Dartford Living August 25

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the team performed. For most of them, this was their competitive debut, and they handled it brilliantly. It’s a sign of great things to come for Dartford chess.”

The Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford echoed with quiet intensity on Saturday 12th July as 48 young minds, aged 6 to 16, competed in the eagerly anticipated Dartford Junior Chess Open 2025. Hosted at one of the town’s most iconic venues, the tournament drew participants from across Kent, Sussex, and London, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for junior chess in the region.

This year’s event featured multiple age and rating categories, designed to give players of all abilities the opportunity to compete in a fair and stimulating environment. The atmosphere was charged with focus, sportsmanship, and budding rivalries — all the hallmarks of a great junior chess event.

A Bright Future The Dartford Junior Chess Open has firmly cemented its place on the junior chess calendar. With such a high turnout, strong regional representation, and a wonderfully inclusive spirit, the 2025 edition was a resounding success.

As chess continues to gain popularity among young players, especially in the southeast, events like these are vital stepping stones — not just for discovering talent, but for building confidence, resilience, and friendships across the 64 squares.

We look forward to seeing many of these names again in future events, and perhaps one day, on the Crowned Champions international stage.

The Under 11 Open Section saw a commanding performance by Sarwayogan Karlmarx of Wanstead For more photos, full results, and upcoming event news, Chess Club, whose confident play and tactical precision visit https://congress.dartfordchess.com made him standout throughout the day. His win earned praise from arbiters and coaches alike, setting a high bar for his age group.

In the Under 11 – Under 700 rating section, Daniel Gardner from Sussex Juniors delivered a solid and consistent performance to take home the gold, showing that calm under pressure is just as valuable as aggression on the board.

The Under 18 – Under 1400 section was dominated

by Lalitranjan Vigneswaran of Ilford, whose sharp calculations and endgame technique proved too much for his opponents. Meanwhile, the Under 18 – Under 1000 section was won by Prakul Venugopal, representing Petts Wood & Orpington Chess Club, in a nail-biting finale that impressed spectators and coaches.

Dartford Juniors Make Their Mark While many of Dartford’s own juniors were competing in a tournament for the very first time, they rose to the occasion with remarkable composure. Local pride ran high as Dartford Juniors earned a total of 1 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Several players also received special prizes for outstanding play, sportsmanship, and most improved performance — a testament to the hard work being put in behind the scenes by the club’s coaching team.

Tournament organizer and Dartford Juniors coordinator Miroslav Danov said, “We’re thrilled with how well www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Over the last year I’ve since moved into a new job which requires regular early shift work - starting at a delightfully early time of 5am on the other side of the county from South Darenth.

This means that 3am alarms (latterly 3.20am… every minute counts, folks!) have become the norm for me.

It started ok - I was a little dazed but was getting through it. That was until my little feline brother Leo clocked on to my new routine….

escort him to the back door (which is usually left open ever so slightly to allow him access to leave anyway…).

He can’t be seen leaving without an usher to guide him it seems.

- If the above point at 10pm isn’t required, it is replaced with a 10-11pm arrival alongside dad as he gets in from his evenings work as a London cabby. As soon as the door opens, in he marches with a fanfare meow (plus a chorus of Shushing from dad) from the landing just to let me know he’s safe, just as I was finally drifting off…. but that’s fine(!!!).

- And one key reason which usually results in me running late - Leo deciding that at 4.25am he is now ready to head back home, but it has to be via the front door and he can only suddenly dart across streets of outer Dartford to the front doorstep as soon as I’ve got in the car and put the keys in ignition. Any earlier would be uncool. Obviously.

‘RESULT’ he must have thought. ‘Early breakfast every weekday!’. He tries his luck each and every morning. He doesn’t (usually) succeed. Maybe a few treats to tide him over until my dad wakes up a few hours later.

So. The moral of this mini rant? If you work on the early shift, don’t worry about having an alarm, just get a cat!

As time has gone on, I’ve noticed that I’m not quite able Oh, and be prepared to be a few minutes late virtually to get stuck into a routine on this shift pattern - why so? every day because using the open back door isn’t the Leo. That’s why. We’ve now got into some new quirky done thing. Has to be the front. And they have to have habits, these include: a few extra minutes of meowing and procrastinating if they actually want to go in. ‘Dad will give you a treat if - Waking me up randomly at 1.30am just to release his you go in RIGHT NOW’ I tend to say. It always works. ‘zoomies’. Maybe he doesn’t trust I’ll wake up at the Sorry, Dad. We’ll end up back at Jollyes in Dartford actual alarm time… (it’s ok, I think a bed frame with Heath retail park again before we know it! scratches everywhere looks rather trendy, don’t you?)

