Dartford Living June 2019

FREE June 2019 - Issue 156

By the community, for the community

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE

NETBALL - ONE OF DARTFORD’S BEST KEPT SECRETS - Page 6 BIG FUN RUN AND DOG JOG 2019 - Page 14 KEEPING ALL THE PLATES SPINNING - Page 29

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ired be inspwith Slimming World MONDAYS Church Centre, 112 Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, Kent DA10 0JZ 7:30pm Heather 07957 083150

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

VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sue 07507 599691

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

British Legion Hall Devon Road, South Darenth, DA4 9AA 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm June 07957 902767

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

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 7.30pm Kate 07590 995948 TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401 Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 5:30pm and 7:30pm Gillian 07957 135737

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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

Baldwyns Park Baptist Church Dartford Road Bexley 5.30pm & 7.30pm Del: 07975 541082 Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 09:30am Jo 07800 797030 St Anselm’s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 FRIDAYS Lesley Close Bourne Road , Bexley DA5 1LX 9am Del 07975 541082

SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Temple Hill Community Centre Dartford Temple Hill Square, Dartford, Kent DA1 5HY DA1 SW 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm 8am and 10am Jo 07800 797030 Sarah 07739 027161 THURSDAYS The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 9:30am Caroline 07776 181413

Christchurch Centre Kingswood Avenue Swanley BR8 8AN 8am and 10am Jayne 07557 979435

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers | Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817

WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF

DARTFORD LIVING

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY Dear Readers,

Welcome to the June magazine. As usual it’s jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them!

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

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

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

Additionally, if you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter and you will join 7,000 others who receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month.

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

CONTENTS 6 7 14 16 18 19 24 25 26-27 29 34

Netball - One of Dartford’s best kept secrets DSTC Community day Big fun run and dog job Stanhill Farm Gardening with the World Garden Rosa’s Thai Cafe Life Under the Stairs Recipe Travel Spotlight Kepping all the plates spinning WMA-WCI Transforming is immediate community 37 ellenor announced as finalists in Kent Charity of the year 2019 39 Local author book review 40 Sports News 42 Fitness 43 Dartford Painted Rocks 43 Then and Now 44 Theatre Review 45 Car News 48-55 Where to Go Locally 56-57 Advertisers Index 58 Useful Numbers

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29 39 Check out our website for even more local news and articles

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NETBALL – ONE OF DARTFORD’S BEST KEPT SECRETS

by Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford

Netball – one of Dartford’s best kept secrets – is one of the features of the Österberg Collection’s new Visitor Centre which opens in Dartford next month.

It is not well-known that netball was first played right here in Dartford in 1895 at the BergmanÖsterberg Physical Training College, which today stands on the site of North Kent College.

The training college, which was an educational establishment for girls and women specialising in gymnastics, was opened in the town by Martina BergmanÖsterberg in 1895. Later that year ‘netball’ was invented and the first set of rules were standardised by Madame Osterberg and her students between 1899 and 1901.

original refurbished gymslip) and furniture, such as Madame’s original dresser and chair.

Anne Stuart, of the Österberg Collection said: “We hope that having an easily accessible Visitor Centre in the middle of the North Kent Campus will mean that more can come and see our displays about Madame Österberg, her life and work.”

Earlier this year, the story of netball’s creation featured in an episode of Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys highlighting its links to the town.

When I visited the Österberg Collection I was amazed by the sheer wealth of information, photos and artefacts on show and I don’t think I am alone in being surprised that netball began in Dartford.

It is quite fitting that this new Visitor Centre is opening just a day before the World Netball Championships in Madame Österberg got the idea of netball following a Liverpool and I hope it will go a long way to teaching people trip to the United States. The game was adapted from about the history of netball and its roots in Dartford. basketball by the players who scored a goal by throwing a ball into a waste paper basket on the top of a pole.

The players found it annoying to have to keep removing the basket every time the ball went in it and so, at the suggestion of the father of one of the students, they replaced the basket with a net and changed the name of the sport from ‘basketball’ to ‘netball’.

As well as inventing netball, Madame Österberg created a new profession for women; that of the PE teacher.

Madame Österberg and Mary Tait, a former student and member of staff, were also responsible for the creation of the gymslip.

The college thrived throughout the 20th century, educating scores of women and despite closing its doors in the mid1980s, an archive collection has always remained on site.

This treasure trove of photos and literature about the history of the college and its sports will be featured in the new Visitor Centre. It will include documents, books, photographs, sporting artefacts, clothing (including an 6

The Bergman Österberg Union which currently has a membership of 350 is always keen for new members.

Information about the organisation can be found on its website at www.bergmanosterbergunion.org.uk It can be contacted at bergmanosterbergunion@gmail. com or by post at NK College.

Following the official opening, the new Visitor Centre will be open to the public on Wednesdays, between 10am and 4pm.

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DARTFORD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE COMMUNITY DAY 2019

by Jonathan Dix On Thursday 18th July 2019 there will be nearly 700 students and staff from Dartford Science and Technology College who will be volunteering in and around Dartford.

This will now be the fifth year we have held this amazing and unique event which is now firmly in the Dartford calendar.

member? If so, email me: community@dstc.kent.sch.uk If you see the students out and about then say hello and encourage them. They often are doing activities that are new to them but we know that learning is not just about being in the classroom.

Over the last 4 years we raised over ÂŁ10,000 for local charities and given nearly 11,000 hours of labour. Due to our generous sponsors we can often supply the equipment needed to fulfil the placements. Last year we went to 50 different places including renovating the dementia garden at Darent Valley Hospital, bag packing at supermarkets, fundraising on the streets, working with animal charities and working in partnership with all the Dartford village councils and a lot more.

This year will be bigger and better!

We need you! Do you know of a group, church or charity that could use a team of 10 students and one staff

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BIG FUN RUN AND DOG JOG 2019 Dog Jog - Become a Dog Jogger in 2019!

take part in something different this summer!

To find out more and sign up please visit: http://bit. ly/2JMFC3Z Big Fun Run Looking for something to get you motivated this summer?

Why not grab your friends and family and be a part of Big Fun Run Dartford!

Big Fun Run Dartford is a 5k untimed run strictly for FUN where it’s all about relaxed exercise. No times, no pressure, no sweat - just some easy moves and a lot of laughs.

Big Fun Run takes place on Sunday 15th September at Central Park. It’s suitable for all the family where you can accomplish your personal goals; whether you are raising money for a worthwhile cause close to your heart, remembering a loved one or simply keeping active.

Since 2007, Big Fun Runners have raised more than £5 million for hundreds of amazing charities and that total is set to grow even more this year.

