Latest news with #BigginHill
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
The award-winning Bromley parks for you to explore this summer
With summer here and the longer days inviting us outside, Bromley offers some of the capital's most beautiful green spaces. These Green Flag Award-winning parks are nationally recognised for their quality, upkeep, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you want a quiet stroll, a family picnic, or somewhere to enjoy nature, Bromley's parks have it all. Here's a guide to the borough's Green Flag parks to visit this summer. Queens Gardens Queens Gardens is a charming green space in the town centre, loved by locals and visitors. The park features beautifully maintained flower beds, shaded seating areas, and a large playground for children. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a lunch break or afternoon rest during a busy day of shopping. Queens Gardens' Green Flag status highlights its excellent management and community appeal. Biggin Hill Recreation Ground Biggin Hill Recreation Ground offers a vast open space perfect for sports, family outings, and summer games. It includes well-kept sports pitches, children's play areas, and picnic spots surrounded by mature trees. The park is a hub for local sports clubs and community events throughout the warmer months. Its Green Flag Award reflects the ongoing investment in facilities and grounds maintenance. Darrick and Newstead Woods For those seeking a more natural escape, Darrick and Newstead Woods provide tranquil woodland trails and rich wildlife habitats. These ancient woodlands are a haven for walkers, runners, and nature enthusiasts. The paths wind through dense trees and alongside streams, offering a refreshing retreat from the bustling London life. Darrick and Newstead Woods were recognised for the care taken to preserve this special environment and support biodiversity. Chislehurst and St Paul's Cray Commons This large green space combines open grassland, ponds, and wooded areas, ideal for long summer walks or birdwatching. The Commons have a long history and are cherished for their varied landscapes and peaceful corners. Visitors can enjoy informal sports, fishing, or simply relaxing in nature. Their Green Flag Award confirms their status as a treasured community asset. Chislehurst Recreation Ground Chislehurst Recreation Ground is a popular local park featuring sports facilities, playgrounds, and well-maintained gardens. It's often buzzing with activity, from children playing to organised sports matches. The space also includes peaceful lawns and benches for those who want to unwind. Chislehurst Recreation Ground was recognised for its high standards of maintenance and strong community use. Hayes Common Hayes Common is an expansive area of grassland and scattered woodland, popular with dog walkers and picnickers. The common is prized for its open skies and natural beauty, offering a sense of space rarely found so close to London's suburbs. It's an ideal spot to soak up the summer sun or take a leisurely walk. The Green Flag status recognises the ongoing efforts to protect this open space for future generations. Keston Common Keston Common is a peaceful nature reserve with heathland, woodland, and ponds. It's a hotspot for local wildlife, including rare birds and insects, making it perfect for nature lovers and families alike. Paths are easy to follow and offer a quiet, scenic setting for walking or cycling. South Hill Woods South Hill Woods is a wooded park with winding trails and diverse tree species. It's a great place for a shady walk or spotting local wildlife. The woods connect to nearby green spaces, offering options for longer hikes or quiet reflection. The Green Flag recognition celebrates the careful stewardship of this natural resource. Winsford Gardens Winsford Gardens is a small but well-loved local park featuring flowerbeds, lawns, and a playground. It's a community hub, often hosting events and family-friendly activities in the summer. The park's tidy appearance and friendly vibe make it a favourite for nearby residents. Its Green Flag Award highlights its value as a well-cared-for urban green space. If you're staying local this summer, these parks offer everything from sweeping countryside to restored urban greenery, all of which are recognised as the best-kept in the country.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Biggin Hill cyclist aims to take on gruelling Mount Everest-sized challenge
A cyclist is taking on a gruelling 24-hour challenge to raise funds for a new cancer support centre. Biggin Hill resident Paul Clark will ride up Stock Hill 240 times in a single day to support The Chartwell Cancer Trust's plans for a new Cancer Information Centre at the Princess Royal University Hospital's Chartwell Unit in Farnborough. The climb totals more than 12,000 metres of elevation—higher than Mount Everest—and aims to raise £24,000 for the centre, which will offer vital support and information to cancer patients and their families. Mr Clark said: "This is more than just a physical test; it is about making a real difference for those facing cancer." His challenge will begin at 9am on June 21, 2025, and will continue through to 9am the following day. He has committed to riding through the night, regardless of when he reaches his target, to complete the full 24 hours. Supporters and volunteers will be on hand to cheer him on and collect donations, and the community is encouraged to come out and show their support. Donations can be made at Michael Douglas, senior trustee of The Chartwell Cancer Trust, said: "We urgently need more spaces where people affected by cancer can turn for support. "The new centre will be a place of comfort, advice, and care when people need it most. "We hope Biggin Hill will come out in force to support Paul. "Every cheer, every donation, will help build something truly meaningful for local families affected by cancer." Mr Clark is already receiving backing from businesses and residents, with sponsorship opportunities still available.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Secret surprisingly scenic side of Bromley and Biggin Hill revealed in viral TikTok
