Dartford Living December 24

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CONTENTS

Dear Dartford Living Reader, I’d like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and welcome you to the latest issue of the magazine The magazine is jam-packed with lots of useful local information and fantastic local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like never before, our community needs the support of all of us.

In case you weren’t aware, David and I run Dartford Living alongside over 50 volunteer members of the local community. DL is the only independently run magazine, serving the local area with information 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 neighbours. You will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise too!

If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter mailing list and you will join over 50,000 local people who read the magazine and/or follow us on social media each month.

When you’ve finished reading the magazine please either keep it on your bookshelf, for when you need to use a local business, or pass it on to a friend or family member to read too.

Vijay

Editor - Dartford Living Magazine (and of course David and the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

Sydnie Christmas Interview Dartford Living meets: Father Christmas DSTC Photo competition Recipe: Gingerbread house Christmas Party Tax-Free Allowance Christmas in Dartford Travel: The gift of travel Beating the Winter Blues Combatting scams and keeping older people safe Life Under the Stairs Where to go locally Walking with the Darts Advertising Index

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ONLINE

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DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE PRINTED BY: www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

SYDNIE CHRISTMAS INTERVIEW

By Lisa Roach won. In fact Sydnie was so busy that it took the BGT team 2 weeks to catch up with her in order to pay her the prize money!

Sydnie has released an album called ‘My Way’ and has stressed that all of the tracks on the album presented themselves to her either because they have a special meaning to her or struck a chord with her. For example the version of ‘Over the Rainbow’ she has included was performed by Lauren Allred (an idol of Sydnie’s) in February 2024 and Lauren gave Sydnie permission to use it whilst they were Facetiming ahead of the live shows.

Christmas came early to Orchard West on Monday 28th October for the launch of this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. I was delighted to chat with Sydnie Christmas - a singer and actress who won Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) earlier this year. She is a local lady (born in Sidcup). She has been very open about applying to BGT because she wanted to work in the West End of London but the work she was getting was generally taking her overseas. She had applied to BGT several times but this year proved to be the charm – and she has certainly charmed lots of people since she took the BGT title for 2024 and stunned everyone in the audience with her amazing voice. She made a point to thank the audience present for their support as she was sure that it was us locals voting for her that tipped the votes in her favour!

I asked her what her favourite memory was from being on BGT. She replied that it was when she sang ‘My Way’. She explained that she had been extremely nervous as she reached singing the last note of the song, but that those nerves had vanished when she looked up and saw a sea of wristbands glowing and swaying in the audience. In fact her ‘Auntie Tina’ gave her one of those wristbands afterwards as a memento.

People who watched BGT probably remember Sydnie’s audition and her being told that Simon Cowell hates the song ‘Tomorrow’. Sydnie described the awful feeling this gave her on top of already feeling nervous but the audience felt so supportive – she had already been on stage talking to the judges for seven minutes – that she decided to stick with it and thought, ‘Let’s try and change his mind.’ The rest is history!

We moved on to talking about where Sydnie sees herself in 5 years’ time. “The amazing thing is not knowing,” was her reply. She mentioned that she felt honoured as she would soon be singing in Los Angeles as part of David Foster’s 75th birthday celebrations with the likes of Michael Bublé, Jennifer Hudson and Andrea Bocelli. She has always admired David Foster and it was something that she could only have dreamed of just months ago!

She continued to explain that she would love to play the role of Calamity Jane one day as the role resonates with her. “She is me, a blossoming lady, but someone who can get down with the blokes and Doris Day was amazing.”

Sydnie will be performing at the Royal Variety Performance on 22nd November 2024 as a result of winning BGT. She described herself as being “mega excited and there is no verb to describe how I feel to be honest.” The producers chose a song called ‘Believer’ from her album that was originally released by Imagine Dragons and how she had put a ‘Bond’ feel on the track as she would love to record a Bond theme. She described how all the acts for the Royal Variety Performance would probably have one day to rehearse which would mean her possibly running through the song twice before the live performance.

Sydnie is massively looking forward to performing in Sleeping Beauty at Dartford West this Christmas partly because it means she will actually be able to spend her first Christmas at home having been working away from home for many years.

