Tuesday 29 July 2014

Chinbrook Dog Show 31st August 2014


About the Dog show. - (A statement from their website)

The Chinbrook Dog Show was set up in 2012 by our Chairman, as a small experimental community project to organise and administer a dog show and Family Fun Day within Chinbrook Meadows. As it was a first attempt, it was deliberately kept low key in order to gauge interest, if any, from the community. What occurred exceeded all expectations, with more than 150 dogs and their owners taking part. Some even came from as far away as Worthing, Walthamstow and Enfield!

South East Dog Rescue was the chosen charity for the first 2 years. The success of the show led to the formation of the Chinbrook Dog Show Management Committee, consisting of an elected Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. These officers plus an additional 4 members make up the Executive Committee.

Our group is a non-profit organisation. All monies raised – outside operational costs and expenses – will be donated to a local dog-related charity or rescue centre that operate a non-destruct policy.

In 2013, we made the decision to expand the Dog Show into a Fun Day for all the family, not just exclusively centre around dog owners, as we felt there was nothing else similar within the Grove Park area. Some of the local businesses were very supportive and helped contribute towards our costs.

We included a family funfair and a number of local community groups, such as the Territorial Army, joined in the fun. Sadly the weather took a turn for the worse, with a few heavy showers during the mid afternoon. This didn’t dampen our spirits, and we still managed to raise £1200 for South East Dog Rescue.

For this year’s show on 31 August 2014, we wanted to go bigger and better, and planning started the day after the 2013 show. We don’t want to give away too much, but we are getting really excited!

For more details of events, categories and an entry form for your dog go to the website at :-
                                           
                                                     Chinbrook Dog Show  

Monday 28 July 2014

Changes to the way we all register to vote

Electoral register

The registration system has changed . The new system is called Individual Electoral Registration. However, if you’ve already registered this should happen automatically.
How is the new system different?
You will be able to register online on the Gov UK website.
Everyone is responsible for registering themselves. Under the old system the 'head of every household' could register everyone who lived at their address.
You need to provide a few more details to register - including your national insurance number and date of birth. This makes the electoral register more secure.
How do I register under the new system?
Go to the Gov UK website.
Fill in the name, address, date of birth and a few other details. You'll also need your national insurance number, which can be found  on your national insurance card, or in official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits..
Look out  for a confirmation to say you're registered.
Will I need to do anything?
Look out for a letter from Electoral Services
Most people who are already registered to vote will be registered automatically under the new system. They do not need to do anything. However some people will need to take action to join the new register. We are writing to people to tell them whether they need to take action.
Respond to the letter if you are asked to, it will tell you whether you are on the new register or whether you need to take action and what you need to do.
What next?
If you receive a letter confirming you are registered under the new system you do not need to do anything.
However you may need to register under the new system if:
  • you receive a letter telling you that you need to re-register or
  • you have changed address since you received a confirmation that you were registered, or
  • you did not receive a letter.

Friday 18 July 2014

FUTURE DLR AND RAIL LINKS TO BROMLEY

The following document was published on the Bromley Council website. It does need reading through several times to grasp exactly what it says. The two PDF files at the end have more details but seem to say there is little chance of better links in the near future. (Editor)

Decision:

(1) Whilst not accepting TfL’sconclusion to the work on extending the DLR to Bromley, an extension of London Overground to Bromley North is supported in principle.

(2) the priorities of residents for rail services through and into London are supported, including those related to the long term continuation of Thameslink services, serving Beckenham Junction, Kent House, and Penge East stations in the borough.

Reasons for the decision:

Following recent discussions and work with Transport for London, Report ES14048 provides an update regarding potential public transport extensions to Bromley.

TfL has undertaken feasibility work over the previous 12-18 months to develop a business case for extending the DLR from Lewisham to Bromley. Simultaneously, TfL have undertaken feasibility work for extending the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle and the Overground from New Cross to Bromley North.Tramlink proposals had been previously developed and more recently, the Tramlink development team have been working to refine route options and alignments.