Dog Jog Dartford is a unique 5k jogging event for you and your dog to get fit and have fun. Come and have a bark in Central Park on Sunday 15th September and enjoy a relaxed, fun atmosphere with no times or pressure and meet like-minded dog owners in the local area.

This isn’t about Olympic level athletes charging about in record times, it’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers, groups running together, fancy dress and a fantastic fun mix. It’s a fun-filled environment, perfect for having a laugh and trying something different. There really is something for everyone at a Big Fun Run! Run for fitness, run for charity, run for fun - just run!

Find out more and sign up today at www.bigfunrun.com/ dartford/ Psst! Plus under 5s can take part for FREE!

Dog Jog Dartford is a brilliant opportunity to accomplish your personal goals with your dog; whether you are raising money for a worthwhile cause close to your heart or simply keeping fit. Plus what’s more, when you cross the finish line you’ll receive a fantastic Doggy Bag jam-packed with goodies for both you and your four-legged friend, as well as Dog Jog Collar Keyring medal!

It is also a great opportunity to meet other like-minded dog owners in your local area. Dog Jog is a fantastic chance for you and your canine companion to get some fresh air and exercise with other dogs, so why not come and 14

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Stanhill Farm

by Laura Tuley

Stanhill Farm Shop in Wilmington opened in October 2009 and stocks a wide range of fresh produce, much of which is harvested by hand and then put straight onto the shelves. We grow up to 30 different crops a year, making us a “real” farm shop.

cutting out the need for unnecessary packaging. Choose from a variety including brown and white pasta and rice, nuts, seeds and pulses. We’ve been extremely pleased with how popular the dispensers have been and since we launched them, we have also welcomed several new customers to the Farm Shop who are interested in reducing Some of the produce in the shop is sourced from local their carbon footprint, so this is very encouraging. farms and producers and the rest comes from the London wholesale markets. To make certain the produce We have also introduced a new addition to our deli is always up to our high standard, we go through it each products and now stock handmade Scotch eggs in four night to ensure it is of the highest quality. The standards delicious varieties: Classic Pork & Herb, Black Pudding, we set, and our friendly team are the reasons the shop Caramelised Onion and Madras Veggie. Created by a father continues to grow. and son team who also supply to Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason, to name a few! The Scotch eggs are We pride ourselves on being a community spirited farm all handmade with Suffolk free range eggs and 100% shop and enjoy engaging with our customers and having British pork. Customers have been enjoying tasters of the a good chat. Over the years we have built up a loyal Scotch eggs in the Farm Shop, and as a result they have customer base and know many of our customers on a been flying off the shelves! first-name basis.

We have an extra busy time ahead on the farm with our Pick Your Own due to open around the beginning of June, and our Maize Maze opening in late July. This year’s Maize Maze theme is Crops & Robbers – a farm theme based on the age-old battle between scarecrows and crows!

Please see our website for full information about the Farm Shop and everything else happening on the farm: www. stanhillfarm.co.uk. or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

In March this year we were very excited to launch dry food dispensers in the Farm Shop! Select as much or as little that you require, while helping the environment by 16

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GARDENING WITH THE WORLD GARDEN

by Tom Hart Dyke, curator of The World Garden

June is always a busy month in the garden, spring and summer blooms collide to create a riot of colour and a profusion of delightful scents! With the arrival of a new season, there are plenty of jobs to keep you busy including planting and pruning, so get all the family involved especially the children as your helping hands.

Summer is also a time to ensure everything remains well watered, so a must have piece of gardening equipment is a water butt, perfect to collect rain water and recycle a valuable resource for maintaining your fabulous garden.

over 30 stalls and admire a host of stunning quilt and patchwork exhibits created by the talented members.

Visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk for more details. Photos Alan Graham

Here in The World Garden our volunteers enjoy a variety of planting, including Dahlias and Canna Lilies to add colour and interest to our main borders. We all spend the first part of the month cutting back late flowering spring shrubs, ideal to encourage new flowers for next year and there is always ongoing weeding to keep the beds tidy.

It’s great to add instant colour with Summer bedding to pots, window boxes and hanging baskets, although when watering you must soak to ensure it gets to the roots, best at the end of the day to avoid scorching the plant beauties!

We are hoping for some glorious sunny days for the garden and all our new events, a great line up starting June 1st & 2nd with the Food Fest 2019. Next is our ‘Classics at the Castle’ on Saturday 29th June will showcase around 100 classic cars, a rally in aid of the Henry Spink Foundation.

Save the date too for July (19-21st) with our new Quilt & Craft Festival, as we welcome The Quilters Guild to celebrate the craftsmanship from across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. Visitors will enjoy live demonstrations, 18

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ROSA’S THAI CAFE

by Annabelle Jain

There was a lot of attention to detail in this restaurant.

An example of this being the gorgeous plates. Not only could the kids not break them (I think they were made of metal) but they have a beautiful paint splatted pattern on. One thing that some people may not like about them however is that they aren’t brought out warm. Seeing as the food comes out in separate bowls to serve onto your plates this could mean that some people find their food going cold, although ours didn’t hang around long enough to notice!

If you love Thai you will definitely be able to find some lovely and traditional food at Rosa’s and it is always great to have something new on offer in Bluewater. You can Last year Bluewater was graced with the arrival of Rosa’s find Rosa’s next to the Showcase Cinema in the Plaza.

Thai Cafe. Rosa’s started life as a market stall on London’s Brick Lane but quickly developed into a successful chain across London before heading to Kent and Dartford Living www.rosasthaicafe.com were recently lucky enough to try it out.

The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating during our visit even offering us a brand new menu when I explained we are mostly vegetarian. This is something I’ve rarely experienced in other restaurants but really appreciated as it gave us a lot more choice.

The kids were also very pleased with their meals (they were very reasonably sized so for younger kids could easily be shared) and were contented tucking into their stir fried rice with vegetables.

A lot of the dishes were familiar but it was nice to try Rosa’s version of these. We really enjoyed the food although bear in mind that the adult portions are not as big as you might expect if ordering Thai as a takeaway so whilst it may feel more expensive in that sense I enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff were lovely which really enhanced the experience. In addition to this the restaurant offers a number of interesting drinks whether you go for the signature Thai Iced tea or for some of their Thai spice infused cocktails.

Rosa’s is visually a beautiful restaurant where wooden panelling meets industrial metal beams and beautiful lighting. I loved the colours and the ambience felt very relaxed. The restaurant was quiet and the staff very attentive however this may have been to do with the fact that we were eating at the child friendly time of 5pm.

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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

by Local Resident, Jane Stevenson IT’S A FAMILY THING I have bought a nearly new car. I’d had my last car from new and grown fond of it. For sentimental reasons I wanted to keep it, despite a couple of large bills recently. After all, it was only 8 years old with very low mileage.

