Dartford Living March 2020

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE JB AND ME CHARITY FUNDAY

ELLENOR HOSPICE DONATION

ORCHARD PANTO STAR ANNOUNCED

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PAGES 8

PAGES 18-19

MARCH 2020 - ISSUE 165 - FREE

that Slimming World feeling!

I n s i d e t h e Magaz i n e

MONDAYS British Legion Hall South Darenth Da4 9AA Monday 9.30am Kirstie 07540 879494 VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 9.30am,11.30am Sue 07507599691 VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 5.30pm,7.30pm Shelley 07979691619 Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 2SW 5.30pm and 7.30pm Kate 07590 995948 TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401

Wilmington Memorial Hall High Road Wilmington DA2 7DW 5.30pm Jayne 07557979435 St.John The Evangelist Church Parkhill Road Bexley DA5 1HX 5.30pm and 7.30pm Adam 07730 405313

WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Liz 07900 213548 Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 9:30am Gillian 07957 135737 The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 5:30pm and 7:30pm Caroline 07776 181413 Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm Jo 07800 797030

Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 09:30am Jo 07800 797030 St Anselm’s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 FRIDAY The Conservative Club Spital Street Dartford Da1 2dt 9.30am Jo 07800 797030 SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 SW 8am and 10am Sarah 07739 027161

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

slimmingworld.co.uk 2 0344 897 8000

BY THE CO M M U N I T Y,

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Readers,

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

In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community.

It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories!

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

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

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

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

CONTENTS 6 JB and me charity fun day 8 ellenor Hospice receives £2m donation 9 Would you let a hairdresser fix your car?

13 Dartford Then & Now 17 New home care company launched in Dartford 18-19 Orchard Theatre panto star announced 20-21 Kent & Medway beats 62 day cancer target.

24 Orchard Theatre Competition 27 Fitness - March 28 Recipe -Vanilla Slices 29 Coping with baby loss at Mother’s Day 33 CAP - Time to sprint into new business 34 Life under the stairs 36 Lullingstone Castle Events 2020 39 Rescue is best 41 Dartford Choral Society 42 Theatre Review 45 Car News 47 Sports Roundup 48-55 Where to go locally 56-57 Advertisers Index ONLINE

www.dartfordliving.com www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk COVER PHOTO - JANICE BLAKE

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The best home to be in is your own

BY THE CO M M U N I T Y,

Having Home Instead Senior Care help me around the house means I don’t have to go anywhere.

If, like Stanley, you would like to remain in your own home, we can help. homeinstead.co.uk/dartford or call 01322 584438 Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead Senior Care 2019.

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JB AND ME CHARITY FUN DAY On Friday 8th March 2019, the unthinkable happened.

Two-year-old James Russell passed away in his sleep.

Characterised as a bright, happy and funny little boy, his family were understandably devastated.

Through their grief, they found an inspirational way to honour James’ memory.

James was a central part of a large extended family, in the days and months that followed it became apparent that there was not a lot of bereavement help available for children of the wider family, i.e. cousins and young aunts and uncles.

help is offered. Smaller schools have lower budgets so have to make decisions where money is spent and usually something that benefits only one or two children will be overlooked for something that benefits the whole school.

Finally, there is a desire to bring JB (James Bear) to life, JB is a Bereavement Bear, a little bear to help children through the darkest nights and days of bereavement ahead. He is a friend to tell their worries and fears to. JB will have a colour changing heart that works with heat, so that when a child places their hand over JBs heart it will change colour, thereby giving the child the impression that JB has listened and heard.

So the idea of JB and Me was born, a charitable trust that will help those most in need in the darkest days We found that a little bear helped our children massively, they felt that they had a part of James still with them and after losing a child within a family. included the bears in every part of their day. In order to The aim is to target these families and offer support do this, we need to fund-raise to cover our first event, and help where needed, in the Dartford area. The we are holding a family fun day in Dartford, Kent on the primary aim is to be able to offer caregivers of 7th March 2020, this is the anniversary of the last day children the opportunity to gain The Emergency we had with James. We are hosting a static character First Aid for Children Certification, many parents, car display, arts and crafts, mascots, face painting etc, grandparents etc are not aware of how to react but for this to go ahead we need your help. The location in an emergency. The charity wants to be able to is Wilmington Grammar School. fund a recognised outside organisation to run these courses for those that would like the qualification. Please visit http://bit.ly/JBandMeFund for more information.

In addition, the family would like to get grief counsellors into smaller capacity schools, as they Thank you for taking the time in reading our story and a have seen the difference it makes to a child when heartfelt thank you if you donate.

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ELLENOR HOSPICE RECEIVES A STAGGERING TWO MILLION POUND DONATION TO HELP BUILD FOR THE FUTURE

ELLENOR HOSPICE RECEIVES A STAGGERING TWO MILLION POUND DONATION TO HELP BUILD FOR THE FUTURE

By Basia Wilson

Local charity ellenor has had an established hospice building in Northfleet since 1990. Since then, they have become known and loved throughout the local community for their outstanding, compassionate care. For the past 35 years, they have been growing and adapting to meet the needs of local families.

“Demand for our services are ever increasing” explains ellenor CEO Vikki Harding “as a result we have reached a point where our facilities are restricting us from providing outstanding care, we need to extend and redevelop our hospice building.”

Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust donated the land the hospice is built on in May 2019 and has now given a staggering £2 million of additional funding to help develop ellenor’s Wellbeing Centre.

“A crucial part of ellenor’s work is to provide holistic care; enabling patients to be able to live as well as they can for as long as they can by offering physical, emotional and spiritual support” said Colyer-Fergusson Chief Executive Jacqueline Rae. “Colyer-Fergusson celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2019 and as

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part of our celebrations we wanted to give grants to good causes and ellenor is very special to us. This funding will help ellenor create a bright and spacious Wellbeing Centre, offering a broader range of therapeutic activities, tailored to patient needs.”

have left.

“We are so grateful to Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust for their support towards the development of our hospice building to meet the needs of our community, for now and the future.” Vikki Harding, ellenor CEO.

The wider space will mean activities will be more accessible for those using wheelchairs or other mobility equipment and will enable greater opportunity to blend younger and older patients in a safe space.

ellenor aims to improve the whole of the hospice building, providing single en-suite rooms, improved café and community space and landscaped gardens. They will need to raise an additional £4.9 million in order to do so.

Enabling a wider range of therapeutic activities, the Wellbeing Centre will be at the heart of supporting patients to improve their quality of life, as well as feeling more empowered in their care and making the most of the time they

If you would like to know more or are interested in supporting, please contact Vikki Harding, CEO tel: 01474 320007 email: vikki.harding@ ellenor.org.

W ou l d you l e t a h a ir d r e ss e r fi x your ca r ?

WOULD YOU LET A HAIRDRESSER FIX YOUR CAR?

By Pam Manwaring, owner of Orchard Garage, Dartford So, would you let a hairdresser fix your car? No, of course you wouldn’t!

But have you ever driven into a garage and just handed over the keys to your vehicle, without first checking that the person you’re trusting it to knows what they’re doing?

Most of us take it for granted that before technicians are let loose on a car, they have been on dozens of courses and have all sorts of qualifications. Sadly, that’s not always the case. Garage owners can employ anyone they like.

The truth is that the only experience your ‘mechanic’ might have had with cars is building model ones.

They probably sound as if they know what they’re talking about, and have watched a lot of Top Gear, but that doesn’t make them qualified to work on your state-of-the-art vehicle.

Anyone can open a garage or call themselves a mechanic.

Shockingly, there’s nothing to stop a builder, a window cleaner, or even your aunt Susan from waking up one morning and deciding to open his or her own workshop. There is no legislation against buying a few tools, putting up a snazzy sign, and touting for business.

