Community Day review from Tony Isbitt

At last I have managed to sit down. I want to say a massive thank you to all the exhibitors for your support. Believe it or not only one exhibitor failed to show. Of course the weather was a talking point but I have not had one negative comment. The emails we have received from exhibitors and visitors show it as a very successful day. We think there were at least 800 people through the gate. Not bad for a first time event.

I thought we had brilliant sound system with clear sound all around the field.

I loved the Langley Park Dancers and very impressed with the Karate demonstration.

Between the singers, bands and groups there was something for everyone.

The dog show, Theee dog showwww. What can I say. Judging by Anderson Vet. How on earth could you pick a winner out of that lot. They were all wonderful and I really enjoyed doing the commentary for that.

I have to give many thanks to the Crystal Palace FC for giving us two lovely guys who interacted brilliantly with the kids. It was good fun to watch.

But you know ladies and gentlemen, it was the atmosphere created by everyone that was the success for me. There was the added attraction of the almost buried lorry. The comedy of this particular saga was the driver was doing us a kind favour of moving the generator from the top of the field to the bottom of the field where our event was planned. After doing damage to a tree on his way down he decided to drive on the grass to avoid the tree on his return and got stuck. I think it was five hours before he was free. This was supposed to be a five minute favour.
A few of us were there until about 7.30 assisting in getting the other vehicle free.

I hope you all had a good time and it was successful for you.
Thank you all again for coming to our show.

Thank you Tony and all other organisers for all the work involved. Tony posted this on Facebook on the 16th July but I have been on holiday and only now been able to post this on the LERA site.

Bromley Festival next weekend Sunday 29th July

Visitors and residents are set to be treated to an extravaganza of free entertainment in Bromley town centre next weekend.

A spectacular event in the town centre, the Bromley Festival will showcase a variety of opportunities to enjoy a fantastic array of international and local entertainment plus exhibitors from the sporting and cultural sectors. Look out for street entertainment and local arts, sports, leisure and heritage exhibitions from across the borough that will provide information, activities, free have-a-go-sessions and demonstrations.  

"We have a rich history of culture and sport in the town centre and the Bromley Festival presents a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to head into the town centre, watch performances, take part in sporting activities and be entertained while you shop.  There is set to be a real buzz in Bromley next weekend so why not come along and make sure you don't miss out on this unique event" said Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation. 

Queens Gardens, Church House Gardens and the town centre will play host to the event on Sunday 29 July from 11am to 5pm.  Highlights in Bromley North Village , including the High Street and Market Square will involve street entertainment from exciting characters including the Mountain Gorillas performance group, the Coneheads, the Housewives, the Bowling Club, the Vegetable Nannies and the Pink Suitcases.  Look out for live performances from the Jives Aces who featured in Britain's Got Talent. Heritage tours of Bromley North will be running from the Partridge Pub at 11.30am and 2.30pm.  Herbert Justice Academy will be providing a dry skating rink in Market Square.  

Church House Gardens and the Churchill Piazza will be transformed into a magical Neverland created by local artists and will feature craft workshops with performances by local musicians amidst pirates, lost boys and Indians.  Highlights include world famous STOMP workshops, circus skills and puppet workshops, special displays from the Spurting Man, a fancy dress competition and much, much more. 

A Sizzling Sports Zone will be taking place in Queen's Gardens with exciting activities including a Snowboard Simulator and a goal shoot from Charlton Athletic Football Club.  Members of the public can try to beat the goalie and receive skills training from professional football coaches.  There will also be plenty of other activities on the day to test your skills at a variety of sports. Local sports clubs and organisations will take part on the day with information about their clubs and sports.  There will be demonstration areas and have a go sessions available with bowls, cricket, American football, golf, tennis and much more. 

Due to adverse weather conditions, some activities and entertainment at Queen's Mead Recreation Ground in Glassmill Lane have been relocated throughout the town centre.  

For full details, performance timetables and more information visit www.bromley.gov.uk/bromleyfestival  

Olympic Torch Relay in Bromley Monday 23rd July

The Olympic Torch relay arrives in Bromley at 8.27 am on Monday. The street by street times are available on the following link Street by street times

The full list of torch bearers in Bromley is available on the following link Bromley torch bearers


Rolling road block

No roads will be closed during the torch’s route through the borough but a system of rolling road closures will be operating throughout the whole route.  Disruption to traffic is anticipated to last for approximately 30 minutes in both directions, with congestion continuing for a little while afterwards as traffic returns to normal conditiions. This may also result in restricted access to and from some roads adjoining the route.