It was a personal thing. I bought it from my brother, who worked in the trade. Sadly he passed away a couple of years ago, and the attachment to my car became entrenched, almost unhealthy. How could I consider giving up something he had helped me buy?

For the past couple of years there has been a regeneration of sorts in DA2. When we first moved here, some twenty eight years ago, we were the young ones; there weren’t many other couples with children of school age in the vicinity, and it was very much a community of couples with older children or retired folk.

Now the place is humming. There has been the inevitable new building, but it is refreshing and exciting to see families upgrading and adding to their homes. Extensions, conservatories, new driveways appear almost overnight.

Gardens are being revamped. The area looks good, the I also know he would have fallen over with laughter at my folk are friendly and it is a pleasure to live here. reasons for keeping it. He was amazingly down to earth and would have pointed out cars don’t improve with age. Sadly Stevenson Towers now looks shabby and in need He would have muttered things like ‘MOT’, ‘emissions’, of some TLC. It is the house where those old people live. ‘repairs’ and other such doom laden stuff. Still, I held Simply put, I’ve become that elderly retired lady whose onto the belief I couldn’t let go. – it was more a tie with family have grown up and gone. him than anything else.

However, plans are afoot. Other Half and I did consider Eldest Offspring has no qualms about such sentimentality. moving., looking for somewhere smaller. We looked at She needed a new car, found one, and asked me to go Norfolk (too far from the rest of the family), the Isle of with her to the garage. We arrived at the dealership, Wight (ferry prices too expensive to leave regularly) parked up when I saw a car and fell in love with it. Talk and sundry towns in Kent. All the while we were going about turmoil – I felt I was cutting all ties with my brother through the process I felt vaguely uneasy. Although by even thinking about replacing mine. not a huge fan of what Dartford has become, I was born and bred here, educated and grew up in the town. It was Eldest Offspring walked straight over to my ‘dream’ car. It a conscious decision to return from London when we was that car she had seen and decided to purchase. She started our own family. had a good look, stared inside it and then shook her head.

The colour was too ‘boy racer’ for her, she decided. She So, we are staying put and have embarked on an ambitious found the same model in another colour she preferred plan to improve the house. Other Half is scared of my and that was that. plans for our home, but I have downgraded a couple – no back garden hot tub for these oldies and electric gates I learned that day that things don’t matter. Memories seem a trifle over the top. do, and those I have of my brother are funny, thoughtful and loving.

Soon our little place will have the scaffolding, sheeting and skip. Builders and other professionals will swarm I am now the proud owner of the discarded ‘boy race’ car. around helping us to turn our house into a modern home It’s the same make and model, as my old vehicle, but a much suitable for our needs. Then we start on the interior. newer version. Brother would have definitely approved.

We have decided to stay here simply because, when all was said and done, the positives and negatives considered DON’T MOVE – IMPROVE we are happy here.

I’m told the sign of a healthy community is when there are a number of skips in driveways, scaffolding appears Take care All. to dress our properties and we have the daily onslaught of large vehicles bearing bricks and mortar, fencing panels and the like.

In which case, I must live in a very desirable area indeed.

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RECIPE -

EASY GRANOLA BARS

by Debbie Dickinson

So, after months of indulgent recipes, I thought I’d share a slightly healthier recipe. These are easy to make and, as with most of my other recipes, are fully adaptable to your tastes!

You will need: 100g oats 50g nuts – whichever you like.

50g butter 50g brown sugar 50g honey 50g mix containing any of the following dried fruits/ seeds/rice cereal/choc chips/mini marshmallows/ other cereals Pinch of salt What to do: Chop the nuts into smaller pieces and place, along with the oats, on a baking tray with sides. Shake to get a single, even layer.

Pop these in the oven at 180°C for about 8-9 minutes until lightly toasted. Then tip into a large bowl.

Meanwhile, heat the honey, butter and sugar in a small saucepan until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved.

Pour the honey mix over the oats, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Line a tin with greaseproof paper and pour the mix in.

Pop another piece of greaseproof on top and press into a compact layer.

Chill for at least 2 hours, then cut into squares or bars as you wish.

Enjoy X

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TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

in association with

SOUTH KOREA

by Tim Harden

Learning to dance K-pop, eating kimchi pancakes with a glass of makgeolli (rice wine), finding hidden cave temples in the mountains… the list of memorable moments in South Korea could go on and on. In this month’s edition of travel spotlight we would like to bring to you our 5 top exciting experiences in South Korea.

2. Visit the DMZ - Just 30 miles north of Seoul this buffer zone lets you have glimpse into North Korea and explore the history of the divided peninsula. The Demilitarized Zone is where history’s only communist dynasty rubs up against its capitalist neighbour. Effectively untouched for more than 60 decades the DMZ has become a haven for wild-life that once thrived on the peninsula.

3. Search for inner peace and stay in a hanok – You can wake up at 3:30am to the sound of drums that echo around you, with incense filling the air as dozens of Buddhist monks make their way to the morning ceremony. South Korea is an ideal place for those who seek solace, sanctuary and simplicity - religious or not. You can stay and experience life as a monk for a night at the Bulguska Temple near the city of Gyeongju. Hanoks are traditional houses up and down the country where you can sleep in style or just bed down on the floor. According to a tradition they should face a river and have a mountain to the rear.

1. Get a culture fix in Seoul – Seoul is a glorious jumble of wonderful contrasts; it is soaked in history although some of its landmarks are modern reconstructions. The city is huge in designer shopping, but the markets are also a favourite experience with very low priced offerings. You will find teahouses and cat cafes, haute cuisine alongside street food, K-Pop concerts alongside temples. The city’s most historic side is Gyeongbokgung where you can visit Seoul’s most important palace originally built in 1935 – today in impressive shape with ornately painted pagodas and palaces spread across the huge site. Visiting MMCA Seoul for contemporary art is a must where the art deco building, formally a military headquarters, hosts exhibitions of Korean and international art. One of the best ways to get a handle on modern Korean culture is thorough the phenomenon that is K-pop, Korean pop performers that are some of the country’s biggest stars.

4. Spend time on the beach – Head to the coast to surf, sip craft beer, soak up the sun on coral sand or get stuck in a feast of shellfish. Hajodae, Gangwon is best for surfing with its perfect waves – Haeundae, Busan is best for urban excitement, it is South Korea’s blockbuster beach – Hamdeok, Jeju is best for families with it shallow, crystal-clear waters and sheltered rockpools and Seobin, Udo is the prettiest beach with bright white sand and beautiful turquoise waters.

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5. Have an adventure on Jeju Island – Being South Korea’s largest island it has always been destined to be exciting. The showstopper is Manjanggul Cave: a five mile long UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the world’s tallest lava column. Less than a mile of it is open to the public and it’s ceilings are heavy with stalactites and lava blisters. There are plenty of other adventures to be had on the island like paragliding, hiking and cycling. Jeju is home to 5000 haenyeo divers (some in their 80’s) who pluck seafood from the ocean floor without air cylinders.

