Lost Dogs Found

We are glad to report that the two missing dogs have since been found and returned to their owners.

Happy New Year to all our Members

Bulb Planting with Friends of Chinbrook Meadows

Friends Of Chinbrook Meadows recently applied for free bulbs that were being offered by Taylors Bulbs of Holbeach in partnership with The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association and have received 3,000 bulbs to enhance Chinbrook Meadows. These include narcissi, snowdrops and grape hyacinth. Glendale are going to plant some for us before Christmas but the rest we would like to plant as a community event on Saturday 5th January, 11am – 12.30pm.  Please come along. We will meet at the pavilion. Bring trowels and bulb planters. Come back later in the year to admire your handiwork in flower.

However with all recent rain the path to the meadows are waterlogged (flooded)

So wellington boots are probably essential as water is draining from the embankments. These have now some green cover following last year's works by National Rail.

Nice to see the Quaggy full of water

Merry Christmas to all in the Links Estate

On behalf of the committee of LERA we wish you a peaceful and merry Christmas. If you have not had a chance to see the lights of this house in Portland Road here is a photo that does it little credit. If it ever stops raining do take a walk past it.

Click on the picture to see a larger image or click on the triangle below to watch a very short (6 seconds) movie

Christmas Services at St Andrews Church

Carols by candlelight

Sing carols in a warm, candlelit church on Christmas Eve at 11pm before the midnight Mass. Do join the congregation!

Monday 24th December 2012 at 11:00 PM for ½ hour

Christmas Midnight Mass

This is a Common Worship Sung Eucharist with hymns, carols and incense to celebrate the birth of Jesus 2000 years ago. The crib is blessed at this service.

Monday 24th December 2012 at 11:30 PM for 1 hour

Christmas Day Family Eucharist

This is an informal Family Eucharist for Christmas morning with a talk around the crib.

Tuesday 25th December 2012 at 10:00 AM for 50 minutes

   

Lessons and Carols within the Eucharist

This is a service of readings and carols within the Eucharist to celebrate Christmas but also looking forward to the New Year.

Sunday 30th December 2012 at 10:00 AM for 1 hour

    

Winter Vomiting Bug

Some of our family have contracted this unpleasant disease. Especially at this time of the year, when many families get together, this can be very distressing. NHS direct has the following advice:-

Norovirus, better known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages.

The virus, which is highly contagious, causes vomiting and diarrhoea. As there is no specific cure, you have to let it run its course, but it should not last more than a couple of days. If you get norovirus, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and practise good hygiene to help prevent it from spreading.

Read more about the symptoms of norovirus.

Norovirus can be unpleasant to experience, but it's not generally dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days, without having to see a doctor.

Between 600,000 and 1 million people in the UK catch norovirus every year. You may have heard of it as the “winter vomiting bug” because the illness is more common in winter. However, the virus can be caught at any time of the year.

What should I do?

If you have norovirus, the following steps should help ease your symptoms:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.
• If you feel like eating, eat foods that are easy to digest. 
• Stay at home and don't go to the doctor, because norovirus is contagious and there is nothing the doctor can do while you have it.
• However, contact your GP to seek advice if your symptoms last longer than a few days or if you already have a serious illness.

Extra care should be taken to prevent babies and small children who are vomiting or have diarrhoea from dehydrating, by giving them plenty of fluids. Babies and young children can still drink milk.

Read more about treating norovirus at this link.

Don't worry if you are pregnant and you get norovirus: there is no risk to your unborn child.

How to stop it spreading

The virus is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands. You can also catch it through contaminated food or drink or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Just 18 virus particles can cause the infection. Virus particles are very, very, very small.

The following measures should help prevent the virus from spreading further:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Do not share towels and flannels.
• Disinfect any surfaces that an infected person has touched. 

Read more about preventing norovirus at this link or view the short video at this link nhs.uk Norovirus .

Hope you avoid this awful condition and enjoy a happy Christmas.

