Dartford Living December 2020 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

MAKING LIGHTS OF LOVE FRIENDS WITH 2020 YOURSELF

PAGES 6 to 9

PAGES 22

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL AT DARTFORD LIVING

DECEMBER 2020 - ISSUE 174 - FREE

PAGE 26

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BY TH E COMM U NITY,

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Readers, Welcome to the December 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 werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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,

CONTENTS 6-9 Christmas Gift Guide 10 Dartford Giving 15 Kelly Coppola is set to share her slimming secrets 16 Christmas Gingerbread Biscuits 22 Making friends with yourself 24-25 Travel Inspiration - Lapland 26 Lights of Love 2020 28 Fitness 34 Senior Snippets Caregiver FAQ 37 Preparing for a different type of Christmas 38-39 Life under the stairs 44 Online Theatre Roundup 46 Painted Rocks 47 Car News 49 Sporting Roundup 48-55 Where to go locally 56-57 Advertisers Index 58 Useful Numbers

DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE PRINTED BY:

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

Front cover photo of a Black Throated Thrush by Steve Young

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MONDAYS British Legion Hall (morning) South Darenth Paula 07891 424401

Geddes Place Church(morning) Bexleyheath Adam 07730 405313

St.Anselms Parish Centre Dartford Gillian 07957 135737

Oakfield Primary Academy Dartford Kate 07590 995948

Oakfield Primary Academy(from January 5th 2021) New Venue Dartford Kate 07590 995948

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WEDNESDAYS St.Edmunds Church Living Well Dartford Jo 07800 797030

VCD Sports Club(morning) Crayford Sue 07507 599691 VCD Sports Club(evening) Crayford Shelley 07979 691619 TUESDAYS St.Anselms Parish Centre Dartford Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe British Legion Greenhithe Paula 07891 424401 St.John The Evangelist Church Bexley Adam 07730 405313

The Howard Venue Hextable Kelly 07904 759587 New Consultant

Danson Youth Centre Bexleyheath Shelley 07979 691619 FRIDAYS The Brent Old Boys Dartford Jo 07800 797030

VCD Sports Club(mornings) Crayford Liz 07900 213548

SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Dartford Sarah 07739 027161

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The Christchurch Centre Swanley Paula 07891 42440

THURSDAYS Greenhithe British Legion Greenhithe Paula 07891 424401

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T h e l i t t l e l av i n i a b a k e ry

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

THE LITTLE LAVINIA BAKERY The Little Lavinia Bakery offers fun, quirky and delicious gifts that can be collected or posted to your loved ones. Cookies you can paint yourself, edible Tic Tac Ho Ho Ho or your own drawing on a cookie!! Based near Hesketh Park; this ChristmasI I have introduced many fantastic gift boxes suitable for sending anywhere in the UK. Find me on Facebook, email littlelaviniabakery@gmail.com or call Debbie on 07803581063 for details. Merry Christmas!

DARTFORD FLORIST Do you want to send some Christmas cheer this December? What better way to show someone you care than to send them flowers. We will be doing contactless deliveries right up until Christmas eve. Order your Christmas flowers online at www.dartfordflorist.co.uk or by phone on 01322224013.

Red Photography foa rylouframly pihotography need Gsfv i.touchers arn eow avaliabla end maka elovely Chrsitmas gfitofreinds olo r ved ones to uso en any Mn iPh i otoshooo ttfhec ri hoc iCeo . ntacrted@redphotographyc . ou .k fom r ord eetalsi. RED PHOTOGRAPHY for all your family photography needs.

Gift vouchers are now available and make a lovely Christmas gift for friends or loved ones to use on any Mini Photoshoot of their choice. Contact red@redphotography.co.uk for more details.

RELEASE & LIBERATE during these uncertain times, we all

need someone to talk to. Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a Reiki or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) session for some well needed self care and mental health support. Gift vouchers are also available. There are also a selection of lovely bath salts, linen sprays and essential oil with crystal roller ball roll-ons available for your every need. Contact releaseliberate@ gmail.com for more details.

ALEXANDER SOLID COLOGNE Solid Cologne is a solid wax-based cologne/ aftershave. It is made with natural wax and skin friendly cologne, which is applied directly on to the skin. The cologne comes in a small tin, which fits perfectly inside a pocket or bag. Alexander costs £17.99 from Solidcologne.co.uk

Please help us to support the Ellenor! As we can’t organise any events this year to raise money for Ellenor, we have decided to sell some home made decorations!

Christmas decorations Minimum donation of £1 each

ORCHARD GARAGE This year we have gift cards available at both sites, as Christmas shopping is going to be difficult! You can buy a £35 voucher for an MOT, a £100 Bronze Service or a £150 Silver Service voucher. They come in their own wallet and make a nice practical gift for anyone wanting to keep their car safe and roadworthy. We also have a selection of Christmas decorations which we are selling to raise funds for Ellenor Hospice, again at both sites, as we have been unable to hold any of the events we had planned. We are suggesting a £1 donation for each. All proceeds will go to the Hospice.

BergamiaRealEarl From Grey£4. Tea 50PutyourfeetupwithadeliciouscupofRealEarlGreyfromBergamiaTeapartofProducedinKent.

BERGAMIA REAL EARL GREY TEA

From £4.50 Put your feet up with a delicious cup of Real Earl Grey from Bergamia Tea part of Produced in Kent. Bergamia Tea started scenting their Real Earl Grey in-house in the summer of 2015. This ensures that it is always freshly scented. They use a natural bergamot oil resulting in a more citrusy taste. Their best-selling fresh loose tea.

MEOPHAM VINEYARD’S SIGNATURE RED WINE -

£13.95 Here is a delightful red wine for Christmas celebrations from Meopham Vineyard part of Produced in Kent. A blend of premium grape varieties including Rondo, Regen, Triomphe D’Alsace and Leon Millot, blended together to produce a smooth and elegant red wine. Aromas of ripe cherries and fresh blackcurrant. A great companion to red meats.

LUXURY CHRISTMAS CRACKERS FROM THE FUDGE KITCHEN

part of Produced in Kent are the ideal stocking filler. £3.50 each. Hang them on a tree, stick them in a stocking, pop them in a poinsettia. Whichever way, choose from either a red or gold cracker-shaped box, which pulls open to reveal three generous squares of real-deal, hand-made fudge by the UK’s oldest fudge specialist. With Sea Salted Caramel, Chocolate Orange and Speculoos … and no silly hats! All available from www.producedinkent.co.uk

EFES RESTAURANT Don’t know what to buy your friends and family for Christmas? How about vouchers for EFES Turkish restaurant in Dartford? Vouchers available in multiples of £10 for dine in meals, including their fantastic range of cocktails. Call 01322 471458 to purchase your vouchers now!

By K at e H a r g r e av e s

DARTFORD GIVING By Kate Hargreaves

This month’s Dartford Giving isn’t what I’d first envisaged for a December volunteering article. Normally, there are lots of ways to help the vulnerable at Christmas. Normally, there are homeless shelters where you can volunteer in a wide variety of roles from chef to manicurist to sports co-ordinator. Normally, you can fill a shoe box with presents to help those in refuges, in homeless centres, in care homes. Normally, there are campaigns that need volunteers to collect winter coats to help keep the homeless a little bit warmer. But 2020 isn’t normal. So instead we can turn our attention a bit closer to home; after all, they do say that charity begins at home… You can reach out to those close to you, and maybe even those a little bit further away too. Some suggestions for how you might like to do this are outlined below.

walk outside with one person from another household, and this is such a great way of encouraging people to talk. Sitting across a table from someone with a cup of tea can inadvertently be quite intimidating if there are difficult topics to address, but going outside for a walk in the fresh air, potentially with some nice scenery and with some endorphins flowing from the gentle exercise can be the perfect way to have more in-depth conversations. Mental health-focussed peer support groups such as Mental Health Mates and Walk Talk Walk are founded on this principle. Sending Christmas cards If you’ve got out of the habit of sending cards, this might be the year to get back into it. Writing a bit more than the obligatory sentiments might boost your own mood and the recipient’s, as well as giving you a chance to update them on any new hobbies you’ve taken up in the year of the lockdown (and yes this includes talking about your addiction to The Crown or The Undoing).