If these experiences caught your imagination, please come and see us in the town centre for more information about the various tours available for this amazing region.

Call - 0800 023 8974 E-mail - tim@hardenholidays.co.uk Website: www.hardenholidays.co.uk Visit us at: Unit 1B Henley House, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1AS

(Opposite Prospect Place & Costa, next to Subway)

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KEEPING ALL THE PLATES SPINNING

by David and Ellen Mote

However, the stand out event proved to be our March for the Mayor challenge, where we asked primary schools throughout the borough to hold a dance event in March.

Stone St Mary CofE Primary School took up the challenge and invited us to their event. I had been practicing, quite unsuccessfully, my flossing moves but was relieved when it proved unnecessary as the school’s 650 pupils entertained us in their playground by performing the Waka Waka dance, and raised money for the Mayor’s Charity in the process.

Finally, our heartfelt thanks to all the businesses and friends who supported our charity fundraising events (it has been suggested that we have been eating our way around Dartford’s restaurants – but for an excellent cause). We have raised £16,000, which will be split between our four charities – Mary’s Child, SAfE, Cherished Memories and Home-Start.

It has been a busy, but such an enjoyable year and one Well that 12 months certainly whistled by very quickly where we have hopefully kept all the plates spinning. and we would like to thank all the wonderful people and organisations that made us feel so welcome during our We just hope Dartford has enjoyed us as much as we Mayoral year. have enjoyed serving it.

Compared with other Kent towns Dartford is only a small place - but it is absolutely packed with amazing places to visit, things to see and folk to meet. I’m sure there is still more to see but sadly we have run out of time.

Thank you.

The role of the Mayor of Dartford does not come with a job description so we decided that what we wanted to do was promote all the good things that are happening in and around the town and direct interested folk to the clubs, groups, organisations and the events we visited.

We were amazed by how many people actually followed our adventures on social media and online, and my thanks to the DBC team who helped with all our posts, which at the time I typed this article stood at over 390.

We have been asked ‘what was the best thing you have done during the year’ and that’s a difficult question to answer. There have been so many fun, moving and memorable Mayoral engagements. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Whatever place you’re into

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Keep an eye on our website and FB page for further information

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

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The ark

THE ARK is the humanitarian Services Arm of World Mission Agency – Winners Chapel International (WMA-WCI) a Christian charity registered in England and Wales. THE ARK runs its projects via the Community Development Projects Committee. Since 2011 diverse projects have been delivered by the ARK to the community ranging from health projects, school projects, cold weather shelters, skill acquisition and many more.

Phone: 01322 292 097 /07703615820/ 07399037133 Email: cdcprojects@winners-chapel.org.uk Website: https://winners-chapel.org.uk

The ark FOODBANK The ARK Food bank was established almost a year ago to provide Food and other items to the less privileged and those experiencing temporary setback in the community.

The ARK food bank is located at the church premises and opens every Saturday.

Food vouchers for the ARK foodbank can also be collected from the local council, Job centre Dartford and some other local charities.

THE ARK Food bank address: Winners Chapel, 1 Churchill close. Green street, green road. Dartford Kent DA1 1QE. Call 01322292097 or visit the website www.winners-chapel.org.uk for more info.

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d n a s ct e j o r P rities Cha ported sup The Ark by

“We are extremely grateful for Winners Chapel continued support, as through their charitable giving previously, they helped purchase an incubator for our special care baby unit” Valley Hospital Charity “The capacity Winners Chapel project in the nursery has enabled us to have is brilliant” – Jenny Haywood – Dartford Primary School “We were able to increase our intake of children from 42 to 64. Having the toilet and kitchen is just amazing” Jacqui Holloway – Dartford Primary school.

“The kitchen will also allow us to run a breakfast club for the nursery children, so that we can accommodate the needs of busy parents trying to get to work” Karen Major - Principal Dartford Primary.

THE ARK TESTIMON I

“I just want to say the food Bank helped me really well because most time I don't have food but by the help of God I know on a Saturday I can look forward to some friendly faces and smiles I thank God for them” – Food bank benefactor

ALS

“I feel great you guys are here, you are brilliant and friendly” – Food bank benefactor “I am glad for your help without the food bank people would have been worse off. Thank you very much, very helpful” – Food bank benefactor “I believe the service is good for the community helping the vulnerable bless you” – Food bank benefactor

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WMA-WCI: INFLUENCING AND TRANSFORMING ITS IMMEDIATE COMMUNITY POSITIVELY Who We Are World Mission Agency - Winners chapel international is a branch of Living faith church worldwide, a Christian charity registered in England and Wales with sole aim of rescuing humanity from oppressions.

nursery room at the Dartford primary Academy.

“The kitchen will also allow us to run a breakfast club for the nursery children, so that we can accommodate the needs of busy parents trying to get to work”. Karen Major - Principal Dartford Primary

The mandate: “the hour has come to liberate the world Dartford primary school – Members of THE ARK committee from all oppressions of the devil through the preaching visiting the school of the word of faith….”

• 6 schools including Dartford Girls Grammar School won cash prices towards purchase of books in the school WMA-WCI understands its covenant responsibility of library. Students also won cash prizes. service to humanity and seeks to carry this out via our humanitarian services arm known as THE ARK. Local charities • Support Dartford Church Winter Shelter to provide Introducing THE ARK – WMA-WCI Community warm and comfortable sleeping nights during winter Development Project Initiatives for the homeless.

• Dartford Football club community program to provide football activities to children in receipt pupil premium funding and families of low income.

• Christmas hamper distributions Food

Health Care Projects “We are extremely grateful for Winners Chapel continued support, as through their charitable giving previously, they helped purchase an incubator for our special care baby unit”. Valley Hospital Charity Darent Valley Hospital • 2011: Winners church collaborated with Darent Valley Hospital to provide an incubator for the special care baby unit.

• 2018: Winners church collaborated with the children’s resource’s centre (CRC) to transform the children’s outpatients waiting areas to a more child friendly space.

Incubator at Darent valley hospital Fr i e n d l y c h i l d re n’s outpatient waiting area – Darent valley hospital Education • Completion of the toilet and kitchen area in a new 34

• THE ARK Food bank located in the church premises caters to several families and individuals every week providing food items, toiletries and other item. Winners Chapel also partners with several referral partners such as the local council, Job centre etc. where our food bank vouchers are handed out for free to those who need them.

We have many more projects lined up for this year. Apart from our community work, Winners church run different arms society such as: The Bible School – WOFBI, Teens church, welfare activities, children’s church, church in the home – WSF and many more.

