Over 130 Events, a Dozen Locations, 10 Years of So Last Century
Over 130 Events, a Dozen Locations, 10 Years of So Last Century
This May at the Mansion sees a So Last Century double, with the vintage fair returning on each of the upcoming bank holidays. Plus, 2026 marks SLC’s 10th year, so what better time to speak with founder, Alan Old about the past decade of So Last Century.
Alan’s connection to all things vintage began during his time training and working as an architect, refurbishing large houses and apartments in central London. Around 15 years ago Alan shifted towards antiques, becoming a dealer around Beckenham and Crystal Palace. And so the seeds for So Last Century were sown.
Much like his refurbishment work, Alan treated each event as its own project and began to see similarities, “visualising, planning, scheduling and communicating were all skills that transferred over.”
So Last Century began in Beckenham in 2015 at a time when there were only a handful of pop-up vintage markets running in London. “South East London seemed to be lacking, so we decided it was time to bring a slice of the action here!”
With the Mansion re-opening its doors in 2016 - the timing seemed too good to be true. “As soon as I heard the news, I didn't waste time getting in touch for a look around.” For Alan it was a great fit to be hosting vintage markets in such a historic building, “it's such a focal point - a magnet for people and activities.”
Since then, public interest in buying second-hand, well-made items has continued to grow - “awareness of climate change and exploitation, along with global uncertainty, have all had effects.” For Alan, the look and feel of the Mansion fits this aesthetic perfectly. “I love that it hasn't been restored, instead retaining a rather romantic, jaded appearance that's full of character and traces of the passage of time.”
Alan’s personal interest is in furniture and interior design from the 50s through to the 90s and this forms the base of what the traders at So Last Century offer. From there he always ensures that there is a broad and balanced range at every market. “That way, you should be able to find something you want (and something you never expected to want!).”
A lot of the traders at So Last Century have been working with Alan for years, and like Alan many, have pivoted into buying and selling vintage items after working in creative fields. “What they all have in common is a knowledge of and enthusiasm for what they specialise in, as well as the ability to create the most amazing displays.”
After organising more than 130 events at a dozen different locations, what keeps Alan motivated to keep So Last Century going? “I'm continually fascinated by the transitory nature of the events; the imagined picture during planning, the blank canvas on the morning of the market, watching it bursting into life, flowering, and then melting back into an empty space again - I hope I'm lucky enough to keep them coming back to the Mansion for a few more years yet.”
As the relationship between the Mansion and So Last Century enters into its 10th year, we’re very excited to continue to see the much-loved vintage market grow and morph - starting with the double bill this May!
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As well as holding markets at the Mansion, So Last Century currently pops up twice a year at St Dunstan's College in Catford, Goldsmiths University in New Cross and at Dulwich Picture Gallery. This year, they're also holding monthly markets at Merton Abbey Mills in south Wimbledon, from May until September.
You can follow So Last Century on Instagram here, and keep up to date with all their future events.
The next So Last Century dates at the Mansion are: Monday 4th May & Monday 25th May, 10am - 5pm.
Mansion Open Doors: Sustainable September with Wasteless Market
Capping off our summer series of Open Doors events will be a very special day marking this year’s Sustainable September. We’ll be welcoming back Wasteless Market for the first time since 2021 and they’ll be bringing a whole range of eco-focused businesses and organisations with them.
The Mansion is also home year-round to a host of small businesses who have sustainability at their core - they will also be joining in on the fun on Sunday 7th September. We spoke to Lis from Wasteless Market, plus our resident business owners, Jane from Know How You Sewing School and Louise from Upcycled Upholstery about the background to their work, the importance of sustainability and what you can expect at this special Open Doors day at the Mansion.
Why is sustainability so important to you?
Lis: I grew up with the idea that we should leave our surroundings in a better state than we found them, maybe being a Brownie Guide started me off on that journey! Now we are seeing the effects of climate change, loss of biodiversity and plastic pollution across the world and it’s made me even more determined to do my part to combat these threats.
Jane: For me sustainability is all about helping to build a circular economy where resources are valued and kept in use longer. This in turn supports community resilience, cost savings, and a healthier environment for current and future generations.
