REpresentative Deputy Lieutenant for the borough of Bexley
Mr David Easton JP DL
Appointed Rep DL: 2020
David Easton was appointed as the Borough’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant in 2020, having been a Greater London DL since 2016.
David, or Dave as he is more well known, was born in Lewisham, SE London and has worked in the capital throughout his entire career, some 54 years to date. He served in the London Fire Brigade, as a uniformed officer, for 27 years, across all parts of London, including a number of years at Erith and Bexley fire stations, attending many of the major incidents that occurred in the capital during that period.
In 2000, David joined the London Borough of Bexley, and during his 22 years-service there, he held full responsibility for a number of departments, including the organisation and management of election events, the promotion of the Mayoralty and the work of local Councillors. For a number of years through that period, Dave was also responsible to the Council for the work of the Borough’s Registration Service, where he oversaw the transfer of the Births, Deaths and Marriages work from the Manor House at Sidcup, over to the beautiful setting of Danson House. Dave now regularly visits the House, when officiating at Borough Citizenship ceremonies.
Dave is passionate about the role of Civic and Ceremonial Mayoralty in local authority areas and, along with the work of the Lieutenancy and the role of the Royal Family, he meets groups of local residents to help them learn and understand more about these historical aspects of London’s and Bexley’s heritage. He has served, and continues to do so, as a Magistrate on the SE London Bench, since April 2006 and over recent years, as a Presiding Justice on that Bench. Dave really enjoys working with and mentoring new Magistrates, to help them settle into their chosen field of voluntary work.
Dave is really proud to have been appointed as a Trustee of the East Wickham and Welling War Memorial Trust and is passionate to learn more about both great wars, in particular, the 1914/1918 war and the role of local, Bexley men and women, who were called away to deal with that conflict, many of whom did not come home to their families.
Dave and his wife, Janet, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Further information about the London Borough of Bexley can be found at http://www.bexley.gov.uk
Honouring Nuclear Test Veterans – Medal Presentation
David Easton, the Representative DL for Bexley, attended a lovely event at the Civic Offices recently. Dave had the opportunity to join the Mayor in honouring some of the Nuclear Test Veterans that live in the borough and have recently received their Nuclear Test Medal.
The event, hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress, was organised in order that they, and the Deputy Lieutenant could meet four veterans from the Army and the RAF. Their friends and family joined them and many stories were shared, over hot drinks and cake.
The Nuclear Test Medal is awarded to UK Service and civilian personnel, and individuals from other nations, who served at the locations where the UK atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted, including the preparatory and clear-up phases, between 1952 and 1967. The recipients that came into the Civic Offices, all served on Christmas Island, in the Pacific Ocean. Operation Grapple saw a series of British nuclear weapons tests carried out close to the island, between 1957 and 1958.
The four veterans regaled stories about witnessing the actual detonation from the various tests, from over 20 miles away. They explained that, even from that distance, and with their eyes tightly shut, they saw the bright flash from the explosion and experienced the power, from where they sat.
A nostalgic coffee break on Armistice Day – 11 November 2024
A very long day, travelling across the Borough to lay a wreath in every corner of Bexley, was made easier by a rather wonderful coffee-break, in the heart of Crayford. In the lovely and small community of Riverside Garden, DA1 4JJ, you will find a very different kind of tea-rooms. ‘Lindy-Lou’s’ Vintage Tea Rooms is owned and run by an amazing lady, Fay Sergeant.
The décor is entirely in keeping with the 1940s theme and it felt like the perfect place to stop for a warming cup of tea. You really do take a step back in time, as you walk through their door and the welcome was incredibly warm and friendly.
It was also lovely to catch up with Tony, who is a local Royal British Legion member at Crayford. Tony had also been having a very busy day, having been involved in Crayford’s own Commemoration events earlier in the day.
Armistice Day 2024 – Bexley pays tribute
On Monday 11 November 2024, Bexley’s Rep DL joined the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Sue Gower, and Greater London Deputy Lieutenant, Simon Murrells JP DL, to lay wreaths at sites across the Borough’s communities.
Their first stop was to join the Royal British Legion, local MP, Louie French, The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott and veterans, at the War Memorial on The Green at Sidcup Place, to remember and commemorate, at 11am. The truly fitting event, organised by Nicola and Andy Bruce, Royal British Legion, Sidcup, was simply perfect.
Following that, the Rep DL, Simon and the Mayor, travelled to all corners of the Borough, laying a wreath at war memorials at Crayford, Bexley, Sidcup, Slade Green, and at a very special memorial in Bexley Woods.
This simple, but wonderful, Scout Memorial in Bexley Woods (off Camden Road, Bexley) is difficult to find, but well worth the effort when you do. The original wooden board was replaced by a cast iron one in the 1950’s. Most of the boys recorded would have been Patrol Leaders, as many became Officers in the Forces.
In 1908, Robert Baden Powell founded the Scouts, based on his book, Scouting for Boys. Up and down the country, boys formed themselves into Patrols and then into a Troop, with adult Scoutmasters.
Among the names listed on this memorial in the woods, is Lt Valentine Lloyd MC. Valentine was killed in action near Ovillers on 23rd October 1918, just 19 days before the war ended on 11th November 1918, having served his country for nearly the entire duration of conflict. He was one of the original Boy Scouts at the 1st Bexleyheath Scout Troop, which had been formed in 1909.
He well may have been friends with Raymond Storer, another of the Scouts in the Troop, who went on to be the first Scoutmaster of 1st Welling Scout Troop, which was formed in the latter months of 1911. Raymond was unfortunately killed in action on 26 April 1915, aged 21.
Valentine and Raymond’s names appear together on this very special memorial.
“They shall never see spring flowers bloom again”.
Remembrance Sunday, Bexleyheath – 10 November 2024
Remembrance Sunday in the Borough of Bexley is a very busy day. The Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, was honoured to join the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Sue Gower, and Members of the Council, to honour those who have given so much for their country since the First World War.
The day began with a wonderful parade of cadets, uniformed youth groups, members of the local Reserve Army, and the congregation of Christ Church, Bexleyheath, who met up with veterans from many conflicts across the globe at the Oaklands Road War Memorial. A beautiful and poignant service of remembrance was led by The Reverend Trevor Wyatt, from Christ Church. Including the local members of the public, who had come along to offer their thanks and pay their respects.
The gathering at the war memorial numbered towards 800 people, a figure that seems to grow, year on year and many thanks must go to Ken and Di Sprowles. They are the Bexleyheath Royal British Legion representatives, who work so closely with the Reverend Trevor and the Borough’s Mayor’s Office to stage what is a true showpiece of thanks and commemoration for Bexleyheath and its people.
We will remember them
The photographs show some of the groups attending the event on the day.
Festival of Remembrance – East Wickham and Welling War Memorial Trust – 10 November 2024
A highlight of the Representative Deputy Lieutenant’s year in Bexley is to be invited to join the Mayor, Cllr
Sue Gower, one of the Borough MPs, Daniel Francis, and hundreds of guests at the annual Festival of Remembrance, which is organised by the East Wickham and Welling War Memorial Trust.
The Trust was set up during the period following the First World War, when local residents raised funds to construct a Memorial Hall, dedicated to the men from the local district who fell in the war. The hall is no longer in existence and the Trust re-registered as a grant-giving charity in 1995.
Since October 1995, the Trust has awarded grants of over £825,000 to the community and is probably now the largest source of community funding in East Wickham and Welling. Capital grants are awarded for the improvement of premises, to community groups towards the hire of premises and to individuals for character building courses or expeditions. An academic bursary is also offered.
Each Remembrance Sunday, the Trust holds a Festival of Remembrance at St Michael’s Church, East Wickham. Family members of the men who died, members of the local community and local dignitaries are invited to this special service to remember the men from East Wickham and Welling who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the First World War.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘Animals during the First World War’ and excellent music, played by the Belvedere Concert Band, included items from War Horse, Mary Poppins and Cats.
What is incredibly special about this event is that the name of each member of the armed forces, who gave their life during the First World War, is read aloud during the service. This ensures that Welling and the Borough Will Remember Them.
Other music played so beautifully included Nimrod, Hymn to the Fallen and The Light Cavalry Overture.
Poignant readings, representing the work of animals during the war, were so wonderfully read by Mark Hopkins and the whole congregation were treated to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, before enjoying a cup of tea with the Mayor and other guests.
This event is so incredibly special and seems to get better, as each year passes. Our thanks go to the Trustees and Governors of the East Wickham and Welling War Memorial trust, who continue to strive to ensure that ‘Their Name Liveth For Evermore”.
the work undertaken by the greater london lieutenancy and its representative deputy lieutenants
The work undertaken by the Greater London Lieutenancy, around the Capital and by other Lieutenancies across the UK is often not well known about. His Majesty’s Representative in Greater London, the Lord-Lieutenant Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, is charged with responsibility for five core areas of activity, all of which with a focus on enhancing Londoners’ sense of:
Royal visits – receiving members of the Royal Family at visits in Greater London, receiving visiting Heads of State to the UK in Greater London, and helping organise said visits;
Honours and awards – promoting national honours and awards, organising the presentations of the British Empire Medal to recipients in London, validating local nominations, and supporting the King’s Awards for Enterprise and Voluntary Service;
Military liaison – supporting the local military (regulars, reserves and cadets) in concert with the Greater London Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, of which the Lord-Lieutenant is President;
Civic and charity support – working closely with elected representatives in London’s 32 Borough Councils and the Greater London Authority to pursue mutually beneficial objectives; and
Community engagement – encouraging and supporting positive community cohesion and engagement.
To assist Sir Kenneth with these tasks, he has appointed and commissioned a number of Deputy Lieutenants, each with responsibility for a particular Borough in London. In addition, Sir Kenneth has appointed other Deputy Lieutenants to help to deliver the Lieutenancy’s missions across all London Boroughs.
As part of the Representative DL’s work across Bexley, Dave Easton visits all types of organisations, in order to spend some time with them, promoting and talking about the Lieutenancy and how it can help Bexley’s residents. During the past 12 months, Dave has visited cadet units, luncheon clubs, charities and churches, to talk about his roles within the Borough. Dave is always received very warmly and is willing and happy to visit your organisation, or club, to tell you more about the Lieutenancy, the Royal Family and how they work so closely together for all, peoples in London. The actual presentation only lasts about 30 minutes, but questions afterwards are always fun and full of lovely stories that people relay about their experiences when meeting with members of the Royal Family. The photographs show Dave, enjoying a wonderful few hours with the Sidcup Ladies Luncheon Club.
Pauline Bennett (left), Chairman of the Sidcup Ladies Luncheon Club, with Dave Easton, RDL for Bexley and Gill Freeman (right), Treasurer of the group
2024 Citizenship Ceremony at Danson House
One of the wonderful tasks a Deputy Lieutenant is often asked to undertake is to represent their Borough at the Citizenship Ceremony. This lovely event is held, regularly, to welcome the UK’s newest citizens. In Bexley, these citizenship ceremonies are held at the beautiful Danson House, in Danson Park. It is a fitting backdrop to a very special moment in the lives of those, who have decided to make the United Kingdom their new home.
Final Roll call for LFB Station Commander Lee Davies – October 2024
The end of October witnessed the final roll-call for a very popular London Fire Brigade officer, Station Commander Lee Davies, whose extensive career had come to an end after serving the people of London for over 30 years. Much of that time, Lee had served within the Borough of Bexley, finally completing his service looking after the fire stations and crews of firefighters at Sidcup, Bexley and Erith.
It was at Sidcup fire station that the Representative
Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, himself a former London Firefighter and the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Sue Gower, joined the Borough Commander, Clinton Walsh, to mark Lee’s retirement and departure, at the traditional final roll-call. Crews from all watches came along to give Lee a wonderful send-off.
The Mayor presented Station Commander Davies with a Civic Plaque, in recognition of his long service and the support he has given to the residents of Bexley Borough.
The Deputy Lieutenant was honoured to present Lee with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Lee will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him and we wish him all the best for the future. The Brigade and Borough’s loss though is His Majesty’s gain, as Lee will now be joining other colleagues to protect Buckingham Palace in his new role as a fire and safety officer there.
annual presentation of St John Ambulance (SJA) awards to young cadets – January 2024
The St John Ambulance Cadet Unit at Falconwood & Welling, LB Bexley, is brilliantly organised and run by Nikki Lucsak MStJ, who is the Unit manager there. When Nikki was organising their annual awards presentation day, in 2024, for the cadets, she came up with a wonderful idea of presenting them in the style of the ‘Oscars’. This made it, not only a very special occasion, but one that was full of fun, and a little, lovely drama. Each award was printed inside a golden envelope which was then handed to the guest announcer, as they went up on stage to make the announcement.
Deano Lands with Representative DL, Dave Easton
At this ceremony of awards, Representative DL, Dave Easton, was able to catch up with Leading Cadet Deano Lands. Deano is a remarkable young man. Deano had been informed that he was to receive the prestigious Deputy Lieutenant’s Award and this awards ceremony was the ideal event to make the presentation, in front of his best friends, colleagues and family.
