Dartford Living March 24

Dear Dartford Living Reader,

I’d like to welcome you to the latest issue of the magazine!

The magazine

with lots of useful local information and fantastic local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like never before, our community needs the support of all of us.

In case you weren’t aware, David and I run Dartford Living alongside over 50 volunteer members of the local community. DL is the only independently run magazine, serving the local area with information 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 neighbours. You will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise too!

If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter mailing list and you will join over 50,000 local people who read the magazine and/or follow us on social media each month.

When you’ve finished reading the magazine please either keep it on your bookshelf, for when you need to use a local business, or pass it on to a friend or family member to read too.

LIVE MUSIC | COMEDY | FAMILY EVENTS

BABY BROADWAY - 23.03.24

TOP SECRET THE MAGIC OF SCIENCE - 03.04.24

THE MIKE KING COLLECTIVE - 13.04.24

KAST OFF KINKS - 20.04.24

TJ HIGGS - PSYCHIC MEDIUM - 03.05.24

LOCAL NEWS

‘IT’S TIME TO OVERTURN THE ULEZ EXPANSION’

By Gareth Johnson MP

As an MP, there are many ways to influence and assist with making laws but one way in which you can really have the chance to change the law, is by introducing a Private Members’ Bill.

These Bills are introduced by individual MPs or Lords rather than the Government, with time set aside in the Parliamentary calendar to hear them.

To have your Private Members’ Bill heard in the House of Commons, MPs must enter a ballot and have their name picked out. This year 415 MPs were in the ballot, with 20 names pulled out and these Bills have been given time in Parliament to be debated on 13 sitting Fridays.

Since I became MP for Dartford in 2010, I have been successful in the Private Members’ Bill ballot twice. The second time was at the end of last year, however, many MPs can spend decades in Parliament without ever being selected.

The Bill I have chosen to bring on this occasion is The Greater London Ultra Low Emission Zone Charging (Amendment) Bill.

The intention of this Bill is to overturn the expansion of the ULEZ zone which was extended to Dartford’s border with London last year.

Having already presented my Bill in Parliament in December, its second reading is set for 22nd March. If it gets through the second reading, it will go to the committee stage for a line-by-line assessment. Amendments are then put forward and they are voted on, after which, it goes to the report stage and any further amendments are looked at in the Commons chamber at third reading.

If it all goes through the Commons, it will then move to the House of Lords for the same procedure and if passed, it will go to the King for Royal Assent to become law.

If successful, it should become law later in the year and drivers of non-compliant vehicles will no longer be required to pay £12.50 each day they cross the border into London.

I decided to table this Bill as I have been inundated by people complaining about the ULEZ expansion. It hits some of the poorest people in Dartford the hardest. Its supporters say it is necessary to tackle air pollution. My concern is though that more people will use the Dartford Crossing to avoid the ULEZ charge, rather than use the Blackwall Tunnel. Does it add to the poor air quality here in Dartford as well as the traffic congestion? Dartfordians can’t vote in or out the London Mayor and so using Parliament is the only way we can stop the ULEZ expansion.

The ULEZ expansion impacts so many people which is why I felt, when my name was picked out of the Private Members’ Bill ballot, it was the right issue to choose.

A BAGFUL OF SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS

By Newtown Councillor, Laura Edie

A couple of weeks ago I joined Rupert from Porchlight at 10pm until midnight to carry out welfare checks on homeless people in this area and to hand out the backpacks of essential supplies that have kindly been donated to us.

I heard stories from individuals living on the streets. One man had ended up in this situation through a serious injury - which led to the loss of his job and eventually sleeping rough. He has struggled to find a way back. Despite the hand that life had dealt him, he was a genuinely lovely man and still wanted to care for the environment - he had even asked the council

for a litter picker to tidy up! I was moved hearing him talk to Rupert, who organised a meeting to try and help him back on his feet again.

The scenarios of how people had ended up living like this ranged from unfortunate circumstances, such as injuries, grief, addiction and mental health. What I came to realise is that any one of us could find ourselves on the streets, without the means or capacity to find a way out.

I was very touched and inspired by the vital work Rupert and the Porchlight team do to look out for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. I wanted to thank him for letting me accompany him and to everyone who has given items to us, they have truly made the world of difference.

If you would like to make a donation, jogging bottoms and hoodies would be hugely appreciated. St Alban’s Church are kindly supporting the Care Backpacks project, so these can be dropped off at St Albans Church, Dartford Wednesday & Thursdays from 9am12pm and at St Edmunds Church, Temple Hill Monday- Friday from 9am-4pm. Thank you.

For further information please contact Laura.edie@dartford.gov.uk

THINGS TO DO

LULLINGSTONE CASTLE AND THE WORLD GARDEN 2024 EVENTS

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. 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.

2024 events

- Easter Egg Quiz –

30th, 31st March & 1st April – 11am – 5pm

- Medieval Weekend –26th & 27th May – 11am – 5pm

- National Garden Scheme –16th June – 11am – 5pm

- Lullingstone Quilt & Craft Festival –19th, 20th, 21st July – 10.30am – 4.30pm

- Patina Classic Car Show –4th August – 11am – 5pm

- Plant Hunters Weekend –24th, 25th, 26th August – 11am – 5pm

- Jaguar Car Rally –1st September -11am – 5pm

- Mexican Celebration Weekend – ‘Cactus at the Castle’ – 14th & 15th September – 11am – 5pm

- Halloween Magic –27th October – 11am – 6pm

- Medieval Weekend –26th & 27th May – 11am – 5pm

Medieval weekend

Don’t miss the transformation of Lullingstone into a magical medieval village, a chance to step back in time to experience the authentic sights

and sounds. There will be ‘living history’ displays including live firing of cannons and mock battles, as well as character dress, tents and medieval weapons, courtesy of the remarkable Woodvilles medieval re-enactment group.

