Dartford Living January 25

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refurbished flats near hospitals that parents use so that they can be near their poorly child, refurbished a As part of our annual Dartford Living tradition, therapy room, redecorated parent bedrooms in the instead of sending Christmas cards last month, Intensive Care Unit and bought toys and resources for made a donation to a fantastic charity. You can find Willow Ward in Darent Valley Hospital. out more about them below Every year they deliver Christmas and Easter gifts to children in local hospitals to bring a little happiness to the children, while also trying to keep the children occupied while in bed, sometimes for long periods of time. The Little Miss Champion Trust has just started to support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and have provided new sensory toys, eight cot mobiles, 20 new mugs and cutlery for the parents’ room and toiletries for parents who arrive at the hospital and need to stay without warning.

The family work all year round to raise funds to continue their charity work, helping as many hospitals as they can. www.facebook.com/littlemisschampiontrust

In 2015 Emily and Colin Champion’s 6-month-old daughter, Imogen, suddenly became seriously ill and was taken to the Intensive Care Unit at King’s College Hospital in Camberwell, where doctors managed to save her life. For the next 16 months, Imogen received fantastic care as an out-patient at King’s College Hospital, and she appeared to make great progress.

Sadly, in June 2016, Imogen collapsed at home and died, despite the paramedics’ best efforts. After Imogen died, her parents raised money for King’s College Hospital as a thank you for all their treatment and support and to provide the paediatric wards with anything they needed.

They decided to set up their own charity, The Little Miss Champion Trust was set up in 2021 in honour of their little daughter to help the paediatric patients in as many hospitals as they can. They have www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Chris Armstrong served as a Parish Councillor for 16 years, with 6 years as Chair. Everyone discussed their time as a Parish councillor, sharing the challenges and fond memories of village life.

The evening also saw the official launch of the new village book ‘Then and Now’, highlighting village life of old and new businesses and the development of the parish. Copies are available to purchase at Sutton at Hone Library. Please speak to Councillor Krisha White.

On Friday, 6th December 2024, at the Hawley Pavillion on Main Road, Sutton at Hone and Hawley Parish Council held their 130th anniversary celebration.

During the event, guests were able to enjoy drinks and refreshments, and there was a small, curated exhibition of old maps of Sutton at Hone and Hawley, old photographs and documents, and artefacts from the parish council archives; the old Sutton at Hone Burial Board paper stamp from the late 1880s, 1928 Minute book and an allotment trophy, last presented in the early 1990s. I also chose to wear the special Parish Council medallion, made by the late Paddy Mills in 1988, incredibly crafted in silver and enamel.

As part of the evening, talks were given by three former Parish Councillors: Pat Coleman, first elected to the Borough Council in 1976, represented Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley ward until standing down in May 2019.

Stephen DeWinton was parish councillor from 1999 to 2003 and from 2006 to 2014 with 3 years as chair.

Stephen was co-author with Barbara Reed of “A Parish Remembered, Sutton at Hone & Hawley”, published in 1994 to mark the centenary of the founding of the Parish Council in 1894.

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On behalf of all of the Sutton at Hone and Hawley Parish Councillors, and as Vice Chair, I wish to thank everyone who attended the event, seeing many faces, old and new. Special thanks to Pat, Stephen and Chris for the interesting talks and Debby Ebanks at Hawley Pavillion.

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There are lots of sports club’s and teams in Dartford.

Going forward we will be bringing you regular news, results and fixtures from these clubs but first lets introduce you to some of the teams.

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club:

They are affiliated to their governing body, England Athletics, and within their first three years built up a A long running basketball club membership of just over 400. They focused on social that has roots in the community running for people within the borough of Dartford, of since it was founded in 1948 all ages and abilities, in a friendly and non intimidating having also had the involvement manner. of Mick Jagger’s father (Joe Jagger) in the clubs early years. The close relationship they have with parkrun, meant that they offered the “next step” for parkrunners to start Dartford Basketball Club is a voluntary run, non-profit their athletics journey and many have gone on to try making diverse club that has a management committrack running and even field events, such as shot put, tee of 15 members. They currently have two senior javelin and high jump. men’s teams, a vet’s team, a women’s team and a junior programme with 80 juniors across 4 age groups The COVID years hit the club hard and it was tough (U12,U14,U16,U18). The senior men’s teams play to survive but they powered through it and are now in the Medway league, with the women representing stronger than ever. They continue to grow by offering Dartford in the East Kent league and the juniors comvery low membership fees and even offer a hardship peting in the Kent league. fund so no one is excluded from athletics for financial reasons.