The industry isn’t regulated, so unless a garage self-regulates

(like we do), there are no checks to make sure work has been done correctly. Belonging to one of the Trade organisations (Good Garage Scheme, RMI, AA) or a recognised consumer body (Which, Check-aTrade) means at least the business is trading legally and professionally, but the actual physical work isn’t checked. Taking your vehicle to an MOT testing station brings further peace of mind, as DVSA does check the standard of work produced and visits stations unannounced to make sure the high standards they insist on are maintained.

How do you make sure your mechanic is a professional - someone who knows how to get your vehicle running like new again?

1. Ask around, though it’s not a fool-proof method. Well-meaning people will often give you the names and numbers of neighbours or friends. So always ask if they’ve actually had some work done at the place they’re recommending; whether they were satisfied, and what the customer service was like.

they can give you a general idea - if there are 10 reviews left for a garage and nine of them are dreadful, then you might want to steer well clear. Generally speaking, the more reviews, the better picture you’ll get.

3. Go into the garage, have a chat and a look around. Are they professional and friendly? Is the garage busy and does it look well-equipped? Can they offer you free advice and a detailed quote? Do you feel comfortable with the place and people?

4.Do they have certificates and qualifications on display, or can they show them to you? Don’t be shy, ask about their experience, and whether they’ve worked on your make and model of car before.

You can find reviews on us and other Dartford garages on many established sites, including these: www.goodgaragescheme.com, www. trustedtraders.which.co.uk, Google.

You can also find us regularly within our local community magazine, 2. Internet recommendations, e.g. Dartford Living. trustedtraders.which.co.uk, goodgaragescheme.com, Google. These shouldn’t be relied upon totally, but

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W ou l d you l e t a h a ir d r e ss e r fi x your ca r ?

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Da rt for d t h e n a n d n ow

DARTFORD THEN AND NOW TURNERS CAFE - SOUTH DARENTH

By James Carney

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

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

The original postcards and images are courtesy of Brian Porter.

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Da rt for d t h e n a n d n ow

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Da rt for d t h e n a n d n ow

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Da rt for d t h e n a n d n ow

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N e w h om e ca r e com pa n y l au n c h e d i n Da rt for d

NEW HOME CARE COMPANY LAUNCHED IN DARTFORD Ram Chandra Thapa and Christina Uppenkamp are set to make a big difference as they recently opened a care company based on London Road in Swanscombe.

The company, Home Instead Senior Care Dartford, which specialises in providing person-centred care for older people in their own homes, cares for clients across the area including Abbey Wood, Belvedere, Bexley, Dartford, Wilmington, Joyden’s Wood and Gravesend, and the surrounding towns and villages.

Ram had been thinking of starting his own company for some time when he discovered Home Instead, a home care company that won a Queens Award for Innovation in 2016 and has more than 60 of its over 200 offices rated as ‘Outstanding’ by CQC. Having learnt about the company’s reputation for providing high quality, at-home care, Ram and Christina found this to be the perfect match to their own ethos and beliefs.

our CAREGivers and clients based on their background, personality and interests to further strengthen the relationship they are building.”

The service is tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, medication reminders, shopping and errands up to personal care. The service is totally flexible to meet client needs and is available from 1 hour to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ram is also giving volunteer time to spreading awareness about dementia and is running free ‘Dementia Friends’ information sessions for the general public in and around Dartford several times a month.

For more information on joining the team or on the services provided, please call 01322 584438 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford

Christina said: “Loneliness is perhaps one of the worst things affecting the older generation right now. At Home Instead we focus on the mental well-being of our clients along with high quality service, provided by well trained and passionate CAREGivers.”

“It’s all about taking time to deliver quality care.

This also enables us to truly get to know our clients and understand their needs. We match

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O R C HA R D THEAT R E PANTO STA R ANN O U N C ED

ORCHARD THEATRE PANTO STAR ANNOUNCED Dartford’s Orchard Theatre is delighted to announce that stage, screen and pantomime legend, the one-and-only Christopher Biggins, will be starring in this year’s sensational family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk from Saturday 12 December.

also known and well-loved for his hosting credits, including co-hosting Surprise, Surprise, On Safari, appearing on numerous celebrity specials and as King of the Jungle having won ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2007.

A mainstay of entertainment for a number of decades, Biggins made his pantomime debut aged just 17 in his home town of Salisbury before forging a highly successful career in show business. Best known for his numerous iconic television appearances, Biggins appeared opposite the late Ronnie Barker in the BBC sitcom Porridge, held roles in Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, appeared alongside Michael Crawford in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and played Nero in the critically acclaimed dramatisation of I, Claudius.

On stage he has starred as The Baker in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, played Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar and the Baron in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End.

Despite his serious roles, and never one to not entertain, Biggins is

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It is pantomime for which Biggins is most-loved, entertaining thousands of festive theatregoers every year since he began his regular panto appearances in the mid-80s. From Glasgow to Plymouth, Biggins has donned a host of outrageous frocks and had audiences in stitches across the UK ever since, starring alongside the likes of David Hasselhoff, Patsy Kensit, Simon

Callow, Bonnie Langford, Cannon and Ball and even Basil Brush.

Speaking on the casting, Orchard Theatre Director Lorna Strawson said, “The Orchard team are both thrilled and excited that pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins will be joining this year’s cast on our stage this Christmas.

With over 40 years’ experience of playing the dame, he is guaranteed to delight our audience again and again and we cannot wait to welcome him to Dartford!”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be a fun-filled Christmas extravaganza telling the fairy tale of a poor local lad who goes on a fantastic adventure up a beanstalk where fortune lies. This year’s production will be the perfect festive panto with a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and of course, plenty of audience participation.

Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum, a giant of a Panto

O R C HA R D THEAT R E PANTO STA R ANN O U N C ED

this way comes. With tickets on sale now, you’ll want to head towards the Orchard Box Office to snap up the best seats for Dartford’s iconic family pantomime.

The show will be at The Orchard Theatre from Saturday 12 December till Sunday 3 January. Pre-show dining is also available before the show. The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a delicious range of, unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef. Reserve your table when booking your show tickets.

TO BOOK TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT ORCHARDTHEATRE.CO.UK OR CALL THE TICKET OFFICE ON 01322 220000.

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KENT AND MEDWAY BEATS 62-DAY CANCER TARGET TO BE SECOND IN COUNTRY For the first time in more than five years, cancer seeing 84.8 per cent of patients. To now exceed that and services in Kent and Medway have hit the national meet the national standard is a testament to how we are working hard to improve cancer care.” target for the 62-day performance standard.

The improvements have been a result of several changes, particularly in how men with prostate cancer are being treated. Waiting times have been cut for prostate cancer patients by up to six weeks by introducing MRI scans before a biopsy so clinicians can specifically target the area that needs to be tested. This streamlined process This means the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance is far more effective for both patients needing treatment is the second highest performing alliance in the and clinicians delivering care. country. This improvement comes just 18 months after cancer services in the county were consistently Dr Henry Taylor, Clinical Lead for the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, said: “Nationally, there has been a performing bottom in the country. significant increase in referral numbers over the past Ian Vousden, Programme Director for the Kent and 18 months and we were committed to meeting that Medway Cancer Alliance, said: “We are absolutely challenge. More than 89 per cent of prostate patients delighted at the news, because it means more are now treated within the 62 day target. people are receiving the essential care they need “Our next challenge is making sure we can sustain this as quickly as possible. performance every month. To do this we are now rolling “This result is due to the continual hard work and out similar improvements that have elevated prostate collaboration between all of our cancer services and care across other cancer pathways so all patients receive comes hot on the heels of our October performance timely and appropriate care.” where Kent and Medway performed top in the country, Cancer teams from the four hospital trusts in Kent and Medway made sure 85.6 per cent of their patients seen in December did not wait more than two months for cancer treatment, following an urgent referral from their GP.

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O R C HA R D THEAT R E PANTO STA R ANN O U N C ED

Professor Sanjeev Madaan, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Lead Cancer Clinician at Darent Valley Hospital said: “It has been a real partnership effort. Working closely with hospital colleagues, GPs, cancer clinicians and our commissioners, we were able to buy new equipment and introduce new roles to help patients move smoothly through the stages of identifying, diagnosing and treating cancer.”

