On Monday 24th March I had the privilege to attend the farewell of a local legend. Alan Swift. “Swifty” ran the newsagent on St Vincent’s Road for nearly 30 years from 1978 with his beloved wife Helen. The many people who got to know him through the community would find him to be a rare and special character. Swifty died just before his 89th birthday, and when the news of his death broke, friends began to share their memories of him.
On the day of the funeral, a crowd of people wearing red and white for this ardent Charlton fan, surrounded St Alban’s church. The vicar delivered a wonderful tribute to a congregation so large it wasstanding room only and people were spilling out of the door. Swifty had written a book of his life, it seems – and the vicar shared stories from it had us laughing more than a funeral crowd should do.
In his book he looks back on a happy childhood and family life, he appreciated the simple things in life, cycling round Eynsford and Shoreham and enjoying the old kids’ games. He says, “We played knock down ginger, knock on front doors and run away, it still happens today it’s called Parcel Force!”
He loved his family; Helen was his wife for over 50 years and the love of his life and with children, Mandy and Allan, they ran the shop as a family business. He just liked people, usually saw the good in them and always showed interest.
My memories of Swifty are mainly from the The Fulwich pub (St Vincent’s Road) and the good natured banter he inspired - his wit was legendary.
On a beano, they met a group of ladies in a Hasting pub. Swifty went to say hello and asked where they were from and when they said Gravesend, he decided to tell them his favourite joke, which was:
Midnight on Dartford Heath and a couple are on the
back seat of their car, doing some heavy petting ‘Kiss me where it smells funny’ she says. He replies, ‘If you think I’m going to Gravesend at this time of night, you can think again!’
As soon as the punchline was out .. the ladies all got up and walked out, leaving him puzzled.
He had a couple of crosswords published and numerous anagrams. He loved to write, however, he was hard of hearing yet too proud to wear a hearing aid, sometimes if he hadn’t quite caught your name, he’d just make one up – and it usually stuck – whether you liked it or not! This could be challenging to a newsagent., he once had a complaint from a mother of a young girl about him sending her home with Tampax when she’d come in for a packet of thumb tacks to put up the Christmas decorations.
During Covid Alan felt vulnerable, he wrote a long post on Facebook about how he felt, he said how he knew he was getting old, but he loved life and wanted to stick around for a while longer, and that it was important for us all to follow the rules and stay well. It was heartfelt and inspiring.
When social distancing was in place I cycled passed Swifty’s house one sunny day and he and 3 mates, Oily, Clive and Nigel were sitting in the four corners of the front garden drinking beer. The party had come to Swifty, and he was always the life and soul of it. He’d have loved his funeral, a knees up at the club on the Brent, a DJ and everyone laughing and drinking. A fitting send-off – with him there in spirit.
He once mustered a group of us to do a sponsored walk to the Lad of the Village, we raised £80 for charity. We did charity pub quizzes, one night when it was his turn to host, his posters announced that all proceeds would go to his chosen charity, “Porn for Pensioners”. I imagine that drew some comments. It was a great night - have you ever had a hard of hearing quizmaster – we were there until midnight! His numerous acts of kindness were often kept to himself, he would always look in on any neighbour who was in need of help or company and always had time for people. He had a heart of gold and always thought of others. If you knew Swifty, you were blessed, if you didn’t, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a bit about this local legend.
•Public
Kip McGrath Dartford tuition centre, on Darenth Road, Dartford, was thrilled and honoured to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Dartford to the tuition centre, on Thursday 16th January 2025.
The Mayor and Mayoress attended our special award ceremony at Kip McGrath Dartford, to present several of the students with awards for their hard work and commitment to their learning.
While at the centre, the Mayor and Mayoress met with the staff who run the tuition centre, some of the students and their parents, and saw the great work that the teachers do to support and encourage the children.
The owners of Kip McGrath Dartford, Colin and Emily Champion, are very proud of the students’ hard work and fantastic progress in English, maths and 11+ practice. The Mayor and Mayoress learnt more about how Kip McGrath Dartford is having a positive impact on local children’s education, their confidence, selfesteem and well-being.
Kip McGrath Dartford offers bespoke tuition, with fully qualified, DBS checked teachers, for primary and secondary students, from Reception age up to, and including, GCSE level, for English and maths, as well as 11+ and SATs tuition.
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We’re here to help make your search for a care home easier. In our home, you can expect a safe, welcoming environment, where we encourage independence while offering a helping hand. We get to know everyone, offer a range of sociable activities, and most of all, a place to call home. Nursing | Residential | Short stay
Would you like your business to
its customer
experience? Register your interest in our FREE Dementia Friendly Dartford initiative!