Patina Classic Car Show – 4th August – 11am – 5pm

Lullingstone is delighted to host the 3rd annual PATINA Classic Car Show, showcasing beloved unrestored classic and vintage cars. It is a festival for the unpresentable cars we love and drive regularly. This show is for the beautifully preserved cars that have never been restored, as well as regularly used classics that ooze with patina and character.

Mexican Celebration Weekend – ‘Cactus at the Castle’ – 14th & 15th September – 11am –5pm

Returning for 2024 is the popular Mexican celebration weekend, teaming up with the Cactus and Succulent Review for ‘Cactus at the Castle’. Tom Hart Dyke will lead two FREE guided tours of the World Garden including Mexico & the Cactus houses at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Visitors will also be able to browse around an array of plant stalls from leading nurseries and growers with cacti and Mexican plants.

Lullingstone Castle & World Garden – Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JA

Telephone: 01322 862114

www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Gareth

withdoubleglazingcanbesolved quicklyandcosteffectively:

THE DL BIG INTERVIEW: SIR DAVID SUCHET

by Lisa Roach

Orchard West was the venue for ‘David Suchet, Poirot and More: a Retrospective’ on Thursday 22nd February where Sir David Suchet, with his close friend Geoffrey Wansell, covered his extensive career and delivered some of his favourite performances in a fresh and personal light. I had the honour of meeting with Sir David ahead of the show and discussing his life and career.

I started by asking Sir David if he had any links with Dartford. He replied that regretfully he only knew Dartford because of using the tunnel to travel to Kent for family holidays and mentioned one taken in West Malling.

We then discussed which role had been his favourite to play. Unsurprisingly, this was Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot (the Belgian detective so much beloved by so many) who he played for 25 years. He stressed that his love of the role was not just due to the ‘phenomenal career’ that it gifted him. He explained that he worked closely with the Christie family. It was important to the family, and therefore Sir David, that the

character was portrayed as written by Agatha Christie – to be ‘her Poirot’. Sir David therefore read every single Poirot book making copious notes on the finer details of his character so that he could embody the role fully. His description of this during his retrospective showed the meticulous nature of his preparation and is truly inspiring.

We moved on to talking about which role he felt had been the most challenging to play. This was George in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ where he appeared alongside Diana Rigg as Martha. He explained that during the play, Georgia fills other characters’ glasses repeatedly but only takes one drink himself – he is essentially being a ringmaster controlling everyone. He goes on to kill the fantasy child of his wife so that he does not lose her. Sir David’s interpretation was that rather than being a tyrannical cliché, he saw George as a man deeply in love with his wife, desperate to save their marriage.

After that I asked him which role he would still choose to play if he had the opportunity.

His response: Napoleon. When asked why, Sir David stated that he felt it would be a ‘complex and wonderful’ role. He went on to describe his view that although Napoleon was a bully and a tyrant, this was fuelled by being a ‘weak man inside’. He was never fully accepted by the French people and regarded as an outsider, due to being born in Corsica and this led to his behaviour towards them.

Our conversation then turned to which career he would have pursued had acting not been successful. Sir David replied that he would have chosen medicine (his father was a respected consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist) but to include psychology as he is interested in ‘making peace and healing’. This echoes his approach towards his acting roles and the preparation that allows him to fully understand each character described earlier.

Next we talked about who had been a role model for him. The answer was his late maternal grandfather, James Jarché. He described him as ‘kind, generous and humourous’ and advised that he had been a Press Street photographer - the photographer who shot ‘the scoop on Edward and Mrs Simpson’ when he photographed them in the nightclub. Sir David is happy to say that photography is one of his hobbies due to his grandfather’s influence.

We finished our chat by discussing why he

had chosen to do his retrospective show. He advised that there had been versions of the retrospective on previous book tours but recalled how Liza McClean, the Australian producer of ‘The Last Confession’, advised him that hundreds of people were keen to see him after the show so the current retrospective was born. There have been 108 shows so far with Sir David being supported by Jane Hutcheon and now Geoffrey Wansell.

It was a complete privilege to meet this amazing man who manages to stay humble, friendly and completely charming despite being recognised around the world.

The retrospective contains many more interesting and humorous stories from his life and career. You will be captivated, entertained and amused for every second of the show.

Although Sir David has left Dartford, it would be worth catching one of the other shows in the 2024 UK & Ireland tour if you can: StratfordUpon-Avon (3 March), Swindon (5 March), Leeds (7-8 March) and Cardiff (10 March).

There are lots of other great shows visiting The Orchard soon. Check out www.orchardtheatre. co.uk to find out more

TWO - DAY ARTISAN EVENT DEBUTS AT BLUEWATER THIS MARCH

Bluewater is set to host its first ever artisan event over this Mother’s Day weekend, which will be free to enter.

In partnership with Funyard Events, the unmissable event will bring together the region’s best designers and independent creators in The Village car park at Bluewater. Guests will be able to browse one-of-a-kind products and gifts including, candles, jewellery, homeware and much more. The market will also offer refreshments, including Chinese and mediterranean food, sweet treats, and an array of beverages.