Not only is Deano a reliable member of the team, who is completely able to work independently, he turns up early every single week to set up the Cadet activities in good time for their arrival. He takes the lead over the running of the evening, starting the session with a parade, making sure that all the Cadets know exactly how the evening is going to be organised and what is expected of them. Deano has a good sense of discipline, ensuring he sets a good example to all members of the unit. Every week, he has a part to play in the training and is able to adapt his style and presentation of information to meet the needs of Cadets of all ages and abilities.
Deano is respected by all of his peers and they feel able to approach him, if they have a problem. He is very dependable and always does his very best, whenever he is taking part in activities, to make everyone happy. He is completely able to enable learning for the younger cadets in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Of Deano, his unit leaders say that “he is a first class, well-presented Cadet, who deserves this important and formal recognition.”
The citation on Deano’s DL Certificate reads:
“As the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Bexley, I hereby record the grateful recognition of the Lieutenancy of Greater London for the outstanding example as a cadet and member of the community, set by Deano Lands, Bexley Youth Services St John Ambulance, in the service of Her Majesty The Queen.”
Congratulations and well Deano. We are all very proud of you!
annual presentation of St John Ambulance (SJA) awards to young cadets
Representative, Dave Easton, is lucky and honoured to be invited to meet many of the Borough’s young cadets, from so many organisations. An incredibly successful cadet unit in Bexley is the 452Q Erith Division St John Ambulance Unit (SJA), which is organised and run by Dean Gardiner MBE OStJ FCIPD, Unit Leader and Interim Network Lead for the St John Ambulance, London Region, and his team.
This particular unit supports so many of the Borough’s high-profile events, on an annual basis, so it is a huge honour for the Lieutenancy to be asked to assist in the annual presentation of SJA awards to their young cadets.
In 2024, the Representative DL was privileged to present awards to young cadets for ‘Cadet of the Year’ and ‘Badger of the year’. In addition, Dave Easton presented all of the promotion and service awards – these are awarded for consistent, regular and efficient and effective work, undertaken by these amazing young people. This particular unit is so successful in attracting new members and it is part of the wonderful network of SJA units within the Borough of Bexley.
Listening to the stories of the, quite literally, thousands of hours voluntary service provided by these young people each year is, simply inspirational. Look out for them at every match played by Charlton Athletic FC, at the Borough parades and Mayoral events and even in central London, for major London and Royal events.
Congratulations to all of Bexley’s St John Ambulance Cadets, in whatever unit you serve – Bexley is very proud of you all!
The St John Ambulance (SJA) Service
L-R Lisa Muirhead, Trevor Taylor, Dave Easton DL and Dean Gardiner MBE OStJ FCIPD
Whenever Representative DL, Dave Easton, attends an event in the London Borough of Bexley, and even in Central London itself, there is always the comfort of the safety and support provided by members of St John Ambulance (SJA). This has been the case for very many years within the Borough, and each of Bexley’s last 25 Mayors have got to meet and know Dean Gardiner MBE OStJ FCIPD who is the Unit Leader (452Q Erith Division) and Interim Network Lead for the St John Ambulance, London Region. Whenever the Borough needs the support of the St John Ambulance, for any reason, Dean is their first port of call.
So, it was a real privilege to catch up with Dean again (pictured far right in the photograph above), at a Mayoral function at St John The Evangelist Church, Sidcup. Dean is always supported so brilliantly by Lisa Muirhead (pictured far left in the photograph). While Lisa is vitally important to the delivery of the work of St John Ambulance in the Borough, Lisa also looks after, nurtures and trains the ‘Badgers’, who are the youngest of the SJA family in the UK (ages 5-10). Anyone can join a Badger Sett, which operate across England. Badgers usually meet once a week for around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Badgers take part in a wide range of fun activities based on essential first aid and other fascinating topics, earning badges and certificates for each one. For every three subjects a Badger completes, they receive an award until they complete 9 subjects to achieve their Super Badger Award.
The SJA are always so well supported by the Capital’s London Ambulance Service (LAS) and Trevor Taylor, from the LAS Ceremonial Team, always responds to any call for help from the Borough’s Mayoral Team (Trevor is pictured in the green uniform of the LAS).
St John Ambulance and the London Ambulance Service – Thank you for all that you do in support and care of Bexley’s residents, families and businesses.
Bexley says Goodbye to Father Mark Blakely of Holy Trinity Church, Lamborbey
The Deputy Lieutenant joined the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Sue Gower, in October, to visit Father Mark Blakely at Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey, Sidcup.. Father Mark, who served as Mayoral Chaplain to former Mayor Cllr James Hunt, has been the Vicar there for five years and has made a significant and hugely positive contribution to the parishioners and residents within the area, served by the church in Sidcup. Father Mark is leaving the Borough to take up a position in an Anglican parish in Southern Ireland. During his time in Bexley, he was Chaplain to the Air Cadets and the Borough’s Royal Naval Association. The Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant presented Father Mark with a Borough crest, to say a personal thank you to him for all that he had achieved, while here in the Borough.
You will be missed by so many people Father Mark and you will be remembered for your warmth, friendship and welcome to anyone who visited Holy Trinity Lamorbey, during your time there.
Armed Forces Week – June 2024
Each year, during June, the United Kingdom pauses for a short while, in order to remember, and give thanks to our armed forces for the many sacrifices that they make, on our behalf, to keep us all safe.
Armed Forces Week now traditionally starts with the raising of a very special flag, in a prominent place in the Borough. In Bexley, the flag is always raised at 10.30am on the Monday, preceding Armed Forces Day. The Representative Deputy Lieutenant was proud, honoured and delighted to join local officers from the Reserve Army HQ in Bexleyheath to raise the flag in 2024.
Armed Forces Day 2025 will be on Saturday 28 June 2025 and the flag will be raised outside the Bexley Civic Offices, in Bexleyheath, at 10.30am on Monday 23 June 2025. Everyone is welcome to go along and join the ceremony.
Investiture at the Tower of London – April 2024
One of the highest honours, and best experiences for a Representative Deputy Lieutenant is to congratulate and say thank you to a Borough resident, or group that have achieved something very special for their community, or maybe even a national cause. One such event that recognises such people in Bexley is the annual Greater London Honours Presentation, which is held at The Tower of London.
In April of this year, the Representative DL, Dave Easton, was invited to The Tower to witness many of London’s residents receive honours, such as the OBE (Order of the British Empire, the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), the BEM (British Empire Medal) and the KAVS (King’s Award for Voluntary Services). The awards were presented to recipients in a stunning ceremony in the Tower of London, overlooking the River Thames, by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, who is the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. Sir Kenneth made the awards on behalf of His Majesty The King Charles III.
Mr Dave Easton with BEM recipient, Mr Sukhdev Phull BEM, and his wife
The Representative DL met with Mr Sukhdev Phull BEM, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to transport technology and to the charity ‘EKOM”.
The EKOM Charity works hard to make a difference to the underprivileged communities in developing countries. They have carried out projects in India over many years, their work included setting up free eye camps, artificial prosthetic limb camps and numerous road safety awareness campaigns. In 2014, Ekom extended their work to Africa and fully funded three projects which included: treatment for eye related problems; work with the local Leprosy community and the local Albino community.
Dave Easton with Mike Ellsmore and Geoff Norris
Dave Easton then met with Mike Ellsmore and Geoff Norris, who received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, on behalf of the Bexley based charity, Centrepieces.
Centrepieces has been born out of a local need for specialist mental health support to the community in the Borough of Bexley. Services were originally provided by the NHS Trust, but this stopped in 2014, resulting in a need to create a charity to ensure future sustainability of an essential provision locally. Without volunteers stepping to take this initiative, the critical services in place today would not be providing the lifeline they do to around 150 individuals and their families annually.
Based in the Lodge at Hall Place in Bexleyheath, Centrepieces is a true creative haven for those struggling with their mental health, and the charity achieves this in a completely unique way through art. Whilst traditional mental health interventions might use art therapy, Centrepieces turns this model on its head by ensuring beneficiaries are first and foremost artists in their own right. Art, through the creation of a stimulating and safe environmental, primarily becomes a vehicle to help support and develop mental health rather than a therapy. It is this that helps build confidence because beneficiaries are able to see their own progress and achievements in truly tangible ways, with opportunities to not only exhibit but to also sell their work. It is this holistic approach that ultimately ensures quantifiable improved mental health outcomes, the results of which can be seen in the significant improvements in their lives those attending the Centrepieces, consistently report.
Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificates 2023 – Award Evening, 17th January 2024
The Presentation Evening for the award of Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificates in the London Borough of Bexley took place on Wednesday 17th January 2024. The photographs below show the worthy recipients. Unfortunately, Katie Hicks, Head Cadet from the Metropolitan Volunteer Police Cadets could not attend the event.
A Deputy Lieutenant’s booklet was given to each recipient as a keepsake of a lovely evening and their contribution to the life of Bexley’s communities. Deputy Representative Lieutenant, David Easton JP DL reflected that “we are very lucky to have such wonderful young people to honour in this way”.
David Easton was supported on the evening by fellow Bexley Borough Deputy Lieutenants, Major David Hewer OBE TD DL and Simon Murrells JP DL. The evening was hosted by the Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley, Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush, and his Mayoress, Mrs Elmaz Dourmoush, and the recipients were congratulated and supported by their families, friends and group leaders.
Bexley Deputy Lieutenants A5 booklet – 2024
Sally Tilley
Lauren Tobin
George Metcalfe
Luke Cashin with the Mayor and Mayoress and RDL David Easton
Charlotte Born
Deano Lands
Aidan Whiston
Lily-May Lillington
Marnie James
Amber Leetham-Halling
Savannah Senior
Casey Doney
Remembrance Weekend – November 2023
The privilege of laying a wreath on Remembrance Weekend, or at any other time, cannot be overstated and the Representative DL, Dave Easton, along with Simon Murrells JP DL, joined the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Bexley to lay a wreath at many of the Borough’s war memorials, in November 2023. Remembrance Sunday fell on 12 November, but 11 November, was the preceding Saturday, so the Mayoral parties, joined by the Deputy Lieutenants, along with the Borough’s MPS,visited many of the sites across Bexley, on both days. Visits were made and a wreath laid in Sidcup, Falconwood & Welling, Erith, Slade Green, Thamesmead, Bexleyheath, and Bexley itself.
The Representative DL, Dave Easton, was proud to take part in the Civic Parade, with Bexley’s Mayoralty and he read a lesson at the service, which was held at St John The Evangelist Church, in Sidcup.
The Borough has some amazing war memorials and gardens and all are kept in excellent condition. A particular favourite of the Rep DL is in a little know area of Bexley Woods. It is a simple tree, accessed through an entrance in Camden Road, DA5 3PD, Bexley.
It is a Scout Memorial and is not easy to find, but well worth the effort when you do. The original wooden board memorial was replaced by a cast iron one in the 1950’s. Most of the boys recorded on the plaque may have been Patrol Leaders, as many became Officers in the Forces. The poignant citation on the plaque reads: “The Great Chief has called the roll. All are present.”
Bexley welcomes the Ukraine community
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in many Ukrainian women and children leaving their homeland, for a safer place to stay, while the hostilities lasted. The United Kingdom invited many of those families to stay within our local neighbourhoods and Sidcup, along with a number of areas in our Borough, opened its arms very wide to many of them.
Two years on from the invasion those families have made Sidcup and the surrounding areas their new, but temporary home. St John The Evangelist Church, under the care and guidance of their Vicar, The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott, along with their wardens and congregation, have embraced their visitors in such a powerful and loving way.
The Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, has visited the church many times and on the occasion of the second anniversary of the invasion, The Reverend Cathy and her team organised and hosted a lovely service, which the Representative DL and the Mayor, Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush attended.
This gave a wonderful opportunity for the Ukrainians to meet so many different people, from all backgrounds and walks of Bexley’s daily life. They keenly shared many aspects of their Ukrainian culture, including rather lovely food, sweets and their clothes and dance. The Ukrainian children are having to learn a new language, English, in a very different culture, while their fathers, uncles, grandparents remain back in the Ukraine. While it is clear that they are safer here in the UK, than in their homeland, it is important that they are able to retain their culture, language and distant memories of the home they had to leave behind, so quickly in 2022. When you speak with the children, their main wish is to return home safely and meet once again with their families.
A very special Citizenship Ceremony at Danson House
One of the greatest honours of any British citizen is to greet and welcome new citizens to our wonderful country. For many across the world, the dream of coming to the United Kingdom and going through the long process of obtaining lawful British Citizenship is something that takes many years, much determination and hard work and for many, they have to give up the chance of ever returning to their land of birth. The Citizenship Ceremonies held at Danson House, for those who choose Bexley, are always perfectly organised, beautiful in ceremony and always emotional events. The pride of those receiving their Certificates of Naturalisation can be seen, felt and shared, every time a new citizen comes forward to meet the Mayor, or the Rep DL.
These wonderful ceremonies are delivered to perfection by the KCC team at Danson House, on behalf of the Borough and the team there, led by Jane and Anna, should be congratulated for how each week their professionalism shines through. Our new residents leave Danson House with the feeling that they have joined a new family – that of the United Kingdom.