For our full interview with Sydnie and others Our conversation then moved on to what had performing in the Orchard West panto, please surprised her most since winning BGT. Her visit www.dartfordliving.com response was the ‘whole experience’ (as it had taken 4 attempts to get on to the show) and everything that has happened since has been amazing. Work flooded in from the instant she www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Bexley Park Sports & Social Club Friday 3rd January 2025 Doors open 7.00pm show starts 8.30pm Tickets £15.00 – Seating plan in operation For ticket purchases please scan the QR Code

BEXLEY PARK SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB - EVENTS Friday 27th December 2024 Mike Gunn’s history is as interesting and entertaining as his comedy. A misspent youth and a series of grim jobs cultivated his cynical outlook on life and a perverse desire led him to the world of stand-up.

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Television appearances include Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), Celebrity Deal or no Deal (CH 4), Harry Hill’s TV Burp (ITV), Al Murray’s sitcom ‘Time Gentlemen Please’ (Sky), Soccer AM (Sky 1), The Comedy Store (Comedy Central), Live At Jongleurs (CH5), and The Gas (CH4). He is a regular on the Sky Poker channel and has also been a contributor for The Guardian.

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COMMUNITY HEARTBEAT

DARTFORD LIVING MEETS: FATHER CHRISTMAS

By Paul Williams

What you?

shall

I

call How do you manage to deliver all the gifts in one night?

Oh, I have many names and they’re different all over the world, some of my names are Father Christmas, Santa Claus, St Nicholas, Papa Noel, Kris Kringle, Babbo Natale, Pere Noel and so many more.

Well, the time zone I work in, is Christmastime.

The Christmastime zone is different from other time zones and this allows me to travel the world in one night.

It might or might not be me, I try to get out and meet as many children as possible but when things get busy, it could be one of my helpers and they share your Christmas wishes directly with me.

Who is your favourite reindeer?

Why do you deliver gifts?

Do you have a message for our readers?

Do you really exist?

Ho ho ho! Rest assured, Santa is alive and well in the hearts and minds of children all over the Is the Santa at the shopping centre really you? world.

I don’t have a favourite reindeer, each one of them has a valuable part to play in our team and I love all of them.

I love to give gifts and I hope this encourages Yes, I’d like to ask you to be good and kind to people to be selflessly generous to others. others, I think the world needs more kindness and understanding and it starts with you.

Do you appreciate the food and drink left out On Christmas eve, go to bed early and please for you and your reindeer? don’t forget to leave me a snack and finally I’d like to wish all your readers a very happy Yes, very much so, it’s very physical work, Christmastime. delivering gifts to people all around the world… For the full interview with the big man, search and all in one night, so both my reindeer and I for ‘Vijay Your Questions’ on Spotify or Apple are very grateful.

Podcasts.

LOCAL FEATURE DSTC PHOTO COMPETITION

By Matthew Allen For the last three years students and staff at DSTC have been invited to take part in a photography competition that is part of a running schedule of House events that we run at DSTC. The House system is designed to promote values like self responsibility, equality, solidarity and to work as a community. It connects our students, no matter their age, and encourages a competitive spirit.

This year’s photography theme was elements.

This was chosen as it can inspire a wide range of starting points like fire, weather events, landscapes, water, plant life and animals for example. It also encourages students to look outside at the wider world.

Participants submit their work digitally and then the photos are displayed in school, where three winning entries are chosen by the House captains and House leaders.

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Every person who takes part receives a House point and the winners receive prizes. This year nearly 180 photos were submitted.

The winners were Anastasia N-first place [bottom] Isla R-Second place [top left] Verity L-Third place [top right]

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We have extensive learning areas in our fantastic grounds

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RECIPE

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

By Debbie Dickinson from the Little Lavinia Bakery Pop the dough in the fridge to chill for at least an hour.

Roll dough out to a nice even thickness of about 5mm.

For the house you will need rectangles for the roof and triangles for the walls. I wrapped my November copy of Dartford Living magazine in cling film, laid it on my dough and used a pizza wheel to cut around it. Cut two of these.

A good shape for the front and back walls is an equilateral triangle with all 3 sides the same length as the top edge of the DL magazine. You will need two of these as well.

Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes with the rest of the dough. Or cut different sized triangles to decorate as trees.

These are a great, delicious treat to make with the kids for Christmas! And easier than you would imagine! In our house I make the gingerbread and assemble, then leave my partner and the kids to decorate! Chaos!

As always, you can adjust the amount of spice you add or experiment with other flavours in the recipe.

