Dartford Living April 2020

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE BLOOD DONATION

COVID-19 HELPLINES .

DARTFORD TOGETHER ,

PAGE 6

PAGES 26 & 27

PAGES 30 & 31

REBECCA, 13

HARI, 6

DHILAN, 3

LUKE, 5

NHS STAFF AND OTHER KEY WORKERS...

IN THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES, FOR THE AMAZING AND DIFFICULT WORK YOU DO, FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, WE WANTED TO SAY...

THANK YOU!

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BY THE COMMUNITY,

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the April magazine, this month only available online.

We live in strange times, but as usual the magazine is jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like no time before your community needs you.

In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community.

It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories!

Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazinesto your local roads, when things are back to normal, you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter and you will join 7,000 others who receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month.

Until next time, stay safe, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

CONTENTS 6 Blood Donation 8-9 Dartford Half Marathon 12 Recipe - Fondant Rose 13 Then and Now 16 DNA - 20 Reasons why you should be using a financial advisor 18-19 Kent Community Foundation 20 Kent Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund 22 Travel Advice from Harden Holidays 23 Fitness 26-27 - Helplines 30-31 - Dartford Together 34 - Life Under the Stairs 36-37 COVID 19 MOT Extension 39 Rescue is best 40 Painted Rocks 41 Car News 42-49 Where to go locally 50 Ad Index 52 Useful Numbers ONLINE

www.dartfordliving.com www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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GARETH JOHNSON MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR DARTFORD Office open to help constituents Mr Johnson said: “In these difficult and unprecedented times my office will remain open to answer queries and offer help to everyone in Dartford.

“I can’t claim I have all the answers, but I want you all to know that I will do my best to help you.”

Email: gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk Telephone 020 7219 7047 www.garethjohnsondartford.co.uk | www.gov.uk/coronavirus 5

Ga r e t h J o h n so n

BLOOD DONATION An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need donors to keep donating as normal in Kent. Our sessions and donor centres are still open around the country.

Travel to blood donation sessions is essential to the NHS. Our stock levels are currently good but we need people to keep donating to make sure hospitals continue to receive the blood they need.

Regular donation will help us to be well prepared to support the wider NHS for the impact of the coronavirus.

We have seen an increase in calls from people asking if sessions are going ahead and people asking questions about coronavirus. We’re putting in place extra safety measures on our sessions and safety is always our number one priority. We’re asking donors in Kent to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the Government. We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services.”

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DARTFORD HALF MARATHON 2020

By Sophie Price and John Kennedy Despite fears of a potential cancellation, this year’s Dartford Half Marathon was one of the finest races that The Dartford Harriers Athletic Club have ever held. It is fair to say that none of the 43 preceding years had taken place amidst such unnerving circumstances yet our run of 44 consecutive years remains unbroken.

On Sunday 15th March the marshals, water station and car park volunteers stood for hours in cold weather enthusiastically cheering on the runners at dozens of strategic points throughout the course. The race headquarters situated at the Dartford running track was manned by some last-minute helpers at the baggage tent, handing out the medals and taking on-the-day

entries.

Our main race sponsor was Fox Estate Agents who were present to hand out some winners’ prizes on the day, albeit without a handshake!

While the race was taking place, McDonald’s Dartford organised a fun-run of up to one mile on the track. They also provided the post-race refreshments and water for the main race and have done for several years now. Everyone seemed to have a great time and we’re grateful for the continued support McDonald’s Dartford have offered us.

The venue was excellent too with the blue track even featuring in a particularly classy medal that was an immediate hit with those that finished our “undulating” 13.1-miler.

The main race was won in one of the fastest times we’ve seen with John Payne clocking 1:12:07 and Harriette Woolley the first female finisher in 1:28:16. There were 697 finishers and almost 1000 entries which is one of the highest totals since 2016.

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“The race to me has always been a community event special to Dartford , it’s not always about the athletes that run the quickest times it’s about that last runner home to complete what is a challenging course and have that sense of achievement is always something special.

The outpouring of emotion as race director is a special moment knowing that the last runner is safe home makes it all worthwhile so here’s to next year”. Dartford Half Marathon Race Director.

The Dartford Harriers are always looking for new members!

If you are interested in running and athletics and want to join a friendly local club, check out details of our membership. https://dartfordharriersac.co.uk/membership/join-us/ We are volunteer led and you are welcome to join a free trial session or why not get in touch to find out more about us.

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fo n da n t ro s e

FONDANT ROSE

By Debbie Dickinson Rather than a recipe this month I thought I would share with you all a simple way to make a beautiful rose out of fondant icing. This will also work well with modeling dough/clay.

At the end of the stages below, you can cut excess icing from the bottom of the rose, so don’t worry about what the bottom looks like as you work through.

Try not to squeeze on the top of the rose petals as you work though. You can use a cocktail stick to adjust the petals as necessary at the end.

You will need A small amount of icing and some water.

Picture 1. Make yourself 8 similar sized balls of icing (just smaller than a Malteser) and a cone shape for the centre.

Picture 2. Squash each ball with your thumb into a petal shape. Try to make ¾ of the petal edges nice and thin.

Picture 3. Paint a small amount of water around the cone and wrap the first petal around it to make a rose bud.

Picture 4. Using water, add 3 more petals to make the next layer. Try to overlap them equally around the rose. Use a cocktail stick to adjust/push them into position if necessary.

Picture 5. Repeat with the final 4 petals. Then,

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without squashing the petals, carefully squeeze underneath the petals and cut any excess icing off the bottom with a knife.

Picture 6. To make the rose slightly more realistic you could roll the top of the petals back. Rose petals curl at each of the top corners (rather than the whole petal curling back).

If you want, you can continue adding more petals for a fuller rose!

I’d love to know how you get on!!!

Tag @littlelaviniabakery and @dartfordliving in your photos.

Enjoy and stay safe!

fo n da n t ro s e

WE STAY HERE FOR YOU, PLEASE STAY HOME FOR US Staff across Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust are gearing up for the biggest challenge the NHS has ever faced - the fight against COVID-19.

With over 4000 staff at our NHS Trust, they are all playing their part. Whilst they remain dedicated to providing exceptional and compassionate care for our sickest patients, Valley Hospital Charity is committed to doing everything that we can to support our NHS heroes in these unprecedented times.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity we have already seen from local businesses and the community, and we know that you care deeply about our incredible staff too. With your support, we can fund emotional and well-being initiatives, provide vital additional equipment, and much more so they can keep going to keep us all safe.

Every donation will make a difference. If you would like to support your local NHS staff please visit this link www.valleyhospitalcharity.org.uk/appeal/supporting-your-nhs-staff Any donation big or small will make such a difference to our staff.

Thank you for your support.

Valley Hospital Charity 13

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STAY AT HOME BLOG

STAY AT HOME BLOG Hi Fellow Self Isolators!

and grow. I can’t remember the last time we went for a family walk and now we’re doing it every day as part of our daily exercise. In my attempt to try and not have the TV on ALL the time, we’re doing more craft in the kitchen and even playing board games together. Hubby is no longer coming home stressed from work or his commute. We’re both ‘attempting’ to catch up on our sleep and because I’m now FaceTiming my parents every day so that the children can retain their close bond with their grandparents, I’m speaking to them more now than what I did pre lockdown.