Burnt Ash Library Reading Group January

The next meeting at Burnt Ash Library is on Thursday 3rd January at 2.15 pm and everyone is welcome.

The book to be discussed is:-

One Day by David Nicholls

15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows?

Every one is welcome.

For more details visit the library or contact the librarians on 020 8460 3405 or by email at burntash.library@bromley.gov.uk

For details of other activities at the Burnt Ash Library see the following link:-

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/directory_record/34386/burnt_ash_library

Lost Dogs and Artifice Burglaries

Lost Dogs

A couple from the Links Estate are looking for their two dogs which escaped from their garden in Leamington Avenue yesterday afternoon.

The two dogs are a Siberian Husky and a black and white Cocker Spaniel. Both are micro-chipped.  If you hear or see anything please email us at leracontact@gmail.com.

Artifice Burglaries


There have been four possibly linked burglaries in the Borough using the Water Board method of entry. A male asks to enter your house as there is a water leak down the road. He states that he has to turn your taps on. Whilst the (elderly) victim is distracted another suspect comes in and burgles your property. The suspects are white males, one aged 40-50 approximately 5'10, the other around 30 years, approximately 5'08, both wearing high visibility jackets.

Please be vigilant, spread the word where possible amongst your family, friends and neighbours. Please report any suspicious activity on the 101 number and 999 if burglary is being committed.


This may be completely unrelated but there have been a group of three men ringing on doorbells asking to talk about security and asking whether you have a burglar alarm.  They said they were from ADT but we don't know whether this was genuine or not.  You should not enter into discussion with them at all.  Just to let people know and beware.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Surgery

The next Plaistow and Sundridge Safer Neighbourhood Team Surgery will be held at the Brook Lane Community Church, Brook Lane, Downham on Friday 14th December from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Everyone is welcome to discuss any crime concerns they may have.

Gritter truck routes

The map shows gritting routes in the Links Estate area. The green dotted lines are for secondary routes and the red blobs show location of salt bins. Burnt Ash Lane seems to be primary route P4 but does not appear on the list of priority routes.

Anyone with a Twitter account can see when the lorries are sent out from @BromleySnow

Alternatively you can read the tweets on the Council website. It also includes advice on dealing with the wintry weather, details of school closures and waste collections during bad weather. Go to the webpage at :-

bromley.gov.uk/gritting

There are links on the page where you can suggest other routes to be gritted and to report damaged or missing salt bins.

Christmas Coffee at Burnt Ash Library

Christmas Coffee at Burnt Ash Library

Thursday 13th December 10.45 am to 12 Noon

The Parish Primary School will entertain us with Christmas songs and carols.

Come and join us - Every one is welcome.

For more details visit the library or contact the librarians on 020 8460 3405 or by email at burntash.library@bromley.gov.uk

For details of other activities at the Burnt Ash Library see the following link:-

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/directory_record/34386/burnt_ash_library

For more information about activities at the Parish Primary School see the following link:-

http://www.parishceschool.com/

Proposed changes to bus routes in Central Bromley

Transport for London (TfL) are working in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley to deliver significant changes to the area around Bromley North Village. There is currently a consultation process which is open until 21st December 2012. You can have your say either by collecting a survey document from Burnt Ash Library or using the link at the end of this post which has details of all the proposed changes, a map and on on line survey form to complete.

TfL are proposing changes to bus routes that currently serve East Street, Market Square and Widmore Road and also changes to bus stops around Market Square. The affected routes are :-

Route 138  Bromley North – Coney Hall

Route 269  Bromley North – Bexleyheath

Route 336  Catford – Locksbottom

Route 367  Bromley – Croydon

From Bromley North station, buses on routes 138, 336 and 367 would be rerouted along Tweedy Road direct to Kentish Way, instead of East Street and Widmore Road.

Route 269 would be rerouted from Bromley North station, along Tweedy Road direct into Widmore Road. It would no longer serve East Street or the western end of Widmore Road. The nearest bus stops to the High Street and Market Square would be at Bromley North station, or in Widmore Road at Kentish Way.