Pop the shapes back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

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 • Royal Icing Sugar or ready made Royal Icing.

• A selection of chocolates and sweets for decoration.

Meanwhile make the icing according to the packet instructions. If you can’t find Royal Icing Sugar, use normal icing sugar and make to a thick consistency.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180° C for about 10 minutes until the edge of the shapes start to turn a darker brown.

Allow to cool fully.

You can either spoon the icing or pop it into a piping bag. You could make your own piping bag using a sandwich/freezer bag. Fill with your icing then snip off the corner of the bag.

Use a cake board, chopping board or large flat plate to build your house on. Pipe a generous amount of icing along one edge of each triangle.

Stand them up and place a roof rectangle on them. You can use a mug as support while the What to do: Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup gently icing sets. Once set, repeat to attach the other roof piece. in a pan until the sugar has dissolved.

Measure the dry ingredients into a large bowl Use the icing to attach sweets and chocolates on your house and pipe windows and door and mix in the egg. decorations.

Add the butter/sugar mix into the dry ingredients and mix until all the flour has been combined Decorate your other shapes with icing and sweets. and you have a nice smooth dough.

Enjoy!

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final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cas chard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the ompetition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if

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Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1

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LOCAL BUSINESS CELEBRATE WITHOUT THE TAX BURDEN: UNDERSTANDING THE CHRISTMAS PARTY TAX-FREE ALLOWANCE

By Simpson Wreford LLP As the festive season approaches, many employers are planning their annual Christmas parties. These events are a fantastic way to boost employee morale, foster team spirit, and show appreciation for hard work throughout the year. But did you know that you can host these celebrations without incurring additional tax liabilities? The Christmas party tax-free allowance in the UK makes it possible.

total cost per head stays within the limit.

Why It Matters The Christmas party tax-free allowance is a valuable benefit for both employers and employees. For employers, it’s a way to enhance employee satisfaction and foster a positive work environment without additional tax burdens.

For employees, it’s an opportunity to enjoy festive celebrations and feel appreciated by Tax-Free their employer.

What is the Christmas Party Allowance?

The Christmas party tax-free allowance allows employers to provide annual social functions, such as Christmas parties, without the worry of tax implications, provided certain conditions are met. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Annual Event Requirement: The event must be held annually. This includes not only Christmas parties but also other regular social functions like summer barbecues or annual dinners. The key is that the event recurs each year.

2. Inclusivity: The event must be open to all employees. If your company operates across multiple locations, the event should be open to all employees at a particular location. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the festivities.

3. Cost Limit: The cost per head must not exceed £150. This amount includes VAT and covers all expenses related to the event, such as food, drink, entertainment, and any accommodation or transport provided. It’s important to note that if the cost per head exceeds £150, the entire amount becomes taxable, not just the excess.

Multiple Events If your company hosts multiple annual events, the combined cost per head for all events must not exceed £150 to remain tax-free. This means you can spread the festive cheer throughout the year with different events, as long as the

Planning Your Event When planning your Christmas party or any other annual event, keep the following tips in mind to ensure you stay within the tax-free allowance: - Budget Carefully: Plan your budget to ensure the cost per head does not exceed £150. Include all related expenses in your calculations.

- Inclusive Invitations: Make sure the event is open to all employees to meet the inclusivity requirement.

- Track Multiple Events: If you host multiple events, keep track of the total cost per head to ensure you remain within the tax-free limit.

By understanding and utilising the Christmas party tax-free allowance, you can celebrate the festive season with your team without the worry of additional tax liabilities. So go ahead, plan that perfect party, and spread the holiday cheer!

Simpson Wreford LLP have a wealth of experience assisting businesses to save Tax. Contact us now for a free initial consultation on 020 8317 6460 or visit our website at www. simpsonwreford.co.uk

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KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

Craft Frames Qual ity Pict ure Framing

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Christmas Trees Tree Variety

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Size Range

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Price From

£30.00 £35.00 £50.00 £35.00-£85.00

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Available from Tuesday 26th November.

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TRAVEL GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL THIS CHRISTMAS

By Harden Holidays This Christmas, why not swap the usual presents of socks and scented candles for something truly unforgettable? Give the gift of travel and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a luxurious getaway, a weekend city break, or an adventure-packed escape, travel is a gift that keeps on giving, long after the tree comes down and the holiday season is over.