If you start writing and just don’t want to stop, why not write a couple of extra cards to an unknown recipient and post them to a local care home, asking the staff to give them to a resident who does not have many visitors? Similarly, I’m sure the hard-working NHS staff at Darent Valley Hospital or your local GP office won’t be averse to receiving some well wishes showing your support Having meaningful conversations with friends and gratitude. and family How are you doing? How are you really doing? Asking people this simple question twice can get an entirely different response. Sometimes people closest to us may be facing challenges that we’re not even aware of, especially this year and over these cold, dark winter months. Letting someone know that you are there for them, to have a proper conversation, can really help. Given the rules in the recent second lockdown, it is likely that we will maintain the freedom to go for a

Happy New Year If you’d like to chat about any of the above, or are feeling a bit lonely at the moment and would like to have meaningful conversation, feel free to email me at kate@ dartfordliving.com. Dartford Giving will return in the New Year with more ways that you can volunteer in the local community. Until then, stay safe and stay connected.

By K at e H a r g r e av e s

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Ke l ly Co p p o l a i s s e t to s h a r e h e r s l i m m i n g s e c r e ts

A slimmer who transformed her life by losing 2 stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too. Kelly Coppola joined her local Slimming World group in Hextable 18 months ago and has lost 2 stone. Now she has trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Members at the group are getting ready to welcome Kelly as their new Consultant when she takes over the group on November 18th. Kelly says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing 2 stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target. “Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 2 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. I remember feeling nervous and embarrassed when I walked through the door for the first time.I hesitated but then pushed the door open to hear chatter,laughter and recieved a lovely welcoming smile from my consultant.It was such a lovely atmosphere.Phew,I did it and have never looked back. Slimming World has helped me believe in myself and I want to pass this feeling on.Group to me is like an ever growing family,always there for each other,encouraging everyone on their journey to their dream weight.

Thinking about what to wear to cover my wobbly bits was always a drama too, the “jean wiggle dance” was always a fascination to my daughter. Now I can put anything on without a second thought.Having the confidence to wear fitted tops and skinny jeans instead of floaty tops and elasticated trousers is such an amazing feeling. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself. Shopping,cooking and eating are such an enjoyable experience now and my confidence in the kitchen has grown. In fact,the whole family enjoy healthier food and we all enjoy gorgeous curries,burgers and desserts. “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the worry out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love cycling with my daughter and have taken part in her cycling team club rides to get my Body Magic! It has been incredibly special to enjoy a sporting activity together. As a Consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - it’s going to be great fun!” Slimming World has changed my life,my confidence has grown so much. No more jean wiggle,no more avoiding normal everyday foods,no more tedious diets and no more hunger! I can’t wait to pass this feeling on.

Kelly’s Slimming World group will be held at The Howard Venue,Hextable every Wednesday afternoon and evening and Thursday mornings from Wednesday November 18th and Thursday November 19th For more information or to join Kelly’s groups call her on 07904 Before joining Slimming World I would panic diet 759587. especially if there was an event or an occasion coming up.I’d tried faddy diets and slimming Or: For more information visit www.slimmingworld. tablets and the hunger was overwhelming. co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD BISCUITS By Debbie Dickinson These are a great, easy treat to make with the kids for Christmas! They are also delicious and make fantastic decorations for your Christmas tree and festive display. As always, you can adjust the amount of spice you add or experiment with other flavours in the recipe. You will need: 125g block butter 150g dark brown sugar 100g golden syrup 400g plain flour 1 egg 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 3tsp ground ginger 1tsp mixed spice Boiled sweets (optional) Icing Sugar Lemon juice (optional) A variety of Christmas cookie cutters What to do: Crush the boiled sweets, if using, into small pieces. The easiest way is to pop them in a food bag and hit firmly with a rolling pin. Be sure to do this away from anything you could break/damage. Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup gently in a pan until the sugar has dissolved. Measure the dry ingredients into a large bowl and

mix in the egg. Add the butter/sugar mix into the dry ingredients and mix until all the flour has been combined and you have a nice smooth dough. Pop the dough in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Roll dough out to a nice even thickness of about 5mm. Cut shapes out using your festive cutters. If you’re feeling more adventurous try printing templates out and cutting around them! If you’d like to hang them on your tree, cut a circle out at the top of your shape to tie ribbon through later. Use smaller cutters to cut shapes from the centre of your cookies and completely fill the gaps with the boiled sweet pieces. When you bake in the oven, these will melt into a fabulous window effect! Pop the shapes back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 180° C for about 10 minutes. Allow to cool fully. Meanwhile make the icing by adding lemon juice or water to icing sugar very slowly until you get a smooth, useable mix. If you want, you could make different colours using food colouring. You can either spoon the icing onto your decorations or pop into a piping bag and pipe your decoration. Embellish with edible sprinkles and decorations. Tie ribbon through the hole to hang your decorations from your tree.

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MAKING FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF By Clair Yates As I write this, we don’t know what December will look like, but it seems as though at least some of the restrictions will still be in place as we move into the Christmas period and the year comes towards a close. As well as the benefits of the physical practice, the teachings of yoga can help us with the uncertainty and isolation of lockdown. I&#39;ve been reflecting with my yoga students to work out which practices will be most useful this winter to support our physical and mental wellbeing and to help us to feel more connected even when we are physically apart.

The act of verbalizing or writing the 3 things down, has been shown to increase the effect on our nervous system of this simple gratitude practice. You can say the 3 things out loud to yourself or your pet, there doesn’t have to be anyone there apart from yourself to hear you say the things you are grateful for. Or you could write the 3 things down - both writing and verbalizing have been shown to magnify feelings of wellbeing.

Supporting causes and charities reminds us that we are part of a larger community of caring humans who want to help to make a difference. If you don’t already, I encourage you to find a cause/local group/ Together we have come up with these strategies to charity that you can support in some way this winter. bolster us, so we can be more present and engaged whatever the end of this year brings. Meditating on those you can’t be with is a practice that one of my students shared with me that I have found Yoga encourages us to connect with nature and really helpful. Whilst sitting quietly, bring to mind images with the seasons. of each person you are missing, one by one. This has Time outside can help us to notice seasonal changes helped me to feel connected in my heart to those I can’t to our natural environment and though we might be with right now to help me focus on the love rather not have as many reasons to go outside this winter, than the missing. May we all feel connected as the year making an effort to take at least small amounts of ends. Take care of yourself, Clair. time outside in daylight each day can make a huge difference to our mood and the quality of our sleep. A short walk around my block each morning takes just 7 minutes, clears my head and boosts my energy. A simple gratitude practice helps us get things in perspective. This short nightly practice I use with my partner to lift our spirits just before bed, helps us to sleep more easily. We ask each other what are your 3 things today? And we both come up with 3 things we are grateful for in relation to the day that has just passed. It takes just a few minutes and really changes our mood at that key moment just before bed.

