Dartford Living - January 2020 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE ROB BECKETT INTERVIEW

SHOUT FOR RECIPE SUPPORT IN IRISH STOUT A CRISIS CAKE

PAGES 18-19

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WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOOTBALL AT DARTFORD FC - PAGES 6-9

Fox Estate Agents Dartford

www.foxestateagents.com | 01322 479660 Your local, award winning, estate agents JANUARY 2020 - ISSUE 163 - FREE

that Slimming World feeling! W O M E N ’ S FO OT B A L L

*New Consultant * Monday 9.30am British Legion Hall South Darenth Da4 9AA Kirstie 07540 879494

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

MONDAYS VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 9.30am,11.30am Sue 07507599691

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

VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 5.30pm,7.30pm Shelley 07979691619 Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 2SW 5.30pm and 7.30pm Kate 07590 995948 TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401

WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Liz 07900 213548 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

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 FRIDAY The Conservative Club Spital Street Dartford Da1 2dt 9.30am Jo 07800 797030 SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 SW 8am and 10am Sarah 07739 027161

Christchurch Centre Kingswood Avenue Swanley BR8 8AN 8am and 10am THURSDAYS Glentworth Ex Service Club The Howard Venue (formerly Jayne 07557 979435 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, South East Dance Studios) Kent, DA1 1JB 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, 5:30pm and 7:30pm BR8 7LG Gillian 07957 135737 9:30am Caroline 07776 18141

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BY T H E CO M M U N I T Y,

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the new look January 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 Orchards 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 (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

CONTENTS 6 - 9 Football in Dartford 10 Shout for support in a crisis 13 Dartford Then & Now 17 Is our Emergency Department the right place for you? 18 Wallop - Rob Beckett 22-23 Travel Spotlight 24 Dartford born journalist reveals Spain’s secret side 27 Fitness - January 28 Recipe - Irish Stout Cake 34 Life under the stairs 36-37 Derren Brown - Showman 39 Rescue is best 42 Theatre Review 45 Car News 47 Sports Roundup 48-55 Where to go locally 56-57 Advertisers Index 58 Useful Numbers CHECK OUT

Check out our website for even more local news and articles ONLINE

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

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women ’ s football at da rtfo r d fc

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL AT DARTFORD FC There has been a Womens team at Dartford for a number of years now but recently things have moved up a level with the LondonCorrinthians becoming the Dartford Womens team and now, for this season, they are officially know as Dartford FC Women. We recently caught up with a number of their team to discuss the season so far and hopes for the future of the team. Te a m co a c h C o n n o r Dymond: What made you want to coach the womens team? I didn’t really want to coach them I sort of fell into it.

I met Jade and she said they needed someone to coach her team as Paul was recovering from an ankle operation and could I do it until he was back. Then the rest is history. 4 years

down the line Paul asked if I’d stay on with him and we’ve done it ever since. He has managed them for the last 10 years. You play for Welling. How do you fit coaching the womens team in as well as matches etc.? I play for Welling, it doesn’t take too much juggling around as I play on Saturdays and the games are on Sundays. Training is on Wednesdays and I train personally on a Tuesday and Thursday so it fits perfectly.

How do you feel the team have been getting on this season? Personally I don’t think the season has gone too great. We have lost too m a n y ga m e s t h a t w e should be winning if we have aspirations of winning the league. But we are still in 2 cup competitions and it might be me being too harsh but that’s what I think we are capable of doing. Winning every single game we go into. What are your hopes for the future of the women’s team? I would love us all to win the league and test ourselves in the league above but it will take time and everyone being on the same wavelength.

Why do you feel women’s football is getting so popular? Women’s football is getting more popular because the standard of the football is getting better and it’s definitely filtering down to the lower levels. There are so many more females playing the game from a younger age and that will only be better for the game in a few years time. Lizzie Adams (LA) Becky Burnham (BB) Megan Mansfield (MM) How do you feel the season has gone so far? BB: The season has been good so far and we are having a decent run with both ups and downs. Despite a few losses we have had some great wins and shown how determined we are to get that win when the odds are against us. MM: The season so far has kinda been up and down. We’ve had some very good results but we’ve also had games where we should’ve won and we haven’t. Although we’ve had players with injuries , new players coming in and players leaving the squad we’ve tried to keep a good team dynamic. We’re currently on a good cup run and hope to position well in the league. LA: After a really strong start to the season we’ve had a mixed run lately. Like any team we’ve had changes and struggled to get consistent results at times in the League. Still plenty of time for us to put this right especially with the League wide open this year. As in previous years we love a Cup Competition too and have had better form in several Cups that we enter including the FA Cup, Kent Cup and League Cup. We’re looking to continue our good run in these Cup games as holders of the League Cup and previous holders of the Kent Cup.

It’s been great for fitness and I’ve made so many friends through the different teams I’ve played for. In particular at Dartford what I’ve enjoyed the most is the support and sense of being welcomed into a family here. We are incredibly grateful to the club for backing us and all they do to look after us. It makes playing even more enjoyable. Why do you feel that Women’s football has really grown over the last few seasons? BB: I think women’s football has been growing due to more media coverage and exposure of competitions such as the women’s FA & World Cup. This has helped to promote women’s football and encourage more girls & ladies to get involved as well as bringing in more supporters of Women’s football. MM: Women’s football has really grown since the Lionesses were so successful in the 2015 World Cup finishing 3rd for the first time ever. After that success we continued our good form into the Euro’s. One of the ladies biggest successes was winning this years She Believes Cup, I believe this had a huge impact on current ladies spectator numbers and ticket sales. LA: The increased profile the Women’s game has received on a national level has helped massively, especially thanks to the Olympics and the most recent World Cups. We’ve always been aware that it was hugely popular in other countries but now it’s getting more of the attention it deserves in the UK.

What do you enjoy about playing football? BB: I enjoy playing for a team that is determined to work together in order to play well and do our best to win, as well as the competitiveness of football and how much fun it can be. As a defender I also love a good slide tackle and as a team I love showing everyone how good we can play. MM: I’ve played football since I was around 9 years old so it’s always been a passion of mine. However, as I’ve got older it’s become less about the sport itself and more about the social aspect. It’s amazing having a new set of friendships through playing the game that you love. LA: I have always loved playing football since I started at the age of 5. I often found it came naturally to me and I enjoyed the challenge of proving I could play with the We’ve had lots of people tell us that they boys’ teams growing up. enjoy the excitement of women’s football and the fact that it is actually different to

women ’ s football at da rtfo r d fc

“We want to play in front of as many supporters as possible and always play so much better when we do too!” 8

Photos by Steve Young (front page and this page) and Carol White Griffiths (all other images)

women ’ s football at da rtfo r d fc

watching a men’s game (rather than that being a negative thing). It hopefully will continue to grow in profile and numbers. What made you chose Dartford? BB: I chose to join Dartford because I was familiar with them and knew they were a good side from previous seasons playing in the same league. I wanted to join a team I knew would challenge me and help me improve on my football. MM: Dartford presented us with an offer we simply couldn’t refuse whilst playing for the old team London Corinthians. The facilities, the supporters and the club as a whole is just one huge family. I also love how involved Dartford FC is involved in the community. It’s great that at Dartford there’s less of a distinction between the men and women’s team and that we’re almost seen as equals. Why should people come along to watch the team? BB: I think people should come and watch the ladies team play in order to show their support to both the club and women’s football. We are a good footballing side and are always determined to go out and do our best for each other and for our supporters. MM: People should come along and watch Dartford Ladies because we love seeing new faces and boosting the atmosphere around the pitch. As a team we’ve tried to encourage the men’s fans to try women’s football and so far they’ve been very impressed. LA: We’re fortunate to play most of our home games on the Main Pitch at Dartford. Playing in the stadium is a real privilege in women’s football due to the lack of funding and profile it has previously had. We want to play in front of as many supporters as possible and always play so much better when we do too! We can guarantee you a fun, fast paced and often dramatic game whenever you can make it along to watch us! For more information on the Dartford Women’s team follow them on social media. Search Dartford FC Women or visit www.dartfordfcwomen.co.uk

S H O U T FO R S U P P O RT I N A C R I S I S

SHOUT FOR SUPPORT IN A CRISIS

Get Involved

BY EMMA EDEN

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly launched SHOUT in May this year. SHOUT is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Supported by a nationwide team of Crisis Volunteers, it takes people from crisis to calm every day of the week. I signed up to be a Crisis Volunteer after being given a flyer advertising that SHOUT needed volunteers. I started my training last October

and after undertaking 25 hours of training online over 6 weeks, I took my first conversation in December. I am now one of 1,500 active Crisis Volunteers who have taken 145,000 conversations since the service went live. Volunteering with SHOUT

is extremely flexible – I am able to schedule weekly shifts in 2 hour blocks or add ad hoc shifts. I volunteer from

W W W. G I V E U S A S H O U T. O R G/ VOLUNTEER-WITH-US

home and all I need is a laptop and a secure Wi-Fi connection.