Why Travel Makes the Perfect Gift 1. It’s Personal A trip tailored to a loved one’s interests shows thought and effort. Whether they’re a beach lover, culture enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, a travel experience can be customized to match their passions.

5. A Wellness Retreat Help a loved one recharge with a wellness retreat. Think yoga in Bali, spa breaks in the countryside, or meditation retreats in the mountains.

6. A Travel Voucher Not sure of their schedule or preference? A travel voucher allows them to choose their ideal 2. It Creates Lasting Memories Material gifts may lose their appeal over destination and timing. Any amount is available time, but the memories of exploring a new with us. destination, sharing meals, and discovering Thoughtful Add-Ons hidden gems will stay forever.

• Customized Travel Accessories: Pair your gift with personalized luggage tags, passport 3. It’s a Gift of Quality Time In today’s fast-paced world, time together covers, or a high-quality travel journal. is precious. Gifting travel offers a chance • A Travel Guide or Itinerary: Include a guidebook to connect with loved ones, away from the for their destination or pre-plan an itinerary to make the trip extra special. distractions of daily life.

• Frequent Flyer Miles or Travel Points: If you have points to spare, transfer them to a loved Ideas for Travel-Themed Gifts one to help fund their travel.

1. A Weekend City Break Treat someone to a weekend in a bustling city • Airport Lounge access – Book them into the like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. Include tickets to airport lounge to ensure their trip starts in the a local attraction, a guided tour, or a reservation most relaxing way possible. Cheers to that! at a renowned restaurant for an extra special The Joy of Giving Travel touch.

Travel is more than a destination—it’s a chance to experience new cultures, taste new cuisines, 2. An All-Inclusive Resort Stay Give the ultimate relaxation gift—a stay at an and step out of the everyday. By giving the all-inclusive resort. Sun, sea, and unlimited gift of travel this Christmas, you’re giving your loved ones the opportunity to explore the world, cocktails? Yes, please! create unforgettable memories, and enjoy experiences they’ll treasure forever.

3. An Adventure Experience For the adrenaline junkie in your life, consider gifting a ski pass, a hiking trip, or a guided So, this festive season, think beyond the adventure like white-water rafting or zip-lining. ordinary. Wrap up the world and give the gift of travel—it’s a present they’ll never forget.

4. Mini Cruise A cruise combines relaxation and exploration. Harden Holidays would like to thank everyone Think 2-night mini cruise sailing from the UK? for their custom this year. We wish you all have a wonderful festive season – Merry Christmas and Sounds good to me! a Happy New Year for 2025!

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HEALTH

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES

By Dr Julie Taylor helpful in the long term, such as smoking, drinking and over eating. Reach out early if you are struggling; especially with things like debt, finances and your mental health.

The winter months can be more difficult for our mental health. The colder, shorter days can make us want to sleep and eat more, and impacts on our motivation to exercise. We limit outdoor and social activities, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. The Christmas period is often stressful, even if it is a positive stress, and can bring financial strain or heightened emotions for some. The lack of natural daylight in winter affects our sleep patterns too. Understanding these things can help you to address them.

Staying motivated Try to keep motivated and do what you can to boost your morale. Doing something that gives you energy can help to boost your mood. This might be exercise, a new challenge or project – anything you enjoy. Planning your day each morning can give you small goals to aim for, create a routine and keep you productive.

If you need help with your mental health, there’s lots of support out there, from your GP surgery to organisations such as Mind and Mental Health Matters. You can self-refer to NHS talking therapies without speaking to your GP at www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/ find-a-psychological-therapies-service/ If it is urgent and you cannot wait to speak to your GP, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or call 111. Check www.kmpt.nhs.uk/need-help/ for more information.

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

Be kind Being kind to others, such as helping out in your community, can improve your mental health.

Even something as simple as giving up your seat on the bus, making a colleague a cup of tea or praising someone when they have done something good can increase your own feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Try a simple act of kindness and see how it makes you feel.

Kindness needs to start with yourself. Celebrate small achievements, even if that is just in your head. Book some time off of work, go for a walk or run alone or even shutting the bathroom door for a bath/shower away from the kids to give yourself some valuable ‘me time’.

Don’t worry Try not to ruminate on the ‘what if’s’ and negative stories. Some people find mindfulness helps them to focus on the present and manage their thoughts and feelings. There are mindfulness courses and self-help guides that you can access. For some exercises and tips www.mind. org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/mindfulness/mindfulness-exercises-tips/ Feeling overwhelmed?

