Dartford Living August 2021

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE PARAMEDIC CHRIS’ BOOK SERIES

LOCAL ARTIST: DAVID’S CRAZY ART MEETS 24 HOUR DESIGN CHALLENGE!

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PAGES 32-33

AUGUST 2021 - ISSUE 182 - FREE

PAGES 50-51

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BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS Dear Readers, Welcome to the August magazine.

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 magazines to your local roads 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.

5. Paramedic Chris Series 6. Straight Out Of Dartford 8. Dartford Giving 11.Senior Snippets 12. Dartford Marks NHS’s Heroic Efforts 15. Macmillan Coffee Morning 16. Debbie’s Delicious recipe 20. Pilates Suspension Method 22. Moving Meditation 24. Travel Inspiration with Harden Holidays 28. Fitness - August 32. Art Meets Design 36. What are we going to do with the children?

38. Life under the Stairs 40. Interview with the Addams family stars 42. Orchard Theatre’s Shows Can Go On 44. How Do You Know when your child is sick?

47. Car News 48. Pat Brady has great Wimbledon success 49 Dartford Painted Rocks & Sports roundup 50. David’s Crazy 24 hour challenge 52. Where to go locally 54 Useful numbers 56 Business directory

DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE PRINTED BY:

Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team) ONLINE

Front cover photo by Janice Blake

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

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PARAMEDIC CHRIS SERIES

By Tim Parsons after a short battle with prostate cancer. Part of my own story has been a battle with both physical and mental health following my Dad’s death and one thing this pandemic has taught me is that we all need to support one another and I am determined to use my experiences to help other people.

T h e Pa ra m e d i c C h ri s s e ri e s are available from Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith and many other retailers. As well as being available on paperback and hardcover the series are available from my website at: www.timparsons.co.uk/store

My name is Tim Parsons, I am the author of the children’s book series paramedic Chris which are based upon calls I have attended with various ambulance crews as part of my work as a voluntary chaplain.

The series is aimed at educating children aged between the ages of four and ten years of age about the works of the ambulance service.

the consequences of bullying.

Although I am based at Medway I have often been on third manning shifts with crews in Dartford and Dartford holds a special place in my heart as I met my wife at an event at Dartford park back in 2005. My Dad was minister of Highfield Road Baptist Church(Dartford) from 2001 to 2009 and sadly passed away in 2019

Episode one looks at the subject of hoax calls as well as a family being re united.

Episode two is based upon a call to an elderly patient suffering from loneliness and Chris and Holly are able to help the patient re build his life.

Episode three is based upon a visit to a primary school where we see

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GEE HIGGINS

STRAIGHT OUT OF DARTFORD

BY SHANNON RANDALL

We are back with another edition of ‘Straight Outta Dartford’!

This month’s piece will be a bit different from usual as we focus on someone who wasn’t born in Dartford, but now resides here and has contributed to Dartford with his beautifully unique street art.

Gee Higgins is a professional street artist. He has created pieces not only in Dartford, but across London and Kent. A favourite of mine is one currently on a wall in Margate featuring a skeleton face kissing a corpse bride--esque woman. Gee has had various pieces of street art around Dartford such as one behind Barclays Bank in central town of a stormtrooper pointing a gun at a parking meter. This area used to be a car park and Gee’s intention with his piece here was “to make people aware of being ticketed back when it was a car park.” Gee’s

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most prominent work in Dartford was probably his organised paint jam in Lowfield Street when the plans to build a Tesco Supermarket fell through and the boards advertising it were stripped clean. Gee, along with 10-15 other artists all gathered to add some life to the boarded up Lowfield street. Unfortunately, the very next day it was painted over to make room for a Dartford community art project which ironically has also been painted over now. I was also pleasantly surprised when I found out that most of Broadditch Farm Haunt Fest Artwork was created by Gee. Gee’s work centers primarily around street art, but he also gets creative with canvas art which he mainly uses to participate in shows with. As well as public street art and canvas prints, you can also hire Gee to spruce up your garden or home and get him to paint you some personalised art

for your private property! When asked why he largely prefers spray paints when creating, he said, “I like using spray paints as the blending and shading that can be achieved is like no other medium”. His style is unique and really does range from gothic to cheery to picturesque, some of it covering political themes or themes of humanity itself.

For all the aspiring artists out there, I asked Gee how he first got into his artistic ways and what worked for him. “I started using markers all over my bedroom wall then took to doing graffiti in the 80s. I did a few bits and pieces over the years for bedrooms, businesses etc”. One thing he said that stood out particularly for me was the viewpoint on art degrees. I know from friends and acquaintances interested in the art industries that advice on the pathway into these is often contradictory and confusing, so hearing from an artist on this topic is always helpful. “I find now a lot of street artists are coming from university with art degrees but the old school are all self taught...I now think art is for everyone not just the ones with a royal art academy degree.”

Gee got into art with hard work and persistence and yet he didn’t have to spend thousands on a degree to do so! Art is for everyone, it has no restrictions. If you have access to a canvas -a wall, paper, fabric!- then you too can be an artist. h t t p s : / / w h a t i f g a l l e r y. c o . u k https://geestreetart.bigcartel.com Instagram: @kapitall.gee Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ geestreetart

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DARTFORD GIVING

By Kate Hargreaves a marathon). Often people enjoy helping at these events so much that they become regular volunteers.

“What would I get out of it?” As Kathrine Switzer said, it can restore your faith in humanity, which is a pretty big offering. The idea behind this is that watching so many people giving it their all in a race the vast majority of them know they won’t win is often inspiring, to even the least sporty among us.

“Are there any requirements?”

Generally, very few. A willingness to cheer, clap or offer words of encouragement is usually appreciated by runners. Dogs and children are often welcome to accompany marshals to offer their support too.

There may be some restrictions on how events are being run (excuse the pun) at the moment, but maybe we’ll be back to high fiving sweaty strangers at some point!

I’m a keen runner and one quotation that I like to spout at people every now and again when it loosely fits into the conversation is “If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” Kathrine Switzer (the first woman to officially run the Boston marathon) said this, and it’s wonderfully true, but I think it can also apply to races and runs of all distances, which is why volunteering as a marshal at a running event might be just what you need to reboot your outlook if the ongoing pandemic is getting you down.

Running event marshal “What is it?” This role can vary depending on the event. For sheer convenience as well as heaps of community spirit, I’d recommend a parkrun or junior parkrun, both of which have recently restarted post-pandemic. At these events,

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you will be expected to direct runners of which route to follow, and cheer and support them as they go.

Alternatively, if helping at one of the big marathon or half marathon events appeals to you, a marshalling role might also have elements of crowd or traffic control. There are also health and safety responsibilities of any marshal role, but this might be limited to knowing who else in the team to alert to any issues that arise.

“Anything else I need to know?”

Being a marshal often isn’t the only volunteer role available at running events; others include helping at water stations in marathons or assisting with the course set up or being a timekeeper at parkruns.

“This sounds great, how do I get involved?” It will vary by event. For parkrun, you can find your nearest event at https://www.parkrun. org.uk/events/ and check out the volunteering page or find that event’s facebook or Instagram page to find out more about volunteering. For bigger races, check their websites for how to get involved.

“Would I enjoy it?” If you like being outdoors and are happy to interact with the general public to some extent, then you’ll probably enjoy it a lot. You may well find yourself with a new group of friends made through volunteering at the event too. As always, if you have any questions, “How much time do I need for it?” feel free to email kate@dartfordliving.

These roles are almost always ad com. Happy marshalling! hoc with no commitment required beyond the one event, which may require around an hour of your time (e.g. parkrun) or a full day (e.g.

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SENIOR SNIPPETS - TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL AGEING

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford.

has a bit of trouble with everyday activities around the house. Assess your feelings about where you currently live, consider the prospect of leaving a place that holds familiar possessions and, talk about options that will work for everyone.

could be faced with the inability to drive and it is important to consider a plan in the event that happens.

Start by identifying individuals who could help you as well and public or private services you could call on for assistance.

Growing older forces change. And that change could impact different areas of life including living choices, driving, financial choices, health and end of life. What if you could no longer remain at home without help? What will you do if you can’t drive or you have to tell someone you love that he or she shouldn’t?

The 40-70 Rule is a good rule to start with. Having important conversations with your family are significant and they don’t need to be daunting. Experts have said that by the time you’re approaching 40 and a loved one is around 70, you should have had the “talk” about issues so many families want to avoid. Here we have included some important topics to discuss with some tips about how to plan for the road ahead. For each subject, it is important to assess, consider and talk.

