Michaela McMillan recently arrived at Dartford parkrun tasked with an important role. She had previously run the 5-kilometre-long route round Central Park more than four hundred times, but now she was preparing to parkwalk.
The initiative, first launched in October 2022, is designed to encourage people to get active at their local event by walking it.
Michaela put on a special blue high-viz bib to highlight she was in the designated parkwalker role, picked up the event’s soft toy mascot and then strolled along the course, striking up conversations with others doing the same.
“I loved walking the course, it was so nice to see the park from a different perspective and see people you usually wouldn’t see”, she said.
“I especially loved meeting the two first time walkers to parkrun who I saw come back the following week, which was great!”.
“A positive mood for the rest of the day”
Hundreds of people take part in the two local parkruns at Dartford and Dartford Heath at 9AM every Saturday morning.
At 9AM on Sunday, dozens of children attend separate junior events which are aimed specifically at 4 – 14 years old at Dartford’s Central Park and Swanscombe Heritage Park.
They all offer a safe and encouraging place for anyone who wants to run, jog or walk. There is no time limit, and an official tail walker is always designated to stay at the back and finish in last place.
Since the parkwalking initiative was launched, many people have joined to specifically walk the courses.
Barry Nicholson is Event Director at Dartford parkrun
and believes the idea encourages people who may have been uncertain beforehand to give it a go.
“Some people may be put off from trying parkrun just by its name. But it’s not just for regular runners, it’s there for everyone to exercise. How you do it is up to you and it’s free!
“It certainly sets you up in a positive mood for the rest of the day!”.
Celebrations and Recognition
The emphasis on encouraging new people to try walking at a parkrun follows a successful last year for all of Dartford’s four events.
Dartford Heath has seen attendance numbers continue to rise at its beautiful course while volunteers at Swanscombe Heritage Park juniors have just celebrated their first birthday following last year’s successful launch.
Dartford’s Mayor, Councillor Andy Lloyd, recently attended the junior event in the town’s Central Park to award a special wristband to 12-year-old Rowan for finishing his 250th juniors, as well as to congratulate Nathanael on his regular attendance over eight and a half years before “retiring” when he turned 15.
There was recognition too for Dartford parkrun when it was awarded the “Good for Society Award” at the Dartford Business Awards in October.
All the events welcome anyone who is wanting to get active in a supportive environment, whether its walking, jogging or running.
All that’s required to join is a parkrun barcode, which can be obtained online by searching for ‘Register for parkrun’.
L laicnanfia ecivdlanosrep
T eromtuobagniniager gnimaerdtuobaroft l ehtthgirtnemeriter s’tahtlanosrep.uoyd
T ecivresdekcabeht s plehuoyeganamruoy i seitixelpmoc.xater’uoy l tuobawohnacekam tneppahi dnadnfituoeromG
We’re here to help make your search for a care home easier. In our home, you can expect a safe, welcoming environment, where we encourage independence while offering a helping hand. We get to know everyone, offer a range of sociable activities, and most of all, a place to call home. Nursing | Residential | Short stay
Don’t let illness ruin your Easter - that’s the message from doctors in Kent and Medway as they remind patients to think ahead and use services wisely.
The long bank holiday weekend places extra pressure on NHS services. Please help us help you by choosing the right service for your medical need.
Make sure you order repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don’t run out. You can order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and nominate a pharmacy, saving you time and putting you in control of your health needs.
Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home with the basic essentials, such as a thermometer, oral rehydration sachets, plasters, pain killers and antihistamines.
Get advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of feeling ill – don’t wait for it to get more serious.
Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can advise on many common issues. They can also recommend and sell medicine for conditions without needing a prescription.
More than nine in 10 pharmacies in Kent and Medway can assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for seven common conditions.
Urgent treatment centres and minor injuries units are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend emergency departments for, including sprains, minor burns, and minor illness.
Patients can visit an urgent treatment centre without an appointment if they have an urgent condition that needs to be seen on the same day, such as a suspected broken bone or fracture, a sprain or strain, minor cut,
Appointments can also be booked by contacting NHS 111 by phone or online. By using the 111 service, patients will know they are going to the right place for treatment.
Visit www.StopThinkChoose.co.uk to find information about local services, including emergency pharmacy opening times over the bank holidays and where to find your nearest urgent treatment centre.
burn or scald.