A man recently took a ride on the 320 bus and shared his experience in a TikTok video, revealing a surprisingly scenic side of Bromley and Biggin Hill that many Londoners might not know about. The 320-bus route runs between Catford and Biggin Hill, though the video's creator took a trip between Bromley and Biggin Hill – 'a core south east London route'. The video now has 11.5k likes with those in the comments recommending other beautiful local bus routes. LondonHiddenGems says in his video: 'I can't lie, 320 might be one of the most scenic bus routes in London. 'This is the only bus that I know that cuts through valleys. These are green valleys. These are mini mountains.' He describes the route as 'really a lovely route south of Bromley.' He explains: 'When you get to like, south of Bromley and go through like Bromley Common, Keston, into Biggin Hill, then Biggin Hill Valley, oh my gosh. 'You have to appreciate nature to another level.' Along this stretch, the scenery changes dramatically and he shows off the scenery in the video. READ MORE: He adds: 'You're cutting through rainforests. You're cutting through woodlands, bro, like trees on both sides of the road, no pavement. He describes emerging from the woodland into the open valley, saying, 'You leave the woodlands, and then you just emerge into Biggin Hill with all these beautiful valleys, bro, at sunset, when the golden sun is just christening up on the land. Oh, it is so beautiful.' The beauty of the route made such an impression that he rode the journey twice in one day. He says: 'I did it twice. I went to the end of Biggin Hill, got off, went back over, I went and did it again, bro.' For those who enjoy bus rides, this route comes highly recommended. 'This is actually one I recommend people to do at least once. 'You can get off at Biggin Hill, watch planes go on by, and it's generally lit.' Though the area doesn't offer much in the way of cafés or shops, the natural surroundings more than compensate. He explains: 'The whole area is really nice. There really isn't much to it. Might be one or two cafes, but generally speaking, nice area, bit in nature, but beautiful valleys for sure. 'This is one route you have to try if you are in south east London.' He ends with a promise to return, inviting locals to suggest good food spots for his next visit. He says: 'If you are from Biggin Hill, let me know if there's any nice food spots to kind of go and eat at the next time I'm here, because, trust me, I'll be back. Because that sunset view in Biggin Hill…'
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
I'm a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I'm also training to be a PILOT
WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot. And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow's play-off final against Leyton Orient - before landing a place in the Championship. 3 The 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo. Mannion told SunSport: "I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn't work but thankfully it did. "Now it's something I want to do after football. I'm going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years. "I've been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I've got a fair way to go yet. "When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you! "It's hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky! "It's intuitive when you're up there with the controls. "It's not as scary as people think. It's fun, especially when taking off and landing. "Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong. "But I'm never frightened, you just have to know what you're doing. Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory "The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn't too far away so will probably fly out of there." Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out. And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over. He added: "The next stage for me is to go out solo. I've got to do around 45 hours to get my licence. "The great thing is it's not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn't work but thankfully it did. Will Mannion "There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off. "But that is only the first stage. "There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet. "At this stage I don't know how far I'd go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!" Back on the ground, Charlton have the chance to return to the Championship after five years stuck in League One. Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final - having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season. Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge. He said: "To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive. "It's not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final. It will be surreal but it's just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it. Mannion on Wembley "The clean sheets aren't just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we're a high-pressing team. "That transcends throughout the team. "The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They've limited what I've had to do to a minimum." Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards. He was a young pro at Hull - rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson - after being signed by Steve Bruce. He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home. 3 He said: "It was during the Covid spell. I couldn't even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go. "As a life experience it was good to see a different culture - although on the football side I didn't get a lot of opportunities.' A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks. Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching Crystal Palace beat Watford in the 2013 Championship play-off final and the 2009 FA Cup final when Chelsea saw off Everton 2-1. He said: "It's one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there. "It will be surreal but it's just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it. "We've one more game to achieve what we set out to do - win promotion."