GET HELP

MORE INFO

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support at anytime.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.giveusashout. org/volunteer-with-us/

By volunteering with SHOUT you can have an impact on people’s lives and make a difference by resolving crises. I have learnt an entirely new way of communicating with people, as well as advanced problem solving and crisis management skills.

One of the biggest pluses for me is that you can volunteer anywhere you want – from your home, in the office or with a group of friends. A Supervisor will be there to support you during your shift and you will also be allocated a Coach who will provide ongoing professional development.

S H O U T FO R S U P P O RT I N A C R I S I S

Da rtfo r d then an d now

DARTFORD THEN AND NOW THE BULL HOTEL DARTFORD By James Carney

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.

Da rtfo r d then an d now

Please think about using the full range of NHS services there are available to support you.

PLEASE THINK ABOUT USING THE FULL RANGE OF NHS SERVICES THERE ARE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT YOU. IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL AND ARE UNSURE WHERE TO GO, ADVICE IS ON-HAND FROM NHS 111. You can also use: • Your GP • Call or visit NHS111 website: 111.nhs.uk • Your local Pharmacist

NHS, Vale Road, Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 8BZ. Open seven days a week 8.00am-8.00pm. Call 0300 0300 000. Minor Injuries Units (MIU) Trained nurses at minor injury units (MIUs) can assess and treat cuts, sprains, minor burns, minor dislocations of the fingers and toes, minor eye injuries and remove foreign bodies from, for example, ears and noses. Gravesham Community Hospital is open from 8am until 8pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Urgent Care Centres Treat conditions such as minors cuts, bites, stings, burns, injuries, sprains, infections, minor eye injuries, fractures, minor chest, neck and back injuries and pain. Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at Queen Mary's Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6LT. Tel: 0208 308 5611. This is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

• Walk-in Centres Walk-in centres are staffed by health professionals that will see you without an appointment if you have an urgent concern.

Erith Urgent Care Centre, Erith & District Hospital, Hind Crescent. Open Monday to Sunday 8.00am to 10.00pm (last patient 8pm)

Gravesend GP Walk-in Centre, Whitehorse Surgery

WA L LO P !

WALLOP! An interview with Rob Beckett ROB BECKETT’S COMEDY HAS LONG BEEN PACKING A SOLID PUNCH, SO HE’S FOUND THE IDEAL TITLE FOR HIS NEW TOURING SHOW IN WALLOP! The London comic is a regular face on TV, having been a team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, hooked up with Mr Ranganathan on Rob And Romesh Vs., narrated Celebs Go Dating and made numerous appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show, A League Of Their Own and The Graham Norton Show. Meanwhile, he’s recently been announced as the host of two upcoming programmes: an

E4 show which commentates on the week’s social media activity, and Head Hunters, a daytime quiz show for the BBC. As he prepares to hit the road for the first time since his wildly successful 2015 tour, Mouth Of The South, he’s making a few promises. “As a word, ‘wallop’ just isn’t used enough but I use it quite a lot. I think it sums up me and my show. ‘Here it is, have a bit of that’, we’ll enjoy ourselves and then go home. I’m very much in it for the audience and to do whatever it takes to be as funny as possible for an hour and a half as opposed to delivering a message or narrative or life-changing view of the world. My show isn’t going to sort out Brexit, but it will take your mind off it for an hour and a half. Essentially, the

show is all about the funniest things that have happened to me or I’ve thought of since the last tour.” As a father now of two toddlers, the temptation for Beckett might have been to make Wallop! his ‘new-dad’ show. He’s more or less resisted that. “Though I have kids, it’s not my ‘I’m gonna talk about my kids for 90mins tour’. I love the kids and that’s going to be the hardest thing about going on tour. It’s not really about the things my kids have said, it’s more about my new relationship with my in-laws and my own parents. The show is about family. I’ve always wanted a whole family to sit down and laugh at my stuff; before it was more of a happy accident because my comedy is quite accessible, but now, all ages can get a lot from it.”

WA L LO P !

Coming from a very large family (“everyone’s my cousin in south-east London”), where Rob is the Tuesday, 17 March 2020 and second youngest of five brothers, he’s noticed an over-compensating tendency for those siblings to stop Wednesday, 18 March 2020 him from getting ideas way above his station. “The level they go to in order to keep my feet on the ground Dartford’s Orchard Theatre is actually quite rude. It’s really odd how much they don’t talk about my job. If I worked at Sainsbury’s www.orchardtheatre.co.uk they’d ask me more about my work. They almost go out of their way to not turn me into some sort of showbusiness dick, and it’s not spoken about. They’re all proud, though, don’t get me wrong.” out there on your own. To do all that and then get punched in the face? I’m in awe of them.” His mum is also no doubt very proud of her lad’s achievements, but in Rob’s eyes has a funny way of showing it: “My mum always likes to have a go: ‘if you could get a degree in annoying . . . you’d have a degree in annoying.’ Thanks mum. If she could get a degree in analogies . . . I don’t think she’d get one.” While his feet might be planted solidly on terra firma, that doesn’t mean that Rob Beckett won’t have ideas and nurture dreams about where his career might be headed in the future. “I want to do stand-up forever; I’d love to fill my local, the O2. It would be a dream of mine to have that many people in one place coming to see me. That would be amazing.”

It’s been ten years since Rob Beckett first launched his career in the stand-up game, and nine years since he took third spot (“I prefer to call it runner-up!”) in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition which culminates each year at the Edinburgh Fringe. So, what would he say to his younger self, a decade on, now that he has a wealth of experience in stand-up comedy and the wider entertainment world in general?

“There are loads of things I would have told him not to do, but he wouldn’t His natural flair for shooting the breeze with anyone have listened. I was just enjoying it and who comes into his orbit means that one day he can see himself fronting his own talk show. “I love hosting ploughing on, and obviously you make mistakes. But through throwing yourself and presenting TV, and I’d really love to have a chat into stuff and making mistakes you learn show later on in my career when I’ve calmed down a invaluable lessons. I had come from a bit. I don’t think I’d get that much out of the guests working-class background and had no at this point, but later on when I’m a bit more tired, I idea about the industry and I didn’t even think I’d be a good chat-show host.” know the Edinburgh Fringe existed, so I went in not giving a shit. Both parents were In terms of the ideal TV show he’d loved to have so supportive and there was no pressure, appeared on, Rob mentions Game Of Thrones (“I but maybe if you had been to Oxbridge or saw Ed Sheeran and I think I would have ruined it as Durham and your parents had funded your well”), and namechecks Match Of The Day (“to get on education, they’d be saying ‘why are you that, I would suddenly have to have a full career as a going to the Edinburgh Fringe? You should footballer”). While a big fan of football, he has recently be off being a barrister!’ So there was no got heavily into boxing. “It’s the comedy equivalent expectation on me . . . But mainly I’d say to of sport, though obviously boxing is way harder. In him, ‘cut your hair because it’s an absolute performance terms, a singer has a band and an actor disgrace!’” has a crew, but in stand-up comedy and boxing you’re

2020 is a game changer for small businesses, are you ready?

he Nucleus in association with Barclays Bank UK PLC and Adams & Moore Accountancy invite you to an information and networking event on the 28th of January from midday to 2pm. We will look at how cyber-crime is aﬀecting us all and how imminent changes to HMRC regulations will change the way small businesses capture data and report taxes to HMRC. You will also be able to ask questions of the presenters, tour the facilities, meet businesses at The Nucleus and have a light bite before you return to work.