Louise: On top of all the important environmental factors that the other two have mentioned, I have always been thrifty and a little obsessed by the second-hand marketplace. From trawling second-hand charity shops as a teenager, to making an upcycled corset from my dad’s unworn shirt collars when I was at school, or upcycling tin cans to make candles at my first market in Greenwich back in the early 2000s.
How does sustainability feed into your business?
Jane: Know How You Sewing School was established in 2015 and has been based at the Mansion in Beckenham Place Park since 2017. Sustainability is at the core of who we are. It guides every choice we make, from how we teach and run our classes to the materials we use.
Louise: After a buying career in the fashion industry, I found there was limited choice available for affordable, sustainable and purposeful products within homeware and so I re-trained in Upholstery at Shoreditch Design Rooms in 2017. Sustainability is the founding principle on which Upcycled Upholstery was born.
Lis: Wasteless Market was the brainchild of my friend and co-director Teresa and we incorporated it together in 2020 with the Community Hub at the Exchange in Erith and monthly markets around the borough. Since then I have retired and have been running pop-up refill stalls as well. In September last year we started up our markets again which bring together lots of business owners with a passion for sustainability in one place.
Jane: We believe in waste reduction, repair, remanufacturing, and repurposing as practical, joyful ways to extend the life of clothing and textiles. Our mission is to empower people with the skills and confidence to turn everyday sewing into a sustainable practice.
Louise: We aim to educate and encourage people to join us on our mission to make upcycled, upholstered products for a more sustainable home, and offer a colourful, meaningful alternative to the mass-produced furniture industry.
Jane: I am especially focused on starting young as I truly believe our future is in the hands of those we educate to understand that these values are key to the future of our environment and planet.
What should visitors look forward to on the 7th September?
Lis: Inspiration! For anyone who’s trying to reduce their carbon and plastic footprint, the Wasteless Market is a source of ideas and products to help do that.
Jane: A lively program alongside the Wasteless Market, with activities for all ages. Materials used will be repurposed or from dead stock fabrics, showcasing sustainable sourcing in action.
Louise: We will be taking over the Old Library and championing everything sustainable including zero-waste, upcycled and recycled products.
Lis: We’ll have our refills stall where customers can buy household and personal care products by weight in their own containers; plus Wasteless Essentials: a range of plastic-free household accessories.
Louise: Expect to see our best-selling Neon Typography prints made from recycled paper and re-purposed vintage dictionaries as well as our new ‘Prints with Purpose’ made from off-cut biodegradable linen, splatter painted bookmarks made from leather off-cuts, upcycled fabric notebooks made from recycled coffee cups and a selection of our curated upcycled furniture range all made from natural and sustainable materials.
Jane: Our Soft Toy Hospital will be open, providing repair and refurbishment activities for children’s toys plus we’ll also be putting on a showcase featuring items from our in-house makers, Eco High Fashion and accessories, and a selection of remnant or dead stock fabrics and patterns.
Lis: We’ll also be joined by an intriguing mixture of fellow eco-traders selling upcycled handcrafted items of beauty and functionality for the home.
Louise: We will also have an interactive workstation where visitors can creatively collaborate in making a Wall Art hanging tapestry made from repurposed and remnant fabric pieces – let’s see how big we can get it!
What else are you planning throughout the month for Sustainable September?
Lis: We’re re-starting all our Bexley midweek events in September as well as our two monthly market stalls.
Jane: We will be offering discounts and incentives to encourage clients to repurpose and reuse in classes. Our kids and teens will be working on projects that reuse and repurpose garments kicking off with a transformation challenge and fashion show. We will also be collaborating with Upcycled Upholstery to run a 3-week Remake/Revive Lab on Thursday mornings.
Louise: We are introducing a new Upholstery taster workshop where you can make a sustainable footstool using repurposed fabric on 28th September. We’ll also be participating in the Second-Hand Sunday market at the Horniman Museum on 15th September too.
The Sustainable September event takes place at Beckenham Place Mansion on Sunday 7th September as part of The Mansion’s Open Doors Summer Series – more info can be found here.
Head to the respective websites for more information about the rest of the Sustainable September programme of events offered by Wasteless Market, KHY Sewing School and Upcycled Upholstery.
Mansion Open Doors: The Downham 100 Exhibition with Trevor Pybus
Mansion Open Doors: The Downham 100 Exhibition with Trevor Pybus
To commemorate the Downham Estate’s centenary, the Mansion will be opening its doors on Sunday 10th August for an exhibition containing photos, documents, newspapers and books covering the time period.