Dartford Borough Council has awarded ADSS funding to support local retailers, businesses, charities and community organisations to become Dementia Inclusive.
This is a great opportunity to ensure that those affected by dementia feel safe and comfortable when shopping on the High Street and in the shopping centres in Dartford.
You will be provided with FREE Dementia Awareness training and with an opportunity to ensure the areas of your business that are open to the public are welcoming and safe for those living with dementia.
Those businesses participating will be awarded with a window sticker that can be displayed so that those affected by dementia will be confident in accessing your business.
Places are limited so don’t delay in registering your interest via this QR code.
If you have any questions about this initiative, please email
We have now been delivering our Dementia Awareness Sessions to businesses and organisations across Dartford since March 2025. It has been great to have 41 participants from the following businesses take part in this bespoke project and dedicating themselves to making Dartford Dementia Friendly.
- Evergreen Care UK-
- The Priory Shopping Centre (centre management & security)
- Orchard Theatre
- Dartford Council Park Rangers
- Esquires Coffee
- Barclays Bank
- The Orchard Shopping Centre (centre management & security)
- Cash Converters
- Lynn - Dinky Doughnuts Market Stall Holder
- Phil – Greengrocer Market Stall Holder
- Syed – Market Stall Holder
- Elderberries Vintage Tearoom – Evergreen Care UK
- Bella Venezia Café Bistro
- Dartford – Southeastern Railway
We asked participants how they will incorporate what they have learnt into their work role. Here’s some of the feedback we received:
The training will enable me to be more aware of how to respond to people with possible display of dementia symptoms.
We would make changes to staff standing instructions, training and changes to the common areas of our property to allow for a safer and more comfortable environment for our visitors.
Bring the further understanding of dementia when dealing with the public and staff while also imparting the information to our service teams so they can utilise the knowledge.
It’s given me a deeper understanding and some fresh insight, especially around communication techniques and recognising subtle signs of distress.
Participants have told us that the training is relaxed, interesting and informative. They found it useful to learn about different types of dementia and how it can affect people. They also told us that our trainer was respectful and patient and allowed everyone to contribute.
We have also started to do walkthroughs within the public areas of local businesses so that we can advise them of enhancements they can make to be more dementia inclusive. A common recommendation has been to provide more signage. To support businesses taking part we have created a collection of dementia friendly signage that they can use.
If you have a business in Dartford and would like to support by taking part in the initiative, then please email Emily Forster at emily. forster@alz-dem.org .
Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
From the day I was elected in July, I have been working hard in Parliament and across the local area to support our communities and to carry my Dartford constituent’s voice and priorities to Westminster.
I am here to support you, and my office is always here to help – please get in touch on jim.dickson.mp@parliament.uk for any questions, support or to sign up to my next surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon.
If you’d like to keep updated with my regular activity and find out about new events and surgeries, follow me on social media (Jim Dickson MP on X, Facebook and Instagram) or sign-up to my newsletter on the QR code.
Please always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.
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By Jane Stevenson
Second Hand Rose … or Jane
I love a rummage in a charity shop. It’s gone from being a way to kill time to a hobby. My relationship with these shops began when I joined a slimming club; rather than keep buying new stuff as I shrank, charity shop bargains seemed a good compromise on my purse. It also works the other way, after too much cake!
Since then, they’ve become my go to shop of choice. They have upgraded over the years. Gone are the days of shabby well-worn items, chipped crockery and old books. Now you can walk in almost any charity shop and find good quality, used clothing, the occasional designer treat, shoes and household items. I’ve found some Timberland boots, a couple of Monsoon dresses and a beautiful Phase Eight dress, sadly only a size 10 – I might have got an arm in if I breathed in, but it’s far more common nowadays to come across such stuff.
Some of the bigger outlets also showcase used furniture, including fridges and freezers, dining room tables or three-piece suites. Strangely, almost every charity shop has at least one CD storage rack up for grabs! A definite sign of the times.
For those of us still using CDs and DVDs, there is still a huge choice, often for just a few pence. Sadly, with the pace of technology, these staples of charity shops are often no longer accepted. Not so vinyl records: with the resurgence of their popularity, such donations are much sought after and offer the vinyl junkie a plethora of choice.
The odd gem can often be found, maybe completing your collection or just something you want to listen to or watch again. I found the first and only series of
Moonlight (think American vampire with a conscience), for a mind blowing £1.50! Truly a diamond in the rough.