Financial Choices. Even if you are already in retirement, there are things you could do to maximise your income. Advice from a trusted and credible financial adviser could help and it is important to begin the talk and develop your plan. Consider appointing a person with power of attorney for finances.

End of Life. End-of-life planning can bring a sense of calm, knowing your family understands what you want at the close of your life. It also may be important that your loved ones know that certain decisions within your control will be carried out.

One of the most important issues to consider is what you would want if you could not make decisions on your own.

Health. Making deliberate and wise personal choices could go a long way toward helping to ensure that you will make the most of your senior years. A good rule of thumb is not to have your first conversation about your health at a hospital. Assess your current health and think about the risks, based on your own health as well as your genetics that you could face as you age. Consider how you can improve your habits today for a healthier tomorrow.

Driving. Growing older doesn’t mean Living Choices. Home defines you become a worse driver nor is there much of our lives and there might a set age when everyone should give come a time if you or a loved one up driving. An individual at any age

Successful ageing does require assessing and adapting to the physical and mental changes that may occur over time. It isn’t always easy to have conversations about these important issues, but it is vital to discuss these issues with your loved ones.

To m ake a s u g ge st i o n fo r a future topic, please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford. homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead Dartford, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, DA8 1AT.

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DARTFORD MARKS NHS STAFF’S HEROIC EFFORT DURING PANDEMIC WITH NEW CENTRAL PARK FLOWER BED

On the 73rd anniversary of the NHS, Dartford Borough Council would like to formally thank all of the staff and key workers for their continued heroic effort, particularly over the last 18 months.

Recently visitors to Central Park will have noticed the new carpet flower bed at the park’s entrance had become a celebration of health workers’ heroic effort during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since then passers-by have been seen taking pictures of the mural, which the Council hopes shows our enormous gratitude to everyone in the community for helping each

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other through these unprecedented times.

“We’re thankful for all those who work in the NHS and caring professions, for Dartford Council Leader Jeremy Kite those who developed and delivered said: “There’s not much I can say Britain’s world-beating vaccination about the last 18 months that you programme, for every key worker and don’t already know and while we everyone in our town who, through may not be entirely out of the woods their strength and professionalism, yet, it’s clear that a herculean effort made all of us stronger. by so many local heroes has saved lives and comforted those stricken “Dartford remembers those we’ve with Covid-19. lost and those who have found their lives and livelihoods disrupted.

“I always ask that Dartford’s carpet “’Saying it with flowers’ is a small bed reflects something about our gesture, but we dedicate it to all our great local community, and this year local heroes. one thing seems to sum up the way “Thank you.” the town feels. Gratitude.

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IT’S TIME TO DUST OF YOUR APRONS! For the syrup 50g (4oz) caster sugar 50ml (4fl oz) tonic water 2tbsp gin For the buttercream: 200g unsalted butter, softened 450g icing sugar 2-3tbsp gin, to taste Finely grated zest of 1 lime To decorate: 2 limes, cut in half through their length and sliced into half moons Colourful straws, snipped into thirds

This September, Macmillan Cancer Support’s iconic Coffee Morning event is back, with those attending set to raise millions to ensure Macmillan can continue to support the growing number of people living with cancer.

Unfortunately, the reality is one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetime.

Sadly, there has never been a more terrifying time in recent history to receive a diagnosis as people face potential disruption or delays to treatment, and people in Dartford impacted by cancer need Macmillan’s support now more than ever before.

However, the smallest gesture really can make the biggest difference to those affected, and every year Macmillan supporters up and down the country help raise millions of pounds just by taking part in Coffee Morning.

Peter Fett from Cuppy Cuppy Cupcakes in Dartford wants to inspire you to get in the kitchen for this worthy cause by providing a delicious recipe for Gin and Tonic cupcakes.

So pop your apron on, get the cupcake cases out and give this tasty treat a go…

Ingredients 200g (7oz) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease 200g (7oz) caster sugar 4 medium eggs, beaten 200g (7oz) self-raising flour Finely grated zest 1 lime 75ml (3fl oz) gin

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases. In a large bowl beat butter and sugar with a handheld electric whisk until light and fluffy – about 5min. Gradually add eggs, beating well after each addition.

2. Fold in flour and lime zest, followed by the gin. Spoon into cases and bake for 25-30min or until a skewer inserted into the centre of a cake comes out clean.

3. Meanwhile, make sugar syrup: gently heat the caster sugar and tonic water in a small pan, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves. Turn up heat and boil for 1min. Stir in gin.

4. As soon as the cakes come out of the oven, poke holes into the top with a skewer and brush over the gin syrup.

Leave to cool for 15min in the tin then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Meanwhile, make the buttercream. Beat the butter until very soft with an electric whisk then beat in the icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the gin to taste and the lime zest.

Every penny raised plays a vital role in enabling Macmillan – who are funded almost entirely by donations - to continue to provide emotional, financial and clinical support.

This year’s Macmillan Coffee Morning will be on Friday 24 September, but please do just get involved whenever and whenever they can.

However you plan it and whatever refreshments you serve, you can host your coffee morning your way.

Do something amazing today sign up to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning at coffeeregister.macmillan.org.uk

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FRUITY OATY BAKES

By Debbie Dickinson

Great for fresh or frozen fruit – I’ve used raspberries straight from the garden!

I’ve given you the ingredients for a 1 egg mix – this will make about 7 cupcakes.

Scale the recipe up as required to make more cupcakes – or bake in a 5”cake tin to make a shallow traybake..

What to do:

What you need:

Stir in the Egg.

1 Egg (mine weighed 65g in its shell) 30g Caster Sugar 30g Dark Brown sugar (use whichever sugar you have in the cupboard – this will just adjust the flavour/colour slightly) 65g Unsalted Butter 65g Self Raising Flour 65g Porridge Oats plus extra for sprinkling 30g fresh/frozen fruit – berries work well, but so would apples/pears ½ tsp Cinnamon or Mixed Spice

Add the Flour and Oats and stir until just combined.

Preheat your oven to 140°C Fan and line a cupcake tin with paper cases.

Mix the Butter and Sugars together until thickened and creamy.

Add the fruit and spices and gently fold into the mixture.

Pop a large spoonful of mixture into each paper case (or weigh 50g into each one) and sprinkle the extra oats on top.

Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and just firm to the touch.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!!

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Pilates Classes & Pilates Suspension Method Classes Various Zoom sessions available & some in person classes (contact for full details) Also, 1 to 1 mat and reformer sessions available soon (by appointment) For more details:

email sarah@kember.co.uk or call 07716 131434 Follow me on Facebook at KemberPilates or go to www.kemberpilates.co.uk for class updates.

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PILATES SUSPENSION METHOD (PSM)

By Sarah Kember It’s fair to say that the lockdown, brought on by Covid-19, caused challenges and disruption to everyone on a scale never seen before! However, some people have used this to their benefit with regard to being able to do things they never thought they would be able to do. Due to the fact that most things have been transferred online, Sarah Phillips, the owner of Kember Pilates, has been able to expand her business and take her career as an instructor to the next level.

Rebecca Beckler, the founder of The Pilates Suspension Method (PSM), is a US-based Pilates instructor who developed the system some years ago when her daughter was in hospital and she was unable to get to the gym.

“Prior to lockdown, the chances of me gaining this qualification seemed bleak, as it would have required an extended trip away from home.” Sarah said. “I had been following @Pilates949 (Rebecca’s Instagram account) for some time and was desperate to do the courses but with a young family, travelling abroad just wasn’t an option for me and at that time, nobody was offering

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the qualification here in the UK.” However, like many things, the courses were transferred to Zoom so Rebecca could continue to impart her knowledge – Sarah used this to her advantage.

Early in July 2020, after various courses, many sessions of selfpractice and practice teaching her family, weekly masterclasses (including many late at night due to the time difference) and a live Zoom exam – teaching Rebecca herself Sarah achieved the PSM qualification that she previously thought would be impossible. A remarkable feat in its own right, made more impressive by the fact that she was the first person in the whole of the UK to gain this qualification. She has since gone on to achieve her Advanced PSM Instructor certification in March this year.

Throughout Lockdown, Sarah’s Pilates classes have been a reliable source of exercise for dozens of clients as they have continued to run via Zoom. As the restrictions ease, certain in-person classes are returning, and along with her traditional mat Pilates classes, Sarah will be starting a new Pilates Suspension Method class in order to share the knowledge that she has brought to the UK.