To find out more visit the church website at www.winnerschapel.org.uk

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ELLENOR ANNOUNCED AS FINALISTS IN KENT CHARITY AWARDS 2019

By Basia Wilson

We’re excited to announce that ellenor has been shortlisted as a finalist at this year’s Kent Charity Awards. The ceremony will take place on Thursday 13 June at Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Kent.

The awards recognise and reward the hard work and perseverance that charities undertake to make the lives of others better. There are currently no similar awards in Kent and these awards are unique and have become an important date in the third sector diaries.

The Kent Charity Awards is open to both small and large charities whether a branch of a national charity, a small community based charity or a voluntary group. ellenor interim Chief Executive said: ‘We were delighted to win the Care Charity of the Year Award last year, and thrilled to find out we had been shortlisted for this category again.

recognised for the work they do every day with our patients and their families. We aim to provide a gold standard of palliative care and every year look after 3000 patients and families.

We work hard to have a positive impact on our patients’ lives and the communities in which we work. Being acknowledged in the Kent Charity Awards is an achievement in itself and we’re very proud to be named as a finalist”.

If you would like to find out more about ellenor and its services please visit www.ellenor.org or call 01474 320007.

It is wonderful for our staff and volunteers to be

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LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK REVIEW - ADVENTURES IN CURRENCY Readers of all ages w i l l b e d e l i g h te d with this original, we l l re s e a rc h e d , entertaining piece of story-telling. Follow Dizzy, a one pound coin, on its journey through circulation in the ‘Big Wide World’, and meet many colourful characters along the way.

Touching on themes such as social dynamics, bullying and personal acceptance, this book, retro in style, imparts a wonderfully educational element to its audience.

About the Author Dartford resident Geoffrey Kevin Walby has had a

passion for writing stories and music from a young age. Adventures in Currency, is his first children’s book, having previously written psychological thrillers, of which further titles are also planned for future release under the author name GK Walby.

Geoff is eager to encourage people of all ages to get involved in writing and can offer support and advice for those seeking to publish their work.

For support or to network for a peer reviewed writing club, contact Geoff via GK Walby - BookPage on Facebook.

All Geoff ’s published novels can be purchased in e-book format from S m a s h w o r d s ; w w w. smashwords.com/profile/ view/gkwalby

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39

BAV’S SPORTING COMMENT Manchester City’s historic FA Cup final win was almost swamped by the glowing list of statistics piling up around them - but nothing can disguise the scale of this achievement and the brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s team. Less than a week earlier, Manchester City retained their Premier League title and finally ended Liverpool’s magnificent challenge.

8: Cricket World Cup - England v Bangladesh, Cardiff

The club once loftily dismissed as “noisy neighbours” by then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed they now exert a domestic dominance that speaks eloquently on their behalf with completing a domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup - something never before achieved in the English men’s game.

18-22: Horse racing - Royal Ascot

9: Formula 1 - Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal 10-15: Cycling - Women’s Tour of Britain

13-16: Golf - US Open, Pebble Beach, California

14: Cricket - World Cup, England v West Indies, Southampton 18: Cricket - World Cup - England v Afghanistan, Old Trafford

21: Cricket - World Cup - England v Sri Lanka, Headingley 23: Formula 1 - French Grand Prix, Le Castellet

25: Cricket - World Cup - England v Australia, Lord’s

30: Cricket - World Cup - England v India, Edgbaston 30: Formula 1 - Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg

2019/20

FRIENDLY MATCHES

Upcoming events in June include:

1: Football - Champions League final, Madrid, Spain

1: Boxing - Anthony Joshua defends his world heavyweight titles, New York

1: Rugby union - Premiership final, Twickenham 1: Horse Racing - Epsom Derby

3: Cricket - World Cup, England v Pakistan, Trent Bridge 6: Athletics - Diamond League, Rome

7 Jun-7 July: Football - Women’s World Cup, France 40

v EBBSFLEET UNITED Tuesday 9th July ko 19.45 v GILLINGHAM Tuesday 16th July ko 19.45 v LEYTON ORIENT SATURDAY 20th July ko 15:00 v BROMLEY Tuesday 23RD July ko 19.45 BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.DARTFORDFC.COM OR CALL 01322 299990

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DARTFORD INVICTA BOWLS CLUB WANT TO TAKE UP BOWLING ?

THEN COME ALONG AND HAVE A GO! ANY TUESDAY FROM 6pm. WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS, EITHER COMPLETE NOVICES OR EXPERIENCED BOWLERS. WE HAVE SPARE SETS OF BOWLS FOR YOU TO USE. ALL YOU NEED ARE FLAT SOLED SHOES. PLEASE TELEPHONE: 07837128145/07706084755 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR JUST COME ALONG.GREEN LOCATED AT Burnham/Lawson Road Dartford DA1 5AL. dibcbowls@gmail.com

FREE Business and Charity networking event. NEXT EVENT: Tuesday 18th June 2019 7-9pm Dartford Football Club, Princes Park, DA1 1RT - Tickets www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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FITNESS OUTDOOR TRAINING

By Mark Broadbent

With the warmer weather finally here, it might be time Tied in with this you have lower to take your training outdoors. It’s not just for runners intensity exercises such as yoga and and cyclists, gym-goers can take training outside too. stretching – which would be great to do outdoors in a peaceful setting.

There are many benefits to training outdoors: The fresh air is much nicer than the sweaty, air- Not forgetting the more traditional outdoor activities conditioned gym air. mentioned before like walking, running and cycling – Sunshine (which has a whole host of health benefits and these are always more enjoyable outside in the real is something many people, especially in this country, world than in the gym on treadmills and stationary bikes. don’t get enough of).

Then you have outdoor classes like Bootcamps…

Grounding/Earthing – getting your bare skin in contact with the earth has also been shown to have many Here you can do many of the above-mentioned exercises health benefits. and more. Some of these classes will have more You can use different exercises to what you’re used to equipment than just bodyweight and park benches, doing in the gym since you have more space and are and you can really make the most of the combination away from machines. A great opportunity to mix up of the space to train and all the options that brings, your training for a while. with the resistance work offered by the equipment.

Whilst there may not be any of the machines you’re used They’re also likely to have different equipment to what to using outdoors, and while you may still need to use you’ll find in most gyms or different ways to use it. the gym for some heavier resistance-based sessions, Tyres, kettlebells, sleds, medicine balls, battling ropes, you can get a lot done with just your bodyweight and sledgehammers and more are often used to great your surroundings. effect in outdoor sessions.