Would you like your business to
its customer
experience? Register your interest in our FREE Dementia Friendly Dartford initiative!
Dartford Borough Council has awarded ADSS funding to support local retailers, businesses, charities and community organisations to become Dementia Inclusive.
This is a great opportunity to ensure that those affected by dementia feel safe and comfortable when shopping on the High Street and in the shopping centres in Dartford.
You will be provided with FREE Dementia Awareness training and with an opportunity to ensure the areas of your business that are open to the public are welcoming and safe for those living with dementia.
Those businesses participating will be awarded with a window sticker that can be displayed so that those affected by dementia will be confident in accessing your business.
Places are limited so don’t delay in registering your interest via this QR code.
If you have any questions about this initiative, please email
There are approximately 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. 45,000 of those people are under the age of 65. The Equality Act 2010 classifies dementia as a disability. This means that those living with dementia are legally protected from discrimination at work.
A diagnosis of dementia can take time, particularly for those under the age of 65. Early signs of dementia can include difficulties with concentration, finding usual work tasks more difficult, making uncharacteristic mistakes and having difficulties with communication, such as finding the right words. Managers and colleagues may be the first people to notice these difficulties. It’s important to be aware that the person may feel embarrassed and may start to lose their confidence.
For some occupations, such as those involving operating machinery or driving, it is a legal requirement to inform employers of a diagnosis. However, it is advisable for all of those diagnosed with dementia to discuss their diagnosis with their employer.
This will enable employers to involve Occupational Health and to work with the employee to agree an employment action plan.
This could include:
- setting individual tasks, instead of giving a list of tasks
- providing assistive technology, e.g. for reminders
- providing a quieter area to work with fewer distractions and or supportive homeworking - ensuring regular rest breaks can be taken.
Some people may need to reduce their hours or change their role to something with less responsibility.
For some people, continuing their employment may not be possible. However, as it’s important for people to have a sense of purpose, they may want to take on a volunteer role.
It’s also important for employers to consider the needs of employees that are Carers for those living with dementia. For example, under Flexible Working Regulations 2014, employers must consider requests for flexible working hours.
For further information about dementia and employment, please call us on 0800 035 2221.
Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
From the day I was elected in July, I have been working hard in Parliament and across the local area to support our communities and to carry my Dartford constituent’s voice and priorities to Westminster.
I am here to support you, and my office is always here to help – please get in touch on jim.dickson.mp@parliament.uk for any questions, support or to sign up to my next surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon.
If you’d like to keep updated with my regular activity and find out about new events and surgeries, follow me on social media (Jim Dickson MP on X, Facebook and Instagram) or sign-up to my newsletter on the QR code.
Please always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.
SteveCookpostcardfinal:Layout127/1/1412:15
Sir Geo rey Leigh
Formerly known as The Leigh Academy
At Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy students can combine their Post 16 qualifications with the flexibility to build the perfect course for their future ambitions, whilst developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours valued by universities, apprenticeships and employers.
Studying in Attenborough College, you are joining at an exciting time as we will be moving into a state of the art Post 16 building in the near future.
Apply now for Post 16 at Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy to join our thriving college of aspirational students.
Green Street Green Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE
Bluewater Mobility Shop
Dear Dartford Resident,
At your local Ability Plus Mobility Shop we have everything you need to get the most out of life. From Rising Chairs that help you stand to Scooters for getting out and about to see friends and family. Not to mention Stairlifts, Power Chairs and much more!
Enjoy a day out at Bluewater and stop by to see our range. My friendly team of experts look forward to welcoming you at your Ability Plus, Bluewater.
Best wishes,
Nicki, Nina and Team
Following on from our quick guide to Will Writing last month, we bring to you a quick guide to Inheritance Tax. Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be a complex topic, but understanding the basics can help you plan effectively and potentially reduce the tax burden on your beneficiaries. Here’s a quick guide to get you started. What is Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate (property, money, and possessions) of someone who has died. In the UK, IHT is charged at 40% on the value of the estate above a certain threshold, known as the nil-rate band.
Nil-Rate Band
Currently the nil-rate band is £325,000, this has been frozen until 2030. This means that if the value of your estate is below this amount, no IHT is payable. If your estate exceeds this threshold, only the amount above £325,000 is taxed at 40%.