Case study

supportive, not just for me but also my wife who was really upset by the news. It felt as if they worked on my case very quickly and it wasn’t long before I was having surgery.”

helped was knowing I had the support of the team and I just tried to get on with life as normally as possible.”

A keen runner, Tristan was in good shape before his surgery, but the long recovery process did affect his ability to keep fit. “I used to do a lot of running, but that had to go on hold for a while. I have started back on the treadmill now though and am keen to get back in the gym. Life goes on.”

As with most major diagnoses and operations, the surgery was just the start of Tristan’s recovery. “It was life-changing,” he said. “I took each day at a time, but the after effects of having this operation took some getting used to. What Photo: Tristan Swain

Tristan Swain It was an increased need to go to the toilet, and needing to do so urgently, that led to 53 year-old Tristan Swain’s cancer diagnosis and keyhole prostatectomy to have his prostate removed in September 2018.

The father-of-three, who has been married to wife Denise for 25 years and works as a member of civilian staff for the Met Police, thought his increased visits to the toilet were due to his blood pressure medication.

He had no idea it could be because of prostate cancer.

A visit to the GP, tests and a PSA of 6.1 meant he was quickly referred to the urology service at Darent Valley Hospital. At first his condition was treated with medication, but an MRI-led biopsy suggested he had a moderately aggressive form of cancer on the edges of his prostate and because of his age a prostatectomy was the recommended option.

Receiving the news he had cancer was the last thing Tristan and Denise expected. He said: “It was a major shock and completely unexpected.

The nurses were amazing and really

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THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

By Harden Holidays

For three decades, Rocky Mountaineer has given guests exclusive access to otherwise inaccessible terrain, all from the comfort of a luxury seat. You can experience Western Canada’s most remarkable attraction as you pass by national parks, natural wonders and tranquil lakes. Wherever you look, each piece of the adventure will take your breath away.

Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinct routes: - First Passage to the West – two-day rail journey – VANCOVER-KAMLOOPS-LAKE LOUISE OR BANFF. This is the most popular route, over 125 years ago this route united Canada and helped define a nation. You will travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, traverse the Continental Divide, and be inspired as you wind through mountain passes and dramatic canyons. Experience the only passenger rail service on this historic rail route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West.

- Journey Through the Clouds – two-day rail journey – VANCOVER-KAMLOOPS-JASPER. On this route you will travel through scenic valleys, along the mighty Fraser River, through Hell’s Gate, and past the magnificent Pyramid Falls. This rail route, only accessible by train, also features the majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. By geological standards the Canadian Rockies are relatively young mountain range and because they are remote, they are essentially unspoilt.

- Rainforest to Gold Rush – three-day rail journey – VANCOUVER-WHISTLER-QUESNEL-JASPER This route will

THE RO C KY M O U NTA I NEE R

take you from one extreme to the next, in the best way possible. From the world’s largest temperate rainforest to desert landscapes. From a vibrant city to a quaint mountain town, and from tranquil ranch-land to some of the most untamed wilderness anywhere on the planet.

- Coastal Passage - three-day rail journey – SEATTLE-VANCOUVER-KAMLOOPS-LAKE LOUISE OR BANFF. This route hugs the coastline between the cosmopolitan cities of Seattle and Vancouver, before traveling east into the mountains. For the first part of the journey you’ll be living on waterfront property, so to speak, soaking in incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal rainforest and Coast Mountains.

All the above journeys can also be done in reverse – Eastbound to Westbound.

Rocky Mountaineer offer two levels of service: Goldleaf and Silverleaf. They both offer superb levels of pampering with some differences like the type of carriage and dining options.

You can travel on the Rocky Mountaineer during the spring, summer or autumn. In the spring you can witness the wilderness coming to life. Summer offers longer days and more wild creatures to see.

In the autumn the leaves begin turning and hints of frost touch the peaks of the mountains.

There is an incredible range of packages to make your journey as individual as you are. You can spend time in Banff and /or Jasper, visit the Columbia Icefields, spend the day at Lake Louise or go visit a grizzly bear sanctuary to name a few. You can also elevate your experience by combining a week in the Rockies with a week of cruising to Alaska or

WIN a holiday to

NEW YORK

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

spending time at Sonora Resort, a 5* luxury resort nestled in British Columbia Discovery Island and only accessible by sea or air.

For more information on the Rocky Mountaineer, the Canadian Rockies and packages to Canada come and see us in Dartford town centre. The coffee and biscuits are on us.

Call - 0800 023 8974 E-mail - tim@hardenholidays.co.uk Website: www.hardenholidays.co.uk Visit us at: Unit 1B Henley House, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1AS (Opposite Prospect Place & Costa, next to Subway) 23

COMPETITION K I M R E Y N O LDS PATTEN 1 :1 Ca mbri d g e Co n s u lta n t

After a sell-out London season and American tour, Stephen Daldry’s multi-award winning production for the National Theatre returns.

Daldry’s visionary, radical, challenging version of JB Priestley’s classic thriller, hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, has been seen by more than 5 million people worldwide.

The show will be at The Orchard Theatre from Tuesday 12 May – Saturday 16 May Dartford Living have teamed up with The Orchard Theatre to offer a pair of tickets to the show. Just answer the question below.

Who wrote the original play An Inspector Calls? a) J.R. Ewing b) J.B. Gill c) J.B. Priestley d) J.R. Hartley Please email your entries to comp@dartfordliving.com by the 15th March RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by email by the Orchard Theatre, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above.

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FITNESS - MARCH

F I TNESS - M A R C H

By Mark Broadbent

Whether your goal is weight loss or muscle gain, you need to respect the order of play when it comes to your diet.

Many people lean towards supplements right at the start, expecting them to solve all of their problems – sucked in by the clever marketing surrounding them - but supplements without everything beneath (in this pyramid) will be useless.

The foundation and base of all weight gain/loss is energy balance. Calories in vs calories out.

If you burn more than you consume, you’ll lose weight.

If you consume more than you burn, you’ll gain weight.

But the old “eat less, move more” adage isn’t quite the whole story.

To help determine where that “weight” comes from/goes, you then need to consider your macronutrient split.

High protein will feed and maintain muscle. Low protein (and subsequently, higher carbs and fats) will promote muscle loss and fat storage since the muscles won’t be getting all they need to grow and repair.

Then health comes into play. Micronutrients give vital nutrition needed to stay healthy and also build quality muscle tissue, as well as provide the necessary elements for bodily functions, so ensuring you get a good portion of your calories from healthy, nutrient-dense foods is also very important (there’s no point being skinny and ill is there?!)

Next, once energy balance, macronutrient ratios and micronutrient intake are covered, meal timings (WHEN you eat) can begin to have an effect. Don’t worry about “not eating after 6pm” or “fasting until lunch” or any of the other things you’ve heard until you’ve nailed your energy balance and macros.

Ultimately, if you’re eating the wrong things and in the wrong amounts, it won’t matter when you eat them!

Finally, with all of this in place, supplements can make a difference.

The final 1-2% edge.

Supplements only work if you do!

Don’t think that by buying some expensive junk in a shiny tub, with great marketing, that you’ll suddenly gain mass or get shredded.

Some supplements are useful to help you hit your calorie and macro targets (like protein and fish oil). Others can help with micronutrients (green drinks), but most of the other stuff is likely going to yield no visible or measurable result for you until you have everything else in place and are in the final stages of your transformation.

Nail down this pyramid and you’ll start to see results (and save a few quid on useless supplements!)

If you need help with your training and nutrition, visit www.MBonlinePT.com for more information on working with me personally via Online Coaching.

And follow me on Facebook and Instagram for extra tips, advice and motivation @markbroadbentpt

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va n i l l a cu p ca k e s

VANILLA CUPCAKES

By Debbie Dickinson IT’S MOTHER’S DAY ON THE 22ND MARCH SO I THOUGHT I’D SHARE MY VANILLA CUPCAKE RECIPE FOR YOU. IT’S EASY TO MAKE AND REALLY DELICIOUS. This recipe will make 12 cupcakes.