The beauty of charity shopping is the ability to constantly change your wardrobe at the fraction of the price of new clothing. Many organisations have partnerships with the bigger retailers. My local Red Cross shop is supported by Zara – their donations may be end of range or previous season, but the opportunity to purchase their clothes and accessories at knock down prices is manna to the more fashion conscious.
There is a downside to charity shopping. After clearing out a goodly selection of clothes, books and Bric a Brac, I dropped the bags off at a couple of hospice shops and other charity outlets near to me. After a couple of weeks, with time to spare, I went browsing, saw a shirt I really liked, only to realise I had donated it earlier! I resisted the urge to buy it back but will be more careful when next having a clear out.
I’d like to pose a question to you. Do you ever stop to think how useful your input to these shops is? Whether by buying or donating stuff, or every time you purchase something from a charity shop, you are supporting them by raising much needed funds for its particular cause. It doesn’t matter if you leave with a paperback, an item of jewellery or a coat – it all helps their vital work. Charities do not get government funding, and many of them rely on the hidden benefits of shop trade or legacies to fund their work.
Bargains for us, and a sense of supporting a cause you admire or support. Charity shops benefit us all. Happy browsing, people
final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the competition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if
Help raise funds for We Are Beams!
Prepare to run through slime, colour, water and more. Fun for the whole family.
All proceeds go towards supporting disabled children and their families Go to www.wearebeams.org.uk or scan the QR code to enter!
All willparticipants receiveamedal!
WAVE 1 Event opens at 9.30am, the run starts at 10:00am WAVE 2 Event opens at 10:30am, run starts at 11:00am
All of our designs are available for you to view in the comfort of your own home at www.dartfordflorist.co.uk
82 St Albans Road, Dartford, Da1 1ty
Order online, by phone on 01322 224013 or call in and see us to discuss your flower options, we will be happy to help you.
Same day contactless deliveries are available (If ordered by 12 noon MondayFriday, before 11am Saturdays)
Thank you for your continued support
The UK tax system is entering a new digital era, and for self-employed individuals and landlords, the changes are significant. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is HMRC’s flagship initiative to modernise tax reporting, aiming to make the process more accurate, efficient, and user-friendly. Here’s what you need to know as these changes roll out.
What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
MTD for Income Tax is a new way for self-employed people and landlords to keep records and report their income tax to HMRC. Instead of the traditional annual Self-Assessment tax return, those affected will need to keep digital records and submit updates to HMRC every quarter using compatible software.
Who Will Be Affected and When?
The rollout is happening in phases:
• From 6 April 2026: Individuals registered for SelfAssessment with gross income over £50,000 from selfemployment and/or property will be required to comply.
• From 6 April 2027: The threshold drops to those with gross income over £30,000.
• From 6 April 2028: The threshold drops to those with gross income over £20,000.
If you start a new business or begin receiving rental income after April 2026, you’ll only need to comply with
MTD after submitting your first Self-Assessment return, provided your income exceeds the relevant threshold. What Will You Need to Do?
• Keep digital records: You must use MTD-compatible software to record your business and/or property income and expenses.
• Submit quarterly updates: Every three months, you’ll send a summary of your income and expenses to HMRC via your software.
• End-of-period statement: At the end of the tax year, you’ll finalise your figures and submit an end-of-period statement, confirming your income and claiming any reliefs or allowances.
• Pay your tax: The deadline for paying your tax remains 31 January following the end of the tax year.
Why Is This Happening?
The aim is to reduce errors, improve accuracy, and bring tax reporting closer to real time. HMRC estimates that avoidable mistakes cost the Exchequer billions each year. Digital records and quarterly updates should help businesses stay on top of their finances and reduce the risk of costly errors or penalties.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Some individuals may be exempt if it’s not practical for them to use digital tools, for example due to age, disability, or lack of internet access. HMRC will notify those who need to comply, and there will be a process to apply for exemption if necessary.
Getting Ready
If you’re affected, now is the time to review your recordkeeping practices and consider moving to digital accounting software. Many popular packages are already MTD-compatible, and making the switch early can help you get comfortable before the rules become mandatory.