They are also proposing to make changes to some bus stops in the town centre. 

To have your say use the following link :-

https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/bromley-north/consult_view

Events this week at St Andrew's Church

Bromley: St Andrew : Burnt Ash Lane, St Andrew's is on the northern edge of Rochester Diocese opposite the shops in Burnt Ash Lane, the road which goes to Grove Park Station. Parking is available at the church or behind the shops via Roslin Way., Bromley, Kent, BR1 5AF

Book Launch Saturday 8th December 10am to 12 Noon

In 1982 a short history of St Andrew's Parish by Andrew Martin was published as Not A Mile from Milk Street. The proceeds were in aid of the redecoration of the Church.
The author Andrew Martin will be in the church to sign copies. Tea and coffee will also be served.
The 'high street price' is now going to be £11.95 but anyone who comes on the day (but hasn't pre-ordered)  will get it for £9.95. The offer @ £7.95 for pre-publication orders made in the September issue of The Burning bush still stands.

Orders can be e-mailed to Andrew at namfms@gmail.com

or andrew@andrewjmartin.co.uk

All the proceeds go towards the Hall Rebuilding Fund

Messy Church Crib Service Sunday 16th December at 4pm

At Messy Church this month we will be performing a simple nativity play and forming a crib tableau. We will sing carols, tell the story of Christmas have some food and do some crafts. We all enjoy it and hope you will too. It will last about an hour and a half.

Sunday 16th December 2012 at 4:00 PM for 1½ hours

Details of other Events, Services and further information can be found by clicking on the following link and then choosing the Services and Events Tab

http://www.achurchnearyou.com/bromley-st-andrew/

Borough Commander's Newsletter Dec 2012

The newsletter is too long to display here. It contains details of crime and scams within Bromley.

Click this link to  Download full Borough Commanders Newsletter as pdf

Classic Film Club St Andrews Hall, Burnt Ash Lane 10th December

Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980)

 Starring  Alec Guiness and Rick Stroder

Also starring Connie Booth and Patrick Stewart

Ceddie, Earl of Dorincourt's only grandson and heir lives in America with his mother. The Earl, getting old, asks them to come to England. Ceddie, now Lord Fauntleroy, is an adorable little fellow. The Earl, who at first was rather distant, becomes more en more fond of him. Then Minna shows up.

Monday 10th December

 Doors open at 6.45pm film show at 7.00pm

Cost £2 minimum donation per person is suggested to include refreshments at the interval.

For more information ring:-
Brian at James Harper 020 8464 0080
Rev'd Angela King      020 8313 3434
Rev'd Liz Davis           020 6460 4672

Why not come and enjoy a local evening out?

Book launch - Not a mile from Milk Street

Saturday 8th December 10am to 12 Noon

In 1982 a short history of St Andrew's Parish by Andrew Martin was published as Not A Mile from Milk Street. The proceeds were in aid of the redecoration of the Church.

Thirty years on  funds are needed to rebuild the Church Hall as St Andrew's Community Centre. Planning permission has now been granted and the project will be put to tender, but there is still a little way to go with the fundraising.

It is fortunate that Andrew Martin has revised and updated the book. It will include completely new chapters on the impact of the two world wars on the local area and information about those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

On Saturday 8th December the book will be launched at St Andrew's Church  between 10am and 12 noon. The author Andrew Martin will be in the church to sign copies. Tea and coffee will also be served.

The 'high street price' is now going to be £11.95 but anyone who comes on the day (but hasn't pre-ordered)  will get it for £9.95.

The offer @ £7.95 for pre-publication orders made in the September issue of The Burning bush still stands.

Orders can be e-mailed to Andrew at namfms@gmail.com or andrew@andrewjmartin.co.uk

All the proceeds go towards the Hall Rebuilding Fund

The book is in hardback and the offer price is a bargain, just check on Amazon. Why not pre-order your copy now and come and collect it on Saturday and meet the author.