When things are overwhelming – stop and take time to find your feet and think about the next step. One step at a time and you will soon have walked further than you imagined.

Try to avoid coping mechanisms that are not www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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WELLBEING

COMBATING SCAMS AND KEEPING OLDER PEOPLE SAFE

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead

you haven’t met in person who requests funds.

5. Doorstep Scams Fraudsters visit homes pretending to be tradespeople or charity workers. Verify their identity before engaging and don’t feel pressured.

6. Courier Fraud Scammers claim to be from banks or police and ask for cash withdrawals, often sending a courier to collect it. Legitimate organisations won’t request cash.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams?

1. Avoid Disclosing Security Details Never share personal information like passwords or bank details over the phone or online.

It’s easy to assume we are savvy when it comes to fraud and scams, and expect that we’ll never be caught out and can spot a scam a mile off.

Sadly, scammers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, employing new tactics and methods to gain our trust.

2. Check Authenticity Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages; Our older loved ones are particularly at risk, as verify the sender’s identity before responding. scammers can seek them out. Unfamiliarity with the online world can play a part too.

3. Contact Organisations Directly Use official contact information to confirm If families get together and talk older loved any suspicious communications. If somebody ones through what to look out for, they can rings you and you have doubts over whether protect them from becoming victim. It all lies in they are who they say they are, call them back knowing the signs to spot. using the organisation’s official phone number.

Use another phone if possible in case they have Types of fraud and scams to look out for: tapped into and have control over your phone.

Fraud and scams are continuously developing, so it’s important to stay alert and vigilant. Some 4. Challenge Unexpected Requests of these can include: Trust your instincts—if something seems off, verify before acting.

1. Impersonation Scams Scammers pretend to be trusted figures, such 5. Report Scams as family members or officials, to steal personal Report any suspicious activity to local information or money. Always verify identities authorities or organisations like Action Fraud to before sharing details. help protect others. You can do so here: https:// www.actionfraud.police.uk/ 2. Purchase Scams Fake online listings trick victims into paying for Sadly, many scams go unreported due to the non-existent products. Research sellers and use victim’s fear of embarrassment. But by being secure payment methods to avoid losses. open and honest about scams with your older loved ones, they will feel more compelled to 3. Investment Scams check with you if they ever have any suspicions.

Fraudsters promote fake investment opportunities with promises of high returns. We’d love to hear from you if you would Always consult a financial advisor before like to make a suggestion for a future topic. investing.

Please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford. homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, 4. Romance Scams St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Scammers build online relationships and ask for Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322 money for emergencies. Be cautious of anyone 923750.

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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

NOT QUITE BAH HUMBUG! That Time Of Year is creeping up again. Even before the last sparkler had fizzled out or the last rocket expired in a sea of colourful sparks, then the shops were loaded with Christmas items.

I enjoy Christmas. I love the gift buying, the card writing, throwing tinsel hither and thither. You can’t have too much glitter or a bauble laden Kent with husband, in-laws, cat and dog. We tree or a festive tin of food for the cat! remained at home on the island, with Youngest What I do object to, is being bombarded with Offspring to visit, although he could only TV programmes and ads for Christmas from manage a couple of days away from his job.

October onwards!

It seemed a lot to do to cater for the three of us According to cookery programmes and when time with family was so limited. magazines, we need step by step instructions on how to do things correctly for The Day. There So, I threw the old family rule book out of the are many brightly coloured magazines showing window and broke free. how to drape the mantlepiece with festive garlands, beautifully wrap our gifts, or hand Thanks to the local supermarket, all the veg was bought pre-prepared. Pigs in blankets and stencil our own cards. stuffing? Oven ready and in disposable trays! I TV cookery programmes suggest Christmas bought pre-prepared Christmas mini-puddings won’t be successful unless we slave away in the (we all prefer a different flavour) and mince pies and cake. I did roast my own potatoes; It all kitchen several days before the event. tasted fine and gave me more time with family.

In my view, it’s a con! Christmas Dinner is I have the sneaking suspicion no-one noticed nothing more than a bang-up decent roast. It any difference. doesn’t need special anything, just to be served Rules are for breaking, and that includes family with love and affection! traditions, so this year I’m organising Christmas So, we might knock ourselves out, making to best suit me. I never have Buck’s Fizz for our own gravy stock, (which according to breakfast the rest of the year. If I don’t on The one celebrity cook, requires 13 ingredients!), Day, I’ll still enjoy myself! If the turkey isn’t large shredding Brussel sprouts to serve with leeks, or enough to feed the whole County, with some making sure the carrots are cooked with orange left over for sandwiches, I haven’t failed! I don’t and thyme! Recipes for brandy butter (using need ideas for 101 ways to use up cold Yorkshire organic eggs of course) flood the internet, and puddings, although I’m told they’re great, what should be a great family fun day, can reheated with a bit of honey or jam! sometimes result in a day spent in the kitchen, My cooking skills are questionable, but I’ve rather than enjoying this special time. already made two small loaf cakes, enough My mum spent hours in the kitchen cooking for the three of us. I’ll top ice only, using roll up a storm during the Christmas holiday. out fondant paste. I’m making my own bread Cakes, sausage rolls, mince pies, puddings, and freezing it. The sausage rolls will be made a trifle for Christmas Day tea, two roasts and using shop bought pastry. The veg will be accompanying vegetables and a couple of pre-prepared. I’ll still buy the mince pies and puddings, as there are limits to my culinary dozen Yorkshire puddings. skills. It won’t look as good as the ads, but it’ll Subsequently, I thought if I hadn’t cooked taste ok. similar amounts, from scratch, it was a disaster.

I’ll be enjoying the day with family comfortable I wasn’t being a ‘good mum’. in the knowledge it’s our presence and time If you love the challenge of creating all of the which mean more than a lavish dinner. above, then go ahead and have a wonderful Enjoy 25th December everyone. See you on the Happy Christmas. other side.

Last year was different for us. Due to circumstances, eldest Offspring stayed in 46

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Jim Dickson MP for Dartford I hope everyone is getting ready for a lovely festive period spent with family and loved ones.

It has been a delight getting out and about in the constituency as your local MP, meeting more charities, businesses and residents and hearing what matters most to everyone.

December and Friday 31st January – to book a spot please email jim.dickson.mp@parliament.uk.

To keep updated with my regular activity, follow me on social media or sign-up to my brand-new newsletter on the QR code below - and of course, always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.

Wishing you all the best, Jim

I have been working hard in Parliament to unlock more support for Dartford, raising key issues to government like the need for a Lower Thames Crossing, overcapacity at Darent Valley Hospital, management and leasehold charges, the need for more SEN provision, and the impact of our brilliant local sporting clubs.

I also now have a brilliant team in place, ready to support every resident – I will be holding many surgeries in my office and around the area going forward. My next office surgeries are taking place Friday 20th

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Gardener Steve Tending to your garden like it’s my own

I provide regular care for domestic gardens including: .

Lawns, Beds & Borders, Shrubs & Hedgerows at affordable rates.

I cover Dartford & the surrounding areas and am fully insured.

Please contact me for further information or to arrange a visit.

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WALKING WITH THE DARTS

by Chris Palmer

Men’s team photos by Carol White-Griffiths, Women’s` team photos: Taur Everard

nicking all three points!

Off the pitch, Ady and his coaching staff have been putting the players through the paces, as we gear up for the busy winter schedule. The boss has also trimmed his side, with loanees Matt Kerbey (Slough Town) and David Aziaya (Bromley) returning to their parent clubs. Ben Allen and Mert Apat have left the club, whilst Michael Olarewaju and Ade Yussuf have come on board (the latter on a dual registration deal with Hornchurch).

Meanwhile, Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s Dartford FC Women side are flying Hello again, welcome to another edition of high in the London & South-East Regional Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on Women’s Football League. all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.

Having lost their opening game away at Dorking Wanderers Women, the ladies have gone on an I’d like to begin by apologising for the lack of excellent unbeaten run of nine games in the content last month. I experienced an extremely league... with eight of those fixtures wins! The busy time, as well as personal upset, and last of which was an excellent defensive display completely forgot to write my article for this in the return fixture against Dorking Wanderers magazine! So, apologies for that.

Women, whereby the Darts won 1-0 courtesy of a Brionne Fowle first-half header.

I’m pleased to say that, after experiencing a rather barren spell, things are beginning to pick The ladies have scored 34 goals in their ten up for Ady Pennock’s Dartford team. Since the league games so far, and have only conceded 10th of October, the Darts have lost just once five... two of which came in the 2-1 opening day in seven fixtures. The run of results has seen us defeat! pick up two victories and four draws, which has resulted in us slowly climbing up the Isthmian Sadly, their FA Cup run ended early this season.

Premier League table.

Having comprehensively beaten Bromley 4-1 in the 2nd Qualifying Round, the ladies then Midfield General, Samir Carruthers, has netted travelled to Actonians FC where they lost out three goals during this spell. The first of which 2-0 in a hard-fought game. The ladies also lost was a direct free-kick against Erith Town in the out to Chatham Town WFC in the Combined Velocity Cup, in which we went through to the Counties Cup 1st Round, where the hosts won next round following a 1-0 win.

2-0.

The second victory came against Cheshunt on a cold day at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. The Darts dominated the game, with only Cheshunt goalkeeper R’Avan Constable keeping the score respectable for his side. The Darts won courtesy of Samir Carruthers’ spotkick and a long-range wonder goal from young defender George Whitefield! Check it out on our official YouTube channel, you won’t regret it!

However, the Darts did comprehensively beat London Seaward 5-1 to progress into the next round of the Isthmian League Women’s Cup. Shauni Griffiths and Amy Russ netted two of the goals, while Emily Vaughan bagged a hat-trick that day.

As for the Dartford Youth Academy, please head over to our official website to read Head Coach (Youth) Russell Searle’s monthly round-up of his Our previous fixture saw us make the short teams’ progress. trip across the water to Aveley, where we faced Hashtag United in a thrilling, yet chaotic 3-3 Please remember to keep an eye on all teams’ draw. Sam Odaudu, Denzelle Olopade, and progress via our social media platforms and the Olly Box were on the scoreboard that evening, official club website throughout the season. but it was goalkeeper Jacob Marsden who was And as always, thank you for your continued the hero after pulling off a superb save deep support and thanks for reading. into stoppage time to prevent the hosts from 60

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD ACCOUNTS, BUSINESS, FINANCE AND LEGAL Apprico 47 Downton & Ali Associates 7 Simpson Wreford LLP 22 Urban Sticks 39

Tudor Living Zero Dry Time

12 13

LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT/THINGS TO DO 8 Bexley Park Comedy 21 Dartford Social Club 42 Orchard West 4 The Mick Jagger Centre 38 Yamato Damashii

CARE PROVIDERS Home Instead

27

CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS Dartford Foodbank ellenor

14 25

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Jim Dickson MP

47

ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates Gary the Estate Agent

2 10

PARENT AND TODDLER Baby Sign Hartbeeps

41 54

FLORISTS Dartford Florist

PET SHOP 20 Pet and Garden Supplies

16

GARAGES/VEHICLE SERVICES AA Orchard Garage

PRINTERS 41 Darenth Print and Design 64 Dartford Printing

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Be True 2 U Therapies Dartford Council Walk and Talk Dartford Road Dental NHS Kent and Medway Paridhaan Slimming World

46 63 45 41 29 19

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ CLEANING A Baines Apex Pest Control Busy Bee Landscapes Double Glazing Repair Man FJC Roofing Foil Tech Gardener Johnsons Garden Rooms Locksmith Steve Cook

14 59 59 4 9 26 58 25 37 21

OPTICIANS Vision Eyewear and Eyecare

24 14 16 23 61 45

RESTAURANTS, CAFES, FOOD OUTLETS Cadiz Tapas Bar Efes Turkish Restaurant Gajak Growler Stop Longfield Tandori

25 6 24 15 63

RETAIL Bradleys Jewellers Craft Frames

37 24

SCHOOL Greenlands Leigh Academy Dartford

17 34

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To book in an advert call 01322 507817 or email sales@dartfordliving.com David Shafford - Magazine/ Website Design

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS: 12TH DECEMBER 2024 Dartford Living does not certify, endorse or verify the contents of any communication within the magazine/our online presence or make warranty of any kind, express or implied, with regard to the information contained therein. Dartford Living and its owners cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services that appear in any Dartford Living publication or media outlet.

Dartford Living is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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

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

! y l k e e w

(Castle Hill Community Centre)

• Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders • Short social walks that last around an hour • No need to book - just turn up • Any age and ability welcome

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

For more details including starting points please contact the One You Kent team call 01322 343067 or email oneyou@dartford.gov.uk www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

Funded by

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