Pilates Suspension Method combines contemporary and traditional mat and equipment-based Pilates exercises and performs them on a suspension trainer.

Similar to regular Pilates, it is excellent for improving your core strength, balance, and mental health.

However, it also boasts the additional benefits of improving other muscle groups, as participants rely on their own bodyweight to carry out many of the exercises.

Sarah will be running two classes; Saturday mornings via zoom at 9.30am (your own suspension trainer will be required for this) and in person on Thursday evenings @ 7.30pm at the Europa Gymnastics Centre, Vimy Way, Crayford.

This is a great opportunity to experience a type of Pilates that most people in the UK know very little about, from the first person in the UK qualified to teach it.

For more details, Sarah can be contacted by: email – sarah@ kember.co.uk, mobile – 07716 131434, Facebook – @kemberpilates, website – www.kemberpilates.co.uk, Instagram - @kember_pilates.

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MOVING MEDITATION the body, breath and mind. I say a sense of, because of course they are all connected, it’s just that we don’t often experience them as such.

As well as calming us down, using movement and breath this way we can feel more embodied, grounded and present. We can practice moving in rhythm with the breath as a standalone practice to help us get on with our day in a more balanced frame of mind, or as a gateway from action to stillness, perhaps in the evening before bed.

I’m sure many of you know that meditation, breathing techniques and yoga relaxation practices can alter our nervous system, bringing about states of great calmness and feelings of ease. But what about when we feel too fidgety to sit or lie still, or our mind just won’t play ball and no matter how hard we try we can’t focus even for a moment on the meditation or relaxation technique? In these situations, moving in rhythm with the breath can provide a pathway to calming our nervous system that’s more easily accessible.

The past two months I’ve written a b o u t s u n s a l u tat i o n t y p e sequences, why they’re practiced, t h e m e n ta l a n d e m o t i o n a l benefits of honouring and paying reverence to the natural world and how this type of practice can have a particular effect on our intervertebral discs that can make us taller. Continuing the theme this month, I’m writing about another benefit of this type of yoga, the meditative effect of movements practiced in rhythm with the breath.

Slow rhythmical movement helps to quiet the mind and encourages us to connect to the felt sense of the body rather than focus on the

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thoughts of the mind. Generally, when we move in rhythm with the breath, we slow the breath down in order to pace one movement with one breath. This slowing of the breath helps to further downregulate the nervous system and if we introduce Ujjayi breathing – the pranayama / breathing technique where the breath makes a soft whispered sound - this contributes to vagal tone, adding to the soothing effect.

From the stance of yoga history and philosophy, one aspect of yoga practice is the merging of the physical with the ever more subtle - the body with the breath, the breath with the mind. Moving in rhythm with the breath is a practice that helps us to cultivate a sense of connecting

When I want to calm myself, moving in rhythm with my breath is one of my go-to techniques, especially if I am needing to downregulate from an activity or situation where my blood pressure has been raised. Often it’s not practical to practice what we may think of as a full sun salute or moon salute type sequence, there might not be enough space or time.

In these moments I simply stand or sit with my feet around hip-distance apart, start with my arms alongside my body and on an inhale raise my arms out to the side and up, on the exhale, I lower my arms back out to the side and down. As I continue my aim is to slow my breath down, feel into the movement of my arms and the sensations in my shoulders and ribcage. This can be done almost anywhere. Next time you are feeling in need of calming yourself, have a go and see what happens. I’m interested to hear how you get on.

Keep taking good care of yourself, Clair. clair.crestyoga@gmail.com

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TRAVEL INSPIRATION – 5 HOT TUBS WITH A VIEW

By Harden Holidays

Here we are again, at the start of another summer dominated by the pandemic but with an ever more complicated landscape for international travel. We approached the restart of international travel with cautious optimism, and we found ourselves with the difficult task of keeping up to date with the relentless and constant changes in advice from both our own and foreign governments alike. This has led to a barrage of questions from confused clients, but we are embracing the challenge because we believe everyone deserves a break and we will do our best to make it happen for them and you. Read our latest Facebook review to hear first-hand detail of the level of service we provided to a family who travelled recently against the current backdrop.

But now - hot tubs. At the beginning of the pandemic, we found ourselves buying one for our garden and it helped keep us sane during the tough times of 2020. Here are our top 5 hot tubs with a view that we would love to experience, and that have a far better view than our back garden.

So, imagine opening your balcony door early in the morning, as the first sun rays are beautifully colouring the sky and taking a dip into your private hot tub. Combined with breath-taking views of snowy-capped mountain summits or endless golden sandy beaches in the distance, this is definitely an experience everyone is dreaming of. If you are planning on treating yourself to the ultimate retreat and looking for the best hot tubs with a view in the world, keep reading.

Velassaru Resort in the Maldives There are only a handful of places around the world that will present you with a more stunning view that the Velassaru Resort in Malé, Maldives. While, the hydropool is the

centrepiece of the spa centre, the way it opens up and blends with the endless crystal clear waters of the ocean is a truly spectacular scenery. If you are looking for the ultimate retreat, which will help you recharge your batteries with a world-class spa centre and relaxing yoga classes, you should definitely head to Velassaru Resort in Malé, Maldives.

North Island in the Seychelles With a total territory of just 201 ha, you may have never heard of the small island, called North Island in the Seychelles.

Nestled in the lush greenery and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, North Island is a private eco-resort, which will offer you the most secluded and peaceful holiday you can imagine away from the crowds. There are just 11 private villas all of them situated right next to the white sandy beaches and wrapped by the tall palm trees. Each villa is equipped with its own jacuzzi, making North Island one of the spots with the best hot tubs with a view in the world.

Iglu-Dorf Switzerland

in

Zermatt,

With its snowy-capped mountain peaks, glacier lakes with

crystal clear waters and small picturesque villages tucked in between the mountain summits, Switzerland is among the countries with some of the best hot tubs with a view in the world.

If you are looking for something extraordinary and unique, though, you should definitely book a stay at the Iglu-Dorf in Zermatt. Yes, as you can guess by the name, you have a choice of fantastic igloo rooms, where temperatures reach -40°C. The resort also offers a fantastic spa centre with world-class facilities, such as an outdoor hot tub and indoor sauna. Those of you planning to surprise your significant other with a trip, would also love the RomanticIgloo Suite which features an exclusive private hot tub.

L’apogée Courchevel in SaintBon-Tarentaise, France Another European destination known for some of the best hot tubs with a view in the world is France. If you are a winter sports enthusiasts, you should definitely plan a trip to the Alpine ski resort and the luxurious 5 start L’apogée Courchevel hotel, which will provide you with top-notch ski conditions in the morning and fabulous hot tubs and jacuzzies to relax in the afternoon. Those looking for a more secluded and

private experience, can book the penthouse, which features its own outside hot tub on the balcony with fantastic views of the snowy-capped mountain summits in the distance.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland Last but definitely not least on our list of the best hot tubs with a view we have the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. The geothermal spa will impress you with its bright blue water colour and the unique lava rock formations surrounding it. While you can visit just for a day, if you would like to have the ultimate experience of the Blue Lagoon, treat yourself to an overnight stay at one of the luxurious hotels in the area.

There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and opening your door to the serenity of Iceland and the fantastic views of the Blue Lagoon.

Which of the above mentioned 5 best hot tubs with a view has intrigued you the most? Would you like to treat yourself to the ultimate secluded experience by booking a stay at North Island in the Seychelles, or would you like to combine a hot tub view with a day of skiing at L’apogée Courchevel in Saint-BonTarentaise, France?

Dartford Town Centre www.hardenholidays.co.uk 0800 023 8974

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BOW ARROW GARDENING & LANDSCAPING. Gardening and Landscaping service in the Dartford, South East London, North Kent, Essex area.

- Garden Design.

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Free quotations Contact- Andy Davidson.

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

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Full-time, experienced, qualified yoga teacher, teaching practical yoga and meditation classes in the local community and now online.

When Government advice allows, the regular schedule of in person group classes in Hextable, Swanley, Sidcup and Bexleyheath will resume. For now, all regular group classes are being held online.

Yoga Alliance Professionals Senior Yoga Teacher and British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course Tutor, I am qualified and experienced in making yoga accessible.

I teach an embodied and practical approach to yoga, breath work and meditation, appropriate for all ages and abilities. You don’t need to be flexible to start!

My classes are friendly, everybody is welcome, so come and see how it feels to tune in and connect yourself and feel better. Please visit my website for more information or email me at clair.crestyoga@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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FITNESS - AUGUST

Fasting

deplete your body’s circulating energy supply – glucose in the bloodstream and liver and stored energy in the muscles. Once these have been depleted, your body will have no choice but to reach into the stores.