Congratulations to all of our new citizens, to the wonderful team at Danson House and a special vote of thanks to our outgoing Bexley Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare and our outgoing Bexley Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rags Sandhu, who both brought very individual and personal perspectives to the ceremonies they officiated at. Both of their life journeys started many thousands of miles from the UK and both continue to serve the Borough in the most caring and professional manner.
70th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice – Korean War
Thursday 27 July 2023 marked the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice of what many still call the ‘forgotten war’ – The ‘Korean’ Conflict. Hostilities and tensions had built in Korea since the end of the second World War and fighting broke out in June 1950, when the North Koreans, backed by Russia and China, invaded South Korea, which was by then, an ally of the West. Along with troops from a range of countries, approximately 60,000 British combat troops took part in this war, many thousands of miles from their home lands. 1,106 British soldiers, along with 37,000 US service officers lost their lives, but Korean casualties, on both sides, were much higher.
Although an Armistice was signed in July 1953, hostilities have never formally ceased and to this day, flareups and difficulties are experienced along the border between North and South Korea. Most British citizens did not know where Korea was, when the war began and thought that the new war, so closely following on from the Second World War, would greatly impact on British territory, but that did not happen, hence the war not even being reported much in the UK media at the time.
The Royal British Legion, as always, ensure that this conflict, along with so many others, and with those who lost their lives, are always remembered. For a tale of absolute heroism in the face of very difficult circumstances and odds, the story of the ‘Glorious Gloucesters’, in this war will never fail to remind us of the bravery of our armed forces.
The Rep DL joined the Mayor, the Mayoress and veterans of the conflict, on 27 July 2023, to lay a wreath in honour of those who fought, were injured, or indeed lost their lives. The service was led, as always so well, by The Reverend Trevor Wyatt, Vicar at Christ Church, Bexleyheath and it was an honour for everyone to be there and simply remember – We will Remember Them.
Coronation of King Charles III Weekend – 6-8 May 2023
Following the sad news that Her Majesty The Queen had passed, all eyes began to focus on the weekend of Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May 2023 and the Coronation of our new King Charles III. As expected, the London Borough of Bexley did not disappoint in their support of the Coronation weekend and with almost 100 street parties planned, along with celebrations in the towns of Bexley, a wonderful weekend looked inevitable.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Rep DL (Mr David Easton) agreed to try and attend every street party and it was a very tall order. The weather did not play perfectly across the weekend, but nearly every street party received a visitor, including the local MPs visiting and joining in.
It was a wonderful sight with, quite literally, thousands of local residents taking part. Live music, rock and reggae bands, mountains of food, dressing up in uniforms, and tiaras, it truly was a magnificent weekend in the Borough. From Sidcup to Welling, to Thamesmead, to Erith, to Crayford, to Bexleyheath, Falconwood and Blendon & Penhill, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and DL joined in with the fun and celebrations. Cakes, judging best doggies, best costumes, in fact, almost best ‘everything’ competitions, along with presenting awards, medals and gifts to all children across Bexley. It was a weekend that, while exhausting to take part in, will remain a memory for everyone that took part. For many residents in the UK, this was their first experience of a Coronation celebration and Bexley certainly played its party for the new King. Here are just a few of the photos from the fabulous celebration weekend.
Visit to LB Bexley by Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş
The Borough of Bexley and the Representative DL, Mr David Easton, were once again very proud and honoured to receive a serving Ambassador to the United Kingdom recently. Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, accompanied by the Turkish Consul General, Mr Bekir Utku Atahan, visited Bexley in June, in honour of the Borough’s first newly-elected Turkish Mayor.
Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş has travelled far in his career, including working in Washington and Bucharest, but his early years, as a post-graduate student, were spent here in Britain. Ambassador Ertaş studied International Relations at Ankara University, graduating in 1996, and from there went on to gain his master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Sussex.
Ambassador Ertaş stood with the Mayor, and all of the other guests, as the Turkish National Anthem, ‘Istiklal Marsi’ (The Independence March) was played so superbly by young musicians from young musicians from Bexley Music under the leadership of their Head of School, Julie Stanning.
While at Bexley, the Ambassador met, among others, the local Old Bexley & Sidcup MP, Louie French, and members of the local Turkish communities, including the Mayor’s Chaplain, Hussain Hodja.
After refreshments, the local Rauf R Denktas Turkish School performed two readings for the Ambassador, which were very warmly received. The Mayor then thanked the Ambassador and VIP guests for visiting Bexley. The Mayor presented a plaque to the Ambassador on behalf of the Borough of Bexley. The Ambassador also spoke, very warmly about the welcome he had received at Bexley.
The Rep DL, Mr David Easton, welcomes the Turkish Ambassador to the Borough.
The Turkish Ambassador, Osman Koray Ertaş (third from right, with from left to right) Mrs Elmaz Dourmoush, Mayoress of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush and the Borough’s Rep DL, David Easton.
The Ambassador with senior officials from the London Borough of Bexley and community representatives.
Greek and Turkish Cypriot Faith Leaders join at Bexley’s Mayor-Making (May 2023)
At the Annual Council meeting in May, the Rep DL, Mr David Easton, met with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot Faith Leaders. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare, had chosen Fr Thomas Koutroukis to be his Chaplain for his Mayoral year, 2022/2023. When he handed over to the incoming Mayor, Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush, we had the privilege also of meeting his new Chaplain, Hussain Hodja Chaplain for 2023/2024. It was an honour to meet with them both and having worked with Fr Thomas throughout the past year, it was clear how much had been achieved for the various communities within the Borough. Everyone is now looking forward to working with Hussain Hodja and much is planned that will see all of Bexley’s communities working much closer together going forward.
Bexley Mayoral Chaplains Fr Thomas Koutroukis (left) & Hussain Hodja (right).
Mayor and Rep DL, Mr David Easton, present Outstanding Achievement Awards to crews at E28 Bexley & E40 Sidcup Fire Stations
The 19 July 2022 was a Tuesday and it followed the previous day, which had been the hottest day of the year so far – the temperatures had been soaring for days and on the 19th, one of the hottest ever recorded in the UK, the temperature reached over 40.3 degrees C, in Bexley.
E28 Bexley
On the morning of the 19th July 2022, after putting out two small wildfires near St Columbus School Bexleyheath, E281, Bexley’s Pump Ladder was mobilised to support a 30-pump wildfire in Upminster. The fire was declared ‘persons reported’ and ‘cylinders reported’ whilst en route – clearly a very dangerous situation.
Upon arrival, the size of the fire became apparent, with acres and acres of woodland alight, threatening surrounding properties and farms. Bexley’s crew were tasked with driving to a secluded part of the woodland and fighting a huge part of the fire with whatever means necessary. The fire had started to take a large selection of pine trees and flames were now some thirty feet high.
Due to brigade resources being stretched, because of many other large fires happening elsewhere in London, it was clear Bexley would have to deal with this fire for a period of time, on their own.
With limited water supplies and no radio communications, the crew managed to contain the high flames and stop them spreading to a nearby farm and trainline. This was achieved by the incredibly hard work of the crew, using a combination of water, beaters and creating fire breaks in the land, the whole time working in 40 degrees plus heat.
The crew worked some nine hours in those conditions that day, with little to no rest, to contain that fire as best they could. Without their hard work and dedication that day, much more land and farmers livelihood would have been lost.
E40 Sidcup
Sidcup’s crew were mobilised to multiple fields alight in East London at 1230hrs on that day. They were, quite literally, the only appliance available in London at the time of mobilisation and they spent five hours, single-handedly extinguishing multiple pockets of fires, in a 45 Hectare area – an area equivalent to about 65 football pitches.
On return to the station, they were further mobilised to a block of flats alight in Walthamstow. This was a real incident that became a six-pump fire, and would have been much more, but there were simply no more appliances available.
En-route to this incident, the crew were informed from their control that there were Fire Survival Guidance calls in progress. Every crew member wore BA, fighting the fires in the 1st,2nd and 3rd floor flats. They simply state that, fortunately no injuries or fatalities were experienced at the incident, but that does not tell the whole story. The crews did not return to station until past 9pm that evening.
On the day, these amazing people, who are part of the team that is the London Fire Brigade, just did their job. What they do not say is that they worked tirelessly, giving everything they had to ensure that Londoners everywhere were as safe as they possibly could be. Each and every one of these firefighters is worthy of the highest praise, not just for that fateful day in 2022, but for every single time they report for a shift. London firefighters are there for us 24/7, 365 days a year. For all firefighters across the UK, who simply did their job that fateful day in July 2022, it was just another day – it is what they have trained for, practised and visualised and when the question was asked of them, their answer and response was unequivocal.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the UK’s firefighters.
Bexley commemorates the first anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022 (February 2023)
The Rep DL was honoured to join the Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare, and Sidcup community representatives, in February to commemorate the first anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022. A very special service was held in St John The Evangelist Church, Sidcup, led by The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott. The church has been at the centre of local support for Ukrainian refugees, who are staying within the community, while their loved ones remain back in the Ukraine.
The church community has supported the refugees in so many ways, including providing accommodation to house the ‘Aid Relief’, which they send regularly down to Poland, in support of the humanitarian aid project there.
A Book of Commemoration, kept in the church, was prepared and written by Mr Barry Theobald-Hicks OStJ KCSG ADC FLS FRSA FSA(Scot). The beauty of the work can be seen in the photograph.
We were honoured to be joined by Mrs Sue Petty, Executive Director, Sidcup Partners.
The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Nick O’Hare (Centre) with (from left to right) Barry Theobald-Hicks, Rep DL, Dave Easton, Malcolm Jennings (Guest of the Mayor, and Mrs Sue Petty.
A copy of the transcription in the Book of Commemoration, relating to the memorial service.
Bexley welcomes the Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic of Greece, His Excellency Mr Ioannis Raptakis
Earlier this year, the Representative DL was honoured to greet the Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic of Greece, His Excellency Mr Ioannis Raptakis, on behalf of the Borough, when he visited the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Nick O’Hare.
After His Excellency had met with The Mayor and other officials from the Borough, everyone stood as the Greek National Anthem, The Hymn to Liberty, was played so superbly by young musicians from young musicians from Bexley Music, under the leadership of their Head of School, Julie Stanning.
An extremely respected and experienced Diplomat, Ambassador Raptakis has served as the Greek Consul General in Sydney, Australia (2004 – 2007), The Ambassador of Greece to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives (2012 – 2015), the Ambassador of Greece to Vietnam and Laos (2017 – 2019), Director for South Eastern Europe Countries (2019 – 2020) and since 2020 as the Ambassador of The Hellenic Republic of Greece to the UK. Ambassador Raptakis speaks many languages, including Greek, English, French, German, and Spanish.
While at Bexley, Ambassador Raptakis met, among others, the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive and members of Bexley’s Greek communities, including the Greek Community President, Mr Vasilis Tsimis and the Greek Community Priest, Father Thomas Koutoukis.
The Ambassador clearly enjoyed his visit to Bexley, the first by an Ambassador to the United Kingdom and he spent some while making friends with members of Bexley’s Greek Communities.
The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Bexley, David Easton, meets and welcomes the Ambassador
The Representative Deputy Lieutenant, David Easton, (Far left),with (from left to right) the Ambassador, Mr Iaonnis Raptakis, The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Nick O’Hare, and Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Simon Murrells JP DL
The Mayor of Bexley and the Rep DL joined Mrs Julie Stanning, Head Teacher, and the amazing musician students of Bexley Music.
Bexley celebrates the Platinum Jubilee with over 150 street parties
The Borough of Bexley took Her Majesty’s Jubilee celebrations to their hearts – and out on to the streets, between 2 to 5 June 2022. Over 150 streets, roads and cul-de -acs were blocked off with bunting, food, fun and people from every part of the Borough. It was a fantastic, busy and packed few days. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Leader of the Council and Deputy Lieutenant were on the road for almost four days, meeting and shaking hands with, quite literally, thousands of people.
They were asked to judge the ‘best cakes’, ‘best home made crown’, ‘classiest bunting’ and the DL’s favourite, ‘the street’s prettiest doggie’ (that was a tough one, as someone was always going to be upset!). But we all escaped unscathed, apart from the DL, who apparently got married to a local resident, who he had never met before, amidst the celebrations.
It really was just the best fun and everyone spoke about the ‘uniqueness’ of the moment and the fact that none of us attending the parties would ever see such a celebration again in the shape of a Platinum Jubilee.
The photographs are but a very small selection of the amazing spirit shown by Bexley’s residents and businesses over the first weekend of June 2022.
Royal Marine Keith Phillips – Killed on the Falkland Islands on 11 June 1982
Royal Marine Keith Phillips was a young man who was born and grew up in Crayford. He attended early school at Marvels Lane Junior School, followed by The South East London School.
As a youngster, Keith was an Army Cadet in Bexleyheath. Like many young teenagers in those days, Keith liked motorbikes, music, and football. He was the eldest of three boys, his younger brothers, twins Mark and Colin were born in South London in 1965.