- Deciding he needs to wake me up around 10pm to

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Summer Holiday Activities Dartford Library 24 July at 10:30am

8 August at 10:30am

16 August at 11am

The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning

Storytime and Craft - Snail

Dino Tales Themed Craft with The Orchard Theatre

28 July at 11am Puffy Puffs Up! with Katie Ford 31 July at 3pm The Paper Beehive with Animate Arts

9 August at 11am Horrible Histories Themed Craft with The Orchard Theatre 14 August at 10:30am Storytime and Craft - Woods

23 August at 11am Pop Princesses Themed Craft with The Orchard Theatre 28 August at 10:30am Storytime and Craft - Butterfly

Ashen Drive Library

Fleetdown Library

Greenhithe Library

29 July at 11:45am

25 July at 2pm

15 August at 2pm

The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning

Insect Themed Craft

The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning

26 August at 2:30pm Insect Themed Craft

The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning

Longfield Library

Insect Themed Craft

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22 August 2pm Garden Themed Craft

20 August at 2pm 23 July at 10am Puffy Puffs Up! with Katie Ford

Summerhouse Drive Library 29 July at 10am

2 August at 10am

22 July at 11am Make a Nature Diary

Origami Making

The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning

19 August at 1:30pm

5 August at 11:30am

The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning

Seed Planting Craft!

Swanscombe Library

19 August at 11:30am Paint a Wooden Coaster!

29 July at 11am Make a Story Cube 5 August at 11am Make a Potato Seed Head 12 August at 11am

23 July at 2:30pm

Temple Hill Library

Puffy Puffs Up! with Katie Ford

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19 August at 10:30am

13 August at 11:45am

Puffy Puffs Up! with Katie Ford

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26 August at 11am

Make a Paper Plate Snail

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13 August at 10am The Hidden Glade Workshop with Explore Learning 18 August 11am and 2pm Make a Recycled CD Suncatcher

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Sutton-at-Hone Library

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Make a Paper Windchime

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Sir Geoffrey Leigh

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August 2025

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EMOTIONAL LITERACY AND YOUNG CHILDREN HOW A TOOL-KIT FOR PARENTS CAN KEEP SUMMER ON TRACK can make the difference between a day ending in disappointment and upset or ending in smiles after a minor hiccup.

Part of the strong family ethos at KatieB Kids includes working in partnership and supporting the parenting journey with professional guidance on all aspects of child development – from weaning and language development to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

KatieB Kids puts a huge value on emotional literacy and Early Years Manager Louise Mottau says, once parents have a tool-kit to draw on then handling challenging behaviour becomes easier:

August is traditionally a time we get to enjoy spending more time with children. Summer holidays and family outings give great opportunities to increase connection with little ones.

With modern life leaving many parents time-poor, there is often increased pressure to ‘make every moment count’, but as every parent knows, sometimes the most perfectly planned day can be upended by the capricious emotions of toddlers and pre-school children.

In the words of educator Jessica Stephens, ‘there is no such thing as a bad child – just angry, hurt, tired, scared, confused, impulsive ones expressing their feelings and needs the only way they know how’.

Knowing how to react to upsets or tantrums and how to help our children manage challenging situations

“Our child-centred approach is empowering children to have a voice and feel listened to. It’s also about equipping parents with the ability to both manage the normal variety of children’s emotions. This helps children feel valued, respond positively to requests from adults and also understand rules and the consequences for breaking them.”

She adds, “It can also be reassuring for parents to know that, whatever the cause, there is a normal cycle from upset beginning to returning to a normal emotional state, which can take up 90 minutes so using techniques to stay calm yourself and supporting the child in regulating themselves can make life easier for everyone.”

There are two distinct types of outbursts from young children that should be responded to distinctly differently. The first when children are in control of their emotions and are simply trying to get what they want and need clear boundaries from adults; the second is an outburst when stress hormones take over and a child needs nurturing, comforting and soothing.