Vendors confirmed for the event include Maidstone-based ‘The Scarlet Ribbon’, offering handcrafted silver jewellery, also hailing from Maidstone, ‘Pure Cacao’ create delicious and health-conscious, raw vegan chocolate, plus Dartford-based ‘Janet Interiors’, selling carefully curated terrariums and more.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “It feels great to come together and celebrate the region’s talented artists and makers with such a unique and exciting event, here at Bluewater. We can’t wait to browse the stalls and enjoy the food on offer – plus our guests may find the perfect, one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift here.”

Stuart, co-founder of Funyard Events, added: “This Spring we are excited to co-host the first ever Bluewater Artisan Event, celebrating small local businesses by giving them a premium platform in which to showcase their products and establish their small brand within a commercial environment.”

The open-air event will be running Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th March, from 9am – 8pm on Saturday, and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.

After perusing the handmade goods at the artisan market, guests can go on to enjoy shopping at over 300 stores and places to eat. Plus, with a 17 screen Showcase Cinema de Lux including IMAX, Gravity Trampoline Park, Dinotropolis Giant Soft Play, and adrenalinefuelled attractions at Hangloose Adventure, there’s something for everyone at Bluewater. For more information, please visit bluewater. co.uk

HOW VOLUNTEERING AT ELLENOR’S CHARITY SHOP

SAVED STEVEN’S LIFE – AND HAS KEPT HIM SMILING

When then-56-year-old Steven’s mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia, the Crayford engineer handed in his notice at London Underground to become her full-time carer.

Looking after his family is something Steven, “a natural giver”, has always done. When he was in his late twenties, he put his life’s plans on pause to look after his mum and much younger sister when his dad was diagnosed with, and later died from, pancreatic cancer.

Thinking of this, Steven compares himself – and only half-jokingly – to George Bailey, the central character in the 1946 classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life. The film follows George, played by James Stewart, as he forgoes his personal dreams – including leaving town and starting a new life – after his father dies: putting his life on hold for those he loves.

Around six months after giving up his decadeslong career to take care of his mother, Steven began experiencing panic attacks. He was depressed: bereft of a life-long career, and stripped of a key part of his identity and purpose.

It would be another two years before he weaned himself of the antidepressants. And – like his symbolic counterpart, George Bailey – there were days when Steven considered giving up.

But the Crayford local didn’t give up. Instead, he took a stroll down to his local ellenor charity shop, and asked the manager there if there were any vacancies.

There weren’t. However, said the manager, Sue – who’s still there today – ellenor’s Bexleyheath shop was looking for volunteers. Steven began volunteering there that week.

He was 56 when he arrived for his first shift. Now, he’s 67 and – though the surroundings have changed a little; Steven is now at ellenor’s Crayford shop, after the Bexleyheath one closed, you’ll still see him smiling out from behind an ellenor countertop. Head in to browse the Crayford shop’s shelves, though, and don’t expect just a smile – if Steven’s on shift, you’ll be settling in for a full-blown conversation!

“I love working in the shop, because I love meeting customers,” Steven says. “Being on the till, I get to chat to everyone, people from all walks of life: young mums with kids, nans; business owners and families all looking for a bargain. I’ve gotten to know my colleagues well, and to call them – and so many of the customers there – my friends.”

Volunteering at ellenor gave Steven – for whom the boat of regular rhythms and routines had been not only rocked, but capsized – a fresh sense of purpose. It proved transformative for his mental health and outlook on the world and the future; playing a life-affirming role in accepting and embracing the changes taking place. While there, he’s met people facing similar circumstances; finding solace and friendship among others facing loss, grief, and bereavement in all their forms.

Steven himself puts it more simply.

“Volunteering for ellenor saved my life,” he says. “I was in a bad place. It’s given me so much confidence, and introduced me to people who are immensely important to me.”

In June 2022, Steven’s mother, passed away. He misses her every day, but his role in the Crayford

shop continues to help him process the loss, and channel his grief. The Crayford shop plays a pivotal role in supporting ellenor’s mission, as the charity heavily relies on the fund generating by its shops and the generosity of the local community. These funds are fundamental in meeting the annual fundraising target of £7 million, providing vital care and support to families in Kent and Bexley facing life limiting illnesses.

But there’s another reason Steven – and so many other volunteers from all backgrounds and careers – have discovered new leases of life in ellenor’s shops. And it has to do with the evolving role of the charity shop in the UK at large.

Today charity shops are embracing their newfound roles as places where you’re just as likely to find designer fashion labels among the bric a brac; as vivid, vibrant hubs of modern commerce.

Indeed, charity shops aren’t the mere donation centres they once might have been. They’ve grown into hustling, bustling, communityfocused spaces capable of rivalling – perhaps even surpassing – the high-street retail stores they’ve come so strongly to resemble.

The fact that Steven initially didn’t expect to like working in a charity shop shows that some

of these outdated misconceptions still exist. The fact that he’s still working there 13 years later (and loving it) shows that these same conceptions – of the charity shop as a place that isn’t for everyone, or is inferior to highstreet shops – couldn’t be further from the truth.

“I didn’t think I’d end up working in ellenor’s charity shop for more than a day, because I didn’t think I’d like it. I’ve always been an engineer, and I suspected that retail wasn’t for me. But I like to keep busy, and to occupy my mind.

“13 years later, and the fact I’m still here speaks for itself!”

Asked to sum up the experience of volunteering at a charity shop in just three words, Steven takes his time, then says “Community; pleasure; smiles.”

When asked what his message to the customers of his local Crayford shop might be, though, Steven answers immediately – and with his trademark grin.