Content:

• Cyber fraud - presented by the Digital team at Barclays Bank UK PLC. • HMRC changes and the impact for all small businesses - Presented by Adams & Moore Chartered Accountants, Tax and Business advisors. • The Nucleus - Showcase The Nucleus complex. Please contact: alan.bolton@adamsandmoore.co.uk noleen.farrell@barclays.com

Venue: The Nucleus, Brunel Way, Dartford, Kent, DA1 SGA 20

B OY O R G I R L ?

BOY OR GIRL? Are you currently pregnant and wondering if you’re having a boy or a girl? Expert midwife and sonographer, Amanda Bastianelli, owner of award winning Kent based company, Expectancy Scanning Studios Ltd, tells us the truth behind the old wives’ tales… I have worked privately and within the NHS for over 20 years and have been privileged to be a part of thousands of families’ journeys into parenthood. But during pregnancy, would you find out if you’re having a boy or a girl? There are so many theories and old wives’ tales surrounding a baby’s gender from the size and shape of the bump, cravings and fetal heart rate to name but a few. Quite often a pregnant woman will be inundated with opinions from her family, friends and even strangers about whether or not she will have a boy or a girl. There is also the ‘nub theory’ that suggests that the angle of the yet to be fully formed genitals (nub) on an early pregnancy ultrasound picture is thought to predict the gender of a baby too. However, the truth is there is very little evidence to show that any old wives’ tales or theories are correct at all. In fact, none can be reliably accurate and you may as well flip a coin instead. The best and most reliable way to find out a baby’s sex is by having it confirmed by a sonographer during an ultrasound scan. Can you find out a baby’s gender through the NHS? Within the NHS guidance, the Fetal

There are so many theories and old wives’ tales surrounding a baby’s gender from the size and shape of the bump, cravings and fetal heart rate to name but a few. Anomaly Screening Programme is for NHS Trusts to provide pregnant families with a screening ultrasound assessment at 11-14 weeks and then at 18-23 weeks of pregnancy. A s t h e ba b y d e v e l o p s , t h e opportunity is often offered for families to find out the gender if they so wish. Certainly, with the rise of gender reveal parties, the need to find out the sex at the second scan has become increasingly popular. It’s important to know that the purpose of the second NHS scan has strict screening guidance image criteria to fulfil and the gender will not always be confirmed. In addition, parents to be may want to find out the gender as early as possible and therefore choose to seek a private scan. Private scans to detect the gender of a baby can take place as early as 16 weeks. This should form part of a fetal wellbeing scan, where the primary purpose of the scan is to firstly assess the baby’s wellbeing and then to give the gender opinion.

Providing they obtain a clear view and the baby co-operates, experienced sonographer practitioners are able to predict with 99% accuracy the gender of a baby….No need to rely on old wives’ tales at all! Of course, if you are seeking a private scan or any other private medical care in whatever stage of your pregnancy, make sure you do your research first. All companies should be regulated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). Most importantly though, enjoy the celebration of pregnancy and remember that finding out the gender is a small part of the journey. Whether male or female, growing a small human is both exciting and magical. Amanda Bastianelli is a Registered Midwife & Sonographer, practising within both the NHS and Private sector. She is a registered bereavement midwife with ‘Kicks Count’ and an ambassador and health expert promoting safe sleep for the UK initiative ‘The Baby Box Co’. Her company Expectancy Scanning Studios Ltd provides a full range of women’s health and pregnancy scans. Expectancy Scanning Studios Ltd Winner Independent Business Awards Kent ‘Service Excellence’ www.expectancyscanningstudios.co.uk contact@expectancyscanningstudios.co.uk F: @expectancyscanning

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: 2020 By Harden Holidays

As we look back on travel in 2019, we see a year marked by political turbulence, some high-profile travel company failures and a continued financial squeeze on the pound and the pocket. However, despite all this, 2019 proved to be a resilient year for holiday bookings. ABTA’s research, along with other industry data, shows that despite the gloomy political and economic indicators, the vast majority of people still went on holiday – nearly nine in ten of us, in fact and this trend is expected to continue in 2020. Here are some of the new and exciting developments to look out for in 2020: 2020 will see the launch of even better, bigger and more sustainable cruise ships like P&O’s Iona – with its unique sky dome and very own gin distillery at sea. Royal Caribbean’s second Quantum Ultra Class vessel Odyssey of the Seas is expected to feature activities such as onboard bumper cars and a skydiving simulator. Celebrity’s Apex Edge class ship with it’s incredible Magic Carpet and Rooftop Garden. MSC’s Virtuosa with it’s unique Cirque de Soleil at Sea shows and your very own personal assistant Zoe. Virgin Voyages is set to launch Scarlet Lady in April which is looking to revolutionise the way we cruise - Branson style - the first adult by design cruise ship, offering a rebellious luxe cruising experience. If you haven’t cruised before, make 2020 the year you give it a try, as you are spoilt for choice in all categories. As travellers become increasingly aware of the need for responsible travel, operators are keen to highlight the benefits of

T RAV E L S P OT L I G H T : 2 02 0

their operations, either on an environmental or social level and this will continue to gain momentum in 2020. For example, many operators are removing single-use plastics and G Adventures have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ripple Scoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; system allowing the traveller to measure how each tour positively impacts local communities. Increasingly, holiday makers are looking for experiences that shape and stay with them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from interacting more with locals or learning a new skill to contributing something to the place they stay. We see an increase in travellers wanting more than a simple visit to a new destination. In fact, over 50% of travellers value a travel experience, which is more than just memorable, but positively changes them on a personal level too. Rather than off-theshelf itineraries, there is a trend towards bespoke, immersive experiences such as glass igloos for the Northern Lights and homestays with local families. All of us at Harden Holidays would like to wish you a great 2020, full of health, wealth and especially lot of happy travels.

WIN a holiday to

NEW YORK

Book your 2020 holiday through Harden Holidays and be in entered into our prize draw For full details visit www.hardenholidays.co.uk Or call in and see us in the town centre

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) 23

Da rtfo r d - bo r n j ou r nalist r e v eals S pain ’ s sec r et si d e

DARTFORD-BORN JOURNALIST REVEALS SPAIN’S SECRET SIDE

NAME HERE

Title/Company

Did you know Alicante has its own star-crossed lovers whose sad tale is just as heartbreaking as Romeo and Juliet? Or that St George is the patron saint of a beautiful city in the Spanish mountains? Journalist Sarah Farrell, who was born and brought up in Dartford, has been discovering these amazing legendary tales since moving to Spain. She has just launched the first book in the Secret Spain Travel

Guides series to share some of her favourite tales. This book, Visit Alicante’s Myths And Legends, recounts some of the incredibly heroic stories from the medieval times when the Moors ruled much of Spain. “Spain is fascinating. Even the smallest town has its own fiestas and amazing stories. I wanted to share legendary tales from Spain to celebrate these heroes. Many are based on true stories, such as how a brave woman, Armengola, saved Orihuela’s townsfolk from being massacred in the Middle Ages. Others can be taken with a pinch of salt. But they’re all beautiful,” said Sarah. People visiting the Costa Blanca or Alicante province are being encouraged to go on an imaginary journey to discover:

•

• •

Why a Sultan planted almond trees in Jalón for his sad wife Why it’s best to avoid the Rio Segura on the night of San Juan Who Armengola is and how she saved her beloved city of Orihuela Why a Moor’s face is etched in the side of Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante Why St George is a hero in Alcoy How a Biblical relic performed a miracle to end a severe drought in Alicante

Then, when they visit Alicante and the Costa Blanca, they can follow in the footsteps of these amazing historical figures.

Follow My Guide Alicante on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ myguidealicante/ Twitter: twitter.com/MyGuideAlicante Instagram: www.instagram.com/ myguidealicante/

The Alicante travel guide showcases the best places to visit, where to eat, where to stop and great restaurants as well as favourite places to take incredible photos to show off on Instagram. Readers will also take away a secret from each of the towns featured, namely Alicante, Guardamar del Segura, Rojales, Orihuela, Alcoy and the Jalón Valley. “I want people to read these stories and be inspired to visit Alicante to see the very places where they took place. To walk in the footsteps of the heroes and heroines in this book,” said the former Dartford Grammar School for Girls pupil.