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TRAVEL INSPIRATION: LAPLAND By Harden Holidays

Lapland in winter is a magical experience, a scenic winter wonderland located deep inside the Arctic Circle and blanketed in snow from December to May. Imagine lying in a thermal glass igloo as the Northern Lights dance across a star-studded night sky,or mushing a husky-drawn sleigh across a frozen lake or along silent forest trails. This remote and untamed snowy wilderness rewards exploration via countless activities but you can be as active or relaxed as you want. The 3 main resorts are all located well north of the Arctic Circle at the optimum latitude for seeing the Northern Lights are: Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä. Each has a distinctly different character but all three are in stunningly beautiful wilderness areas. Ylläs combines all the ingredients necessary for a perfect Lapland experience. Guests return year after year to enjoy its stunning unspoiled natural scenery, Finland’s longest ski slopes, and an excellent network of cross-country trails. Levi is the most popular Lapland resort with good reason. In recent years its infrastructure has been developed to an enviably high standard with an impressive range of accommodation and a wide choice of excellent restaurants and cosy bars. Saariselkä is located in the wild mystical north of Lapland, close to Russia and just a few hours from the Arctic Ocean, an exceptionally friendly uncommercialised resort with a unique frontier atmosphere and magnificent cross-country skiing. Flights from London to Lapland are around three and a half hours long. Also known as Santa’s homeland this country has more reindeer than people! Lapland pulls out all the stops over the festive period, so there’s nowhere better to get into the Christmas spirit. There are lots of wonderful ways to celebrate Christmas, but nothing beats a magical trip with your family to meet Santa and his cheeky elves in his Lapland home. Storytelling around crackling fires and meet-and-greets with Santa himself are all on the agenda, whether you’re visiting for

TRAV E L INSPIRATION :

the day or staying a bit longer. We have access to a fantastic array of suppliers to suit all budgets and needs – please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Example Glass Igloo and Snow Hotel itinerary – from £975pp inclusive of flights: Day 1 » SnowHotel Flying out to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, you’ll be transferred the short distance north to the Arctic SnowHotel where you’ll check in to your first night’s accommodation – the stunning SnowHotel. Here, you’ll sleep on a transparent bed of ice under delicately hewn ceilings, raised into intricate frescoes. Carefully chosen lighting sets it all aglow. Although temperatures range between zero and minus five degrees, you’ll be kept warm with an Arctic sleeping bag and even receive a certificate for your troubles. Before you settle in for the night, an included tour will introduce you to the SnowHotel’s unique construction. Perhaps you’ll enjoy dinner at Kota Restaurant for Lappish delicacies served around the roaring fire of a traditional hut; don’t miss out on the indulgent desserts or reindeer steak, served in a red wine sauce. Perhaps cap it all off with a visit to the Ice Bar for drinks served in frozen glasses. Day 2 » Glass Igloo Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll swap over to your glass-igloo home for a two-night stay. And what nights they’ll be, with the chance to watch the Northern Lights play out right above your head, framed by your igloo’s thermally heated domed glass. There’s even an aurora alarm service that can be turned on for those not wanting to miss out on any midnight colours. The rest of the day is left free for optional excursions, with such winter classics as husky sledding, ice fishing and snowmobiling making the most of your spectacular Arctic location. There’s even the chance to ride a new electric snowmobile – emission-free ‘eSleds’, which are the first of their kind in the Nordics. Day 3 » Glass Igloo Your final day is again left free for optional adventures. Perhaps spend the morning on an snow-sculpting course to gain a unique insight into craftsmanship that goes into creating the ice hotel’s ephemeral beauty. Or perhaps choose between a traditional Finnish sauna or

Snow Sauna, where icy walls provide a wonderfully invigorating contrast to the hot stream. There’s also the chance to explore Rovaniemi itself, heading into the town centre with free return transfers. In the evening, maybe you’ll take your final dinner in the hotel’s spectrally lit Ice Restaurant, where dishes such as roasted elk and braised fish are sure to keep you warm. Day 4 » Depart for UK After breakfast on your last day, you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi for your flight home. Example 4-day Santa’s Lapland itinerary – from £1,099 per adult inclusive of flights: Day 1 » Welcome Fly across the Arctic Circle and be greeted at Ivalo Airport by my reindeer and friends. Then it’s time to pick up your thermal suits and try tobogganing in the snow in preparation for the fun times ahead. Day 2 » Adventure Day This extra day on the 4-day break will normally be your second day giving you the chance to let the excitement build and get involved in your choice of fantastic optional adventures. Day 3 » Search for Santa A host of activities for you to enjoy, including: A Private Meeting with Santa Claus; Reindeer Sleigh Ride; Husky Sleigh Ride; Igloo Fantasia; The Reindeer Centre; Ice fishing; Snow Hockey; Kick-Sledding; Tandem Skiing; Mini Skidoo Rides; Tobogganing Enjoy the gala dinner while you re-live every unforgettable moment of your wonderful Christmas adventure! Day 3 » Grand Finale Time to relax and explore the souvenir shops in the village for toys and Christmas gifts before travelling back to the airport. Take this opportunity to experience another big adventure from a range of optional adventures. From our family to yours we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year!

Call - 0800 023 8974 E-mail - tim@hardenholidays.co.uk Website: www.hardenholidays.co.uk Visit us at: Unit 1B Henley House, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1AS (Opposite Prospect Place & Costa, next to Subway) 25

By B as i a W i lso n

LIGHTS OF LOVE 2020 By Basia Wilson In a year where so many have experienced of your loved one, please visit www.ellenor.org/lights-ofseparation and loss, we invite you to be part of our love or call our Supporter Care Team on 01322 626509, remembrance service – Lights of Love. and ellenor will also send you a Lights of Love Service Pack, which will include your Order of Service and candle Join us to celebrate and remember the lives of all to light of home during the service. those we have lost; and support the invaluable care that ellenor has given to local families across “Community is at the heart of what we do here at ellenor, Kent throughout this crisis. and we have continued to provide vital care and support to patients and their families across Kent and Bexley, ellenor hospice’s Lights of Love service will be taking throughout the Covid19 pandemic. We are already place virtually this year instead of at Coldharbour starting to see an increased demand for our bereavement Road, Gravesend – which means that anyone with services, and we expect that to continue to rise in the internet access can watch when it is aired on the coming months. By opening our Lights of Love Service charity’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 6pm up to the online community, we hope to be able to reach on Saturday 12 December. more bereaved individuals, giving them an opportunity to join us in celebrating the life of someone special. The Ben Cooper, Chaplain at ellenor says: “This has been work we do here at ellenor is made possible thanks to an incredibly challenging year for everyone in our the generosity of our communities, who make donations community. Never has the importance of our own through events such as our Lights of Love Service.” loved ones been more obvious to us than over the last few months. Our Lights of Love service is a very important time for everyone at ellenor – we think about those we have loved and lost, and we share our grief with others. We all draw strength from sharing these moments together, from realising that we are part of a wider family, all going through the same journey. But we also celebrate the very special place they had in our lives.” The virtual service will still include readings and traditional music, as well as a moment of reflection, when all those watching can see the Lights of Love being switched on our large Christmas tree at the hospice. Each light will shine in memory of someone special. “This years’ service will be the most important one we’ve ever held. Unfortunately, we cannot invite you to the hospice as we normally would but hope that you will join this year’s Lights of Love service online – everyone in our community is welcome and together, we can celebrate the lives of special people.” To dedicate a light on our Christmas tree in memory

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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.

FITN E SS - D E C E M B E R

FITNESS - DECEMBER By Mark Broadbent Getting ready for Christmas again This Christmas is set to be a strange one. There’s a good chance, if we’re not allowed out as freely as previous years, that while people may not be out drinking and eating as much, we’re also likely to be MOVING a bit less too. At least those big nights out tend to involve a lot of walking around and maybe even some dancing.

Taking a month off of your training or diet plan isn’t a good way to go about it, no matter how certain you are that “you’ll get back on it after Christmas”.

So, it’s important to keep an eye on not just what you’re eating and drinking, but how much you’re moving too. I’m sure there’ll still be plenty of chance to eat, drink and be merry. There’ll also possibly be MORE chance to get active. Don’t swap the nights out for nights in doing nothing. Use that extra time to get a bit of movement in – whether that’s a workout or just a walk. Whether your gym is open or not makes no difference. This year has shown more than any that you can achieve great results from bodyweight training or training with limited equipment, as long as you follow the basic principles. My advice for this month is the same as for every month really (why should it change because of Christmas?!): - Set your training times in your diary (the earlier in the day the better as people tend to be more consistent and miss fewer workouts) - Workout with resistance (weights or bodyweight) at least 3 times a week - Hit your daily step goal (again, plan some walks into your diary) - Take advantage of going out less – drink less, eat less, move more

December doesn’t have to be a write off or a final blowout. Honestly, if you’re putting it off now, you’re not likely to want to start it in a few weeks’ time either.