“Come in and grab yourself a bargain, and know you’re doing your bit for an amazing cause”, Steven says. Then, chuckling a little, he adds: “and remember, every penny makes a difference – so don’t ask for a discount!”

GET READY TO GET MESSY FOR A GREAT CAUSE! JOIN MESSY DASH WITH WE ARE BEAMS!

Embrace the rainbow and cover yourself in glorious gunge at Messy Dash, a brand new fundraising event hosted by We Are Beams. Fabulous fun for all the family, with every splatter and every giggle raising money for disabled children and their families.

Taking place on Sunday 7th July at Dartford Central Park and fully accessible to everyone, participants can toddle, walk, run or jog around the vibrant multi-coloured 5k route. The course is super family friendly and wheelchair accessible with a shorter 2.5K route too.

There will be messy mayhem at every kilometre, from slime stations and glitter showers so the finish line is a sparkle of glitter and colour!

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting disabled children and their families through the charity’s vital care support services including Family Advice, Respite Care and Summer Play Schemes.

We Are Beams believe that even children with the most complex disabilities can thrive and reach their full potential with the right support.

The charity supports over 450 families every step of the way through the unique challenges

of raising a disabled child. Based in Hextable, the disabled children and young people who access Beams services will typically have one or multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD.

Sign up for the Messy Dash today and let the colourful chaos begin!

To enter please visit www.wearebeams.org.uk/ events-challenges/

Event Details Sunday 7th July

Address: Dartford Central Park, Central Park, Dartford, Kent DA1 1JP

Time: Event opens at 9.30am, and the run starts at 10am

Cost:

£15 – Adults

£12 – Child 12-17yrs

£8 – Child 11 and under £40 – Family (2 adults and 2 children)

Dartford Living are proud media sponsors of this event and Beams are also looking for local companies that could support the event through a range of sponsorship opportunities.

SHORTBREAD COOKIE POPS

By Debbie Dickinson from the Little Lavinia Bakery

Most cookie recipes use block butter to help them with the rolling and cutting process. I’ve used margarine here so, hopefully, you’ll be able to make them without having to go out and buy ingredients especially for the recipe. It does mean, however, that you won’t be able to roll them out and need to use something to mould them in. Silicon Cake Pop moulds are perfect, but also Cupcake Cases – or even press them into the bottom of a small cake tin and make one large cookie. I’ve flavoured mine with Lemon Zest, but they’re delicious without any flavouring too!

You will need:

100g Margarine

50g Caster Sugar

Zest of 1 Lemon or 1tsp Vanilla extract (optional) 180g Self Raising Flour

Optional Chocolate Sprinkles

You’ll also need a silicon cake pop mould or mini cupcake cases.

What to do:

In a large mixing bowl mix the Margarine and

the Sugar together until pale and creamy. Add the Lemon Zest or Vanilla Extract if using.

Stir in the Flour and squeeze with clean hands to bring the dough together.

Push into the Cake pop moulds or into the cupcake cases.

Rest in the fridge while you preheat the oven to 170° C (160°C Fan

Bake for about 10 minutes or until they start to become golden brown.

Leave in the mould/cases until cooled.

If you want to top with Chocolate:

Heat Chocolate in 10 second blasts in the microwave until 75% of it is melted, then stir to melt the remaining 25% using the residual heat in the bowl. This gives the chocolate a glossier shine.

Spoon over your cooled pops or dip them into the melted chocolate. Top with sugar sprinkles. Let the chocolate set before eating (if you can resist!)

Enjoy!

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LATEST NEWS FROM ORCHARD WEST

by Lisa Roach

Orchard West, the temporary home of the Orchard Theatre, is fully operational and has already hosted many successful shows and performances.

The new structure is state-of-the-art offering a fully-equipped auditorium, comfortable seats with excellent views and accessibility for all visitors. It has a fully stocked and licenced bar for pre-show drinks, an ice-cream counter or confectionary stand for interval treats and comfortable indoor toilets. Basically all the amenities you expect at the Orchard Theatre. The theatre continues to work with different production companies so that it can offer a wide variety of entertainment shows. Here is what is on offer during March and April 2024.

Saturday 2nd March: Buddy Holly and the Cricketers

A concert of hits that just keep coming.

Sunday 3rd March: An Evening with Anton De Beke and Friends

Song and dance show with behind the scenes, laugh-out-loud stories from his time on Strictly.

Sunday 10th March: The Circus of Horrors

A rock ‘n’ roller coaster ride of amazing, bizarre and downright beautiful acts.

Thursday 14th March: Calling Plant Earth

Relive the 80’s to the greatest hits of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, ABC, Depeche Mode and many more.

Sunday 17th March: That’ll Be The Day

A celebration of the most iconic moments in comedy, Rock ‘n’ Roll and pop culture from the 50s to the 80’s.

Sunday 24th March: The Sooty Show 75th Birthday Spectacular

A celebration of the longest-running children’s television show in the world for the whole family.

Sunday 24th March: Jim Davidson, Swimming Against the Tide

An evening of rip-roaring grown-up comedy.

Tuesday 26th March: Seven Drunken Nights

Tells the story of a career spanning 50 years invoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.

Wednesday 27th March: – Tony Blackburn’s Sound of the 60’s Live Tony Blackburn hosts an evening of stories and classic songs from the 60’s

Friday 29th March: Queenz – The Show with Balls!

A night of fun and fabulousness delivered by dazzling divas direct from their smash-hit run in London’s West End.

Tuesday 2nd – Saturday 6th April: Blood Brothers

Willy Russell’s musical telling the captivating and moving tale of twins who grew up apart but meet again, with fateful consequences.