Heading up this exhibition will be Downham local Trevor Pybus, who has been working to preserve and highlight the history of the area for the past quarter century. We spoke to Trevor about the story behind the collection that will be on display.
Trevor’s work in this field began as a board member of Downham Pride at the turn of the millennium. “It was a real privilege being on the board of Downham Pride. This triggered my interest in trying to assemble a history of the area and working out why Downham was one of England’s most deprived communities.” Conversations with local people flowed from here and Trevor began collecting their stories. “Everyone I spoke to had a new page to add to the history of Downham.”
Trevor is keen to point out the photography in the collection predates his involvement and was built off the work of the Downham Reminiscence Group, a group formed by residents of the Downham Estate in 1988. “Mrs Q.E Mortimer - ‘Queenie’, as she was known, was a major influence on the work of the group and kept together the original work.” Queenie then asked Lewisham Council employee Jane Hearn to look after the display.
By 2016 the panels had been passed to Sue Wardell, who curated a display at St. Johns Church with pictures from the original group as well as additions from the London Metropolitan Archive. “It is thanks to Sue that we are able to see the collection in its current form today.”
When Trevor became the custodian of the collection, he contributed a host of books that he purchased or was given over the years - “I spend too long in charity shops buying bits and bobs.” Another item added during this period was the Downham Tavern sign, which was given to Downham Men’s Group - another organisation that Trevor is an active member of - as well as picture “painted by a young lady in 1958, when she was 13, of the Woodland Walk” which was given to Trevor by the artist.
The collection covers lots of different themes ranging from school days to transport and World War II, with the war frames being of particular note to Trevor. “They show how women were vital to the victory of the allies – something I believe we still do not fully recognise.”
Plans for this event date back to 2023 when Downham Men’s Group had the opportunity to explore some of the historical manuscripts of the London County Council at the London Archives. “We found the dates of the first homes built in Downham around 1925. We then had a date we could work from for the estate’s centenary.”
For Trevor there is real pride in showing the collection to as many people as possible and highlighting an area that can sometimes be overlooked. “I hope the exhibition creates a conversation and other lines of personal history that we can follow together as this is our common history.”
Beckenham Place Park and the Mansion building were purchased by the London County Council in 1927 for the benefit of the residents of the new estates of Bellingham and Downham. “Bringing a collection to the White House (as the Mansion is known locally) seems like we are bringing the story of Downham Estate to a place that is really important to Downham History.”
The Downham Centenary Market and Exhibition takes place at Beckenham Place Mansion on Sunday 10th August as part of The Mansion's Open Doors August weekend - more info can be found here.
Penny Elkins Pilates Profile: An Escape from Everyday Life
Penny Elkins Pilates Profile: An Escape from Everyday Life
Penny Elkins is a fully qualified Mat and equipment Pilates instructor with 7 years’ experience in the field. She has been running weekly classes at the Mansion for a range of clients since 2020, when Penny moved to the area.
“Beckenham Place Park is my favourite place to go, so when I moved I just had to look into starting my own class in the beautiful Mansion.” Luckily for Penny (and the people of Beckenham), it took off and she’s now been running the class for more than 3 years.
Penny was always sporty as a child, being very into gymnastics and an excellent sprinter, but didn’t pursue fitness as a career until her late 20s - “it was the best decision I ever made!”
Once Penny had her Pilates qualifications, things snowballed and she went on to become a qualified Personal Trainer, as well as an Ariel Yoga instructor and a Barre instructor, whilst also training in pre and post natal fitness too.
This vast, rounded and varied experience allows Penny to comfortably run classes for a range of ages and abilities in both fitness and rehab settings.
“In every class I always ensure everyone gets challenged at their own pace and level - meaning everyone feels welcome, including pre and post natal clients. For me, I just love seeing people progress and feel amazing in their bodies, whoever they may be.”
Hosting classes at the Mansion and in Beckenham Place Park has only fuelled this sense of community further. Penny’s classes add to the rich programme taking place in the Mansion and across the park with regular markets, as well as music, art and fashion events.
“The park always feels like a lovely escape from everyday life. There are always friendly faces to chat to, and you feel that you are part of this lovely community.”