KatieB Kids expert advice for dealing with tantrums is to ‘tune-in and CARE: Tune In: to your own emotions and look out for changes in your child C: Connect and teach children that their emotions are natural A: Accept and listen to the child – don’t judge or dismiss their feelings R: Reflect what you see and hear to help children understand themselves E: End with problem solving together with the child For more free expert parenting advice visit: www.katiebkids.co.uk

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Jim Dickson MP for Dartford From the day I was elected last July, I have been working hard in Parliament and across the local area to support our communities and to carry my Dartford constituent’s voice and priorities to Westminster.

I am here to support you, and my office is always here to help – please get in touch on jim.dickson. mp@parliament.uk for any questions, support or to sign up to my next surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon.

If you’d like to keep updated with my regular activity and find out about new events and surgeries, follow me on social media (Jim Dickson MP on X, Facebook and Instagram) or sign-up to my newsletter on the QR code.

Please always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.

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By Jane Stevenson

SUN FUN AND FEET “Man, it’s a hot one Like seven inches from the midday sun” (Santana 1999) Welcome to climate change and further heat waves!

Gone are the days when one could stay outside without worrying about sun damage.

Years ago, I happily lay on different foreign beaches, using little more than the most basic sun oil for protection. Getting a tan was a status symbol; we returned to work the envy of colleagues with our golden skin and tan lines. They showed we were embracing outdoor living and implied that we were healthy. We are still sold on the idea that a tanned skin is a healthy one. It isn’t. It’s damaged and can lead to all sorts of problems as we age.

As I’ve aged, I’ve heeded the warnings about the damage sun does to unprotected skin and now I do use a factor 50 cream on my face and arms, (and legs if on show), but never considered my feet might benefit from some TLC too. They are largely forgotten about.

Staring absently at them last night, I thought how much they looked like animal skin. Not an attractive and sleek camouflage, such as a snake, but patchy and faded, similar to one of those stuffed exhibits in a museum. I put it down to the sun dappled shadow from next door’s tree, (I was lounging in the garden at the time), or rather shamefully, that they needed a wash.

Some hours later, clad in little more than my dignity and a purple and gold spotted shower cap, I loaded up the loofah and attacked said feet with gusto and a lot of soap. Despite my endeavours, the patchy discoloured spots remained.

The blotches on my feet were weird. No real form and differing shades of beige! Fearing some creeping skin irritation, I resisted the urge to Google the ‘symptoms’ and decided a bit of pampering might help.

One little mark was sort of star shaped – reminded me of the cutout on my sandals – and then the penny dropped!

During the summer months, I wear sliders, sandals and mary-jane shoes. All different patterns. I’m also outdoors a lot. So, it followed that my feet were exposed to the sun all the time, but in differing styles of shoe. Hence my patterned feet. What a relief! No dodgy irritation, not grubby after a day in the garden, merely tanned according to the pattern on my footwear.

I rarely pay such attention to my tootsies. They’re functional, doing the job of allowing me to walk and stopping my legs from fraying! They can be jazzed up with a pedicure, some gorgeous nail colours or hidden in colourful tights or socks. That’s about it. They aren’t the most attractive thing on a body.

In this current hot spell, it is so easy just to slip on flipflops or similar to go shopping, or for a walk, with little thought about sun damage. Yet feet do catch the sun. Like so many of you, I don’t always wear shoes or slippers at home either and tend to kick footwear off if I’m at the beach or walking on grass.

Our feet deserve better care. With regular moisturising, nail care and checking for wear and tear, we’d all benefit.

Cinderella obviously kept her tootsies in good condition; she wore glass slippers and won a prince!

Just saying!

Take care lovely people

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Summer is here…

Let’s make it happen!

Put feet up!

Adventure togethe

r!

d See Gran

Finally sort upstairs

Go see the m

kids

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www.urbansticks.co.uk YOUR HOME (OR PROPERTY) MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBTS SECURED ON IT. A FEE MAY BE CHARGED FOR MORTGAGE ADVICE. THE EXACT AMOUNT WILL DEPEND ON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. Urban Sticks Mortgage Solutions Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales no 10680763 Registered Address: 43 The Base, Basepoint Business Centre, Victoria Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5FS www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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www.dartfordflorist.co.uk

All of our designs are available for you to view in the comfort of your own home at www.dartfordflorist.co.uk

82 St Albans Road, Dartford, Da1 1ty info@dartfordflorist.co.uk

Order online, by phone on 01322 224013 or call in and see us to discuss your flower options, we will be happy to help you.

