Dartford Living - November 2022

Dear Dartford Living Readers, Welcome to the November magazine - we hope you like it! We continue to live in challenging times, but as usual the magazine is jam-packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like never before, your community needs you. 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 neighbours. You will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter mailing list and you will join over 30,000 local people who read the magazine each month.

Take care, Vijay Editor - Dartford Living (and the rest of the

team)

COUNCIL COMMITS FURTHER RESOURCES TO HELP POLICE TACKLE DANGEROUS DRIVING AT CROSSWAYS BOULEVARD

Dartford Borough Council Leader Jeremy Kite reinforced the serious threat posed by ongoing street racing and dangerous driving at Crossways Boulevard during a meeting with a senior police officer today.

Although responsibility for enforcement primarily lies with police, the Council has offered to make available resources and expertise to deploy cameras to identify and prosecute drivers to end the nightmare faced by local residents nearby.

Local representatives have already welcomed the Council’s decision to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order and place its powers at the disposal of Kent Police but Councillor Kite says he wants to help the police go further by utilising the experience and equipment the council currently uses to tackle other serious environmental crimes. The PSPO bans car cruising, wheel spins, racing and performing stunts, along with the recording of these types of activities but Dartford Council say only effective prosecutions and sanctions will stop the nuisance.

Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite MBE said: “This persistent antisocial behaviour cannot go on. It is wrecking the lives of local people.”

“This might primarily be an issue for the police but we need to work together to support them and use all the means at our disposal. The key to this is to identify vehicles and driving behaviour with sufficient accuracy to support a prosecution. As well as immediate sanctions, that opens the door to flagging the behaviour of policy holders to their motor insurers and others who may have no clue the vehicles are being driven anti-socially.

“We have done our bit by establishing a PSPO, but local people are desperate to see prosecutions and an end to this problem. This kind of driving is harmful and dangerous and needs to be stopped, installing this technology is another way the Council can help police bring it to an end.”

REPAIR CAFE AND COMMUNITY HUB AT TEMPLE HILL AND TREE ESTATE

Healthy Living Centre Dartford’s ‘Community Hub’ events offer all members of our community an opportunity to meet new people over a hot drink, an affordable cooked brunch and delicious cake! We offer free Wi-Fi, access to information and advice, board games, arts and crafts activities, taster therapy sessions and host our fantastic ‘Repair Café’ team.

Our arts and craft table provides a fun and relaxed outlet for your creative streak and our board games give an opportunity for some competitive fun, whilst AMF Holistic Wellbeing by Annmarie can really help you to relax with reflexology or a clothed neck and shoulder massage.

The Community Hub and Repair Café runs from 10am until 1pm on:

• 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road, DA1 2RS

• 3rd Tuesday of each month at Temple Hill Community Centre, DA1 5HY

Repair Café – Don’t throw it, repair it!

The mantra of our fantastic Repair Café team is: “don’t throw it, repair it!” If you have a small household item that does not work anymore, a cycle that needs some attention, a pair of trousers that need shortening, or a zip that needs to be replaced, bring your items along to one of our Repair Café sessions where the team will have a look at your item and let you know if they can repair it.

The Repair Café team consists of multi-skilled

group. Diane and Debbie, our sewing ladies, can help with repairs and alterations. Stuart, Gareth, Shane, Peter, and Alan bring their skills in woodwork and carpentry, small electrical/ household repairs, and support and advice on cycle repairs and maintenance. Jeanette can advise on upcycling projects and, depending on the scale of the project, could show you how to do it.

As we don’t have the ability to store items on site, we ask our clients to stay while their item is being looked at, and they are invited to take the opportunity to learn a few new repair skills from the team. If the item can’t be repaired on the day, the team offer feedback on the issue and advise on the next steps. Bringing defective items to be repaired provides an opportunity to do the right thing for the environment and socialise at the same time!

If you have some time to spare and skills to share… we would love you to join our team! Come along to one of our sessions to see for yourself or call/email us for more information. To find out more or to book a slot with the Repair Café team, call 01322 311265 or email info@hlcdartford.org.uk

Christmas Fayre on the Square

As a part of our series of “We Are Temple Hill” events on Temple Hill Square, Healthy Living Centre Dartford are holding a Christmas Fayre on Tuesday 15th November. Our exciting fun family event will include Christmas music, entertainment and arts and crafts, our brilliant

face painter Fancy Faces and market stalls to help you to start your Christmas shopping!