Many people might be using this time at home to learn a new skill, become the world’s best cook or get the garden looking wonderful this spring...Me? I’m pulling my (much needed to be cut and dyed) hair out while my 4 year old climbs the walls and my baby girl learns very quickly what an iPad is...All whilst I continue to work helping small businesses transition from the ‘physical world’ to their new home online. So far, I’ve launched a local restaurant’s new delivery service, a baby and toddler online subscription and online counselling sessions. (Shameless freelancer plug here but if you I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s so easy to are a small business and need some help, my details get caught up with the chaos of the world right now are at the bottom of this blog!) by watching too much news and social media and carrying the weight of it on our shoulders. I mean if Boris can catch it, so can we, right? But the whole As the children are now in bed and I reach for the wine, point of this lockdown is to save others. By staying I honestly feel like I’m in that awkward period between home, we’re saving lives which I think is pretty good Christmas and New Year where I continue to eat the going since the only thing they’re asking us to do is contents of the fridge, (because the diet has clearly sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. gone out the window) whilst wondering what shops are actually open to restock it again! I feel like I’m in a bubble. So far we have gone to 3 baby and toddler So before I go off and learn another TikTok dance, classes in our living room and even a virtual birthday I just wanted to say keep the positivity going! Let’s party as we learn to adapt and navigate this new way support each other and share only the good news. Let’s of life for a little while.

FaceTime our friends and family more and look out for one another. This is a time when our community needs us the most.

Yet, even though this seems strange, and even frustrating for many that we’re stuck inside not able to physically see our friends and family, I can’t help Take care everyone and happy hand washing! but want to make this a positive experience; especially as our children and children’s children will no doubt Charlotte x learn about this at school one day.

Instagram @BipBopMum When have we ever been home for as long as this to Email bipbopmum@gmail.com spend time with our children? My son is loving having Daddy at home every day and I can see their bond grow

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STAY AT HOME BLOG

20 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BE USING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR In 2020 we’ll have been in business for 20 years!

To celebrate, each month we’re sharing 20 top tips about topics that are closest to our heart. Our aim is always to provide you with the best possible information so you can make informed financial decisions. This month we’re talking about how we can help you make the most of your money throughout each key stage of your life.

20s and 30s Whatever the size of your first paycheck, the earlier you start saving the better. We can advise you about the best inflation-beating savings plan to suit your income and expenditure.

Need support finding your financial feet? We can help you set investment goals you can keep and monitor 20 Reasons Why You Should Be Using a Financial progress towards them.

Adviser As soon as you’re ready, we can help you make tax-efficient You might think you only need a financial adviser investments – particularly important if you’re thinking when you’ve got a lot of money or you’re making about buying your first home. complex investments. In fact, a financial adviser can help you at every stage of your life. We can And when it comes to mortgages, we can advise you about use our experience to find out about your particu- the best lenders and products to suit your circumstances. lar circumstances and advise you about the best Once you have a mortgage or people who depend on your income you’ll need protection insurance to provide products and services to suit your needs. financial security in case of accident or serious illness.

So, whether you’re just starting out and thinking Planning for the future? We can help you manage your about buying your first home, you’re in your 40s money so you can live your life now while building financial or 50s planning for retirement or you’ve reached assets ready for when you stop working. the stage where you want to withdraw from your pension in the most tax-efficient way possible, we If you’d like to find out more information about financial can help. Let’s take a look at 20 reasons why you advice in your 20s and 30s, please click here to download “The Value of Financial Advice Throughout Life”. need a financial adviser throughout your life.

From Single and Sorted to Settling Down – your Accumulating Wealth and Paying Off Debts – your 40s

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STAY AT HOME BLOG

and 50s As you get older retirement is likely to be on your mind. You might also have more disposable income if your mortgage reduces and/or your children leave home. It’s imperative you invest this money wisely if you want to enjoy the retirement you deserve! This is not a simple process, many factors might influence your decision. First of all, we can help you set financial objectives based on what you want your money to do for you, now and in the future.

It’s vital you feel confident about the financial decisions you are making. We can help you work out your risk profile – the amount of risk you’re comfortable with and the potential level of loss your finances can cope with.

We can provide advice about the best investments in light of your risk profile and objectives… … and make sure they are as tax efficient as possible.

All the while taking care of the on-going management of your investment portfolio, giving you peace of mind to know your money is working hard for you.

If you’d like to find out more information about financial advice in your 40s and 50s, please click here to download “The Value of Financial Advice Throughout Life”.

Taking your Pension and Enjoying your Retirement – your 60s and Beyond

Once you start withdrawing from your pension, you’ll need advice about the best way to do this to maintain tax efficiency.

At this stage of life there are excellent tailored investment products we can advise you about to make the most of your money.

We can also help you with estate planning – controlling the amount of tax payable on your wealth – to leave it in good order for your beneficiaries.

We can also advise about lifetime gifts… …trusts… …and exemptions and reliefs.

We can help you make sure your will is in order, so you know your loved ones are taken care of.

We can take care of your pension… …and life assurance arrangements.

If you’d like to find out more information about financial advice in your 60s and beyond, please click here to download “The Value of Financial Advice Throughout Life”. So, there you have it! 20 reasons why you should be using a financial adviser. If you want to learn more and receive advice tailored to your personal circumstances, please get in touch. www.downtonandali.co.uk

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K ENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

KENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Kent Community Foundation is part of a national network of 46 Community Foundations committed to improving the lives of local people and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged.

Established in May 2001, Kent Community Foundation has distributed over £35 million in grants and provides financial support to hundreds of charities and deserving causes throughout the county. The Foundation particularly focuses on small, local charities, where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact. Last year they processed over 1000 applications and supported over 600 good causes with grants of over £2.5 million.

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said, “Kent Community Foundation supports grassroots charities throughout Kent and Medway where a modest amount of financial support can make a huge difference. Our average grant size is £5,000 and we are particularly keen to hear from charities and community groups supporting, vulnerable adults, children, young people

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and families, the elderly and isolated and those helping with employment, skills and enterprise who may not know about our work and how the Foundation can help.”

Some of the Dartford charities that have been supported by Kent Community Foundation include: Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley MIND www.northkentmind.co.uk

North Kent Mind is an established mental health charity that provides advice, support, activities and services to individuals, other VCS Organisations, the Public Sector and other bodies to help people achieve better mental health.

In October Kent Community Foundation awarded the charity £4,250 towards the costs of a year’s rental for a hall in Central Dartford, staffing costs, art activities for twenty people each Saturday and lunches.

K ENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Dartford Healthy Living Centre www.hlcdartford.org.uk Dartford Healthy Living Centre is a friendly, community-led charity that works to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities in Dartford. They provide a variety of activities and programmes that support healthy, positive choices for individuals and families, including physical activity and exercise sessions, practical skills, personal development and fun training sessions, social activities, cookery clubs and many opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills. Kent Community Foundation is supporting this charity with a grant of £21,600 to support core costs for three years.

Hope www.hope-yoga-and-you.co.uk Hope is a voluntary organisation based in central Dartford that provides support for women in the community and runs yoga and meditation classes twice a week. In March 2020 Hope was awarded £3,000 to pay for a Yoga and meditation tutor, hall hire and volunteers’ expenses.

We Are Beams www.wearebeams.org.uk We Are Beams provide comprehensive support services to families of children and young people with physical, learning or sensory impairment, living in Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks and surrounding areas. In March 2020 Kent Community Foundation awarded the charity £5,000 to engage the services of a nurse to deliver medication training and complete manual handling and first aid training to newly Walk Tall recruited team leaders, with the balance of the money paying www.walk-tall.org.uk for activities for the children.

Walk Tall aims to make life better for vulnerable people of all ages using education, counselling and the arts. Their services include: education for 14 to 17 year olds who have suffered trauma, abuse, are anxious or depressed, counselling and psychotherapy for children and young people from the age of 5 to 17 and performing art open access for primary, secondary and adult age groups.

You can find out more about the work of Kent Community Foundation online at www.kentcf. org.uk or by calling the team on 01303 814 500

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KENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES KCF CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY FUND The impact of Coronavirus, COVID-19 within the charitable sector in Kent will be unprecedented and Kent Community Foundation has responded with a new Emergency Fund With immediate effect Kent Community Foundation will be supporting charities and community groups facing extreme difficulties or closure, as the impact of government measures to reduce the spread of the virus, affects their crucial fundraising activities.