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Same day contactless deliveries are available (If ordered by 12 noon Monday Friday, before 11am Saturdays) Thank you for your continued support

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We’re transforming our Outpatient Services The NHS is changing how we deliver outpatient services so that you can be seen more quickly and can access and interact with our services in a way that better suits your lifestyle. The following initiatives will give you and your carers (if applicable) more control and greater choice over how and when you access care: Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) Patients Know Best (PKB) Virtual appointments

Patient self-check in Self-cancellation or changing of appointments Scan the QR code or ask a member of staff to learn more about the benefits of our new and improved services:

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2025

DARTFORD business AWARDS supporTing growth

Is yours a winning business?

Visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk/awards to apply now Or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk to find out more

The Dartford Business Awards Our great sponsors are: Amazon LCY3 are now officially open for ARC UK 2025 Bluewater Shopping Centre With several categories available, the awards are all free to enter and designed to cater for every size of business or charity, from the smallest to the largest in the Borough.

Entrants must be based in the Dartford Borough Council rates areas, and must have been trading for a full year to January 1st, 2025.

To enter your business or charity, visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk/awards and apply before 5pm Monday 1st September.

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Dartford Borough Council Dartford Living Downton & Ali Associates Fairfield Leisure Fox Estate Agents Made in Kent Radio North Kent College Oxford Innovation Space The Learning Shop The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre

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Friday 5th September 2025 - Bexley Park Sports & Social Club Tickets £10.00 Includes a Pint of Lager / Ale / Glass of House Wine Over 18’s | 8pm Start

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Save time and avoid waiting to see a GP... think Pharmacy First Blood pressure checks Oral contraception Repeat prescriptions

Scan the QR code to discover how our expert pharmacy teams can help you.

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Going out in the sun is good for you. Our body creates most of our Vitamin D from the action of sun on our skin between the end of March and the end of September.

We also get a small amount from oily fish, red meat and eggs. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones.

To make enough vitamin D, you should spend a short time outdoors every day without suncream from March to September. In the summer months (June-August) you should have your face, hands, forearms and lower legs uncovered, and just hands and face exposed in the cooler months. This will give your body a supply of vitamin D to keep it going over the winter months.

Because we do get some rain and can’t always get outside in the sun, it is often recommended to aim for 30 minutes, between 11am and 3pm, 3 times a week.

Be careful not to burn though!

People with dark skin, such as those of African, AfricanCaribbean or Asian origin, will need longer in the sun to make as much vitamin D. Some people may need to take a supplement if they don’t spend enough time outdoors, if they are covered up when outside. It is also recommended for children under 4 and pregnant women. You can buy vitamin D supplements online or from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. We recommend a maintenance dose of 400-800 units (1020 micrograms) per day for adults.

Staying safe in the sun The sun gives out ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is made up of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The most serious harm the sun can cause is to increase your risk of getting skin cancer. UVB rays (the same ones that help you to generate vitamin D) can also damage the DNA in your skin cells. If this DNA damage builds up over time, cells can start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer. More than eight out of 10 cases of melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) are linked to overexposure to UV rays.

D, it is advised that you cover up or use sun protection, especially around the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. To stay safe: 1. Slip on some loose clothes with a tight weave to protect your skin from the sun and help keep you cool.

2. Slop on a good quality sunscreen: buy one with UVA protection, a 4 or 5 star rating and at least sun protection factor 30. Put it on 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply frequently. Don’t forget your lips!

3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. UV radiation can cause cataracts.

4. Seek shade in the hottest part of the day.

5. Drink plenty of water – aim for at least 6-8 glasses or cups of fluid a day, more if you feel thirsty.

If in doubt, check it out Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. About once a month, check your skin for moles or marks that are changing or new. This is especially important if you are at increased risk of skin cancer. You can download the Miiskin app to monitor any changes, new bumps, moles or lesions on your skin. Tell your doctor about any changes to a mole or patch of skin, or a new mole or mark on adult skin.

Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.

With the exception of short exposure to make vitamin www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Local Handyman

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Because You’ve Got Better Things To Do Insured, Trade Qualified, Clean & Reliable Land-line: 0203 417 6799 M: 07533 616 489 www.harryhandy.co.uk E-Mail : enquiries@harryhandy.co.uk

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the house. In these instances, non-medical home care, including personal care and companionship services, can be provided by professional Care Pros.