You will need: 3 large eggs, beaten 150g Margarine 150g Caster sugar 150g Self-Raising Flour 25g Plain Flour Vanilla Extract For buttercream: 100g unsalted butter (at room temperature) 150g Icing Sugar You’ll also need a 12 hole cupcake tin and some cupcake cases.

Preheat the oven to 160° (140°C Fan).

You could now just spoon mixture into the cupcake cases, but I like to ensure they are all the same so I weigh my mix into the cases. Pop a case on the scales and, using 2 spoons (one to get mix and one to scrape from spoon to case), measure 50g into each case. Put each case straight into the tin.

Once you’ve filled all the cases, pop the tin in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until they look delicious and lightly golden!

To make the buttercream, cream together the unsalted butter with 1tsp Vanilla extract, then icing sugar and cream until pale and fluffy. If you think it’s too thick add a splash of milk, too thin add a sprinkling more icing sugar!

Cream the butter with 1tsp Vanilla Extract, then add Spoon or pipe onto the cooled cupcakes. sugar and mix until pale and creamy. Scrape the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure an even mix.

Enjoy and Happy Mother’s Day! Add each egg with a spoonful of flour until all eggs are mixed in. Add the rest of the flour and just mix until combined. (Don’t forget to keep scraping those sides down!)

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HOW TO HELP YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS LOST A BABY THIS MOTHER’S DAY How to help yourself or someone you know who has lost a baby this Mother’s Day

Losing a baby can make Mother’s Day particularly difficult for any parent. Naomi Marston, specialist baby loss counsellor for local charity, Abigail’s Footsteps and her own private practice, Lifecare Counselling, tells us why it is so important to always acknowledge the loss of a baby at this time of year.

In light of what we have seen in the press recently and Mother’s Day taking place later this month; I thought it was only fitting to write a piece dedicated to mental health, in particular for Mothers who have lost their babies.

The ‘Be Kind’ message on social media needs to be actioned in everyday life, not just online and so even if you haven’t experienced baby loss yourself, please do continue to read this in order to understand and reach out to someone who has.

A day dedicated to mothering after the loss of a baby can feel particularly brutal, especially with constant reminders in shops and in the media suggesting ways in which we can tell our mums how wonderful they are.

For a mum whose baby has died, it is a stark and painful reminder of motherhood lost and a future that is no longer.

As a specialist counsellor, I speak to mums everyday who have lost children and this time of year in particular can be one of the toughest. The following advice may help if you or someone you know has lost a baby.

Be Gentle On Yourself Those words ‘Be Kind’ are not just for how you should treat others, but how you should treat yourself. You may feel a range of emotions, from sadness, anger and guilt to feeling at peace. This is normal. Give yourself time and space to feel and process whatever you are feeling.

Pre-Plan If this is the first Mother’s Day without your baby, this can be especially difficult simply because you don’t know what to expect. You may find it helpful to have a plan but discuss it with your partner or others close to you and leave it flexible. You may just feel like staying at home or you may wish to go somewhere where you would have taken your baby such as the beach or the countryside.

Honour Your Baby Parents, family members and friends can all become involved by honouring your baby. Doing a good deed and having a tangible positive outcome of such a tragic loss, allows us to honour the memory of our babies for the time they were with us.

Parents I have worked with recently requested donations at their baby’s funeral instead of flowers. This money was used to train healthcare professionals and deliver specialist counselling to parents who had also

experienced baby loss.

For some, donating through sport such as running a marathon can not only help with mental health but raise awareness of baby loss too.

Lighting a candle, planting a special tree or a shrub in your garden dedicated to your baby’s memory can also be a comforting and lasting way to remember your baby too.

Lean On Family & Friends Don’t be afraid to speak to others. Spend time with family and friends who understand. Talk about your baby. You may find that hearing your baby’s name can be soothing. Although, if you want to be on your own that is ok too. Prepare your family and friends beforehand that you may not know how you are going to feel.

If you are a friend or family member of someone who has lost a baby, don’t be afraid to reach out either.

Often family and friends do not know what to do or say in these circumstances. They do not want to do or say anything that may make grieving parents feel worse and yet by saying or doing nothing, it could be deemed as forgetting or not caring.

Always acknowledge the loss and that this is a difficult time with a hug, a card, a phone call or even a box of chocolates. The most important gesture any mum needs is to know you care.

Mother’s Day is a day to remember all mums with both living and non-living children. Mother’s Day is also a day to remember and think of those who want to be mothers but for many reasons can’t be or aren’t at the moment, but wish they were.

If you need some help managing your emotions, do not struggle on alone. I can offer you a free 15 minute, no obligation telephone call to answer any questions you may have about specialist baby loss counselling and to see if I could help you.

In addition, I may be able to offer parents living in Kent some free counselling sessions through local baby loss charity, Abigail’s Footsteps, who raise funds to provide a specialist counselling service to parents who have experienced stillbirth or neonatal loss. If you are interested in this or know someone who could be, please do not hesitate to get in touch. www.lifecarecounselling.com, naomi@lifecarecounselling.com

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How to h e l p your s e l f or s om e o n e you k n ow w h o h as lo st a b a by t h i s M ot h e r ’ s Day

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How to help yourself or someone you know who has lost a baby this Mother’s Day

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T I M E TO SP R I NG I NTO NE W B EG I NN I NGS ?

TIME TO SPRING INTO NEW BEGINNINGS? Traditionally, spring is a time of new beginnings. What better time to make a plan and start working towards the opportunities we most want to grab?

Even when money is tight, anyone can achieve a fresh start with these low-cost tips. – Do you want to change jobs or career?

Maybe you’ve been doing a job (or looking for a job) and you want to increase your income or progress further in your career. Many people at all ages transition into new roles within their current companies, move employers or change careers.

Research by LV Insurance found that on average UK workers change jobs every five years.

If you’re keen to improve your skills and increase your earning potential, have a look at training schemes available within your current company or in your area. If you need help with application forms or writing a great CV then seeking support, possibly locally from the Learning Shop at Bluewater, could boost your chances of success.

feel instantly more spacious and improve our mental wellbeing.

The best thing is it doesn’t have to cost a lot.

A lick of paint can make a room feel like new. A cheaper alternative is to paint a feature wall in one colour which means you can get away with spending less on paint. There are also some great schemes available where you can get unused, leftover paint for free or a low cost. Have a look at communityrepaint.org.uk to find out more.

Do you want to travel?

If money is preventing you from getting away on holiday, this spring could be the perfect time to start a savings pot.

A break doesn’t need to be ex p e n s i v e . T h e re a re s o m e incredibly beautiful places to visit

right here in the UK and camping or youth hosteling can make it more affordable. Alternatively, housesitting is an ideal way to see another part of the country (or the world) with free or low-cost accommodation. Websites like mindmyhouse.com are a great place to start.

It may sound too good to be true but there is also limited support available to help low income families get away on a UK holiday.

See familyholidayassociation.org. uk/apply-for-a-break/other-holiday-charities for more information.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with over 600 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups and support for people breaking habitual dependencies. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

Perhaps you’re not sure what you want to do next. Why not visit careerexplorer.com/career-test to give the free test a go?

Do you want a new home?

Our homes should provide a safe, comfortable space where we can go to relax. Taking some time to clean and declutter can make a house

33

L I F E U NDE R THE STA I R S

Amazon bill looming… but as the ad says, it’s worth it. To hear some of the songs I grew up with, the memories of trips to the Roundhouse or Hammersmith Odeon, and to imagine the overpowering aroma of patchouli is worth every penny.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON WHEN I WAS SEVENTEEN… I was invited to take part in one of the Facebook round robins, recently. The idea was to post a picture of an album cover; giving no reason or explanation.