The KCF Coronavirus Emergency Fund will take applications for grants of up to £10,000, from charities, with an annual income of £200,000 or less, to fill the gap that not being able to fundraise during the Coronavirus restrictions, will inevitably create. The KCF Coronavirus Emergency Fund will initially give priority to applications from charities supporting the elderly and vulnerable.

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation said “The impact of COVID-19 will see many in the charitable sector facing a very uncertain and worrying future. Kent Community Foundation has responded quickly by asking our

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existing Fund holders and supporters, to donate towards the new KCF Coronavirus Emergency Fund. The Fund will initially support charities and community groups working with the elderly and vulnerable, but we will closely monitor developments to assess which other groups may also need support from this Fund. It is impossible to estimate how many urgent applications we will receive, and we hope that people across the county might help us by donating what they can, at this unprecedented time.”

Charites who have already received funding or have a grant pending should visit the Kent Community Foundation website to read a statement explaining how the Foundation can offer additional support during the next few months.

To either apply for funding or to donate please visit www. kentcf.org.uk

K ENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

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UPDATE FROM HARDEN HOLIDAYS - YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT

By Harden Holidays

We hope you are all keeping safe and well in these uncertain times.

The current situation in the travel industry is unprecedented and agents, tour operators and airlines have been faced with the mammoth task of bringing people home and making amendments to those travelling in the next few weeks.

We are currently prioritising all bookings that are due to depart until the end of April and we are working on a rolling 2-week period. If you haven’t heard from us yet please do not worry, when we have an update on your trip, we will contact you.

From the 24th March 2020 as requested by the UK Government the shop premises in the town centre will be shut however Harden Holidays will remain open and contactable at all times by: email – info@hardenholidays.co.uk phone – 0800 023 8974 or via Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn Messenger Our home office is all set up so please feel free to seek our advice, whether your existing travel plans were booked through us or not, we’re always here to help.

We are certain that the world will open up to travel again and we will be able to explore its wonders, in the meantime, please know that we remain at your service through these challenging times.

Stay safe, stay positive, and let’s look after each other.

With best wishes, Tim Harden & the Harden Holidays team.

FITNESS - AP R IL

FITNESS - APRIL

By Mark Broadbent The 3,500-calorie rule is based on the premise that a pound of body fat contains approximately 3,500 calories.

So, in theory, to lose 1lb a week (of body fat), you’d need to be in a weekly calorie deficit of 3,500 calories – that’s just 500 calories per day.

So, you need to burn 500 more calories than you consume each day.

Being the human body, and not a machine, it doesn’t work exactly like this, and this is assuming that the entirety of that weight will come from body fat stores.

In reality it will likely also come from muscle tissue too, especially if you try to lose weight too quickly or do this wrong.

There are some things we can do though to tip the balance in favour of burning body fat and maintaining (or even growing) muscle tissue. The main ones being: - Eating a high amount of protein to help provide the muscle tissue with what it needs to grow and repair - Training with weights 3-5 times a week to stimulate the muscles to grow - if you’re not using your muscles, the body will see them as calorie-burners that it can’t afford to keep whilst in a calorie deficit, so it will willingly break them down.

This won’t happen if the body perceives them as being needed.

Use it or lose it!

There are 3 ways you can achieve this 500-calorie deficit: 1 – Eat 500 calories less each day 2 – Burn 500 calories more each day 3 – Use a combination of both (e.g. burn 250 more, eat 250 less) 1 - If you simply cut calories, you risk malnutrition – reducing the amount of food you consume will obviously also reduce the amount of nutrients you get (vitamins, minerals, as well as the much needed macro nutrients – protein, carbohydrates, fats), especially if your choice of foods is less than optimal.

Your body will also eventually adapt to this lower calorie consumption and reduce its daily energy “burn” to match (it doesn’t want to be burning more than it consumes long term).

2 - Burning the extra 500 calories through exercise is possible – the extra movement and training will benefit you hugely and you still get to eat just as much as normal.

You can risk “burning out” if you do it this way though. Whilst exercise and movement are good for us, doing too much, or not having enough time to recover will be detrimental.

3 - The third option – burn a bit, reduce calories a bit – is, in my opinion, the best option.

You only have to reduce calories slightly, meaning you aren’t starving or feeling deprived, and aren’t as likely to binge when your self-discipline runs out.

You’re also not going to be running yourself into the ground through excessive exercise and will be giving yourself time to recover.

From this, you can get an idea of how quickly you can lose weight, and from that, gauge how long it will take you to reach your goal weight. This is important as sometimes people overestimate how quickly they can lose weight (thanks to insane diets and clever marketing).

In theory you could just keep increasing the deficit to lose weight more quickly i.e. a 1000 calorie-a-day deficit would = 2lbs a week lost. But this again could lead to burnout and malnutrition.

Don’t rush it. It probably took you years to gain those extra pounds. Don’t expect to lose them in a matter of days or weeks! (and if you do – expect repercussions!)

If you need help figuring this out, download the free 5-day Kickstart plan from www.MBonlinePT. com and follow me on Facebook and Instagram @markbroadbentpt

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HELPLINES YOU MAY FIND USEFUL DU R ING THE COVID 19 OUTB R EA K

HELPLINES YOU MAY FIND USEFUL DURING THE COVID 19 OUTBREAK Government Helplines Government Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565 https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline HMRC Coronavirus Tax Helpline: 0800 015 9559 https://www.gov.uk/difficulties-paying-hmrc Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644 https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/ already-…/…/ School Closures Coronavirus Helpline: 0800 046 8687 https://www.gov.uk/…/guidance-to-educational-settings-about…

Mental Health Anxiety UK Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm) Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk Bipolar UK A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk CALM CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight) Website: www.thecalmzone.net Men’s Health Forum 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and

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email.

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk Mental Health Foundation Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) Website: www.mind.org.uk No Panic Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD. Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge Website: www.nopanic.org.uk OCD Action Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk OCD UK A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Website: www.ocduk.org PAPYRUS Young suicide prevention society.

Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday T h a n k yo u to Co u n c i l lo r K e l ly Gr e h a n fo r co l l at i n g t h i s i n fo r mat i o n Debtors Anonymous to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays) Debtorsanonymous.org.uk Website: www.papyrus-uk.org Turn2us Rethink Mental Illness Helpline: 0808 802 2000 Support and advice for people living with mental Turn2us.org.uk illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am Older People to 4pm) Age UK Website: www.rethink.org Helpline: 0800 169 6565 ageuk.org.uk Samaritans Confidential support for people experiencing How to overcome loneliness feelings of distress or despair.

Independent Age (Advice and Support for Older Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Age) Website: www.samaritans.org.uk Advice line: 0800 319 6789 Independentage.org SANE Emotional support, information and guidance for RVS (Royal Voluntary Service) people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.

Call: 0845 608 0122 SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm) Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/ textcare Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum Website: www.sane.org.uk/support

Domestic Abuse National domestic abuse helpline 0808 200 0247

YoungMinds Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Women’s Aid Domestic Violence 0808 2000 247

Debts Step Change FreeHelpline: 0800 138 1111 stepchange.org National Debtline Free Helpline: 0808 808 4000 nationaldebtline.co.uk Business Debtline Free Helpline: 0800 197 6026 bdl.org.uk

Domestic Violence Assist 0800 195 8699 - specialises in providing assistance to obtain emergency injunctions

Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 National Centre for Domestic Violence 0800 970 2070 National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300 Victim Support 08 08 16 89 111

THANK YOU TO COUNCILLOR KELLY GREHAN FOR COLLATING THIS INFORMATION

27

BUSINESSES OFFERING SERVICES DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Tra i n w i t h Day n e s

ALCORN’S FRUIT AND VEG

We are fifth generation greengrocers with a year round stall on Woolwich Market. We have just started delivering fresh fruit and vegetable boxes in the local area to those who are Elderly, shielding, isolating or those who are struggling to shop- including NHS Staff and Key workers. We are now also able to supply bread and eggs with our boxes. Please contact through the Facebook page Alcorn’s Fruit and Veg.