If you’re not currently doing much and are unhappy with your weight/body shape, don’t wait until January to get started – start NOW!

Get started, and deal with the month as it comes. Work around the little challenges and figure out how to deal with them – because they’ll crop up time and time again, even after Christmas. So, my advice for this Covid Christmas is simply get started and keep going. Don’t let December slow you down or ruin your progress. You can always aim to just maintain your current condition if you really don’t want to forego the indulgences – as long as you don’t gain weight and bodyfat, you’ll be doing ok, but there really is no good reason you can’t make great progress in December the same as any other month.

If you’re looking for some help with your diet and training, get in touch and you can work with me to get things on track. It’s often the case that people go into the Christmas period having already decided/accepted that they’re going to And I’ll still be here after Christmas, judgement-free, gain weight from all the extra food and drink, but that if you’re waiting until January to start again. doesn’t need to be the case. For extra tips and info, find me on Instagram @ Stop using “being sociable” as an excuse! If you go out for MarkBroadbentPT and Facebook a meal, there’s no need to be excessive – you’d have had to eat anyway, there’s no need to be excessively indulgent Have a good one! just because you’re out. Plan what you’ll eat in advance and ensure it fits into your calorie targets. If you go over, make sure you’ve planned and accounted for that. Mark The same goes for drinks – there’s no need to be excessive. www.MBonlinePT.com @MarkBroadbentPT Keep it within your calorie target and enjoy yourself without the guilt.

FITN E SS - D E C E M B E R

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FITN E SS - D E C E M B E R

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FITN E SS - D E C E M B E R

Support for local businesses from

We’re doing everything we can to help Dartford shops, businesses and markets get up-and-running again. It’s not something we can rush and as they start to open EVERY shopper has a big part to play. PLEASE KEEP YOUR DISTANCE WHILST SHOPPING Putting space between you and other shoppers can help stop the spread of the virus. Maintain social distancing at every opportunity. PLEASE DON’T TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY We’re not yet ready to recommend shopping as a family or social activity. Please don’t shop in groups. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER SHOPPING Get in the habit of washing your hands before you set out shopping and wash again as soon as you get home. TRY SHOPPING AT DIFFERENT TIMES Shops are generally well-stocked so avoiding peak shopping times can help key retail workers manage demand and social distancing. Consider shopping earlier or later than usual. FINALLY- BE KIND, BE PATIENT and BE UNDERSTANDING These are tough times for everyone - retail workers and shopkeepers included. Be patient and understand that everyone is trying their very best.

Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council

DARTFORD

together

FITN E SS - D E C E M B E R

Christmas with KSS You keep us flying high

Christmas will not be the same this year, but at KSS we have been working hard to put some sparkle back into your festive season. Brew with the (Christmas) Crew – Join us virtually at 6.30pm on the 15th December. Register for your invite below Why not give your virtual Christmas get together a KSS twist and download our fun party pack Or simply donate to our Christmas appeal to help our life-saving work

CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY APPEAL

Christmas Appeal

Please help us to support the NHS and our communities

Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails

Clementine Margherita

Christmas Party Pack

Mulled Apple Juice 1 litre apple juice Strips of orange peel 1 cinnamon stick , plus extra to garnish, if you like 3 cloves Sugar or honey, to taste

Juice 6 clementines , plus 2 for serving 100ml vodka 100ml Cointreau 1 bottle prosecco , Cava or Champagne, chilled

STEP 1 Put some Martini glasses (or champagne flutes) into the freezer. Mix the clementine juice, vodka and Cointreau in a jug, then chill for 1 hr (or up to 1 day). Thinly slice the 2 clementines to use as a garnish. STEP 2 To serve, put a clementine slice into each frosty glass. Fill almost halfway with the chilled jug mixture, then open the bottle of fizz and top up the glasses.

Christmas Crown Alphabetically which of Santa’s reindeer comes first? Blitzen Which country donates the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square? Norway What time is the Queen’s speech traditionally broadcast on Christmas Day? 3pm In which country is Lapland located? Finland How many Home Alone films have been made? 5 Who is the leading actor in the film Jingle All The Way? Arnold Schwarzenegger The song ‘Walking in the Air’ features in which Christmas film? The Snowman

Scavenger Hunt

STEP 1 Simmer the apple juice with the strips of orange peel, cinnamon stick and cloves for about 5-10 mins until all the flavours have infused. Sweeten to taste. STEP 2 Serve each drink with a little orange peel and a piece of cinnamon stick, if you like.

The idea of this game is to retrieve the Christmas item asked for by the host, in the fastest t t time ti possible and bring it back to the virtual party to display on screen. Remember you maybe ask to explain the item you picked – so no cheating!!!! The first person back with a suitable item wins the round. You can play up to 10 rounds remember to keep score and the winner is the person who has been the fastest the most amount of times.

Who played Buddy in the 2003 film Elf? Will Ferrell In which country was eggnog invented? England What is the biggest Christmas single of all time? White Christmas In what year did Bob Geldof & Midge Ure write the song ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’? 1984 What would you find under the icing of a Christmas cake? Marzipan Traditionally served hot at Christmas, what 3 ingredients are used to make mulled wine? Red wine, sugar and spices What should you eat one of on each of the 12 days of Christmas if you want good luck? Mince pies

Claus in advertising? Coca-Cola Which Hollywood actor played 6 different role in ‘The Polar Express’? Tom Hanks What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree? An angel

A Christmas decoration

A kitchen utensil or crockery item that mostly gets used at Christmas

Something displaying the word “Merry”

Wrapping paper

Something you usually eat at Christmas

How many days are there on a traditional advent calendar? 24 What is the name of the ballet traditionally performed around Christmas each year? The Nutcracker How many missions did we attend on Christmas and Boxing Day in 2019? 3

A gift you’d normally find in a Christmas Stocking

Your favourite Christmas present

A condiment used frequently at Christmas

Something beginning with “C”

Something that makes you feel festive

Who was the first company that used Santa

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

Visit: www.aakss.org.uk/christmas-with-kss/ Call: 01634 471 900 Kent, Surrey 32 & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, Air Ambulance Building, Rochester City Airport, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9SD Charity no. 1021367  A company limited by guarantee  Registered in England and Wales  Company no. 2803242

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By C h r i st i n a U p p e n k a m p - H o m e I n st e a d Se n i o r Ca r e

SENIOR SNIPPETS CAREGIVER FAQS By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead Senior Care