Penny currently works in studios across South East London, and for herself at her home studio. You can find her schedule here.
Sweaty Mama Profile: Making it Possible for Mums to Work on Themselves Surrounded by Other Mums
Sweaty Mama Profile: Making it Possible for Mums to Work on Themselves Surrounded by Other Mums
Channon Charles is the owner and instructor for Sweaty Mama Beckenham, running classes alongside coach, Grace Strang. Together they provide weekly pre and postnatal fitness sessions for the local mums of Beckenham and surrounding areas, with the added benefit of bringing baby along to class!
They run two back-to-back Mamalates classes at the Mansion; a Pilates style class, which focuses on regaining strength post birth and preparing prenatal mums for the big day. Their classes are recommended by local physios and osteopaths to all new mamas that wish to work on toning, repair and rebuilding core muscles post birth.
"The Mansion is a beautiful venue to hold our classes. The space, the lights and the accessibility make it a perfect setting for our relaxed classes. The grounds are a great place for our mamas to spend time together before and after class. Beckenham is our local community and it’s only right that we sing its praises, with the Mansion being a core pinpoint in the area."
Sweaty Mama brings a space for all new mums to reconnect together and focus on their physical and mental health. Without them, there would be a lot of local mums struggling to find a safe space to connect with one another.
Channon feels this keenly as a lockdown Mum, which meant she spent the 3rd trimester of her pregnancy and the entirety of her maternity leave isolated. "It’s isolating enough as a new mum on maternity leave, let alone the added lockdown!" As a result Channon wanted to create a space for mums in the community to be able to go to, to work on their mental and physical health, without the fear of isolation and mental decline. The goal was to build a space for mums to feel welcome, gain confidence in themselves, bond with their little ones and be part of a brilliant community of likeminded mums. "We launched classes in April 2021, when lockdown restrictions were lifted, and we haven’t looked back since."
The unique factor about Sweaty Mama, is the fact that there is no need for childcare. "We welcome your little ones to the Mansion during class to make it possible for mums to work on themselves, surrounded by other mums with little ones around the same age. We are a relaxed group and we have seen it all; babies cry, have sickies and even poo explosions. But that’s okay, we work with it and there is no pressure on mama."
Future plans for Sweaty Mama include building the community even further, providing more classes, events and even class content that can be used for mums when they just can't make it out. "Mama’s can still be a part of the community, even when nap trapped!" Stay tuned Beckenham.
Sweaty Mama sessions are hosted at the Mansion each Wednesday. You can find all info and booking details here.
Lewisham Refugees Festive Market
TAPE presents Ceremony
T A P E is a collective fighting for a more inclusive film industry. They are hosting a free pop up exhibition, CEREMONY, on Saturday 24th October, with moving image, photography and illustrations, plus a market, with all work by Black creatives and creators.
We talk to founders Angie Moneke and Isra Al Kassi to find out more.
Firstly, how was your lockdown?
Isra: I was very fortunate to be able to work from home during lockdown, while home schooling at the same time had its own difficulties, it was nice to be at home with my son. It also offered me the head space and opportunities which has led to us focusing on T A P E more and taking it to the next level.
Angie: It was a little chaotic at first. I work for a film company and we were busy (sadly) putting our productions on hiatus. A couple of them are back on the road now, which is great - though it continues to be a really unstable time for the arts industry. But besides the general anxiety of everything going on in the world, it was actually nice to have some space during lockdown to do things at a different pace. And in terms of friends & family, it feels like we've never worked harder to stay connected, which was quite beautiful.
Tell us all about TAPE - how did you come together and what do you do?
We all met as Young Programmers at the Barbican in 2013 and we went on to found T A P E in 2015 as a response to the lack of representation on screen; wanting to platform and highlight the sheer variety of under-served films we know are out there. We decided to bring exciting screenings to a South London audience (where we're based), championing the forgotten could-be cult films of the festival circuit and programmes of women of colour both behind and in front of the camera. At the time, Isra was running a community hub in Streatham and we'd already bonded over our shared desire to set up a cinema one day, so we thought we'd start by curating events, wherever we could get someone to give us the space to. Our very first screening was in the back room of a tiny cafe in Peckham - it was so DIY (literally lugging a suitcase with a borrowed projector and cables down Rye Lane) and quite removed from the scale of events we run now, but it was amazing. We had a little party after with our audience and some themed cocktails, and it felt like the beginning of a long on-going celebration of film.