The total club membership is currently 170 members including 12 coaches.

The club's ethos of promoting athletics to a wider audience remains their goal. They will never turn anyone Their social media handles are Instagram and TikTok: away. All they ask for is that the members enjoy athlet@dartfordsharks ics and do their best and the club will support them.

Facebook: /dartfordbasketballclub www.dartfordbasketballclub.co.uk www.centralparkathletics.co.uk Central Park Athletics

Dartford Harriers:

Tony Durey and Anoushka Johnson founded the club, Central Park Athletics, in November 2017. They were members of the Dartford Harriers Athletics Club which has a waiting list of over 200 people wanting to engage in athletics.

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Whilst walking through Central Park you can’t help but notice the big blue track at the back of the park. This is the home of Dartford Harriers Athletics Club, a club with over 100 years of getting people involved with athletics.

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Here you will find all ages training and competing every week; in the summer on the track and field - whilst in these colder winter months the attention turns to the exciting cross country season.

Dartford Valley Rugby Club: Dartford Valley Rugby Club are Dartford’s premier Rugby Club.

They have men’s, women’s and academy teams.

The 2024 Track and Field season finished with many of their amazing athletes achieving new personal bests and club records.

The 2024 cross country season is now in full swing with their teams competing in Kent Fitness League, Kent Cross Country League and the Kent Cross Country Championships in January at Brands Hatch to name a few.

The club, as we now know it, was formed in 2009 and played their matches at Leigh Academy. In 2014 the club was allowed to use the Dartford crest and in November 2019 they moved to their new home on Cotton Lane.

Here are their latest results in the cross country leagues Kent Fitness League Cross Country Sunday 1st December at Knole Park.

They finished 3rd overall in the combined team - A fantastic effort!

Kent Cross Country League Saturday 24th November at Swanley Park.

The teams finished in the following; U13G team - 4th place U13B team - 8th place U15G team - 4th place U15B team - 4th place Another fantastic effort It’s been an amazing year with many of their athletes being selected to represent their schools, Kent and England. dartfordharriersac.co.uk Social media Instagram: @dartford_harriers_ac Facebook: Dartford Harriers AC

Over 350 children are in their youth academy. The men’s team play in the Kent 2 League and are currently 10th in that league, and women’s in the womens NC1 South East and are currently top of the table as we go to print. www.dartfordrugby.com Social media Instagram: @dartford_valley_rfc Facebook: Dartford Valley Rugby Club

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Would you like your business to enhance its customer service experience?

ADSS Facing dementia together

Register your interest in our FREE Dementia Friendly Dartford initiative!

Dartford Borough Council has awarded ADSS funding to support local retailers, businesses, charities and community organisations to become Dementia Inclusive.

Those businesses participating will be awarded with a window sticker that can be displayed so that those affected by dementia will be confident in accessing your business.

This is a great opportunity to ensure that those affected by dementia feel safe and comfortable when shopping on the High Street and in the shopping centres in Dartford.

Places are limited so don’t delay in registering your interest via this QR code.

You will be provided with FREE Dementia Awareness training and with an opportunity to ensure the areas of your business that are open to the public are welcoming and safe for those living with dementia.

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If you have any questions about this initiative, please email emily.forster@alz-dem.org 01474 533990 www.alz-dem.org

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orientation of daily/weekly schedule, time, day, month and weather.

- Listen to their version of reality, don’t challenge it.

Communication can be a challenge for people living - Be patient, don’t rush or answer for them, give them with dementia, presenting in many ways such as time to talk. finding it difficult to remember the right word, becoming - Involve them in conversations or base conversations distracted and losing train of thought, not being able to around topics they know, something of interest to them express their emotions, change in ability to read and or a part of their life history. write and sensory problems with seeing or hearing.

- Give them reassurance if they are communicating Each person may experience different communication emotions that appear to be distressing them, difficulties throughout their experience of dementia. depending on the person this can be done by touch or telling them they are safe.

Here’s some of our top tips on how you can be - Use topics or activities to redirect and distract away supportive: from distressing situations.

- Speak slowly and clearly, with simple and uncomplicated language.

Dementia can be a hidden disability, so it is important - Shorten sentences, don’t give too much information for anyone, and everyone to be considerate if or choices. an individual appears to be having difficulties - Act out what you are saying, use gestures, body communicating. language and facial expressions to help the person connect and understand context.