Monday 8th April: Sing-a-long-A Matilda the Musical

Fancy dress and audience participation is encouraged!

Wednesday 17th – Saturday 20th April: Curtain Up! A night at the musicals DAODS presents a magical journey through the greatest hits of Broadway and the West End.

Sunday 21st April: Most Haunted Live

Be taken on the darkest, most terrifying journey of your life.

Wednesday 24th April: Johannes Rademe House of Jojo

A theatrical celebration jam-packed with roofraising music, dazzling costumes and world class dance.

Thursday 25th April: Lost in Music

Be taken on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco!

Friday 26th – Sunday 28th April: Zog and the Flying Doctors

A truly modern take on the classic fairy tale for the whole family.

Regular Activities at Orchard West

Chair Fit – Seated Exercise Class, Every Monday, 10:15am-12:15pm at Orchard West. £5 per session. Email tmccann@ orchardtheatre.co.uk for more information.

Orchard Theatre Choir – A friendly daytime choir, Every Tuesday, 10am-12pm at Acacia Sports Hall. £7.50 per session. Email tmccann@ orchardtheatre.co.uk for more information.

Ukulele Club – Suitable for all abilities, Every Thursday, 11am-1pm at Acacia Sports Hall. £7.50 per session. Email tmccann@orchardtheatre. co.uk for more information.

PAINTED ROCKS

By Maria Kingsford

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

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

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

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www.dartfordliving.com

Bayern Munich FC are facing the unusual prospect of a trophyless season, but whatever happens in the remainder of the campaign it will be a summer of change for the German giants.

Bayern confirmed last month that manager Thomas Tuchel will depart the club in May. The former Chelsea, Paris St-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss only took over a year ago but looks set to miss out on the Bundesliga title to Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

It has often felt like a formality for Bayern to win the Bundesliga. They’ve won it every season since 2012, but are now facing the very real prospect of missing out on the title this season to Leverkusen. Whatever happens, it looks like a significant summer of change for the club. So Bayern are on the hunt for a new manager who will likely be tasked with orchestrating a swift return to dominating the Bundesliga once more. Will they turn to Alonso? And what next for Tuchel?

By Bhavesh Ganesh

Set s a i l fo r

DARTFORD’S MARKETS

DARTFORD’S THURSDAY AND SATURDAY MARKETS OFFER A GREAT SELECTION OF PRODUCTS FROM FRESH FRUIT & VEG TO CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES,

ALL AT VALUE FOR MONEY PRICES

In your High Street!

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

A SCENT OF MAN

I didn’t get any perfume last Christmas. I asked the family not to buy me any, because I simply have too much.

I’ve always liked scent, perfumes, eau de this and eau de that. I bought myself a bottle of Chanel No 5 with my very first payslip. Admittedly, I then had to borrow money off mum and dad for the rest of the month just to get to work, but it was worth it and remains my favourite perfume to this day.

Currently, there are five half-used bottles sitting on the shelf, and my mood influences my choice for the day.

Today, I’m sitting in my favourite coffee shop writing this. It is cold, very wet, and windy outside, so I’ve elected to wear O de Lancôme, simply because it reminds me of holidays in the sun. Spain, Greek islands, Hawaii (I wish). No other reason. Perhaps I am subconsciously desperate for some decent weather.

I use the Chanel No 5 when I’m out with friends, having fun, chatting, laughing, and generally enjoying myself. I associate it with good times, and always will.

Rive Gauche is for when I can’t make up my mind. I refer to it as my ‘shopping scent’ –sprayed on without much thought, perhaps for a routine supermarket run.

Recently I bought something out of my comfort range: having approached a woman in yet another coffee shop and asked her for the name of the gorgeous scent she was wearing, I purchased a bottle of Versace Eros Flame. It is promoted as an Eau de Parfum pour Homme. In my view, perfume is not gender specific and I had no qualms about wearing it. It seems to be

a popular choice, as I’ve had other women ask me for the name.

Lastly, I have some Liz Earle Botanic No 15. My go-to for something slightly off kilter, spicy, slightly oriental, great for autumn… or anytime really.

I thought I’d trimmed my list of favourite smellies down to a reasonable number, until I moved here. A waft of perfume in the air at yet another café (I do go to other places occasionally) resulted in one more poor woman being closely questioned as to her choice of fragrance.

I am now saving for a bottle of Clinique Aromatics Elixir!

So, if you ever see a determined looking woman with mauve hair making a beeline for you, may I suggest you turn tail and run? It will save embarrassment on your part, and possibly a great deal of money on mine.

CAPS OFF!

I’m having a Room 101 moment today. I want to consign baseball caps to this cyber dustbin. Whoever thought a tight fighting cap with an ugly jutting peak was fashionable was not thinking straight.

The caps were originally part of the American Baseball players uniform, used to denote the team logo and colours. Over time, they have been adopted by both the military and the police as part of their uniforms – and this is where they should have stayed!

Nowadays, they are available everywhere, in any colour imaginable, bejewelled, or replete with slogans and logos. Classed as unisex, they adorn the heads of the general public in their thousands. They seldom flatter or add anything to an outfit, so why do we have such an obsession with this type of headgear?

I guess the advertising aspect was seen by marketing folk as a method of getting a message across, followed by celebrities hoping to shield their features from the paparazzi. Gradually the cap leached into the mainstream fashion world, becoming the badge of youthfulness, or a sign of working-class roots. That is OK until you realise that designer baseball caps in one London store can cost up to £480!