Residence Nil-Rate Band
In addition to the standard nil-rate band, there is an additional allowance called the residence nil-rate band (RNRB). This applies if you pass on your home to your direct descendants (children or grandchildren). Also frozen until 2030, the RNRB is £175,000. This means that, combined with the standard nil-rate band, you
could potentially pass on up to £500,000 tax-free. Exemptions and Reliefs
There are several exemptions and reliefs that can reduce the amount of IHT payable:
• Spouse or Civil Partner Exemption: Transfers between spouses or civil partners are generally exempt from IHT.
• Charitable Donations: Gifts to registered charities are exempt from IHT.
• Annual Exemption: You can give away up to £3,000 each tax year without it being added to the value of your estate.
• Small Gifts Exemption: You can give up to £250 to any number of people each tax year, free of IHT.
• Business Relief: If you own a business or agricultural property, you may be eligible for relief of up to 100% on these assets.
Gifts and Potentially Exempt Transfers
Gifts made more than seven years before your death are generally exempt from IHT. These are known as Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs). If you die within seven years of making a gift, it may still be subject to IHT, but the rate of tax reduces on a sliding scale, known as taper relief.
Planning Ahead
Effective IHT planning can help reduce the tax burden on your estate. Here are some strategies to consider:
• Make Use of Exemptions: Regularly use your annual and small gift exemptions.
• Consider Trusts: Placing assets in a trust can help manage and protect your estate.
• Life Insurance: Taking out a life insurance policy written in trust can provide funds to cover the IHT bill.
And finally
Inheritance Tax can significantly impact the value of the estate you leave behind. We advise you to always seek professional advice to tailor a strategy that suits your individual circumstances, this will ensure more of your wealth is passed on to your loved ones.
For further information contact Simpson Wreford LLP now on 020 8317 6460 or visit at www. simpsonwreford.co.uk
“AN
INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN BUSINESS”
Providing Solutions
K Lift Services is a family-run, independent business established in 2017, committed to enhancing public and disabled access. Our mission is to bridge the gap between function and design, ensuring that every space is accessible and welcoming for all
nowledgable & friendly staff, with a unique attitude based upon family values We are very proud and pleased to have finally opened our Dartford Lift Showroom This Showroom sit’s at the forefront of industry innovation A very unique concept, providing consumers, trade partners and industry professionals to visit, demonstrate the products & solutions we have to offer
2, Victoria
633 8129
Parkinson’s was first recognised as a medical condition by James Parkinson in 1817. World Parkinson’s Day is held on his birthday, 11 April, to raise awareness of the condition and the challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s and their carers each day. Parkinson’s affects about 153,000 people in the UK. Some famous people with Parkinson’s include Michael J Fox, Bob Hoskins, Muhammad Ali, George HW Bush and Billy Connolly.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that causes problems with movement (motor symptoms). Progressive means that the condition will get worse over time. Symptoms include a tremor (shaking), limb stiffness (rigidity), slowness/reduced movements and balance problems. It is caused through a loss of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
People with Parkinson’s can also have non-motor symptoms such as problems with depression and anxiety, sleep problems, cognition and memory, loss of smell, constipation, hallucinations and low blood pressure when they stand (causing dizziness). The three main symptoms that will make a doctor suspect Parkinson’s is a tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity.
What causes Parkinson’s?
We don’t know what causes Parkinson’s. There appear to be a combination of factors that contribute: age, genetics and environmental factors. Research is trying to understand more about these factors and if there are things we can do to prevent them.
How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?
Your GP will refer you to a specialist if you have symptoms suggestive of Parkinson’s disease. Tremors, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness are common early symptoms, but there are other symptoms to be aware of.
Other symptoms to look out for include:
• Problems sleeping
• Loss of sense of smell
• Smaller handwriting
• Problems with bowels or bladder
• Depression or anxiety
• Feeling fatigued (tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest)
• Tremor and uncontrollable movement
• Slowness of movement
• Stiffness, inflexibility and cramps
Having these symptoms does not always mean that the person has Parkinson’s, and each person may experience different symptoms. You should always speak to a clinician if you are concerned.
What treatments are there?
There are no cures for Parkinson’s. Treatments are currently focussed on managing symptoms. However, research is ongoing to develop treatments that might slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s or even develop a cure.