He excelled as a young cadet in the Borough and when he was 18yo, he immediately signed up to join the Royal Marines as a Commando. It was less than two years later that he found himself travelling down to the Falklands, as part of the 45 Commando Battle Contingent, ordered there to retake the islands, following the invasion by Argentinian forces a few days earlier.
Tragically, as he was returning from a patrol in the battle zone with his unit, he died with three other Marines in an incident where they were mistaken for the enemy. Keith died just before the main assault on Two Sisters.
Keith is remembered on all of the main Falkland Islands war memorials, both in the UK and in the Falklands, but he also has a very special plaque dedicated to him in St Paulinus’ Church, Perry Street, Crayford.
The inscription there is on a clear diamond paned window with the Royal Marine Crest inserted into stained glass. The inscription beneath reads:
In memory of
Keith John Phillips
Killed in action in The Falkland Islands
11th June 1982
His final resting place is in Blue Beach Military Cemetery in Port San Carlos, Falkland Islands.
Laying a wreath in the colours of the Falklands war Medal ribbon, Dave Easton joined Keith’s childhood friends, Stuart Wilson and his brother, Col Clinton Reilly, Cllr Nigel Betts, who knew Keith as a young cadet, along with representatives of the Royal Marine Commandos, who served on the Falklands, alongside Keith. The Chairman of the City of London Royal Marines Association, Graeme Golightly, laid a wreath in memory of a very brave, young Bexley man, who died 40 years ago.
Beacon Lighting
What a day Thursday 2 June 2022 turned out to be? The weather was beautiful as the London Borough of Bexley lit 12 beacons across its entire breadth with thousands of people turning out in Welling, Thamesmead, Sidcup, Crayford, Bexleyheath and other parts of the borough to light a beacon to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Dave Easton, the Rep DL, joined Bexley’s new Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare at Danson House, in the centre of the borough to light two beacons, on queue at 9.45pm. Almost 400 residents sung along as the National Anthem played loudly across the park. The beacons were lit and a real party atmosphere across this part of London was underway, kicking of three days of street parties, fun and celebrations of our remarkable Queen.
Prayers for Ukraine – Sidcup works hard for the refugees
A very special event took place at St John’s Church, Sidcup, in May when the congregation welcomed some of the Borough’s Ukrainian visitors for a service of prayer for the nation of Ukraine and it’s people, wherever they might be across the world at this time.
Many of Bexley’s residents have opened their homes and their hearts to Ukrainians, who have fled to the UK for some safety and respite. Bexley’s DL joined the newly elected Mayor, Cllr Nick O’Hare and Louie French, MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup to meet with the Ukrainian families, offer them comfort, love and support and to pray with them for peace in their home lands. The over-riding message we heard was that they were so very grateful for all that the UK and Sidcup were doing for them, but how they longed to travel back home to be with their husbands, brothers and sons, who remain in the Ukraine, fighting for their survival.
What is clear in Sidcup also is that the Ukrainians have organised themselves, with help from the Vicar, The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott, along with the various congregations in Sidcup, to arrange for the many gifts of clothes and other items to be transported to the Ukraine. They are working hard themselves to look after each other, support their loved ones back home and take part in their temporary new homes.
It was a privilege to spend time with them all and our hope is that they may return home safely very soon.
Happy Birthday Your Majesty – From Bexley’s newest citizens
Thursday 21 April, the date of Her Majesty’s 96th birthday, was also the date of two very special Citizenship Ceremonies in the London Borough of Bexley. The Citizenship Ceremonies have been undertaken by Kent County Council, on behalf of LBB for almost 11 years now and the ceremonies are joyous and wonderful occasions to be at.
Normally, Bexley’s Mayor attends these ceremonies, but the honour of presenting the Citizenship Certificates to Bexley’s residents is often passed to the Borough’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant It is a true and deep honour to be asked to meet the residents in this way and they are clearly overjoyed to be involved in this ceremony. It means so much to them.
As the two ceremonies fell on the occasion of Her Majesty’s 96th birthday, both groups of citizens, along with the team at Danson House and Dave Easton, the Rep DL, agreed that they should get together to sing Happy Birthday to Her Majesty and wish her a very happy 96th birthday – in this, her Platinum Jubilee year on the throne.
The team at Danson House do such a wonderful job of the Citizenship Ceremonies and each occasion feels very personal and special.
A Thank you to the volunteers at Bexley’s vaccination centres
Bexley’s Rep DL, Dave Easton recently had the opportunity to join the Mayor, James Hunt, in thanking many of the volunteers that had spent much of the previous 16 months working at vaccination centres across Bexley. A wonderful tea party was organised by Bexley Voluntary Services Council to say thank you to over 70 local residents, who had donated over 9,000 hours of their time to ensure that Bexley’s residents were able to receive their vaccinations against Covid 19. The afternoon was a great success and there was much laughter, as the volunteers recalled their work on ‘the front line’. Bexley really does have a lot to say thank you for to these amazing people, many of whom have now moved on to volunteer in many other ways. Along the way, they have all clearly become good friends and everyone of them spoke as to how much they gained from undertaking this incredibly important role – Congratulations and well done to all volunteers across Bexley, London and the UK We are all very grateful to you. Thank you.
Dave Easton enjoyed a thoroughly wonderful afternoon hearing about the stories and experiences of the volunteers in Bexley
The volunteers that assisted across Bexley’s vaccination centres enjoy afternoon tea in the former library in Erith Town Centre
The Mayor, James Hunt, with Kate Shrager, who organises the BVSC volunteers in Bexley
Palm Sunday Service
A wonderful Palm Sunday service was organised in April 2022 by the Vicar, The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott and her team at St John The Evangelist Church, Sidcup. The Mayor, local MP and the Rep DL were all invited to take part in a dramatic reading of the ‘Passion’. The story of the arrival of Jesus Christ in front of adoring crowds, within a week, of his crucifixion on the Cross, was also portrayed by members of the clergy and the congregation.
This very special service was made even more memorable, because we were joined by Ukrainian families now living in the borough. After the service, we shared a cup of tea, some amazing cakes (All of my events seem to end in cake!) and talked in great depth about the tragedy of what was happening in their homeland. Some of those we met have family and friends living in Mariupol, where so many sad stories are becoming known.
The service was a real success and featured a procession within and around the church. It is hoped and planned that we will all meet there again next year, hopefully to catch up again with our new Ukrainian friends from Sidcup’s community.
Bexley’s DL joined members of the congregation, the Mayor, local MP, Louie French and several Ukrainian families that attended the church on Palm Sunday, 2022.
Mayor, James Hunt, local MP, Louie French, Police Sgt Steve Watson and the Rep DL join members of the Ukrainian community, now living in Bexley, at the Palm Sunday Service, 2022.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s gift tree planted in honour of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne
On 6 February 2022, the Mayor of Bexley invited the Rep DL along to Hall Place, near Bexley, to take part in a very special tree-planting. That date marked the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne and it was important that the Borough recognised such a unique and important date in the nation’s history.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE had previously donated an oak sapling tree to the Mayor, late in 2021 and it was agreed that it should be planted as soon as possible – this was such that perfect occasion. So with many thanks to the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and Rep DL were joined by Borough MPs, The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett, his wife, Lady Marilyn Evennett, Louie French MP and the GLA London Assembly Member for Bexley & Bromley, Peter Fortune. We were also accompanied by Councillor David Leaf, the Council’s Deputy Leader.
Many guests and residents watched as the tree was planted. Among the guests attending were the past Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Bexley, Major David Hewer OBE TD DL and his wife, Mrs Diane Hewer and we were all delighted to meet up with them again.
The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, is assisted by the Rep DL to plant the tree that was donated by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
The Mayor was also joined by the Mayoress, Mrs Christine Hunt (far right) and Major David Hewer OBE TD DL and his wife, Mrs Diane Hewer
The Mayor, Rep DL and Flt Lt Kris Cottier were able to trace the tree that was planted in 2012, at Hall Place, for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee
The plaque that accompanies the tree that was planted in 2012, at Hall Place, for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee
The Mayor was clearly giving precise instructions to the Rep DL as to how he wanted the tree planted, as Sir David, Louie, Peter and Cllr Leaf watched closely. This truly was a lovely and happy occasion and although it commemorated the passing of King George VI, it also marked the day that Princess Elizabeth became Her Majesty The Queen.
Bexley’s Cadets and Cadet Leaders awarded by the Lord Lieutenant
Dave Easton JP DL, accompanied by The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, joined the Lord Lieutenant and other DLs from across London recently to recognise and applaud the work of our Cadets and Cadet Leaders across the Capital. This was a very special awards evening, organised by the Reserve Forces and Cadet’s Association for Greater London where a host of well-deserved awards were presented by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Lord Lieutenant, Greater London.
Once again, the Borough of Bexley was well represented in the awards list and there were lots of cheers and applause as the following awards were presented to our very own Bexley winners:
Meritorious Service to London’s Cadets
Chaplain (SCC) Dlive Jones RNR, Bexley & Lewisham Unit Sea Cadets
Certificate of Commendation for Adult Instructor to London’s Cadet Movement
Sgt Paul Nasskau, 359 (Bexleyheath Squadron, Kent Wing, RAF Cadets)
Most Outstanding Army Cadet Force Detachment Commander
Sergeant Major Instructor Debbie Goodall, 106 Cadet Detachment, SE London Army Cadet Force
Army Cadet Force Citizenship Award
109 (Royal Artillery) Cadet Detachment, SE London Army Cadet Force.
Raising the Pride Flag in Bexley – LGBT History Month
Bexley’s Rep DL was delighted to be invited to join the Borough’s Mayor, Chief Executive and other councillors and officers on 1 February 2022 to stand in support of the Council’s LGBTQ+ group, as they raised a very special flag at the Civic Offices.
Tuesday 1 February 2022 marked the beginning of LGBT History Month in the UK. The group donated a new Progress Pride Flag to the borough and this was raised in Bexleyheath on that date to mark the start of a month of working and learning together about each other. The flag was designed to place a greater emphasis on ‘inclusion and progression’. Bexley’s community is an umbrella of all different kinds of people and that is what makes it and London such a special place to live. The flag aims to capture the differences and uniqueness of all people and that brings with it a unique and powerful message of togetherness.
Crayford plants a tree to honour Her Majesty The Queen
Bexley’s Rep DL, Dave Easton, was honoured to be asked to plant a tree on 6 February 2022, to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. This date marks the passing of her father, King George VI and the date that Her Majesty became Queen. Dave was proud to join Bexleyheath & Crayford’s MP, The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett and Lady Marilyn Evennett to meet Crayford’s local residents.
On 23 July 2019, Prince Michael of Kent visited Crayford on a beautifully hot and sunny day, where he unveiled a most amazing bench and witnessed the artwork, completed by local school children, that remembered the famous flight across the Atlantic by Alcock & Brown – a project with its roots firmly seated in Crayford. The tree planting in Crayford in February was organised by the Alcock & Brown Project Group, who had masterminded the whole project and visit back in 2019. Led by two amazing, local ladies – Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis and Janet Hearn-Gillham, and so very well supported by their husbands, Peter Lucia-Hennis and David Gillham, they were the brains, the engine room and the driving force behind all of the wonderful events that took place in Crayford Town Centre. They could be seen working, sometimes very late at night, or early in the morning, preparing, fixing, mending and cleaning, to ensure that Crayford looked as good as it did in July 2019. They truly are an inspirational and wonderful group of Bexley and Crayford residents.
Local residents and cadet units stood once again in February in the centre of Crayford in February to honour and show their love and respect for our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth.
The borough has a rich history of celebrating our Royal Family in this part of Bexley, with trees being planted by Princess Marina, The Duke of Gloucester and of course, when The Duke of Kent also visited Hall Place, where his tree stands and grows proudly.
The Project Group were keen to plant a tree as a perfectly fitting and acceptable way of honouring Her Majesty and the unique service she has given to her people and our country. Funds from the Alcock & Brown project Group made February’s event possible.
Bexley’s DL with Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis and Janet Hearn-Gillham, their family and friends, who have been paramount in organising the work of the Alcock & Brown Project Group
Bexley’s DL with Sir David Evennett MP, and many of the local residents, groups and cadets that joined them on 6 February to mark this lovely event
Bexley’s DL with Flt Lt Kris Cottier, who, along with his wife Clare, has worked hard for many years with RAF Cadets in the Borough of Bexley. Kris is really very well known, particularly in the Welling area of the borough and has been a keen supporter of Bexley’s Mayoralty, being the person everyone goes to for help and advice with Bexley’s Air Cadets
The beautiful stone and plaque that now sits proudly in the Waterside Gardens, Crayford, along with the tree planted on 6 February
Bexley welcomes our Nation’s new British Citizens
It is a huge privilege and honour to be able to welcome our nation’s new British Citizens. To receive their British Citizenship, each applicant has to engage in a process that can take them many years and they face challenges along the way of learning to adapt to and living in a foreign country, often without the support of close family. But, undeterred, these amazing people apply themselves and do whatever is necessary, in order that they can adopt the British way of life as their own. The ceremonies are always emotional, happy and fun events, ending in their much prized ‘Certificate of Naturalisation’ being presented to them by the borough’s Mayor, or Representative Deputy Lieutenant. Photographs are a must and there are lots taken at every ceremony. The pride and pleasure shown by each new citizen is almost tangible and the fellowship continues after the event over a tea, or coffee and always cake. Citizenship Ceremonies are a joy to attend and be a part of.