TRAIN WITH DAYNES ONLINE ONE TO ONE AND GROUP FITNESS TRAINING SESSIONS MIKE DAYNES | 07824380655 INFO@TRAINWITHDAYNESFITNESS.CO.UK

EMERGENCY DENTURE REPAIRS SERVICE 07958330766 Dartford Davidteeth

YMCA Thames Gateway is opening their Temple Hill Nursery from 8am – 6pm, Monday-Friday for children of key workers.

This is also during the Easter holidays. An after school service for those still attending their regular school setting may also be available on request. Enquiries can be made via emmamiddleton@ymcatg.org In addition, we are offering a weekly telephone call to over 18s who would like someone to speak to.

This could be someone who lives on their own, someone who just needs someone to talk to throughout this situation, a single parent or even checking on someone whose main carer has gone to work in a key worker capacity. We recognise that many carers may be working extended hours and might not be able to see parents or others that they care for during this time, we will happily give them a regular call and check in with them and let the key worker know how they’re doing. We’d ask for the person’s name, contact number, best time to receive a call (Mon-Fri daytime) and confirmation that they are over 18 to be emailed to emmamiddleton@ymcatg.org and we can set this up – we will let them know who will be calling and what number they will call from so they know it’s us.

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Weareofferinganocontactgardening&housemaintenanceserviceanythi , ngfromaoneoffgrasscuttoafullgardenmakeover&muchmore.

We are offering a no contact gardening & house maintenance service, anything from a one off grass cut to a full garden makeover & much

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da rt fo r d to g e t h e r

DARTFORD TOGETHER

BY JEREMY KITE, LEADER OF DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL Everyone at Dartford Borough Council appreciates that this Covid-19 outbreak is bound to cause some anxiety in our communities. It’s entirely understandable.

But it’s important to remember that organisations like ours and all the community partners we work with have all got long-established plans in place for eventualities like these. Of course, that doesn’t mean we aren’t facing new challenges but our preparations are helping us deliver core services as the outbreak develops.

As I write, the Council is focussing on three main things. First, we want to continue delivering as many of our core services as possible, particularly to the most vulnerable. Of course, a lot of our services depend on real people to deliver them and many of those folk will be following just the same health advice as everyone else but by working flexibly and focussing on what really matters, we are managing well. We will do our very best to deliver the weekly bin service, take care of our tenants and ensuring that we are supporting people in every part of Dartford. We took a very early decision to suspend things like parking enforcement and take some common-sense steps to make people’s lives a little easier at a time when they have other things on their minds. All we ask in return is that people stay safe and act sensibly.

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The second role we have is helping people find the information they need. We have updated all our web pages at www.dartford.gov.uk to provide information about Covid-19 and we have created a dedicated facebook page called Dartford Together to ensure reliable and accurate information reaches all our neighbourhoods quickly. If you are not already following Dartford Together on facebook, now is the time to do so.

Of course, not everyone has easy access to the internet. Most do, but not all, and one of our big goals is to ensure that no-one feels left behind or unsupported. You can help us with that by thinking about any friends or neighbours who may not be as connected. Sadly, the current advice rules out personal visits but please give them a telephone call to make sure they are ok and pass on information. Even a cheery wave, a thumbs up and a conversation through a closed window can go a long way! Let’s look out for each other.

Most importantly though, we are looking ahead and planning to deliver what our community needs as part of the national response. . As I write, our top priority is to set up a storage and distribution network to ensure we can get food and medical supplies to those folk in our community who have been identified by the NHS as extremely vulnerable. They will have received letters or text messages telling them to stay indoors for 12

By J e r e my K i t e , L e a d e r o f Da rt fo r d B o ro u g h Co u n c i l

weeks to help shield them from the virus and we’re determined to help them. By the time you read this, those plans will be in place and we will be building more and more capacity to support those who may not meet the NHS definition of extremely vulnerable but could certainly do with our help.

These last weeks have certainly been exhausting for all of us at the Council but I only have to think about the amazing NHS staff, health workers, post deliverers, shop workers, waste collectors and fantastic people in so many other public services to put all that in perspective. Thank you to all of them. There’s one way we can repay the NHS and that’s to follow its advice.

we’re already thinking about next year!

Right now, it may be hard to see any positives to this awful outbreak and the impact it is having on every family in Dartford. But even now, something very, very powerful is emerging ….. a confirmation of our great sense of community and the power of goodwill. If we do one thing as we emerge from this challenging time it surely ought to be to harness that to build an even better and stronger community.

Remember, if you’re not yet following Dartford Together on facebook, please click through and join us now.

It’s also humbling to see the response from so many in our community who have sprung in to action to offer help to their neighbours. Some have set up support networks, offered to drive, to shop or become telecompanions to those now feeling lonely at home. An appeal for volunteers on our Dartford Together facebook page generated a huge response and I couldn’t be more grateful.

My final word is a reassurance that Dartford is a great community and we will come through this stronger and better. Everyday life and simple pleasures will return - a walk in the park, watching the Darts win the league next year, going shopping, eating out, meeting with friends. We’ve had to suspend our Summer of community events but

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- Garden Design.

- Garden Clearance.

- Garden maintenance :all aspects.

- Hedge/shrub pruning.

- Deweed paths and flower beds - Lawn Maintenance and cutting.

Free quotations Contact- Andy Davidson.

Mobile 07815 118887 Email – andy_davidson_1@ yahoo.co.uk A Friendly, reliable and quality service.

Bespoke quotations on request.

Hawley Garden Centre Hawley road Dartford Kent DA2 7RB Tel: 01322 723959 E-Mail: enquiries@hmqualityfoods.co.uk Web: www.hmqualityfoods.co.uk

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s av e m o n e y t h i s s p r i n g

SAVE MONEY THIS SPRING

Save money this spring Living on a tight budget can be a struggle but there are ways to be creative with very little. Lots of people are now rejecting the extreme consumer culture and finding ways to reduce spending so there’s plenty of useful information available. Here are some ideas to help you save and even make money this April.

Cancel what you don’t need We all think we’re on top of our money but when was the last time you checked your Direct Debits or standing orders? It’s worthwhile taking the time to go through.

According to Money Saving Expert, we could be losing out on several hundred pounds from regular payments we’ve forgotten about. See moneysavingexpert.com/banking/ direct-debit for some great tips.

Check your statement and receipts It’s also worthwhile taking the time to check your bank and credit card statements to make sure you’re paying the amounts you expect to be paying. If you spot an error, get in touch with the company to get it sorted as soon as possible.

Plan your meals for the week ahead Planning what you’re going to eat for the coming week can boost savings, contribute towards eating more healthily and prevent food waste. It can also be fun being creative with what you already have in the cupboards. Plus, you can use any leftovers as packed lunches for work and school – according to research from vouchercloud. com, taking your own lunches instead of buying sandwiches every working day could save you around £1,300 per year!

Upcycle your wardrobe Splurging on new clothes can feel like a luxury when you’re on a tight budget, but these days everybody seems to be buying less in an effort to halt the damage being made to the environment by fast fashion.

Why not try upcycling some of your old clothes? Check out pinterest. co.uk/jenuinemom/diy-upcycle-clothing for inspiration.

If upcycling isn’t your thing, you can still save money by making the most of charity shops, having a look on eBay or organising a clothes swap with friends.

Craft and create your own cool gifts When birthdays and events come around, we may want to get a nice gift or card for someone but struggle to afford it. However, a handmade version can be such a pleasure to receive and save pounds in the process. Search 5-minute crafts on YouTube for some creative ideas.

Make cash out of clutter Decluttering your home is good for mental wellbeing but can also be great for your wallet too. You could start with just one room and then ruthlessly get rid of anything that you no longer use, want or that doesn’t fit. Check out free ways to sell your stuff like Facebook Marketplace and get the cash rolling in!

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with 588 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups, and support for people breaking habitual dependencies. Visit capuk. org to find out more.

