saw a sneak preview last year.

EVERY MON

» Rotary Club of Lewisham & Penge. Local businessmen and women giving help locally, national and internationally. We meet at 7pm for a dinner, with speakers on a variety of subjects.

Contact Peter Earll 020 8303 3361 or Alan Davis 020 8467 2032. Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley. » Live Music & Open Mic. Jive jazz hosted

by Dave Silk (bass) fusing legendary and experienced musos together with first time and amateur performers. In relaxed candlelit setting. Bar opens 8pm. £10 on the door. www. jazznights.co.uk. Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 7SE.

MOMO, 1-5 April 2014, Box Office 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

» Lunchtime Concert. 1pm – 2pm. Free Charlton House, Charlton Rd; SE7 020 8856 3951. » Tangoworkout. Classes connecting Tango with health and well being, for men and women.

7.15pm - 9.15pm. Beginners and intermediate classes. £7. West Greenwich Community Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JA.

2ND SAT OF EVERY MONTH

» Forest Hill Farmers’ Market. 9.30am-2pm.

Forest Hill Pools, Dartmouth Road, SE23 3HZ.

EVERY SUN

» Blackheath Farmers’ Market. 10am-2pm.

Blackheath Station Car Park; Blackheath SE3. » Lazy Sunday Jazz Afternoons. From 4pm.

020 3601 8941. RLA’s at ‘The Old Loyal Britons’, 62 Thames Street, Greenwich SE10 9BX.

THIRD SUN OF EVERY MONTH

» Eltham Farmers’ Market. 10am-3pm.

Passey Place. Off Eltham High St, Eltham SE9.

EVERY SUN & 2ND TUES

» Blackheath Quakers. Meeting for worship.

10.30am-11.30am every Sunday, and 1pm1.30pm on 2nd Tues of each month. Visitors are welcome. For more details, including room hire on 07908 587 695 or email quakerhall@ aol.com. Quaker Meeting House, Lawn Terrace, Blackheath SE3 9LL.

UNTIL 16 DEC

» Cards for Good Causes. On Mondays and Fridays choose from a wide range of Christmas cards, representing more than 25 charities plus other Christmas goods. Mon 9.30am-1.30pm & Fri 10am-1pm. Blackheath Halls Foyer, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RL. Also on sale every day at St Alfege Church, Greenwich until 19 Dec from 10am-4pm.

UNTIL 22 DEC

» Treasure Island. A new festive family musical which takes you on a thrilling theatrical voyage full of live music, sing-along seashanties and plenty of pirates. 7 Dec - 2pm & 6.30pm Gala Performance, 14, 21 & 22 - 2pm & 5pm. Adults £9, Child/Senior £6, Family (4 persons) £26, Gala £25/£15. 020 8854 1316.

The Tramshed, 51-53 Woolwich New Road, Woolwich SE18 6ES.

2ND TUES OF EVERY MONTH

» The Blackheath & Greenwich Amnesty Group. Monthly meetings. 8pm. St. Margaret's Church, Lee Terrace, Blackheath SE3.

UNTIL 29 DEC

» Current Exhibition. Prints for Presents Show. Tues–Sun, 10am–5.30pm. 020 8858 1569. Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1A The Market, SE10 9HZ.

EVERY WED

UNTIL 21 APR

GREENWICH THEATRE

» Keep Fit & In Shape + Line Dancing. 10am - 12 noon. Donation £5 to Cancer Research UK. 020 8852 7127. Kingswood Hall, Kingswood Place, off Dacre Park, Lewisham SE13. » Woolwich Singers. A community choir. No audition required to join. The aim is to sing together and have fun! Call Wendy 07812 477 778. £2 per week, refreshments provided.

6.30pm-8pm. The Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard, Woolwich SE18 5QL.

EVERY THURS

» Turner & the Sea. National Maritime Museum’s new exhibition explores Turner’s love of the sea with 120 works on display including some of the artist’s best known and loved paintings. 10am-5pm, Thurs - 7pm.

Charges apply. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10.

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Listings continued UNTIL 5 JAN

» Puss in Boots. All children’s tickets half price.

Visit greenwichtheatre.org.uk for times and prices. Box office 020 8858 7755. Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10.