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, this time focusing on our lovely CAREGivers, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford. Sometimes misconceptions can get in the way of people applying for a job in care. In this blog, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions by people who may be verging on a decision to make a career change. This blog is intended to show you exactly why #youcancare. “I know I’d be great at the companionship side of care and would love to chat to clients all day. But I don’t know if I would want to wash and bathe clients.” This is a very common view, and points to a commonly held opinion of what social care entails. While washing and bathing, and other aspects of personal care, can sometimes come into helping clients in their home, it is often one small feature of a broader spectrum of help. Our CAREGivers very frequently split their time helping with tasks around the home, and offering conversation and companionship, which includes every aspect of simply being a friend. We work on the basis of longer call visits giving you time to care. It means you will not be moving quickly from client to client allowing you more time to focus on the client. Instead we look for CAREGivers who enjoy spending time in people’s company, enjoying making memories or developing new skills around particular hobbies or interests. “I’d love to be considered to be a CAREGiver as it sounds like something I’d be great at, but I’ve never worked in care, and have never received any training! So there’s really no point in even applying.” This couldn’t be more wrong! At Home Instead, we value the person, and their compassion and empathy, more than any previous experience. If you have any previous experience, then great, but this is by no means how we select our CAREGivers. We look for people with empathy and a caring attitude. We can train you in all the rest. We provide full training in order to prepare you for the job of being a Home Instead CAREGiver. We provide ongoing training, and ensure that not only will you be able to provide the highest level

of care to clients, but you will also be supported and reassured by Home Instead. We are all in this together. “I’ve spent too long stuck inside an office, so I’m looking for a job that will get me outdoors and on my feet. I don’t think that being a CAREGiver will achieve this because I’ll be stuck in the client’s home all day.” Some clients might need to be in their homes more than others, but the idea of a CAREGiver is to enable the client to achieve those things that they might not be able to on their own. Sometimes clients might not want to leave the house due to anxiety or depression, and a friend is exactly what they need to assist them in getting out. Other clients might need some physical help to enable them to walk in a National Park, or even go to the local garden centre. CAREGivers are there to promote maintaining a good quality of life for those who might struggle on their own. It might take a little bit of time and plenty of cups of tea and conversation to build up the confidence and trust of the client. After that we encourage visits and outings as much as the clients wish for; of course, all by following the current social distancing rules and guidelines. “What happens if I encounter some difficulty or struggle? I’m worried that I won’t manage when I am left alone with a client!” One thing that is certain is that when you’re a CAREGiver for Home Instead, you are never alone. Maintaining a consistent culture is a key part of what makes us so special. Because of this, we are united by one mission, and one voice. Nationally, we are all part of one big team, so that we can tackle our goal of changing the face of ageing. Everyone in our Home Instead family shares the same ethos and values and we are there to support you to keep on going when times seem tough. We have a very supportive and responsive culture; if we didn’t support our CAREGivers, then how could we expect our CAREGivers to support our elderly clients? Home Instead provides training to give you the skills you need to provide attentive care and we offer additional training to enable you to develop further if you wish. It is equally important to remember that even with the training, this is a role that requires practice, but to help you do that with confidence, we buddy you with another CAREGiver as you make your first visits. We select CAREGivers who are empathetic, and genuinely care about others, so if you have this, then you will excel in this role. It simply takes a bit of time and support from the Home Instead family to ensure you can do the best you can.

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By C h r i st i n a U p p e n k a m p - H o m e I n st e a d Se n i o r Ca r e

P R E PA R I N G FO R A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS This time last year, you were probably looking forward to Christmas and had never heard of COVID-19. This year, however, we’re all facing a very different kind of festive season. With guidelines changing so often to keep pace with infection rates in different areas, one thing we’ve all had to do is be flexible and adaptable. What does this mean for Christmas though? We’ve all been affected by the pandemic, but we’re not all in the same boat. Some of us may still be able to buy gifts online and have a small family celebration with members of our own household. Others may be struggling with a dilemma over who to ‘bubble’ with while some may be bravely facing their first Christmas without loved ones. Wherever we are and whatever situation we’re facing, there are steps we can take to prioritise our mental health and wellbeing. Get a move on Being less active can really affect our health mentally and physically. For those who are able, getting outdoors to enjoy a walk wrapped up in winter woolies can be just the tonic. The NHS has some great ideas for armchair exercises and other fitness tips for those who aren’t able to get outdoors. See nhs.uk/live-well/ exercise/sitting-exercises. Stay connected We may not be able to socialise in the way we’re used to but it’s amazing

how many different social groups you can join from the comfort of your own home, from book clubs and cooking classes to good old family quiz nights. These could be a great way to keep everyone entertained during the Christmas holidays. Why not search online for some new activities so that you can socialise and stay safe at the same time? Or, even better, set up your own! Sing your heart out Research by the University of East Anglia found that singing boosts our mental wellbeing. Sadly, it looks like the restrictions on singing in groups will put a stopper on carol services this year, but why not check out what’s happening online in your area through community Facebook pages, or do a Google search for your local church? Having a good sing-along from your sofa means that you can be as loud and as silly as you like while still enjoying some community spirit. Help others For many, this winter may be a very lonely time, so it’s important that we find ways to connect and help one another out. We may not be allowed to invite friends or neighbours over to the house, but there are other ways to bless them. Perhaps you could do a food shop for an elderly neighbour, or bake biscuits with the kids to deliver to a friend’s door. Helping others is scientifically proven to boost our own mood too.

Give gifts that mean something Every Christmas, millions of presents in the UK end up being re-gifted or donated to charity. Keep this in mind if you’re feeling under pressure to buy gifts for everyone you know. Research into the psychology of gift giving shows that personal, handmade presents, an experience, or a specially created playlist often say a lot more than a shop-bought present. After a tough year, showing someone that you really know and appreciate them will mean a lot. Seek help with money worries Struggling with money can have a severe impact on our mental health, especially at this time of year. Don’t let your Christmas be filled with worry – get help, the sooner the better. Visit capuk.org to find out more about sessions where you can learn money management skills; budgeting, saving and preventing debt whatever your income is. Alternatively, if you are struggling with debt, you can call CAP on 0800 328 0006 to receive free help so you can work your way to become debt free. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with over 580 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups, and support for people breaking life-controlling dependencies. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

LIF E U ND E R TH E STAIRS

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON

DECK THE HALLS At the time of writing we are back down in lock-down, Trump is on his way out and there appears to be light at the end of tunnel with the news of a vaccine against Covid.

of a compromise than a cancelling. It started when the current restrictions were mooted. For some years, around the end November, we have visited a large garden centre near to us. It’s become a family tradition. We have lunch, wander round the place and spend money on yet more tree decorations. This year it seemed our trip would be a casualty of the new lockdown, until Eldest Offspring suggested we simply change the date. So we did.

It has been a roller coaster of a year which has changed society, and our perception of much, permanently. Many of us have concerns about employment, our NHS, the EU and other factors Our early morning arrival at said centre was fortified which add a further uneasiness to the already by a fine breakfast accompanied by the biggest mug of strange times we live in. luxury hot chocolate I’ve had in years. To walk off such a feast we spent a wonderful couple of hours wandering What do we do? We could bury our heads in around the place ‘oohing and aahing’ at their seasonal the sand and pretend everything is normal. displays beautifully decorated trees, portly Father Depending upon our political colour, we can Christmas’s and well-dressed tree fairies. Loads of rant and rave about the sterling job or absolute sparkly stuff, candles and the scent of Christmas was mess the government are making of this unprec- both comforting and a reminder that this year, we can edented situation, fear for the lack of control we make Christmas exactly what we want it to be. have over our lives, and look to the future with trepidation. Already, a few homes around here have a fully decorated tree in the window, and some have house lights outside. At the moment the traditional words ‘comfort People seems to be making more of an effort, earlier. and joy’ seem a little tainted this year. Yet Perhaps it is a compensation for lost holidays, spoilt consider this; there are a few weeks until the days out, missed birthdays and wedding celebrations, Christmas season is fully upon us. Perhaps we that we are determined to enjoy ourselves to the hilt.

should refresh our view of life and take back the celebration of such a time. I think this is a Good Idea; we should all start Christmas early. Overdo the decorations, the lights. Rack up the At Stevenson Towers there is a glimmer of hope. sparkle and glitter. Splurge out on festive goodies. True, Eldest Offspring is working from home Goodness knows we all need a rest from the doom and while Youngest Offspring is kicking his heels in gloom of the year. Bristol. Both are strict observers of the guidelines and I’m proud of them for that despite the inconvenience and sadness it causes. However, both are going to make the effort to be with us on the 25th, and I plan to make the most of the holiday with them.

I’m out of the habit of sending cards, but I think I will send more this year. Maybe I’ll pop a short note inside. It seems to be a more thoughtful gesture than a quick text or email, we all need to know we are a bit special to each other.

Some plans had to be changed, but it is more I’ve been trying to phone or video call more frequently,

LIF E U ND E R TH E STAIRS

which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come easily (hate watching myself on video). However, we all need that connection with family and friends, especially in a time where a hug isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always welcomed. Sharing news, laughter and thoughts mean so much, probably a lot more than we can articulate. I sincerely hope that 2021 is better for you all. If this year has showed us anything it is that we are better when working together in our communities. I hope this continues long after we are out and about again. Christmas at the Towers has officially started!

SOUTH EAST DOG RESCUE

Just a quick word about the sterling work this group do. Small, committed and dedicated, they are asking for a little extra for the dogs. Some of them are rescued from the most appalling conditions. Take a look below, and if you can spare anything for them from their list please do. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year

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ONLINE THEATRE ROUNDUP By Liz Dyer

So against all odds, it looks like we made it to the end of 2020. It’s been quite a year, and while lots has been happening, there’s been a depressing lack of theatre to talk about. With the theatres currently all closed again by #Lockdown2, there may or may not be any live shows to enjoy this Christmas - so here instead are a few we can enjoy from our living rooms this festive season. Starting, of course, with the classic - A Christmas Carol. This year there are multiple productions planned, two of which are to be streamed online, so will hopefully be going ahead regardless of any lockdown changes. The Old Vic is well known for its annual performance of Dickens’ festive tale, and this year is no exception. Starring Andrew Lincoln and John Dagleish, the

show is available to watch on a pay what you can basis as part of the Old Vic’s In Camera series. Visit oldvictheatre.com for ticket details.

Trees. Following the success of 2019’s Goldilocks and the Three Musketeers, this year they bring us the equally random… Moby Dick Whittington. Visit thesleepingtrees. Not to be outdone, the much smaller but co.uk to book. no less mighty Jermyn Street Theatre has its own version of A Christmas Carol Finally, for another traditional treat, to share with online audiences, starring why not visit digitaltheatre.com the one and only Brian Blessed alongside to relive Peter Wright’s gorgeous Penelope Keith and Jim Findley. There production of The Nutcracker, are just 88 tickets available for each performed at the Royal Opera performance, so don’t delay - visit House. You can rent the show for jermynstreettheatre.co.uk to book now. £7.99, or subscribe for a month for just £9.99 to watch as many Missing your panto fix this Christmas? All productions as you like. With ballet, is not lost, as many pantos are heading plays, musicals and much more, this online to make sure we don’t miss out. is a great website for theatre lovers Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan brings us a and well worth the subscription fee. socially distanced Jack and the Beanstalk from his own back garden (complete with So - did someone say we can’t have real beanstalk) at pantoonline.co.uk, any theatre this Christmas? I’ve while Chris Rankin - best known as Percy only one thing to say to that: Oh Weasley from the Harry Potter films - stars yes we can! as the Fairy Godfather in an interactive live streamed Cinderella at pantolive. Merry Christmas! May 2021 bring com. Or for panto but not quite as we us all good things and lots of lovely know it, check out this year’s hilarious theatre to enjoy :) offering from comedy trio The Sleeping

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DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS Rock Painting in Dartford.

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting

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hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and By and Maria Kingsford Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

Local people from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dartford painted rocksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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.

CAR N E WS

CAR NEWS DECEMBER 2020

By Dhiren Ganesh

IN THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE WE LOOK AT NEW ELECTRIC ENTRANTS DUE IN 2021 AND NEWS OF AN UPCOMING BAN ON NEW PETROL AND DIESEL CARS.

2021 BMW iX electric SUV – this is the BMW iX – a new electric SUV that’s intended to serve as the firm’s technology flagship. The same size as the current X5 it will offer automation including able to steer, accelerate and brake for itself in certain situations (up to 80mph). No napping though as the driver may need to retake control at anytime. The iX will offer the presence of 5G and cloud technology for quicker processing of data and it will learn your driving habits. The five-seat iX has an electric motor on each axle to give it four-wheel drive and it will offer up to 500bhp engines. The 100kWh battery is expected to deliver a classleading range of more than 370 miles and with the 200kW fast charger the battery can recharge up to 80% in 40

minutes. Available on sale in late 2021 it on sale in late 2021 it is exopected to be is exopected to be priced from around priced from around £85,000. £80,000.

2021 Range Rover – this is the new Range Rover with the same tall, boxy shape with a deep wide grill as before but with inclusions like slim headlights and stacked rear lights. On the underneath it will include a new rear whell option for easier manoeuvring around town. The engines offered will be similar as current however will include multiple plug-in hybrid versions including one which can travel 50 miles without using any fuel. A pure electric version of the Land Rover may not be available. On the inside it will use a 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system with wifi and secure vehicle tracking. Land Rover’s latest driver assistance technology and safety systems will be available such as a semiautonomous set up for keeping the car in lane on the motorway while also taking care of acceleration and braking. Available

New petrol and diesel cars banned from 2030 – The Government is bringing forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-fuelled (including hybrid) cars to 2030 – five years earlier than previously planned. The news comes alongside the launch of a £4bn investment plan into green energy that the Government hopes will create 250,000 new jobs. The Government is saying this was necessary for the UK to achieve its target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050. This raises challenges to increase the amount of electric cars produced, demand for batteries and the need to improve the battery charging infrastructure. In the short term this won’t change much for buyers but expect discounts on petrol and diesel cars as we approach 2030 and the production of all electric cars to increase more rapidly.

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

MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:00am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.00 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Toast 20p per slice Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 01322 291092. TUESDAYS Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036. 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information. 9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe. com 9:30-10:30am at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime WEDNESDAYS 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £2.50 per family including all snacks and drinks. Catherine 07878658685 11.15am - SLADE GREEN AND HOWBURY COMMUNITY LIBRARY BABY AND TODDLER ACTION RHYME TIME GROUP 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ £2.50 per Adult THURSDAYS 9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford. 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 10:30-11:30am, at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@ yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child SATURDAYS 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

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

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

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

CHECK WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN 48 DURING LOCKDOWN

SPORTING RO U ND U P

SPORTING ROUNDUP Lewis Hamilton clinched a seventh World Championship and became the most successful racing driver ever with a masterful victory in the Turkish Grand Prix on last month.

Upcoming events in December include:

The Mercedes driver equalled Michael Schumacher’s achievement in terms of titles, after already surpassing the German’s number of race wins earlier in the season. Victory at a treacherously wet and slippery Istanbul Park track in a topsy-turvy race was the 94th of the Briton’s career.

9-13: Gymnastics - Men’s Artistic European Championships, Baku, Azerbaijan 10-13: Women’s golf major - US Open, Champions Golf Club, Houston, Texas 10-13: Golf - European Tour: World Tour Championship, Dubai Dec-Jan: Darts - PDC World Championship, Alexandra Palace, London 26: Horse racing - King George VI Chase, Kempton

The Turkish Grand Prix was one of the rare occasions in recent years that he did not have the fastest car. But he still won - by a mile. In a race like this you wonder why you ever doubted Hamilton as a victory contender. Of course he would be there at the end of the grand prix; it’s just an inevitability that even when the chips are down, he will find a way.

Gareth Johnson Member of Parliament for Dartford Office open to help constituents Email: gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk Telephone 020 7219 7047 www.garethjohnsondartford.co.uk www.gov.uk/coronavirus

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY -

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

CARE & SUPPORT

stroke survivors for stroke survivors. It provides excise classes, art sessions, outings, events and meetings. It meets at the YMCA, Dartford, DA1 1UP at 11.00 am on Tuesdays. Please contact Theo Hodges at Theo. Hodges@stroke.org.uk or 0743 7100 404, for more details

charity. If you are missing the contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the last Thursday of every month. For more details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www.waprobus.com

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

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

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

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

SOCIAL GROUPS

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

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

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION has 2 groups for stroke survivors with Communication difficulties; one in Dartford and one in Gravesend. Please contact Michele at Dartford@stroke. org.uk or on 01622 3251 962.

WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS CLUB We are a group of retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have a monthly walk and occasional coffee mornings and as a side line we raise money for a local

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

OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year. Our club is open to anyone over 55 AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH wherever you live and costs just 60p PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP to come along and join in. So why not Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, more information visit: come and join our friendly welcoming Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford- social club? For further information Bexleyheath-surrounding-areasplease call either John Letchford on BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH social-group/ 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 PARKINSONS UK 222195. For people with Parkinsons and their DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE carers. THE THIRD AGE) meet on the third Tuesday of every Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each meets on the first Tuesday of every month, with meetings beginning at month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30month (except August) at St Anselm’s 7.45pm. We meet at the Community 9.30pm. Information support workers Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, available, guest speakers and quizzes. 2pm, For information about meetings DA2 7NE. More information can be Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: and interest groups call 01474-709068 found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk 02083065973 or visit our website. (under Local Clubs and Societies).

Also, there is a social group, run by

BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP We meet each week on Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Coffee Shop , Bluewater Upper Guildhall, opposite Waterstones. No fees to pay, just purchase your drink or food in Starbucks and join us. All genres and writing styles are welcome

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

including adult fiction, young adult/ opportunities that Round Table does. teen, children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and poetry. See Check out the locally famous club h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s ee i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n us oncFacebook “Bluewater Writers’ www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Group” Facebook search: For further info email Tony at: * Dartford Round Table tonyjan@talktalk.net * Round Table * Dartford Egg Hunt CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS You will receive a very warm CLUB welcome. meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com. and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI A warm welcome awaits you on the 2nd Tuesday of For further details phone: 07706 every month at Dartford Girls Grammar 103706 School, Shepherds Lane, DA1 2NT at 7.30pm. For more information please THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) contact Judith on 01322 278703 or Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm email FairfieldDartford@wkfwi.org.uk Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town Centre CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st Description: We are a (non-profit Thursday of every month at 1.30pm. making) friendly social group open to Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, anyone over fifty. Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact We enjoy socialising, making new Secretary, Linda Lewis 01322 557229 friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle A group of retired ladies meet locally Walks and Short Breaks Away. for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. each month,. They raise funds for Annual membership £6 charity and usually invite a speaker. If you would like to join us or Join them and enjoy meeting and require further information please making new friends. If you would like telephone: more information please contact Iris Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 (Secretary) on 01474 703448 TALK TIME MALE? AGED 18 - 45? TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME Round Table is for the guys ONLY) with Ladies Circle for the Ladies Fleetdown Library (ladiescircle.co.uk) Everybody welcome, join us for a Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th friendly chat Thursday. and light refreshments. Often called the original young man’s social club, Round Table has over 400 clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries worldwide. We have an emphasis on having a lot of FUN. We guarantee that involvement with Round Table will enhance your social life, your personal abilities, your network and best of all it is not expensive. For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need to experience it because no other organisation offers you the

HAVEN (LGBT) SOCIAL GROUP. London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe Place to Meet. For more information please contact 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - havenx35@gmail.com WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082

DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and day trips out as well as activities including theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons and an art group. Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones 01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NORTH DOWNS Our club, which is one of 35,000 around the World, was set up 40 years ago and has members with a wide range of interests and backgrounds. The club actively supports a number of charities locally, nationally and internationally and we continue to raise funds for Ellenor Hospices, Demelza Hospices for Children, Darent Valley Hospital and many others. We are very keen to maintain these traditions and welcome new members from the area. We also organise numerous social activities both for members and the wider community. For more information about the club’s activities and membership please contact Bob Phillips on 07815 807520 or John Smeeth on 07889 137951 THE ASSOCIATION OF BEXLEY CHARITIES ’78 will hold its Grand Autumn Fair at the United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ (near the Broadway Shopping Centre) on Saturday 26th October 2019 from 9.45 am - 1.00 pm. There will be a variety of charity stalls selling Christmas Gifts and Cards; CDs and DVDs; Collectables; Jewellery; Chutneys, Jams, Cakes; Books; Children’s Toys and Games; Model Railway accessories. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ENTRANCE 50P (ACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FREE) WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY -

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

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES The group meet every week at Towncentric in Gravesend and this year we are looking at Everyday Life in Medieval London. We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12.30 at £6.00 per week customers can phone me on 01474 355676 for more information or look at my website www.tonimount. co.uk DSTC ALUMNI Hi all, if you went to DSTC, DTC, Dartford West Girls or any other name that the school has been known as we would love to hear from you! The school is looking to make links with former students to help raise the profile of the school but also as a way of getting back in touch with people. There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! www.facebook.com/groups/ DSTCAlumni THE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in the Community hall (opp St Paulinus church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, lights, scenery or singing/acting on the stage - everyone welcome. Email me (Carolyn) for more details at c_sawyers@hotmail.com. CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE incorporating Barnehurst and Slade Green. Meet every Monday (except the third Monday) of the month at Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call in for a chat about old Crayford and to view the large collection of local images, or bring your own for us to copy.

SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@ hotmail.co.uk PAVILION PLAYERS Is an amateur dramatics group based at the Joydens Wood Community Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more information please visit www. facebook.com/pavilionplayers or call us on 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop down on a Tuesday night! Everyone welcome! DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.m. Free tuition with a very friendly, sociable group. The ideal way to make new friends. Contact deryck.w.jones@gmail.com, phone 01322 586937 NORTH WEST KENT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY The Dartford Branch meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10am12:30pm at the Dartford Science and Technology College, Heath Lane, For more information see www.nwkfhs. org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY has been in existence for over 50 years and has well over 50 active members. As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome. The club meets on Wednesday evenings from around 7.00pm until around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms in Invicta House (aka Belvedere Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, Belvedere DA17 5DA. EMRS Club Chairman Alan Bone Tel: 0208 310 5018

DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session. Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk DARTFORD FLORAL CLUB The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement. Contact Carol 01322 220802 DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE CLUB meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-Book-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub.co.uk COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB This small friendly club meets each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon in Sutton-at-Hone Village Hall. From 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Price is £3.00 to include Tea & biscuits. Occasionally we meet on a Saturday when we have a tutor with us, from 10am until 4pm Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

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

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page? If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s ee i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE I provide all the equipment, materials and refreshments with just a small all inclusive, pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person per session. Those who come have the opportunity to learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, inks and how to draw with pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I offer too. www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ - calling all 11-18 year olds who want more than an ordinary life, come hang out with other young people and discover their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church Dartford, near McDonalds and next to Weatherspoons. For more information email andrew@ thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 272649. SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS Our Club presents a programme of workshops and demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere. We meet on the last Thursday of each month except December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome, entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for people to be creative, make friends. For further information please phone Angela Hurd Telephone: 01322 407556 SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP

Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. Presentations on local social history. Venue Alexandra Suite St Mary’s Road Swanley BR8 7BU. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2. Everyone welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@ hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https://swanleyhistorygroup. weebly.com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter.

from guiding, and of course, there’s still plenty of badges to earn. We’ve introduced new topics, new skills and new ways for girls to broaden their horizons.

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm in the The Community Room, Asda Gravesend Superstore, Thames Way, Gravesend DA11 0DQ. The programme of activities is varied with workshops, talks and sit and stitch sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More information can be found on our website www. northkentembroiderers.co.uk or phone 01474324734.

www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528

There are lots of flexible ways to volunteer so no matter how much time you have you can #inspiregirls too. If you would like to find out more please register your interest

DARTFORD HISTORICAL AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY www.historicaldartford.org.uk OUR TALKS IN 2020 CONTINUE WITH THE FOLLOWING: THE LOCKDOWN FOR COVID-19 CANCELLED THE REMAINDER OF THE 2019-2020 PROGRAMME. WE ARE HOPING TO RESTART WITH THE 2020-2021 IN OCTOBER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU THEN.

BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meetings first and third Friday of the month at Freemantle Hall, Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. Covering stamps and postal history, meetings offer displays, auctions, competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on www. bexleyps.org.uk MAKE A NOISE CHOIR Singing songs from the shows and having fun! We meet every Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at St Anselm’s Church, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ www.makeanoisechoir.com GIRLGUIDING – DARTFORD DIVISION Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women aged 5-18 in the UK. There are more than 30 groups in the Dartford area run by our amazing volunteers who inspire girls every week.

We meet every third Thursday of each month, between 19:30 & 21:30 at the following local hall: Pheonix Place Community Hall Pheonix Place, Dartford, DA1 2XG If you have any questions, please contact our Club Secretary Tony Pringle who will be only too happy to help. Please use the following options: Email: tp.1971@outlook.com 07738 698284

Tel:

Our new programme delivers the fun and varied range of activities that you expect

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY -

FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL

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HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE Swanscombe Leisure Centre. ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Call Saj on 07903 513104 (HASARA) We meet on the 2nd Thursday in the scout hut Sutton at Hone at 2pm. Other social activities include pub lunches, art and craft, short mat bowls, petanque, walks, coach outings, etc. We are a friendly and young at heart club. Do join us. Ring Jim on 01322 221736 or Carol on 07912564710 or just turn up.

ORCHARDS JUNIOR SCALE MODEL CLUB. We welcome everyone from age 8 and upwards. We meet on a Tuesday evening from 6pm onwards in The Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Centre. We deal with all sorts of scale models from Airfix and similar, Warhammer, model railways etc. We charge £1 per week per person and any under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult. We have a small number of kits available to purchase at a reasonable rate. https://www.facebook.com/OrchardsJuniorScaleModelClub/

SPORTS GROUPS AND CLUBS WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING Wheelchair epee fencing in Dartford and Gravesham, we are delighted to announce that New Ash Green Epee club, can now introduce wheelchair fencing. If interested in taking up this para sport please contact us on 01474 871484 or alternatively look at our website www.nagfencing.eu ERITH YOUTH RUGBY Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 590515

KENT EXILES AMERICAN FOOTBALL CLUB DARTFORD GYMNASTICS www.kentexiles.co.uk. is the only British Gymnastics Club Coach Martin - 07944 730634. in Dartford All ages from 7 years to adult to hold the”GymMark” Award for welcome 6 years. Based in Heath Lane, we are a ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION friendly club with super equipment, great I run group fitness classes as coaches and high standards. We well as 1-1 and semi private do lots of competitions and we do personal training sessions in not close through the holidays! Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & Visit our website www.dartNutrition: we offer a wide variety fordgymnastics.co.uk for full details or contact Linda on 01322 of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, 409312 or email dartfordgymBoxercise, mum and baby classes, club@yahoo.co.uk inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for LEARN KARATE all abilities. Learn karate with Yamato The website is Damashii – for adults & children www.energyfitnut.co.uk Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday HARTLEY SWIMCLUB AT WHITE morning at Becket Sport Centre, OAK POOL, SWANLEY first lesson free. We are a friendly group of adults For more info, visit www.ydma. who meet for a social swim every club or find us on Facebook, Thursday at 9pm. We’re looking search for Yamato Damashii for new members. Why not give Martial Arts. us a try? Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or Yoga with Emma join us one Thursday. Europa Gymnastics Centre: - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am - Fridays: Yin Yoga – 10.45am to 11.45am Becket Sports Centre: - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Please see www.samadhi-yoga. co.uk for more information or email Emma at LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk“ 5 YEAR OLDS Sundays 54 10:15-10:45 at

DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio. We have an adult class 8-10pm too. We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members. DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB For more details see www.dfok. co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT

A fun (different) circuit based SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD workout with space hoppers that Seeds is a long-established cycling challenges core stabilty, balance and Club in Dartford and we share strength. c h e c kItwis i t suitable h t h e p ro v for i d e r sall tolevels s ee i f t h e y a rour e st i lheadquarters l o p e n d u r i n g loat c k Hesketh down with and abilities. Classes are held every Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for Wednesday evening at the stone most abilities and have a social ride pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 most Saturday mornings. For info on costing £5 per person. joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK Friendly club seeking new members. TRIATHLON CLUB Abilities mixed. We are the local British Triathlon Would suit players with some prior Federation Club covering Bexley, experience. Dartford and Swanley. We offer Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford coached swimming sessions 3 Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT times per week at White oak pool For further information please email: in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete highlystrungbc@gmail.com in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB please visit our website Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri. co.uk London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS grab a cup of tea and chat about all Dartford Road Runners are based things hobby and some things not! at Princes Park Stadium and are For more info visit - https://emperone of the biggest road running ors10th.wixsite.com/home clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities DARTFORD PARKRUN including a beginners group. DRR Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k teams compete in the Kent League, run every Saturday morning starting the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join get a time a position emailed and us with all abilities. texted after the event. To register go to http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ node/440 www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode. Every Sunday Morning in the Park DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – CLUB registration is the same. Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now making it one of the oldest clubs in live. The run starts behind the Heath the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance Lane car park and is a free 5k run your Athletics then please visit our every Saturday morning at 9am. website Parking is restricted in the area so http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk please do not park in Heathclose Road and wherever possible please walk. CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN A new Parkrun event with parking at provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) Crazy Barn and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per

session (we offer discounted annual memberships). Refreshments and changing facilities are also available. For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities. This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina. There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for more details. The Run leaders for each group are as follows; Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford Dawn & Brian Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian New runners are always welcome, and you can contact Brian if you would like more information; see contact details and e-mail link on Our Group page. YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The Hope Group on 07580 615206. THE ASHES BADMINTON CLUB Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 8-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Downton Ali Associates.........................................60 Martin Ives & Co.......................................................9 Summit Wealth......................................................30 Urban Sticks...........................................................13 BUILDERS, DECORATORS, ROOFING, BATHROOMS, HEATING, KITCHENS, WINDOWS & DOORS A Baynes.................................................................40 Claremont Decorative Services.............................14 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..................................13 The Double Glazing Repair Man..............................4 CAR CARE ChipsAway..............................................................10 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.........................................................45 CHURCH Crossways Community Church.............................46 CLEANING APC Cleaning.........................................................23 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ..................................... 31 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ............................................................11 Wisdom Estates......................................................23 FARM SHOP H&M Foods.......................................................7 & 36 56

Stanhill Farm..........................................................18 FLORIST Dartford Florist......................................................19 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage......................................................60 Shenley Road Garage............................................26 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening............................................38 HEALTH Churchill...................................................................9 Home Instead...........................................................4 HC One...................................................................19 NSS.........................................................................17 Release and Liberate.............................................12 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................14 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Crest Yoga..............................................................35 On Pointe Pilates....................................................19 Smarter Fitness......................................................45 Slimming World........................................................5 OFFICE SUPPLIES Orchard Office Supplies.........................................13 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.................................................40 PHOTOGRAPHER Red Photography...................................................12

PICTURE FRAMING CraftcFrames. h e c k w i t h...........................................................40 t h e p ro v i d e r s to s ee i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n PRINTERS Darenth Print..........................................................13 RESTAURANT/ TEA ROOMS/CAFE EFES........................................................................29 SCHOOL/ COLLEGE Oakfield/ Temple Hill Nursery...............................12 My Bluewater Tutor................................................49 TAXI 1to8 Travel............ .................................................18 TRAVEL AGENTS Harden Holidays.....................................................24 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing ....................................................21 WEBSITE DESIGN/ MARKETING Dartford Living Design............................................42 Dartford Living Marketing......................................43

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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

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

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

dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527. Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134. Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111. VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312. ‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes ParkContact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group

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Dartford Living December 2020

Articles inside

Lights of Love 2020

Dartford Giving