STEVE COOK

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F I T N E SS - J A N U A RY

FITNESS - JANUARY

By Mark Broadbent

Here we are again. New Year, New You (again). The time when everyone decides to get fit, lose weight, eat more healthily, and change their lives! Fantastic! Gyms and PT’s WILL capitalise on this so beware the unscrupulous ones who just want your money, and filter through to the people who genuinely want to help you before you part with your hard-earned money! So, what does it take? A 12-month gym membership? A strict diet plan? 6 days a week in the gym? 8 meals a day? A shake for breakfast and lunch? Give up chocolate and crisps? Forego your social life? None of these. The reason the fitness industry rolls their eyes at the people who sign up in January (because we know, come March, most of them will be long gone) is because they try and do it all too quickly. Too much too soon. A new fitness plan; a new diet; giving up this and that; force-feeding themselves salad. And most of them just spinning their wheels with it all. I.e. not knowing what they’re doing or why, and as a result of this, just doing anything that they’ve heard works. The key to success is to start with “why?” Set your goals and get specific. Write down EXACTLY what you want to achieve, and why. Get as clear as you can be on this and then you’ll be able to put a plan together to achieve this.

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE CLEVER ADVERTISING OR JANUARY SALES

For your diet – you don’t need to follow any crazy plans or give up everything you love! - Avoid the foods you know you “shouldn’t” eat and can’t stop once you’ve started (your hedonic foods) - Pick the “better” option – you don’t have to swap a doner kebab for a salad, but maybe the burger would be a better option? Maybe a regular bag of crisps is a better option than the giant grab bag? Or one bar of chocolate is better than the 4-pack for £1?! - Cut back on sugary drinks and reduce the amount of sugar you put in your tea/coffee - Ditch the nightly beer/wine and have one or two less at the weekend. - Only reduce calories by 15-20% - don’t go mad! The above tips will likely cover that no problem, meaning you still get to eat what you want, but are saving yourself some calories in the process! THIS is a more sustainable way to do things and will feel like very little effort. It will also probably start to shift some of that body fat you’re trying to get rid of. Add to this a sensible exercise plan

and you’re now burning more calories too – meaning it will all speed up and you’ll be burning more fat than muscle (which can be an issue if you try to do it all through diet). Depending on whether you already do some exercise, 2-4 sessions a week is plenty for most people. Don’t try and go from nothing, to 5 days a week! Hit a full-body workout, with weights, 2-4 times a week and try to increase your daily activity (walk your 10,000 steps). IT’S THIS SIMPLE! Don’t be fooled by clever advertising or January sales, you don’t have to buy any products, pills, powders or shakes, or give up your life and eat like you’re in prison. What would be worth the investment though is guidance. Get advice from someone who can help you on an individual level. This will be the best investment you’ll ever make. Do it right and you’ll only have to do it once, and it may even be easier than you thought! If you need help with your training and nutrition, visit www.TredegarPT.com for more information on Online Coaching. Or give Dartford Bootcamps a go! www. DartfordBootcamps.com And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for extra tips, advice and motivation.

R E C I P E : I R I S H STO U T CA K E

RECIPE: IRISH STOUT CAKE This deliciously dense and moist cake is perfect for miserable January evenings. For an extra special treat, top with an Irish cream topping. YOU WILL NEED: 250g Unsalted Butter

Once melted, add the sugar and cocoa powder and mix in well.

200ml Irish Stout

Pour in the sour cream/egg mixture and stir.

150ml Sour Cream

Whisk in the flour and bicarbonate of soda, making sure all is combined well with no lumps in the batter.

2 Large Eggs 400g Caster Sugar 300g Plain Flour 75g Cocoa Powder

Tip the mix into the tin and bake, in an oven preheated to 180°/160° Fan, for about an hour. Leave to cool in the tin.

3tsp Bicarbonate of Soda 250g Cream Cheese

TO MAKE THE TOPPING:

250g Icing Sugar

Whip the cream cheese, just until smooth, then sieve in the icing sugar and beat together. Add the Irish cream, slowly, until you get a spreadable consistency. (You probably won’t need to add all of it)

100ml Irish Cream WHAT TO DO: Grease the inside of a 9” round cake tin with a small amount of butter, then line the sides and bottom with greaseproof paper. Beat the eggs and sour cream together and put to one side. Heat the stout gently in a large saucepan and add the butter in smaller pieces.

Spread all over the top of the cake, just before serving. Enjoy! xxx

R E C I P E : I R I S H STO U T CA K E

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R E C I P E : I R I S H STO U T CA K E

Have Your Say on

R E C I P E : I R I S H STO U T CA K E

DARTFORD’s New Local plan

The Council wants as many people as possible to have their say on a new Local Plan.

The Local Plan will decide where we target future investment in the borough and manage the growth pressures on our communities. Your views will help guide key planning and infrastructure decisions until 2036.

How can I get involved? Find out more at our drop in events: • Wednesday 29 January 3-7pm: Dartford Borough Council Civic Centre • Monday 3 February 3-7pm: Ebbsfleet International Station • Tuesday 4 February 2-5.30pm: The Orchards Shopping Centre Alternatively, you can view our Preferred Options Local Plan consultation document at www.dartford.gov.uk/policyconsultation To share your comments please email localplan@dartford.gov.uk or write to: Planning Policy Team, Dartford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1DR by 12pm on Friday 21 February 2020. If you have any queries about this consultation, please email localplan@dartford.gov.uk or phone 01322 343213.

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Valley hospital cha r ity

VALLEY HOSPITAL CHARITY

Valley Hospital Charity exists to enhance patient care at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust by engaging the community, patients, their families and staff to support their Hospitals through fundraising and volunteering. With the generosity of our donors and supporters we fundraise to: Buy the latest medical equipment to offer the best available care to our community in their locality; Enhance the Hospital environment for our patients, making it welcoming and comfortable; Provide the little extras that can mean so much to a patient’s stay in hospital. In addition charitable funds have been used to: • •

Valley Hospital Charity supports the work of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and therefore can benefit patient care on both sites that it operates - big or small. Thank you. Please see some info on project the Charity is funding below:

prioritisation will mean the patient with an abnormal scan will be fasttracked for a confirmatory same day CT scan and if needed, put on a treatment pathway straightaway. Donations towards this are welcome: www.valleyhospitalcharity.org.uk/ Appeal/cancer-fighting-fund A big thank you to our supporters of the Pine Therapy Renovation project. More details here: www. valleyhospitalcharity.org.uk/news/ fresh-new-look-for-pine-therapygardens

Fund innovative research; Support staff training and development.

Valley Hospital Charity supports the work of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and therefore can benefit patient care on both sites that it operates: Darent Valley Hospital and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup. For more information about these services please visit the Trust’s website. You can help us raise funds to enhance patient care by: • •

making a donation taking part in one of our fundraising events • holding your own fundraising event We are grateful for any contribution

Lung Cancer Artificial Intelligence (AI) system (£90,000) Dartford and Gravesham is one of the first NHS Trusts to trial the use of Artificial Intelligence to sort chest X-rays into a “normal” or “abnormal” category instantly. It will transform the experience for patients with suspected Lung Cancer because this immediate

· We are looking to fund artificial grass in the children’s ward (Willow Ward) garden so that our younger patients can crawl around and get some fresh air when the weather is better. This has a large price tag of around £28,000 which we are hoping to fundraise for – donations welcome: www. valleyhospitalcharity.org.uk/appeal/

L I F E U N D E R T H E STA I R S

was dismayed and concerned as I’d spent a long time looking for someone to look after my toes, who wouldn’t take it as a challenge to cause as much pain as possible. Pam ticked the ‘gentle and knowledgeable’ box so that was it.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON

HAPPY FEET AND DITCHING THE RESOLUTIONS HAPPY FEET Many years ago, I remember climbing down the stairs at Brixton station, arriving at the bottom, worn out and relieved. I wasn’t ill or injured, but I was wearing a pair of shoes with six-inch heels and a two-inch platform sole. They were metallic blue, from Ravel, and were my pride and joy. The fact that I could barely walk in them and they boosted me up to just shy of six feet tall, leaving me towering over friends and boyfriends, was something I ignored. This was high fashion! On trend! This was the colourful 1970s where satin jackets in pastel colours, flared jeans and Mr Freedom satin applique tee shirts were the norm. Exotic shoes were a must have. Thankfully the fad for such injurious foot wear passed, and I lived in Converse trainers for a long while. They were probably the saving of my feet. No longer crammed into too high and narrow fitting shoes for the sake of fashion, I spared myself the pain of bunions, corns, callouses and all the other side effect of being a ‘dedicated follower of fashion’. Along with others of my age, I now visit a lovely chiropodist. I found Pam, who snips, files, and creams my feet every six weeks. She is a likeable and friendly lady who slips in words of wisdom about all foot related stuff. However, she is finding it challenging in today’s market, and may have to cut back on her services. I

She will continue to offer her service in a reduced working week, but as she said, chiropody is not high on the list of many people. This surprised me. In an age where how we look has become so important, and the amount of money both sexes and all ages spend in nail bars, tanning and hair salons, and on personal care generally, we seem to ignore our feet! I suppose, given that they are at the bottom (in more ways than one) of our bodies they miss out on the TLC other parts receive. Perhaps we should look at this from another angle. If our feet hurt, everything does. Poor foot health can cause much more than the aforementioned bunions and corns. In growing toenails, cracked heels and the dreaded nail fungus all contribute towards our health. If your feet hurt, it’s fairly probable your stance and posture aren’t aligned, so you may then have back ache, knee trouble and generally feel every second of your age. While the young don’t seem too bothered by this, I wonder how many will rue the day they tottered around in skyscraper heels or long pointy toed boots. By then, it might be too late to act. Everyone should take a long, hard look at their feet and decide if a visit to a chiropodist could put right any niggling problems, or even more so, prevent them from happening. To be honest, just the foot massage at the end of the session works wonders for me – and I go home floating on air and thankful for the skill of young Pam. DITCH THE RESOLUTIONS Just one piece of advice for the beginning of the new year. Ditch the resolutions, or rather re-name them personal goals. Every year I’d make the same few: lose weight, be nicer, work harder. By mid-month I’d be mainlining chocolate, snarling at the world and clock watching at my desk. Then I’d feel unworthy, guilty and a failure… and eat more chocolate… I’m sure you get the picture. It’s a great deal easier to break goals down. For me, in the latter part of life it can be as simple as putting the ironing away, writing a chapter or cooking something healthy. Achieving those goals had the knock on effect of making me feel I’d managed something, that made me happy and time ticks on at its prescribed momentum. Be good to yourselves in 2020. Take care people

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Presents

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The West End Jerseys A Night of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons performed by stars of London’s West End

SATURDAY 11th JANUARY 2020 8.00pm - 12.00am

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...with COMPERE and COMEDIAN the very funny GARY KEMSLEY

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Tickets £15.00 each

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D E RR E N B RO W N - S H O WM A N

DERREN BROWN SHOWMAN

An Interview with Derren Brown

AS HIS BROADWAY SHOW SECRET CONTINUES TO PULL IN THE CROWDS, DERREN BROWN TAKES TIME OUT TO TALK ABOUT HIS SLAPPING MATCH WITH HOLLYWOOD LEGEND GLENN CLOSE, DINNER WITH THE CLINTONS AND WRITING HIS NEW NOVEL WITHOUT HIS ‘CLUBFOOT’… It’s fair to say that SECRET, your current Broadway show, has gone down very well with New York audiences. Given Broadway’s fearsome reputation, what were your thoughts embarking on this journey and how would you sum up your present feelings? My main concern was finding a nice breakfast spot close to the

apartment. That was taking up my time. Getting the mornings right is a big thing for me, and having a place to write. Beyond that, there were the expected grown-up production things about investment and ticket sales which I leave to others where I can. The show was already solid and felt fully in my blood, so I wasn’t worried about that. Yo u r l a s t s h ow i n t h e U K , UNDERGROUND, was the inspiration for SECRET, which first enjoyed an award-winning run off-Broadway. Did you have to change much for the Cort Theatre production? Underground was the UK cousin of the show - a different physical production of the same material. I started it in the UK in a small theatre to warm up for off-broadway, and ended up touring it as a ‘best of’ show in its own right. We’ve changed a few bits for the current version in NYC, and flipped a couple of big pieces in the second half, but it’s essentially the same show.

Given your shows all revolve around audience participation, how would you compare British audiences to their US counterparts? Americans are far more relaxed and talkative on stage. There’s a bit when I ask a person on stage to tell us about a grandparent. Brits mumble something about them being nice and kind - here they take the mic, turn to the audience and give us a tight fifteen. As an audience, they are much more vocal, narrating their own experiences more. There’s a lot more ‘NOOOO!!’ And ‘FUUUUUUCK!!’s from the crowd. On the other hand, half of the audience here is classic Broadway, and noticeably older. At home I might spot two older couples in the audience, here about a quarter of the audience consists of pensioners. But the rest of them are young and vibrant and contain many fans that have, amazingly, flown in from around the world. So it’s a diverse group, and part of the fun is feeling them all come together as the show goes on. And lots of actors - famous and otherwise - come to see the show. That’s a real Broadway thing too.

D E RR E N B RO W N - S H O WM A N

What’s been the biggest challenge doing the show? Personally nothing major, it’s been a joy. There’s a lot more PR I have to do, including performing on chat shows and the like - and those take writing and rehearsal time. I don’t really enjoy those sort of performances any more so I had to dig deep. It’s such an expensive affair here and obviously I wasn’t known at all to the general public, so I’ve had to do a lot to make the sure that the show is in the back of people’s minds. The show’s themes have resonated strongly with the critics and public alike. Is it important for you to have an authentic connection with audiences, given that what you’re demonstrating through your skills, could be termed ‘unreal’? Completely - I think that’s the whole point. Otherwise you’re just showing off. For me it only gets truly interesting once you step outside of the tricks. And a principal challenge of writing the show is to make the unreal and dishonest sit honestly and fairly in a world of truth. How on earth did you end up having a ‘slapping match’ with Hollywood legend Glenn Close? Ha - I have met her a few times via a mutual friend. She’s my absolute hero in that world, and as lovely as she is she’s still a little imposing, so I am still a little unsettled. She agreed to film a video amongst several we are doing to help promote the show, and I did a routine with her that involved her slapping me. Afterwards when the cameras were still rolling, her executive assistant Nancy suggested I slap Glenn. Everyone said that was great and looked at me, waiting for me to do it. No part of me was able to rise to it and slap Glenn Close across the face. So she suggested she slap me and I slap her back. I asked her how to fake a slap convincingly and she showed me, but when we did it I just slapped her hard. Not sure if that was my fault for forgetting technique or hers for not moving out the way. Either way we both hit each other. And she returned with another which was perfect. From my perspective I got a brilliant, furious, pure-Glenn-Close expression on that third slap which I won’t forget. The Clintons attended a recent performance. When you know you have certain people in the audience does it affect your performance? Would you prefer not to know? I love knowing because it helps keep me rooted in the here and now for that performance. If friends are in, or someone famous, or a Tony voter - anything, I want to know. It keeps things specific and vital, and stops me just repeating the show from the night before. However, the Clinton family was in a different league, and the whole audience felt it. There was a tension in the room at the start of the show I wonder if a First Family are ever spared.