Some piece of music that had influenced me when younger. ‘Why not’ I thought, ‘only a bit of harmless fun’.

That set the old memory process off!

Firstly, choosing ten albums was hard.

I’ve been lucky enough to see all the big names when they were young and vibrant, rather than doing comeback tours in their 70s, and had an extensive vinyl collection years ago.

I grew up in the classic rock era, when gig tickets didn’t need a second mortgage, and the O2 hadn’t even been thought of. Somewhere in the attic is a small plastic bag with all my old gig tickets. I remember I once saw Deep Purple for 80p!

I miss albums. They were big and colourful – had sleeve notes and the lyrics. I owned ‘Regatta de Blanc’ by the Police years ago – on blue vinyl. Picture discs and booklets all included in the price - 37/6d at the time.

Then you invite ten friends to take part – before realising their ten influential albums are those you wish you’d chosen!

After that comes the longing to hear them again. I don’t stream music and my iPod bit the dust months ago so it’s back to CDs. So, I now have a rather large

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HUSH NOW WHAT’S THAT SOUND….

What’s that strange little noise I hear nowadays? A sort of babble of voices, cheery words of encouragement in the wind, laughter and the odd swear word. That is the sound of Community Spirit reviving itself.

The recent spell of bad weather brought trees, walls and other mayhem to Dartford and its surrounds. Roads were blocked, flooded with thick muddy water and all other manner of disruption. Not the best of weather to go out in anyway.

However, there was a small army of men with chainsaws – boys with toys so to speak – sawing up the trees so the traffic could keep going. I heard of drivers stopping their cars and replacing the roadwork barriers and cones so other road users would be safe. Offers to get shopping for neighbours, collecting wheelie bins from wherever Storm Ciara decided to leave them. Even the rescue of two fledglings, blown out of their nest.

So, despite our differences, we seem to have a good heart when faced with such circumstances. Let’s face it, it really doesn’t matter about the colour of your politics when nature turns against us. I wonder if we could keep the momentum going? Long may this revival continue.

JUST DOING THEIR JOB Other Half and I are certainly getting our money’s worth from the NHS. This year, we seem to have seats with our names on in hospital waiting rooms. Emergency visits to A&E, non-urgent clinical appointments for blood tests, other medical procedures and hearing aids, have been the main feature for us since the New Year.

Regardless of the time of day, sheer volume of people and the constant bedlam of the waiting rooms, the NHS staff, as always have been professional, efficient and helpful. It’s what we expect from them isn’t it? I might add that they are also wickedly funny at times, reassuring always and despite the huge amount of work they have, each and every member still made us feel as we were the most important people of all. I am tired of the moans and groans about the NHS, especially in the media. Let’s be thankful for what we have, and mindful of what we could lose.

Stay safe and laugh loud.

L I F E U NDE R THE STA I R S

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L U LL I NGSTO NE CASTLE E V ENTS 2 020

LULLINGSTONE CASTLE EVENTS 2020 Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, 2020 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest - Easter Egg Quiz –11, 12, 13 April -11am – 5pm family estates, dating back to the time of - Medieval Weekend –24 & 25 May - 11am - 5pm Domesday.

- National Garden Scheme - 21 June – 12 noon - 5pm An historic family mansion frequented by Henry VIII and Queen Anne. It is also home to the UK’s first ever ‘World Garden of Plants’, containing some 8,000 plant species, cultivars and hybrids planted in their respective countries of origin, the vision of modern-day plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke. 2020 is a special year as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of The World Garden.

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- Lullingstone Craft & Quilt Festival – 17, 18, 19 July – 10.30am – 4.30pm - Plant Hunters Weekend – 29, 30, 31 August - 11am - 5pm - Mexican Celebration Weekend – 19 & 20 September – 11am - 5pm - Halloween Magic – 31 October - 12 noon - 7pm Photos Alan Graham

THE MICK JAGGER CENTRE AND DARTFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRESENT

RIYAD NICOLAS PIANO RECITAL

L U LL I NGSTO NE CASTLE E V ENTS 2 020

Charity No. 1148298

AN INTERNATIONAL PIANIST AND A MULTI-PRIZE WINNER "Riyad is very talented and he has a very high level of musical sensitivity".

-Maestro Daniel Barenboim

FREE VOLUNTEER TRAINING Home-Start are recruiting new volunteer parents – of any age, background, culture or gender – to attend a free 40-hour course of preparation beginning

Wednesday 6th May 10.00 – 2.00

[ then a further nine Tuesdays 10th December ]

TUESDAY 31ST MARCH 2020 7.30PM The Mick Jagger Centre,Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2JZ Tickets: £12 Adults, £5 Children www.themickjaggercentre.com

BACH Prelude and Fugue BOOK 2, No. 1 C major BEETHOVEN Sonata op.27 no.1 ALBENIZ El Puerto (from Iberia) RAVEL Scarbo (From Gaspard de la nuit)

Subjects covered include ADDICTION, DEPRESSION, LISTENING SKILLS, LOSS, PARENTING SKILLS, LEARNING THROUGH PLAY, CHILD PROTECTION, SPECIAL NEEDS Following training (plus DBS checks + references) individual volunteers will be ‘matched’ with isolated vulnerable local families with pre-school children – to home visit for 2-3 hours per week offering emotional and/or practical parent-to-parent support.

Travel expenses are paid and ongoing supervision / training provided www.homestartnwkent.org.uk

CALL 01322 225 100 for details or email office@homestartnwkent.org.uk

SCHUMANN Fantasiestucke op.12 LIGETI Fanfares Etude no.4 PAGANINI-LISZT Etude no.6

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING? Instantly find out how much your home is worth!

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Wisdom-Estates.co.uk 37

L U LL I NGSTO NE CASTLE E V ENTS 2 020

38

R ES C U E I S B EST

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

Name: Henry; Breed: Lurcher; Sex: Male; Age; 2 years 2 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 377155 Henry is a sweet, sensitive dog who enjoys company but is going to need ongoing help and guidance in building his confidence out and about; in particular when meeting other dogs as he becomes conflicted upon greeting. During his time on foster Henry has exhibited signs of separation anxiety so he is going to need time and patience from his new owners. He will need somebody at home for most of the time, especially in the beginning, as he loves being with people. Ideally, his new home will be away from the inner city where Henry can enjoy quiet walks away from lots of people, dogs and noisy traffic. Henry is going to need his own secure garden to zoom about in, a safe environment where he can build his confidence and work on his house training and recall.

If you’re interested in rehoming Henry, please visit www.battersea.org.uk

Name: Tyson; Breed: Domestic Short-hair; Sex: Male; Age; 7 years 1 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 379890 Tyson is a friendly cat who enjoys being around people. Like many cats, Tyson does prefer interactions to be on his terms and equally enjoys his own company. Tyson is looking for a quieter home without too much going on, allowing him to really thrive and show off his loving side. With his purry and affectionate ways, Tyson will make a loving addition to his new family.

Tyson will require outside access with a cat flap if owners work full-time so he can come and go as he pleases, enjoying the wonders of the outdoors!

If you’re interested in rehoming Tyson, please visit www.battersea.org.uk

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R ES C U E I S B EST

DARTFORD, CHRISTCHURCH HALL Christchurch Road, DA1 3DH

Saturdays 2.00pm - 4.00pm 8th February 2020 14th March 2020 16th May 2020

13th June 2020

Refreshments and snacks

12th September 2020

Free car park

10th October 2020

Free goody bags for the first 100 buyers

14th November 2020

BUY top quality, preloved, baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and equipment at our pop-up indoor markets.

Admission is £2 on the door.

SELL your children’s outgrown items and keep 100% of the takings and it’s all completely hassle free!