Dave Easton welcomes new citizens to the borough in Danson House, Danson Park.
Helena Mrozek from France wore the most amazing Union Flag facemask when she received her British Citizenship in December
The Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt and Bexley’s Deputy Lieutenant travelled up to Hyde Park in November to meet with the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE and all of London’s other Mayors. The purpose of the visit was to receive a gift of a sapling oak tree, that had been purchased personally by Sir Kenneth, as a gift to each London borough. This gift is to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.
The aim of the Queen’s Green Canopy is to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’. More information about this wonderful initiative can be accessed at: The Queen’s Green Canopy (queensgreencanopy.org)
The Lord Lieutenant is joined by London’s Mayors on a beautifully sunny November day in Hyde Park
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow – The Mayor receives the sapling oak tree from the Lord Lieutenant
In November, the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt and the Representative Deputy Lieutenant attended the Annual Service of Remembrance in Bexleyheath, in memory of all those who have been affected by war and lost their lives since 1914. When that event had finished, the Mayor and the DL toured the borough, visiting individual war memorials and privately laying a wreath. These very quiet and personal visits have become a tradition in itself here in Bexley now and it provides an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving and personal prayer on behalf of all Bexley’s residents that have given so much in times of war.
The War Memorial at Callender’s Cables & Construction Co Ltd, Lower Belvedere
The War Memorial in Danson Park, which sits in memory of those who served and lost their lives as prisoners of war in the Far East, during the Second World War
The War Memorial, situated in a wood in Bexley, that remembers the boys from the 1st Bexleyheath Scout Group that gave their lives during both World Wars
Four amazing young people from the Northumberland Heath Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association were the very proud recipients recently of the Association’s Queen’s Badge and certificate. A packed church witnessed each young person receive their award from the Borough’s Deputy Lieutenant and everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Carol Service. The lovely evening was rounded up when everyone enjoyed a drink a slice of that cake.
Charlie Newnham receives his Queen’s Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association Certificate and Badge from Dave Easton
Nellie Silver receives her Queen’s Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association Certificate and Badge from Dave Easton
Sophie White receives her Queen’s Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association Certificate and Badge from Dave Easton
Charlie, Nellie and Sophie proudly showing of the cake that had been specially prepared for the occasion. Sadly, another BB colleague, Lily, could not be at the presentation event.
In September, the Lord Lieutenant held the annual Lord Lieutenant’s and Greater London RFCA Awards Ceremony in Central London. The borough’s Deputy Lieutenant, joined by Councillor Nigel Betts, who is Bexley’s Armed Forces Representative, and also the SSAFA rep (The Armed Forces Charity) in the borough, attended the event and witnessed awards being presented to some of London’s most amazing Cadet Association personnel.
Two of Bexley’s young officers received awards at the event.
2Lt Jay Russell, 107 Cadet Detachment ACF Bexleyheath was there in person to receive his award “in recognition of outstanding service to the Army Cadet Force as a Detachment Commander 2020”.
Signaller Glenn Buckett, 71 Yeomanry Signal Regiment Bexleyheath, was not able to attend the event. Glenn was awarded ‘Volunteer Reservist of the year 2020 Runner-up’. Glenn’s citation read: The award is given to the individual whose outstanding achievement in any military field over the previous 12 months have not been recognised by any other award. Glenn’s award was received on his behalf by a colleague officer.
2Lt Jay Russell and his colleague with their awards. Also pictured are the borough’s Deputy Lieutenant and Councillor Nigel Betts.
Bexley’s Rep DL was delighted to accept an invitation to visit 106ACF at one of their get-together nights recently, in Sidcup. Dave was made to feel very welcome and he enjoyed meeting and watching the cadets undertake drill training, as well as some more ‘fun’ and serious events, It was clear, as Dave spoke with all of the cadets that the ACF is a youth organisation that welcomes everyone, all ages up to 18yo and there is a role for everyone. The cadets looked amazing in their uniforms and it was clear that they were proud to be there, hosting Dave and Bexley’s Mayor. Dave was able to present a Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificate to SSgt Louis Clark and other awards to several of the cadets.
Dave Easton presents the Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificate to Staff Cadet SSgt Louis Clark.
Presenting the prestigious DOE Gold Award to Cadet Instructor Jordan Farrelly. Having now reached the age of leaving the ACF as a cadet, Jordan has now returned as an adult instructor.
A group of five cadets administered first aid to an elderly gentleman, who had fell and broken his ankle. Each cadet received a certificate to congratulate them on their fantastic response.
Among the cadets that Dave Easton met was Savanah Senior. Savanah is a fairly new cadet, but is thoroughly enjoying her new-found role in the ACF.
The 2020 Best Royal Signals Cadet Detachment Award
Saturday 26 June 2021 was a very important date for 107 Detachment, GLSE Sector Army Cadet Force. Not simply because it was Armed Forces Day 2021, but it was the date when they were presented with the most prestigious of awards – Best Royal Signals Cadet Detachment in the UK 2020.
2Lt Jay Russell and his young cadets were presented with a certificate, a plaque for their wall in the barracks and a model of ‘Jimmy’ – Mercury, the Roman God of Communications, which is the primary role of the Royal Signals.
2020 was a tough year for our nation’s young people in particular, but over 50 cadet force detachments went online and undertook some 20 difficult challenges throughout the year – sword drill, bake-offs and even building their own ‘jimmy’ at home!
The judges commented: ““We were astounded by the variety, quality and immense amount of training that has been achieved, despite the challenges of COVID-19 over half of the training year. The creativity and commitment in delivering virtual training by so many cadet detachments was inspirational. “We were also taken aback by the achievements of the cadets as individuals and their amazing commitment and resilience during such a testing year.”
It was a real honour and privilege for Bexley’s Representative DL, Dave Easton, who joined Bexley’s Mayor, James Hunt and The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett MP and the Council Leader, Teresa O’Neill, to meet and congratulate Jay Russell and the young people of Bexley, who are under his leadership.
The highlight of the morning for everyone attending was the screening of a very special message that the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE had prepared and recorded especially for the occasion. At the end of Sir Kenneth’s message, he invited Cadet Ziggy Ajibode to march forward and raise the new Corps of Royal Signals flag, which had been presented to the detachment on that day.
The Mayor of Bexley congratulates the young Cadets of 107 ACF
The plaque, certificate and the model of ‘jimmy’, which forms the basis of the regiment’s cap badge
The Mayor of Bexley presents the plaue for best ACF Detachment to 2Lt Jay Russell
107 ACF’s cadets with 2Lt Jay Russell and their detachment Sgt (Holding the model of (Jmmy’)
A close-up of the certificate that was presented by the Mayor to 2Lt Jay Russell
Raising the Flag for Armed Forces Day
Bexley’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, joined the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Teresa O’Neill, on Monday 21 June 2021, to raise a flag, denoting the start of Armed Forces Week 2021.
The annual event takes place across the Capital and culminates in Armed Forces Day, this year on Saturday 26 June. It is a wonderful opportunity for Bexley and the rest of the UK to recognise and to say thank you to all of our armed service communities and our veterans, for their service to our nation.
While the numbers attending had to be reduced this year, the event was incredibly well supported, including attendance from Borough’s MPs, Sir David Evennett and James Brokenshire. The local Fire Borough Commander and representatives from Bexleyheath Police also attended, to say thank you to the Royal British Legion and Veteran attendees.
The short service of thanks was led by The Reverend Mark Blakely, who is the current Mayor’s Chaplain.
The Armed Forces Day flag can be seen flying on the flagpole furthest to the left of the photograph.
One minute silence for HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
Bexley’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, joined the Mayor and MPs from across the borough on Saturday 17 April to stand in silence outside the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath, in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, whose funeral service was being held at Windsor Castle at that time.
(From left to right: Councillor Teresa O’Neill, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett MP for Bexleyheath & Crayford, Councillor James Hunt, Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley 2020/2021, Dave Easton JP DL, The Right Honourable James Brokenshire MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup & Minister for Security, and the Borough’s Macebearer, Mr Paul Holloway).
The Mayor said: “It is so important that we remember and recognise the wonderful and fun experiences that thousands of Bexley’s young people have benefitted from by taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. He personally created and promoted the activities, remaining close to the ethos and organisation of the scheme, even after he formally retired from public service.
We remember, with great fondness, his visit to the former Civic Offices and Bexleyheath town centre on 13 March 1984.
His loss will be felt deeply, not just by his family and the people of the United Kingdom, but across the Commonwealth and around the world.”
On Tuesday 15 September 2020, Dave Easton, Representative Deputy Lieutenant, LB Bexley, joined the Mayor of Bexley and other dignitaries, outside the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath, to commemorate Battle of Britain Day 2020.
It was a warm, bright and dry day, much as it was back in September 1940 and the sounds of an air-raid warning were once again, sounded over the borough, along with the iconic music of Dame Vera Lynn and the sound of a Spitfire.
Dave spoke about the attack on Buckingham Palace that was averted by a brave fighter pilot, who used his Hurricane aircraft to, quite literally, barge the enemy plane, which was aiming directly for the Royal residence. The pilot’s brave actions saved the palace from further damage and the scene was recreated in the film, The Battle of Britain.
The RAF Ensign was hoisted and flew throughout the week of commemorations.
On Saturday 15 August 2020, Dave Easton, Representative Deputy Lieutenant, LB Bexley, joined the Mayor of Bexley and Borough representatives in Danson Park, to commemorate VJ Day 2020.
In the centre of the park is a simple, but poignant memorial to the Far East Prisoner of War Association (London). The stone memorial, along with a cluster of 21 oak trees, was placed there on 21 November 1985, by a former Councillor of the borough, Alec Pease, who was himself a prisoner of the Japanese Army in Burma.
The two stars that sit on top of the memorial are actually cast from the medals that were awarded to Alec. His son, Edward Pease, attended the event and laid a wreath on behalf of all Prisoners of War in the Far East.
Dave spoke about the wartime experiences of his father, Charlie Easton, who was himself captured by the Japanese Army in Burma.
Bexley’s representative Deputy Lieutenant, Major David Hewer OBE TD D, and the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis, planting a tree to celebrate National Tree Planting Week 2019.
The Lord Lieutenant, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, CStJ, FRSA, FBCS, encouraged the borough’s Deputy Lieutenants to plant a tree during this year’s event. Major Hewer contacted the Council and a decision was taken to plant a Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica Glauca) in the grounds of the beautiful Danson House in Danson Park, Bexley. The tree was placed very close to where the Lord Lieutenant himself planted a tree in 2018.
Set overlooking the award-winning Danson Park, Danson House is a Grade I listed Palladian villa, It was officially re-opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in July 2005. Built by Sir John Boyd in 1766 for his second wife Catherine Chapone, Danson House was originally designed by architect Sir Robert Taylor (who was also the architect of the Bank of England). In the twentieth century, the house fell into an almost ruinous state. In 1995 English Heritage identified the house as ‘the most significant building at risk in London’, signalling the start of a decade of restoration. In 2005 the restored interior opened to the public for the first time in thirty years.
REpresentative Deputy Lieutenant for the borough of Bexley
Mr David Easton JP DL
Appointed Rep DL: 2020
David was born in SE London and has worked in the capital throughout his entire career. He served as a uniformed officer for 27 years, across all parts of London, in the London Fire Brigade, attending many of the major incidents that occurred in the capital during that period. Since 2000, David has worked for the London Borough of Bexley, and currently has responsibility for a number of departments, including the organisation and management of election events and the promotion of the Mayoralty and work of local Councillors. David is passionate about the role of the Civic and Ceremonial Mayoralty in local areas and is keen to further young people’s knowledge and understanding of this historical aspect of London’s heritage. He has served as a Magistrate on the SE London Bench since April 2006 and over recent years, as a Presiding Justice on that Bench. David and his wife, Janet, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Further information about the London Borough of Bexley can be found at http://www.bexley.gov.uk
Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificates 2023 – Award Evening, 17th January 2024
The Presentation Evening for the award of Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificates in the London Borough of Bexley took place on Wednesday 17th January 2024. The photographs below show the worthy recipients. Unfortunately, Katie Hicks, Head Cadet from the Metropolitan Volunteer Police Cadets could not attend the event.
A Deputy Lieutenant’s booklet was given to each recipient as a keepsake of a lovely evening and their contribution to the life of Bexley’s communities. Deputy Representative Lieutenant, David Easton JP DL reflected that “we are very lucky to have such wonderful young people to honour in this way”.
David Easton was supported on the evening by fellow Bexley Borough Deputy Lieutenants, Major David Hewer OBE TD DL and Simon Murrells JP DL. The evening was hosted by the Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley, Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush, and his Mayoress, Mrs Elmaz Dourmoush, and the recipients were congratulated and supported by their families, friends and group leaders.
