Wednesday evening (15th January 2025) saw the first Bromley BuzzUp community networking event of 2025, and it got off to a great start. The whole point of Buzz Ups is to bring communities together, a sentiment echoed by Sumeet Jalan with his annual Diwali celebration party. This Buzz Up continues in that theme. Events kicked off as usual, with an icebreaker. Given our hosts were Biggin Hill, it’s unsurprising that the task set to attendees was to make a paper aeroplane! Prizes were awarded for winning Best Looking Plane and (Adrian) for Farthest Flight.
Our guest speakers were Councillor Thomas Turrell, London Assembly Member for Bromley and Bexley, who spoke of his mission to bring better bus routes to the rural communities of Bromley; Lorna, Jemima and Janice from the Churchill Theatre, who also furnished us with some fun facts about the building – did you know, original plans included a swimming pool in the basement? John-Paul from Men in Sheds highlighted how essential it is to us all to feel we are part of a community, and Dave Griffiths, who kept attendees in giggles, regaling us with tales of the Chelsfield Annual Fair and its air show. It’s remarkable how an enthusiast with a ‘bonkers’ idea to get an aeroplane along to a quiet village show can make it happen. Apparently, it works like this: go to the village pub, wait ‘til everyone’s had a few drinks, hit them with a bonkers idea, get them to commit – and then in the morning, it’s too late to back out! With such tactics, the air show now regularly includes a flyby by a Spitfire from our very own Biggin Hill.
Our thanks go to our sponsors, the Shampan Group for providing the delectable finger food, sponsor Ian Wood Properties, Lee Thomas from the Fairlight Group, Devonshire and Newman Co-Working Space for his ongoing support, and Biggin Hill Airport for their hospitality.
The next Buzz Up will be held on the 11th of February at The Old Town Hall in Bromley town centre… come and be part of all the communities of Bromley Borough! Reserve your (free) spot at Ticket Tailor – link to follow shortly.
Sarah Marsh-Collings, 16 January 2025
Bromley Buzz 