In Summary
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a major change, but it’s designed to make tax simpler and more accurate for everyone. By embracing digital tools, you can streamline your finances and stay ahead of the curve as the UK tax system moves into the future. If you require assistance to become compliant, contact Simpson Wreford LLP now on 020 8317 6460 or visit www.simpsonwreford.co.uk
May is Stroke Awareness Month. Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the devastating effects of stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, which causes brain cells to die. This can be caused by a blood clot (ischaemic stroke) or by a bleed on the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). When the cells die, this affects the way in which the brain controls movement, how people think and how they feel. The impact can vary from person to person. For some people, this may be relatively minor. For others, it can cause significant disability and even death. Not everyone has every symptom, and people are affected to different extents, but these are some of the problems that people with stroke may encounter:
• Muscle weakness is common after stroke and can affect sitting, standing, walking, moving your arms or holding things.
• Balance problems can occur due to muscle weakness, but a stroke can also affect the way your brain controls balance.
• Swallowing problems (dysphagia) affects half of those that have a stroke but can improve quite quickly.
• Bowel and bladder symptoms can happen due to loss of sensation and control or problems getting to the bathroom quickly. Reduced mobility can cause constipation, as can some medications.
• Two thirds of people have visual problems after a stroke. This can vary from losing part of your vision, problems with eye movements and difficulties in processing the visual images.
Stroke can have an emotional impact on individuals. People may be anxious or depressed after having a stroke. There may be a feeling of grief or loss due to the sudden changes in work, home or family life. This may also present as frustration or anger. Some people may experience extreme emotions and may laugh or cry more often. Stroke also impacts on the emotions of family members and friends.
Who can be affected by stroke?
Stroke is usually seen as a condition that only affects older people, but it can happen at any age, including to babies. There are some factors that increase the risk
of stroke:
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart beat)
• High cholesterol
• Lifestyle factors especially smoking and an unhealthy diet
• Family history
• Certain ethnic groups: strokes occur more often in Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian populations
Many of these factors can be modified to reduce the risk of stroke. Please ensure that you attend any review appointments that you are invited to.
Signs and symptoms of stroke
The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke.
• Face weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms fully and keep them there?
• Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred
• Time to call 999: if you see any one of these signs.
Other symptoms can include:
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
• Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
• Sudden memory loss or confusion.
• Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall.
• A sudden, severe headache.
Stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately.
Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.
Care Column
How do you know when Mum and Dad need care? We help you spot the signs.
By Christina Uppenkamp, owner of Home Instead Dartford
Seeing a loved one reach their later years goes hand in hand with watching them change physically and mentally. While enjoying the time you have together, it’s crucial to keep track of their health and wellbeing in case it declines over time. That way, you can be ready if the time has come to introduce additional care support to help prevent any further deterioration and keep them fitter for longer.
When families get in touch with us, certain areas of their loved one’s health and wellbeing come up time and time again. It’s useful insight for us all since it shows what people with elderly parents should look out for.
100 Home Instead office teams across the UK were asked about the signs that families are most likely to reference when making a care enquiry. We weren’t surprised by the ones that came out on top, which were:
• Memory loss: perhaps Mum is constantly misplacing important items like keys. Or maybe she’s regularly forgetting appointments and social groups? Is she frequently repeating herself?
• Personal hygiene: their standards of hygiene might be slipping. Bathing and showering could now be occurring less, and they might not be keeping on top of hair and nail maintenance. Is laundry still part of their routine?
• Medication management: if you a have an older loved one who is prescribed medication, don’t assume that they are taking it as they should. Many forget without somebody prompting them.
• Nutrition or weight changes: is Dad eating three nutritious meals a day? And is he maintaining his hydration levels? Whether it’s down to memory issues, loss of appetite, difficulties preparing food, or problems with eating, food and drink might have slipped from his routine.
• Safety concerns: turning off kitchen appliances and locking doors are basic safety measures that most of us remember to do, but it might not come naturally to many ageing adults.
Our ‘Spot the Signs’ checklist outlines the key behaviours to look out for. It will indicate whether it’s best to start exploring care options, and what areas your loved one needs help in.
And just as importantly, the checklist is a way of checking how you’re doing. If you feel emotionally and physically well, the benefits will rub off onto your loved one.
At Home Instead, we can help guide you through how to approach the ‘care conversation’ and explore the next steps which are best for you and your family.
“THERE’S
NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER!”
Why outdoor play is crucial for children’s development
As adults we enjoy being outside when the weather’s nice and sunny, but, as writer Alfred Wainwright famously said; “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”.
There are huge physical and emotional benefits in getting outside whatever the weather, however a new study of 2,000 parents showed that the average young child spends less than a morning a week outside, managing just 3 hours or less.