Greenwich Pantomine Horse Race.

UNTIL 16 FEB 2014

» Ice Rink, Canary Wharf. Skate under the soaring buildings of Canada Square on a glittering trail through fairy-lit trees. The rink-side retro-themed bar provides pre- or post-skating 50’s styled menu including mulled wine. Visit www. canarywharf.com for info and prices.

Canada Square, Canary Wharf E14.

UNTIL 27 APR 14

» War Story: Supplying Frontline Afghanistan. Brand new material recently collected in Afghanistan by the War Story team including photos, film, home videos and interviews reveals the challenges of supporting the armed forces on the frontline. 10am-6pm.

020 7416 5000. Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ.

SUN 1 DEC

» Woodlands Farm Trust Christmas Fair. Visit Santa’s Grotto; sip mulled wine while browsing stalls of local produce and crafts. Plenty of activities for children. 11am-3pm. 020 8319 8900.

Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, DA16 3RP. » Carol Concert. An evening of Christmas Carols within the Chapel in aid of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice Fundraising. 7pm. £20 includes a festive drink and mince pie. 020 8319 9230. info@gbch.org.uk. Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10 9NN.

Featuring The Kings Troop in a pre race ceremony. In its 4th year this Charity Pantomime Horse Race, in Aid of Demelza Children’s Hospice, takes to the streets of Greenwich. 11am1pm The ‘Opening Ceremony’ takes place at Devonport House, King William Walk. Free entry featuring. The Kings Troop, The Greenwich Morris Men, Queen Elizabeth II (looka-like), Freddie Mercury (look-a-like) The Counterfeit Beatles (tribute band), face painting, carols, live music and much much more .

1pm-2pm (ish) The Pantomime Horse Race. King William Walk, Nevada Street, Royal Hill (Free) 2:30pm-10:30pm. The After-show xmas party at The Greenwich Tavern, King William Walk. Featuring live music from Tribute acts ‘Freddie Mercury’ & ‘The Counterfeit Beatles’ plus more. www.pantohorserace.org

Pattern...

» Jazz. Mick Collins Modern Jazz Orchestra.

8.30pm – 10.45pm. £6. 020 8466 1726.

H.G.Wells Centre, St Mark’s Road, Bromley High Street South, Bromley BR2 9HG.

» Turning of the Year. A selection of songs for the winter season performed by Lewisham primary schools. Hear hundreds of young singers performing together as a massed choir.

Promoted by Lewisham Music Hub. Thurs 7pm £4, Fri 5pm £3 & 7pm £4. 020 8463 0100.

Great Hall, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RL.

WEDS 4, 11 & 18 DEC

» Tapestry Group. Enjoy sewing and would like to get involved with this project at St. Alfege.

10am-1pm. Caton Room, St Alfege Church, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

THURS 5 DEC

» Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Chamber Choir Concert. Includes works by Schutz, Bach & Britten. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. » Concert. Trinity Laban Jazz Choir.

6-7pm. www.st-alfege.org. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9BJ. » Light up a Life in Woolwich. Music under the stars in aid of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Bostal Woods. 7pm.

General Gordon Square, Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18. » The Blackheath Jazz Group. With special guests Meantime Jazz. 7pm. The Crown, Blackheath Village, Blackheath SE3.

» Turkish Evening. A traditional Turkish evening, with a Turkish Band, & belly dancer.

Complementary drink on arrival and as much Turkish food as you can eat! Plus a chance to win £50 on the night. This fundraising event is in aid of The Mental Health Activity Trust (MHA Trust) a new social enterprise in Greenwich set up to help people with a mental illness get back into paid employment. 7.30pm. £20. The Sun in the Sands Pub, 123 Shooters Hill Road SE3 8UQ.

SAT 7 DEC

» Woolwich Winter Warmer Christmas Countdown. A day of entertainment with live music stage, real reindeer, ice sculptor, owl display, craft market featuring local traders, fairground rides and food stalls plus the annual lantern parade with firework finale. General Gordon square. Visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ winterwarmer for details. » Woolwich Antiquarians. Members bring and talk about one of their possessions. 2.15pm.