- Utilise pictures to help explain what you are saying.

- Timetables and dementia clocks can help explain

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Dementia Wellbeing Local community fun and friendly activities and support groups.

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Dementia Coordination Advice, information & guidance in person, over the phone and by email.

Dementia Care Active and fun filled days at The Beacon day service and support in your home with daily living.

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Jim Dickson MP for Dartford I hope everyone has enjoyed a lovely festive period spent with family and loved ones. It has been a delight getting out and about in the constituency as your local MP, meeting more charities, businesses and residents and hearing what matters most to everyone – and I look forward to more in 2025.

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

Wishing you all the best, Jim

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

I also now have a brilliant team in place, ready to support every resident – I will be holding many surgeries in my office and around the area going forward. My next office surgeries are taking place Friday 31st January and Friday 28th February – to book a spot please email jim.dickson.mp@parliament.uk.

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both skill development and a genuine love for the game.

I believe in teaching strong fundamentals, like opening principles, tactics, and endgame strategies, while also encouraging creativity and independent thinking. It’s important that young players not only learn the technical side of chess but also develop critical thinking, patience, and resilience through the game.

I strive to create a supportive and engaging environment where kids can grow at their own pace. While competition is important, I focus on building confidence and teaching them how to learn from mistakes, understanding that every game, win or lose, is a learning opportunity.

Could you describe a typical training session at Dartford Junior Chess Club?

A typical training session at Dartford Junior Chess Club starts with a chess puzzle to engage the players’ minds right from the beginning. This not only warms them up but also sharpens their problem-solving skills. After the puzzle, we move into a formal lesson where we focus on specific aspects of the game, whether it’s openings, tactics, or endgame strategies. Once the lesson is Can you tell us a bit about your journey into chess? complete, the juniors get the opportunity to put what What led you to start Dartford Junior Chess Club? they’ve learned into practice by playing chess games against each other. This combination of puzzle-solving, I started playing chess when I was 6 years old, and in structured learning, and practical play helps them build my early years, I had some great success, winning a both their skills and confidence. couple of national competitions. However, once I began my professional career outside of chess, I stepped How do you tailor your training approach for away from the game for over 20 years. The passion for players of different skill levels, from beginners to chess never left me, though, and I always wanted to more advanced juniors? stay connected to it in some way.

I tailor my training approach by assessing each player’s When I realised there was an adult chess club in current skill level and designing lessons that meet their Dartford but no structured chess teaching for younger needs. For beginners, I focus on the basics—how the players, I felt there was a real need for it. I decided to pieces move, fundamental strategies like controlling the start Dartford Junior Chess Club to fill that gap, and my centre, and simple tactics such as forks and pins. The goal was simple: to introduce more children to the game goal is to build a strong foundation and ensure they feel and help build a stronger chess community in our town. confident with the rules and key concepts.

What is your coaching philosophy when working For more advanced juniors, I introduce complex with junior players? tactics, deeper opening theories, and endgame techniques. I also encourage them to analyse their As a chess teacher, my coaching philosophy when games to understand their mistakes and improve their working with junior players centres around fostering decision-making. Advanced players often work on 30

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more challenging puzzles and study famous games to evaluate different scenarios, and make decisions based sharpen their strategic thinking. on analysis, which can translate into better performance in academic subjects and everyday life.

Throughout, I ensure each player progresses at their own pace, offering guidance and challenges that match Socially, chess fosters important skills such as patience, their level. sportsmanship, and respect for opponents. Playing in a club environment allows young players to interact How do you integrate modern chess tools, like with peers, build friendships, and learn how to handle online platforms and AI, into your coaching? both victories and defeats gracefully. It encourages communication and teamwork, especially when Dartford Junior Chess Club has an online team that participating in group activities or team competitions. participates in online competitions, which allows our Overall, the skills learned through chess contribute to players to gain more experience and face opponents a well-rounded development that benefits children in from different regions. Additionally, we have an online various aspects of their lives. system where students can access digital versions of the lessons we’ve covered during training. This system What role do parents play in supporting young also includes analysis of their games, providing them chess players, and how do you engage with them with detailed insights into their strengths and areas for as part of your coaching process? improvement. These tools not only make learning more accessible but also help students track their progress Parents play a crucial role in supporting young chess and continue developing their skills outside of in-person players, and their involvement can significantly enhance sessions. a child’s experience and development in the game.