DERREN BROWN: SHOWMAN will be at Orchard Theatre from March 27 to April 4, 2020. Tickets: www.derrenbrown.co.uk

I start the show with everyone standing up, and I couldn’t bring myself to look across at them to see how their involvement was progressing. I snuck a peek at a moment I knew their gaze would be directed elsewhere. By all accounts they were really enjoying it, and bizarrely I was invited to dine with them afterwards in an Italian restaurant where they were utterly warm and lovely. But I couldn’t look during the show, it would have been too distracting, and a little so for the audience too, I imagine. Whilst in New York, you’re working on your next book. How is it going? Early stages, but it’s a joy to be getting on with. In the summer I sat under the trees and write at the Lincoln Center every day I have free. As the days get colder I’ll need to find other spots. I’m relying on my Kindle much more than I would at home - usually on tour I bring what Nietzsche called his ‘clubfoot’ - a trunk of books with me for research. That wasn’t an option here so I’m trying to keep it all electronic. As for the content of the book, I guess we’ll announce it all soon, but I’m still finding out what it is. When SHOWMAN embarks on its UK tour from March 2020, it will be your first brand new stage show in five years. Is your joy of touring still as strong as ever? Yes, it’s been a while. I hope so - I’ve been spoilt with not having to work on a brand new show, which is certainly stressful for the first couple of weeks in previews. I’ll find out. I try to write shows with Andy (Nyman) and Andrew (O’Connor) that are going to be huge fun to do, so it’s a built-in reward for me each night. And I’ll get to have a new touring crew which is fun as well. I’m looking forward to it, though it’s a quick turnaround in between finishing this one, then writing and rehearsing SHOWMAN. Once I’m on the road though, writing in the days and visiting old haunts, it’ll be utterly wonderful.

D E RR E N B RO W N - S H O WM A N

R E S C U E I S B E ST

RESCUE IS BEST We have teamed up with Battersea Dog and Cats home - Brands Hatch to bring you regular listings of animals requiring rehoming. Name: Larry; Breed: German Shepherd; Sex: Male; Age: 4 years 6 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 366944 Larry is a very smart dog who learns new things quickly with consistent positive association and reward. He loves tennis balls and these can be used to introduce him to new people, build a bond and distract him from other dogs when he is out and about. Larry can be aloof at times and unsure of new people, but once he gets to know you he enjoys calm affection and spending time relaxing with his favourite people. Larry can forget his manners when meeting new dogs so can be a bit intense which may be a bit too much for other dogs, so new owners will need to manage this carefully, reading his body language and knowing when to move him along. Larry is looking for a rural home with access to quiet walking areas. His training will require some patience and owners should be committed and consistent to achieve positive results. Please visit battersea.org.uk to find out more. Name: Willow; Breed: Domestic Short-hair; Sex: Female; Age; 2 years 7 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 379098 Willow is a friendly cat who likes interacting with people. She loves being active and would like a garden with plenty of shrubs and greenery where she can explore and investigate. She is a bold character who requires a lot of mental stimulation to keep her happy and healthy. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in rehoming Willow, please visit www.battersea.org.uk

R E S C U E I S B E ST

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H O W TO AV O I D A W I N T E R B R E A KD O W N

HOW TO AVOID A WINTER BREAKDOWN It’s a busy time of year, we’re all rushing about, driving to the shops, school, work, seeing friends, family and going out. Your car is working hard to get you from A-B and no-one has time for a break down! Just a few simple checks will help you keep your car going this winter which you can do at home. If you’re not sure or would prefer us to do them, stop by one of our garages for a free winter check. Our top tips to keep your car going this winter: DE-ICER Make sure you have some in your car for a quick and easy way to clear your screen. Driving without good visibility could get you pulled over and a ticket issued from the police – plus it’s very risky! SCREENWASH You screen will get very dirty at this time of the year – so make sure your screenwash is topped up so that you can give it a clean when the weather is affecting your visibility. ICE SCRAPER A very cheap thing to buy but very useful for cleaning both the front and back screens but also the side windows to maintain your peripheral vision. Don’t miss the wing mirrors too!

TYRE TREAD Make sure your tyres are up for the conditions! If they’re not, it will make stopping much harder and more dangerous. BATTERY Your battery is being drained by lighting and heating, so make sure you get it to a garage to check the levels. If it gets too low, you’ll be left stranded – with no lights and heating. WIPERS Turn your wipers off when you stop the car and get out, because if you don’t and your go back to a frozen car, you may break their motor when they try to go back on again! AIR CON It may sound strange, but use your heating on the air con setting – it will be more efficient. If you have any vehicle concerns, just give us a call to book in or swing by for a free winter check.

T H E AT R E Roun d up

THEATRE ROUNDUP By Liz Dyer Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a great festive break. And if you’re suffering from post-Christmas blues, don’t panic: as always, your local theatre has plenty to take your mind off it… Firstly, if you just don’t want Christmas to be over yet, it’s not too late to book your tickets for this year’s brilliant panto, Peter Pan - starring Eastenders’ Steve McFadden and comedian Andy Ford. The show is on until 5th January, but tickets are selling fast so don’t delay! And while we’re on the subject, tickets are now on sale for next year’s panto (oh yes they are). We don’t know much yet, apart from that it’ll be Jack and the Beanstalk, but we can be sure it’ll be great entertainment. The Orchard’s big show this January is The Bodyguard (8th-18th), featuring X Factor winner turned West End star Alexandra Burke. After first playing the role in 2014 to rave reviews, she returns to play superstar diva Rachel Marron again in this touring production based on the hit 1992 movie starring Whitney Houston. Featuring all the classics - Queen of the Night, Run To You, I Wanna Dance With

Somebody and of course, I Will Always Love You - this is an absolute must-see for the new year. And don’t miss the chance to belt out those tunes yourself on 11th January at Sing the Shows, a two-hour singing workshop led by a professional musical director. Check the Orchard website for details. Later in the month, there’s another treat in store, as Tom Chambers and Sally Bretton star in classic thriller Dial M for Murder (27th January-1st February). Made famous by the 1950 Alfred Hitchcock movie, it’s the story of a jaded ex-tennis pro who plots the perfect murder after learning that his wife has been unfaithful. It’s been described as “a masterclass in suspense” and Dartford is one of the first stops on a six-month national tour, so don’t miss the chance to see it before (almost) anyone else.

Also this month: comedy from Jim Davidson (19th), Milton Jones (22nd) and Jethro, the “Count of Cornwall” (26th), and music including Beatlemania (21st), and celebrations of Luther Vandross (23rd) and Neil Diamond (25th). For mums and dads, there’s Bring Your Own Baby Comedy (13th), a chance to see some great comedians in a relaxed, baby-friendly environment. And on the same day, there’s a fantastic opportunity to go backstage at the theatre and enjoy afternoon tea, with this month’s Tea & Tour. And if all that isn’t enough to lift your spirits after the festive season, why not visit orchardtheatre.co.uk to see what’s coming up over the next few months?

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DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS Rock Painting in Dartford.

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and By Maria Kingsford Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre. T Hand E AT Rhiding E Rounthem d up

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

Local people from ‘Dartford painted rocks’ on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around the town. The rocks can be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located at the Orchards Shopping Centre. Here are some of the photos of their latest painted rocks.

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CA R N E WS

CAR NEWS JANUARY 2020

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we look at new versions from leading European manufacturers including a new sporty electric vehicle.

semi-autonomous driving mode that allows the GLA to control is own braking, acceleration and steering on the motorway. Prices for the new GLA will start at around £35,000 when its on sale in Spring 2020.

2020 Mercedes GLA family SUV – this new model has the underneath of a hatchback but the extrior of a rough SUV. On the inside it gets two 7.0in displays as standard (one in front of the driver in place of analogue instrument dials and one for infotainment), both can be upgraded to a 10.3in too. Despite being slightly shorter than the original GLA, the new model is substantially wider and taller and has greater distance between its axles, meaning it should be more spacious for passengers. From the start there will only be two petrol engines available – 1.3 litre 161bhp and a 2.0 litre 302bhp – more options including a diesel will be available later. Available safety features include a

2020 Porsche Taycan 4S – When Porsche revealed its new all-electric Taycan, the only variants presented to the public were the topof-the-range Turbo and Turbo S models. This offers a more affordable option – the 4S. It’s available with two battery sizes, a 79.2 kWh unit as standard, and an optional 93.4 kWh unit. The range can go up to around 287 miles on a full charge with an optonal performance pack howver the other option will provide a range of 252 which is enough for most people. The charging time is one of the quickest available on the market for eletric cars which means you don’t need to charge is every night for school runs of office trips. The biggest reason to buy one: it costs a whopping £32,491 less than the Turbo model at £83,367. It will be availble in 2020 to buy.