Playing in the rain enables children to learn through imaginative play and experiment at being engineers, meteorologists, artists, biologists, and musicians so, at KatieB Kids, our children spend a significant amount of time outside, in wellie boots, rain macs or even snowsuits!
Daily outdoor learning helps children become happy, resilient and respectful and enables children to enjoy being outside, rather than waiting for a handful of ‘good’ days.
Benefits include:
· Improved motor skills
· Improved muscle strength
· Brain development
· A sense of independence
· Improved communication skills
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Walking on uneven surfaces, climbing trees and
navigating obstacles all support children’s risk-taking and teaches them how to keep themselves safe by testing their own physical limits.
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to education views children as capable and active learners and being outside offers a natural opportunity for children to advance and develop through managed ‘risky’ play from a very young age. As part of our accredited Forest School programme our oldest children aged three and four progress onto woodworking with tools and firelighting. We know to never underestimate what young children can achieve with the right guidance.
Fact:
Outdoor play boosts the immune system and helps fight off illness thanks to the diverse microbes found in nature
NATURE’S CLASSROOM
‘Garden time’ is more than physical play. We use garden spaces as ‘outdoor classrooms’, allowing children to access the same areas of the curriculum as indoors. There are so many provocations for outdoor learning, most of which come from nature, helping our children to feel grounded in the environment and season, and improving concentration and emotional wellbeing.
REST WELL
Quality outdoor time is great for sleep, too. As well as learning while getting fresh air and exercise, sunlight helps to reset our circadian rhythms, making it easier for our body clocks to follow a consistent sleep routine. More time outdoors means a deeper night’s sleep for your child - and so for you too!
TAKE INSPIRATION
Here are just a few of the things that we do every day at KatieB Kids that you can enjoy outdoors with young children to help them develop.
Storytelling, drama, role play, sensory activities, mini beast hunts, circle time, collecting/sorting, counting, investigating, recording, mark making, splashing in puddles, rolling in leaves, catching rain on a tarpaulin, listening, looking for worms or shelter building sessions.
Invisalign Open Days at Dartford Road Dental Centre
Ability Plus – Mobility with a Personal Touch at Bluewater
At Ability Plus, we believe that independence should never be compromised. As a proud family-run business, we’ve built our reputation on care, honesty, and a genuine commitment to improving lives. For over 20 years, we’ve been helping people across the South East live with greater comfort, dignity, and freedom.
Our Bluewater store – located in the Lower Rose Gallery – is a shining example of what we stand for. It’s not just a place to shop, it’s a space where people feel listened to, supported, and confident in choosing the right mobility solutions for their needs. From mobility scooters and powerchairs to rise and recline chairs, stairlifts, and daily living aids, we offer a handpicked range of products chosen for their quality, reliability, The Dartford Safe Haven is open every day, 6pm-11pm.
Dear Dartford Resident, At your local Ability Plus Mobility Shop we have everything you need to get the most out of life. From Rising Chairs that help you stand to Scooters for getting out and about to see friends and family. Not to mention Stairlifts, Power Chairs and much more! Enjoy a day out at Bluewater and stop by to see our range. My friendly team of experts look forward to welcoming you at your Ability Plus, Bluewater. Best wishes, Nicki, Nina and
We offer free mental health support to anyone over 18, in a safe and supportive environment. or access one-to-one emotional support from our trained staff. We offer face-to-face and virtual support.
Visit: 18 Hythe Street, Dartford, DA1 1BX Call: 07967 876 695 / 07967 876 699 Email: dartford.mhm@nhs.net www.mhm.org.uk | Contact us or drop in: Are you feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you?
REVIEWS
“Forget the seaside this place has the best food ever”
“Always top quality, reasonable price and most importantly the people there are so welcoming. Would highly recommend.”
“The pie mash was absolutely brilliant and so was the service.”
DINE-IN 60 SEATER RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY FOR EASY GRAB AND GO DELIVERY AVAILABLE ON ALL APPS
Join Vanessa as she opens her Glorious Garden once again this summer in West Dartford. The garden is tucked away in a leafy road in West Dartford. It is full of a huge variety of plants and interesting ornaments, with trailing paths to explore. Most of the garden is wheelchair accessible; well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome; toilet facilities available.
There will be plant sales, raffle, home-made cakes and refreshments available, and it will feature the Rock Choir, at 3.00pm, together with solo singer Beth who will also be performing.
Those with limited mobility can be dropped off at the entrance to the house but drivers must park elsewhere.
Entrance £5, children under 16 free
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)