If you would like to join us with a market stall, please get in touch: info@hlcdartford.org.uk

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Adults entry £1, kids entry is free Santa’s Grotto and Magical Woodland Walk, Christmas Gifts,

LOCAL CARE COMPANY SHARES SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE

Local home care company Home Instead Dartford is sharing their specialist knowledge in order to keep people safe and well in the local community. Through free monthly sessions, run at the Orchards Shopping Centre, Home Instead is offering potentially lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator training.

In the UK, there are over 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) a year. A defibrillator is at its most effective when administered within the first minute of someone collapsing. If used within the first minute, the survival rate can be as high as 90%, demonstrating that not only does having a defibrillator close by make an enormous difference, but so does having people around who know how to use one.

One person who has taken full advantage of the community sessions is Bonnie McGhee, who works locally in the cardiology unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Bonnie sadly lost her father in January to cardiac arrest. She was determined to turn a negative into a positive by fundraising for a defibrillator which is now installed in the Clockhouse Community Centre in her father, Jeffrey Anthony Mee’s, memory.

Bonnie wanted to ensure that people knew how to use the defibrillator and when she learned that Home Instead offered community training sessions she jumped at the opportunity to get them involved.

Christina Uppenkamp, owner of Home Instead Dartford, said: “We have been running sessions in the local community for some time now.

“As a care company specialising in care of the elderly we ensure that our team have all the skills to keep people safe and well. The community training is our way of sharing our expert knowledge for the good of everyone in the local area.

“People are taught CPR, how to use the defibrillator and how to put someone in the correct recovery position.

“We are delighted that Bonnie found us and were so touched by her story. It was an absolute pleasure to run a session for her.”

Home Instead also offers free sessions on dementia care, aimed at family members and friends of people living with the Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

Christina continued, “These sessions are a testament to our work as an award-winning home care company that offers the best inhome services throughout Dartford, Belvedere and Erith. Every day, our dedicated care providers support people in leading fulfilled lives. The team wants to make a real difference in people’s lives and go above and beyond to ensure that happens every day.”

“We can say with pride we not only provide high-quality home care and companionship care services, we offer specialist care for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and now we can add delivering expert first aid training that saves lives in the local community.”

Home Instead provides care services to adults across Erith, Bexleyheath, Dartford to West Gravesend, enabling them to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, and medication reminders.

Home Instead Dartford is looking to share this specialist knowledge and urges organisations to get in touch with their team on 01322 923750 or by visiting www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford/ if they need support.

FRUIT PICKERS AND PARISH PAUPERS: WALK THROUGH HISTORY IN WILMINGTON

By Clair Humphries

The churchyard of St Michaels and All Angels is the perfect place to start an autumn walk through Wilmington. Everyone from the Saxons, Romans and Celts have trudged through the fallen leaves in this area, which was once famed for being the most productive fruit picking region in Kent! So, try to ignore the nearby A2 traffic and let’s focus on a more green and pleasant time when Wilmington was all just harvest fields…

Did You Know?

Wilmington was named after the local Wighelm family. ‘Ing’ and ‘tun’ both meant farmstead and were added to identify the Wighelm family’s farm.

The grade one listed St Michaels and All Angels has existed – in one form or another – since the Saxons inhabited Wilmington. Celtic tribes have also been recorded in the area and, like much of Dartford, the Romans left their mark too. The

church itself was rebuilt in part during the 11th century, with various later additions in a range of materials including flint, stone and timber.

Can You Spot..?

The ancient yew tree in the churchyard which was planted as a sapling in 1731?

You might fancy stopping at one of Wilmington’s pubs, but the Romans will almost certainly have beaten you to it. A local settlement appears to have been on the site of The Orange Tree, where archaeologists found evidence of a Roman villa. Pottery, coins and other artefacts have been excavated, alongside traces of a farmstead dating back to the 3rd century AD. It remained a family farm until 1830 and was first recorded as a public house in 1832, while the nearby Plough was opened in 1827.

Once agricultural land, much of Wilmington was owned by the church from the medieval period onwards, controlled by either Dartford Priory or Rochester Priory. Grade two listed Wilmington House on Church Hill dates back to the early 18th century and was originally built for Dartford Priory nuns. A more modest residence, just round the corner in The Close, is also where you’ll find Mick Jagger’s teenage home!

Quick Quiz:

In the 19th century, Wilmington was renowned for which of the following fruit?