What to do if you have been scammed

If you are scammed in the streets, as the lady in our previous post was, then follow her example and call the police. With other scams the police may not be first port of call.

An example is identity theft where a scammer uses your identity to open an account in your name and then uses it to borrow money or obtain goods fraudulently. The account provider may then send you a bill for the money. If you are subjected to such a demand then contact them to tell them. In a case reported in the Guardian Money the financial institution demanded a crime number but the police could not provide a crime number as the fraud had been committed against the financial institution not the person whose identity had been used. See the article in the Guardian Money section at:-  http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/nov/30/identity-theft-action-fraud-report

The best organisation to report it to is Action Fraud, which has been set up by the government. Their website is at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. They provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime. If you've been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it - get in touch with them.
Action Fraud is not an emergency service - dial 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Even if you have not (yet) been scammed the website is worth visiting as it has a great deal of advice and information. It also has details of current types of scams and frauds to be aware of, together with information about hoax emails. An example is the following:-

Hoax email from PDS (Parcel Delivery Service)

Action Fraud is reminding everyone that a chain email circulating warning about a postal scam that could leave you £315 out of pocket - is a hoax [28 November]

The hoax email reads:

"Can you circulate this around especially as Xmas is fast approaching - it has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655."

If you receive this email just delete it and do not to forward it to anyone.

Another type of scam this time in Bromley High Street

Please read the following message from a known local resident . I think this lady acted very wisely in the circumstances.  

Please also do not think that this scam is confined to Bromley town centre  - there have been similar scams in the Midlands. This is the season for Thieves and Scammers to try to reap rewards from the unwary.

 " I have unfortunately been targeted in Bromley , in the Card Factory, just 2 doors away from Nat West Bank, by 2 people who threw, what seemed to be like paint over the back of my coat, I had just come out of the Nat West with cash and put it deep inside my jacket  pocket, zipped up.  I was homed in by these people in the card shop who tried to insist I remove my jacket, one was chap and the other a woman who tried to insist I take my jacket off so they could help clean it, took me a minute or so to realize what was happening and fortunately I did not remove my jacket.  I then ran back inside the bank who were most helpful they called the police, had to wait over 11/2 hours for a community policemen to arrive, who took all details, I felt quite shaken up.  I have not heard if they spotted anybody suspicious on the Bank's CCTV camera yet.  Two other policemen came to visit me here at home and took more details.   It was pointed out that this scam was mentioned in the News Shopper. Apparently a lot of it going on in Bromley, especially this time of year, I feel if the police already know about this scam why is it still going on !   I have not had the coat cleaned yet, but was told by the police the muck many not come out, seems to be oiled based."

"Police said to inform as many people as possible especially my neighborhood watch team. I have been given a Crime Card Incident Number. "

A similar crime was reported in the Newsshopper website on 16th November 2012. See the report at this link:- Bromley police warning about paint on coats

Another similar crime was also reported in the Newsshopper some years ago. See the report at this link:-

Newsshopper report of paint scam

Was it the same Eastern European woman in both cases? 

BROMLEY AND DOWNHAM YOUTH CLUB

This is the 78th consecutive year that this club has been open to local young people and the community. Despite changes in economic fortune they have been able to provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for young people from 8 to 23. The club opens 4 evenings a week and plans to extend their opening hours and times in future.  There is a strong boxing section and their membership in this section is increasing significantly as the young people join to try an Olympic Sport. They will soon be adding fitness training and aerobics to the programme. There is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) evening which is very rewarding for members attending this session.

An extensive building redevelopment began in June 2011. Plans were prepared to construct a new boxing gym, toilet and shower facilities including accessible toilets and showers, a new stair lift and kitchen workshop. This enabled the boxing section to move from the shared downstairs hall into a purpose built sportshall. The work began in January 2012 and although only 80% completed was officially opened on 22nd May by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. The final jobs have been completed and they are fully open for business and raring to go in their exciting newly refurbished premises.