As defined by TfL’s business case methodology and the DfT’stransport scheme appraisal guidance, the overall Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of a DLR extension to Bromley represents insufficient value for money. This takes account of the total cost of an extension, the direct transport benefits, and the development and growth potential. On 20th March 2014, the Mayor of London instructed TfL to cease further work on the DLR business case.

The Council has subsequently asked TfL to undertake further work on a London Overground extension from New Cross to Bromley North, using the existing rail corridor, to provide improved rail connectivity between Bromley and Canary Wharf.

Publication date: 17/07/2014

Accompanying Documents:

Thursday 17 July 2014

Heatwave - Be prepared

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn't harm you or anyone you know.

The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are the groups who are particularly at risk of health problems when the weather is very hot. In particular, very hot weather can make heart and breathing problems worse.
"There is considerable evidence that heatwaves are dangerous and can kill," says Graham Bickler of Public Health England. In August 2003, temperatures hit 38ºC (101ºF) during a nine-day heatwave, the highest recorded in the UK.
"In the 2003 heatwave, there were 2,000 to 3,000 excess deaths [more than usual] in England. Across Europe, there were around 30,000 excess deaths."
Public Health England's heatwave plan 2014 (PDF, 1.19Mb) has advice on how to cope during a heatwave. Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives.
"Most of the information is common sense," says Bickler. "It's not rocket science, but it can have a dramatic effect."

When heat becomes a problem

An average temperature of 30°C by day and 15°C overnight would trigger a health alert (this figure varies slightly around the UK). These temperatures can have a significant effect on people's health if they last for at least two days and the night in between.
The Meteorological Office has a warning system that issues alerts if a heatwave is likely. Level one is the minimum alert and is in place from June 1 until September 15 (which is the period that heatwave alerts are likely to be raised).
  • minimum alert – people should be aware of what to do if the alert level is raised
  • level two alert – there is a high chance that a heatwave will occur within the next few days
  • level three alert – when a heatwave is happening
  • level four alert – when a heatwave is severe

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main risks posed by a heatwave are: 
  • dehydration (not having enough water)
  • overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
  • heat exhaustion
  • heatstroke

Who is most at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people in extreme heat are:
  • older people, especially those over 75
  • babies and young children
  • people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems
  • people with mobility problems – for example, people with Parkinson's disease or who have had a stroke
  • people with serious mental health problems
  • people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control
  • people who misuse alcohol or drugs
  • people who are physically active – for example, labourers or those doing sports

Tips for coping in hot weather

The following advice applies to everybody when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable and reducing health risks:
  • Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
  • Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.
  • Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
  • Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
  • Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
  • Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or on the Met Office website.
  • Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
  • Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
  • Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors.
  • Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
Find out more about what to do during a heatwave alert level twolevel three or level four.
If you're worried about yourself or a vulnerable neighbour, friend or relative, you can contact the local environmental health office at your local authority.
Environmental health workers can visit a home to inspect it for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local authority on the GOV.UK website.  

How do I know if someone needs help?

If someone feels unwell, get them somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink.
Seek medical help if symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, weakness, dizziness or cramps get worse or don't go away.
Find out about the symptoms of dehydration.

This post is available on the NHS Choices - Live well  website where there is a wealth of advice about your health

Thursday 10 July 2014

Noviomagus Sunday 20th July

Noviomagus - on display
Sun 20th Jul 2014
Talk or lectureHands-on activity
The site of Noviomagus has been identified at the Roman settlement site at West Wickham by Dr. Brian Philp and his archaeological team. Details of the site and some of the finds including the unique rim of a Roman wheel will be on display to the public for the very first time.
The event will take place in Crofton Roman Villa, where the remains of 10 rooms of the Roman Villa house can be seen, with activities for children including mosaic making, brass rubbing, dressing up, Roman games and touch table.

Event details

Organiser: Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit
Booking details: You do not need to book this event
Fee details: Adults: £1.50 Children and OAP'S: £1.00 Family of 4: £4.00 Free entry for members of the Young Archaeologists' Club.

Dates and times

Sun 20th Jul 2014 10:00-17:00
Additional times information
Last admission 16.30.

Venues and locations

Crofton Road
Orpington
Kent

Email: crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com
Web: www.the-cka.fsnet.co.uk