2020 Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport – this model has been out for two years and now it has also been redesigned, with a tweaked front end, new LED headlights, narrower foglight housings and a new-shape front grille with a chrome surround. Those headlights each contain 84 LED elements that work with the in-car camera to alter the range and direction of the light beam in reaction to other vehicles and road and weather conditions. It may gain the new, more efficient units recently given to the Astra family car such as the three-cylinder 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol units, plus a new 1.5-litre diesel. The biggest confirmed changes to the Insignia centre on technology. The already fairly comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems is enhanced by an optional rear collision warning system that detects people or vehicles up to 20 metres away and up to 90deg to each side of the car’s rear. It will be available to buy in summer 2020 and prices expected to be around £21,000.

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DA RT FO RD FC F I X T U R E S - J A N 2 0

UPCOMING EVENTS IN JANUARY INCLUDE:

4th: Football – FA Cup third round weekend

SPORTS ROUNDUP Anthony Joshua joined a small cluster of men to have reclaimed the world heavyweight title including Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Floyd Patterson on 7th December. Joshua became a two-time world heavyweight champion with a unanimous points victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in a tense rematch in Saudi Arabia.

Six months on from the night Ruiz stunned boxing, Joshua risked seeing his career left in pieces with a second defeat, but he delivered 36 minutes of movement and well-timed punching to take the IBF, WBA and WBO titles back to the UK. After cutting his Mexican rival inside the first round he never looked back and picked out smart

jabs and right hands throughout before being serenaded with chants of “AJ, AJ, AJ” by 14,000 or so fans. Ruiz never looked close to landing a knockdown and when scores of 118-110 118-110 and 119-109 were read out, Joshua jumped up and down in the ring in celebration, just as the man who had wrecked his US debut did in June.

6th: Football – League Cup semi-finals first leg

27th: Football – League Cup semi-finals second leg

20th – 22nd February: Tennis – Australian Open

25th: Football – FA Cup fourth round weekend

DARTFORD FC FIXTURES - JAN 20 V WELLING UNITED - 1ST JAN 3PM V OXFORD CITY - 11TH JAN 3PM V DULWICH HAMLET - 25TH JAN 3PM 47

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

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

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W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

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NOTES

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE Should you require any amendments, please indicate them clearly on the copy and return it to us together with this form within the next 5 working days Thank you

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While every effort will be made to follow up and contact you about your advertisement, it is ultimately the c regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you with we will assume all is correct and approved for press. C

All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of C form without the express written permission of the Publisher. Where an advertiser has supplied individual images to the Publisher for will remain the intellectual property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any format or used in any other publ

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

CARE & SUPPORT

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

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

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

DARTFORD OSTOMY GROUP SUPPORT (DOGS) meet every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and pouch, their carers, family and friends. ALL DIRECTIONS is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or 07570 347612

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

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

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 01603406767 and ask about the Dartford group. HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year. AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH Our club is open to anyone over 55 PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP wherever you live and costs just 60p Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, more information visit: to come along and join in. So why not Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford- come and join our friendly welcoming Bexleyheath-surrounding-areassocial club? For further information BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH social-group/ please call either John Letchford on PARKINSONS UK 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 For people with Parkinsons and their DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF 222195. carers. THE THIRD AGE) JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each meets on the first Tuesday of every meet on the third Tuesday of every month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30month (except August) at St Anselm’s month, with meetings beginning at 9.30pm. Information support workers Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 7.45pm. We meet at the Community available, guest speakers and quizzes. 2pm, For information about meetings Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: and interest groups call 01474-709068 DA2 7NE. More information can be 02083065973 or visit our website. found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk (under Local Clubs and Societies). THE STROKE ASSOCIATION has 2 WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP groups for stroke survivors with CLUB We meet each week on Wednesday Communication difficulties; one in We are a group of retired men who evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Dartford and one in Gravesend. Please meet monthly for a lunch and a Coffee Shop , Bluewater Upper contact Michele at Dartford@stroke. speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. Guildhall, opposite Waterstones. No org.uk or on 01622 3251 962. We also have a monthly walk and fees to pay, just purchase your drink occasional coffee mornings and as a or food in Starbucks and join us. All Also, there is a social group, run by side line we raise money for a local genres and writing styles are welcome

including adult fiction, young adult/ teen, children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and poetry. See H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY us onWFacebook “Bluewater Writers’ Group” For further info email Tony at: tonyjan@talktalk.net 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. FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI A warm welcome awaits you on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane, DA1 2NT at 7.30pm. For more information please contact Judith on 01322 278703 or email FairfieldDartford@wkfwi.org.uk

opportunities that Round Table does. DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Check out the locally famous club Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer Facebook search: or speaker, we also organise holidays * Dartford Round Table and day trips out as well as activities * Round Table including theatre trips, curling, short * Dartford Egg Hunt mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and You will receive a very warm cake afternoons and an art group. welcome. THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD 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 Centre CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st Description: We are a (non-profit Thursday of every month at 1.30pm. making) friendly social group open to Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, anyone over fifty. Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact We enjoy socialising, making new Secretary, Linda Lewis 01322 557229 friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle A group of retired ladies meet locally Walks and Short Breaks Away. for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. each month,. They raise funds for Annual membership £6 charity and usually invite a speaker. If you would like to join us or Join them and enjoy meeting and require further information please making new friends. If you would like telephone: more information please contact Iris Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 (Secretary) on 01474 703448 TALK TIME MALE? AGED 18 - 45? TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME Round Table is for the guys ONLY) with Ladies Circle for the Ladies Fleetdown Library (ladiescircle.co.uk) Everybody welcome, join us for a Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th friendly chat Thursday. and light refreshments. Often called the original young man’s social club, Round Table has over 400 clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries worldwide. We have an emphasis on having a lot of FUN. We guarantee that involvement with Round Table will enhance your social life, your personal abilities, your network and best of all it is not expensive. For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need to experience it because no other organisation offers you the

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

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

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES The group meet every week at Towncentric in Gravesend and this year we are looking at Everyday Life in Medieval London. We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12.30 at £6.00 per week customers can phone me on 01474 355676 for more information or look at my website www.tonimount.co.uk DSTC ALUMNI Hi all, if you went to DSTC, DTC, Dartford West Girls or any other name that the school has been known as we would love to hear from you! The school is looking to make links with former students to help raise the profile of the school but also as a way of getting back in touch with people. There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! www.facebook.com/groups/ DSTCAlumni

2pm-4pm. Call in for a chat about old Crayford and to view the large collection of local images, or bring your own for us to copy. SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@hotmail. co.uk PAVILION PLAYERS Is an amateur dramatics group based at the Joydens Wood Community Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more information please visit www.facebook. com/pavilionplayers or call us on 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop down on a Tuesday night! Everyone welcome!

DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.m. Free tuition with a very friendly, THE MANOR HALL VARIETY sociable group. The ideal way to GROUP We meet every Tuesday at make new friends. Phone Ester 8.00 in the Community hall (opp 01322 220458 or email: St Paulinus church) Crayford. esther.correia1@btinternet.com We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, lights, NORTH WEST KENT FAMILY scenery or singing/acting on the HISTORY SOCIETY stage - everyone welcome. Email The Dartford Branch meet the me (Carolyn) for more details at 1st Saturday of each month c_sawyers@hotmail.com. from 10am-12:30pm at the Dartford Science and Technology CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE College, Heath Lane, For more incorporating Barnehurst and information see www.nwkfhs.org. Slade Green. Meet every Monday uk or ring Janet 01322384836 (except the third Monday) of the month at Crayford Library hall ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY

has been in existence for over 50 years and has well over 50 active members. As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome. The club meets on Wednesday evenings from around 7.00pm until around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms in Invicta House (aka Belvedere Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, Belvedere DA17 5DA. DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session. Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali. co.uk DARTFORD FLORAL CLUB The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement. Contact Carol 01322 220802 DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE CLUB meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup.com/West-KentBook-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page? If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www. dartfordchessclub.co.uk COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB This small friendly club meets each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon in Sutton-at-Hone Village Hall. From 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Price is £3.00 to include Tea & biscuits. Occasionally we meet on a Saturday when we have a tutor with us, from 10am until 4pm Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357. WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@ btinternet.com STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE I provide all the equipment, materials and refreshments with just a small all inclusive, pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person per session. Those who come have the opportunity to learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, inks and how to draw with pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I offer too. www.stimul8activityservice.co.uk EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ - calling all 11-18 year olds who

want more than an ordinary life, come hang out with other young people and discover their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church Dartford, near McDonalds and next to Weatherspoons.

phone 01474324734.