Book online now!

rachel@mum2mummarket.co.uk

Instagram: @mum2mum_dartford

www.mum2mum

co.uk

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

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

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DA RT FO R D C H O RAL SO C I ET Y - 10 0 Y EA R S O F SO NG

DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY - 100 YEARS OF SONG It’s hard to believe, but we have been making music since 1919. Over the years we have had various conductors and our numbers have fluctuated but we are still here! New members are always welcome - and indeed needed if we are to continue into the future, as we now number fewer than forty. So please come along and discover the wonderful world of choral singing. We rehearse on Monday evenings at the Mick Jagger Centre, starting at 7.45pm. Just turn up and you will receive a very warm welcome. If you would like more information before taking the plunge please contact our Secretary, Paul Grimmer (email: pngplants@tiscali.co.uk), or me, Pat Everington (email: everington@talktalk.net. Tel: 01322 220124).

Parkinson's Cafe Dartford Last Friday of every month, 10:30am At: CAFE IN THE PARK, 154 LOWFIELD STREET, DA1 1JB Join us for a friendly & informal meet up over a cup of tea for anyone affected by Parkinson's - partners/carers, friends & family welcome.

C ontact: Drinda on drinda.harrington@nhs.net or 01322 428 100 ext 4759

Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom.

A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK

C reated in RightMarket - 20/12/2019 - 2:23:07 PM

The Society’s inaugural concert took place in the Spring of 1920 and 4 April this year sees us celebrate the centenary with performances of Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and Mendelssohn’s ‘Christus’.at Christchurch in West Dartford, starting at 7.30pm. Past and present civic dignitaries will be in attendance together with past members and patrons and all our loyal followers. Free interval refreshments include a finger buffet, celebratory cake and drinks. Ticket prices on the door are £10 (£8 concessions). Please join us on this special occasion, thus swelling the audience and lending your support to the oldest choir in the borough. We need you!’

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 13th March Friday 17th April Friday 15th May Friday 12th June Friday 10th July

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

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THEAT R E Rou n d u p

THEATRE ROUNDUP

By Liz Dyer So let’s start with the big news: in case you missed it, a couple of weeks ago the Orchard announced this year’s panto star - and it’s a good one! Christmas may seem a long way off (because it is), but don’t let that put you off - get booking now to see the one and only Christopher Biggins doing what he does best in Jack and the Beanstalk this December.

Back to the present day, and February has served up another excellent month of entertainment. We welcomed back the Moscow City Ballet and their beautiful production of The Sleeping Beauty, and got swept up in the passion and romance of Lady Chatterley’s Lover. DAODS kept the festive spirit alive with their pantomime,

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Cinderella, and as always the Orchard’s varied programme of music, comedy and dancing made sure there was something for everyone on the menu.

March promises more treats in store for theatre fans, kicking off with The Simon and Garfunkel Story (2nd-7th), a critically acclaimed celebration of the world’s most successful music duo. Get ready to join in with Mrs Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Sound of Silence and many more classics at this concert style show accompanied by state of the art video projection, lighting and a full live band.

Also coming up this month: don’t miss comedian Rob Beckett, who brings his new stand-up show Wallop to Dartford on the 17th and 18th. And there’s a familiar face in town on the 9th, as last year’s panto star Andy Ford returns with his show, Live, Daft and Lovely.

They’re followed, later in the month, by TV star Derren Brown with his first new live show in five years: Showman (27th March-4th April). The content of the show is a closely guarded secret, but if previous experience is anything to go by, we’re all in for a mind blowing, jaw dropping treat of an evening.

Did you miss Tom Chambers in the tense thriller Dial M for Murder at the Orchard recently? Not to worry - there’s another chance to catch it this month at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley (17th-21st). Also at the Churchill, possibly our last opportunity for a while to catch the tour of Saturday Night Fever (11th-14th) which stops in at Bromley before heading to Europe.

What are you looking forward to seeing this month? Whatever it is, enjoy!

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THEAT R E Rou n d u p

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Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS

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

THEAT R E Rou n d u p

By Maria Kingsford

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

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

Here are some of the photos of their latest painted rocks.

YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US THIS SUNDAY AT

CHURCH SUNDAY’S 10:30AM @ STONE PAVILION Hayes Road Stone Dartford DA99DS

COME AND HEAR THE MESSAGE OF JESUS AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE TODAY

www.crosswayscc.co.uk CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY CHURCH

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CA R NE WS

CAR NEWS MARCH 2020

By Dhiren Ganesh

IN THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE WE LOOK AT NEW VERSIONS FROM MANUFACTURERS IN THE FAR EAST COMING OUT IN 2020.

2020 Honda Civic Type R – Honda is giving the Type R updates to not only improve its performance but also make it appeal to a wider audience. There will be addition of new Limited Edition and Sport Line variants.

The Limited Edition features lightweight components and a stripped-out interior to save weight – only 100 to be made in Europe. The Sport Line variant retains its grin-inducing performance. with a new 19in alloy wheel design and softer tyres. There’s a new steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, and a new gearknob with a retro design on the inside. Buyers who want to delve into the detail of their driving performance can now do so via the new LogR smartphone app, which shows data collected through the car’s on-board systems and can even offer tips to make driving smoother. The engine offered

is the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which on sale in September 2020. produces 316bhp. Prices will be available closer to its launch in the summer but expected to be around £33,000.

2020 Hyundai i20 – The Hyundai i20 small car has been through a rebrand with new looks all over the vehicle. The new i20 is a mild hybrid, meaning the sole 1.0-litre 99bhp petrol engine on offer in the UK has a small electric motor which can help the car to ‘coast’ when the engine isn’t needed – leading to fuel and emissions savings of up to 4%. A set of sporty new dimensions, that extra length and width means there’s now more space in the boot. Inside, the new i20’s ultramodern look continues with two digital displays measuring up to 10.25in each. The new system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, LED ambient lighting, a Bose sound system and an additional USB port for rear passengers to charge their devices. Prices for the new Hyundai i20 are expected to start at around £16,000 when it goes

2020 Kia Sorento SUV – All-new Kia Sorento seven-seat SUV gets the option of hybrid power for the first time. The Sorento is based on allnew underpinnings, meaning it should be both better to drive and more spacious than before.

The new Sorento is just 3.5cm longer than the outgoing car, but interior space promises to be significantly increased, notably in the second row of seats with more knee room. UK cars will be sold with seven seats as standard and middle-row seats that slide and recline. With the rearmost seats folded away and the middle row pushed all the way forward, 910 litres of space is available in the boot. Inside, the Sorento now features a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen, linked to a new digital instrument panel. At launch, the Sorento will be available with either a 199bhp 2.2-litre diesel or a 227bhp petrol-electric hybrid option, which mates a 1.6-litre petrol engine to a 59bhp electric motor and a small, 1.5kWh battery. Prices are expected to be around £33,000 when the car is released in Autumn 2020.

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’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash one by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the ate for the competition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if

CA R NE WS

Now Aw Winn ard ing!

Formally known as St Albans Flowers.

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DA RT FO R D FC F I XT U R ES M A R 2 0

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MARCH INCLUDE: 1: Football - Carabao Cup final: Aston Villa v Manchester City, Wembley 5: Football - She Believes Cup: USA v England, Exploria Stadium, Orlando 7: Rugby union - Men’s Six Nations: England v Wales

SPORTS ROUNDUP Describing something as “typical City” is a reference to Manchester City football club shooting itself in the foot.

Previously, it was brought up when discussing Jamie Pollock beating two men before heading the ball over his own goalkeeper to almost certainly doom the club to relegation to the third tier. The situation the club now finds itself in was an inevitability.

Financial Fair Play was announced in 2009 and 11 years later it should not come as a surprise that someone would be found guilty of abusing it.

City have done nothing illegal but few at the club seem to remember that they agreed to abide by UEFA’s rules and have been found to have broken them, which means they deserve to be punished. There is little to debate on that front.

Whether you agree with the rules is another question; but has it all been worth it? When Agüero thrashed home the 93rd minute winner against QPR, the feeling of euphoria within the Etihad was priceless and

no punishment can ever take that memory away from those who were there. Yaya Touré settling an FA Cup semi-final against United will not fade into the background either, neither will beating Stoke in the final to lift the club’s first meaningful silverware in 37 years, a feat unthinkable without the Sheikh’s money.