Charlton House, Charlton SE7. » Concert. Joel Thomas. 7.30-8.30pm. £tba. www.st-alfege.org. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

SAT 7, 14, 21 &22 DEC

» Treasure Island. A new festive family musical which takes you on a thrilling theatrical voyage full of live music, sing-along sea-shanties and plenty of pirates. 2pm, (7 Dec 6.30pm Gala Performance), other Sats 2pm & 5.30pm. Adults £9, Children & Senior £6, Family £26

SUN 8 DEC

MON 2 DEC

WEDS 4 & 5 DEC

FRI 6 DEC

to Print Pattern to Print is the latest exhibition to open at Bexley’s historic Hall Place, which tells the story of the area’s roots within the silk industry spanning three centuries. From the River Cray, which meanders its way through the parkland of Hall Place to the regal mulberry trees in its grounds once thought to have provided food for silkworms, all have played their part in the areas rich heritage in the silk industry.

Augustus Applegath, a prolific inventor of the time, founded the print works at nearby Crayford in 1826 and perfected the printing of fabrics using curved copper plates rather than traditional handblocks. In 1843 it became known as David Evans & Co Ltd of Crayford, producing the finest silks for the likes of many famous clients including Liberty, Elizabeth Emmanuel, Holland and Holland, David Allen and even Sir Elton John before closing its doors 158 years later in 2001.

The exhibition unravels the history of David Evans, the evolution of different techniques used from hand block printing, and how the company advanced into screen-printing later in the 1970s. Visitors can learn about the history of silk and how it is extracted and processed, through the objects, which include artifacts from a silk farm. A viewing room will also show original footage and imagery of the factory at work.

Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ General enquiries: 01322 526 574

» Christmas Concert – Save the Children. The Old Royal Naval College Chapel Choir, James Grainger (organ), and Brass directed by Ralph Allwood with readings by Christoher Godwin, Illona Linthwaite. Sylvestra Le Touzel and Owen Teale.

7pm. £20, £18 & £15. 020 8463 0100. The Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich SE10. » Thomas Tallis Society Christmas Concert.

Handel’s Messiah, Conductor James Burton, Leader Simon Smith. 7-8pm. £18, £10 on the door or from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ttsmess. St Alfege Church, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

MON 9 DEC

» Schools Lunchtime Concert. Local schoolchildren from across Greenwich sing favourite Christmas classics in the chapel.

1-2pm. Free. The Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich SE10.

WED 11 DEC

» Blackheath Townswomens Guild Choir.

Christmas concert with mulled wine and mince pies. 2pm. £6 on the door. Boys Brigade Hall, Reynolds Place, Blackheath SE3. » Light up a Life in Eltham. Traditional carol service in aid of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Bostal Woods. 7pm. United Reformed Church, Court Road, Eltham SE9 5AD.

THURS 12 DEC

» Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.05pm.

Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. » A Celebration of Christmas. A carol concert with a mix of traditional readings and carols.

All proceeds will go to Demelza Hospice Care for Children. £12 adults, £6 Children. To book visit demelza.org or call 01795 845 288. The Chapel, The Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich SE10.

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Listings continued » FRI 13 DEC » 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 Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. » Blackheath Decorative and Fine Arts Society. In partnership with All Saints’ Church, Blackheath, will today launch their shared project, an innovative church trail for local children, essentially a treasure trail to identify and to learn about the artistic and historic treasures to be found in the church. 2pm for 2.30pm. Visitors £5. www.artsinblackheath. org.uk. St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackheath SE3. » Light up a Life in Erith. Christmas Tree Festival in aid of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Bostal Woods. 7pm.

Christ Church, Victoria Road, Erith DA8 3AN. » Chistmas Concert & Supper. A glittering performance of Christmas music in the Chapel.

Following the concert, enjoy a delicious two-course dinner and a glass of wine in the Painted Hall. Tickets £49 concert & supper; £20 concert only. 7-10.30pm. E:boxoffice@ornc.org or 020 8269 4799. The Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich SE10. » Jeremy Hardy. Stand-up comedian since 1984 and will be one until he dies or wins the lottery. 8pm. £16, £14 conces. 020 8463 0100.

Great Hall, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RL.

Hatch, Match, Dispatch!

