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