Bexley Deputy Lieutenants A5 booklet – 2024
Sally Tilley
Lauren Tobin
George Metcalfe
Luke Cashin with the Mayor and Mayoress and RDL David Easton
Charlotte Born
Deano Lands
Aidan Whiston
Lily-May Lillington
Marnie James
Amber Leetham-Halling
Savannah Senior
Casey Doney
A very special Citizenship Ceremony at Danson House
One of the greatest honours of any British citizen is to greet and welcome new citizens to our wonderful country. For many across the world, the dream of coming to the United Kingdom and going through the long process of obtaining lawful British Citizenship is something that takes many years, much determination and hard work and for many, they have to give up the chance of ever returning to their land of birth. The Citizenship Ceremonies held at Danson House, for those who choose Bexley, are always perfectly organised, beautiful in ceremony and always emotional events. The pride of those receiving their Certificates of Naturalisation can be seen, felt and shared, every time a new citizen comes forward to meet the Mayor, or the Rep DL.
These wonderful ceremonies are delivered to perfection by the KCC team at Danson House, on behalf of the Borough and the team there, led by Jane and Anna, should be congratulated for how each week their professionalism shines through. Our new residents leave Danson House with the feeling that they have joined a new family – that of the United Kingdom.
Congratulations to all of our new citizens, to the wonderful team at Danson House and a special vote of thanks to our outgoing Bexley Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare and our outgoing Bexley Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rags Sandhu, who both brought very individual and personal perspectives to the ceremonies they officiated at. Both of their life journeys started many thousands of miles from the UK and both continue to serve the Borough in the most caring and professional manner.
70th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice – Korean War
Thursday 27 July 2023 marked the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice of what many still call the ‘forgotten war’ – The ‘Korean’ Conflict. Hostilities and tensions had built in Korea since the end of the second World War and fighting broke out in June 1950, when the North Koreans, backed by Russia and China, invaded South Korea, which was by then, an ally of the West. Along with troops from a range of countries, approximately 60,000 British combat troops took part in this war, many thousands of miles from their home lands. 1,106 British soldiers, along with 37,000 US service officers lost their lives, but Korean casualties, on both sides, were much higher.
Although an Armistice was signed in July 1953, hostilities have never formally ceased and to this day, flareups and difficulties are experienced along the border between North and South Korea. Most British citizens did not know where Korea was, when the war began and thought that the new war, so closely following on from the Second World War, would greatly impact on British territory, but that did not happen, hence the war not even being reported much in the UK media at the time.
The Royal British Legion, as always, ensure that this conflict, along with so many others, and with those who lost their lives, are always remembered. For a tale of absolute heroism in the face of very difficult circumstances and odds, the story of the ‘Glorious Gloucesters’, in this war will never fail to remind us of the bravery of our armed forces.
The Rep DL joined the Mayor, the Mayoress and veterans of the conflict, on 27 July 2023, to lay a wreath in honour of those who fought, were injured, or indeed lost their lives. The service was led, as always so well, by The Reverend Trevor Wyatt, Vicar at Christ Church, Bexleyheath and it was an honour for everyone to be there and simply remember – We will Remember Them.
Coronation of King Charles III Weekend – 6-8 May 2023
Following the sad news that Her Majesty The Queen had passed, all eyes began to focus on the weekend of Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May 2023 and the Coronation of our new King Charles III. As expected, the London Borough of Bexley did not disappoint in their support of the Coronation weekend and with almost 100 street parties planned, along with celebrations in the towns of Bexley, a wonderful weekend looked inevitable.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Rep DL (Mr David Easton) agreed to try and attend every street party and it was a very tall order. The weather did not play perfectly across the weekend, but nearly every street party received a visitor, including the local MPs visiting and joining in.
It was a wonderful sight with, quite literally, thousands of local residents taking part. Live music, rock and reggae bands, mountains of food, dressing up in uniforms, and tiaras, it truly was a magnificent weekend in the Borough. From Sidcup to Welling, to Thamesmead, to Erith, to Crayford, to Bexleyheath, Falconwood and Blendon & Penhill, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and DL joined in with the fun and celebrations. Cakes, judging best doggies, best costumes, in fact, almost best ‘everything’ competitions, along with presenting awards, medals and gifts to all children across Bexley. It was a weekend that, while exhausting to take part in, will remain a memory for everyone that took part. For many residents in the UK, this was their first experience of a Coronation celebration and Bexley certainly played its party for the new King. Here are just a few of the photos from the fabulous celebration weekend.
Visit to LB Bexley by Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş
The Borough of Bexley and the Representative DL, Mr David Easton, were once again very proud and honoured to receive a serving Ambassador to the United Kingdom recently. Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, accompanied by the Turkish Consul General, Mr Bekir Utku Atahan, visited Bexley in June, in honour of the Borough’s first newly-elected Turkish Mayor.
Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş has travelled far in his career, including working in Washington and Bucharest, but his early years, as a post-graduate student, were spent here in Britain. Ambassador Ertaş studied International Relations at Ankara University, graduating in 1996, and from there went on to gain his master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Sussex.
Ambassador Ertaş stood with the Mayor, and all of the other guests, as the Turkish National Anthem, ‘Istiklal Marsi’ (The Independence March) was played so superbly by young musicians from young musicians from Bexley Music under the leadership of their Head of School, Julie Stanning.
While at Bexley, the Ambassador met, among others, the local Old Bexley & Sidcup MP, Louie French, and members of the local Turkish communities, including the Mayor’s Chaplain, Hussain Hodja.
After refreshments, the local Rauf R Denktas Turkish School performed two readings for the Ambassador, which were very warmly received. The Mayor then thanked the Ambassador and VIP guests for visiting Bexley. The Mayor presented a plaque to the Ambassador on behalf of the Borough of Bexley. The Ambassador also spoke, very warmly about the welcome he had received at Bexley.
The Rep DL, Mr David Easton, welcomes the Turkish Ambassador to the Borough.
The Turkish Ambassador, Osman Koray Ertaş (third from right, with from left to right) Mrs Elmaz Dourmoush, Mayoress of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush and the Borough’s Rep DL, David Easton.
The Ambassador with senior officials from the London Borough of Bexley and community representatives.
Greek and Turkish Cypriot Faith Leaders join at Bexley’s Mayor-Making (May 2023)
At the Annual Council meeting in May, the Rep DL, Mr David Easton, met with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot Faith Leaders. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare, had chosen Fr Thomas Koutroukis to be his Chaplain for his Mayoral year, 2022/2023. When he handed over to the incoming Mayor, Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush, we had the privilege also of meeting his new Chaplain, Hussain Hodja Chaplain for 2023/2024. It was an honour to meet with them both and having worked with Fr Thomas throughout the past year, it was clear how much had been achieved for the various communities within the Borough. Everyone is now looking forward to working with Hussain Hodja and much is planned that will see all of Bexley’s communities working much closer together going forward.
Bexley Mayoral Chaplains Fr Thomas Koutroukis (left) & Hussain Hodja (right).
Mayor and Rep DL, Mr David Easton, present Outstanding Achievement Awards to crews at E28 Bexley & E40 Sidcup Fire Stations
The 19 July 2022 was a Tuesday and it followed the previous day, which had been the hottest day of the year so far – the temperatures had been soaring for days and on the 19th, one of the hottest ever recorded in the UK, the temperature reached over 40.3 degrees C, in Bexley.
E28 Bexley
On the morning of the 19th July 2022, after putting out two small wildfires near St Columbus School Bexleyheath, E281, Bexley’s Pump Ladder was mobilised to support a 30-pump wildfire in Upminster. The fire was declared ‘persons reported’ and ‘cylinders reported’ whilst en route – clearly a very dangerous situation.
Upon arrival, the size of the fire became apparent, with acres and acres of woodland alight, threatening surrounding properties and farms. Bexley’s crew were tasked with driving to a secluded part of the woodland and fighting a huge part of the fire with whatever means necessary. The fire had started to take a large selection of pine trees and flames were now some thirty feet high.
Due to brigade resources being stretched, because of many other large fires happening elsewhere in London, it was clear Bexley would have to deal with this fire for a period of time, on their own.
With limited water supplies and no radio communications, the crew managed to contain the high flames and stop them spreading to a nearby farm and trainline. This was achieved by the incredibly hard work of the crew, using a combination of water, beaters and creating fire breaks in the land, the whole time working in 40 degrees plus heat.
The crew worked some nine hours in those conditions that day, with little to no rest, to contain that fire as best they could. Without their hard work and dedication that day, much more land and farmers livelihood would have been lost.
E40 Sidcup
Sidcup’s crew were mobilised to multiple fields alight in East London at 1230hrs on that day. They were, quite literally, the only appliance available in London at the time of mobilisation and they spent five hours, single-handedly extinguishing multiple pockets of fires, in a 45 Hectare area – an area equivalent to about 65 football pitches.
On return to the station, they were further mobilised to a block of flats alight in Walthamstow. This was a real incident that became a six-pump fire, and would have been much more, but there were simply no more appliances available.
En-route to this incident, the crew were informed from their control that there were Fire Survival Guidance calls in progress. Every crew member wore BA, fighting the fires in the 1st,2nd and 3rd floor flats. They simply state that, fortunately no injuries or fatalities were experienced at the incident, but that does not tell the whole story. The crews did not return to station until past 9pm that evening.
On the day, these amazing people, who are part of the team that is the London Fire Brigade, just did their job. What they do not say is that they worked tirelessly, giving everything they had to ensure that Londoners everywhere were as safe as they possibly could be. Each and every one of these firefighters is worthy of the highest praise, not just for that fateful day in 2022, but for every single time they report for a shift. London firefighters are there for us 24/7, 365 days a year. For all firefighters across the UK, who simply did their job that fateful day in July 2022, it was just another day – it is what they have trained for, practised and visualised and when the question was asked of them, their answer and response was unequivocal.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the UK’s firefighters.
Bexley commemorates the first anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022 (February 2023)
The Rep DL was honoured to join the Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare, and Sidcup community representatives, in February to commemorate the first anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022. A very special service was held in St John The Evangelist Church, Sidcup, led by The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott. The church has been at the centre of local support for Ukrainian refugees, who are staying within the community, while their loved ones remain back in the Ukraine.
The church community has supported the refugees in so many ways, including providing accommodation to house the ‘Aid Relief’, which they send regularly down to Poland, in support of the humanitarian aid project there.
A Book of Commemoration, kept in the church, was prepared and written by Mr Barry Theobald-Hicks OStJ KCSG ADC FLS FRSA FSA(Scot). The beauty of the work can be seen in the photograph.
We were honoured to be joined by Mrs Sue Petty, Executive Director, Sidcup Partners.
The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Nick O’Hare (Centre) with (from left to right) Barry Theobald-Hicks, Rep DL, Dave Easton, Malcolm Jennings (Guest of the Mayor, and Mrs Sue Petty.
A copy of the transcription in the Book of Commemoration, relating to the memorial service.
Bexley welcomes the Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic of Greece, His Excellency Mr Ioannis Raptakis
Earlier this year, the Representative DL was honoured to greet the Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic of Greece, His Excellency Mr Ioannis Raptakis, on behalf of the Borough, when he visited the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Nick O’Hare.
After His Excellency had met with The Mayor and other officials from the Borough, everyone stood as the Greek National Anthem, The Hymn to Liberty, was played so superbly by young musicians from young musicians from Bexley Music, under the leadership of their Head of School, Julie Stanning.
An extremely respected and experienced Diplomat, Ambassador Raptakis has served as the Greek Consul General in Sydney, Australia (2004 – 2007), The Ambassador of Greece to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives (2012 – 2015), the Ambassador of Greece to Vietnam and Laos (2017 – 2019), Director for South Eastern Europe Countries (2019 – 2020) and since 2020 as the Ambassador of The Hellenic Republic of Greece to the UK. Ambassador Raptakis speaks many languages, including Greek, English, French, German, and Spanish.
While at Bexley, Ambassador Raptakis met, among others, the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive and members of Bexley’s Greek communities, including the Greek Community President, Mr Vasilis Tsimis and the Greek Community Priest, Father Thomas Koutoukis.
The Ambassador clearly enjoyed his visit to Bexley, the first by an Ambassador to the United Kingdom and he spent some while making friends with members of Bexley’s Greek Communities.
The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Bexley, David Easton, meets and welcomes the Ambassador
The Representative Deputy Lieutenant, David Easton, (Far left),with (from left to right) the Ambassador, Mr Iaonnis Raptakis, The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Nick O’Hare, and Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Simon Murrells JP DL
The Mayor of Bexley and the Rep DL joined Mrs Julie Stanning, Head Teacher, and the amazing musician students of Bexley Music.
Bexley celebrates the Platinum Jubilee with over 150 street parties
The Borough of Bexley took Her Majesty’s Jubilee celebrations to their hearts – and out on to the streets, between 2 to 5 June 2022. Over 150 streets, roads and cul-de -acs were blocked off with bunting, food, fun and people from every part of the Borough. It was a fantastic, busy and packed few days. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Leader of the Council and Deputy Lieutenant were on the road for almost four days, meeting and shaking hands with, quite literally, thousands of people.