Bodyweight exercises are great for both building strength and working on your conditioning – push-ups, The main point I’m trying to get across here, is to make pull-ups, squats, lunges, burpees and many more are the most of the good weather! You’re not limited to all great options that are always beneficial to work on. just training inside and the fresh air and sunshine will Mastering these basic bodyweight movements will provide as much, or maybe even more benefit than always be complimentary to other weight training and the exercise itself. general movement health.

The open space is a great chance to work on some Find some green space – local parks and fields, your sprints – something that too few people utilise, and garden, the beach… and just move! that aren’t quite the same on a treadmill! (A word of caution though – build yourself up to these and always …and if you fancy giving Dartford Bootcamps a go, remember your limits. And warm-up very well first!) you can try your first session for free, just visit www.

DartfordBootcamps.com for more information.

Speed and agility work (with cones, speed ladders, hurdles etc.) is also great for athletic performance as Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for extra tips, advice well as general co-ordination. Practicing acceleration, and motivation. deceleration, change of direction and foot speed is another great way to change up your training and reap the rewards.

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DARTFORD THEN AND NOW MARKET DAY - DARTFORD

BY JAMES CARNEY - LOCAL RESIDENT

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

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

The original postcards and images are courtesy of Brian Porter.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS

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

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

Here are some of the photos of their painted rocks.

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THEATRE REVIEW

BY LIZ DYER

As summer rapidly approaches, the hits keep coming at the theatre here in Dartford – and they show no sign of stopping any time soon. Read on for news about this year’s open air summer season and just a few of the gems that June has to offer, but not before a quick look back over a month that had a bit of everything: murder and intrigue in The Girl on the Train, peace and love in psychedelic 60s musical Hair, fun and friendship in Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Zog… and a bit of pretty much everything in between.

And so to this month, which gets underway by welcoming back New Jersey Nights (4th-8th). This celebration of the timeless music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is always a great night, and stops off in Dartford once again as part of its world tour. Get ready to sing and dance the night away to all the band’s classic hits, including Sherry, Walk Like a Man and Big Girls Don’t Cry, to name just a few.

Another big highlight this month is sure to be the return to Dartford of everyone’s favourite nasty judge, Craig Revel Horwood. He’ll be playing the horrid Miss Hannigan in Annie (17th-22nd) - and something tells me he’ll be a natural... And incidentally if you’ve ever fancied having a go yourself, you might be interested in the Annie singing workshop on the 22nd - visit the Orchard website for more details.

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While we’re on the subject of Strictly... we may have missed him as Stacee Jaxx on the recent Rock of Ages tour, but current champ Kevin Clifton finally finds his way to Dartford for one night only in Burn the Floor (1st), where he’s joined by fellow Strictly star Graziano Di Prima. And just in case two dance favourites aren’t enough, they’ll be followed the week after by former Strictly pros Vincent Simone and Ian Waite in their UK and Ireland tour of The Ballroom Boys (10th).

Other big theatre news this month: tickets are now available for this summer’s open air theatre in Central Park, with a season that includes Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the award-winning comedy Nell Gwynn. These shows are always really popular and a lot of fun - and tickets are just £5 for local residents, so they’re also a massive bargain. Visit the Dartford council website to make sure you don’t miss out.

Last but by no means least, this year’s panto star has just been announced! Eastenders legend Steve McFadden – better known as Phil Mitchell - will be playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan this Christmas (oh yes he will, etc).

Have you got your tickets yet?

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CAR NEWS JUNE 2019

By Dhiren Ganesh

“In this month’s article we feature a new 2019 model and three turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engines that will be two new model upgrades from European manufacturers offered when sales start this autumn (with outputs ranging for 2020. from 148bhp to 241bhp) feature mild-hybrid technology to boost efficiency. Then shortly after launch, these will be joined by two mild-hybrid 2.0-litre diesels producing 134bhp or 161bhp. Most models come with an automatic gearbox as standard, the exceptions being the entry-level 148bhp petrol (badged 35 TFSI) and the 187bhp diesel (40 TDI). Aside from the new engines, all A4s get a broader and flatter front grille that’s designed to make the car look wider. Plus, LED headlights now come as standard and extra creases have been added above the wheelarches to give a more muscular appearance. Pricing is still to be confirmed, but expect a slight increase over the £29,260 entry point of the current A4.

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport – this new version has the option of seven seats and is tackling new ground by going electric. Buyers can choose from mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with the latter due to go on sale late this year and offer a zero-emissions driving range of at least 30 miles. First, though, we’ll get the mild hybrids, where a small electric motor assists a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine to improve efficiency. The most frugal model of all at launch is the 148bhp diesel with a manual gearbox – the only Discovery Sport without four-wheel drive and hybrid technology. Exterior design changes include new front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille and LED headlights. Both five and seven-seat versions are available, but the touchscreen infotainment system has been enlarged to 10.25in. Prices start from £31,575, which is a slight increase on the outgoing car and is avaiable from this summer.

2019 McLaren GT – this is the British marque sitting alongside the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin in creating some of the most exciting (and expensive) cars in existence. Named the McLaren GT, it is of course a grand tourer – the kind of car that can whisk you down to the south of France in luxury and comfort, put in a hard session at the race track and then get you back home in time for Antiques Roadshow. The GT is a twinturbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8. With 612bhp available to the rear wheels, it’s capable of hitting 62mph from a standing start in 3.2sec and will keep accelerating on to 203mph. The GT’s two seats are electrically adjustable and heated as standard, and there’s a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen. A 12.3in screen sits in front of the driver in place of analogue instrument dials, and it can be configured to show a whole host of information, including directions 2020 Audi A4 – new Audi A4 brings some significant from the sat-nav. Available from later this year prices for changes in an effort to keep the car competitive. The the GT start from £163,000. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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

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

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

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 14th June Friday 5th July Friday 13th September Dartford Festival 13th July 2019

If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointmentbased surgeries in the future, please contact him at gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7047.

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

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

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

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

9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe. com WEDNESDAYS 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £2.50 per family including all snacks and drinks.

Catherine 07878658685 11.15am - SLADE GREEN AND HOWBURY COMMUNITY LIBRARY BABY AND TODDLER ACTION RHYME TIME GROUP 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ £2.50 per Adult THURSDAYS 9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford.

9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@ yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child SATURDAYS 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions at Dartford Libraries - Monday Friday Thursday Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday Greenhithe - Thursday - Thursday Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday Sutton-at-Hone -Monday.

Temple Hill - Thursday Dartford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clubs and Societies).

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

WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP Information support workers available, CLUB We meet each week on Wednesday guest speakers and quizzes. evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Coffee Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973 We are a group of retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the Shop , Bluewater Upper Guildhall, opposite Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have Waterstones. No fees to pay, just purchase THE DARTFORD STROKE GROUP a monthly walk and occasional coffee your drink or food in Starbucks and join us.