You can do this by fasting. If eating is providing your body with fuel to burn, then simply not eating will cause it to use its own stores.

There are many ways you could use fasting. 5:2, 16/8, 24-hour fasts, 36, 48-hour fasts, every other day fasting etc.

As a species, we have evolved for feast and famine. Until the last century or so, it was very rare for humans to eat even 3 meals a day, let alone the 4, 5, 6+ meals most people eat nowadays (this could be 3 main meals and 3 snacks, but they still count).

There’s no right or wrong and some people will do better than others on different protocols.

As a simple start, I’d suggest eating your dinner as usual (not too late) and then eating nothing again until breakfast the next morning – no snacks or calorie-containing drinks, Our bodies respond very well to no just water. food. In fact, there are dozens of health benefits to fasting that you This, for most people should get you could benefit from if you do it right. at least 12 hours of fasting per day.

Eating every few hours is actually Call it 12/12 if you will.

NOT natural.

The 16/8 protocol just extends this Fasting is very different from calorie daily fast and reduces the eating restriction though, although it window to 8 hours. As an example, does help to reduce overall calorie you could finish your dinner at say consumption as long as you don’t 7pm, then simply not eat again until binge afterwards.

11am the following day (16 hours).

Obviously, you’re not bound to just Your body fat is stored energy. It’s 12 or 16 hours, 13, 14, 15 would all there to be used as fuel when food be fine too. is not present.

This is by far the simplest method of Think of a petrol can in your car “fasting”. It’s completely natural to as a back-up. As long as you keep only eat once or twice a day, and by putting fuel in your car and never skipping one meal, you may also save let it get completely empty, you’ll yourself a few calories too. never need to use the “stored” fuel.

Your body works in a similar way. Within that 8-hour window (for the As long as you keep eating regularly 16/8) you could eat 2 meals at 11am and “topping up” your fuel supplies, and 6.30pm, or your usual 3 meals there’s really no need to break down spread across the 8 hours, it’s entirely and burn your stored fuel (body fat). up to you. The benefit comes from So even on a low-calorie diet, as the 16 hours where you’re not eating long as you’re eating regularly (or drinking any calories). and providing your body with the fuel it needs, you’re unlikely to be If you plan to use any of the longer burning much body fat. fasting periods I’d recommend speaking to someone who can In order to break down and use advise you on how best to do it, but fat stores for energy, you need to for the vast majority of people, it’s a

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healthy thing to do and no harm will come of it (children and pregnant or breast-feeding women are best to avoid fasting, and if you are on medications you should consult your doctor before starting).

Please don’t think of this as another fad diet to try, there’s a LOT of history and science behind fasting and it’s far more beneficial than calorie-restriction.

Constant low calories can cause your metabolism to slow down, leading to further calorie reduction and, eventually, ill health and malnutrition.

Fasting on the other hand has a host of health benefits and keeps your metabolism running smoothly as you’re eating normally on the non-fasting days (and getting adequate protein and healthy fats).

So, for now, try this – eat your last meal at a reasonable time in the evening and then eat nothing else until breakfast the next day.

Drink plenty of water, and when you do break the fast, do it with a healthy meal, no larger than you’d normally have.

If you’re looking for weight loss, get in touch and we can look at how you can best use fasting to bring about the results you’re after.

Mark www.MBonlinePT.com @MarkBroadbentPT

It’s time to return to the water!

The Swimathon Festival 10 - 12 September F I ND O UT M O RE HE R E

The Association of Bexley Charities ’78 will hold a charity Model Train and Toy Fair at the Falconwood Community Centre, The Green, WELLING, Kent, DA16 2PG on Thursday 26th August 2021 from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

There will be sales stands with new and pre-enjoyed model railways (Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol, Farish, Fleishmann) spare parts; books; stamps; Sci-fi; Tinplate, die-cast vehicles (Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox etc); Dr Who; teddy bears; puzzles.

Refreshments will be available Free level parking

Register now at swimathon.org

Adults £1.50, accompanied children FREE Enquiries: 020 8310 5018 or mail@johnsalt.plus.com Bus B16 from Welling and Falconwood railway stations stops outside the community centre. www.bexleych.wix.com/bexley-charities-78

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DARTFORD’S GREAT LITTLE BUSINESSES NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!

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Contact us even if you’re unsure or your need isn’t listed

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*Discretionary assistance is subject to budget availability and may be frozen by the Local Authority when necessary

31

ART MEETS DESIGN Francesca Skelhorn

sound design, as well as designing innovative teaching methods, where I draw from the 5 senses.

For the work I currently create, it is mixture of hand drawn and digital work of women’s faces and colourful patterned textile work. My inspiration comes from an internal visual database collated over the years, of visual fragments and then fed by intuitive line work. Confidence and individuality are also key messages.

I have always drawn since I was a little girl. I have been able to always find happiness and a sense of calm when creating. I did my art A-level at Dartford Technology College, where I was encouraged and inspired by my art teacher, Sue Garcia. I then went onto KIAD, now known as the UCA in Rochester. I completed an art and design foundation course there, which was brilliant and very experimental. We explored lots of different pathways, from graphic design, textiles, life drawing and for a final piece I ended up making female inspired food sculptures, made out of various fruit and confectionary, as at the time, I was mesmerised by the work of the artist, Helen Chadwick, who would use of a rich variety of materials, such as flesh, flowers, chocolate and fur. After this course, I had planned to go and study art history at Canterbury University but

32

I admit I was influenced by a tutor to study fashion at Ravensbourne.

Fashion is a vehicle for dynamic communication and it is not just about making clothes, it is about developing a visual language.

I have lived in Dartford for a very long time, it’s a great place and more and more people are moving here.

It is also a perfect base for visiting the local countryside and the coast, as well as easy access to the heart of London. It is a happy time to see Dartford go through a period of change and regeneration, the park and library area is a beautiful space and has a growing sense of community about it.

My inspiration comes from a variety of sources and I have explored my creative interests from various angles, from collage work, to creating site-specific installations and

For any budding artist, I would say, just start, explore the various mediums you have at your disposal, whether it’s a few coloured pens, or you want to experiment with acrylic or pastels. Just get something on paper and see where it takes you, if you are lost for inspiration, look at the objects and favourite references around you, be it a film, a piece of packaging, maybe a favourite piece of clothing or photos you have personally taken.

Why are they speaking to you? Is it the colours, shape or the meaning of the artefact? These elements can open up further layers to help you find further vibrant and diverse reference material, which are bound to make you curious and explore your chosen topic in more detail.

Francesca Skelhorn Bio Francesca Skelhorn was born and raised from the age of three in Kent, the Garden of England, by her grandmother, who was an abundant source of inspiration to her. This influenced her admiration of women for their distinct personalities and strength of character.

With a background in fashion and academia, Francesca has worked with young talent and understands how minds can be pushed and nurtured, helping to crystallise new ideas and build confidence: a key theme underpinning the message of her work.

‘My women appear on paper, making me feel empowered, enlightened and happy. I create my work to enable others to feel this also. I love working with pastels, ink, paint and digital media. Having no rules in place, just to enjoy the freedom and expression of building these unique characters on paper or canvas. The women I create all have different names and are linked by my drawing style of long necks, yet, each person has her own focus and symbols of individuality.’

Francesca’s main body of work uses the female form, predominately using faces, pattern and the use of colour, which helps to strengthen a mood or bring to life the personality of her subjects.

She will be showing in a number of upcoming exhibition, as well as showing a new collection of an uplifting art in a new group exhibition called “Under the Rainbow” at Bluewater from 27th September – 1st November, 2021.

Her work can be found via her website: Website: www.francescaskelhorn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescaskelhorn/ Oneoffto25.com – an online gallery https://oneoffto25.com/collections/francesca-skelhorn-studio

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FULLY OPEN FOR DINING IN Our convenient location in the town centre means you’re never too far from savouring one of our chef’s specials or platters, made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to absolute perfection. We’ve been cooking up a storm since 1974

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Juniors 6+ Monday & Thursday 5.15-5.45pm Saturday 9.00-9.45am Cadets 10+ Monday & Thursday 5.55-6.25pm Saturday 10.00-11.00am Adults 16+ Wednesday 6-7pm Saturday 11.15-12.15pm Classes at Bexley Park Sports and Social Club Contact Gary Parker 07931 815582

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WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN? In August, our social media feeds will likely be filled with images of families going on adventures, jetting offon holiday, having meals out and enjoying the summer while the kids are off school. For many of us, this can be deflating, especially if money is tight. We’re not all able to afford those kinds of luxuries. However, there are plenty of ways to make this a summer to remember – without spending a fortune.