In addition the building is now also home to Blossom Years Pre-School who opened on 1st September and operate exclusively in the downstairs hall. Their website is blossomyears.co.uk/contactus.asp

The large downstairs sports hall is used by the Short Mat Bowling club who are a small group and are always looking for new members.

Longer term plans are in hand to extend opening times to include day time opening for the local community such as Mother and Toddler Coffee Bar Pop-in, Young Persons Daytime HUB, Zumba and Slimming World and to extend the existing Short Mat Bowling.

Details of the activities can be found at this link Bromley and Downham Youth Club

Another scam involving bogus police officers

Bromley Police are reissuing their warning regarding frauds targeting the elderly and vulnerable after a recent increase in these offences across Bromley, with one resident losing her £26,000 life savings.

Elderly residents have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from fraudsters purporting to be from the police fraud squad or their bank. The fraudster will state that there is an ongoing investigation into fraudulent payments on their bank account/card.

The person will be asked to ring the police/bank back using the phone number printed on the back of their bank card or by calling 999. This helps to convince the person that the call is genuine. However, the fraudster has kept the telephone line open so even though the person has dialled a number, the call does not go through. Instead they are unknowingly still connected with the fraudster.

The victim is asked to provide their full bank card details and key in their PIN so that their existing card can be “cancelled” and a new one "activated" or "authorised." The fraudster will then explain that the bank will need to collect the card. The fraudster will then attend the person’s address or send an innocent courier company driver to collect the card. The fraudster, having obtained the person’s name, address, full bank details, the card itself and the PIN, then used the card to empty the victim's bank account.

Fraudsters have also pretended to be from the police cold calling members of the public claiming to be from the Economic Crime Department and that the person’s bank account has been compromised by criminals. The fraudster suggests that the person should withdraw the money for collection by a police representative for safekeeping until the investigation was complete.

Detective Inspector Louise Knipe from Bromley Police said: "If you receive such a call end it immediately.   The police will never ask you for any money, either to assist with an investigation, or for safekeeping. Your bank will never attend your home, your bank and the police will never collect your bank card, your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN.

If you do receive any call that you are suspicious about, please speak with a younger family member or relative before giving out any details or withdrawing any money and also contact the police".

To see the previous scam warning see our page at this link Previous web page about this scam

Booktime at Burnt Ash Library

Places are limited due to Health and Safety regulations. To book a free place contact the staff at the library

Blitz & Bananas! The DVD!

The DVD of this local film was officially launched on Remembrance Day and is raising funds for the Poppy Appeal. The heart-warming family drama starring popular TV actors Brian Murphy and Linda Regan is about 4-year old Bessie Smiley and her sisters who want to do ‘war work’. But their ‘Secret Operation’ brings little Bessie face to face with the grumpiest old man in town!

“This is an adorable film!” Julian Fellowes, ITV’s Downton Abbey

The film Premiere at the Churchill Theatre was attended by 1,500 people! It’s a feature length drama based on local people’s wartime memories and filmed around the Bromley borough, created by local filmmaker Anna Littler - along with 150 local people including Orpington Video and Film Makers and members of local churches.

The DVD costs £12 (plus £2 P&P per item). The Poppy Appeal will receive 30% so please support us!

Please send cheque (payable to Anna Littler) with your address to:

B&B CH, 28 Gumping Rd, Orpington, BR5 1RX

Or buy online (Paypal): www.blitzandbananas.com

The DVD will also make a great Christmas present ~

for Grandparents! And for Grandchildren!

 

 annahopelittler@yahoo.co.uk   07757 162114  

For more details see the website at www.blitzandbananas.com                                             

Local Business 2 - April Blinds

This is one of a series of articles which will be published at regular intervals about local businesses. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA for the businesses or their products.

April Blinds is a  local, family run business with over 10 years  of experience. They specialise in all types of 'made to measure' window blinds, shutters and outdoor awnings and shading.
Blinds do add that extra special finishing touch to the inside of a home, a newly decorated room, a new build apartment or a lovingly restored period property.