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LIFE UNDE R THE STAI R S

we aren’t at our best.

In an ideal world, I’d have my own ‘she shed’ at the top of the garden, complete with kettle, cat beds and wind chimes.

Until then, I’ll count my blessings, and stare over the fields, relishing this quiet time I’m lucky enough to have.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME… My private space for writing, including the Life Under The Stairs page, has undergone a huge transformation. Out from dark confines of my Harry Potter like domain I now have a glorious, sunny room at the top of the house, kitted out with pictures, personal junk and the other stuff I need to put me at ease.

Whether or not this makes writing any easier, remains to be seen. Hopefully, working in natural light will make a difference, as does having somewhere I can go to which is not shared with anyone unless I specifically invite them in.

What is it about personal space that we value so very much? I’ve always thought it is closely linked to personal time as well. We all need time alone to stay sane, so it follows that we all need a private space. Somewhere we can shut the door on routine, family and responsibilities. A place to reenergise, whether by reading that book we’ve had for ages, listening to music, painting, gaming or crafting.

These activities are personal to us – we choose to do them. We aren’t pressured or expected to. It is necessary for our wellbeing .

Time spent alone rejuvenates and calms. I realise it simply isn’t as easy as moving to another room for many; young families, people who have odd working hours, or a lack of physical space. This all counts against what some perceive as a luxury. However, the lack of ‘me time’ can make us feel anxious, tired and then

34

CURSE OF THE UNFORTUNATE GARDENER I am not particularly green fingered, unlike my dad or the Eldest Offspring. Both only have to look at a seed and it grows, flourishes and produces. Last year, my spuds resembled small bullets, my bean plants produced about ten beans and the tomatoes were a complete disaster. Only the peas were mildly successful.

Is it a gift, this gardening thing? I love pottering around in the garden, weeding, mowing and growing things. I can manage lavender, salvias and gladioli – all wonderful too look at, but not much use in a recipe. I use grow bags, as I have very limited soil space in the garden. I’ve had much more success in the past, but recently I seem to put the kiss of death on any vegetable I try to grow.

However, I’m not giving up. I started small, with herbal ‘gro-mats’. The coriander and parsley are fine, but the mint and thyme refused point blank to play nice! I have a small patio pack of potatoes, some rather lovely looking Italian plum tomatoes and am trying both beans and peas again.

I can grow dandelions, chickweed, ivy and any number of prickly plants without even trying! If only I could find recipes to cook these, I’d never be short of veg!

THERE’S ALWAYS TWO SIDES INVOLVED… I have been known to moan about drivers in this column, but I heard a news item this morning, that prompted me to look at travel from the driver’s perspective.

The government are going to look at making parking half on/ half off the pavement, an offence.

If you are a mum with a pushchair, or have mobility problems, I can imagine this is excellent news. The pavements will be safer, no more dodging around large vans and badly parked cars.

What about the drivers? In this part of Kent, we are not best served by the transport system or suitable rod surfaces.

Spare a thought for those who live along narrow rural roads, where any sort of parking is a premium. To park all cars with all four wheels on the road will render many areas awkward and even more dangerous to manoeuvre than they are now.

Ditto, the local school, inconveniently situated up a narrow

LIFE UNDE R THE STAI R S

farm road. If parents taking small children into school, all parked on the road, it would make that area impassable, not to mention fraying a few tempers.

In many areas of semi-rural and rural Dartford, by parking as we should, we will have to do away with our big 4x4s and SUVs, opting for a small city car in order to get anywhere.

It could mean no more home deliveries, from Tesco or Asda. Forget having any building supplies delivered. What happens when we order large items to be delivered, or want to move to a new house? Such activities could block the roads completely. Worse case – emergency vehicles will be hindered in their journeys – that really does mean life or death.

Those in charge of our transport and road system need to talk to each other. A blanket ban on pavement parking isn’t the right answer.

Where I live, for example, we have an extremely wide pavement on one side of the road. Just by

making it more in keeping with the ‘normal’ width of path will make the road wider without any loss of safety for pedestrians.

The local public transport service is costly and time consuming. We all use cars, many households having two or three at least to cope with the lifestyles we now have.

Again, a bit of common sense wouldn’t come amiss. Using your drive if you can, leaving enough room for pedestrians to pass your car is another.

We cannot go back to the good old days when kids walked miles to school, the local shop sold everything you needed, and the buses ran every 10 minutes or so. The car is not a luxury anymore, it is a lifeline, and in the type of semi rural community that surrounds Dartford, there is no choice other than to drive. People on both sides of the argument need to be a little more sensible, and a little more considerate when vehicles and pedestrians are involved.

Stay safe, wash your hands and see you next month.

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Wisdom-Estates.co.uk 35

MOT e x t e n s i o n – Co v i d -19

MOT EXTENSION – COVID-19 If your MOT date is 30th March onwards, you automatically get given the 6 month extension.

For peace of mind Google ‘check your MOT history’, which will show your new expiry date. Bear with it, as they have said the system may not be updated straight away, but it will be as soon as they catch up! If you are worried you’ll forget, ring in 01322 271000 and ask us to note it against your vehicle and we’ll send a reminder before the new expiry date. You can have it done any time you want between now and then.

As lovely as it is to be given a free 6 month MOT, it is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. If you get stopped and your vehicle is deemed to be unsafe, you can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points, so please don’t just assume you can forget about any vehicle maintenance for the next 6 months.

I know it’s a bit daunting to work your vehicles, but there are some basic checks which should be carried out, especially if its already been a year since it was checked over properly. It is recommended each time you drive you should check the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean. Check all the lights work and are clean enough to be seen. Check the brakes work.

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If your vehicle has a handbook it will tell you how often they manufacturer recommends checking levels, if not Google it. Perhaps you should make an appointment with yourself to check the following if you can’t get it to us?

Engine Oil Water level in the radiator or expansion tank Washer bottles for the windscreen and rear screen Tyres New cars burn oil, so it is very important to check your oil level. Low oil can cause extensive damage to your vehicle, if it’s going to go 18 months, you almost certainly will have problems if you just leave it.

Water in the radiator is important as it cools the engine. If the level is low, the engine will overheat and cause damage, in the extreme, it can crack the engine block.

You need water in your washer bottles to clear the screens. You need to be able to see where you’re going!

Tyres should be checked for cracks and cuts as well as tread. The legal limit is 1.6mm (motorbikes 1mm) and this depth must be across the middle ¾ and around the whole tyre ie no bald patches.

The easiest way to check it is to get a 20p coin, Put the coin in the gaps on the tyre. If you can see the

MOT e x t e n s i o n – Co v i d -19

border that runs around the 20p coin, your tyre tread is too low.

Garages are classed as essential to keep key workers on the road. We (Orchard Garage) have taken the decision to only open one of our sites, Park Road, so our employees can remain safely at home. We are running Park Road and will continue to do so unless we are told not to by the Government. Our opening hours may change due to demand, so please keep checking our social media pages for updates.

Rest assured, we are taking precautions to minimize the risk of spreading Covid-19; we don’t want it! If you want or need us, then please call and we will do our best to help.

Together, we’ll get through this. Stay safe!

Pam Manwaring – Orchard Garage Limited – 128 Park Road, Dartford DA1 1SZ – 01322 271000

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MOT e x t e n s i o n – Co v i d -19

38

R ESCUE IS BEST

RESCUE IS BEST We have teamed up with Battersea Dog and Cats home - Brands Hatch to bring you regular listings of animals requiring rehoming.

Name: Auggie; Breed: Beagle; Sex: Male; Age: 4 years 10 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 379777 Don’t let Auggie’s frowning face fool you! He is a sweet and sensitive boy who loves attention and a fuss from those who know him. Auggie enjoys being outside where he can put his Beagle nose to good use and settles wonderfully when he has some company. Auggie is looking for a home where he will have his own garden in a quiet area and with new owners who can be with him at home most of the time. He can be worried when people come and go, so he is looking for a family with the time and patience to help him settle in and build up his time alone gradually. Auggie has shown that he is uncomfortable with formal handling such as when visiting vets, so to help him with this our team have put measures in place to help him deal with this, which includes utilising a muzzle. Auggie will be a larger than life addition to an experienced home who are willing to put in some training and help this boy flourish into the affectionate cheeky boy we have seen here.