Fancy a holiday abroad?

Whether money or pandemic-related restrictions get in the way, you may not be able to get away on a holiday abroad this year. Luckily, the UK is an island surrounded by rugged coastline and beautiful beaches.

Why not have a day trip to your nearest beach with a picnic to keep costs down? Often it’s enough to get away from the same four walls we see every day to provide that feeling of post-holiday refreshment.

If you want to aim for a summer holiday in 2022, why not attend a CAP money course – three informal group sessions where you learn tips and techniques to increase control over your money so you can save towards next year’s dreams. Watch capmoney.org for dates of the next local course in September to be published.

Craving restaurant-style food?

Search ‘summer meals’ at frozenpennies.com for a whole bunch of frugal tips, alternative ways of cooking and recipes to impress the family at the dinner table.

during the lockdown, including Chester Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo and London Zoo, and many are still available to watch online. You can even catch live footage of hippos, elephants, apes and lots more at San Diego Zoo in California from the comfort of your own sofa! Search ‘virtual zoo’ to see what’s out there.

Want to watch a live sports tournament?

The Euros may be over for this year, but the kids can still host a match of their own in the backyard. Or why not take inspiration from the Olympic Games taking place in Tokyo this year (COVID permitting!) and put on your own garden sports tournament? Push a soft ball into a sock, tie the end and compete in your own hammer throw challenge, have a hula-hoop-a-thon, or try your hand at rhythmic gymnastics. Don’t forget to host a closing ceremony and hand out medals, stickers or certificates to the competitors.

Feeling a trip to see some animals?

Several zoos ran virtual events and How about seeing some new sights? set up live enclosure webcams You don’t need to travel far for a

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picturesque, energising walk or hike. Check out alltrails.com to find trails near you, with something for all levels and abilities. Who knows what treats you might find right on your doorstep this summer?

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with over 580 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management education, job clubs, life skills groups and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

37

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

should bestow a title on him. Even if we haven’t won, he has done more for the reputation of players and the sport in general then many before him. Sir Gareth Southgate has quite a nice ring to it.

DARTFORD - You can check out any time you like But you can never leave (courtesy of The Eagles)

MISSED THE PENALTY – SAVED the person responsible for this THE GAME t ra n s fo r m at i o n i s M r G a reth Southgate. All I knew about this I don’t follow football and don’t gentleman is that he is forever understand the term The Beautiful associated with missing a vital Game. The sport has received penalty in 1996. much bad press over the years.

I remember reading of poor Reading about this gentleman, behaviour, nightclub excesses he should be highly feted. By his and failure at most international strength of leadership, discipline, tournaments. The players were knowledge of the game and care treated as major celebrities, for his players, this man has made magazines wrote articles about football respectable again.

WAGS at War and there was a general disconnection with grass I have heard repeatedly about the roots football. character building he has instilled in a young team of players, some Years back, I remember a student of whom weren’t even born when telling me his ambition was ‘to be he missed that penalty. I googled famous, like Beckham’. I found his name and found testimonials, his lack of foresight sad. He saw quotes, memories and so much the headlines and the stories but more about this extraordinary man. failed to appreciate that a player’s career doesn’t last long, injuries are I’ll never be a follower of the game, commonplace and very, very few but if we could apply Mr Southgate’s make it to the top of the money tree. work ethic to other jobs, I’m sure life would improve all round. When the I hear all this is changing, and next honourfest occurs, perhaps we

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I came back from a short holiday last week, and immediately fell into the ‘what if’ school of thought. The ‘what if I left Dartford’, ‘what if I chose to live miles away from family and friends.’

It’s not new thinking for me; I do it each time I go away. If I followed my dreams, I’d have houses in the Channel Islands, Spain, Devon, and Norfolk and that’s just for starters.

I belong to a couple of the active and friendly social media sites specifically for Dartford. I enjoy the daily comments, banter, and occasional strong opinions. Some of the contributors have taken that step and moved not only out of the area, but often out of the country. So why do they stay in touch with Dartford?

Would I ever have the motivation to up sticks, leave family and friends?

Rather than overthinking the whole question, I asked two of them for their stories. Both were more than happy to spill the beans on moving away from Dartford, but not quite cutting all ties.

The lovely Diane lives in the Isle of Wight. She has a huge talent for arts and crafts. Many know of the beautiful painted rocks she produces, often themed, and all delightful. Initially coming from Stone she bought a business on the island many years ago and moved across. She went to the Brent School and then later the

Downs. Despite living in one of the loveliest places in the UK, she still visits our town, staying connected with family and friends and says she has fond memories of Stone, Dartford and Bean. I must admit to being a trifle jealous of Di. I’d love to live where she does.

Andy keeps many of us amused with his stories of life in Northern Ireland. His life took a different route; he spent his early years in the army, moving around the UK and Europe, often only spending holidays and Christmas back in the UK. Eventually he was posted to NI in the 1970s. Despite what must have been difficult times for him, Andy stayed and made his long-term home there. He frequently updates us with news of his family, and his wife, the admirable Millie.

He rarely visits Dartford, but an interest in where he grew up and what has happened to the town keeps him a member of the different sites.

Perhaps it is this need to know what is happening to our childhood home which motivates us to stay 27/1/14 connected with the town. It has totally changed

Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1

from my childhood, but then so has everything else, including me. I have spent some hours talking to my children about ‘my’ Dartford – the paddling pool in the park, the road system (able to drive into the High Street), the smaller shops, the sheer number of pubs!

With hindsight I can see how grand Dartford was. Take the time to look at the houses around East Hill – many still boast the original façade from when they were built. So unfashionable nowadays but such a great reminder that Dartford was a bustling market town in its heyday. Like every town it has lurched from grandeur to squalor and all points in between. It is going to be great again!

Take care, people.

12:15

Page 1

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INTERVIEW WITH THE ADDAMS FAMILY STARS SAMANTHA WOMACK AND CAMERON BLAKELY Samantha Womack <Morticia> Cameron Blakely <Gomez>

and that was a real saving grace for us. and to make him like a matinee idol romantic type rather than too silly.

Cameron: It was delayed a few I loved the original TV series very times at various points during much but I wanted to make it fresh various lockdowns, which was very and not to be hindered but inspired frustrating. But I ended up using my by Raoul’s Gomez whilst trying not driving skills to do Argos deliveries to copy him. It’s such a great role for a while, which was jolly good fun. because it has everything. And the I really enjoy driving so I thought way the composer has written the ‘How can I at least try and make a score it’s different for each character, bit of money out of it?’ I did that and so Gomez gets all the sort of Latin it was very enjoyable just keeping music - very melodramatic and active and doing something. romantic with a Spanish feel to it.

What’s in store for audiences who come see The Addams Family?

Cameron: A lot of quirkiness, a lot of laughs and a lot of miscommunication. In a way it’s like a dark farce. And I think everyone needs a bit of escapism at the moment, after the year we’ve all had, and this show really provides that. Whether it’s any form of the arts, be it theatre or music, it’s lovely to be able to forget what What are you most looking forward everyone’s been going through to about being back on stage? and just have a great time.

Cameron: Just the thrill of doing what you’re trained to do, your Samantha: It’s a family show with main vocation, and to connect with a dark comedic twist and it centres a crowd again - knowing that you’re around the fact Wednesday has hopefully making people happy and fallen in love. She is planning on making them laugh. It’s also going marrying a rather normal, ordinary to be great seeing other parts of person and there’s outrage on the country because we’ve all sort Morticia’s part when she finds of been in enforced prison mode, out. And I’m really glad we’re haven’t we, for such a long time. It’ll bringing back such a fun show be lovely to get back out on the road with that slightly dark comedic again, see different cities and share element because I think people this wonderful musical with people. are ready for that right now. Also, it’s a multi-generational show that Samantha: For me it’s the audiences, appeals to all ages. There’s a lot in one million percent. You’re riding a it for the kids, obviously, but the wave; the audience feel it and you feel more nuanced humour is there it. It’s a kind of transaction between for the adults, not to mention you and them which is just magical. the fact it’s got the most beautiful operatic score by Andrew Lippa Morticia and Gomez are such iconic and a book by the same team characters. How do you put your [Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice] own stamp on them? who did Jersey Boys. It’s a very Samantha: It’s interesting because accomplished piece that whole I’ve just gone back and watched families can come along and enjoy. some of what I did the first time, which I don’t usually do but we’ve How did it feel when the tour got a reduced rehearsal time. She’s kept being put on hold because more complicated to get right than of the pandemic? you think. There’s the distinctive Samantha: At first, like with voice, minimal movement and everyone, it felt like a kind of break arch comedic sensibility, but also and because of that initial burst of there’s a softer side, a passion and hot weather we all felt we were sensuality. You want her to be quite on an extended holiday. Then the terrifying so the comedy works but reality started to dawn that we were at the same time she has to believe dealing with something which was in love and passion. Looking back at really quite terrifying. Livelihoods the tapes, I think I was so focused were lost and the arts began to on getting the movement and sound disappear, children weren’t able to right but I’m not sure I captured the eat properly because their school danger as much. dinners had been taken away - it was a really depressing time. We Cameron: I was always a great fan of stayed quite close to home and Raoul Julia, who played Gomez in spent a lot of time in the garden. the movies. I wanted to make him We’re lucky to have outside space quite Spanish, as he was in the films,

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Do you have anything in common with them?