Whatever the price paid for the cap, I would argue that they simply aren’t worth it. Ugly, unflattering and serving no useful purpose, please consign this headgear to Room 101.

Stay safe and well people.

LOCAL CITIZENS ADVICE MOVES INTO NEW HOME WITHIN DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL TO JOIN FORCES IN SUPPORTING LOCAL RESIDENTS

Citizens Advice in North & West Kent (also known as CANWK) has moved into the Ground Floor Foyer at Dartford Borough Council’s Civic Centre.

Councillor Jeremy Kite, MBE, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, officially opened the newly renovated Citizens Advice in North & West Kent (CANWK) space on 31st January 2024.

Citizens Advice in North & West Kent has seen demand for advice triple in the past 12 months. Last year, the charity supported more than 3,000 Dartford residents on a range of issues, with the top three issues being: benefits (32%), debt (17%) and housing (14%). Their work has helped Dartford residents’ access over £1 million in additional income – a huge help during a cost-of-living crisis.

Dartford Borough Council and CANWK are keen to work closely together to further support Dartford residents as many experience financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The new premises will allow the charity to maximise visibility and accessibility of their services to Dartford residents, particularly vulnerable residents. It will also enable them to address clients’ issues quickly when present at the Council.

CANWK’s Meet & Greet team, including volunteers who are Dartford residents, will support clients (particularly those who are vulnerable) to access CANWK’s services. In addition, they can accept and make copies of documentation in preparation for advice appointments.

Meet & Greet Assistants are not Advisers but play a crucial role in supporting residents to access advice most appropriately. This service will operate Monday to Thursday from 9:00am

to 5:00pm and on Fridays from 9:00am to 4:30pm from within their new premises.

The Citizens Advice video call kiosk, within their new premises, is a new initiative allowing residents to drop in and access advice by making a video call. Over video call, people can see and speak with an Adviser in real time to discuss their matter confidentially. This allows local people, who may not be digitally confident, to access alternative face-to-face advice.

Citizens Advice in North & West Kent (CANWK) is the local Citizens Advice in the Dartford borough. It is an independent charity and affiliated with the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

CANWK provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a range of everyday issues to people across North & West Kent. Specialist advice areas include debt, housing, employment and immigration advice.

People can also access advice by calling CANWK’s freephone Adviceline number on 0808 278 7810 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or visit www.citizensadvicenwk. org.uk/ to get online self-help advice.

Cllr Jeremy Kite, MBE, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Citizens Advice to the Civic Centre, they offer an incredibly valuable service to residents at a time when there’s a huge amount of demand for the help they can offer. I hope that their new office space ensures that any Dartford resident can access the support they need.”

Louise Bryant, Chair of Citizens Advice in North & West Kent (CANWK), added:

“At Citizens Advice in North & West Kent, our goal has always been to help everyone find a way forward – whoever they are, whatever problems they face.

It is wonderful to have the support of Dartford Borough Council as we move into our new office. It will help us to be more visible to residents so that they can access help should they need to. We will work with the council to help Dartford residents find a way forward.

[1] Source: Citizens Advice - Casebook C6 – Key stats summary report + Dartford office footfall

[2] Source: Citizens Advice - Casebook

NEW ASTON MARTIN, UPDATED NISSAN JUKE AND A BABY TESLA

By Dhiren Ganesh

Here we have a new electric saloon which could be the future for years to come, a new classic small SUV and a new luxury sportscar for 2024.

Tesla Model 2 - New cheap Tesla hatchback will have a long range and a minimalist interior.

Early design sketches shown during a recent Tesla investor event revealed the Model 2 to have a high bonnet line, a squat roof and wheels pushed out to the corners in a bid to maximise interior space. As for the interior, you can expect there to be space for five, and for almost every function to be controlled through the same 15.4in landscape-orientated touchscreen that features in the Model 3 and Model Y. Model 2 will make use of a new generation of electric motors that don’t use any rare earth metals in their construction. The Model 2’s battery will also be new, and more efficient than the brand’s current batteries, using technology that’s claimed to enable up to 16% more range per kilowatt hour. In theory, that means a battery that’s half the capacity of the 60kWh unit used in the Model 3 could take the Model 2 around 180 miles between charges. Model 2 charging speeds may well increase compared to the Model 3. Will be available in 2025 and it’s expected that the Tesla Model 2 will be priced from around £25,000.

2024 Nissan Juke - New tech and updated interior for big-selling small SUV. The Nissan Juke has been updated for 2024 and gets a bigger infotainment screen, an improved interior, a new sporty-looking N-Sport trim –and is available in bright yellow once again. The larger 12.3in screen will be angled more towards the driver to improve usability. It is now available with a wireless phone-charger, and USB-A and USB-C sockets for the front and back-seat occupants. Lane Keep Assist is now standard on some versions with a steering wheel vibration

if the car drifts out of its lane. There are also parking aid such as a rear-view camera or bird’s eye view cameras with a better resolution than before to help with manoeuvring. The 2024 Juke goes on sale at the end of March, with an increased starting price of £23,485 for all versions.

New Aston Martin Vantage revealed - New Aston Martin Vantage is the most powerful version yet with a 202mph top speed and 656bhp from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. Under the skin, the Vantage is based on a lightweight aluminium structure and ensures a perfect 50:50 weight distribution for what is claimed to be “a definitive” driving experience. New adaptive dampers designed to react more quickly to changing road conditions. A number of driving modes will control these suspension settings, along with the electronic stability program (ESP) and the electronic differential which increases grip and stability out of corners. The new Aston Martin Vantage is wider than before, and is of a similar length and width to the 911 Turbo and R8. Released in mid 2024 the price is estimated to be around £150,000.