Over the years we've curated a number of well rounded screenings bringing together film, art, music, talks and more into one space and events with a focus on culture, identity, heritage and stories from diasporas.
We have also produced two zine issues: the first one called They Thought We Were Token, casting a lens on the history of tokenism of people of colour in cinema, and the second issue, Moon Sisters, taking a look at the representation of periods in cinema.
Since starting with a public domain film in that community cafe, we have now expanded to delivering talks on diversity and inclusion in the industry. We are also launching a short film streaming platform called GOOD WICKEDRY on the 14th October, commissioning written content by marginalised voices, and continuing to deliver exciting film programmes which focus on heritage and identity.
You are connected to Catford Mews. How so?
Isra: I was part of the launch of Catford Mews, and its successful first year of being open. I did the programming, oversaw the membership journey, events and marketing and recently left the role to focus on the very exciting future of T A P E.
What can visitors expect on Saturday 24th Oct at CEREMONY?
We very keen to offer an event which would encourage engagement and, like most of our events, introduce attendees to some excellent work and art which they may not have come across before. We also wanted to offer an opportunity to directly support local black creators which is why CEREMONY is more than an exhibition - it will also have a select few sellers in the venue where art and handmade crafts will be available to purchase. The exhibition part will be a mix of moving image, photography and illustrations.
Are you hosting or visiting any other events as part of Black History Month?
We are part of Brixton Village’s Crossover events, taking place in their new contemporary arts space, which sees a new collective host a screening every Tuesday in October. We’ll be screening the classic horror film TALES FROM THE HOOD and have put out a call out for short film submissions to be screened before the feature. We can’t wait to showcase the shorts to a wider audience - you can find out more about it here.
What titles would be on your lists of the best short films of all time?
Atlantics - Mati Diop's short film about migration which preceded her incredible fantasy/thriller feature version of the same name
Masterpiece by Runyararo Mapfumo - just a breezy, funny and sharp look at black male joy and friendships
What does the rest of 2020 and 2021 hope for TAPE?
We’re really excited to be working on our streaming platform GOOD WICKEDRY, an online cinema platform driven by carefully considered curation of short films. Every week we'll upload one film with an accompanying article or essay.
We want to cut through the noise of excessive content by highlighting one great thing at a time - bold & invigorating choices with diversity of content so audiences can experience a rich tapestry of cinematic offerings. It will open people up to filmmakers they may not have heard of, who have created unique kinds of art that they may not have experienced before. We want this variety will build a stronger and more nuanced, but also universal, picture of the make-up of our cinematic world.
We hope to be building on our mission of creating a collaborative creative space and are working on a number of seasons and projects delivered in collaboration with a wide range of creatives, venues and organisations. More importantly, we’re looking to champion fair pay, representation and diversity in the industry.
With our vast experience in exhibition and production we are also looking to produce and distributes films and are lucky to be surrounded with such talented people who can collaborate with to deliver more exciting work in 2021.
Don't miss TAPE presents Ceremony on Saturday 24th October, 11-5pm, at the Mansion. Free entry.
Find out more about TAPE on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
devi's x Beckenham Place Mansion
What's your background? Tell us about chef-ing, writing and which came first?
Before food, I studied economics, but found myself gravitating towards sociology and cultural anthropology. It was a really broad insight into the world of social sciences; the way we interact with one another and the way we build social relationships. It definitely sewed a seed of interest that eventually led me to work in Brazil for an NGO for favela children, as well as with children and young people in Foster Care in east London.
Cooking was something I turned to when I was feeling lost and deflated on both personal and professional levels and it then became my calling.
I’ve been working in the food industry for the past 5 years now, predominantly running Devi’s with street food, supper clubs, events and pop up restaurants, and a few offshoots like writing, consulting and a new podcast. I started writing about 12 years ago for my university student paper. The writing I do now and the podcast, tend to focus on the social and cultural values around food and particularly women. It’s still very important to me go beyond the superficial and be quite exploratory in unpacking the new social mores that we’re quickly rewriting.
Food & Feminism is important to you. Explain what that is and why it's meaningful.