Their range of outside shading can also turn your garden into a beautiful retreat for you to take full advantage of on warm summer days and nights.

They  offer a friendly and professional service which allows you to take advantage of a free home consultation, free quotation and free fitting  when you chose from their extensive range of stylish and contemporary blinds.

They are confident  in the quality of their range and offer a 12 month guarantee on all products  so you too can be confident that you are buying the best at April Blinds, a reliable service you can trust.

Their office is at 89 Ridgeway Drive, BR1 5DB telephone 0800 328 8024, email enquiries@aprilblinds.com

There is more information on their website at www.aprilblinds.com

.

St Andrew's Church Informal Autumn Concert

The St Andrew's Church Concert Group welcomes you to a Free Informal Autumn Concert on Sunday 11th November 2012, from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

The programme includes The Hippopotamous Song, My Wife is a Very Knowing Woman, Can't Help Loving that Man of Mine and many more.

Refreshments and cakes will be available in the interval.

Donations in aid of the Church funds.

Click on the image below to view a larger image of the full programme

Burnt Ash Library Reading Group November

The next meeting at Burnt Ash Library is on Thursday 29th November at 2.15 pm and everyone is welcome.

The book to be discussed is:-

House of the hanged by Mark Mills

France, 1935. At the poor man's end of the Riviera sits Le Rayol, a haven for artists, expatriates and refugees. Here, Tom Nash has rebuilt his life after a turbulent career in the Secret Intelligence Service.

Every one is welcome.

For more details visit the library or contact the librarians on 020 8460 3405 or by email at burntash.library@bromley.gov.uk

For details of other activities at the Burnt Ash Library see the following link:-

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/directory_record/34386/burnt_ash_library

Scam involving bogus police officers

Police in Bromley are warning members of the public not to hand over money to men claiming to be detectives involved in a Bromley-led operation to tackle local criminals. Residents in Bromley have reported being approached by suspects posing as detectives and asking for money.

Officers in Orpington have recorded two incidents in the past week where members of the public have received calls from bogus detectives.

This is how the scam is carried out:- A bogus detective rings the victim to explain that they are conducting an operation to trap local criminals and need money and assistance from members of the public in order to carry out their investigation. They appear to know the surname of the person they are contacting, which may make the call more credible. The caller also explains that the money provided will be marked with a special dye, as part of the bogus police operation.

Victims have been asked to provide large amounts of cash which is later to be collected from their home address by another bogus police officer. The victims are even given a code or reference number. The fake police officer, who later collects the money from the victim’s address, will quote the same reference number when he collects the cash, simply to make the scam look more believable. Victims are also told that their money is being safely stored at Orpington Police Station. In one case, one of the victims was also showed a fake ID similar to an officer’s warrant card.

One of the suspects is described as in his thirties, approximately 6’ tall, olive skin, dark brown hair, with stubble and wearing a grey tracksuit with trainers. A second suspect has simply been described as a black man.

Both incidents have taken place in Orpington and so far two victims have handed over a total of £12,000. Bromley CID are investigating.

Chief Inspector Katrina Smith from police in Bromley said:-

“We never ask members of the public to provide us with money in order to assist with our investigations. Please be extra vigilant and do not hand any money to anyone; it does not matter if they say they are from the police or if they say that they are working with detectives. Do not hand over any cash”.

She added; “It appears that the scammers are targeting elderly people and pensioners. If you have an elderly relative or friend, please make them aware of this scam and ensure that they do not hand over any cash to strangers under any circumstances.”

Anyone with information should contact DC James Coldham, Bromley CID on 020 8284 8783 or 020 8284 8785. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hands off the Bus Pass! - Rally 31st October

In recent weeks there have been a series of attacks against universal pensioner benefits, such as free bus travel and the winter fuel allowance.