THE GARDENING CLUB SUTTON AT HONE Monthly meetings, Visits to Gardens, Annual Garden Show and much more. For more information For more information email or to become a member please ring andrew@thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 863556. 01322 272649. MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS DA2 7EG Our Club presents a programme Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social of workshops and demonstrations class in a very informal and friendly learning routines from differing atmosphere. We meet on the last genres to popular music providing Thursday of each month except exercise for body and brain. No December. Shorne Village Hall, The dance experience or partners Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are necessary. Contact Kay 01322 always made very welcome, entry 276528 £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY loves flowers. The Club provides an Meetings first and third Friday of opportunity for people to be creative, the month at Freemantle Hall, make friends. Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. For further information please Covering stamps and postal history, phone 01474 353405 or email meetings offer displays, auctions, landaclatworthy@btinternet.com competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP www.bexleyps.org.uk Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. Presentations on local social history. MAKE A NOISE CHOIR Venue Alexandra Suite St Mary’s Singing songs from the shows and Road Swanley BR8 7BU. Doors having fun! We meet every Tuesday open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at St Visitors £2. Everyone welcome. Email Anselm’s Church, West Hill, Dartford swanleyhistorygroup@hotmail.co.uk DA1 2HJ for more details or visit our website www.makeanoisechoir.com https://swanleyhistorygroup.weebly. com or Facebook page. Annual GIRLGUIDING – DARTFORD DIVISION membership £5 includes a monthly Girlguiding is the leading charity for newsletter. girls and young women aged 5-18 in the UK. NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP There are more than 30 groups in the Meets on the third Saturday of Dartford area run by our amazing every month (except August) from volunteers who inspire girls every 2pm - 4pm in the Community Room week. of Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 1BE. The Our new programme delivers the programme of activities is varied fun and varied range of activities with workshops, talks and sit and that you expect from guiding, and of stitch sessions. Visitors are very course, there’s still plenty of badges welcome. More information can to earn. We’ve introduced new be found on our website www. topics, new skills and new ways for northkentembroiderers.co.uk or girls to broaden their horizons.

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

BUDGERIGAR CLUB We meet every third Thursday of each month, between 19:30 & 21:30 at the following local hall: Pheonix Place Community Hall Pheonix Place Dartford Kent DA1 2XG

SPORTS GROUPS AND CLUBS

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 Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. For more info, visit www.ydma. club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

Yoga with Emma “YOGA WITH EMMA WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING Europa Gymnastics Centre: Wheelchair epee fencing in - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – Dartford and Gravesham, we are 9.30am to 10.30am delighted to announce that New - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to Ash Green Epee club, can now 10.30am introduce wheelchair fencing. If interested in taking up this para - Fridays: Yin Yoga – 10.45am to sport please contact us on 01474 11.45am 871484 or alternatively look at our Becket Sports Centre: website www.nagfencing.eu - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm ERITH YOUTH RUGBY Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Please see www.samadhi-yoga. Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 co.uk for more information or 590515 email Emma at emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk“ LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS KENT EXILES AMERICAN Sundays 10:15-10:45 at FOOTBALL CLUB Swanscombe Leisure Centre. www.kentexiles.co.uk. Call Saj on 07903 513104 Coach Martin - 07944 730634. All ages from 7 years to adult DARTFORD GYMNASTICS welcome is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION to hold the”GymMark” Award for 6 years. I run group fitness classes as Based in Heath Lane, we are a well as 1-1 and semi private friendly club personal training sessions in with super equipment, great Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery coaches and high standards. We DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & do lots of competitions and we do Nutrition: we offer a wide variety not close through the holidays! of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Visit our website www.dartBoxercise, mum and baby classes, fordgymnastics.co.uk for full details or contact Linda on 01322 inside and outside classes with 54

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. DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio. We have an adult class 8-10pm too. We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members. DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB For more details see www.dfok. co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable 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. THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, Friendly club seeking new members. Abilities mixed. Would suit players with some prior experience. Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT For further information please

email: highlystrungbc@gmail.com W H E R E TO G O LO CA L LY

WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come grab a cup of tea and chat about all things hobby and some things not! For more info visit - https://emperors10th.wixsite.com/home DARTFORD PARKRUN Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants get a time a position emailed and texted after the event. To register go to www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode. Every Sunday Morning in the Park there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – registration is the same. DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now live. The run starts behind the Heath Lane car park and is a free 5k run every Saturday morning at 9am. Parking is restricted in the area so please do not park in Heathclose Road and wherever possible please walk. FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN A new Parkrun event with parking at Crazy Barn SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD Seeds is a long-established cycling Club in Dartford and we share our headquarters at Hesketh with Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for most abilities and have a social ride most Saturday mornings. For info on joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK TRIATHLON CLUB We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 times per week at White oak pool

in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then please visit our website http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri. co.uk DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR teams compete in the Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities. http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ node/440 DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS CLUB Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance your Athletics then please visit our website http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk 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.

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. DARTFORD BOCCIA CLUB Boccia is a Paralympic Sport similar to Pétanque or Boules. It is played in a seated position therefore ideal for disabled or non-disabled persons to play together. We meet once a fortnight on a Saturday between 5-6pm. Cost is £2.50 per player per session. There is FREE parking on site. All welcome.

This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and Facebook: Dartford Boccia Club running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners THE ASHES BADMINTON CLUB around. For more information please Mondays, Dartford Technology visit our website College, Heath centralparkathletics.co.uk Lane. 8-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854. Every Sunday 10-11am – Child

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Downton Ali Associates.........................................59 BEAUTY Gorgeous Nail & Beauty.........................................10 BUILDERS, DECORATORS, ROOFING, BATHROOMS, HEATING, KITCHENS, WINDOWS & DOORS Claremont Decorative Services............................36 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..................................22 The Double Glazing Repair Man..............................4 YRS Refurbishments................................................4 CAFE Two Trees Cafe ......................................................37 CAR CARE ChipsAway..............................................................11 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.........................................................19 Dartford Our Space................................................47 Monkey Music.........................................................55 CHURCH Crossways Church...................................................7 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ....................................31 ENTERTAINMENT Bexley Park Sports & Social Club..........................37 Orchard Theatre.....................................................43 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ............................................................17 56

Wisdom Estates......................................................23 FARM SHOP H&M Foods.............................................................15 Stanhill Farm.........................................................16 FLORIST Dartford Florist.....................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage......................................................60 Shenley Road Garage...............................................7 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening.............................................7 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................25 NURSERY Holy Trinity Church Pre School.............................12 The Brent Playgroup..............................................47 MEDICAL AND HEALTH Slimming World.......................................................2 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Dartford Bootcamps...............................................32 Fairfield Leisure Centre..........................................30 On Pointe Pilates....................................................19 Why Weight?...........................................................20 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames............................................................38

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RESTAURANT/ TEA ROOMS/CAFE EFES.......................................................................18 The Churchyard Tea Room....................................11 Two Tree Tea Room...............................................36 SECURITY Excel Security Systems..........................................21 SPORTS Dartford Football Club...........................................41 Fairfield Leisure Centre..........................................28 TUTOR my Bluewater tutor................................................49 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .................................................21

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USEFUL NUMBERS LOCAL AND NATIONAL

KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/ Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 01322 421480 Boots Chemist Bluewater 01322 624780 (Late Night) ASDA Greenhithe Chemist 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1513 100 West Kent NHS helpline 0800 0 850850 TRAVEL Heathrow Airport Enquires 08700 000123 Gatwick Airport Enquires 08700 002468 National Rail Enquires 08456 484950 Highways England Info Line 0300 123 5000 HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014

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

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

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

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