Third wave feminism really started to gather momentum at the same time I began my career in the food industry. The food world is hugely made up of white, middle class, privileged men (and women) who have a great network of established and accomplished individuals to offer them a leg-up in what still remains a very competitive and expensive industry. I get really frustrated at some of the barriers working in food presents for women like myself, and it draws on many parallels from the intersectional feminism discussion.
Devi’s started as not just an opportunity to sell the food that I wanted to and grant myself some economic freedom through working for myself, but to start aligning myself with other underrepresented women of the food realm. The Food & Feminism podcast serves to have some very real, authentic and transparent conversations with other women who feel like I do; it’s a mouthpiece for us so we can feel confident in being vocal and actually be heard.
You appeared on television as a finalist on My Million Pound Menu, BBC2's food and business series. How was that experience?
Reality television is a heinous construct and I didn’t enjoy a single second of the experience! I did it for Devi’s.
Your bio mentions Netflix? Tell us more!
My Million Pound Menu is available to watch globally on Netflix and I have received messages from people all over the world, really kind words in support of what I’m doing. It’s strange but lovely.
What can people expect from your classes at the Mansion?
The classes I host at the Mansion are geared towards making Beckenham Place the heart of a developing food and drink scene. I really want to meet more locals, those with a keen curiosity for the things I love. My classes are largely relaxed, fun and social and I’m hoping for regulars and for these to evolve into meet-ups. We have this glorious backdrop and setting, I really want to embrace it.
Why have you chosen Beckenham Place Mansion as a venue to host your classes?
I live across the road from Beckenham Place Mansion and I’ve been coming here since its nearly-knocked-down days. I’m thrilled with the transformation; I’ve seen it literally come back to life. I feel deeply connected to this place, I enjoy each season by coming here. It really affirms my beliefs in the strength of community. I’m really happy living here, my closest coffee shop may be Wild Bean Café at the M&S garage, but with TFC and Little Sri Lanka flanking my home and the park on my doorstep, it’s a genuine pleasure to be a part of it.
Do you have any other exciting plans for this year?
Devi’s will be popping up in and around Peckham this Summer onwards, look out for us!
Allotment Cocktail Class is on Sunday 22nd March, 12-3pm, tickets are £25.
Introduction To Natural Wine is on Thursday 26th March, 7pm-10pm, tickets £25.
Wasteless Market
What is Wasteless Market and how did it come about?
The Wasteless Market CIC is a pop up market championing vendors of consciously made goods that are environmentally responsible. We bring some of the best Zero Waste vendors together under one roof, helping the community to reduce plastic waste and fight climate change by offering sustainable eco-friendly goods and services.
Just over three years ago, my sister lost her battle with breast cancer - she was diagnosed at only 36 years old. I started to worry about the chemicals in everyday products and the amount that I was putting into my body daily. Being a single parent, I started to worry about my children; who would look after them if I wasn’t around?! Therefore, I began researching healthier, more natural options.
Many of the products I found happened to come without single-use plastic, and that is when my love of zero waste started, with a passion for the environment, the two went hand in hand perfectly. After my spray deodorant ran out, my first purchase was a natural deodorant tin and a natural baby balm. They were vegan, natural, handmade in the UK, had very few ingredients, the tins could be reused and the balm was absolutely fantastic on my daughter’s eczema! I was hooked! 
Where else have you held markets?
I’m happy to say, we’ve now had many really successful events within the borough of Bexley and due to a huge demand, we have decided to go on tour, taking the Wasteless Market to other local boroughs who have asked us to visit. Since the launch of the Wasteless Market in July 2019, dozens of people have chosen to reduce, reuse, swap or buy plastic-free products. Together we have saved so much waste from going to the incinerator already it’s truly inspiring
What can visitors expect at the Wasteless Market at the Mansion on 18th April? What kind of products will the traders be selling?
Visitors can expect a truly unique and uplifting experience. Customers love the Wasteless Market because it offers them the chance to make positive lifestyle changes which reduce their impact on the environment. They love it because of the range of beautiful and ingenious products on sale from vendors who are truly passionate about what they do, whether it is jewellery made from discarded board game pieces, vegan cosmetics in recyclable packaging, or plastic-free party bags, to name just three examples. Most of all, they love it because of the wonderful people who go there are all doing their best to make sustainable choices, whether that is through refilling their bottles with enzyme-free detergents, dropping off old toothbrushes for recycling, or learning how to make household cleaning products.