This group meets Monday afternoons mornings and as a side line we raise money All genres and writing styles are welcome at the YMCA Roundhouse, Overy for a local charity. If you are missing the including adult fiction, young adult/teen, Street, Dartford for a chat in a relaxing atmosphere, chair-based excise sessions, contact with other business men since you children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage retired, why not come and join us on the and screen and poetry. See us on Facebook stroke leaflets and magazines, informal last Thursday of every month. For more “Bluewater Writers’ Group” workshops, special art or games sessions and outings. It is aimed at Stroke Survivors, details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www.waprobus.com For further info email Tony at: tonyjan@ their carers, family and friends. talktalk.net Please contact Theo Hodges on Theo.

Hodges@gmail.com or phone/text Theo on

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

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

You will receive a very warm 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 Description: We are a (non-profit making) friendly social group open to anyone over fifty.

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

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

Circle for the Ladies (ladiescircle.co.uk) Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th HAVEN (LGBT) SOCIAL GROUP. Thursday.

London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe Often called the original young man’s Place to Meet. social club, Round Table has over 400 For more information please contact clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email worldwide. We have an emphasis on having havenx35@gmail.com a lot of FUN. WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We guarantee that involvement with is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Round Table will enhance your social life, Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in your personal abilities, your network and the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. best of all it is not expensive.

For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 For your chance to become involved 228082 in something very special, you need to experience it because no other DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT organisation offers you the opportunities GROUP that Round Table does.

[DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Check out the locally famous club www.

Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at dartfordroundtable.co.uk Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or Facebook search: speaker, we also organise holidays and * Dartford Round Table day trips out as well as activities including * Round Table theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, * Dartford Egg Hunt indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons

and an art group.

Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones 01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NORTH DOWNS Our club, which is one of 35,000 around the World, was set up 40 years ago and has members with a wide range of interests and backgrounds.

The club actively supports a number of charities locally, nationally and internationally and we continue to raise funds for Ellenor Hospices, Demelza Hospices for Children, Darent Valley Hospital and many others. We are very keen to maintain these traditions and welcome new members from the area.

We also organise numerous social activities both for members and the wider community. For more information about the club’s activities and membership please contact Bob Phillips on 07815 807520 or John Smeeth on 07889 137951

Advertise in the magazine for as little as £30 for a month

Contact: sales@dartfordliving.com HELP STRIDE4LIFE TO REACH £500,000 by coming along to our Fun Day to be held in the grounds of Darent Valley Hospital on Sunday 14 th July 2019 from 12 noon. Entertainment throughout the afternoon includes the Rock Choir, Fleetdown School Singing Choir, Rochester Pipe Band, Gymnastic Display, etc and a variety of stalls, a Dog Show.: something for everyone. All proceeds go to Darent Valley Hospital’s “ Cancer Fighting Fund” This fund enables the Hospital to purchase the latest equipment in the fight against Cancer..To find out more about Stride4Life go to www.valleyhospital charity.org.uk Free admission & car parking at the event

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

images, or bring your own for us to copy.

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

members are always welcome.

The club meets on Wednesday evenings from around 7.00pm until around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms in Invicta House (aka Belvedere Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, Belvedere DA17 5DA.

DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all PAVILION PLAYERS levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 DSTC ALUMNI Is an amateur dramatics group based per session.

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

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

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

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

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

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com/West-Kent-Book-Club/

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

272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub. co.uk For more information email andrew@ thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 272649.

COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS month Our Club presents a programme of at Sutton at Hone Village Hall. 1.30pm workshops and demonstrations in a very until 4.30pm. £3.00 per afternoon (to informal and friendly atmosphere. We include a raffle ticket and tea/coffee) meet on the last Thursday of each month £10.00 yearly fee. except December. Shorne Village Hall, We are a small, friendly club, not The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors expensive. Tuition given. All supplies can are always made very welcome, entry £3. be bought in situe. Come and see if you like We have 30 members and look forward to it, You will be very welcome. welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for people to Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 be creative, make friends.

287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581.

For further information please phone Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

01474 353405 or email landaclatworthy@ btinternet.com WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP dancing and performing in Dartford, Meets 1st Tuesday of every month.

Gravesend and Bexley areas and Presentations on local social history. throughout Kent in the Summer. We are Venue Alexandra Suite St Mary’s a mixed and very sociable side, and can Road Swanley BR8 7BU. Doors open always find room for new dancers and 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit Visitors £2. Everyone welcome. Email and you’ll be helping to conserve a great swanleyhistorygroup@hotmail.co.uk for English tradition. We practice alternate more details or visit our website https:// Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from swanleyhistorygroup.weebly.com or September to April, then dancing out at Facebook page. Annual membership £5 pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, includes a monthly newsletter. from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE in the Community Room of Gravesend I provide all the equipment, materials and Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 refreshments with just a small all inclusive, 1BE. The programme of activities is varied pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person with workshops, talks and sit and stitch per session. sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More Those who come have the opportunity to information can be found on our website learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk or inks and how to draw with pencils, soft phone 01474324734. pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of THE GARDENING CLUB SUTTON AT sculpting and have the opportunity to sign HONE up to additional floral workshops I offer Monthly meetings, Visits to Gardens, too. www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk Annual EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ Garden Show and much more. For more

information or to become a member please ring 01322 863556.

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528 BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meetings first and third Friday of the month at Freemantle Hall, Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. Covering stamps and postal history, meetings offer displays, auctions, competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on www. bexleyps.org.uk MAKE A NOISE CHOIR Singing songs from the shows and having fun! We meet every Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at St Anselm’s Church, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ www.makeanoisechoir.com

GIRLGUIDING – DARTFORD DIVISION Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women aged 5-18 in the UK. There are more than 30 groups in the Dartford area run by our amazing volunteers who inspire girls every week.

Our new programme delivers the fun and varied range of activities that you expect from guiding, and of course, there’s still plenty of badges to earn. We’ve introduced new topics, new skills and new ways for girls to broaden their horizons.

There are lots of flexible ways to volunteer so no matter how much time you have you can #inspiregirls too.

If you would like to find out more please register your interest www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY DARTFORD’S BIG SING

Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm St Edmund’s Living Well Centre, St Edmund’s Road, Dartford, DA1 5ND The DARTFORD’s BIG Sing community choir is open to anyone and everyone!

Come along when you can and sing with us!

Each rehearsal is just £7 and there are NO sign up or long term financial commitments! Just your enthusiasm! Come along any week to sign up as a member!

You don’t need to read music, be able to sing solo’s or even have any experience of singing! However, if you have singing experience we encourage people to try solo’s if they want to!