Tesla Model 2

2024 Nissan Juke

Aston Martin Vantage

Buddy Holly and the Cricketers An Evening with Anton Du Beke

WHAT CAN YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY DO FOR YOU?

By Dr Julie Taylor

Pharmacists and their teams are valuable members of the primary health care team, along with dentists and optometrists (opticians). All parts of the primary care system are there to help you make the most of your health and wellbeing.

As part of the drive to increase access to general practice, the NHS has commissioned a number of new services in your local pharmacy. This means that they are trained and funded to deal with aspects of work that would traditionally be managed by general practices, reducing the demand on GP appointments. Some of these services you can access directly, without needing to wait on the phone at your GP surgery.

Medicines

Pharmacists can give you advice on your medication. This includes how to take or use it, any side effects that you might experience or other questions that you have. They can help you to understand new medications that you have started for a long term condition, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, osteoporosis, gout, epilepsy and a number of other conditions. This service gives you three appointments with your pharmacist over a number of weeks to talk through any concerns you may have.

Pharmacies can also provide you with an emergency supply of urgent medication when your practice is closed. You need to be referred to the pharmacy for this service, for example by 111, and you cannot just walk in. The pharmacy can also dispose safely of any out of date or unwanted medication. Please do not put this in the bin or flush it down the toilet. Did you know that asthma inhalers can be recycled by your pharmacist?

Blood pressure

Many pharmacies offer a free blood pressure check for those aged 40 or over who are not known to have high blood pressure. Depending on the result, they may advise you on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, arrange further blood pressure tests or advise you to see your GP. In the Dartford area, we have one pharmacy that is piloting a blood pressure management service. If your GP is involved in this pilot, you may be referred to the pharmacy who can start you on medication to control your blood pressure.

Contraception

Some pharmacists offer the contraceptive

service for free, without you needing to see a GP or practice nurse. This service is available for patients who just need a repeat prescription of the pill and for those starting or restarting after a break.

Minor illnesses

There is a new scheme ‘Pharmacy First’, which recognises the skills and knowledge that pharmacists have in providing health care advice. This covers 7 common conditions. Pharmacists have received training in the clinical skills needed to diagnose these conditions. They can supply prescription only medication, if needed, under a set of clear guidelines. If a prescription is needed, you will pay the usual NHS prescription fee, unless you are exempt. You may be referred to a pharmacy for these conditions by your GP practice or 111, or you can present directly to a pharmacy.

Other services

Pharmacies may offer a number of other services:

• Advice and help on how to stop smoking

• Substance misuse services, including needle and syringe exchange schemes

• Weight management advice

• NHS Health Checks

• Vaccinations including flu and COVID

• Travel advice and vaccinations

Why not see what services your local pharmacist offers when you are next there or check on www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-apharmacy

DR

RECEIVING CARE AT HOME: WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead

It takes a lot to accept that our parents need care. Naturally, you think about the path that lies ahead. We know we’ll do the best we can to help, but with commitments such as work and parental responsibilities, there’s no escaping the potential need for professionals to help out.

Coupled with this could be the sadness around seeing a parent have to leave the home they love. But the truth is that care needs can be supported at home.

Opting for home care is the first step. But it’s key to look at what forms of home care exist, and what suits the needs of your loved one.

Here are three options if you decide that home care is right for you:

Home care by the hour

Maybe your loved one is still quite capable and can live independently. But perhaps they have become too frail to keep up with the housework, and some extra help around the house will benefit them. Or maybe you’re not comfortable at the thought of them struggling when it comes to shopping, attending appointments and taking medication. A Care Professional can support with that.

But just as importantly, a Care Professional provides companionship. Social interaction is vital, and with the right home care company, your loved one will bond with their Care Professional and it will simply feel like a friend popping in.

Live-in Care at home

You can take home care a step further and have a Care Professional move in with your loved one. That doesn’t mean they receive 24 hour care – it means that someone is available in the home throughout the day and will provide the care you need as you require it.

Having company is important, and Live-in Care helps older people stay socially stimulated. And from the family’s perspective, they can rest assured that the Care Professional can act if there is an emergency, such as a fall.

A Live-in Care package offers the ultimate flexibility. It fits around what the client wants their daily routine to be. Perhaps your loved one wants to eat at 1pm on the dot? The Care Professional can make it happen. Whether they want to eat alone or with the Care Professional, their wishes can be fulfilled.

Specialist care

Even when care needs grow significantly, staying at home can be an option. Home care companies who are rated highly, such as Home Instead, provide Care Professionals who are specially trained to care for people with conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s. They have the skills and knowledge to respond to the symptoms gently and give someone a happy and safe life at home.

Even people faced with a life limiting disease or illness have the option to stay at home. A high-quality care company’s palliative care will ensure that your loved one’s final months or years are as comfortable and dignified as possible.

Addressing the challenges of your parents getting older is much simpler if you’re already clued up on the care options available and know that staying at home is an option. The ageing process is different for us all, and that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to care. Whatever situation you’re facing, there is a care package and a supportive team that can help.

We’d love to hear from you if you think you can help or if you would like to make a suggestion for a future topic. Please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322 923750.

THE ASIAN HORNET - THE BEES NEED OUR HELP!!!!

By Debbie Dickinson - The Pilgrims Bee Shed

As a local beekeeper (my hives are in my back garden close to Hesketh Park) I am urging everyone to familiarise themselves with the Asian Hornet and keep your eyes peeled for them and their nests.