If you’re interested in rehoming Auggie, please visit www.battersea.org.uk Name: Kube; Breed: Domestic Short-hair; Sex: Female; Age: 3 years; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 381683 Kube is an energetic and playful young cat who thrives with the freedom to explore and investigate for fun. She is full of beans so can often be found enjoying play time by herself running, chasing and pouncing on toys. She also loves to play with string toys with her human friends, jumping high in the air to catch the pesky mouse on the end! At the end of play time she will take her toys and hide them in her bed for safe keeping. A real character, Kube’s bold nature means she is keen to see what is going on and where she can go exploring, sometimes spooking herself and deciding to retreat. For this reason she can become easily frustrated so would need time to adjust and settle into a new home with some respectful space. Once she has that her new owners will truly see the real Kube.

If you’re interested in rehoming Kube, please visit www.battersea.org.uk

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Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

R ESCUE IS BEST

By Maria Kingsford

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

Local people from ‘Dartford painted rocks’ on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around the town.

The rocks can be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located at the Orchards Shopping Centre (once the gallery is open again).

Here are some of the photos of their latest painted rocks.

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40

CA R NEWS

CAR NEWS APRIL 2020

By Dhiren Ganesh

IN THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE WE LOOK AT NEW VERSIONS FROM EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS INCLUDING AN OLD CLASSIC REFRESHED INTO AN ALL-ELECTRIC MODEL.

2020 Audi A3 – This is the new Audi A3 whos’ exterior gets a makeover straight from Audi’s latest design guidelines, with a larger hexagonal grille, new LED headlights and tail-lamps, plus aggressive styling for S line models. This will only be planned in a 5-door version so no 3-door will be available.

Inside, is a new 10.1-inch touchscreen display and alongside the gearstick is a new volume control with a touch-sensitive click-wheel, which is operated like an old iPod. The engine line-up is largely unchanged with the entry level version a 1.0-litre petrol model. On sale this summer, expected to be May, the prices are forecast to begin around £23,000.

2020 Mercedes E-class – all new E-class has had its styling updated. Aside from a new front grille, all E-Class models now come with LED lights as standard and there’s a new bumper at the rear, along with redesigned light clusters.

On the inside, where two 10.25in digital screens are now standard, with one given over to the infotainment system and the other to instruments.

Options are available to increase the size to 12.3in screens. The new model will recognise your hands on the wheel when you’re using semiautonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance. Both mild- and plug-in hybrid options are expected to be available alongside conventional petrol and diesel engines. As well as the saloon, you’ll be able to choose a two-door coupé, a convertible or a spacious estate. Prices are expected closer to launch in August 2020 however could start from around £40,000.

2021 Fiat 500 electric car – This is the all-new, all-electric 500. There is slight increase in size compared with the Mk2, so the EV is 60mm wider and 60mm longer. It has a new bumper that is actually closer in style to the set-up on the original 500. At launch a cabriolet will only be available but a fixed-roof version is expected in due course. The car has a 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack – enough to deliver up to 320km (199 miles) of range, with a top speed of 93mph.

The 500 gets an 85kW DC charger, so the car can be recharged from flat to 80 per cent of capacity in just 35 minutes. On the inside this brings a 10.25-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay functionality and the ability, in future, to offer wireless Android Auto.

Fiat will launch the 500 in the UK early 2021 in top spec ‘La Prima’ trim, which including the Government plug-in car grant will be priced at £29,000.

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY WHE R E TO GO LOCALLY

MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:00am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.00 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Toast 20p per slice Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 01322 291092.

TUESDAYS Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information.

9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe. com 9:30-10:30am at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime WEDNESDAYS 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £2.50 per family including all snacks and drinks.

Catherine 07878658685 11.15am - SLADE GREEN AND HOWBURY COMMUNITY LIBRARY BABY AND TODDLER ACTION RHYME TIME GROUP 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ £2.50 per Adult THURSDAYS 9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford.

9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 10:30-11:30am, at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@ yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child SATURDAYS 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions at Dartford Libraries - Monday 10:30am - 11am 2:15pm – 2:45pm Friday Thursday 10:30pm -11:00am Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday 10:30am -11am Greenhithe - Thursday 2.15pm – 2.45pm - Thursday 10:45am -11:15am Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday 10:30am – 11am Sutton-at-Hone -Monday. 2pm – 2:30pm Temple Hill - Wednesday 10.30am -11am Dartford

Come along and join in the fun! Term time only For more information please call

Advertise in the magazine for as little as £40 for a month Contact: sales@dartfordliving.com

42 WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN CHECK

Our brand new online programme Hartbeeps @ Home starts Monday, 30th March. Our four week membership is available to everyone with little ones 0-5 years (older siblings welcome too!). With daily content including interactive musical play sessions, crafts, activities, podcasts, Sunday morning kitchen raves and much more... Hartbeeps is here to brighten your days and bring joy to your isolation. The course costs only £24 per household for the entire 4 weeks, that’s less than £1 per day.

Ou brann dew onn ilpro egrahave mm Heartbee@ H psom sta eM rtVIP sond 3a 0y th M , aaccess rc O hu .fo ru w rem ekembea rsvih ala pito belveto ryon w eo tih ela ny 0 e5 s e-ao (rsprivate d lsbn eirlg w sec lom to eW o .t)h d i!c a ylo i nFacebook ten itcu ldn in g i teracm vtieusc ipla sy elsso in cs ra ,c pftso e,vtsi,dca Su stsn , da m yornn ig ktc ihen rato va esnm duc h mH o a.r.tebh .eseitpo rsbeg rihten you d ra Customers will group make friends and share ideas. Hartbeeps content will be uploaded daily and unlimited access to all content for the full 4 weeks. Take a peek at our jam packed schedule of fun and we look forward to welcoming you to our world of the imagination from Monday 30th March.

Join whenever you wish over the 4 weeks and access all the content already uploaded. It’s not too late to join the party! www.bookeo.com/hartbeepsnorthkent

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY -

FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

CARE & SUPPORT

stroke survivors for stroke survivors. It provides excise classes, art sessions, outings, events and meetings. It meets at the YMCA, Dartford, DA1 1UP at 11.00 am on Tuesdays. Please contact Theo Hodges at Theo.

Hodges@stroke.org.uk or 0743 7100 404, for more details

THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION meets on various date at Birchwood Country Club For more information contact Alexon 01322 228169.

THE WELLBEING LINK The Wellbeing Link meets on Friday mornings from 10-1pm in the St. Anselm’s Parish Centre, 89 West Hill, Dartford A friendly and informative group - call Julie On 07775875585

DARTFORD OSTOMY GROUP SUPPORT (DOGS) meet every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and pouch, their carers, family and friends.

ALL DIRECTIONS is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or 07570 347612

SOCIAL GROUPS JUST FOR GROWN UPS GROUP We are a small friendly group who meet at the Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Centre on the first Tuesday of the month. Join us any time between 11am and 1pm for a social chat, coffee and biscuits or a fun quiz. For more information contact mikeansell.dt@hotmail.co.uk

charity. If you are missing the contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the last Thursday of every month.

For more details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www.waprobus.com

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 01603406767 and ask about the Dartford group.

HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch.

Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year.

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH Our club is open to anyone over 55 PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP wherever you live and costs just 60p Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, more information visit: to come along and join in. So why not Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford- come and join our friendly welcoming Bexleyheath-surrounding-areassocial club? For further information BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH social-group/ please call either John Letchford on PARKINSONS UK 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 For people with Parkinsons and their DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF 222195. carers.