The three main treatments for Parkinson’s are medication, staying active and therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.
Medications help to increase the activity in dopamine areas of the brain, either by increasing the amount of dopamine, by acting as a substitute or blocking enzymes that break down dopamine.
Deep brain stimulation is the main type of surgery used to treat Parkinson’s. It helps most with motor symptoms (movement), such as tremor, slowness/reduction in movement and rigidity. It is usually considered when medication is no longer helping. It involves placing small electrodes in parts of the brain and a pulse generator under the skin of the chest or stomach.
Where can I find out more?
Being told you have Parkinson’s can be frightening and overwhelming for both you and your loved ones. You should be introduced to a Parkinson’s nurse specialist, who works with the local neurology team. They are a useful source of information about local support groups and websites. Parkinsons.org.uk have a great website and offer a free online programme for people who have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a helpline and links to local support groups.
Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.
Looking after mum as she becomes increasingly frail, or checking in on dad as his dementia worsens, is a reality for many of us. Family means everything, so being there for them only feels natural. But what if your loved one’s needs became too much for you to meet on your own wellbeing?
Research carried out by Home Instead found that around a third of family carers feel at breaking point, while around two thirds say they struggle with their mental health.
These are the common signs that you’re doing too much, and that you should look at what support is available to you:
• Feeling isolated and trapped: perhaps you feel like you have nobody to lean on, nobody to talk to and nobody who can help. In your world, it’s just you, and nobody can understand the challenges you’re facing daily.
• Becoming stressed and exhausted: from the minute you get up, you’re feeling like you can’t face what you have ahead of you. There are not enough hours in the day to undertake your countless responsibilities, and what little sleep you get is disrupted by endless worry.
• Juggling too much: you’re playing many roles for your loved one. Not only are you caring for them; you’re also taking them to appointments, helping maintain their house, being a source of emotional support, and much more. And that’s on top of the other roles you play dayto-day at home and work.
• Being less committed to work: it might be common for dad to call while you’re at work. He might be in a desperate state and needs you. You’ve got no choice but to leave work and check on his wellbeing. This will undoubtedly affect how you feel about your performance at work and what your employer might think.
• Neglecting other family relationships: focusing so much on a loved one that needs care, it might be that relationships with others – a partner, children etc. – fall by the wayside. It’s only natural to feel guilty that you can’t fully play the role of a partner or parent.
• Seeing no end in sight: caring for someone day in,
day out, it might feel like this is it. Perhaps your loved one’s condition will only get worse over time and the thought of your responsibilities growing is too much to bear. Not knowing how long you’ll be performing this role for is enough to make you feel at breaking point.
No family carer needs to go about the journey alone. It’s not just about finding care, it’s also about finding the organisations and professionals who have dealt with many situations like the one you’re facing. Those who can help include:
• Social prescribers: your GP can give you access to a social prescriber, which will mean speaking to them about the support that you’d benefit from. Depending on what your support plan is, you’ll be directed to activities, groups or services in the area to help you deal with the difficulties you’re facing.
• Condition-related support: organisations supporting specific conditions, such as dementia and Parkinson’s, have support services on a local level. Look up the groups that meet in your local area – there’s no better way of finding likeminded people and tailored support.
• Age UK: all aspects of being a family caregiver, from financial support to personal wellbeing, is supported by Age UK. It’s an organisation with heaps of advice on where to turn for support tailored to the specific situation you’re facing.
• Re-engage: from tea parties to call companionships, Re-engage’s activities help older people expand their social circles. It enables family caregivers time off now and again as their loved one spends time with likeminded people.
At Home Instead, we have a wealth of knowledge about the support available locally. We have significant experience supporting families who are under pressure, helping them find a way to navigate through the challenges they face.
Give us a call on 01322 923750 and we can have a chat about what we’d recommend…
CELEBRATING LEARNING THROUGH NATURE
The benefits of enjoying the natural world are a hot topic, with the environmental charity WWF recommending we all get a daily dose of nature. And young children are said to be like a sponge, soaking up whatever environment surrounds them, with research suggesting the first five years of a child’s life have a lasting impact and the younger a child develops a connection to nature the more likely they are to maintain the positive benefits in later life.