Cameron: I do secretly quite like growing a moustache in a retro 1970s way. I got quite attached to it when I first did the show [in 2017] and didn’t get rid of it for about a year afterwards. With Gomez’s romanticism, I’m quite similar to him in that sense, as am I when it comes to his passion.

Samantha: I can absolutely relate to holding the family together as a mother, and I think that compromise of being vulnerable and formidable at the same time is something I think most women would identify with. [Laughs] And I’m definitely an oddball.

Tell us a bit about your costumes for the show…

Cameron: I mostly get to wear the iconic pinstripe suit with a bowtie, occasionally smoking a cigar, and I have nice black and white spats.

Then in Act Two around the dinner table I’m in a beautifully loud and garish smoking jacket with a cravat.

Samantha: Morticia is all in black, in things that are as tight and long as possible. [Laughs] So post-lockdown that’s going to be a real issue. There’s an elegance to her and she needs to look like she’s gliding, so the dresses have to kind of melt into the floor and arms should look long, extended and kind of spider-like.

It’s full of great musical numbers.

Do you have a favourite to perform?

Cameron: There’s one called Happy/ Sad, which is a lovely reflective song that Gomez sings to his daughter about being in love and how much she’s grown over the years. It always

make me think of my own little girl, my daughter Noelle who turns eight in August. I always think of her when I sing that song and when I first did the show in 2017 I remember I got this big lump in my throat and really struggled not to cry. I thought: ‘Oh dear, I need to get control of this. It’s terribly un-British of me!’

Samantha: I love the dark choral number at the end called Move Toward the Darkness. It’s slightly melancholy and odd, with somewhat strange chord structures, and I think it’s really haunting.

Can you recall when you first encountered The Addams Family?

S a m a n t h a : I re m e mbe r th e American TV series, not when it first came out of course but during re-runs in the 80s. As a kid I’d come back from school and watch it, and I absolutely loved it. Then later I loved Anjelica Huston’s phenomenal performance as Morticia in the films.

Cameron: I think it was the first movie, starring Raoul Julia and Anjelica Huston. I’d grown up knowing about The Addams Family but I was more the age group of The Munsters.

It began life as a cartoon in the 1930s, became a TV show in the 1960s, a film franchise in the 1990s and a musical in the noughties.

Why do you think it has endured for so long?

Samantha: There’s a strong family value to it - love and connection and family loyalty - but it’s such fun how dark and odd they are.

They do everything in opposites; if Wednesday says ‘Thank you’ at the dinner table she’s reprimanded.

Cameron: People inherently like Halloween and the macabre, plus there’s this mishmash of very odd characters in the same family.

There’s also the darkness and the fun the Addams family have around graveyards and moonlight.

I think viewers are fascinated by the juxtaposition of light and darkness and how it’s completely flipped.

It’s just fascinating and there’s so much dark humour you can get

out of that.

How was it when you first toured with the show in 2017?

Cameron: It was lovely. Sam is very easy to work with and really funny. It’s lovely that some of the other cast members are coming back as well, plus there are a few new people I’m looking forward to working with and others I’ve worked with on other shows.

Samantha: It was really hard working with Cameron because he’s just so funny. He’s ridiculously funny! It’s very hard as Morticia to remain dead-faced when playing opposite him. He’s like Groucho Marx or Peter Sellers; he reminds me of the great comedy actors. He’s doing all kinds of weird things with his voice and his body and he has the most incredible singing voice, so he’s really hypnotic.

Now you’re heading back on tour again, what’s the one thing you couldn’t be on the road without?

Samantha: My dogs. I’ve got three dogs - Tink, Edie and Lola - and if I’m in theatres that don’t allow dogs backstage I’ll have a camper van where I pop to see them between shows.

Cameron: Because I have to stay in shape for the tango number it would have to be my resistance bands. I know that sounds awfully virtuous but this last year I’ve mainly just been sitting down and driving. There’s a five-minute tango at the end of the show looming, so I’ve started training and running again - which my body hated at first but once all the blisters have settled down I’ll be fine. Taking the resistance bands on tour with me means I can keep fit and trim.

The tour calls at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Does it have any significance for you?

Cameron: We did The Addams Family there in 2017 and it’s always nostalgic taking a show back to somewhere you’ve been before. It’s a really nice modern theatre and it feels quite intimate, with sort of the feel of a cinema, and the show went down there a treat last time.

Samantha: I commute to Dartford when performing there and I have to remind myself about the toll charge because I always used to forget. [Laughs] There’s been many a penalty.

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WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR SHOWS CAN GO ON! Orchard Theatre Here are just some of the shows you can look forward to when we’re together again.

First up is the cult classic musical, The Rocky Horror Show.

Actor, presenter and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Ore Oduba*, will take to the stage as Brad Majors in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical. Reopening The Orchard Theatre from Tue 31 August – Fri 3 September 2021. *Please note Ore Oduba will not be performing on Friday.

Samantha Womack and Cameron Blakely will revive their much loved roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams in the hit show The Addams Family. Join us plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship, with a twist, from Tue 7 - Sat 11 September 2021.

Well, this show is automatic, it’s systematic, it’s hydromatic.

Why it’s Grease! The world’s best-loved musical is back!

Starring very special guest artist – Peter Andre* as Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine – reignite your passion and get ready for an explosion of summer loving. Arriving at the theatre from Mon 13 – 18 September 2021.

In line with the ending of government restrictions in July, The Orchard Theatre will be reopening for shows at full capacity from August 31st, beginning with The Rocky Horror Show, starring Strictly Come Dancing winner, Ore Oduba.

Following 18 months of uncertainty and change for theatres and hospitality, we have remained committed to audiences returning as soon as we were able, to experience live theatre and performance at The Orchard Theatre that is renewed, improved and has your safety as our number one priority. There may be a few changes to the way we operate but one thing that remains is that we are here to bring joy to everyone who walks through our doors.

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* Please note Peter Andre will not be performing on Saturday.

Mischief’s multi award-winning international smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong is returning to Dartford, following its previous sell-out successes. Don’t miss this brilliantly funny comedy that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter! Coming to The Orchard Theatre from Tue 21 - Sun 26 September 2021.

Step inside Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell, a tavern where one particular lonely-hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption. This is a dance theatre event not to be missed. Visit the tavern from Mon 27 - Wed 29 September 2021.

COMPETITION The Addams Family - Tue 7 Sat 11 September 2021

Everyone’s favourite kooky family are now on stage in this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, with music and lyrics by TONY AWARD nominated Andrew Lippa. Samantha Womack and Cameron Blakely will revive their much loved roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams, based on the characters created by Charles Addams. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences?

What is the name of the Addams family’s butler? a) Leech b) Lurch c) Lewis Email your answer to competition@dartfordliving.com by the 15th August with a chance of winning a pair of ticket RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above.

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 10 th September Friday 26 th November If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment-based surgeries in the future, please contact him at gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7047.

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HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK?

By Dr Julie Taylor

not really help. If a cough lasts for more than 3 weeks, speak to your GP surgery.

Croup is a bark-like cough that usually affects children under 3, but can occur in older children. It is usually worse at night. Try to keep your child calm, croup is worse if they are upset or anxious. Sitting up can help with the cough. Give them plenty to drink to keep them hydrated. If your child is having problems breathing or is not settling, seek medical advice.