They provide encouragement, help facilitate practice at What are your goals for Dartford Junior Chess Club home, and often serve as a source of motivation during in the next few years? competitions.

The primary goal for the club is to cultivate a greater love for the game of chess in Dartford and the surrounding areas. We want to introduce more young players to the game and help them appreciate both the fun and the intellectual challenge it offers. While fostering a strong chess community is our top priority, we also have competitive ambitions. Winning one of the local leagues would be a fantastic achievement, and we’re working hard to develop the skills of our players to reach that goal.

As part of my coaching process, I actively engage with parents through regular communication, updating them on their child’s progress and discussing ways they can support their learning. I encourage parents to participate in club activities and events, fostering a community where they can share experiences and tips with each other.

What advice would you give to young aspiring chess players who want to take their game to the next level?

In your experience, how does playing chess benefit young players beyond the game itself? Do you see First, practice regularly. Playing as much as possible, it improving their cognitive or social skills? whether in club settings, online, or with friends, will help you develop your skills and build confidence. Try to From working with young players, I’ve seen that playing analyse your games afterward, especially your losses, chess offers numerous benefits that extend well beyond to learn from your mistakes. the game itself. Cognitively, chess enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic planning. For more information about how to get involved with It teaches players to think several moves ahead, Dartford Junior Chess Club see page 58 www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Blood pressure is a measurement of the force required to push blood around your body. When we measure blood pressure, we get two numbers. The top number is the systolic blood pressure, which is the highest your blood pressure gets when the heart beats pushing blood around your body. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure as your heart relaxes between beats.

function.

• Having untreated high blood pressure can cause weakening of the artery walls over time, causing an aneurysm. If these burst, it can cause life threatening internal bleeding.

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is essential for your overall health and prevention of complications.

Ideally, your blood pressure should be between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure (hypertension) is anything above 140/90, which is when there is an increased risk of complications. Many things can affect your blood pressure reading, from when you last ate, the temperature, exercise and whether you are stressed.

Blood pressure – the silent killer Around 30% of the population have high blood pressure but many aren’t aware. High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, so the only way you will know is to have your blood pressure checked. Many community pharmacies around Dartford offer free blood pressure tests. Some surgeries have a blood pressure pod in their reception areas for patients to use. You can also use a friend or relatives blood pressure machine for a quick check.

Why do we worry about high blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is high, that means that there is extra stress on your blood vessels and your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Your blood vessels, which are normally stretchy, become stiff or narrow. This makes it easier for fatty material (atheroma) to build up, narrowing them further. This can cause other problems.

• High blood pressure plays a part in 50% of strokes and heart attacks. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke.

• The additional strain on the heart caused by high blood pressure can lead to heart failure over time, where the pumping action of the heart is reduced.

• Studies have shown that people aged 40-64 who have high blood pressure are more likely to develop vascular dementia.

• More than half of people with chronic kidney disease have high blood pressure.

• High blood pressure can also affect the blood vessels at the back of your eye (retina), making them narrow and leaky, which can cause problems with your eyesight. It is also related to other eye problems that can affect your vision including blockage of small arteries and veins.

• Damage to blood vessels means that men with hypertension are twice as likely to develop erectile dys-

This is why your GP surgery may contact you to check your blood pressure if you are over 40.

If your blood pressure is raised, but not dangerously high (180/110), we will request some blood tests to see how your kidneys are working and to check for other risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol. We may start you on medication to bring down your blood pressure and we will monitor this with blood pressure checks and blood tests at least yearly.

What can I do?

Having a healthy lifestyle is important. Being active, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking are important. Follow a balanced diet with five portions of fruit or veg a day, reduce your salt and saturated fat intake. Cut back on alcohol and make sure you get enough sleep.

If your blood pressure is high, we can help with medication to bring it down. Make sure you attend for regular blood pressure checks and blood tests.

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

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• Post remains unopened • A bruise on an arm or leg indicating a fall • Food in fridge well past sell-by date • Don’t recognise names in Christmas cards • Resist social situations It’s observations like these that trigger a search for support (after all prevention is better than cure), and why home care companies like Home Instead, see a significant spike in enquiries at this time of year.

We are always on the lookout for caring and compassionate individuals to join our Care Professional team so that we can support more local individuals and families.