So leading Dartford nursery, KatieB Kids has taken this remit to heart and worked with award-winning local creative studio, Ivy & Gold Studio, to bring the ‘outside in’ and create a spectacular interior that reflects their ethos of educating through nature. The result has transformed a former chapel in Stone into a breathtaking space that any child would love and feels like something from a fairy tale or even Harry Potter.
Enormous floating clouds, a midnight sky with twinkling stars, and an enchanting woodland setting with a giant tree are just a few of the spectacular installations that have been put in place to support the nursery’s Reggio Emilia approach to education, which focuses on learning through play and integrates nature into the classroom.
KatieB Kids Founder, Katie Ballard, said: “At nursery we harness children’s natural curiosity and creativity, and enjoy the great outdoors every day but we also wanted to ensure that children felt connected to nature when inside the nursery. Spending time outside is the gold standard but what’s fascinating is that research has proven that recreating natural environments inside has many of the same benefits to our physical and mental health, so we’re excited to provide this resource
for our children.”
Ensuring that the interior installations were eco-friendly and stimulating for young children was key. The giant two-meter tree trunk base was forged by a blacksmith and includes different textures with natural cork, bark and moss, along with branches from a storm-damaged tree, natural wooden mushrooms and a cosy tent making a peaceful reading corner.
A tranquil cocooned space for babies and young children to rest and relax in has been created using soft natural cheesecloth swathes in gorgeous botanical dyes colours from pinecone and red onion. Single use plastics were avoided, with traditional chicken wire forming structures and a ‘living’ wall creating an immersive experience.
Creative Designer Amy Cross said: “Recycling and extending the life of materials is important, so where we have used ready-made materials, for example silk flowers, they are pre-loved and restored so they’ve all had a life and been used multiple times.”
Amy added: “I love how imaginative young children can be so it’s been a real pleasure to use visual storytelling to bring ideas to life that will give the children magical memories of childhood. I grew up on a farm in Devon and I have brought that inspiration into the nursery as its in those formative years when connecting with nature is so valuable.”
Fun fact: our brains can’t tell if the nature we are looking at is real or not.
www.katiebkids.co.uk
Dust mites thrive in our bedding, causing discomfort and health issues for many. Do you find yourself waking up with slight congestion, runny itchy nose and eyes, it could be due to dust mites in your bedding and soft furnishings.
Our specialized service targets these microscopic pests, ensuring a cleaner and healthier sleeping environment for you and your family.
Benefits for a good nights rest
Reduced Allergens Our service effectively eliminates dust mites, pet dander, significantly reducing allergens in your bedding.
Improved Sleep Quality Experience a more restful night's sleep without the irritation of allergens.
Better Health Less exposure can lead to fewer allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, red itchy eyes, dry mouth and throat.
Long-lasting Results Enjoy a long- lasting reduction in dust mite populations with our thorough cleaning methods.
Safe and Eco-Friendly Non-toxic cleaning that is safe for you, your family, and the environment.
How It Works
Stage 1 Deep Cleaning
Our advanced techniques remove dust mites, pet dander, discarded skin and all debris using hot air, UV light, and ultra sonic technology.
Stage 2 Dry Steam
Dry steam treatment that penetrates deep into all fabrics sanitising and deodorising.
Stage 3 Follow-up
We recommend a quarterly follow-up maintenance program to ensure a lasting a dust mite free environment in your home.
Help raise funds for We Are Beams!
Prepare to run through slime, colour, water and more. Fun for the whole family.
All proceeds go towards supporting disabled children and their families Go to www.wearebeams.org.uk or scan the QR code to enter!
6 JULY 2025 DARTFORD CENTRAL PARK
All willparticipants receiveamedal!
WAVE 1 Event opens at 9.30am, the run starts at 10:00am
WAVE 2 Event opens at 10:30am, run starts at 11:00am
OUR HEADLINE SPONSORS
REVIEWS
“Forget the seaside this place has the best food ever”
“Always top quality, reasonable price and most importantly the people there are so welcoming. Would highly recommend.”
“The pie mash was absolutely brilliant and so was the service.”
DINE-IN 60 SEATER RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY FOR EASY GRAB AND GO DELIVERY AVAILABLE ON ALL APPS
DINE WITH US FOR YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MEAL!
Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups
Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)
Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)
Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)