We sing pop, soul, gospel, RnB, Motown and inspirational songs to uplift and energise your week! Great way to meet new friends in your community! We often perform in and around the community with various events throughout the year!

para sport please contact us on 01474 871484 or alternatively look at our website www.nagfencing.eu

ERITH YOUTH RUGBY

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

WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING

Wheelchair epee fencing in Dartford and Gravesham, we are delighted to announce that New Ash Green Epee club, can now introduce wheelchair fencing. If interested in taking up this 54

KENT EXILES AMERICAN FOOTBALL CLUB

www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

5 YEAR OLDS

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

Call Saj on 07903 513104

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS

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

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

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

The choir is open to ALL ages (from 12yrs) LEARN KARATE and ALL abilities in and around the comLearn karate with Yamato Damashii – munity of Dartford - however if you are not from the area, you are welcome too!! for adults & children Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at www.big-sing.com Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. twitter.com/BIGSing1 For more info, visit www.ydma.club or www.facebook.com/theBIGsing/ find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

SPORTS GROUPS AND CLUBS

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

YOGA WITH EMMA

Becket Sports Centre (evenings):

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

ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION

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

The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk

HARTLEY SWIMCLUB AT WHITE OAK POOL, SWANLEY

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

Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday.

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

Europa Gymnastics Centre (mornings): CLUB - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am For more details see - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am www.dfok.co.uk - Fridays: Mindful Yin Yoga – 10.45am to 11.45am

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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: stephanie.thredgle@btinternet.com

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.

www.seedscycling.co.uk

Refreshments and changing facilities are also available. For no extra charge, we hold D A R T FO R D A N D W H I T E O A K coached track sessions on Wednesday TRIATHLON CLUB evenings for runners of all abilities.

We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford This is a tough but very popular way and Swanley. We offer coached swimming to increase your stamina and running sessions 3 times per week at White technique, and you’ll be in the company oak pool in Swanley and Fairfield pool of qualified coaches and some of the in Dartford. Our members compete in friendliest runners around. For more many local Triathlons plus many members information please visit our website are training towards Iron Man distance. http://centralparkathletics.co.uk/ We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly 1989. If you are interested in joining us coached sessions – Come and join the then please visit our website CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri.co.uk like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and The White Oak Triathlon is one of the coaching within a club environment – oldest Triathlon events in England. come and be part of the team Now in its 29th year the event is a club Free first session with this advert organised event, for triathletes delivered by triathletes so you can be sure that SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) the club focuses upon delivering a first SLGR is a local running club with class race experience. The 2019 race structured training sessions designed will take place on 9th June. to improve runners speed and stamina. h t t p s : // w w w . s t u w e b . c o . u k / events/2019/06/9/3250/ There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS more details.

Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the The Run leaders for each group are as biggest road running clubs in Kent. We follows; currently have about 200 members of all Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford - Dawn abilities including a beginners group. DRR & Brian teams compete in the Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian League. To see what we offer and how to New runners are always welcome, and join us please visit our website – anyone you can contact Brian if you would like is welcome to join us with all abilities. more information; see contact details http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ and e-mail link on Our Group page. 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 FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN Entries are now open for the 2019 A new Parkrun event with parking at Dartford Half marathon at the website Crazy Barn – The event will be on 3rd march 2019 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.

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

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).

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.

Facebook: Dartford Boccia Club

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Downton Ali Associates....................................................59 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS & WINDOWS Claremont Decorative Services........................................36 Steve Cook - Double Glazing.............................................22 The Double Glazing Repair Man.........................................4 CAFE Two Trees Cafe ................................................................37 CAR CARE ChipsAway..........................................................................11 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop................................................................19 Dartford Our Space.....................................................47 Hartbeeps....................................................................49 Monkey Music...............................................................55 CHURCH Crossways Church.........................................................7 THE ARK..................................................................32,33 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ................................................31 DENTAL CARE Smile Avenue................................................................15 ELECTRICIANS ElectricWorx London...........................................................4 ENTERTAINMENT Bexley Park Sports and Social Club .................................14 Orchard Theatre................................................................43 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ........................................................................17

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Wisdom Estates.................................................................23 FARM SHOP Stanhill Farm....................................................................32 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage.................................................................60 Shenley Road Garage.........................................................7 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening........................................................7 JEWELLERY Bradleys..............................................................................25 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ..........................................................38 NURSERY The Brent Playgroup....................................................47 MEDICAL AND HEALTH Delmergate Pharmacy.................................................27 Mindfulness Course.....................................................28 Slimming World...............................................................2 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Blondies Fitness.................................................................22 Dartford Bootcamps..........................................................32 Fairfield Leisure Centre.....................................................30 On Pointe Pilates................................................................19 Why Weight?......................................................................20 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.............................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames.......................................................................38 RESTURANT EFES...................................................................................25

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SECURITY Butler Security...................................................................46 SHOPS CO-OP SWANSCOMBE....................................................13 Excel Security Systems.....................................................39 SPORTS All Stars Cricket....................................................................4 Big Fun Run...........................................................................8 Dartford Cricket Club........................................................46 Dog Jog................................................................................9 Fairfield Leisure Centre.....................................................28 Invicta Bowls......................................................................33 Paul Page Golf Academy......................................................7 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing ..........................................................38

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YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH JUNE 2019

Dartford Living does not certify, endorse or verify the contents of any communication within the magazine/our online presence or make warranty of any kind, express or implied, with regard to the information contained therein. Dartford Living and its owners cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services that appear in any Dartford Living publication or media outlet. Dartford Living is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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USEFUL NUMBERS LOCAL AND NATIONAL KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames)

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

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 HEALTH National Domestic Violence Darent Valley Hospital Helpline (24 hour) 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 0808 2000 247 01322 421480 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: Boots Chemist Bluewater 0808 800 5000 01322 624780 (Late Night) RSPCA Kent, ASDA Greenhithe Chemist North West Branch Helpline 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 01322 286720 Samaritans: 0800 1513 100 116 123 West Kent NHS helpline 0800 0 850850 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 TRAVEL Heathrow Airport Enquires LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS 08700 000123 Bexley Rugby Club Gatwick Airport Enquires 01322 550142 or 08700 002468 www.pitchero.com/clubs/ National Rail Enquires bexleyrfc/ 08456 484950 Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Highways England Info Line Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 0300 123 5000 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls HELPLINES Grammar School, Shepherds 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 0800 500 3014 8.00-10.00 Seniors www.

Alcoholics Anonymous: dartfordjujitsu.co.uk 58

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- Contact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com The Ashes Badminton Club Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30.

Jacqui 07764 182854.

Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group

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Your pension choices Today's pension savers can enjoy far greater freedom over how they access their pension savings.

If you would like help understanding your pension choices please get in touch.

Call us on 02030210075 Downton & Ali Associates Dartford Business Park Victoria Road Dartford DA1 5FS www.downtonandali.co.uk info@downtonandali.co.uk

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