When your child is ill, it is worrying and it can often be difficult to know when to seek medical advice. This article explains how to manage common problems and how to recognise when your child is really unwell.

Although this is scary, it is usually not serious and will normally stop in 5 minutes. Unless your child has previously had a febrile convulsion and you know what to do, call 999 for an ambulance. Make sure they can’t injure themselves on anything and roll them onto their side in Temperature the recovery position. Bringing a A temperature is part of the body’s temperature down does not prevent normal immune response to febrile convulsions. infection and helps the body fight infection. It does not harm your Coughs and colds child, although when they have Children often get a noisy or rattly a high temperature they tend to chest with a cold, but this does not seem less well. If your child has mean they have a chest infection. a temperature, take off their outer Children with a chest infection will clothing to allow them to cool often be more unwell. If your child down. You can give paracetamol has difficulties breathing, seek urgent or ibuprofen if your child seems medical attention. Children will get bothered by the temperature but 8 or more coughs and colds a year you do not need to treat it. and these can last for 2-3 weeks.

Snot can be anything from clear to Young children can sometimes have green or yellow. Antibiotics are often a fit when they have a temperature. not needed and cough syrups do

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Sore throat Most sore throats will get better on their own after 3 days without treatment, but some can last longer.

Many children have big tonsils and they can look red when they have a throat infection. Most throat infections are caused by viruses and do not need antibiotics. If your child seems very unwell or has a sore throat and temperature for more than 3 days without a cough, speak to the GP surgery or call 111. Giving paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease symptoms.

Ear ache Ear infections are often caused by viruses and don’t need antibiotics.

Some children complain of ear ache when they have a sore throat. Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to settle the pain. The symptoms usually get better in less than one week. If your child has a discharge from the ear or is under two and has infection in both ears, then they may need antibiotics so seek medical advice.

Not eating and drinking Children often go off food and drink when they are unwell. Most children can go a few days without eating much – they often regain any weight

lost when they recover from their illness. However, it is important to encourage them to drink and to look out for signs of dehydration.

Rashes Lots of childhood illnesses are accompanied with rashes. You do not need to speak to your surgery if they have a rash unless they are unwell or you are concerned. Please be aware of the rash associated with meningococcal septicaemia, which doesn’t disappear under pressure (the glass test – see picture). If your child develops a rash like this, they need urgent medical attention.

General advice on caring for your ill child Most children will get better on their own, given time. Know what signs might suggest your child has a more serious illness and needs medical assessment. You can help your child by making sure they drink plenty, eat healthy food and get some rest when they feel unwell.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used, if needed, to treat pain or a

temperature. They work differently and can be used together if one doesn’t work.

When to seek further help Speak to your GP practice if: • Your child has a cough that last for more than 3 weeks • If they have a temperature for more than 24 hours with no obvious cause (cough, runny nose, ear ache etc) or if they have a temperature for more than 5 days • If your child loses weight and does not regain it in 2 weeks if under 5 or 4 weeks if older Signs that your child may have a serious illness and needs urgent medical advice include: • Being very drowsy, or if they are drowsy and irritable and not improving with paracetamol/ ibuprofen.

• Problems breathing: breathing rapidly, working hard to breath – you can sometimes see the tissues between and beneath the ribs or in the neck (where the Adam’s apple is) pulling in when they breathe.

• Cold or discoloured hands and feet.

• Having a fit.

• Unusual skin colour (pale, blue or dusky around the lips).

• Temperature of more than 39oC in a child aged 3-6 months (more than 38oC if under 3 months).

• A baby that is feeding significantly less than usual or any child that seems dehydrated (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, peeing less).

• Symptoms related to meningitis o Unusually severe headache o Stiff neck (difficulty putting their chin to their chest) o Dislike of bright lights o Rash that does not disappear with pressure ‘the glass/ tumbler test’ Parents know their child and we always listen to your concerns. In most cases we can reassure you that they will get better on their own. If you are worried it could be serious but you aren’t sure, you can call 111 or go online to 111.nhs. uk for advice.

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CLAREMONT DECORATIVE SERVICES • ALL TYPES OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DECORATING • AROUND THE HOUSE MAINTENANCE JOBS • FREE ESTIMATES • REFERENCES AVAILABLE • RELIABLE, INEXPENSIVE AND QUALITY WORK BY LOCAL TRADESMEN CAN WE HELP YOU?

Please call Mike or John on: Tel 01322 406439 / 01322 525708 Mobile: 07742 085333 Email: mikeperry5001@aol.com Partners: Mike Perry and John Petherick

46

CAR NEWS AUGUST 2021

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we look at a range of new mid-sized models available this year and next – from brand new to upgraded classics.

021 Hyundai Bayon – the Hyundai Bayon is a new small SUV based on the South Korean brand’s i20 hatchback. Hyundai already has one compact SUV in its line-up – the Kona – and the Bayon is a slightly cheaper yet roomier alternative.

You will have a choice of two 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engines one – 99bhp and 118bhp. Both will have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. All trims will include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, along with a digital driver’s display, rear parking sensors and cruise control. Four adults will be comfortable enough in the Bayon and even six-footers can enjoy plenty of legroom in the back. On sale now the prices start from £20,295.

2022 Vauxhall Astra – this is the all-new Vauxhall Astra hatchback, one of the most popular family cars historically. The new Astra sees the front grille stretched the full width of the car, with the headlights incorporated within it.

It also offers more in-car storage than its predecessor, with automatic versions helped by the fact that they get a small sliding gear selector.

The list of technology that will be available includes lane-keeping and lane-change assistance in an effort to make motorway driving less tiring, a 360-degree camera and rear cross-traffic alert system to help with parking and manoeuvring. There will be a hybrid 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. A 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine and 1.5-litre diesel.

Sales will commence in early 2022 and prices are estimated to start from £22,000.

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupé – the new 2 Series has given the car a wider, sportier stance, and there are more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a wider and deeper front grille, and thinner light clusters.

Three version will be available at launch – a 2.0-litre petrol 181bhp, a 2.0-litre diesel with mild hybrid technology with 187bhp and a range topping 3.0-litre petrol 369bhp. On the inside it includes the sat-nav map, plus BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system is presented on a separate screen in the centre of the dashboard, measuring up to 12.3in depending on specification.

Standard kit includes 18in alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats and three-zone climate control. Prices should start at around £35,000 when its on sale in early 2022.

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DARTFORD ’S PAT BRADY HAS GREAT SUCCESS AT WIMBLEDON those courts, it is hard.

The first few games my arms were shivering I was so nervous, but after a while I settled down. I started to feel more comfortable with the fans and fed off them, rather than feeling anxious.

I had a few families and friends watching from Dartford, so that was great. My team have done so much to get me here, so it was nice to give something back.

I don’t think it is important to think about winning it. I just want to focus on my game plan each match and do what I can, but I now want more.

“At the moment I just train with my brother at David Lloyd. But I have a good team who help, I do not have a real base though, so it would be nice to get that sorted but it requires funding.

Britain’s Patrick Brady has great and I need more time on the practice success at Wimbledon despite court, and I’ve had neither in the last battling an injury. few months because of Covid-19 and the difficulty with travelling.

Patrick, who is from Dartford, was one of only 2 British boys to make “To play at Wimbledon is what I it through qualifying to secure a have dreamed of since I was five, place in the main boys draw, after six years old. So, when you go onto strong performances that saw him beat the world number 75 and 47.

Patrick then went on to defeat Czech star Adam Jurajda, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 who is ranked 40th in the world and nearly two years older.

Pat ri ck al s o ca m e th ro u g h qualifying to reach the quarterfinals of the LTA British Tour event at Frinton in June, before having to withdraw to focus on Wimbledon.

“It was positive that I got through the events whilst being injured, but I feel like I can do better tenniswise. I feel like I can play better but I need time on the match court

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Nadal was my hero growing up, but in terms of modelling my game, I always look at Djokovic and Andy (Murray) as well. I want to try and dictate points from the baseline, and if you’re wanting to play that way there is no-one better to try and learn from, and Novak was gracious enough to give me some pointers during Wimbledon which was also an amazing experience.”

You can keep up to date with all the latest from Patrick by following @partrick_brady04 on Instagram.

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 in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

ByGallery Marialocated 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 .

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

SPORTS ROUNDUP Playing time for English players in the Premier League was the highest for 11 years last season.

Figures show English players featured in 38% of total minutes played in the Premier League in 2020-21.

That compares with the average of 33.8% of minutes since 2010-11.