Some buses may be delayed or diverted during the relay. You can visit the Transport for London website to find out more.

LERA Membership Subscription 2012/2013

It's that time of the year when we need to collect membership subscriptions. We do hope you will want to continue  to support the work we do by renewing your Membership of LERA. You street representatives will have posted a form and an envelope through your door. Please complete the reply slip at the bottom of your form and put it in the envelope with your £2 subscription which covers the cost of administration. It is very helpful if you return the envelope to your street representative at the address on the form.

The street representatives are volunteers and it will help them. They may call round if they haven't heard from  you after a while.

Burnt Ash Library Reading Group July

The next meeting at Burnt Ash Library is on Thursday 26th July at 2.15 pm and everyone is welcome.
The book to be discussed is

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need, comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey's clerk, and later his successor.

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

Community Day - Tomorrow Saturday 14th

11am to 4pm

Over 60 exhibitors - see the list at community-day-just-five-days-to-go

Here is our intended timetable of entertainment.
Stage Arena
11.00 Boyish Plan
11.15 Inspire Youth dance
11.35 Elvis
12.00 Mayor of Bromley arrives
12.05 Boxing Training
12.30 Boxing have a go
12.45 JusB
13.00 Langley Dance School
13.20 Heights
13.35 Martial Arts demo
13.55 The Chase
14.15 Dog Competition
14.45 Showtime Singers
15.10 Crystal Palace Fun Races and
15.30 Crystal Palace FC Fun games

Puppy Walkers Needed

Would you like to become a puppy walker for the Metropolitan Police?

 

Puppy walking is an essential element in the development of future police dogs.  Volunteer puppy walkers take a puppy into their homes for between 6 – 8 months and attend the Dog School for regular puppy assessment day’s. The Metropolitan Police provides all the food and pays for all veterinary bills.  Puppy walkers give their puppy a firm foundation for its later training.

• Is there a responsible adult at home for most of the day?  
• Could you commit six – eight months of your time and enthusiasm to rear a puppy along the Metropolitan Police guidelines? 
• Do you have a securely fenced garden? 
• Do you have your own transport?
• Are you willing to have your home turned upside down by a small puppy?

If you can answer “yes” to these questions and would like further information then please contact:

Sgt Russ Jackson on 0208 649 1625 or via email dog.training@met.police.uk

Commissioner webchat - Olympics 16th July

Two of Britain's top police officers will be hosting a live webchat allowing members of the public to quiz them on the run up to the Olympic Games. 

 

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe is hosting his regular interactive webchat on Monday 16 July, joined by the Met Olympics lead Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison.

 

They will both be on hand for an hour to answer questions from members of the public on issues concerning policing during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

Join the webchat between 14:30 and 15:30hrs (2.30 pm to 3.30 pm) on our Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/metpoliceuk/app_310432762368131 

 or on our website http://www.met.police.uk/askmetboss/

 

You can also join the discussion on Twitter using #AskMetBoss and post your questions in advance.

 

Thousands of people have joined the Commissioner during his recent webchats, questioning him on a variety of topics. The webchats are all part of the Commissioner's commitment to hear directly from the public to find out their views on how the MPS can be the best police service.

Oak processionary moth outbreak

Bromley residents are being advised to be vigilant after the discovery of oak processionary moth caterpillars near West Wickham. As well as causing damage to oak trees, the caterpillars of this moth can pose a risk to human and animal health. Residents in the local area are therefore being reassured that action is already being taken to remove the nests and are being asked to report any sightings. Bromley Council’s tree team are working closely with the Forestry Commission following confirmation of the outbreak and a 500-metre exclusion zone has been set up around the main affected woodland in those parts of Bethlem Royal Hospital’s grounds which are accessible to the public.

Residents are strongly advised not to touch the caterpillars or interfere with the nests as the microscopic hairs from the caterpillars contain a toxin that are known to cause itchy skin rashes, itchy eyes and a sore throat. If individuals suspect that they have been exposed to the caterpillar’s hairs and have these symptoms they should contact their GP or NHS Direct, advising them of the potential contact they have had. Animals such as dogs can also be affected by the caterpillar’s hairs and dog walkers are advised to be vigilant when exercising their dog in woodland settings and not to let curious dogs investigate the caterpillars or their nests, which can sometimes fall to the ground.

Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for the Environment said, “It is important that dog walkers in particular, through to youngsters messing around having fun in general, remain vigilant as this pest represents a potentially extremely serious health issue for anybody who comes into contact with it. It is not only a health hazard to humans but also threatens loved pets as the hairs of the caterpillars are toxic and so should not be touched under any circumstances. It is also a threat to our trees themselves, so I would please urge everyone from residents in side-roads, through to Country hikers to please be aware and report without hesitation, any possible sittings of this outbreak across the Borough.”