We’d love to hear from you if you think you can help or if you would like to make a suggestion for a future Welcome to Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory topic. Please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford. column with older members of our community in mind, homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Fidelis House, ST Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322923750.

Instead Dartford.

The Christmas season is a wonderful period for spending quality time with the family. It’s a time when we can be together with ageing relatives for longer than usual, often with them coming to stay for a few days.

These visits sometimes spark concerns amongst family members who spot signs of decline in health, cognitive ability or general disposition; indicating that they may need some support to keep them safe and well.

Mum is perhaps more forgetful than last time you visited and is repeating stories. Dad has lost weight and is off his food. A parent living on their own complains of being lonely and not getting out to see friends as often.

These are some of the more obvious signs of decline, but what are the more subtle changes that family members should look out for?

• House is untidy, unclean or both 40

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@ellenorcharity Registered charity no. 1121561

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

I provide regular care for domestic gardens including: .

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

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

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

Many Thanks.

07590049382 or gardensteve1@outlook.com

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AA Autocentre Dartford Your local centre for MOTs, servicing and repairs.

23 Quadrant Court, Dartford, Greenhithe, DA9 9AY All drivers welcome No membership required FREE MOT WHEN BOOKED WITH A SERVICE

Book online at theAA.com/dartfordliving Or call 01322 422411 44

January 2025

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Chelmsford City) and Hayden Bullas (from Leyton Orient).

Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking Moving on, Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related Dartford FC Women side are flying high at the to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine. moment. However, due to the adverse weather we’ve been experiencing recently, a few fixtures have been Firstly, on behalf of Dartford Living Magazine, Dartford postponed.

FC, and Dartford FC Women, I’d like to begin by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Since my last article, the ladies have managed to play twice during the last month. Both fixtures were Since I last wrote in these pages, Dartford FC has been league games, against Bromley and Newhaven, and on an excellent unbeaten run in the Isthmian Premier both games saw the ladies win 4-0. Their incredible League. With four victories and four draws in the last defensive record, together with a scintillating attack eight league games, the Darts have climbed up the means that the Darts remain at the top of the London table and are now fully in the hunt for the playoff places. & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table. They have accumulated 28 points in their eleven Our home form has been exceptional since the goalless games played so far, six points clear of second-placed draw with high-flying Cray Valley PM at the beginning Saltdean. Although, they do have three games in hand of November. Ady Pennock’s team has played three over the Darts. games which they’ve won, scoring eight and conceding just the once. Those three wins have been accompanied Goalkeeper Jade Charlton has collected six clean by three draws away from home, and an excellent 3-0 sheets in the league so far, while Amy Russ is the win at Hastings United on our last road trip. team’s current top scorer with fifteen league goals. Her closest challenger is Emily Vaughan, who has scored There have been many players amongst the goals six times, while Shauni Griffiths is hot on her heels with this season, but a special mention must go out to our five goals to her name.

Academy Graduates, Olly Box and George Whitefield.

Both have been scoring on a regular basis during recent Whatever happens, it’s certainly going to be an exciting, games, which is a huge testament to our Academy and yet busy time, as we enter the Christmas season coaching team. section of the football calendar! So, enjoy the festivities, eat loads of turkey, and have plenty of laughs! But most With this duo, together with other young players, such of all, stay safe and love each other as Sam Odaudu, Luther Williams, Jeremiah Pinder, and Denzelle Olopade, the future is certainly looking bright Please remember to keep an eye on all teams’ progress for the team. But we mustn’t forget to praise the other via our social media platforms and the official club young players, as well as the more seasoned members website throughout the season. And as always, thank of the squad. All have been working extremely hard, you for your continued support and thanks for reading. both on and off the pitch, and we’re now seeing the rewards as the team gels.

At the time of writing Ade Yussuf has returned to Hornchurch, while Ady Pennock has brought in two midfielders on loan in the form of Louis Dunne (from www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk | www.dartfordliving.live

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Stay protected

Make sure you have your flu and Covid-19 vaccines

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Present our 2025 Annual Family Pantomime

Rapunzel

by Elizabeth Davis

Advance Ticket Prices

Adults £8 Under 16/Over 60 £7 Family of 4 £27 (Details on booking site)

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Musical Theatre School for Children OUR CLASSES:

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Meet Megan Middup Five years of childcare experience First place winner of Talent America in 2019

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

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

! y l k e e w

(Castle Hill Community Centre)

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

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

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

Funded by

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