THE THIRD AGE) JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each meets on the first Tuesday of every meet on the third Tuesday of every month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30month (except August) at St Anselm’s month, with meetings beginning at 9.30pm. Information support workers Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 7.45pm. We meet at the Community available, guest speakers and quizzes. 2pm, For information about meetings Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: and interest groups call 01474-709068 DA2 7NE. More information can be 02083065973 or visit our website. found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk (under Local Clubs and Societies).

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION has 2 WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP groups for stroke survivors with CLUB We meet each week on Wednesday Communication difficulties; one in We are a group of retired men who evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Dartford and one in Gravesend. Please meet monthly for a lunch and a Coffee Shop , Bluewater Upper contact Michele at Dartford@stroke. speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. Guildhall, opposite Waterstones. No org.uk or on 01622 3251 962.

We also have a monthly walk and fees to pay, just purchase your drink occasional coffee mornings and as a or food in Starbucks and join us. All Also, there is a social group, run by side line we raise money for a local genres and writing styles are welcome

44 CHECK WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN

including adult fiction, young adult/ opportunities that Round Table does. teen, children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and poetry. See Check out the locally famous club h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n us oncFacebook “Bluewater Writers’ www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Group” Facebook search: For further info email Tony at: * Dartford Round Table tonyjan@talktalk.net * Round Table * Dartford Egg Hunt CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS You will receive a very warm CLUB welcome. meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com. and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI A warm welcome awaits you on the 2nd Tuesday of For further details phone: 07706 every month at Dartford Girls Grammar 103706 School, Shepherds Lane, DA1 2NT at 7.30pm. For more information please THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) contact Judith on 01322 278703 or Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm email FairfieldDartford@wkfwi.org.uk Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town Centre CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st Description: We are a (non-profit Thursday of every month at 1.30pm. making) friendly social group open to Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, anyone over fifty.

Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact We enjoy socialising, making new Secretary, Linda Lewis 01322 557229 friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle A group of retired ladies meet locally Walks and Short Breaks Away. for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. each month,. They raise funds for Annual membership £6 charity and usually invite a speaker. If you would like to join us or Join them and enjoy meeting and require further information please making new friends. If you would like telephone: more information please contact Iris Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 (Secretary) on 01474 703448 TALK TIME MALE? AGED 18 - 45?

TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME Round Table is for the guys ONLY) with Ladies Circle for the Ladies Fleetdown Library (ladiescircle.co.uk) Everybody welcome, join us for a Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th friendly chat Thursday. and light refreshments.

Often called the original young man’s social club, Round Table has over 400 clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries worldwide. We have an emphasis on having a lot of FUN. We guarantee that involvement with Round Table will enhance your social life, your personal abilities, your network and best of all it is not expensive.

For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need to experience it because no other organisation offers you the

HAVEN (LGBT) SOCIAL GROUP. London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe Place to Meet.

For more information please contact 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - havenx35@gmail.com WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082

DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and day trips out as well as activities including theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons and an art group.

Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones 01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NORTH DOWNS Our club, which is one of 35,000 around the World, was set up 40 years ago and has members with a wide range of interests and backgrounds.

The club actively supports a number of charities locally, nationally and internationally and we continue to raise funds for Ellenor Hospices, Demelza Hospices for Children, Darent Valley Hospital and many others. We are very keen to maintain these traditions and welcome new members from the area. We also organise numerous social activities both for members and the wider community. For more information about the club’s activities and membership please contact Bob Phillips on 07815 807520 or John Smeeth on 07889 137951 THE ASSOCIATION OF BEXLEY CHARITIES ’78 will hold its Grand Autumn Fair at the United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ (near the Broadway Shopping Centre) on Saturday 26th October 2019 from 9.45 am - 1.00 pm.

There will be a variety of charity stalls selling Christmas Gifts and Cards; CDs and DVDs; Collectables; Jewellery; Chutneys, Jams, Cakes; Books; Children’s Toys and Games; Model Railway accessories.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ENTRANCE 50P (ACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FREE) WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

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FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES The group meet every week at Towncentric in Gravesend and this year we are looking at Everyday Life in Medieval London. We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12.30 at £6.00 per week customers can phone me on 01474 355676 for more information or look at my website www.tonimount. co.uk DSTC ALUMNI Hi all, if you went to DSTC, DTC, Dartford West Girls or any other name that the school has been known as we would love to hear from you! The school is looking to make links with former students to help raise the profile of the school but also as a way of getting back in touch with people.

There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! www.facebook.com/groups/ DSTCAlumni

is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@ hotmail.co.uk PAVILION PLAYERS Is an amateur dramatics group based at the Joydens Wood Community Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more information please visit www. facebook.com/pavilionplayers or call us on 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop down on a Tuesday night!

Everyone welcome!

DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.m. Free tuition with a very friendly, sociable group.

The ideal way to make new friends.

Phone Ester 01322 220458 or email: esther.correia1@btinternet.com

NORTH WEST KENT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY The Dartford Branch meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10amTHE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP 12:30pm at the Dartford Science and We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in Technology College, Heath Lane, For the Community hall (opp St Paulinus more information see www.nwkfhs. church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 lights, scenery or singing/acting on the ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY has stage - everyone welcome. Email me been in existence for over 50 years (Carolyn) for more details at and has well over 50 active members. c_sawyers@hotmail.com.

As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome.

CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE incorporating Barnehurst and Slade The club meets on Wednesday Green. Meet every Monday (except evenings from around 7.00pm until the third Monday) of the month at around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call in Invicta House (aka Belvedere in for a chat about old Crayford and Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, to view the large collection of local Belvedere DA17 5DA. images, or bring your own for us to copy.

DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING pm at GROUP

Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session.

Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk DARTFORD FLORAL CLUB The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement. Contact Carol 01322 220802 DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE CLUB meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-Book-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub.co.uk COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB This small friendly club meets each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon in Sutton-at-Hone Village Hall. From 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Price is £3.00 to include Tea & biscuits.

Occasionally we meet on a Saturday when we have a tutor with us, from 10am until 4pm Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581.

Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and

46 WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN CHECK

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page?

If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE I provide all the equipment, materials and refreshments with just a small all inclusive, pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person per session.

Those who come have the opportunity to learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, inks and how to draw with pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I offer too. www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ - calling all 11-18 year olds who want more than an ordinary life, come hang out with other young people and discover their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church Dartford, near McDonalds and next to Weatherspoons.

For more information email andrew@ thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 272649.

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS Our Club presents a programme of workshops and demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere. We meet on the last Thursday of each month except December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome, entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for people to be creative, make friends.

For further information please phone Angela Hurd Telephone: 01322 407556

hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https://swanleyhistorygroup. weebly.com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter.

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm in the Community Room of Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 1BE. The programme of activities is varied with workshops, talks and sit and stitch sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More information can be found on our website www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk or phone 01474324734.

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528 BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meetings first and third Friday of the month at Freemantle Hall, Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. Covering stamps and postal history, meetings offer displays, auctions, competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on www. bexleyps.org.uk MAKE A NOISE CHOIR Singing songs from the shows and having fun! We meet every Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at St Anselm’s Church, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ www.makeanoisechoir.com GIRLGUIDING – DARTFORD DIVISION Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women aged 5-18 in the UK.

can #inspiregirls too.

If you would like to find out more please register your interest www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested DARTFORD HISTORICAL AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY www.historicaldartford.org.uk Our talks in 2020 continue with the following: Friday 21 February - Toni Mount. “Richard III King of Controversy”.

Friday 20 March - Bob Ogley. “Biggin on the Bump”.

Friday 17 April - Wilf Lower. “Under Billowing Sails - the Romance and Reality of Tall Ships”.

Friday 15 May - Ian Porter. “Jack the Ripper”.

These events will be held at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, at 7.30 for 7.45pm and all are welcome.

A small charge of £2.00 is made for nonmembers.