(Part II until 1.6.14) An intriguing display of fans, which commemorate Births, Marriages and Deaths..

Covering a period of over 300 years, (beginning mid seventeenth century) the exhibition reveals how fans recorded not only joyous occasions of national significance such as Royal births and weddings but those of a darker, melancholic nature too. From lavishly crafted examples given as part of a bride’s wedding trousseau to modest commemorative confections produced in quantity and designed to appeal to all pockets, these fans reveal an often subtle undercurrent of dynastic and political intrigue. Hatch, Match, Dispatch celebrates the theatricality of love, life & death – the foundations upon which all human experience is built. 020 8305 1441. thefanmuseum.org.uk. The Fan Museum, 12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ER

SAT 14 & 15 DEC

» Greenwich Circus Festival. A weekendlong celebration of all things circus! A charity fundraiser in aid of Hangar Arts Trust. Circus workshops for all ages plus wandering characters with impossible skills, sideshow games and a giant inflatable bouncy slide.

Children day pass (2-16yrs) £5, Adult Day Pass £15, Family Day Pass (2 Adults, 2 Chilldren £35. Conces £12. Adult Evening Pass £20, Adult Day & Evening pass £28, Conces £16. Visit greenwichcircusfestival. org for more details. Hangar Arts Trust, Unit 7A, Mellish House, Harrington Way, Woolwich SE18 5NR.

SUN 15 DEC

» The Blackheath Jazz Group. Blackheath Jazz will make their end-of-term performance.

7pm. The Lord Northbrook, 116 Burnt Ash Road, Lee SE12 8PU.

THURS 19 DEC

SAT 14 DEC

» Woolwich Winter Warmer Sing-along.

A day of carol singing with local school and community choirs also featuring Christmas craft market, fairground rides and food stalls.

General Gordon square. Visit royalgreenwich. gov.uk/winterwarmer for details. » Ramble. A 6 ml linear walk along dockside paths and canal towpaths from Island Gardens through ther Isle of Dogs to Limehouse Basin, Mile End Park, Victoria Park, finishing at Pudding Mill Lane DLR. Lunch at Pavillion Café, Victoria Park. Meet at 10am at Island Gardens DLR Station.

Contact R.Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for more info. New members welcome. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. » Tea Dance. Set in the beautiful 1930s Art Deco Borough Hall is the perfect setting for an afternoon of dancing. 2-4.30pm. £8, £6 concs.

A cup of tea and slice of cake included in the entry price.020 8293 9741. Greenwich Dance, The Borough Hall, Royal Hill SE10 8RE » Charlton Society. Talk on the Blue Plaques in the area by speaker Margaret Taylor.

2.30pm. Charlton House, Charlton SE7. » Christmas Fair. Add a touch of sparkle to your traditional Christmas. In aid of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. 2-4pm.

G&B Community Hospice, 185 Bostal Hill.

Abbeywood SE2 8GB. » Jungle Book. Indigo Moon Theatre brings you a great story that harkens back to the poetry and spirit of Rudyard Kipling’s books.

3pm. £7. Suitable for ages 4+. Running time 50 mins. Recital Room. 020 8463 0100.

Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RL. » A Festive Feast. Lewisham Choral Society will be joined by the angelic voices of the Bromley Boys Singers for a sparkling selection of music for the Christmas season. 7.30pm.

£15, £12 concs & £2 for under 12s. 020 8309 0439, pam_david@sky.com or on the door.

Goldsmiths Great Hall, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way, New Cross SE14 6NW. » Christmas Ball. Enjoy a decadent evening of dance. Blend a bit of ballroom, a splash of swing, sparkle with festive magic and you’ve got the recipe for a show-stopping party! 8pm til late. £18/£15. Special 20th anniversary offer: 20% off bookings of 10 or more. 020 8293 9741. greenwichdance.org.uk. GDA, Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RE.

» Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 1.05pm.