As they are a non-native species, sightings of Asian Hornets must be reported. They can be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app on both Android and iPhone or via email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Please try to take a photograph of the Asian Hornet and send this when you report your sighting.

Please see the following information above, taken from The National Bee Unit website ‘Vespa velutina, the yellow legged hornet, commonly known as the Asian hornet, is native to Asia and was confirmed for the first time in Lot-et-Garonne in the South West of France in 2004. It was thought to have been imported in a consignment of pottery from China and it quickly established and spread to many regions

of France. As of December 2022, Asian hornet is established in Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Jersey. The hornet preys on a wide range of insects including honeybees, Apis mellifera and disrupts the ecological role they provide. It has also altered the biodiversity in regions of France where it is present and can be a health risk to those who have allergies to hornet or wasp stings.

In 2016, the Asian hornet was discovered in the UK for the first time, in Tetbury. After 10 days of intensive searching, the nest was found and later destroyed. In subsequent years there have been further sightings with action taken to find and destroy nests.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet, with adult workers measuring from 25mm in length and queens measuring 30mm. The abdomen is mostly black except for the fourth abdominal segment which has a yellow

band. It has characteristically yellow legs which accounts for why it is often called the yellow legged hornet and its face is orange with two brownish red compound eyes.

Spring

After hibernation in spring, the queen, usually measuring up to 3 cm, will emerge and seek out an appropriate sugary food source in order to build up energy to commence building a small embryonic nest. During construction of the nest, she is alone and vulnerable, but she will rapidly begin laying eggs to produce the future workforce. As the colony and nest size increases, a larger nest is either established around the embryonic nest or they relocate and build elsewhere.

Summer

During the summer, a single colony, on average, produces 6000 individuals in one season.’ More information can be found at https://www. nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asianhornet/

Although there have been no Asian Hornet sightings in Dartford yet – nests have been found in Maidstone, Gravesend and Thamesmead so they are not far away! In 2023 72 Asian Hornet nests were found. Most of these were in Kent so please help!!!

WALKING WITH THE DARTS

by Chris Palmer

Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.

Since I last wrote in these pages, things weren’t looking too good within the Dartford FC camp. Unfortunately, not a lot has changed and the search for a new manager continues, while Tony Burman continues his work in a bid to restore unity and confidence within the squad.

There have been a few changes with the squad since last writing. Loanees, George Alexander, Matty MacArthur, and Richard Chin have left the club, as have Harvey Bradbury (to Farnborough) and Lewis Manor (to Hornchurch).

Meanwhile, Taylor Maloney (from Farnborough) and Fumnaya Shomotun (from Sevenoaks Town) have signed for the Darts, while former Dart Elliott Romain (from Horsham) has arrived on an initial one-month’s loan, as has King’s Lynn Town left-back Tom Clifford. The latter arrived recently in order to cover for Sam Odaudu, who sadly joins Tommy Block on the club’s injured list.

On the pitch, Tony Burman has guided the team into the Quarter-Finals of the London Senior Cup. The Darts beat the QPR Development team on penalties, after a hard-fought 1-1 draw

and will now face Cray Wanderers in March.

Dartford also progressed to the Semi-Finals of the Kent Senior Cup, after edging past an impressive Sevenoaks Town at the end of January. Youngster Olly Box opened the scoring in a game which the hosts won 3-2. However, the game was also memorable for the performance of Sevenoaks’ Fumnaya Shomotun. The player impressed so much, that Tony Burman signed him to our squad!

Contrary to the cup competition form, the Darts continue to struggle with results in the National League South. However, after a fivegame losing streak, Dartford finally recorded a hard-fought victory yesterday (Saturday 17th February) away at fellow strugglers Dover Athletic. Luke Coulson sealed the three points from the penalty spot. However, the game will surely be remembered for the exploits of Olly Box. The talented youngster made his first starting appearance in the league, and then marked the occasion by scoring a brilliant first ever league goal! It’s fair to say that we’re all looking forward to seeing more of this talented young player.

Moving on, Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s Dartford FC Women side continues to rewrite the history books, while playing some excellent football to boot.

Men’s team photos by Carol White-Griffiths, Women’s` team photos: Taur Everard

The ladies beat Chatham Town Women 2-1 to progress into the DFDS Kent Women’s Cup Final, before digging deep to beat a stubborn Enfield Town 1-0 in the league at the end of January. That was followed by a 3-2 win over the Millwall Lionesses in the League Cup QuarterFinal. That impressive victory was them followed by a return to league action, where Lizzie Adams and Co beat Aylesford Ladies 2-1.

The results mean that the Darts return to the top of the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table with 37 points. That’s a point clear of second-placed Fulham and with a game in hand of the Londoners. Such is the Darts’ form this season, that they have won an impressive twelve games out of fourteen played so far. They’ve suffered defeat in the league only

once, and also remain in the hunt for success in the League Cup and, of course, the DFDS Kent Women’s Cup!

As always, thank you for your continued support and thanks for reading.

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YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS: 15TH MAR

Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups

Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)

Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)

Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Tuesdays 12.30pm

Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am (St Mary’s Church)

Stone Pavilion Walk - Thursdays 9:30am

Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am (War Memorial)

Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am (Castle Hill Community Centre)

• Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders

• Short social walks that last around an hour

• No need to book - just turn up

• Any age and ability welcome

For more details including starting points please contact the One You Kent team call

01322 343067 or email oneyou@dartford.gov.uk

• Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence

• Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear