Dartford Living - February 2019

FREE February 2019 - Issue 152

By the community, for the community

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE

AIR AMBULANCE KENT SURREY SUSSEX (AAKSS) - Pages 6-7 FLEETDOWN OPEN HOUSE - Pages 8-9 THE DART THAT NEVER STOPPED THROWING - Pages 32-33

www.dartfordliving.com

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rl e be slim fo with

Slimming World

MONDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sue 07507 599691 British Legion Hall Devon Road, South Darenth, DA4 9AA 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm June 07957 902767

St.John The Evangelist Church Parkhill Road Bexley DA5 1HX 5.30pm and 7.30pm Adam 07730 405313

Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401

WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 10:00am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Liz 07900 213548

Church Centre, 112 Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, Kent DA10 0JZ 7:30pm Gillian 07957 135737 Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 2SW 7.30pm Kate 07590 995948 ***New Venue*** TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401 Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 5:30pm and 7:30pm Gillian 07957 135737

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Wilmington Memorial Hall High Road Wilmington DA2 7DW 5.30pm Jayne 07557979435

Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 9:30am Gillian 07957 135737 The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 5:30pm and 7:30pm Caroline 07776 181413 Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm Jo 07800 797030 THURSDAYS The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 9:30am Caroline 07776 181413

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 09:30am Jo 07800 797030 St Anselm’s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 FRIDAYS Lesley Close Bourne Road , Bexley DA5 1LX 9am Del 07975 541082 SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 SW 8am and 10am Sarah 07739 027161 ***New Venue and Times*** Christchurch Centre Kingswood Avenue Swanley BR8 8AN 8am and 10am Jayne 07557 979435

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WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF

DARTFORD LIVING

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY Dear Readers,

Welcome to the February magazine. As usual it’s jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses.

Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them!

In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories!

Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

If you don’t always receive a copy directly through your door, you can pick up a copy from various drop off points including Dartford FC, local libraries, Fairfield Leisure Centre, The Orchard Theatre, The Priory and Orchard Shopping Centres, Stephen Oliver Art Gallery, health centres and local Nationwide and Barclays branches.

Additionally, 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, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living

CONTENTS 6-7 8-9 12 18 24 25 26-27 29 32-33 34 40 42 43 43 44 45 48-55 56-57 58

Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex Fleetdown Open House Social Prescribing Time for you cleaning Life Under the stairs Recipe Chocolate Brownies Travel Spotlight BipBopBlog The Dart that never stopped throwing Rescue is Best Sports News Fitness Dartford Painted Rocks Then and Now Theatre Roundup Car News Where to Go Locally Advertisers Index Useful Numbers

CONTENTS 6-7 8-9

32-33 43 Check out our website for even more local news and articles

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

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AIR AMBULANCE KENT SURREY SUSSEX (AAKSS) Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS) strives to save lives by providing the best possible care every minute of the day, every day of the year. They are an independent charity, so it is so important for them to spread the word about their amazing work.

precious time and giving them the best possible chance.

For their patients, every second really is precious. They may need to be placed into an induced coma to prevent further swelling from a brain injury. They may need a complex surgical procedure to enable them to breathe.

Last year alone, they were called out to help over 2,000 people in life-threatening conditions. They want to make sure they are available each and every time someone needs them. They put the people who need them at the heart of everything they do. None of us ever know when we, our family, our friends or our community may need this vital service.

They may even need an emergency blood transfusion to help replace what they have lost.

They need your support to keep flying high.

In the South East, around 2,500 people call 999 every day.

AAKSS have their own dispatchers that screen these calls and will send one of their crews to help people who are critically unwell or severely injured.

Their highly skilled pilots then work as fast as possible to get the medical team to the scene. All of their pilots are highly experienced – and they need to be, as they often need to land in challenging places.

Each medical team operates with a doctor who usually specialises in anaesthesia or emergency medicine, and a paramedic accustomed to challenging environments and trained in critical care. Together, they bring advanced care out of the hospital and directly to the patient – saving 6

Even in a hospital, these procedures can be demanding.

Their medical teams provide this treatment in all weathers and environments – including at night and potentially in fields, woods or on remote pathways. They are always ready to respond, whatever the circumstances.

And their work doesn’t end there. After initial treatment at the scene, the priority moves on. The Air Ambulance medical teams will decide which hospital will be able, and available, to provide the best care for the patient’s ongoing needs. Their pilots then need to work fast again to complete this vital hospital transfer.

Every bit of support is truly valued and helps AAKSS to be there for each person who needs them.

As you can imagine, keeping a charity like theirs running is a costly and complicated business. Flying and maintaining the latest helicopters 24 hours a day, buying vital supplies and equipment, training the very best teams in the air and on the ground (and so much more), adds up to a lot of money.

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It costs over ÂŁ7million each year to continue their lifesaving work. This sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but each penny truly makes a difference.

Another way to support this life-saving charity is to invite one of their volunteer speakers to give talks to your groups, clubs and societies – which is free of charge. AAKSS love to get out into the community and share how they work, innovate and save lives.

Would you like one of our volunteer speakers to visit? If you are a member of a local group, club or society, then you can book a talk with us - free of charge.

Our volunteer will talk about how we work, innovate and save lives.

It promises to be an interesting and inspiring meeting for your members, whilst enabling us to raise vital awareness of our charity.

If you would like to hear more about us, then we would love to hear from you. Get in touch now to book a talk at a time and place that suits you.

01634 471 900 talks@aakss.org.uk Please note that our presentation is only suitable for audience members over the age of 16. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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FLEETDOWN OPEN HOUSE

by Emily Archer

Playgroups are a huge part of a child’s development and, As I watched my wobbly toddler rummage through as a parent, attending them is equally rewarding. toys that the community had kindly scraped together, I felt happy, I felt proud to be part of that community, Some of the most important skills that both children and and proud to support the positive attitude of those few adults acquire from such meeting places are; confidence women who had established this little playgroup to help and communication skills. the likes of me.

By socialising in a friendly environment parents Over the first few weeks friendships grew as quickly as the learn similar skills to those that our little bundles are need for more floor space. Fleetdown Open House grew developing every day too. from initially operating in a tiny side room, to requiring the full-size hall in just a matter of weeks. Before long It may come as some surprise to learn that some parents it was also necessary to obtain extra storage space to are very wary of playgroups and the subsequent interaction safely store all of the toys the group had being gifted. with other parents. But, it’s true!

It took about two months for the group to be officially Anxieties can kick in and, as a result, we don’t take our recognised and to gratefully receive a small grant. With precious little ones to these fun, and often very reasonably this donation; toys, safety equipment and sensory trays priced, interactive play zones - I know because I myself were added to enhance the fun of our weekly sessions. experienced the anxiety first hand.

Dedicated areas were established to include: sensory However, one day back In 2016, I decided to take the zones, soft play, a reading corner and crafting tables, bull by horns and find an activity that both myself and complementing the amazing garden, dress up, and toy my son could enjoy together. I took myself along to the new “talk of the town”.

Fleetdown Open House was a brand-new group organised by three mums of similar age in our local community.

Because it was brand new I’d come to the conclusion that it shouldn’t be ‘clicky’ like other groups I’d tried, because none of the parents yet knew each other.

I entered the hall and took a seat on a foam mat. My son was aged about 15 months at the time – so he wasn’t yet walking with any real confidence, and definitely wasn’t verbally communicating. Needless to say, I was mostly talking to myself as I attempted to encourage my toddler to roll a ball to and fro between us.

Although it felt I was doing this for an hour, in reality it was probably only a few minutes before another parent spoke to me. We quickly established a rapport as we discussed our children of a similar age, whilst we happily sipped cups of tea.

In that moment, I realised I felt completely at ease and I knew it was because this playgroup was different.

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areas that were already firm favourites. Each area holds something creative and engaging for the children of our community.

In December, Fleetdown Open House celebrated their 2nd birthday and in that time the group has gone from strength to strength.

Fleetdown Open House has been entered into the local business awards, received sponsorships, hosted charity events and received visits from the Mayor and various news publications in the two years since their doors first opened to welcome parents and little ones alike.

Thankyou Ellie and team for all that you do for us.

Fleetdown Open House is a parent/guardian & baby group. Exploring sensory/messy play for newborn5yrs. Wed term time 12.45-2.45. ÂŁ2.50 per adult inc tea/coffee & biscuits. DA2 6JZ More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/fopenhouse

Having attended from the very beginning, and witnessing first-hand the way in which the group has grown, I feel that the success of this delightful group is, without a doubt, due to the positivity of the small volunteer team.

Each week Ellie and her dedicated team of Fleetdown helpers spend hours of their own time scouring Pinterest to re-create various interesting activities, crafts and playdoh modelling to bring to life the weekly themed play sessions.

Their time, effort and dedication is clearly rewarded in witnessing the happy and engaged children and adults who arrive to play and participate week in, week out. But, perhaps more important than the obvious enjoyment of playing, are the growing confidence and communication skills gained each and every session by both children and parents. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

by Fiona Cottingham

Have you heard of Social Prescribing?

Imago is working in partnership with NHS DGSS Clinical Commissioning Group to deliver the service across Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

Social Prescribing is a way for GPs and health services such as hospitals to refer patients with social, emotional or practical needs to a wider range of non-clinical and local services.

Individuals will meet with the Social Prescriber for their area who will work on a tailored action plan with them.

One element may be matching them with a Peer Volunteer to support them with accessing local activities such as yoga or a lunch club; assisting with learning how to use social media to keep in touch with family; support to manage household bills; setting up a befriending group.

Peer Volunteer Opportunities Available Have you heard of Social Prescribing?

Make a difference in your local area, become a Peer Volunteer with Imago!

Social Prescribing is a way for health services to refer patients with non-medical needs to local community groups and services enabling individuals to take control and connect with others.

Requests for volunteer support have included: befriending, getting people online, household budgeting and support to attend social activities.

Could you volunteer to support a person locally? To find For further information and an application form please contact volunteering@imago.community out more about volunteering please contact; volunteering@imago.community Working with GP’s & Local Care Teams across Dartford, Gravesham & Swanley Imago has been supporting communities, reaching potential for 55 years and runs a range of services supporting Young www.imago.community Carers, children with disability, youth mental health, a community transport service and services for adults and If you would like further details on the Social Prescribing older people including Wellbeing Navigation and Social service, or any of the other work Imago does please do Prescribing. www.imago.community get in touch as I would be happy to help.

Social Prescribing is a service of Imago Community.

Registered charity number: 1108388

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SUSTAINABLE DARTFORD

by Sophie Colton - Local Student

From the Kyoto Protocol (1997) to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, there is a constant reminder that we need to protect the environment. With recycling and reducing landfill waste being a goal that everyone can reach, it has become the focus of the Borough’s targets.

Whilst Dartford only recycles 25.2% of rubbish, which makes it the worst Borough in Kent for recycling, less than 1% of waste in Dartford actually ends up in landfill sites. Rather than waste being left to rot on the ground, it is sent to Pepperhill to be sorted and then, it is either incinerated to create energy, recycled or sent to landfill.

This system enables households to not feel pressured to recycle yet be sustainable in the process.

However, the topic of recycling and waste has led to disagreements between the Labour and Conservative parties. The leader of the Conservative party, Jeremy Kite, says that his approach to waste and recycling comes from “asking people what they want to do” through The Big Bin Vote which happens every 3 or 4 years. In this vote, the people of Dartford can have their say in how they want their waste to be collected. They can decide whether or not they want to keep weekly waste collections and fortnightly recycling collections. Moreover, on the Dartford Borough Council website, there are more options with regards to waste collections. Households can request a 240 litre garden waste bin if they need it with an annual price of £40 and a one-off payment of £42. If not request a garden waste bin, all garden waste can be taken to Dartford Household Waste Recycling Centre. On the contrary, the leader of the Labour party, Jonathon Hawkes, argues that collections for “recycling should be collected every week.” In addition to this, he says “there should be a weekly collection of food waste.”

This will leave residual waste not needing to be collected so frequently as the majority of waste will be food or recycling. Furthermore, he argues that the council should promote recycling, through awareness campaigns, in order to create a culture that takes recycling seriously.

As a consequence of this, Dartford will become more sustainable due to more recycling.

for more ways to make it more sustainable. Currently, the council are taking the decision to get rid of single-use plastic and replace them with paper cups or canisters.

Moreover, they are communicating with local businesses in order to reduce and reuse packaging. Through spreading awareness, the Borough will become more sustainable and will protect the environment.

NEWS Weekly bin collections to continue as Dartford Council appoints a new waste contractor.

Dartford Council has confirmed it will not be following other councils in cutting the frequency of bin collections as it announces that the town will have a new waste collection partner when a fresh contract goes live in July.

Council Leader Jeremy Kite says local people can look forward to a number of service enhancements as well as the retention of weekly collections.

Whilst Dartford is not the most sustainable Borough for recycling, the council, as a collective, are currently looking 14

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Par 3 Pay and Play Golf course Relaxed and friendly atmosphere Great for families

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LOCAL BUSINESS: TIME FOR YOU CLEANING

by Elaine Babb

Time For You Cleaning, has been in business for over 20 years. We have been in the Dartford area for over 15 years.

Our business model has been copied by many, but what makes us stand out, is the support all the franchisees give to one another. We are all constantly striving to find ways to provide a smoother and better service to offer our clients.

At the hub of our business are our cleaners. We get to know them well and are able to offer an honest, reliable service. When we first meet them we will only meet them in their own homes. To help put people’s minds at ease most of our cleaners are police checked or have proven history of honesty and many of them have been with us for a number of years. If you are wondering how we can offer such good service, we spend the majority of our Time for You offers a bespoke service taking great pride time following up references and vetting the cleaners in matching the right cleaner and client. By getting to in their own homes. know the cleaners well and meeting the clients in their homes we are able to provide cleaners to suit our clients We both love running our Time for You business, meeting own personal needs. When visiting clients homes we get different people every day. However, what gives us the a really good idea of the jobs that each individual would most satisfaction is the perfect match between cleaner like done. We cater for all sorts of clients, from young and client and that is what we are always striving to achieve. families, to the elderly who are just not able to manage without help any more. Many of our cleaners have worked in the care industry and are empathetic as well as being excellent at their jobs.

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Our services include: -check-ups -scale and polish -teeth whitening -teeth straightening(Invisalign) -fillings -bridges,crowns, dentures and etc.

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Are you fed up with constant aches and pains in your body? Do you want to move more freely ? Improve posture and feel more confident ?

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Are you a fan of Chico from UK Xfactor ? do you want to improve your fitness this New Year ? come and join us for a high energy fun filled dance fitness class lead by Chcio himself, 9th February 10:30am in Sutton at Hone – email to book www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

by Local Resident, Jane Stevenson THOUGHT FOR THE DAY The morning routine at Stevenson Towers is fairly straightforward. The alarm goes off at 7am, the clock radio kicks in and I get up. I attend to the needs of the animals, make OH’s lunch and some tea. Then I go back to bed to listen to the news.

WHAT RUBBISH I’ve been laid up for some days, with a tummy bug, so Cindy, my aged ‘dawg’ has not been walked.

Yesterday, I felt well enough to venture out and take her with me on the fields, for a walk in the cold but crisp morning. Bearing in mind I’ve spent the last six days in It’s a comfortable routine I’ve been following years, and bed or indoors, it was a Huge Adventure and I was looking with retirement it’s assumed a greater importance; I can forward to clearing my head and enjoying a gentle but swear loudly at the latest tweet from Trump, nod sagely invigorating walk. in agreement with a guest being interviewed, and quake in my boots when John Humphries cross questions a It didn’t quite work out like that. Whether it was being politician on the latest antics at the circus in Westminster. indoors for a long time (for me), or my expectations were set too high, I came home somewhat dejected at the Then comes the review of the papers, followed by Thought state of the roads and fields around me. In those few days For The Day (TFTD). rubbish seemed to have multiplied out of all proportion.

Known as the God Spot, it is a couple of minutes from a person of faith extolling us to think more about the world On the field, the irrigation taps are full of used beer cans and our place in it. and fast food wrappers. Who on earth sits in a cold field and picnics this time of year? I passed plastic bottles, I’ve been listening to it for decades, yet I can’t recall a sweet wrappers, latex gloves, a coat and some sort of single TFTD that has actually stuck in my mind or made oxygen canister, all discarded around the perimeter. any difference to me at all. Which then begs the question why is it still produced?

The roads aren’t much better. There are crisp packets blowing in the wind, more plastic bottles rolling around We are a multi cultural and multi faith society and TFTD and food debris. I appreciate there have been issues with tries to encompass this but without offending anyone – bin collection in this area, but for the most part the bins so it is bland, safe and ultimately forgettable. Our beliefs are full and closed. I won’t blame the wildlife as I’ve never are personal and unique to us. We may identify with a known a fox knock back a tin of cheap lager before, or particular religion or culture and are free to practice our munch its way through some cheesy wotsits. chosen paths. We don’t need a radio slot to allow this.

While driving along Eglantine Road in Horton Kirby recently So why does the BBC insist on broadcasting this item I noticed two ladies armed with black sacks and ‘grabbers’, daily? Who actually pays attention to the words and picking up discarded rubbish from the roadside. Not a job ideas spoken by the varied presenters. It is earnest, they are paid for, but a community service they choose when humour might work better, preachy, to a world to offer. The road is clean and the hedgerows tidy. where any religious dogma is seen as malicious and possibly dangerous.

Perhaps we should all carry a plastic bag with us when out with the dog or just on a walk. If we all took home a Does TFTD encourage better understanding or create few pieces of rubbish daily, it would be a step in the right a bigger divide in our already fractured society. I have no direction to reclaiming our local areas. answer at all except to suggest that TFTD is re-imagined and used to help us all be more mindful of situations Just a thought... and by the way, Cindy enjoyed her walk. around us, and do our best regardless of race or creed.

If the programme were to achieve that, then it would be Take care all. two minutes of radio well spent.

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RECIPE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

by Debbie Dickinson February is the month of love and who doesn’t love a chocolate brownie!

You will need: 200g Unsalted Butter 200g Dark Chocolate 3 Eggs 150g Caster Sugar 100g Self Raising Flour 60g Cocoa Powder 100g Chocolate Chips (or chop 100g chocolate into small pieces) Melt the butter and dark chocolate in a heat proof bowl, sat over a pan of simmering water. It’s important that the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Once melted, put aside to cool slightly.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until fluffy.

Slowly add the melted chocolate/butter mix and stir until combined.

Sieve the flour and cocoa powder into the bowl and fold in gently.

Mix in the chocolate chips.

Pour into a lined 8” square tin, level the mixture, and bake at 180° (160° Fan) for approx. 25 mins.

It may take a few attempts to find the ideal baking time as brownies are perfect when they are still a bit gooey in the centre.

Leave to cool then cut into 16 squares. Great for freezing.

My recipe isn’t too sweet so feel free to add an extra 50g sugar to the recipe if you feel it needs it. Also, don’t forget to experiment with other ingredients – try adding freshly chopped chilli or mini marshmallows, just before baking.

Or stir through some caramel sauce or peanut butter as you pour into the tin. Or a splash of Irish Cream?

Let me know what you try! And if it works!!! xxx

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25

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

in association with

CRUISE AND MARITIME VOYAGES

by Tim Harden

Travel Spotlight – February 2019

choice of optional shore excursions designed to maximise your time at each port of call.

Columbus is the flagship of the Cruise and Maritime fleet.

It is a splendid mid-size ship carrying 1400 guests where you can enjoy six entertainment venues, 5 indoor and outdoor dining facilities, seven different lounges and bars, expansive deck areas and promenades with traditional wooden decking, two swimming pools, two whirlpools, gym and spa facilities. Built for deep sea ocean cruising Columbus is the perfect choice for those looking for comfort and a wider range of facilities.

The range of itineraries from Tilbury is truly fantastic – you can set sail on a short 2-4 nights cruise to Christmas You can cruise the world from Tilbury! How amazing is that? Markets in Germany, Belgium and Holland or set off on We put the spotlight on Cruise and Maritime Voyages this the Grand Round the world 120-day Cruise. month to give you a flavour of what they are about and entice you to book a cruise that departs so conveniently The impressive Magellan also has sailings from Tilbury. from just ‘down the road’ in Tilbury.

Magellan carries about 1250 passengers and features a wide range of comfortable well-appointed lounges and CMV offers a more traditional and leisurely ‘country house’ panoramic observation areas that are ideally suited to style of cruising and maritime experience aboard their scenic cruise programmes. classic-style cruise ships - Columbus, Magellan, Marco Polo, Astor and Astoria, where the emphasis is very much Marco Polo, the elegant truly classic ocean liner, will have on providing attentive service within a friendly ‘home from some great itineraries departing from Tilbury in Sep home’ atmosphere. These small to mid-size ships are 2019/Oct 2019. On the 1st Sept you can set sail on a accessible to more ports of call than the larger resort ships, spectacular 4-week voyage to discover eastern Canada. enabling CMV to offer some truly innovative itineraries. This is followed by Hidden Baltic treasures and Iceland/ Marco Polo and Astoria operate as ‘children free’ ships. This Norway & land of the northern lights in October. means that you can enjoy the pleasures of cruising in the company of adult passengers only. teenagers who are 16 Vasco da Gama is a premium 1220 passengers ship joining years old or above are accepted at the time of sailing, but the CMV fleet in April 2019. It will combine beautiful they must be accompanied by adult passengers. Although Magellan and Columbus will operate for adults only, there are five Multi-Generational cruises in 2019 with no age restriction. Please note that there are no specific children’s facilities on board and Multi-Generational cruises are offered during school holiday periods.

For solo travellers on cruises of 6 nights or more, CMV offers a special programme of events including a welcome cocktail party and get together with the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers. On board Columbus and Magellan, there are 150 twin cabins for single occupancy priced with just a 25% supplement on the equivalent category twin share prices.

To enhance the enjoyment of your cruise, there is a wide 26

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contemporary dĂŠcor with a more traditional cruise style.

One of her first voyages will see her set sail from Tilbury to Australasia on an epic 54-night voyage via the West indies, Panama Canal and South Pacific in Oct 2019.

Book your next CMV voyage with Harden Holidays for exclusive offers and remember through our Giving Back campaign 2% of the value of your holiday goes to the charity of your choice. You enjoy your cruise and your charity also benefits at no extra cost.

Now Aw Winn ard ing!

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)

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27

Whatever place you're into

“Fun with friends.�

Now booking for our fun holiday camps in February half term Swimming, Football, Arts & crafts, and so much more...

fairfield.placesleisure.org Visit website for full terms and conditions.

Managed by Places for People Leisure Ltd for Dartford Borough Council.

Fairfield Leisure 01322 421166

28

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BIP BOP BLOG

by Charlotte Wise Hi D L Readers!

my toddler and relaxed for the first time pretty much since he was born! That, my lovely readers, So if you’re a mum with a young toddler like me...keep is why I must recommend this place to you! reading!

Owned by Linda, mum of a toddler herself, she designed Last month, I visited a fabulous nail salon with a difference the salon on Spital Street to be a complete ‘Mum Haven’ and had to feature them in this month’s blog. that you can enjoy without needing to organise childcare.

If you have young babies, the salon is pram friendly with baby changing facilities and for older children, the salon also hosts some fantastic ‘pamper parties’.

It’s really affordable too.

So with Valentine’s Day around the corner, why not treat yourself to some pampering, after all, us mums deserve it!

Until next time Charlotte x

Whilst needing to escape those January blues, I booked to get my nails done at Daydreams Beauty Lounge in Dartford town centre, a salon that had been recommended to me by another mum and who I had met at the Dartford Family Expo.

I arrived at the salon with my very active 3 year old and he instantly ran to the play area. A small fenced off area with teddy bear seats and a big telly. He could watch any of his favourite programs on Netflix or YouTube and as I surrounded him with his favourite snacks, he got comfy and was quite happy to let me go to the nail area whilst he enjoyed his special cinema experience and played with the teddies.

Not only did I I manage to get my nails done beautifully but I actually finished a whole cup of hot tea in the presence of

BipBopShop Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @bipbopmum Visit the website BipBopShop.com

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29

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From Business Cards to Flyers and much more. We can design your literature to promote your business.

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Need a brochure or programme designed?

Want to set up a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page but don’t know where to start?

MAGAZINE AND BROCHURE DESIGN We are the current designer and editor for the Dartford Football Club Programme and also Dartford Living Magazine. We have a lot of experience in producing good quality publications.

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31

THE DART THAT NEVER STOPPED THROWING

By Henry Clark (@HenryWAClark) In 2011 Kevin Stringer was so overcome with pain he could no longer stand and believed his days of playing darts were over. The sport he had battled against the odds to play for “six to eight hours every day” whilst growing up, despite suffering from Bilateral Congenital Talipes (better known as ‘Club Feet’), was being cruelly taken away from him.

has propelled Stringer to produce some excellent performances, most notably in the 2018 Hague disability darts tournament in the Netherlands, where the 44 year old reached the semi-final of the first ever televised disability darts tournament.

“I got to the Dutch open quarter-finals, where I was competing against Europe’s best, which entitled me to go But during a visit to a World Masters tournament three to the Hague. I eventually lost there to Belgium’s number years later as a spectator, Dartford-born Stringer was one Vince D’Hondt – he keeps beating me!” introduced to two people who changed his life.

Whilst Stringer’s game had gone from strength to strength, Sarah Snell, from the British Disability Darts Association the sport still lacked real international recognition. That (BDDA), and then-British number one disability darts finally came last year when it was announced that in player Ricky Chilton told Stringer that playing darts from February 2019 the first ever disability darts World Cup a mobility scooter, to a specially lowered board, was not would take place in Ostend, Belgium, with 13 nations only possible but was recognised as a competitive sport. battling it out to be crowned World Champions.

Stringer’s reaction? “To go home and practice! I hadn’t picked up a dart in three years (since he realised he could no longer stand) so it was about getting back into it and in a completely new way,” he says. “Throwing at a lower board while sitting down was difficult to adjust to but I got there in the end.”

It was a nervous wait for Stringer to find out whether he would be a part of England manager Matt Doe’s team.

“He announced the team on a Facebook livestream and started reading things out about how he’d picked this player because ‘he’s been there and done it‘ and I was thinking, ‘is he talking about me?’ Then he mentioned competing in Holland and Belgium and, as the only player By 2015 he was well and truly ‘back into it’, joining the that goes out there, I realised he was.” Stringer was an BDDA tour and competing against Britain’s best wheelchair England international. darts players all over the country. His stock continued to rise and, after two consecutive years as British number one in 2016 and 2017, he is currently ranked number two in Britain and number 12 in the world.

An impressive achievement, but not enough for a man that has had a taste of life at the top. “I managed to win the BDDA tour event in Birmingham two years on the trot but just missed out in Staffordshire last year,” he says. “I want my number one title back this year.”

The BDDA are working to secure registered charity status in order to provide some financial support for its competitors. Until then players either have to find sponsors (easier said than done) or foot the bill for accommodation, transport and equipment themselves.

Stringer, due to the nature of his disability, drives himself to events that offer prize money of just ‘whatever is paid in’ from his home in Dartford.

But monetary gain is an afterthought compared to playing the sport he loves competitively. That motivation 32

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Stringer and the two England teams (comprised of two standing and two wheelchair players) are not short of ambition, either. “Fingers crossed we’re going to bring both (singles and team) titles home!”

“We’ve got a strong team of good players and I think, without being too over-confident, both teams are capable of going far. Our ‘A’ team (which Stringer is a part of) has the top two standing players and the top two wheelchair players so the expectation is to do well.”

The sport itself continues to grow, slowly but steadily.

“Three years ago there were only 12 players competing at most of the British tour events. Now there are over 40 which is great for the sport. Hopefully in the next few years the sport is brought further into the public eye to show that darts really can be for everyone – able bodied or disabled.”

It’s what dreams are made of.

You can watch home-town favourite Stringer in action for his country on Winmau TV (www.winmau.com) from 22nd-24th February. www.youngsportsjourno.wordpress.com Kevin would also like to thank his sponsors: Active plant hire Bonzo 4roles4goals Darts GB one80 darts

The next goal for Stringer? “World champion”, he chuckles.

“Back to British number one first and then hopefully push into the top three disabled players in the world. That would be nice.”

Stringer’s story is one of resilience, determination and heart. His reward for conquering the obstacles life threw at him? The honour of representing his country at his sport’s first ever World Cup. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

33

RESCUE IS BEST

by Battersea Dog and Cats Home - Brands Hatch We have teamed up with Battersea Dog and Cats home - Brands Hatch to bring you regular listings of animals requiring rehoming.

Bella Breed: Mongrel Age: 1 Site: Brands Hatch

Bella is a cheeky crossbreed with a truly endearing personality. She loves attention and affection from people she has a bond with. She does have a handling issue and can also show some overstimulated behaviours such as foot chasing and mouthing so needs to go to new owners who are experienced with tricky dogs and confident in managing this by following our guidance. We have spent a lot of time working with Bella using positive training methods to get her to a point where she is comfortable around her known handlers. She does not like traffic and becomes stressed and frustrated if she is walked along roads. She shows this by jumping up and trying to grab the lead or trying to chase the cars. Our rehomers and behaviour & training advisors will demonstrate how we have been working with her here and how continue this in her new home.

We are looking for a very experienced home away from built up areas. Bella’s new home must be patient and calm with her and understand that they will need to be committed to her ongoing training. She will need a private garden and to be the only pet in the home so she can settle in without other distractions. New owners will also need to be prepared to attend multiple appointments with our rehoming & behaviour team to meet and spend time with Bella.

If you feel you have the time to dedicate to training and are willing to help Bella reach her full potential then please contact Battersea Brands Hatch on 01474 875 106 or bbh.rehomers@battersea.org.uk Kayley Breed: Domestic short-hair Age: 0 years 6 months Site: Brands Hatch

Young Kayley is our petite but sweet-natured lady with buckets of love to give, but she’s not really sure how to show it!

Kayley found life in the cattery just too much, so she has spent some time with one of our foster carers to see how she got on in a home. It took a little time, but Kayley is now a super friendly and playful girl. She will jump onto laps for an evening cuddle in front of the TV, and will chase foil balls around the wood floor, skidding around without a care in the world! Although she is doing incredibly well, Kayley needs owners who will understand her personality and give her the time and love she deserves to make her feel safe. But anyone willing to give her a chance will be rewarded with a silly, sensitive but wonderful cat.

Kayley would love to be able to go outside once she is brave enough, so it would be great for her to have a garden in her new home.

If you feel you have the time to dedicate to training and are willing to help Bella reach her full potential then please contact Battersea Brands Hatch on 01474 875 106 or bbh.rehomers@battersea.org.uk

34

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

Current Vacancies Please find below our current vacancies, please go to the link to view job advert.

Midday Supervisor

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Extended Schools

- Garden Design.

- Garden Clearance.

- Garden maintenance :all aspects.

- Hedge/shrub pruning.

- Deweed paths and flower beds - Lawn Maintenance and cutting.

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KS1/2 Teacher

https://www.kentteach.com/Recruitment/Vacancy/VacancyDetails.aspx?VacancyId=68800 Maypole Primary School, Franklin Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7UZ Tel – 01322 523830

Wills LPAs Probate Trusts Home visits available for Will Instructions Fully insured - 2 million pounds PI Insurance Reasonable fees Member of IPW and regulated by Trading Standards Institute Website: www.smnwillwriting services.com Email: susan.norris@ smnwillwritingservices.com Tel: 01322 291379

Free quotations Contact- Andy Davidson.

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

Bespoke quotations on request.

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We can provide you with tailor made security systems for your home or business requirements..

SSAIB-certificated (Insurance Approved) Intruder Alarms CCTV Door Entry Access Control Service and Repairs Takeovers and Upgrades All our systems are designed to suit your needs and your budget. www.excelsecurity.london Email: enquiries@excelsecurity.london Or call 01322 589 534 For a free no obligation quotation...

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35

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

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

36

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37

F.D. TRANSPORT “FULWICH VILLA” 100 FULWICH ROAD, DARTFORD KENT TEL: 01322 292323 MOBILE: 07831 448552

•FREE ESTIMATES • ALL REMOVALS UNDERTAKEN • ALL GOODS FULLY INSURED

F.D. TRANSPORT

• HAULAGE, PARCEL SERVICE, SINGLE ITEMS

Competitive Rates!

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

TEL: 01322 271693 MOBILE: 07971 792463 38

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COMPETITION

Britain’s Biggest tHeatre-CirCUs speCtaCUlar!

CIRQUE BERSERK

HHHHH

‘Thrilling, death-defying, glorious’

HHHHH

‘Great for kids and even better for adults!’

DAILY EXPRESS

THE SUN

HHHH

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‘Heart-stoppingly good fun’

‘A NutriBullet of contemporary circus!’

TIME OUT

THE TIMES

Zippos presents

Direct from the West End, Britain’s biggest theatre circus spectacular is back by popular demand - featuring all your Wed 20 - SuN 24 MArcH favourite Cirque Berserk! acts plus some thrilling new ones!

Combining contemporary cirque style artistry with adrenaline fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil stuntmen will showcase the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills.

Don’t miss the world’s most hair- raising circus act – the legendary motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’ , live on stage for the first time in the UK. r e a l

C i r C U s

M a d e

F o r

t h e a t r e

2pM, 3pM, 5pM, 7:30pM

Book NoW | WWW.orcHArdTHeATre.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 20 - SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2019

To book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk | Ticket Office: 01322 220000 We have teamed up with the Orchard Theatre to offer 4 tickets for Wednesday 20 March, 7.30pm. You just need to answer this question: What mode of transport takes part in the ‘Globe of Death’? a) Car b) Bicycle c) Motorbike d) Scooter

Closing date 15th February, Email your answer to competition@dartfordliving.com Good luck!

RULES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if you win. It will not be used for any marketing or promotional emails

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39

BAV’S SPORTING COMMENT Andy Murray has said he plans to retire after this year’s Wimbledon but fears the Australian Open could be the final tournament of his career. The three-time Grand Slam winner, has been struggling to recover from hip surgery, and was in tears when he made the announcement.

Murray has been honest in his assessment of his abilities, conceding he is no longer able to perform to the level at which he won the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016. So often over the past decade Murray has made the impossible real, against all precedent and logic, that you never wanted to give up on one final sweet miracle. However, not this time. Andy Murray has been a credit to the nation and the sport and retires with his head held high. Thank you Andy!

Upcoming events in February include: 2: Rugby union - Six Nations: Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium 3: American football - Super Bowl 53, Atlanta, Georgia 9-10: Athletics - British Indoor Championships, Birmingham Arena 9-13: Cricket - West Indies v England third Test, St Lucia 10: Rugby union - Six Nations: England v France, Twickenham 16 Athletics - Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham 23: Rugby union - Six Nations: Wales v England, Principality Stadium 23: Boxing - James DeGale v Chris Eubank Jr, London 24: Football - Carabao Cup final, Wembley Stadium

V BATH CITY

Saturday, 9th February KO 3pm

V WOKING

Saturday, 23rd February KO 3pm

HOME FIXTURES 40

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DARTFORD BOOTCAMPS Dartford’s Health Walks Healthy Living Centre - Mondays 10.00am Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am Swanscombe - Sundays 9.00am • • • • •

weekly!

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 Healthy Lifestyles Project Coordinator on 01732 227000

Outdoor Bootcamp Fitness Classes Strength Sessions Animal Flow Classes (indoors)

FIRST SESSION !

For more info and to Go to:

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41

FITNESS TAKE YOUR TIME, BE PERSISTENT

By Mark Broadbent

January is now gone and by this point, many people who resolved to start exercising and eating more healthily have all but gone back to their old ways. Habits and routine have kicked their weight loss efforts to the curb and left them feeling deflated and underwhelmed by the results of whatever they did manage to do.

yourself longer to achieve what you want. You may achieve it quicker than your goal date, or you may not, but as long as you’re making progress in the right direction, keep going knowing you’ll get there if you persist.

It’s easy to give up because “it’s not working”, when you Some are still going but struggling to adhere to their plan just haven’t given it long enough. If the bodyfat is coming and on the verge of collapse. off, no matter how slowly, keep going. If it’s not coming off as fast as you’d like, get some expert advice to see Then there are the ones who listened to good advice and if either you’re being unrealistic, or if there is anything made sensible, realistic goals to lose weight gradually by you can do to speed up the results (such as changing the making permanent lifestyle changes, rather than following type of exercise you’re doing, or checking if you could quick-fix diets in search of fast results, who are still going tolerate a drop in calories…), but don’t guess and don’t strong and making steady progress towards their goals. follow the advice of well-meaning friends or magazines If you made a resolution last month to lose weight, get trying to sell more copies. fit, exercise more, eat better, then you likely fall into one of these categories. The rest of this article is aimed at Find a level of exercise you can sustain, and a diet that you the first two groups. The third group – keep doing what can follow without too much distress, and stick with them. you’re doing!

Monitor your progress rather than just waiting for the The big mistake people tend to make is expecting end result. incredible results, quickly. Whilst this is possible, and for the most part how many of these “Diets” are marketed to us, in reality it only works for a very small percentage If you need help with your training and/or nutrition, visit of people, and is rarely sustainable. www.DartfordBootcamps.com for more information on Nutrition Coaching and Bootcamps.

Aim for 3-4 training sessions a week, rather than 7 Cut your calories down by 200-300 a day, not 1,000 And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for extra tips, Instead of banning all of the foods you love, keep them advice and motivation. in your diet but in smaller amounts. Aim to lose 1-2lbs a week, not 5-10lbs.

By doing these things you more likely to be able to stick to your plan for more than a week. Smaller, more manageable and realistic changes are easier to implement and easier to stick to, without feeling deprived, starved, exhausted or angry!

Once you see some steady progress and realise it’s not actually that difficult, you could make some other tweaks to speed things up – add another workout, drop another 50-100 calories per day, cut out one of your hyper-palatable foods…

If you’re in one of these two groups, re-think your goals and think longer-term. Be ambitious, but realistic. Give 42

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DARTFORD THEN AND NOW DARTFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS ON WEST HILL

BY JAMES CARNEY - LOCAL RESIDENT

As an Architect I am interested in the local context of our towns, villages and cities and how these places have developed over time.

Having come across some wonderful old postcards and images of our local towns and parishes on a Facebook page I thought it would be really interesting to take a photograph from exactly the same viewpoint but from our current time in history in relation to the original images from around the early 1900s. The original postcards and images are courtesy of Brian Porter.

Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS

By Maria Kingsford Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

Local people from ‘Dartford painted rocks’ on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around the town.

The rocks can be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located at the Orchard Shopping Centre.

Here are some of the photos of their painted rocks.

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43

THEATRE REVIEW

BY LIZ DYER

If Christmas already feels like a dim and distant memory, being back at work is bringing you down, and you’re fed up with the wintry mornings and dark evenings - you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s loads to look forward to on the theatre front over the coming weeks, so that’s one less thing to be blue about. 2019 is already off to a good start after January brought us dance classic Saturday Night Fever and chilling Peter James mystery House on Cold Hill - and there’s plenty more where that came from…

The biggest news this month is probably The Band (5th9th), the Take That musical. The show stars Five to Five, who won the BBC show Let It Shine, and is packed full of the hits we all know and love, from Never Forget to Back for Good. It’s one of the most successful musical theatre tours ever and now it’s Dartford’s turn to enjoy it - so don’t miss out!

with a full orchestra. And the end of the month sees a treat for the young and the not so young as The Worst Witch comes to town (27th February-2nd March). Based on Jill Murphy’s books, which have been read and enjoyed by more than five million children worldwide (including me!) The show tells the story of accident prone Mildred Hubble as she tries to fit in at a school for witches. Who needs Hogwarts…?

Of course there’s also the usual packed programme of music, comedy, politics and more at the Orchard this month - but that’s not all that’s going on in Dartford. Our very own DAODS will be performing their next show, Que Sera Sera, at their in-house theatre at Heathfields Hall (27th February-2nd March). Visit daods.co.uk for more details and to get your tickets.

Finally, if you’re willing to travel a little further afield, two additional recommendations. Missed Dirty Dancing at the Orchard last year - or just really want to see it again? Get yourself along to the Churchill in Bromley (25th February2nd March) for another chance to have the time of your life. And for something a little different, head down to the Marlowe in Canterbury for In Other Words (7th), a really powerful little play that explores the effects of The following week, the Moscow City Ballet make a welcome Alzheimer’s and the power of music. I saw it in London return to Dartford with Tchaikovsky’s much-loved classic, in 2016 and loved it - but do take tissues, because you Swan Lake (18th-20th), presented in classic Russian style will absolutely need them…

Also this month, TV comedy Benidorm (11th-16th) hits our stage for the first time. Starring Jake Canuso, Janine Duvitski and Adam Gillen, among many other stars of the hit ITV series, Benidorm Live is sure to brighten up the gloomy winter months with a set of all-new Alicante adventures from writer Derren Litten.

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CAR NEWS FEBRUARY 2019

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article feature new models in 2019 taking place across a number of manufacturers.

wheel and USB fast charging point as standard. The range-topping Proceed GT, available from £28,135 and equipped as standard with the automatic gearbox and 201bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the Ceed GT hatchback.

2019 Ford Mondeo – Ford has released details of a facelifted version of the Mondeo hatchback, saloon and estate range. It has been given a mild exterior redesign, with new grille designs specific to each trim level, revised bumpers and a new LED running light design. At the rear, reshaped taillights and a full-width chrome strip feature.

The biggest mechanical change is the fitment of Ford’s latest EcoBlue diesel engine, meeting the latest emissions regulations with a selective catalytic reduction system.

The Mondeo estate will also now be available with a hybrid version for the first time. New technology includes a Stop & Go function added to the adaptive cruise control, automatically bringing the car to a halt and pulling away either automatically. Prices start at £21,995 and will be available from middle of 2019.

2019 BMW 7-series – The new 2019 BMW 7-series has a super-sized grille as part of the face-lift which is a staple of the BMW car design. There are slimmer headlamps, reprofiled rear lights and some of the bumpers and detail have been updated. Engine choices includes a V12 with exhaust emissions filter, a plug-in hybrid with CO2 emissions of just 48g/km and a range of 3.0-litre diesels. new details on the facelifted 7-series include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which lets owners talk to their cars by saying ‘Hey BMW’ and controlling many settings, including heating, lighting and seat massages.

Prices will be released closer to it arriving in April 2019.

2019 Kia Proceed – Kia has announced prices and specifications for the new Proceed five-door estate, available now in three trim levels from £23,835. In entrylevel GT-Line and mid-range GT-Line S trims, the ‘shooting brake’-style Proceed comes equipped with the 138bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit or 134bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine from the Ceed hatchback. The Proceed GT-Line features 17in alloy wheels, half-leather interior, a heated steering www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

45

MONEY ADVICE

by CAP

Simple steps to start saving in 2019 Sadly, it’s not uncommon for Brits to have little or no savings. According to statistics from The Money Charity in November 2018, around 13 million UK households have less than £1,500 in savings, or no buffer at all.

Saving can be tough, especially when your income is low and money is tight already. However, in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances, having a buffer to fall back on is invaluable. So where do we start?

Firstly, it’s important to have a good overview of your finances – what’s coming in and what’s going out. Take some time to sit down and figure out your budget. Once all your bills, rent/mortgage and living costs have been paid, what’s left and how much can you realistically afford to put aside each month? You may need to make some changes or cut down in certain areas (for example, cancel subscriptions you no longer use or switch to a cheaper energy tariff).

The Money Advice Service has a useful online tool to help you create your budget – just search ‘Budget planner’.

Remember to revisit your plan every so often and decide whether you’re able to increase how much you’re saving.

Remember, a little is better than nothing. Saving even £1 per day will give you £365 this time next year. Maybe you have a goal in mind – next year’s holiday, Christmas, or a deposit for a house. Figure out how much you’ll need to save each month to achieve your goal, how long it will take you, and the best way to go about it. Working towards a goal is a great way of easing yourself into the habit of saving regularly.

you have to rely less on credit, and just imagine what you could accumulate if you were to save the amount you pay in interest every month!

There are different types of savings accounts, from instant-access (best if you think you’ll need to dip in now and again) to fixed rate accounts (which you won’t be able to access as easily for a certain term, but usually offer higher interest rates). Shop around and decide what’s going to work best in your situation. If you know you’re not going to be touching the money for a while, it’s worth allowing it to accumulate some interest for you.

The same goes if you already have a savings account – check your current interest rate and do some research to see if you could be getting a better deal. A great place to start is moneysavingexpert.com/savings.

If you find you’re struggling to budget or get the hang of saving, there’s no shame in reaching out for help. The CAP Money Course helps thousands of people every year to budget their money, save and spend well. Courses are run in churches across the UK, giving delegates the skills to take control of their finances and stay out of debt. You can search for courses in your area at capmoneycourse.org.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with over 600 services across the country. In Dartford and the surrounding area the CAP centre delivers debt counselling through home visits. Visit capuk.org to find out more or call 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment with a local debt coach.

It’s a good idea to have a separate bank account to the one you use on a day-to-day basis so that you’re not tempted to spend your savings throughout the year. If you can, set up two savings accounts – one for emergencies and another for future plans. Ultimately this will mean 46

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The Brent Playgroup meet Monday to Friday 9.15am to 12.15pm Term time only.

For enquiries please contact: Mobile: 07989073866 Tel 01322 271738 (between 8 and 12:30) email: thebrentplaygroup@gmail.com or call in at any time.

Registered for Free for Two Children The Brent Methodist Church Hall PostCode DA1 1XF

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Parent and Toddler Groups - Term Time Only

MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:00am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.00 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Toast 20p per slice Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 01322 291092.

TUESDAYS Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information.

9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe. com 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 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 Friday Thursday Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday Greenhithe - Thursday - Thursday Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday Sutton-at-Hone -Monday.

Temple Hill - Thursday Dartford

10:30am - 11am 2:15pm – 2:45pm 10:30pm -11:00am 10:30am -11am 2.15pm – 2.45pm 10:45am -11:15am 10:30am – 11am 2pm – 2:30pm 10.30am -11am

Come along and join in the fun! Term time only For more information please call 03000 41 31 31 48

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49

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY 078 755 68296 for more details and current THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER dates of our events and meetings The National Women’s Register (NWR) is CARE & a national organisation that meets in the THE WELLBEING LINK Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion SUPPORT The Wellbeing Link meets on Friday group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact mornings from 10-1pm in the St. Anselm’s can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call Parish Centre, 89 West Hill, Dartford A 01603406767 and ask about the Dartford THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH friendly and informative group - call Julie group.

OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE On 07775875585 ASSOCIATION meets on various date HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP at Brichwood Country Club For more Dartford & Gravesham Branch. information contact Alexon 01322 228169.

Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from DARTFORD OSTOMY GROUP SUPPORT 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, SOCIAL GROUPS (DOGS) meet every third Wednesday in outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, more information contact West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 Marion on 01322 402967 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an JUST FOR GROWN UPS GROUP Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and We are a small friendly group who meet at OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every pouch, their carers, family and friends. the Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Centre on the first Tuesday of the month.

Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play ALL DIRECTIONS Join us any time between 11am and 1pm bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We is a community learning organisation for a social chat, coffee and biscuits or a also run regular coach trips to the coast for adults and young people aged 16+ fun quiz. For more information contact throughout the year. with physical, learning and mental health Our club is open to anyone over 55 difficulties. For more information, attend a mikeansell.dt@hotmail.co.uk wherever you live and costs just 60p to taster session or visit our community lunch come along and join in. So why not come club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP and join our friendly welcoming social club?

07570 347612 more information visit: For further information please call either www.meetup.com/20s-30s-DartfordJohn Letchford on 01322 270732 or Pam AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN Carr on 01322 222195.

PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every Friday Bexleyheath-surrounding-areas-socialmorning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits group/ JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE and a chat - Just £1 DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF meet on the third Tuesday of every THE THIRD AGE) month, with meetings beginning at BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH meets on the first Tuesday of every month 7.45pm. We meet at the Community PARKINSONS UK For people with Parkinsons and their carers. (except August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, DA2 We have 2 meetings per month. Bexley: 4th West Hill, Dartford at 2pm, For information 7NE. More information can be found at about meetings and interest groups call joydenswoodresidents.co.uk (under Local Thursday of each month, at Pincott Hall, 01474-709068 or visit our website.

Clubs and Societies).

2-4pm. Dartford: 2nd Thursday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30-9.30pm.

WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS Information support workers available, CLUB guest speakers and quizzes.

Would you like to promote Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973 We are a group of retired men who meet a local activity on the monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the “Where to go locally...”

Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have THE DARTFORD STROKE GROUP page? a monthly walk and occasional coffee This group meets Monday afternoons mornings and as a side line we raise money at the YMCA Roundhouse, Overy for a local charity. If you are missing the Street, Dartford for a chat in a relaxing If so, email your atmosphere, chair-based excise sessions, contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the suggestions to stroke leaflets and magazines, informal last Thursday of every month. For more workshops, special art or games sessions editor@dartfordliving. and outings. It is aimed at Stroke Survivors, details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www.waprobus.com their carers, family and friends. com Please contact Theo Hodges on Theo.

Hodges@gmail.com or phone/text Theo on

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CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com.

We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm For further details phone: 07706 103706

THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI 2nd Tuesday Centre of every month, Dartford Girls’ Grammar Description: We are a (non-profit making) School, 7.30pm. Contact Judith on 01322 friendly social group open to anyone over 278703 fifty.

We enjoy socialising, making new friends CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st and activities including Quizzes, Meals Thursday of every month at 1.30pm. Baker Out, Trips to the Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trust Hall. Maxim Road, Crayford (near Trips, Gentle Walks and Short Breaks Away.

Sainsburys). Contact Secretary, Linda Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. Annual Lewis 01322 557229 membership £6 If you would like to join us or require DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB further information please telephone: A group of retired ladies meet locally Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of each month,. They raise funds for charity and TALK TIME usually invite a speaker. Join them and TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME enjoy meeting and making new friends. If ONLY) you would like more information please Fleetdown Library contact Iris (Secretary) on 01474 703448 Everybody welcome, join us for a friendly chat MALE? AGED 18 - 45? and light refreshments.

Round Table is for the guys with Ladies Circle for the Ladies (ladiescircle.co.uk) HAVEN (LGBT) SOCIAL GROUP. Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe Thursday.

Place to Meet.

Often called the original young man’s For more information please contact social club, Round Table has over 400 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries havenx35@gmail.com worldwide. We have an emphasis on having a lot of FUN. WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd We guarantee that involvement with Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in Round Table will enhance your social life, the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. your personal abilities, your network and For more information on our activities best of all it is not expensive. please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082 For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT to experience it because no other GROUP organisation offers you the opportunities [DARTARA] that Round Table does.

We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Check out the locally famous club www.

Fleetdown community centre. At the dartfordroundtable.co.uk meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and Facebook search: day trips out as well as activities including * Dartford Round Table theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, * Round Table indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons * Dartford Egg Hunt and an art group.

You will receive a very warm welcome.

Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD 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

Advertise in the magazine for as little as £30 for a month Contact: sales@ dartfordliving. com

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51

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

images, or bring your own for us to copy.

SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP is being held at Hawley Pavilion, TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on The group meet every week at the 2nd Sunday of the month between Towncentric in Gravesend and this 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which year we are looking at Everyday Life includes refreshments, nibbles and in Medieval London. We meet every the use of a cricut (cutting machine Thursday from 10.30-12.30 at £6.00 per week customers can phone me on for those that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 01474 355676 for more information or look at my website www.tonimount. 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@ hotmail.co.uk co.uk

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.

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 PAVILION PLAYERS levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 DSTC ALUMNI Is an amateur dramatics group based per session.

Hi all, if you went to DSTC, DTC, at the Joydens Wood Community Enquiries: contact Dartford West Girls or any other name Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We meet John Davies on 01474 832221 that the school has been known as every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk we would love to hear from you! The information please visit www.faceschool is looking to make links with book.com/pavilionplayers or call us on former students to help raise the profile of the school but also as a way 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop DARTFORD FLORAL CLUB down on a Tuesday night! Everyone The club meet on the 3rd Friday of of getting back in touch with people. welcome! the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley There will be an event later on in the Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 academic year and we are planning Come along for an evening of beautiful some exciting things for the group so DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance get joining and let’s get reminiscing!!

Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.m. Free £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with www.facebook.com/groups/ tuition with a very friendly, sociable the chance to take home a beautiful DSTCAlumni group. The ideal way to make new floral arrangement. Contact Carol friends. Phone Ester 01322 220458 01322 220802 THE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP or email: We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in esther.correia1@btinternet.com DARTFORD QUILTERS meet on the the Community hall (opp St Paulinus 2nd Saturday of each month at the church) Crayford. We are looking for NORTH WEST KENT FAMILY Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, anyone who could help us with sound, HISTORY SOCIETY Dartford. We run a varied programme lights, scenery or singing/acting on the of activities suitable for the beginner stage - everyone welcome. Email me The Dartford Branch meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10amthrough to the more experienced (Carolyn) for more details at 12:30pm at the Dartford Science and quilter. More details can be obtained c_sawyers@hotmail.com.

Technology College, Heath Lane, For from the club secretary on 01474 more information see www.nwkfhs.

834872 CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 incorporating Barnehurst and Slade DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE Green. Meet every Monday (except ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY CLUB the third Monday) of the month at has been in existence for over 50 years meets once a month on Saturday Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call and has well over 50 active members. mornings at Dartford Library. For more in for a chat about old Crayford and As the club continues to grow new information, find us at www.meetup. to view the large collection of local 52

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com/West-Kent-Book-Club/

EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ calling all 11-18 year olds who want more THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB than an ordinary life, come hang out The club meets every Thursday evening with other young people and discover from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 Dartford, near McDonalds and next to 272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub.

Weatherspoons. co.uk For more information email andrew@ COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 272649. meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS at Sutton at Hone Village Hall. 1.30pm Our Club presents a programme of until 4.30pm. £3.00 per afternoon (to workshops and demonstrations in a very include a raffle ticket and tea/coffee) informal and friendly atmosphere. We £10.00 yearly fee. meet on the last Thursday of each month We are a small, friendly club, not except December. Shorne Village Hall, expensive. Tuition given. All supplies can The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors be bought in situe. Come and see if you like are always made very welcome, entry £3. it, You will be very welcome.

We have 30 members and look forward to Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581.

Club provides an opportunity for people to Doreen Goddard 01474 707357. be creative, make friends.

For further information please phone WEST HILL MORRIS 01474 353405 or email landaclatworthy@ Come and join your local Morris side, btinternet.com dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP throughout Kent in the Summer. We are Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. a mixed and very sociable side, and can Presentations on local social history. always find room for new dancers and Venue Swanley Indoor Bowls Centre musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit Garrolds Close Swanley BR8 7BF. Doors and you’ll be helping to conserve a great open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 English tradition. We practice alternate Visitors £2. Everyone welcome. Email Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from swanleyhistorygroup@hotmail.co.uk for September to April, then dancing out at more details or visit our website https:// pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, swanleyhistorygroup.weebly.com or from May to August. Private Bookings Facebook page. Annual membership £5 taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, includes a monthly newsletter. e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE Meets on the third Saturday of every I provide all the equipment, materials and month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm refreshments with just a small all inclusive, in the Community Room of Gravesend pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 per session.

1BE. The programme of activities is varied Those who come have the opportunity to with workshops, talks and sit and stitch learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More inks and how to draw with pencils, soft information can be found on our website pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk or pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of phone 01474324734. sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I THE GARDENING CLUB SUTTON AT offer too.

HONE www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk Monthly meetings, Visits to Gardens, Annual

Garden Show and much more. For more information or to become a member please ring 01322 863556.

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 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.

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

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 www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

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53

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY 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

Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free.

For more info, visit www.ydma.club or TUESDAY MORNING YOGA CLASS find us on Facebook, search for Yamato AT SUTTON COURT, SUTTON-ATDamashii Martial Arts.

HONE The class is from 9.30am to 11am and is a YOGA WITH EMMA mixed ability class - beginners are always Becket Sports Centre (evenings): welcome.

- Mondays: Yoga for Men – 8.30pm to 9.30pm - Thursdays: Hatha Yoga – 6.00pm to 7.00pm - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm

More information is available at www.yoga-vitality.com or please contact Lesley at Europa Gymnastics Centre (mornings): lesley@yoga-vitality.com - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am or 07531 140646 - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am - Fridays: Mindful Yin Yoga – 10.45am to 11.45am

Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 590515

For more information please contact Emma: emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk TEL: 07932 621415 www.samadhi-yoga.co.uk

Sundays 10:15-10:45 at Swanscombe Leisure Centre.

Call Saj on 07903 513104

www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

ERITH YOUTH RUGBY

LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & KENT EXILES AMERICAN FOOTBALL CLUB 5 YEAR OLDS

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS

is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford to hold the”GymMark” Award for 6 years.

Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do not close through the holidays!

Visit our website www. dartfordgymnastics.co.uk for full details or contact Linda on 01322 409312 or email dartfordgymclub@ yahoo.co.uk

LEARN KARATE

Learn karate with Yamato Damashii – for adults & children Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at 54

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.

ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION

I run group fitness classes as well as 1-1 and semi private personal training sessions in Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & Nutrition: we offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for all abilities.

The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk

HARTLEY SWIMCLUB AT WHITE OAK POOL, SWANLEY

We are a friendly group of adults who meet for a social swim every Thursday at 9pm. We’re looking for new members. Why not give us a try?

Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday.

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page?

If so, email your suggestions to

editor@dartfordliving.com

DARTFORD LIVING

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DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB

SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD Seeds is a long-established cycling Club in Dartford and we share our headquarters at Hesketh with Dartford Cricket Club.

HOP LIKE IT’S HOT We cater for most abilities and have a A fun (different) circuit based workout social ride most Saturday mornings. For with space hoppers that challenges core info on joining us please visit our website stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable www.seedscycling.co.uk For more details see www.dfok.co.uk

for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person.

D A R T FO R D A N D W H I T E O A K TRIATHLON CLUB We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON and Swanley. We offer coached swimming CLUB, sessions 3 times per week at White Friendly club seeking new members. oak pool in Swanley and Fairfield pool Abilities mixed. in Dartford. Our members compete in Would suit players with some prior many local Triathlons plus many members experience. are training towards Iron Man distance.

Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford Girls’ We also have our own Triathlon in June Grammar School, DA1 2NT every year which has been running since For further information please email: 1989. If you are interested in joining us stephanie.thredgle@btinternet.com then please visit our website http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri.co.uk WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB Based in Erith we have a wide number of The White Oak Triathlon is one of the members from across SE London and oldest Triathlon events in England.

Kent. A great place to come and have Now in its 29th year the event is a club a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if organised event, for triathletes delivered you prefer, come grab a cup of tea and by triathletes so you can be sure that chat about all things hobby and some the club focuses upon delivering a first things not! For more info visit - https:// class race experience. The 2019 race emperors10th.wixsite.com/home will take place on 9th June. h t t p s : // w w w . s t u w e b . c o . u k / DARTFORD PARKRUN events/2019/06/9/3250/ Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS by the Dartford harriers track in Central Dartford Road Runners are based at Park at 9am. All participants get a time Princes Park Stadium and are one of the a position emailed and texted after the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We event. To register go to currently have about 200 members of all www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring abilities including a beginners group. DRR your printed Barcode. teams compete in the Kent League, the Every Sunday Morning in the Park there Assembly League and the Kent Fitness is a Junior parkrun over 2k – registration League. To see what we offer and how to is the same. join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities.

DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now node/440 live. The run starts behind the Heath Lane car park and is a free 5k run every DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS Saturday morning at 9am.

CLUB Parking is restricted in the area so please Dartford Harriers is among the leading do not park in Heathclose Road and athletics clubs in Kent, with a history wherever possible please walk. stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country.

FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN If you are interested in seeing how we A new Parkrun event with parking at can help you advance your Athletics Crazy Barn then please visit our website http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk

Entries are now open for the 2019 Dartford Half marathon at the website – The event will be on 3rd march 2019 CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) 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 http://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.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL

GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES

Financial Aims....................................................................22

Shenley Road Garage.........................................................15

Downton Ali Associates....................................................59 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS & WINDOWS

Orchard Garage.................................................................60 JEWELLERY

Claremont Decorative Services........................................36

Bradleys..............................................................................25 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS

The Double Glazing Repair Man.........................................4

NURSERY

Steve Cook - Double Glazing.............................................22 CAFE

Two Trees Cafe ................................................................37 CAR CARE

FD TRANSPORT ..........................................................38 The Brent Playgroup....................................................47 YMCA..............................................................................5 MEDICAL AND HEALTH

ChipsAway..........................................................................11 Chrysalis Care..............................................................21 Helping Hands..............................................................13 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop................................................................27 Hartbeeps....................................................................49

Slimming World...............................................................2

Time for you cleaning................................................18 COUNCIL

Fairfield Leisure Centre.....................................................30

ELECTRICIANS

Worried about your childs weight?...................................16

MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS

Monkey Music...............................................................55 Blondies Fitness.................................................................22 Dartford Bootcamps..........................................................32 CLEANING

Dartford Borough Council ................................................31 ElectricWorx London...........................................................4 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS

Fox Estates ........................................................................17 Wisdom Estates.................................................................23 FOSTERING

UK Fostering.................................................................21

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On Pointe Pilates................................................................19

Why Weight?......................................................................20 OPTICIANS

Linklater Opticians.............................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING

Craft Frames.......................................................................38 RESTURANT

EFES...................................................................................25

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers | Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817

RETIREMENT LIVING

Churchill.......................................................................10 SECURITY

Excel Security Systems.....................................................39 SPORTS

Paul Page Golf Academy....................................................14 Fairfield Leisure Centre......................................................28 THEATRE

Orchard Theatre................................................................43 WEBSITE DESIGN

Dartford Living Design................................................30 WILL WRITING

SMN Will Writing ..........................................................38

THINKING OF ADVERTISING?

We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £30 for a month. We don’t just take your money and add you to the magazine.

We want to work with you to promote your businesses as much as we can using our website and social media channels for maximum exposure. We can also provide advertising options solely online on your website and/ or social media channels. We feel we have every base covered.

To book in an advert call 01322 507817 or email sales@dartfordliving.com David Shafford

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sales@dartfordliving.com www.dartfordliving.com

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH JANUARY 2019

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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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)

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

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 HEALTH Judianne/Paula Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 01322 224072 Dartford East Health Centre National Domestic Violence 01322 421480 Helpline (24 hour) Dartford West Health Centre 0808 2000 247 01322 223600 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: Boots Chemist Bluewater 0808 800 5000 01322 624780 (Late Night) RSPCA Kent, ASDA Greenhithe Chemist North West Branch Helpline 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 01322 286720 0800 1513 100 Samaritans: West Kent NHS helpline 116 123 0800 0 850850 LOCAL MP TRAVEL Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 Heathrow Airport Enquires 08700 000123 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club Gatwick Airport Enquires 01322 550142 or 08700 002468 www.pitchero.com/clubs/ National Rail Enquires bexleyrfc/ 08456 484950 Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Highways England Info Line Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 0300 123 5000 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: Grammar School, Shepherds 58

Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www. 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 Park- Contact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com The Ashes Badminton Club Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30.

Jacqui 07764 182854.

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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BECOME A SUPERHERO To find out how we can give you

the power to protect those you love through our life insurance plans, speak to us on 02030210075 or visit www.downtonandali.co.uk

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