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

FRI 20 DEC

Carol Service Many people assume that when the Navy literally shipped out of Greenwich, that the Old Royal Naval Chapel became something of a museum, a monument to a military past. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is home to a thriving, growing congregation, and one that is more diverse in age and culture than ever. Added to that, and the spectacular architecture, is the world-class music supplied by the Chapel Choir, many of whom are Choral Scholars at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. This Christmas, all the free tickets for the main Carol Service on 15 December at 6pm have already been given out. So due to popular such demand, there will be an extra identical service twenty-four hours earlier, on Saturday 14 December at 6pm. This one has no tickets - simply turn up and queue, with doors opening at 5.15pm.

The full programme can be found by visiting www.ornc.org and following links to the Chapel and Events.

» Christmas Concert. Get into the Christmas spirit with the ever-popular concert. Enjoy some classic Benjamin Britten followed by Christmas songs. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concs, under 12s £5. Includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pie. 020 8463 0100. Great Hall, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RL. » Blackheath Scientific Society. AGM and Members evening. Short talks & Exhibits of Scientific interest plus refreshments. 7.45pm.

Visitors £3. www.nss.btik.com Mycenae House, Mycenae Rd; Blackheath SE3 7SE.

SUN 22 DEC

» Greenwich Pantomine Horse Race.

Featuring The Kings Troop in a pre race ceremony. In its 4th year this Charity Pantomime Horse Race, in Aid of Demelza Children’s Hospice, takes to the streets of Greenwich. 11am-1pm The ‘Opening Ceremony’ at Devonport House, King William Walk. Free entry. 1pm-2pm (ish). The Pantomime Horse Race. King William Walk, Nevada Street, Royal Hill. Free. 2:30pm10:30pm. The After-show xmas party at The Greenwich Tavern, King William Walk. www.pantohorserace.org.

TUES 31 DEC

» Bromley Comedy. Special New Year’s Eve show. Headline Mitch Benn, Opener Sean Percival, Middle 10 Julian Dean and compere Tony Maresse. Includes 2 course dinner. Doors open 8pm show starts 9pm. £45. 0844 871 7620. Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley.

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Property

Property 2014 and beyond...

WITH THE UK’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY gaining momentum and widespread reports of an expanding housing bubble, what lies in wait for the property market in 2014? Here are some predictions for next year. A 7% increase in property prices in 2014. 12 months ago, it was predicted that the market would rise by as much as 2% assuming the government did not intervene. In 2012, the average house price was just under £217,000. Throughout 2013, the average price of a house across England & Wales rose to £221,000, suggesting a rise of just less than 2% in 2013.

Although the government did intervene with the new Help to Buy scheme in April 2013 (phase one), this will not affect house prices until 2014 when people start to fully understand the scheme, and sales under the scheme start to complete. Throughout 2014, we predict that house prices will rise at a much quicker rate than in 2013 and by the fastest rate since the housing crash. House prices could rise by as much as 7% across England & Wales, with double digit increases in London and the South East.

If you are going to buy, this is the time to do it!

START OF A ‘NEW CYCLE’.

The UK property market is at the start of a ‘new cycle’, with sustained growth of between 6% and 8% per year predicted for the next five to 10 years, possibly even up to 12 years.

In 2015, interest rates are expected to start to rise, which in turn will impact the housing market, but not to the same degree as the credit crunch in 2007/08.

Until the government (and any subsequent government) gets to grips with speeding up planning permission, encouraging building on Brownfield sites, as well as some Greenfield sites and forcing builders to build more houses, then the market will only go one way - and that is up.

L&Q OFFERS SHARED OWNERSHIP HOMES AT WOOLWICH CENTRAL L&Q, one of London’s largest residential developers, is offering Shared Ownership buyers the chance to purchase a stylish apartment in this new skyline development in the heart of Woolwich. The developer is currently selling a share of up to 35% in a range of one- and two-bed apartments, priced from £205,000 to £272,500.

L&Q will eventually have 60 one, two and three-bed apartments for sale on a Shared Ownership basis in this exciting development, at Love Lane, Woolwich, Greenwich, SE18. These contemporary apartments will be connected by a series of landscaped walkways with green spaces that open up breathtaking views of the capital. L&Q @ Woolwich Central is ideally located for a choice of bars, restaurants and sporting facilities, and is just metres from the DLR and overground station Woolwich Arsenal which is within easy reach of central London – with Canary Wharf just across the river.

For further details go to www.lqgroup.org.uk/ woolwichcentral

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