Wednesday 19th March BPP to Chinbrook Meadows Walk organised by The Friends of Beckenham Place Park

Meet at the Mansion on portico steps at 10.30am. This is another walk venturing out of the park into Lewisham. It is a long walk, but there are various points people can leave and get onto public transport if they have had enough. After leaving the park and Downham the walk goes through Downham Playing Fields and Shaftsbury Park and on to Burnt Ash Lane. Turning down Milk Street the route picks up a section of the Green Chain Walk then skirts around Sundridge Park golf course. A pedestrian bridge over the railway leads to a footpath high above the railway cutting and on to Chinbrook Meadows. Chinbrook Meadows is very close to Grove Park rail station and a great number of bus routes for anyone not wishing to walk back to BPP.

The route back will be entirely different, taking in Downham Fields and several sections of the Downham Woodland Walk. Some bits are hilly, and stout comfortable shoes would be the best choice. It would be a good idea to bring some refreshment and a drink, although there are shops en route. It is an interesting walk with plenty to see, and walking along roads has been kept to a minimum. Do come along for part or all of the walk and when we run it another time it can walked in reverse.

About the Friends Events: All events are free, but any donations to funds are much appreciated. Most last about 1-2 hours, but you can join in for as long or as little as you like. It is advisable to wear stout walking shoes as the paths do get very muddy. Walkers are individually responsible for their own safety during our events. Minors are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, if kept under control. Walk leaders always carry water and a mobile phone. Find out more at the link below.

Friends of Beckenham Place Park

Spring Strings introducing the St George’s Chamber Orchestra (SGCO) String Quartet – Saturday 8th March 2014 7.45pm

SGCO Quartet

• Haydn Quartet in D op.64 no.5 ‘The Lark’
• Janacek Quartet no.1 ‘Kreutzer Sonata’ (Inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s ‘Kreutzer Sonata’)
• Brahms Sextet in Bb op.18 with members of the Allegri String Quartet

SGCO String Quartet

• Peter Graham – Violin 1
• Lucy Curnow – Violin 2
• Dominic Moore – Viola
• Anna Beryl – Cello

Allegri String Quartet

• Dorothea Vogel – Viola 1
• Vanessa Lucas-Smith – Cello 1

Find out more about the SGCO at http://sgco.co.uk/

Book in advance from The Beckenham Bookshop and St. George’s Church Office (Monday to Friday until 3.30pm). Best seats will be reserved for pre-concert sales. Tickets also available on-line at http://www.stgeorgesbeckenham.co.uk and on the door.

St. George’s Church is on the corner of High Street and Bromley Road Beckenham BR3 1AX.

There is lots going on in the High Street tomorrow.

• Pop up market in front of Sainsbury’s and the bottom of Village Way.
• Free Valentine balloons given away (while stock lasts).
• Lego workshop in vacant shop unit next to Winkworth, 123 High Street. The workshop is fully booked however you can look in throughout the day to see the model take shape.
• Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe is offering discount if you spend more than £10 and wish them a Happy Valentine.
• Love your dog with free micro-chipping on the forecourt in front of Sainsbury between 11am and 3pm to ensure it’s traceable if if gets lost.
• Sand picture making in Beckenham Toys.
• Barbeque outside Villagers Sausages (subject to more favourable weather!)
• Cuban romance feature film at the Odeon. Details may be subject to change.

Details may be subject to change.

Saturday 22nd February Short Winter Walk organised by The Friends of Beckenham Place Park

Meet at the Mansion on portico steps at 10.00am. In the last few years, sadly, several of our supporters have died, so as well as being a winter walk it will be a memorial walk to remember those who have helped to keep the park for future generations.

About the Friends’ Events: All events are free, but any donations to funds are much appreciated. Most last about 1-2 hours, but you can join in for as long or as little as you like. It is advisable to wear stout walking shoes as the paths do get very muddy. Walkers are individually responsible for their own safety during our events. Minors are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, if kept under control. Walk leaders always carry water and a mobile phone. Find out more at the link below.

Friends of Beckenham Place Park

Beckenham organisations are invited to apply to Waitrose’s Green Token Scheme and get funding for local projects. Waitrose are always on the look out for local charities and organisations to benefit from the Green Token Scheme.  £1000 is split between the three nominations of the month in the proportions shown  by the number of Green Tokens shoppers have dropped  in the collection boxes.

Waitrose can support local charities and organisations that fall under the following:

• Arts and culture – support for arts and cultural institutions e.g. music, theatre groups, festivals, museums and public galleries.
• Economic development – contributions to activities that promote economic development e.g. regeneration or job creation projects.
• Education and young people – contributions to schools and universities and other projects or organisations that work with or promote the needs of young people.
• Emergency relief – contributions to disaster relief efforts in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands.
• Environment – contributions to projects or organisations that support or protect the environment, including animals and wildlife.
• Health – contributions to hospitals, health trusts and other health related activities including medical research and medical support or care.
• Social welfare – support for organisations addressing issues such as the homeless, legal support, domestic violence, drug related support, older people, disability and counselling and support for the general community.

So if you are a local organisation that needs funding for a good cause why not ask in store for further details.

Beckenham Library is running two poetry competitions for Valentine’s Day, one for children and one for adults.  To enter, write a romantic poem and send it to Beckenham Library by Monday 10th February,  by  hand or email to Beckenham.library@bromley.gov.uk . Please include your name and telephone number on your entry.

On Saturday 15 February Beckenham High Street is hosting a Pop Up Lego Workshop in one of the vacant shops.  The people from Lego will be creating a huge Lego themed piece with the help of up to 100 children.  Each child will get 20 minutes to create a model that will be included in the themed piece. Residents and shoppers will be able to see the model take shape throughout the day, so if you are in the High Street keep an eye out for the event.

Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked for before the event on Saturday 15 February through Winkworth Estate Agents (127 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1AG) in person or by email to awatson@winkworth.co.uk . Children must be accompanied by an adult.