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Battle of Britain heroes' hut demolished
A wooden hut used by Battle of Britain heroes during the Second World War has been demolished. Biggin Hill airport bosses knocked down the 1940's building and arranged for some of its parts to be exported to the United States, despite Bromley council chiefs refusing to give permission. Known as the Dispersal Hut, the wooden building was thought to be one of just two original structures at the airport dating back to the Battle of Britain. Prof Jeremy Black, author of World War Two in 100 Maps, described the demolition as 'deeply depressing'. 'It is a valuable and valued testimony to our nation's greatest moment of bravery and fortitude in the face of deadly peril,' he said. 'That this happens when that heroic generation is passing away casts a dark shadow over our present.' Now the council has threatened to evict Biggin Hill's bosses, who have promised to rebuild the structure. The airport, which is about 15 miles south-east of London, was a front-line Royal Air Force (RAF) station during the Second World War and played a pivotal role in the capital's defence. Place to unwind Squadrons of Spitfires and Hurricanes based there were part of RAF Fighter Command's successful defeat of Nazi Germany's attempts to bomb Britain into submission during 1940. Fighter aces such as Group Captain Brian Kingcome used the hut to unwind between sorties defending London against hordes of German bombers. The demolition of the Dispersal Hut took place 'during Armistice Week in November, ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year', a Bromley council spokesman said. High Court filings revealed that Biggin Hill Airport Ltd filed for relief against forfeiture – a legal challenge against eviction – in March this year. Bromley council owns the airport's freehold, with a 125-year lease having been granted to the company in 1994. Today the airport is home to a number of private business jet operators and the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, which offers passenger rides in a selection of Second World War fighter aircraft. A Bromley council spokesperson said: 'The council took legal action following the demolition of a building of historic importance by our tenant. The airport is home to invaluable heritage connected to the Battle of Britain. 'When it quickly became clear that the historic building was no longer in situ and parts were being prepared for export to the USA, the council had to act quickly to protect the position.' Biggin Hill bosses have pledged to rebuild the hut by 'reusing materials from the dismantled structures' following a public outcry over its destruction. Legal proceedings A spokesman for the airport said: 'Sections of the hut were to be sympathetically restored and displayed to the public at RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel, Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar and a non-profit heritage foundation in the US. 'Legal proceedings could have easily been avoided or ended at any time by the council if they had responded to any of the airport's proposals for resolution over the past months. Amicable resolution has always been the airport's preference,' continued the spokesman. 'We remain deeply disappointed by the conduct of Bromley council and the needless waste of money and resources required by both parties for these legal proceedings.' Biggin Hill was a major headquarters for RAF Fighter Command's 11 Group, the formation that spearheaded the nation's aerial defences during the Battle of Britain. Those who fought during the summer of 1940 battle have been immortalised in British history as The Few, after Sir Winston Churchill used the phrase to describe them in the House of Commons. The last surviving member of The Few, Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, DFC, passed away in March this year.