They were asked to judge the ‘best cakes’, ‘best home made crown’, ‘classiest bunting’ and the DL’s favourite, ‘the street’s prettiest doggie’ (that was a tough one, as someone was always going to be upset!). But we all escaped unscathed, apart from the DL, who apparently got married to a local resident, who he had never met before, amidst the celebrations.
It really was just the best fun and everyone spoke about the ‘uniqueness’ of the moment and the fact that none of us attending the parties would ever see such a celebration again in the shape of a Platinum Jubilee.
The photographs are but a very small selection of the amazing spirit shown by Bexley’s residents and businesses over the first weekend of June 2022.
Royal Marine Keith Phillips – Killed on the Falkland Islands on 11 June 1982
Royal Marine Keith Phillips was a young man who was born and grew up in Crayford. He attended early school at Marvels Lane Junior School, followed by The South East London School.
As a youngster, Keith was an Army Cadet in Bexleyheath. Like many young teenagers in those days, Keith liked motorbikes, music, and football. He was the eldest of three boys, his younger brothers, twins Mark and Colin were born in South London in 1965.
He excelled as a young cadet in the Borough and when he was 18yo, he immediately signed up to join the Royal Marines as a Commando. It was less than two years later that he found himself travelling down to the Falklands, as part of the 45 Commando Battle Contingent, ordered there to retake the islands, following the invasion by Argentinian forces a few days earlier.
Tragically, as he was returning from a patrol in the battle zone with his unit, he died with three other Marines in an incident where they were mistaken for the enemy. Keith died just before the main assault on Two Sisters.
Keith is remembered on all of the main Falkland Islands war memorials, both in the UK and in the Falklands, but he also has a very special plaque dedicated to him in St Paulinus’ Church, Perry Street, Crayford.
The inscription there is on a clear diamond paned window with the Royal Marine Crest inserted into stained glass. The inscription beneath reads:
In memory of
Keith John Phillips
Killed in action in The Falkland Islands
11th June 1982
His final resting place is in Blue Beach Military Cemetery in Port San Carlos, Falkland Islands.
Laying a wreath in the colours of the Falklands war Medal ribbon, Dave Easton joined Keith’s childhood friends, Stuart Wilson and his brother, Col Clinton Reilly, Cllr Nigel Betts, who knew Keith as a young cadet, along with representatives of the Royal Marine Commandos, who served on the Falklands, alongside Keith. The Chairman of the City of London Royal Marines Association, Graeme Golightly, laid a wreath in memory of a very brave, young Bexley man, who died 40 years ago.
Beacon Lighting
What a day Thursday 2 June 2022 turned out to be? The weather was beautiful as the London Borough of Bexley lit 12 beacons across its entire breadth with thousands of people turning out in Welling, Thamesmead, Sidcup, Crayford, Bexleyheath and other parts of the borough to light a beacon to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Dave Easton, the Rep DL, joined Bexley’s new Mayor, Councillor Nick O’Hare at Danson House, in the centre of the borough to light two beacons, on queue at 9.45pm. Almost 400 residents sung along as the National Anthem played loudly across the park. The beacons were lit and a real party atmosphere across this part of London was underway, kicking of three days of street parties, fun and celebrations of our remarkable Queen.
Prayers for Ukraine – Sidcup works hard for the refugees
A very special event took place at St John’s Church, Sidcup, in May when the congregation welcomed some of the Borough’s Ukrainian visitors for a service of prayer for the nation of Ukraine and it’s people, wherever they might be across the world at this time.
Many of Bexley’s residents have opened their homes and their hearts to Ukrainians, who have fled to the UK for some safety and respite. Bexley’s DL joined the newly elected Mayor, Cllr Nick O’Hare and Louie French, MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup to meet with the Ukrainian families, offer them comfort, love and support and to pray with them for peace in their home lands. The over-riding message we heard was that they were so very grateful for all that the UK and Sidcup were doing for them, but how they longed to travel back home to be with their husbands, brothers and sons, who remain in the Ukraine, fighting for their survival.
What is clear in Sidcup also is that the Ukrainians have organised themselves, with help from the Vicar, The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott, along with the various congregations in Sidcup, to arrange for the many gifts of clothes and other items to be transported to the Ukraine. They are working hard themselves to look after each other, support their loved ones back home and take part in their temporary new homes.
It was a privilege to spend time with them all and our hope is that they may return home safely very soon.
Happy Birthday Your Majesty – From Bexley’s newest citizens
Thursday 21 April, the date of Her Majesty’s 96th birthday, was also the date of two very special Citizenship Ceremonies in the London Borough of Bexley. The Citizenship Ceremonies have been undertaken by Kent County Council, on behalf of LBB for almost 11 years now and the ceremonies are joyous and wonderful occasions to be at.
Normally, Bexley’s Mayor attends these ceremonies, but the honour of presenting the Citizenship Certificates to Bexley’s residents is often passed to the Borough’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant It is a true and deep honour to be asked to meet the residents in this way and they are clearly overjoyed to be involved in this ceremony. It means so much to them.
As the two ceremonies fell on the occasion of Her Majesty’s 96th birthday, both groups of citizens, along with the team at Danson House and Dave Easton, the Rep DL, agreed that they should get together to sing Happy Birthday to Her Majesty and wish her a very happy 96th birthday – in this, her Platinum Jubilee year on the throne.
The team at Danson House do such a wonderful job of the Citizenship Ceremonies and each occasion feels very personal and special.
A Thank you to the volunteers at Bexley’s vaccination centres
Bexley’s Rep DL, Dave Easton recently had the opportunity to join the Mayor, James Hunt, in thanking many of the volunteers that had spent much of the previous 16 months working at vaccination centres across Bexley. A wonderful tea party was organised by Bexley Voluntary Services Council to say thank you to over 70 local residents, who had donated over 9,000 hours of their time to ensure that Bexley’s residents were able to receive their vaccinations against Covid 19. The afternoon was a great success and there was much laughter, as the volunteers recalled their work on ‘the front line’. Bexley really does have a lot to say thank you for to these amazing people, many of whom have now moved on to volunteer in many other ways. Along the way, they have all clearly become good friends and everyone of them spoke as to how much they gained from undertaking this incredibly important role – Congratulations and well done to all volunteers across Bexley, London and the UK We are all very grateful to you. Thank you.
Dave Easton enjoyed a thoroughly wonderful afternoon hearing about the stories and experiences of the volunteers in Bexley
The volunteers that assisted across Bexley’s vaccination centres enjoy afternoon tea in the former library in Erith Town Centre
The Mayor, James Hunt, with Kate Shrager, who organises the BVSC volunteers in Bexley
Palm Sunday Service
A wonderful Palm Sunday service was organised in April 2022 by the Vicar, The Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott and her team at St John The Evangelist Church, Sidcup. The Mayor, local MP and the Rep DL were all invited to take part in a dramatic reading of the ‘Passion’. The story of the arrival of Jesus Christ in front of adoring crowds, within a week, of his crucifixion on the Cross, was also portrayed by members of the clergy and the congregation.
This very special service was made even more memorable, because we were joined by Ukrainian families now living in the borough. After the service, we shared a cup of tea, some amazing cakes (All of my events seem to end in cake!) and talked in great depth about the tragedy of what was happening in their homeland. Some of those we met have family and friends living in Mariupol, where so many sad stories are becoming known.
The service was a real success and featured a procession within and around the church. It is hoped and planned that we will all meet there again next year, hopefully to catch up again with our new Ukrainian friends from Sidcup’s community.
Bexley’s DL joined members of the congregation, the Mayor, local MP, Louie French and several Ukrainian families that attended the church on Palm Sunday, 2022.
Mayor, James Hunt, local MP, Louie French, Police Sgt Steve Watson and the Rep DL join members of the Ukrainian community, now living in Bexley, at the Palm Sunday Service, 2022.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s gift tree planted in honour of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne
On 6 February 2022, the Mayor of Bexley invited the Rep DL along to Hall Place, near Bexley, to take part in a very special tree-planting. That date marked the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne and it was important that the Borough recognised such a unique and important date in the nation’s history.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE had previously donated an oak sapling tree to the Mayor, late in 2021 and it was agreed that it should be planted as soon as possible – this was such that perfect occasion. So with many thanks to the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and Rep DL were joined by Borough MPs, The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett, his wife, Lady Marilyn Evennett, Louie French MP and the GLA London Assembly Member for Bexley & Bromley, Peter Fortune. We were also accompanied by Councillor David Leaf, the Council’s Deputy Leader.
Many guests and residents watched as the tree was planted. Among the guests attending were the past Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Bexley, Major David Hewer OBE TD DL and his wife, Mrs Diane Hewer and we were all delighted to meet up with them again.
The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, is assisted by the Rep DL to plant the tree that was donated by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
The Mayor was also joined by the Mayoress, Mrs Christine Hunt (far right) and Major David Hewer OBE TD DL and his wife, Mrs Diane Hewer
The Mayor, Rep DL and Flt Lt Kris Cottier were able to trace the tree that was planted in 2012, at Hall Place, for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee
The plaque that accompanies the tree that was planted in 2012, at Hall Place, for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee
The Mayor was clearly giving precise instructions to the Rep DL as to how he wanted the tree planted, as Sir David, Louie, Peter and Cllr Leaf watched closely. This truly was a lovely and happy occasion and although it commemorated the passing of King George VI, it also marked the day that Princess Elizabeth became Her Majesty The Queen.
Bexley’s Cadets and Cadet Leaders awarded by the Lord Lieutenant
Dave Easton JP DL, accompanied by The Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, joined the Lord Lieutenant and other DLs from across London recently to recognise and applaud the work of our Cadets and Cadet Leaders across the Capital. This was a very special awards evening, organised by the Reserve Forces and Cadet’s Association for Greater London where a host of well-deserved awards were presented by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Lord Lieutenant, Greater London.
Once again, the Borough of Bexley was well represented in the awards list and there were lots of cheers and applause as the following awards were presented to our very own Bexley winners:
Meritorious Service to London’s Cadets
Chaplain (SCC) Dlive Jones RNR, Bexley & Lewisham Unit Sea Cadets
Certificate of Commendation for Adult Instructor to London’s Cadet Movement
Sgt Paul Nasskau, 359 (Bexleyheath Squadron, Kent Wing, RAF Cadets)
Most Outstanding Army Cadet Force Detachment Commander
Sergeant Major Instructor Debbie Goodall, 106 Cadet Detachment, SE London Army Cadet Force
Army Cadet Force Citizenship Award
109 (Royal Artillery) Cadet Detachment, SE London Army Cadet Force.
Raising the Pride Flag in Bexley – LGBT History Month
Bexley’s Rep DL was delighted to be invited to join the Borough’s Mayor, Chief Executive and other councillors and officers on 1 February 2022 to stand in support of the Council’s LGBTQ+ group, as they raised a very special flag at the Civic Offices.
Tuesday 1 February 2022 marked the beginning of LGBT History Month in the UK. The group donated a new Progress Pride Flag to the borough and this was raised in Bexleyheath on that date to mark the start of a month of working and learning together about each other. The flag was designed to place a greater emphasis on ‘inclusion and progression’. Bexley’s community is an umbrella of all different kinds of people and that is what makes it and London such a special place to live. The flag aims to capture the differences and uniqueness of all people and that brings with it a unique and powerful message of togetherness.
Crayford plants a tree to honour Her Majesty The Queen
Bexley’s Rep DL, Dave Easton, was honoured to be asked to plant a tree on 6 February 2022, to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. This date marks the passing of her father, King George VI and the date that Her Majesty became Queen. Dave was proud to join Bexleyheath & Crayford’s MP, The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett and Lady Marilyn Evennett to meet Crayford’s local residents.
On 23 July 2019, Prince Michael of Kent visited Crayford on a beautifully hot and sunny day, where he unveiled a most amazing bench and witnessed the artwork, completed by local school children, that remembered the famous flight across the Atlantic by Alcock & Brown – a project with its roots firmly seated in Crayford. The tree planting in Crayford in February was organised by the Alcock & Brown Project Group, who had masterminded the whole project and visit back in 2019. Led by two amazing, local ladies – Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis and Janet Hearn-Gillham, and so very well supported by their husbands, Peter Lucia-Hennis and David Gillham, they were the brains, the engine room and the driving force behind all of the wonderful events that took place in Crayford Town Centre. They could be seen working, sometimes very late at night, or early in the morning, preparing, fixing, mending and cleaning, to ensure that Crayford looked as good as it did in July 2019. They truly are an inspirational and wonderful group of Bexley and Crayford residents.
Local residents and cadet units stood once again in February in the centre of Crayford in February to honour and show their love and respect for our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth.
The borough has a rich history of celebrating our Royal Family in this part of Bexley, with trees being planted by Princess Marina, The Duke of Gloucester and of course, when The Duke of Kent also visited Hall Place, where his tree stands and grows proudly.
The Project Group were keen to plant a tree as a perfectly fitting and acceptable way of honouring Her Majesty and the unique service she has given to her people and our country. Funds from the Alcock & Brown project Group made February’s event possible.