8: Football - She Believes Cup: Japan v England, Red Bull Arena, Harrison 10-13: Horse racing - Cheltenham Festival 11: Football - Champions League last 16, second legs: Liverpool v Atletico Madrid 11: Football - She Believes Cup: England v Spain, Toyota Stadium, Frisco 13-15: Formula 1 - Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne 14: Rugby union - Final round of men’s Six Nations: Italy v England; 17: Football - Champions League last 16, second legs: Manchester City v Real Madrid 18: Football - Champions League last 16, second legs: Bayern Munich v Chelsea 19-23: Cricket - Sri Lanka v England first Test, Galle 20-22: Formula 1 - Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir 21-22: Football - FA Cup quarter-finals

DARTFORD FC FIXTURES MAR 20

27-31: Cricket - Sri Lanka v England second Test, Colombo 27: Football - Euro 2020 warm-ups: England v Italy, Wembley; 29: Rowing - Boat Races, London

V CHELMSFORD CITY - 14TH 3PM

31: Football - Euro 2020 warm-ups: England v Denmark

V BATH CITY - 28TH 3PM 47

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY W HE R E TO G O LO CALLY

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 9:30-10:30am at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime 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 10:30-11:30am, at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime 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 10:30am - 11am 2:15pm – 2:45pm Friday Thursday 10:30pm -11:00am Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday 10:30am -11am Greenhithe - Thursday 2.15pm – 2.45pm - Thursday 10:45am -11:15am Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday 10:30am – 11am Sutton-at-Hone -Monday. 2pm – 2:30pm Temple Hill - Wednesday 10.30am -11am Dartford

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

48

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W HE R E TO G O LO CALLY

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49

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W HE R E TO G O LO CALLY

CARE & SUPPORT

stroke survivors for stroke survivors. It provides excise classes, art sessions, outings, events and meetings. It meets at the YMCA, Dartford, DA1 1UP at 11.00 am on Tuesdays. Please contact Theo Hodges at Theo.

Hodges@stroke.org.uk or 0743 7100 404, for more details

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

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

DARTFORD OSTOMY GROUP SUPPORT (DOGS) meet every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and pouch, their carers, family and friends.

ALL DIRECTIONS is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or 07570 347612

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

charity. If you are missing the contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the last Thursday of every month.

For more details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www.waprobus.com

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 01603406767 and ask about the Dartford group.

HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch.

Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year.

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH Our club is open to anyone over 55 PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP wherever you live and costs just 60p Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, more information visit: to come along and join in. So why not Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford- come and join our friendly welcoming Bexleyheath-surrounding-areassocial club? For further information BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH social-group/ please call either John Letchford on PARKINSONS UK 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 For people with Parkinsons and their DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF 222195. carers.

THE THIRD AGE) JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each meets on the first Tuesday of every meet on the third Tuesday of every month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30month (except August) at St Anselm’s month, with meetings beginning at 9.30pm. Information support workers Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 7.45pm. We meet at the Community available, guest speakers and quizzes. 2pm, For information about meetings Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: and interest groups call 01474-709068 DA2 7NE. More information can be 02083065973 or visit our website. found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk (under Local Clubs and Societies).

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION has 2 WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP groups for stroke survivors with CLUB We meet each week on Wednesday Communication difficulties; one in We are a group of retired men who evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Dartford and one in Gravesend. Please meet monthly for a lunch and a Coffee Shop , Bluewater Upper contact Michele at Dartford@stroke. speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. Guildhall, opposite Waterstones. No org.uk or on 01622 3251 962.

We also have a monthly walk and fees to pay, just purchase your drink occasional coffee mornings and as a or food in Starbucks and join us. All Also, there is a social group, run by side line we raise money for a local genres and writing styles are welcome

50

including adult fiction, young adult/ teen, children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and poetry. See HE R E TO G O LO CALLY us onWFacebook “Bluewater Writers’ Group” For further info email Tony at: tonyjan@talktalk.net CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com.

FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI A warm welcome awaits you on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane, DA1 2NT at 7.30pm. For more information please contact Judith on 01322 278703 or email FairfieldDartford@wkfwi.org.uk

opportunities that Round Table does. DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Check out the locally famous club Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer Facebook search: or speaker, we also organise holidays * Dartford Round Table and day trips out as well as activities * Round Table including theatre trips, curling, short * Dartford Egg Hunt mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and You will receive a very warm cake afternoons and an art group. welcome.

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

THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town Centre CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st Description: We are a (non-profit Thursday of every month at 1.30pm. making) friendly social group open to Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, anyone over fifty.

Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact We enjoy socialising, making new Secretary, Linda Lewis 01322 557229 friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle A group of retired ladies meet locally Walks and Short Breaks Away. for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. each month,. They raise funds for Annual membership £6 charity and usually invite a speaker. If you would like to join us or Join them and enjoy meeting and require further information please making new friends. If you would like telephone: more information please contact Iris Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 (Secretary) on 01474 703448 TALK TIME MALE? AGED 18 - 45?

TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME Round Table is for the guys ONLY) with Ladies Circle for the Ladies Fleetdown Library (ladiescircle.co.uk) Everybody welcome, join us for a Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th friendly chat Thursday. and light refreshments.

Often called the original young man’s social club, Round Table has over 400 clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries worldwide. We have an emphasis on having a lot of FUN. We guarantee that involvement with Round Table will enhance your social life, your personal abilities, your network and best of all it is not expensive.

For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need to experience it because no other organisation offers you the

HAVEN (LGBT) SOCIAL GROUP. London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe Place to Meet.

For more information please contact 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - havenx35@gmail.com WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082

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

The club actively supports a number of charities locally, nationally and internationally and we continue to raise funds for Ellenor Hospices, Demelza Hospices for Children, Darent Valley Hospital and many others. We are very keen to maintain these traditions and welcome new members from the area. We also organise numerous social activities both for members and the wider community. For more information about the club’s activities and membership please contact Bob Phillips on 07815 807520 or John Smeeth on 07889 137951 THE ASSOCIATION OF BEXLEY CHARITIES ’78 will hold its Grand Autumn Fair at the United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ (near the Broadway Shopping Centre) on Saturday 26th October 2019 from 9.45 am - 1.00 pm.

There will be a variety of charity stalls selling Christmas Gifts and Cards; CDs and DVDs; Collectables; Jewellery; Chutneys, Jams, Cakes; Books; Children’s Toys and Games; Model Railway accessories.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ENTRANCE 50P (ACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FREE) WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

51

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W HE R E TO G O LO CALLY

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

There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! www.facebook.com/groups/ DSTCAlumni

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

Everyone welcome!

DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.m. Free tuition with a very friendly, sociable group.

The ideal way to make new friends.

Phone Ester 01322 220458 or email: esther.correia1@btinternet.com

NORTH WEST KENT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY The Dartford Branch meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10amTHE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP 12:30pm at the Dartford Science and We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in Technology College, Heath Lane, For the Community hall (opp St Paulinus more information see www.nwkfhs. church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 lights, scenery or singing/acting on the ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY has stage - everyone welcome. Email me been in existence for over 50 years (Carolyn) for more details at and has well over 50 active members. c_sawyers@hotmail.com.

As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome.

CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE incorporating Barnehurst and Slade The club meets on Wednesday Green. Meet every Monday (except evenings from around 7.00pm until the third Monday) of the month at around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call in Invicta House (aka Belvedere in for a chat about old Crayford and Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, to view the large collection of local Belvedere DA17 5DA. images, or bring your own for us to copy.

DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING pm at GROUP

52

Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session.

Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk DARTFORD FLORAL CLUB The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement. Contact Carol 01322 220802 DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE CLUB meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-Book-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub.co.uk COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB This small friendly club meets each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon in Sutton-at-Hone Village Hall. From 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Price is £3.00 to include Tea & biscuits.