Increased playing time for English players has been referenced as one way to improve the national team’s results at tournaments. Former FA chairman Greg Dyke called for more playing time in 2013, when he also set England a target of winning the 2022 World Cup. And as we all know, England reached their first European Championship final, their first major tournament final in 55 years… so are you thinking what I’m thinking?!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN AUGUST INCLUDE: 4 Aug-14 Sept: Cricket - England v India five Test series - full tour schedule 19-22 August: Golf - Women’s British Open at Carnoustie 24 Aug-5 Sept: Paralympic Games in Tokyo 30 Aug-12 Sept: Tennis - US Open in New York

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DAVID’S CRAZY 24 HOUR CHALLENGE! and more challenging that also took me to the places that meant something to me.

Since my parents died 7 and 11 years ago, I have been raising money for the hospices that cared for them in their final days. I wanted to do something more than just running a set distance, so I was interested when I read about a 24 miles in 24 hours challenge.

I also felt the more I pushed myself the more people would see the effort I was putting in and want to sponsor me, which they have!

Where did you run and why did you choose those locations?

I started off where I now live, in Rochester, then I moved on to Billericay, where I am from. It was then across to Dartford then on to Guildford, Whiteley, Southampton and the New Forest, where I have family, and then back again.

On one of the hottest days of the year Dartford Living Co-owner and Designer, David Shafford, took part in a 24 miles in 24 hours challenge.

miles, with sometimes a 80 mile drive in between, actually made things worse as my legs started seizing up and by the 15 mile mark I had hit a wall that was hard to push through!

Inspired by a challenge we But I was determined to complete it reported on last year, he wanted so I just pushed on through. to do something similar but with a few noticeable differences! While Why did you want to do a challenge the main part of the challenge like this? was the same, run a mile every I have done runs in the past but hour for 24 hours, he wanted to wanted to do something different include various locations across the South East of England that were important to him.

The plan was to visit 7 areas in the 24 hours to complete the miles so as well as running the 24 miles he would also be driving over 300 miles!

We caught up with David to see how he got on.

Well you have now completed the challenge, how was it?

It was a lot tougher than I expected as it was one of the hottest days of the year and stopping between the

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What was the hardest part of the run?

I would say the hardest part of the run was when I finished the last mile in Southampton and then realised I still had 7 miles to run and 125 miles to drive and I was exhausted but it was never in my thoughts to give up.

I was just thinking that it was going to hurt in the morning!! Having people support me along the runs either by running a mile, cheering me on in person or messages really helped though and got me through to the end.

What bit did you enjoy about the run!?

I enjoyed running through the New Forest, as it is beautiful down there, but as a Southampton fan the highlight was running around St Mary’s Stadium even if it was only the outside!

What causes did you raise money for?

I chose 4 different charities: - Cancer Research, as my Granny and Mum died from Cancer and I know a lot of people affected by the illness.

- St Lukes Hospice in Basildon, where my Mum worked as a doctor and who cared for her in her final days.

- St Francis Hospice in Havering, where my Dad worked as Director of Corporate services and who cared for him in his final days.

- ellenor in Gravesend and Dartford, as my parents always said you should support the hospice in the area you live and we have worked with them and tried to support them a lot through Dartford Living.

Can people still donate?

You can still donate to the cause by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidSHAFFORD2424 What is your next challenge?

Well I can definitely say I will not be running a marathon but i’m thinking about maybe a triathlon.

Watch this space!

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

Advertise in the magazine for as little as £40 for a month Contact: sales@dartfordliving.com FULL 52 WHERE TO GO LOCALLY SECTION WILL BE BACK ONCE WE CAN START TO RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’

Competitive Rates!

A BAINES & SON ROOFING • New Roofs • Repairs • Tiles • Slates • Flat Roofs • All Lead Work • UPVC Fascias & Soffits • All Guttering • All Work Guaranteed • Insurance Work Undertaken

TEL: 01322 271693 MOBILE: 07971 792463

Craft Frames Quality Pict ure Frami ng

F re e a dvi ce a n d e s ti m a t es

N e edl ewo r k & Ca r d M a ki ng D. M. C S to c ki st Ki ng C ole K nitti ng W ool C ry sta l A rt Ca r ds & Ki ts

Well Worth a Visit!

21 West Hill Dartford DA1 2EL 01322 278703 w w w.c raftf ra me s. co .uk F re e par king at re ar Cl osed Sun days a nd Mondays

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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 Together Dartford Living Community Group

A LOCKDOWN POEM

By Local resident Les Bourne So the country is gripped by Corona And I regret I’ve become a bit of a moaner.

I’ve shopped for food and endured the congestion, Now filling the hours is the difficult question.

Oh how on earth do I spend my time?

By eating cake and drinking wine?

Oh no, that is not good enough, I need to do some other stuff.

I’ve sort of cut the grass three times this week, And now some different tasks I seek.

Keep fit with Joe would be a start But I just can’t keep my knees apart.

I could take a walk along the dell Keeping separate from folk, as if they smell.

A ten-minute stretch is enough for me Then come back home for a biscuit and tea.

Phone a friend, that’s an idea.

Not face to face, don’t come near.

It would be nice to share a coffee and bun, But in isolation, there’s no such fun.

Jigsaws and puzzles can be amusing, But in truth I find them so confusing.

The brain is in no mood to think, I take solace in my food and drink.

I have books, so can try some reading, But after two pages, I need more feeding.

A bag of crisps this time I think.

That’s better, now I’m in the pink.

I’ll try my hand at something arty.

No, a sausage sandwich is much more hearty.

That might fill my needy belly, Then I’ll watch a bit of telly.

I’ll count the hours, six, seven, eight . . .

I’m getting tired, it must be late.

I’ll remember to clap the caring staff, They need a big smile and a bit of a laugh.

Then off to bed and close my eyes, Sleep away the hours then arise.

Some exercise I really should take.

But what the heck, just pass the cake!

Have you written anything that you’d like to share with Dartford Living’s readers? Email our Editor (Vijay) at editor@dartfordliving.com

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL SUMMIT WEALTH...…………………………....7 DOWNTON & ALI ASSOCIATES…………………..59 HOME IMPROVEMENTS THE DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR MAN…………...4 BRONZEWOOD LOFTS…………………………. 4 CLAREMONT DECORATIVE SERVICES…………….46 STEVE COOKE DOUBLE GLAZING ……………….39 A BAINES AND SON ROOFING ………………....53 RELIGIOUS SERVICES CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY CHURCH……………..45 COUNCIL DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL…………………..30 MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT GARETH JOHNSON……………………………...43 ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS WISDOM ESTATES……………………………..14 FOX ESTATES…………………………………..9 FARM SHOPS H&M FOODS………………………………….13 STANHILL FARM ………………………………..35 FLORISTS DARTFORD FLORIST ……………………………...19 GARAGES / VEHICLE SERVICES ORCHARD GARAGE …………………………...60

GARDENING BOW ARROW GARDENING …………………….27 CARE PROVIDERS HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE………………..10 HEALTH AND WELL BEING SLIMMING WORLD…………………………….2 SARAH KEMBER PILATES……………………..17 GH HEALTH SOLUTIONS ……………………....40 CREST YOGA…………………………………..27 FEET MATTERS………………………………..19 PEPPERCORN DAY SERVICE ………………….21 AGE UK……………………………………….29 YDMA KARATE……………………………….40 OFFICE SPACE /SUPPLIES NUCLEUS …………………………………….14 TASK FORCE ADMINISTRATION………………….21 OPTICIANS LINKLATERS…………………………………..53 PICTURE FRAMING CRAFT FRAMES……………………………….53 PRINTERS DARENTH PRINT………………………………..19 RESTAURANTS, CAFES & FOOD OUTLETS EFES…………………………………………..34 THE CHURCHYARD……………………………..26 EDUCATION DARTFORD MUSIC SCHOOL ……………………..18

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RED ROOSTER…………………………………18 MY BLUEWATER TUTOR…………………………27 HOLY TRINITY PRESCHOOL………………………41 LEISURE ORCHARD THEATRE……………………………37 TRAVEL GOLDEN LEAS HOLIDAY PARK………..................17 SUTTON VALE HOLIDAY HOMES……………….21 HARDEN HOLIDAYS …………………………..24 RETAIL THE BED POST …………………………….23 BRADLEY’S JEWELLERS……………………...46 WILL WRITING SMN WILL WRITING ………………………….43 WEBSITE DESIGN & MARKETING DARTFORD LIVING MARKETING………………..55 DARTFORD LIVING DESIGN…………………...58

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