Bexley’s DL with Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis and Janet Hearn-Gillham, their family and friends, who have been paramount in organising the work of the Alcock & Brown Project Group
Bexley’s DL with Sir David Evennett MP, and many of the local residents, groups and cadets that joined them on 6 February to mark this lovely event
Bexley’s DL with Flt Lt Kris Cottier, who, along with his wife Clare, has worked hard for many years with RAF Cadets in the Borough of Bexley. Kris is really very well known, particularly in the Welling area of the borough and has been a keen supporter of Bexley’s Mayoralty, being the person everyone goes to for help and advice with Bexley’s Air Cadets
The beautiful stone and plaque that now sits proudly in the Waterside Gardens, Crayford, along with the tree planted on 6 February
Bexley welcomes our Nation’s new British Citizens
It is a huge privilege and honour to be able to welcome our nation’s new British Citizens. To receive their British Citizenship, each applicant has to engage in a process that can take them many years and they face challenges along the way of learning to adapt to and living in a foreign country, often without the support of close family. But, undeterred, these amazing people apply themselves and do whatever is necessary, in order that they can adopt the British way of life as their own. The ceremonies are always emotional, happy and fun events, ending in their much prized ‘Certificate of Naturalisation’ being presented to them by the borough’s Mayor, or Representative Deputy Lieutenant. Photographs are a must and there are lots taken at every ceremony. The pride and pleasure shown by each new citizen is almost tangible and the fellowship continues after the event over a tea, or coffee and always cake. Citizenship Ceremonies are a joy to attend and be a part of.
Dave Easton welcomes new citizens to the borough in Danson House, Danson Park.
Helena Mrozek from France wore the most amazing Union Flag facemask when she received her British Citizenship in December
The Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt and Bexley’s Deputy Lieutenant travelled up to Hyde Park in November to meet with the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE and all of London’s other Mayors. The purpose of the visit was to receive a gift of a sapling oak tree, that had been purchased personally by Sir Kenneth, as a gift to each London borough. This gift is to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.
The aim of the Queen’s Green Canopy is to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’. More information about this wonderful initiative can be accessed at: The Queen’s Green Canopy (queensgreencanopy.org)
The Lord Lieutenant is joined by London’s Mayors on a beautifully sunny November day in Hyde Park
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow – The Mayor receives the sapling oak tree from the Lord Lieutenant
In November, the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt and the Representative Deputy Lieutenant attended the Annual Service of Remembrance in Bexleyheath, in memory of all those who have been affected by war and lost their lives since 1914. When that event had finished, the Mayor and the DL toured the borough, visiting individual war memorials and privately laying a wreath. These very quiet and personal visits have become a tradition in itself here in Bexley now and it provides an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving and personal prayer on behalf of all Bexley’s residents that have given so much in times of war.
The War Memorial at Callender’s Cables & Construction Co Ltd, Lower Belvedere
The War Memorial in Danson Park, which sits in memory of those who served and lost their lives as prisoners of war in the Far East, during the Second World War
The War Memorial, situated in a wood in Bexley, that remembers the boys from the 1st Bexleyheath Scout Group that gave their lives during both World Wars
Four amazing young people from the Northumberland Heath Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association were the very proud recipients recently of the Association’s Queen’s Badge and certificate. A packed church witnessed each young person receive their award from the Borough’s Deputy Lieutenant and everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Carol Service. The lovely evening was rounded up when everyone enjoyed a drink a slice of that cake.
Charlie Newnham receives his Queen’s Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association Certificate and Badge from Dave Easton
Nellie Silver receives her Queen’s Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association Certificate and Badge from Dave Easton
Sophie White receives her Queen’s Boy’s Brigade & Girls Association Certificate and Badge from Dave Easton
Charlie, Nellie and Sophie proudly showing of the cake that had been specially prepared for the occasion. Sadly, another BB colleague, Lily, could not be at the presentation event.
In September, the Lord Lieutenant held the annual Lord Lieutenant’s and Greater London RFCA Awards Ceremony in Central London. The borough’s Deputy Lieutenant, joined by Councillor Nigel Betts, who is Bexley’s Armed Forces Representative, and also the SSAFA rep (The Armed Forces Charity) in the borough, attended the event and witnessed awards being presented to some of London’s most amazing Cadet Association personnel.
Two of Bexley’s young officers received awards at the event.
2Lt Jay Russell, 107 Cadet Detachment ACF Bexleyheath was there in person to receive his award “in recognition of outstanding service to the Army Cadet Force as a Detachment Commander 2020”.
Signaller Glenn Buckett, 71 Yeomanry Signal Regiment Bexleyheath, was not able to attend the event. Glenn was awarded ‘Volunteer Reservist of the year 2020 Runner-up’. Glenn’s citation read: The award is given to the individual whose outstanding achievement in any military field over the previous 12 months have not been recognised by any other award. Glenn’s award was received on his behalf by a colleague officer.
2Lt Jay Russell and his colleague with their awards. Also pictured are the borough’s Deputy Lieutenant and Councillor Nigel Betts.
Bexley’s Rep DL was delighted to accept an invitation to visit 106ACF at one of their get-together nights recently, in Sidcup. Dave was made to feel very welcome and he enjoyed meeting and watching the cadets undertake drill training, as well as some more ‘fun’ and serious events, It was clear, as Dave spoke with all of the cadets that the ACF is a youth organisation that welcomes everyone, all ages up to 18yo and there is a role for everyone. The cadets looked amazing in their uniforms and it was clear that they were proud to be there, hosting Dave and Bexley’s Mayor. Dave was able to present a Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificate to SSgt Louis Clark and other awards to several of the cadets.
Dave Easton presents the Deputy Lieutenant’s Certificate to Staff Cadet SSgt Louis Clark.
Presenting the prestigious DOE Gold Award to Cadet Instructor Jordan Farrelly. Having now reached the age of leaving the ACF as a cadet, Jordan has now returned as an adult instructor.
A group of five cadets administered first aid to an elderly gentleman, who had fell and broken his ankle. Each cadet received a certificate to congratulate them on their fantastic response.
Among the cadets that Dave Easton met was Savanah Senior. Savanah is a fairly new cadet, but is thoroughly enjoying her new-found role in the ACF.
The 2020 Best Royal Signals Cadet Detachment Award
Saturday 26 June 2021 was a very important date for 107 Detachment, GLSE Sector Army Cadet Force. Not simply because it was Armed Forces Day 2021, but it was the date when they were presented with the most prestigious of awards – Best Royal Signals Cadet Detachment in the UK 2020.
2Lt Jay Russell and his young cadets were presented with a certificate, a plaque for their wall in the barracks and a model of ‘Jimmy’ – Mercury, the Roman God of Communications, which is the primary role of the Royal Signals.
2020 was a tough year for our nation’s young people in particular, but over 50 cadet force detachments went online and undertook some 20 difficult challenges throughout the year – sword drill, bake-offs and even building their own ‘jimmy’ at home!
The judges commented: ““We were astounded by the variety, quality and immense amount of training that has been achieved, despite the challenges of COVID-19 over half of the training year. The creativity and commitment in delivering virtual training by so many cadet detachments was inspirational. “We were also taken aback by the achievements of the cadets as individuals and their amazing commitment and resilience during such a testing year.”
It was a real honour and privilege for Bexley’s Representative DL, Dave Easton, who joined Bexley’s Mayor, James Hunt and The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett MP and the Council Leader, Teresa O’Neill, to meet and congratulate Jay Russell and the young people of Bexley, who are under his leadership.
The highlight of the morning for everyone attending was the screening of a very special message that the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE had prepared and recorded especially for the occasion. At the end of Sir Kenneth’s message, he invited Cadet Ziggy Ajibode to march forward and raise the new Corps of Royal Signals flag, which had been presented to the detachment on that day.
The Mayor of Bexley congratulates the young Cadets of 107 ACF
The plaque, certificate and the model of ‘jimmy’, which forms the basis of the regiment’s cap badge
The Mayor of Bexley presents the plaue for best ACF Detachment to 2Lt Jay Russell
107 ACF’s cadets with 2Lt Jay Russell and their detachment Sgt (Holding the model of (Jmmy’)
A close-up of the certificate that was presented by the Mayor to 2Lt Jay Russell
Raising the Flag for Armed Forces Day
Bexley’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, joined the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor James Hunt, and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Teresa O’Neill, on Monday 21 June 2021, to raise a flag, denoting the start of Armed Forces Week 2021.
The annual event takes place across the Capital and culminates in Armed Forces Day, this year on Saturday 26 June. It is a wonderful opportunity for Bexley and the rest of the UK to recognise and to say thank you to all of our armed service communities and our veterans, for their service to our nation.
While the numbers attending had to be reduced this year, the event was incredibly well supported, including attendance from Borough’s MPs, Sir David Evennett and James Brokenshire. The local Fire Borough Commander and representatives from Bexleyheath Police also attended, to say thank you to the Royal British Legion and Veteran attendees.
The short service of thanks was led by The Reverend Mark Blakely, who is the current Mayor’s Chaplain.
The Armed Forces Day flag can be seen flying on the flagpole furthest to the left of the photograph.
One minute silence for HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
Bexley’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Dave Easton, joined the Mayor and MPs from across the borough on Saturday 17 April to stand in silence outside the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath, in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, whose funeral service was being held at Windsor Castle at that time.
(From left to right: Councillor Teresa O’Neill, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, The Right Honourable Sir David Evennett MP for Bexleyheath & Crayford, Councillor James Hunt, Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley 2020/2021, Dave Easton JP DL, The Right Honourable James Brokenshire MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup & Minister for Security, and the Borough’s Macebearer, Mr Paul Holloway).
The Mayor said: “It is so important that we remember and recognise the wonderful and fun experiences that thousands of Bexley’s young people have benefitted from by taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. He personally created and promoted the activities, remaining close to the ethos and organisation of the scheme, even after he formally retired from public service.
We remember, with great fondness, his visit to the former Civic Offices and Bexleyheath town centre on 13 March 1984.
His loss will be felt deeply, not just by his family and the people of the United Kingdom, but across the Commonwealth and around the world.”
On Tuesday 15 September 2020, Dave Easton, Representative Deputy Lieutenant, LB Bexley, joined the Mayor of Bexley and other dignitaries, outside the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath, to commemorate Battle of Britain Day 2020.
It was a warm, bright and dry day, much as it was back in September 1940 and the sounds of an air-raid warning were once again, sounded over the borough, along with the iconic music of Dame Vera Lynn and the sound of a Spitfire.
Dave spoke about the attack on Buckingham Palace that was averted by a brave fighter pilot, who used his Hurricane aircraft to, quite literally, barge the enemy plane, which was aiming directly for the Royal residence. The pilot’s brave actions saved the palace from further damage and the scene was recreated in the film, The Battle of Britain.
The RAF Ensign was hoisted and flew throughout the week of commemorations.
On Saturday 15 August 2020, Dave Easton, Representative Deputy Lieutenant, LB Bexley, joined the Mayor of Bexley and Borough representatives in Danson Park, to commemorate VJ Day 2020.
In the centre of the park is a simple, but poignant memorial to the Far East Prisoner of War Association (London). The stone memorial, along with a cluster of 21 oak trees, was placed there on 21 November 1985, by a former Councillor of the borough, Alec Pease, who was himself a prisoner of the Japanese Army in Burma.
The two stars that sit on top of the memorial are actually cast from the medals that were awarded to Alec. His son, Edward Pease, attended the event and laid a wreath on behalf of all Prisoners of War in the Far East.
Dave spoke about the wartime experiences of his father, Charlie Easton, who was himself captured by the Japanese Army in Burma.
Bexley’s representative Deputy Lieutenant, Major David Hewer OBE TD D, and the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis, planting a tree to celebrate National Tree Planting Week 2019.
The Lord Lieutenant, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, CStJ, FRSA, FBCS, encouraged the borough’s Deputy Lieutenants to plant a tree during this year’s event. Major Hewer contacted the Council and a decision was taken to plant a Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica Glauca) in the grounds of the beautiful Danson House in Danson Park, Bexley. The tree was placed very close to where the Lord Lieutenant himself planted a tree in 2018.
Set overlooking the award-winning Danson Park, Danson House is a Grade I listed Palladian villa, It was officially re-opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in July 2005. Built by Sir John Boyd in 1766 for his second wife Catherine Chapone, Danson House was originally designed by architect Sir Robert Taylor (who was also the architect of the Bank of England). In the twentieth century, the house fell into an almost ruinous state. In 1995 English Heritage identified the house as ‘the most significant building at risk in London’, signalling the start of a decade of restoration. In 2005 the restored interior opened to the public for the first time in thirty years.
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Trio of Bexley Organisations win Faith Award
Bexley’s winners are Basics of Sikhi Sunday Katha in the Inspiring Youth category; Bexley Interfaith Forum in the Interfaith Relations section; and part of the Promoting Inclusion winners is the Yog Foundation. Their work was celebrated at the London Faith and Belief Community Awards ceremony on November 26 at the Royal Society of Medicine.
The Faith and Belief Forum is an interfaith organisation, supported by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith.