Alison Field, South East England Director for the Forestry Commission, endorsed the Council's advice. She explained, "Large populations can defoliate whole oak trees by eating the leaves, leaving them weakened and less able to withstand other threats, so we need to control this pest to protect our beautiful oak trees as well as human and animal health." At this time of year the caterpillars build white, silken webbing nests in oak trees in preparation for pupating into adult moths. Tree owners should not try to remove nests themselves, because they can be full of toxic hairs. To be as effective and safe as possible this job needs to be done by people with the right training and equipment, and the nests must be disposed of properly.”


As the name suggests, the oak processionary moths are predominantly found on oak trees though they are not known to be fatal to fauna. Where the Forestry Commission confirms cases a plant health notice is issued and then specialist contractors are required to remove the caterpillars. Residents are strongly advised not touch or try to dispose of the insects themselves. Specialist contractors must be used in every case.

If caterpillars or their nests are seen, individuals should contact Forest Research (Forestry Commission) on 01420 22255 or email christine.tilbury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. If caterpillars are spotted on street trees in Bromley borough, or on Bromley Council owned woodland or green spaces, this should be reported to Bromley Council’s tree team 0208 313 4471.

People who are having oak trees pruned or felled in affected areas must contact the Forestry Commission’s Plant Health Service beforehand on plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or 0131 314 6414 for advice about safe removal of the material. The Plant Health Service can also supply details of suitably qualified pest control operators who can remove infestations.
The NHS Direct number is 0845 4647

More information can be found at the following websites:-

• Wikipedia Oak Processionary
• Forestry Commision
• PDF file from Forestry commision

Community Day just five days to go

This is our list of exhibitors to date:

1. Sundridge Park Working Mens Club: 
2. Alzheimers Society:
3.  Deaf Access Charity: 
4. Jemca Toyota: 
5. Peter and Mary Books:
6. St.Christopher's Hospice: 
7. Tony Isbitt Photography: 
8. Shirl Wood Handbags & Jewellery: 
9. Bromley Sparks: 
10. R.Scholes Face Painting and Tattoos: 
11. YASH Charity shop: 
12. Balloon Blossoms: 
13. Anne Ford Accessories: 
14. Queensmead Bowling Club: 
15. Ged Saunders Childrens Rides: 
16. Hannath Bric a Brac: 
17. Nightingale Bric a Brac: 
18. NAPC Charity: 
19. Giant Rooster Slide etc: 
20. Lucy Duffy Confectionery: 
21. Babbacombe Road Residents Association: 
22. Munchkin Sports: 
23. April Blinds: 
24. Stephen James BMW: 
25. Anne Clements Toiletries: 
26. James Harper Funeral Directors: 
27. St.Andrews Church: 
28. 18th Bromley Scout Group: 
29. The TA: 
30. Sarahs Cupcakes: 
31. Waitrose: 
32. Pampered Chef Cookware: 
33. Beautiful Cozmetics & Hair Extensions: 
34. Surrey Ices: 
35. The Driving Skool: 
36. Pennington Choices: 
37. Bromley and Downham Youth Club: 
38. Sue Ryder: 
39. Adderson Vets: 
40. Mary Kay Cosmetics: 
41. The Maypole Project: 
42. Slimming World Group: 
43. The 228 ATC Squadron: 
44. Bromley Lions Club: 
45. Plaistow District Girl Guides: 
46. Phoenix Cards Etc: 
47. Burnt Ash Primary School: 
48. Pop Corn & Candy Floss: 
49. Tea/Coffee Trailer: 
50. Burgers & Hot dogs: 
51. Brook Lane Community Church: 
52. LATCH Project: 
53. Body Shop Products: 
54. Glitzy Bits Accessories: 
55. Boppin Tots Music: 
56. Sundridge Park Police: 
57. Marilynn Mandel Gifts: 
58. Play Bus AND  Custom built trikes: 
59. Classic cars. AND: Bands, Groups and Singers.

Should be something for everybody.

Classic Film Club St Andrews Hall, Burnt Ash Lane 16th July

Finian's Rainbow (1968)

 Starring Fred Astaire, Petula Clark and Tommy Steele

A mysterious Irishman, Finian, and his beautiful daughter Sharon, arrive one day in Rainbow Valley, a small Southern town of tobacco sharecroppers in the mythical state of Missitucky.

Monday 16th July

Time 7.00pm doors open 6.45pm

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

All welcome