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our Non-medical home care often revolves around daily livcommunity in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppen- ing activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing and kamp of Home Instead Dartford.

Care Professionals might also help with driving, shopping and doing housework. Companionship care is also In this edition, we are going to look at some of the com- vital to those living on their own as it helps prevent lonemon myths surrounding the role of a Care Professional. liness and isolation. Having a chat over a cup of tea and We want to help people understand what caregiving en- helping people get out and about is the type of quality tails and to encourage people to think about a career in time that elderly people most often need. care. According to Skills for Care, the strategic body for workforce development in adult social care in England, Myth 4: All caregiving services are the same. there are approximately 90,000 vacancies in the social The saying “buyer beware” is very true when looking care sector at any given time. for the right home care company. Whether you are a family member, looking for care for a loved one, or you Here are the top 5 myths surrounding caregiving: are looking for a job in the care sector, it is important to remember that not all care companies are the same.

Myth 1: Caregiving consists only of routine tasks.

Many people believe that Care Professionals only have There are many options in today’s market for seniors about 15 minutes for each care visit and they mostly and their families, and it is recommended for anyone provide task based care such as help around the house, looking for care to do plenty of research and ask a lot medication reminders and perhaps drive their client to of questions. the grocery store or pharmacy if they have time.

Myth 5: Most Care Professionals are middle-aged But Care Professionals do so much more than that! women.

They provide a large amount of social and emotional Traditionally, this myth might be true, but in today’s support which can be as impactful on their client’s well- society Care Professionals are a more diverse group being as those performing physical activities. No two than many people realise. Many Care Professionals are days are the same when you work in care. men, and additionally, many Care Professionals are of the millennial generation, between the ages of 18 and Myth 2: Care workers are unskilled.

30. Even children are providing care for loved ones. And Care Professionals are among some of the most skilled not all Care Professionals are family members; these healthcare workers in the sector. Carers will always days, friends are increasingly likely to step in. have opportunities to increase their skills or specialise in certain areas, and the sector is constantly changing There are many more myths about the role of a Care and growing to meet the needs of the ageing population. Professional, but we hope that this article has helped shine a light on caregiving as a rewarding career where There are over 50 qualifications at different levels in so- you can make a real difference to someone’s life. cial care, so it is important to speak to your employer about learning and developing new skills.

I’d love to hear from you! To make a suggestion for a future Senior Snippets topic, please write to me at Myth 3: Being cared for in your home is only for the c.uppenkamp@dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post very ill. to Home Instead Dartford, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Many elderly people want to live at home for as long as Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. possible but might require a little bit of extra help around 40

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Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE said ”congratulations to all 60 plus students who received recognition for their achievements, regardless of belt level! It’s wonderful to see students being acknowledged for their hard work and dedication. I would like to thank all the hard work that is put in by the volunteers that run this great discipline”.

Yamato Damashii is a martial arts organisation that promotes discipline, respect, and self-improvement.

Yamato Damashii commented “we’d like to say thank you to all the people who helped out and also, thank all our students and parents for your continued support, we wouldn’t be here without you.

The Becket Sport Centre was buzzing with energy on Saturday 12th July and it was great to see such a large turnout of parents and students at the Yamato Damashii karate grading, presentation and awards ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Mayor of Dartford, Cllr You can find us on Avtar Sandhu MBE Facebook, X and Instagram or visit our It was a very warm day but all the students, both children www.ydma. and adults, performed well and passed their grading and website club for further info. received new belts and certificates.

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game cards for visitors to carry, game stations to find in the mazes as well as signs and graphics for our website and social media.

The Maize Maze covers a large area of 8.5 acres, which is the equivalent of approximately five standard football pitches, so it needs a good mix of sun and rain to get nice and tall! We have not had to irrigate (water) it very often in previous years, however, due to the very hot weather and lack of rain, we have needed to this year.

Our farming team keep the maze free of weeds and check the paths, removing any errant plants. The finishing touches are the printing of the posters, signs, gamecards and maps by Darenth Print & Design, and the stickers which are printed by Sticker Gizmo.