Membership of the Society is currently £10.00 per annum and this includes a copy of the annual magazine which contains interesting articles on the history of Dartford and surrounds. Telephone 01322 221702 for further information.

We meet every third Thursday of each month, between 19:30 & 21:30 at the following local hall:

Pheonix Place Community Hall Pheonix Place, Dartford, DA1 2XG If you have any questions, please contact our Club Secretary Tony Pringle who will be only too happy Our new programme delivers the fun and to help. varied range of activities that you expect from guiding, and of course, there’s still Please use the following options: plenty of badges to earn. We’ve introduced Email: tp.1971@outlook.com new topics, new skills and new ways for Tel: 07738 698284 There are more than 30 groups in the Dartford area run by our amazing volunteers who inspire girls every week.

SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP Meets 1st Tuesday of every month.

Presentations on local social history.

Venue Alexandra Suite St Mary’s Road girls to broaden their horizons.

Swanley BR8 7BU. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2. Everyone There are lots of flexible ways to volunteer welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@ so no matter how much time you have you

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FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL

c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE Swanscombe Leisure Centre.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Call Saj on 07903 513104 (HASARA) We meet on the 2nd Thursday in the scout hut Sutton at Hone at 2pm.

Other social activities include pub lunches, art and craft, short mat bowls, petanque, walks, coach outings, etc.

We are a friendly and young at heart club. Do join us. Ring Jim on 01322 221736 or Carol on 07912564710 or just turn up.

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford to hold the”GymMark” Award for 6 years.

Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great ORCHARDS JUNIOR SCALE MODEL coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do CLUB. We welcome everyone from age 8 and upwards. We meet not close through the holidays! on a Tuesday evening from 6pm Visit our website www.dartonwards in The Meeting Place in fordgymnastics.co.uk for full the Orchards Shopping Centre. details or contact Linda on 01322 We deal with all sorts of scale 409312 or email dartfordgymmodels from Airfix and similar, club@yahoo.co.uk Warhammer, model railways etc. We charge £1 per week per LEARN KARATE person and any under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Learn karate with Yamato We have a small number of Damashii – for adults & children kits available to purchase at a Every Wednesday evening at the reasonable rate.

Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. https://www.facebook.com/OrchardsJuniorScaleModelClub/ For more info, visit www.ydma. club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

SPORTS GROUPS

AND CLUBS

Yoga with Emma “YOGA WITH EMMA WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING Europa Gymnastics Centre: Wheelchair epee fencing in - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – Dartford and Gravesham, we are 9.30am to 10.30am delighted to announce that New - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to Ash Green Epee club, can now 10.30am introduce wheelchair fencing. If - Fridays: Yin Yoga – 10.45am to interested in taking up this para sport please contact us on 01474 11.45am 871484 or alternatively look at our Becket Sports Centre: website www.nagfencing.eu - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm ERITH YOUTH RUGBY Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Please see www.samadhi-yoga.

Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 co.uk for more information or 590515 email Emma at emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk“ LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS KENT EXILES AMERICAN Sundays 48 10:15-10:45 at

FOOTBALL CLUB www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION I run group fitness classes as well as 1-1 and semi private personal training sessions in Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & Nutrition: we offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for all abilities.

The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk HARTLEY SWIMCLUB AT WHITE OAK POOL, SWANLEY We are a friendly group of adults who meet for a social swim every Thursday at 9pm. We’re looking for new members. Why not give us a try?

Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday.

DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio.

We have an adult class 8-10pm too.

We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members.

DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB For more details see www.dfok. co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that

challenges core stabilty, balance and Club in Dartford and we share strength. It is suitable for all levels our headquarters at Hesketh with and abilities. Classes are held every Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for Wednesday stone abilities have c h e c k wevening i t h t h e p roat v i dthe e r s to s e e i f t h e y a rmost e st i l l o p e n d u r i nand g lo c k d o wansocial ride pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 most Saturday mornings. For info on costing £5 per person. joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK Friendly club seeking new members. TRIATHLON CLUB Abilities mixed.

We are the local British Triathlon Would suit players with some prior Federation Club covering Bexley, experience.

Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford times per week at White oak pool Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT in Swanley and Fairfield pool in For further information please email: Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many highlystrungbc@gmail.com members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB please visit our website Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri. co.uk London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS grab a cup of tea and chat about all Dartford Road Runners are based things hobby and some things not! at Princes Park Stadium and are For more info visit - https://emperone of the biggest road running ors10th.wixsite.com/home clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR DARTFORD PARKRUN Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k teams compete in the Kent League, run every Saturday morning starting the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join get a time a position emailed and us with all abilities. texted after the event. To register http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ go to node/440 www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode.

DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS Every Sunday Morning in the Park CLUB there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – registration is the same.

Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN making it one of the oldest clubs in Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now the country. If you are interested in live. The run starts behind the Heath seeing how we can help you advance Lane car park and is a free 5k run your Athletics then please visit our every Saturday morning at 9am. website Parking is restricted in the area so http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk please do not park in Heathclose Road and wherever possible please CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB walk.

We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN provide access to a state of the A new Parkrun event with parking at art running track (re-laid in 2015) Crazy Barn and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD memberships). Refreshments and Seeds is a long-established cycling changing facilities are also available.

For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities.

This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina.

There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for more details.

The Run leaders for each group are as follows; Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford Dawn & Brian Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian New runners are always welcome, and you can contact Brian if you would like more information; see contact details and e-mail link on Our Group page.

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The Hope Group on 07580 615206.

THE ASHES BADMINTON CLUB Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 8-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Downton Ali Associates.........................................53 Urban Sticks...................................................14 & 15 BUILDERS, DECORATORS, ROOFING, BATHROOMS, HEATING, KITCHENS, WINDOWS & DOORS Claremont Decorative Services.............................36 Home & Garden.......................................................5 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..................................22 The Double Glazing Repair Man..............................4 CAR CARE ChipsAway..............................................................10 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.........................................................19 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ....................................31 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ............................................................11 Wisdom Estates......................................................23 FARM SHOP H&M Foods.............................................................15 FLORIST Dartford Florist.....................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage......................................................60 Shenley Road Garage.............................................24 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening.............................................7 50

HEALTH Home Instead...........................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................21 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Gareth Johnson........................................................5 NURSERY Holy Trinity Church Pre School.............................12 The Brent Playgroup..............................................47 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS On Pointe Pilates....................................................19 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames............................................................38 RESTAURANT/ TEA ROOMS/CAFE EFES.......................................................................18 SECURITY Excel Security Systems..........................................21 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .................................................21 WEBSITE DESIGN Dartford Living Design.............................................2

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We want to work with you to promote your businesses as much as we can using our website and social media channels for maximum exposure. We can also provide advertising options solely online on your website and/ or social media channels. We feel we have every base covered.

To book in an advert call 01322 507817 or email sales@dartfordliving.com David Shafford

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Dartford Living does not certify, endorse or verify the contents of any communication within the magazine/our online presence or make warranty of any kind, express or implied, with regard to the information contained therein. Dartford Living and its owners cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services that appear in any Dartford Living publication or media outlet. Dartford Living is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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USEFUL NUMBERS LOCAL AND NATIONAL

KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/ Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 01322 421480 Boots Chemist Bluewater 01322 624780 (Late Night) ASDA Greenhithe Chemist 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1513 100 West Kent NHS helpline 0800 0 850850 TRAVEL Heathrow Airport Enquires 08700 000123 Gatwick Airport Enquires 08700 002468 National Rail Enquires 08456 484950 Highways England Info Line 0300 123 5000 HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014

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Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697 555 Citizens Advice Bureau: 01322 472 979 Debt Councilling (CAP) 0800 328 0006 Information About Drugs - FRANK: 0800 776600 Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162 Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624 Local Breastfeeding Counsellors Judianne/Paula 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000 247 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720 Samaritans: 116 123 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www.

Call 999 in an Emergency Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastguard 101 Non Emergency Number for Kent Police Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 111 NHS Non Emergency Number

dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes ParkContact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group

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