The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) have organised a rally and Lobby of Parliament:
Wednesday 31st October
11.30am protest, George V statue, Old palace Yard
1pm Rally/Lobby, Committee Room 14, House of Commons

Critics argue that pensioners have escaped the austerity measures at the expense of young people, but the many believe that in reality the only people who have escaped the cuts are the rich.

The NPC say that means-testing these benefits would exclude pensioners with incomes of little more than £10,000 per year.
Evidence shows that even after paying these universal benefits, pensioners contribute an extra £40bn every year to the economy in taxes, volunteering and unpaid care.

For more information about the National Pensioners Convension contact
NPC Walkden House, 10 Melton Street, London NW1 2EJ
Tel: 020 7383 0388
www.npcuk.org

Firework displays

If you plan to have a firework party for family and friends then you should follow the firework code:

• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm's length using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put a firework in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors

Get more information on how to keep pets and animals safe during the fireworks season in our related downloads section. If your neighbours have cats or dogs which will be frightened by the bangs it is a good idea to let them know so they can keep their pets indoors.

Firework safety

Any firework you buy should comply with British Standard BS7114:1988 and be clearly marked for their intended use - "Indoor, Garden or Display".

For anyone running a display for an organisation such as a sports club, parish council or school, which is likely to attract in the region of 100 people, you can find useful information from the the Health and Safety Executive's "Giving Your Own Firework Display" (HS(G)124)

If you want to attend an organised display there are a number of displays in Bromley and you can see some of them at bromley.gov.uk/events.

If you want something local then the Friends of Parish School (FOPS) have organised a professional display on Friday 2nd November. Gates open at 5.30pm and the display starts at 7pm. This event is by advanced tickets only and no tickets will be sold at the gate. Prices are adults £6, children £4 but a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is £16.

Ticket enquiries by email at parishfireworks@hotmail.co.uk 

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA. 

Find out more about your family history

Uncover more about your family history at a drop in session next week at Bromley Central Library.

Experts in family history from the North West Kent Family History Society will be on hand on Saturday 27 October to answer questions about tracing your past.  Access to computers, online resources and advice will be available from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm.  There's no need to book, just turn up and the advice is free.  

"This is a great opportunity to get help if you're stuck with your family history research and don't know where to look next.  Our friendly experts will be on hand to show you the next steps and help you uncover your past" said Simon McKeon, Local Studies and Archives Manager at Bromley Central Library. 

For more information on the drop in sessions contact Local Studies & Archives on 020 8461 7170 or email localstudies.library@bromley.gov.uk or visit the North West Kent Family History Society website http://www.nwkfhs.org.uk.   

Handa's Surprise Storytime 1st November

Burnt Ash Library is hosting Handa's Surprise Storytime for children 7 and under.

The event is on Thursday 1st November from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. Children will make their own story mask and join in the story.

Admission is free but tickets must be obtained in advance from the library.

For more information telephone 020 8460 3405

Question Time October 26th Blackheath Halls

Radio 4's show Question Time will be staged at the Blackheath Concert Halls,  23 Lee Road  London SE3 9RQ,  on October 26th from 6.30pm.

Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the political discussion and debate programme. Guests include the former Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

Tickets are free. Visit in person to collect one or call 020 8463 0100

Bromley Town Centre Continental Market

18 October 2012 - 21 October 2012

Vibrant street market in Bromley High Street

Time: 09:00 - 17:00

The continental market comes into Bromley town centre for 4 days and brings a large selection of take away foods, hand crafted goods, continental fashion and accessories.

"The atmosphere is vibrant with the weekly market working alongside and enhancing what is already offered in the high street from our regular market ."

Event organiser: Bromley Council
Telephone: 020 8461 7465

Biking Bromley 18 October 2012

Everything you need to know about cycling....

Location: Bromley High Street outside the police station

Time: 17:00 - 19:00

Cost: Free

Information and advice including

• Bike marking-  free security marking by police
• Dr Bike - free bike service and minor repairs 
• Free cycle training
• Bike maintenance courses

Event organiser: Bromley Council
Telephone: 020 8313 4546
Email: road.safety@bromley.gov.uk