Finally, our team work their way around the maze, banging the posts into the correct map positions and attaching the game stations to the posts, all in Our 2025 Maize Maze is now open, and a common preparation for the grand opening! At the end of the season in mid-September, the Maize Maze is harvested question we get asked is how it is made! and sold to a local farmer to chop up and use as cattle Firstly, a maze theme is presented to us by Mazescape, feed. our professional maze designer. The maze is uniquely designed to allow for different sizes of fields as well as For further information, including opening times and where the entrances and exits need to be. The inclusion prices, please visit the Maize Maze page of our website: of a mini maze is designed for younger or less able www.stanhillfarm.co.uk. visitors to enjoy the maze experience, without having to walk as far.

Once the design is agreed, Mazescape use special software to locate the maze design in the ‘real world’ before converting the design into the correct type of file for an agricultural contractor to use on their maize drill.

This clever piece of machinery enables the contractor to drill (plant) the maize seeds exactly into the pattern of the maze design so that only the maize plants in the maze barriers grow and not in the pathways.

This is where agricultural contracting firm, FGS Agri come in! FGS Agri add a creative twist to their drilling capabilities by turning a maize field into a Maize Maze.

At the heart of this is a Row drill, guided by GPS to deliver pinpoint planting which is vital for establishing the maze’s dense and structured design.

After the maize seeds get drilled in May, Mazescape begin designing fun games to be played in the mazes.

These games give visitors focal points to find. They might be collecting clues, discovering interesting facts or just finding objects and characters. Games can be played by eye, with pencils, stickers or stamps and often includes an outcome which enables them to be entered into a prize draw at the end. Mazescape design www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Volunteer Drivers Needed Would you like to help make a difference for others within our local community?

Do you have a full driving licence and access to your own car?

A new partnership project with Dartford Borough Council, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by Healthy Living Centre Dartford

If you answered yes to the above, please contact us on 01322 470926, email transport@hlcdartford.org.uk or complete the online form using the QR code to register your interest.

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A year ago i was speaking to a fellow triathlete and the idea of another full Ironman event was hatched this time in northern Spain in Vitoria Gasteiz in Basque Country.

At that point it seemed so far away but the event was booked and we started planning a road trip to save the hassle of getting bikes on a plane but little did I know the struggles I would have to even get to the start line this time.

From a crash on the bike in Sri Lanka causing broken ribs and a damaged shoulder in November to a constant back issue throughout the training it sometimes felt like it was not to be.

For those that don’t know an Ironman is: - 3.9km open water swim - 180km bike - Marathon run So the training was severely compromised and there were points when deferring was a possibility but as we moved from winter into Spring and the Triathlon season started it all started to kind of drop into place - I always enjoy races far more than training so that helped but slowly the run times improved and the swim distance got there, with the only blip being no 100 mile training rides.

And all along I reminded myself of the two charities I am supporting.

Holding on Letting Go who provide bereavement advice to children in Kent and SE London The Openwork Partnership foundation who this year aim to provide grants of £1m to small local charities across the UK. So eventually the road trip started with 3 nights in France at Il de Re for some light training and rest then

down to Vitoria Gasteiz.

It’s said the hardest part of an Ironman is getting to the start line and this time that was certainly the case for me.

The race was hard with a choppy 2nd half of the swim making sighting difficult, hot sun on the ride which included 1200m of climbing and a torrential thunder storm at the beginning of the run and as always the demons arrive at different points especially during the marathon but we pushed through and eventually in 14 hours and 15 minutes it was done.

As I write this we are relaxing in Girona on an extended journey back home.

As always thanks to my wonderful wife Lynn who puts up with the intense training and the long race day supporting, thanks to Ian Martin who completed the training and race with me and was always there with advice in the dark days when the training wasn’t going great and of course to the great Dartford Triathlon, cycling, run and Parkrun community that cheered me on from afar.

You can still sponsor me using the QR code (right) as the causes I did this all for are so deserving.

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Local knowledge & unparalleled expertise From your trusted funeral directors in Dartford

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Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team) Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane) Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital) Swanscombe Castle Hill - Tuesdays 12.30pm Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am (St Mary’s Church) Stone Pavilion Walk - Thursdays 9:30am

Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am (War Memorial) Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am

weekly!

(Castle Hill Community Centre)

• Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders • Short social walks that last around an hour • No need to book - just turn up • Any age and ability welcome For more details including starting points please contact the One You Kent team call 01322 343067 or email oneyou@dartford.gov.uk

• Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence • Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear

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