Every wonderful customer that comes through the door is there for a reason. Whether it’s to learn about natural or eco-friendly products, the Wasteless Market is helping them discover a better way. 
What is Terracycle?
The Wasteless Market also offers a Terracycle recycling drop off station run by volunteers, which gives people a recycling option that can't be fulfilled by our councils. People can bring their hard to recycle plastic packaging, such as crisp and other snack packets, coffee pods, old toothbrushes, pet food and baby food pouches, which are then sent off to Terracycle in exchange for money for the Kent Air Ambulance. So far we have raised over £200 for charities and kept hundreds of kilograms of rubbish out of the incinerator. Free advice is given to customers on how best to recycle a wide range of items.
Should visitors bring anything on the 18th?
If possible, visitors should bring the '3 R's' - Reusable bags, Reusable cup/cutlery and Recycling (Terracycle) - and the '3 C's' - Cards, Cash and Containers - for your refills, cakes and hot food (any kind of container, jar or bottle that can be reused). 
What easy tips do you have for our readers on how to be more green and sustainable at home?
Some brilliant tips from our vendors are:
If you have clothes you don’t wear anymore, try refashioning! There are loads of tutorials on blogs or YouTube to guide you. Simple changes can make all the difference, even if you don’t sew. Only about 30% of saleable donated clothing is sold in the UK - more likely it’ll be shipped to a third world country. Refashioning can give your clothes a second life, and helps you learn new skills.
Focus on making little changes and don’t feel overwhelmed that those steps you are taking aren’t enough. At home we aim to make 1 difference a month to increase our sustainability. Often we find we have successfully made multiple changes because once your mindset shifts it is amazing how many opportunities you find to reduce, reuse, repair or share resources.
Take your kids to the farmers market and your local packaging free shop if you have one. Shopping packaging free and sustainably should be natural to them. 
Any other exciting plans?
We’re also launching the online Wasteless Market, a multi-vendor website giving eco-friendly businesses a platform to sell their wares. Our crowdfunder will be going live soon, see more at wastelessmarket.co.uk
I hope that you will support me on this journey, for a healthier planet and brighter future for all.
The Wasteless Market is at the Mansion on 18th April, 11:00-15:00
Successful Mums
What is Successful Mums?
A training company to help mums back to work or start a business after having children. The majority of our training courses are funded by a range of companies that support the work we do, therefore free to local mums!
When and why did you set it up? What's your background?
I created Successful Mums in 2014 when I saw a gap to support mums after a career break. I understood how it felt to have children and lose your mojo, so wanted to provide a solution. I’m a trainer and career advisor and had worked with hundreds of different industries, so had a broad understanding of what employers are looking for and the many roles that exist and are crying out for women returners!
How have you worked with the Mansion?
We run our popular taster sessions and networking events at the Mansion. This is a fantastic venue; not only for its architecture and beautiful park; but it's also a relaxing and central place for mums in the Bromley and Lewisham boroughs. The team are so friendly and efficient and are keen to support local businesses like Successful Mums.
What can attendees expect from next week's session?
The 2 hour taster session is a fun, free and friendly event for anyone looking to return to work, change career or be their own boss. I’ll be sharing my experience of where the flexible and part time jobs are, how to fill that gap on your CV with the transferable skills from parenting, along with the 12 steps to take when starting a business. There will be a room of like-minded mums, so it's a relaxed environment and we welcome babes in arms.
96% of mums that have attended feel more confident from the sessions and gain clarity about what they need to do next.. This makes me happy.
Any exciting plans for this year?
We are continuing with our Back To Work and Business Start Up courses, along with running a range of interesting events for flexible careers. We are very excited to be offering digital and marketing apprenticeships for women returners! This means we can provide digital training to women in the workplace too!
What are your top tips for mothers struggling to balance parenthood and work?
Take small steps, create daily habits or a checklist and don’t be too hard on yourself - we are all doing the best we can. Don’t forget to wear your invisible crown too – keep it in place.
How can mums get involved?
Join us for our next taster session and follow us across our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up with our exciting projects for mums. #thismumcan