Occasionally we meet on a Saturday when we have a tutor with us, from 10am until 4pm Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581.

Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and

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

If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com W HE R E TO G O LO CALLY

throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE I provide all the equipment, materials and refreshments with just a small all inclusive, pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person per session.

Those who come have the opportunity to learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, inks and how to draw with pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I offer too. www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ - calling all 11-18 year olds who want more than an ordinary life, come hang out with other young people and discover their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church Dartford, near McDonalds and next to Weatherspoons.

For more information email andrew@ thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 272649.

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS Our Club presents a programme of workshops and demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere. We meet on the last Thursday of each month except December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome, entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for people to be creative, make friends.

For further information please phone Angela Hurd Telephone: 01322 407556

hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https://swanleyhistorygroup. weebly.com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter.

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm in the Community Room of Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 1BE. The programme of activities is varied with workshops, talks and sit and stitch sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More information can be found on our website www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk or phone 01474324734.

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.

can #inspiregirls too.

If you would like to find out more please register your interest www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested DARTFORD HISTORICAL AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY www.historicaldartford.org.uk Our talks in 2020 continue with the following: Friday 21 February - Toni Mount. “Richard III King of Controversy”.

Friday 20 March - Bob Ogley. “Biggin on the Bump”.

Friday 17 April - Wilf Lower. “Under Billowing Sails - the Romance and Reality of Tall Ships”.

Friday 15 May - Ian Porter. “Jack the Ripper”.

These events will be held at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, at 7.30 for 7.45pm and all are welcome.

A small charge of £2.00 is made for nonmembers.

Membership of the Society is currently £10.00 per annum and this includes a copy of the annual magazine which contains interesting articles on the history of Dartford and surrounds. Telephone 01322 221702 for further information.

We meet every third Thursday of each month, between 19:30 & 21:30 at the following local hall:

Pheonix Place Community Hall Pheonix Place, Dartford, DA1 2XG If you have any questions, please contact our Club Secretary Tony Pringle who will be only too happy Our new programme delivers the fun and to help. varied range of activities that you expect from guiding, and of course, there’s still Please use the following options: plenty of badges to earn. We’ve introduced Email: tp.1971@outlook.com new topics, new skills and new ways for Tel: 07738 698284 There are more than 30 groups in the Dartford area run by our amazing volunteers who inspire girls every week.

SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP Meets 1st Tuesday of every month.

Presentations on local social history.

Venue Alexandra Suite St Mary’s Road girls to broaden their horizons.

Swanley BR8 7BU. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2. Everyone There are lots of flexible ways to volunteer welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@ so no matter how much time you have you

53

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W HE R E TO G O LO CALLY

HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE Swanscombe Leisure Centre.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Call Saj on 07903 513104 (HASARA) We meet on the 2nd Thursday in the scout hut Sutton at Hone at 2pm.

Other social activities include pub lunches, art and craft, short mat bowls, petanque, walks, coach outings, etc.

We are a friendly and young at heart club. Do join us. Ring Jim on 01322 221736 or Carol on 07912564710 or just turn up.

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 ORCHARDS JUNIOR SCALE MODEL coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do CLUB. We welcome everyone from age 8 and upwards. We meet not close through the holidays! on a Tuesday evening from 6pm Visit our website www.dartonwards in The Meeting Place in fordgymnastics.co.uk for full the Orchards Shopping Centre. details or contact Linda on 01322 We deal with all sorts of scale 409312 or email dartfordgymmodels from Airfix and similar, club@yahoo.co.uk Warhammer, model railways etc. We charge £1 per week per LEARN KARATE person and any under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Learn karate with Yamato We have a small number of Damashii – for adults & children kits available to purchase at a Every Wednesday evening at the reasonable rate.

Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. https://www.facebook.com/OrchardsJuniorScaleModelClub/ For more info, visit www.ydma. club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

SPORTS GROUPS

AND CLUBS

Yoga with Emma “YOGA WITH EMMA WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING Europa Gymnastics Centre: Wheelchair epee fencing in - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – Dartford and Gravesham, we are 9.30am to 10.30am delighted to announce that New - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to Ash Green Epee club, can now 10.30am introduce wheelchair fencing. If - Fridays: Yin Yoga – 10.45am to interested in taking up this para sport please contact us on 01474 11.45am 871484 or alternatively look at our Becket Sports Centre: website www.nagfencing.eu - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm ERITH YOUTH RUGBY Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Please see www.samadhi-yoga.

Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 co.uk for more information or 590515 email Emma at emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk“ LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS KENT EXILES AMERICAN Sundays 54 10:15-10:45 at

FOOTBALL CLUB www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome 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 CLUB For more details see www.dfok. co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that

challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday at the stone W HE R E TOevening G O LO CALLY pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person.

THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, Friendly club seeking new members.

Abilities mixed.

Would suit players with some prior experience.

Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT For further information please email: highlystrungbc@gmail.com

WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come grab a cup of tea and chat about all things hobby and some things not!

For more info visit - https://emperors10th.wixsite.com/home DARTFORD PARKRUN Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants get a time a position emailed and texted after the event. To register go to www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode.

Every Sunday Morning in the Park there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – registration is the same.

DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now live. The run starts behind the Heath Lane car park and is a free 5k run every Saturday morning at 9am.

Parking is restricted in the area so please do not park in Heathclose Road and wherever possible please walk.

FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN A new Parkrun event with parking at Crazy Barn SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD Seeds is a long-established cycling

Club in Dartford and we share our headquarters at Hesketh with Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for most abilities and have a social ride most Saturday mornings. For info on joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK TRIATHLON CLUB We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 times per week at White oak pool in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then please visit our website http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri. co.uk DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR teams compete in the Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities. http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ node/440 DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS CLUB Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance your Athletics then please visit our website http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual memberships). Refreshments and changing facilities are also available.

For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities.

This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina.

There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for more details.

The Run leaders for each group are as follows; Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford Dawn & Brian Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian New runners are always welcome, and you can contact Brian if you would like more information; see contact details and e-mail link on Our Group page.

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The Hope Group on 07580 615206.

THE ASHES BADMINTON CLUB Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 8-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Downton Ali Associates.........................................59 Urban Sticks...................................................14 & 15 BEAUTY Gorgeous Nail & Beauty.........................................10 BUILDERS, DECORATORS, ROOFING, BATHROOMS, HEATING, KITCHENS, WINDOWS & DOORS Claremont Decorative Services............................36 Kent Plumbing........................................................5 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..................................22 The Double Glazing Repair Man..............................4 YRS Refurbishments................................................4 CAFE Two Trees Cafe ......................................................37 CAR CARE ChipsAway..............................................................11 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.........................................................19 Monkey Music.........................................................55 CHURCH Crossways Church...................................................7 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ....................................31 ENTERTAINMENT Bexley Park Sports & Social Club..........................37 Orchard Theatre.....................................................43 56

ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ............................................................17 Wisdom Estates......................................................23 FARM SHOP H&M Foods.............................................................15 Stanhill Farm.........................................................16 FLORIST Dartford Florist.....................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage......................................................60 Shenley Road Garage...............................................7 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening.............................................7 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................25 NURSERY Holy Trinity Church Pre School.............................12 The Brent Playgroup..............................................47 MEDICAL AND HEALTH Slimming World.......................................................2 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Dartford Bootcamps...............................................32 Fairfield Leisure Centre..........................................30 On Pointe Pilates....................................................19 Why Weight?...........................................................20

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OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames............................................................38 RESTAURANT/ TEA ROOMS/CAFE EFES.......................................................................18 The Churchyard Tea Room....................................11 Two Tree Tea Room...............................................36 SECURITY Excel Security Systems..........................................21 SPORTS Dartford Football Club...........................................41 Fairfield Leisure Centre..........................................28 TUTOR my Bluewater tutor................................................49 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .................................................21

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

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

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USEFUL NUMBERS LOCAL AND NATIONAL

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

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

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

dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes ParkContact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group

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