Cherries

Raspberries

Mangoes

Cherries were just one crop harvested in this corner of the garden of England. By the 1800s, Wilmington and neighbouring Sutton at Hone were famous for their plum and apple orchards, as well as hops. Late summer and autumn was a busy time for all the labourers and hop pickers employed locally, although not every Wilmington resident was so prosperous…

Where was the Wilmington Workhouse?

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls is built on

the site of a workhouse, which opened for paupers of the parish in the 18th century.

The 20th century saw increasing urban development as the orchards were replaced with housing (and, of course, the A2!) In the 1950s, both Wilmington grammar schools were established, although some original buildings remain. Wilmington Manor was first recorded in the 12th century and boasts the Earl of Warwick as one of its previous residents (and Dick Turpin apparently paid a visit too!)

Wilmington today might not be the lush, fruitful farmland it once was but there’s still plenty to enjoy on an autumn wander. Whether it’s a walk through the churchyard or following the footsteps of a Rolling Stone, traces of the village’s past are everywhere if you look close enough. Or you could just enjoy a visit to one of its historic pubs…

Clair Humphries is a freelance writer and Content Partner for Ordnance Survey. Website: www.clairhumphries.com Twitter: @clairhumphries Instagram: clair_humphries

The answer is a) cherries.

DARTFORD

AT SPECIAL BUSINESS AWARDS

After a three year Covid absence, Dartford Borough Council’s awards returned with a special ceremony at Bluewater to thank the business and voluntary sector.

Special guest Simon Weston presented Covid Heroes awards to a range of organisations, reflecting the efforts they made to keep Dartford running as the pandemic swept the world. They included an award to the caring professions accepted by Darent Valley Hospital and to schools and teachers, accepted by North Kent College and the Leigh Academies Trust. Local

Falklands war hero Simon Weston CBE joined Council bosses to thank frontline workers for their response to the Covid-19 pandemic at the Dartford Business Awards last Thursday.

bus firm Arriva collected an award on behalf of the transport sector, and the resilience of the town’s retailers was reflected in a special award accepted by Bluewater and Esquire’s Coffee Shop.

Guests also heard from frontline workers about the struggles they faced during the darkest months of the pandemic.

After celebrating Dartford’s Covid Heroes, attention turned to celebrating the local businesses great and small who have continued to operate and thrive despite the difficulties of the past few years.

Former X Factor runner-up, bus driver and refuse collector Andy Abraham was a surprise guest to entertain crowds at the ceremony at Bluewater.

Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite MBE: “It was essential that we brought the Dartford Business Awards back to celebrate the individuals and companies that make the Borough such a great place to work.

“However, we couldn’t just go back to business as usual, we had to thank the inspiring sectors who worked so hard for all of us, whether they were saving lives, protecting us from infection, or just keeping the lights on and the bins clear. “I’d like to give a special thank you to Simon Weston CBE for attending last night’s ceremony. It was an honour to have him there alongside our local heroes and he continues to inspire to this day, 40 years after his injuries were suffered in the Falklands.”

Last night’s winners were:

• Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award –

o Jas’ Holistic Massage Therapy

o Dartford Sports Bar o We Are Beams o Fleetdown Open House

• Best Owner Managed Business; o Jay’s Carpet Cleaning o Rhizome Energy Limited

• Young Person of the Year; o Erin Lambie of Doubletree by Hilton o Jacob Horiggan of Downton & Ali Associates

• Employee of the Year o Kelly Monitcello of Sally Bees

• Shop of the Year

o Dennis of Bexley o Cocoba Chocolate o Mappin & Webb Bluewater

Dartford Living’s Editor, Vijay Jain, was also presented with an Outstanding Achievement award for his work with the local community including Dartford Living, Darent Valley Hospital charity support and volunteering at a vaccine centre since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.

by Harden Holidays

On Aug. 27, 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line christened its newest ship Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships in its groundbreaking Prima Class, and we were there to witness the event.

Global superstar and godmother of Norwegian Prima, Katy Perry, joined Norwegian Cruise Line executives in Reykjavik, Iceland to officially christen and name NCL’s 18th vessel. The first of six ships in the groundbreaking Prima Class, Norwegian Prima, debuted to more than 2,500 guests who enjoyed an immersive experience in the beautiful Icelandic capital and a christening celebration like no other.

“With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring ‘only-available-on-Prima-experiences,’ she is continuing NCL’s legacy of industry firsts. We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion. We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.” At 965 feet (294 meters long) and more than 143,535 tons with capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship. She also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept. Her variety of recreational activities including the fastest slides at sea - The Rush and The Drop - and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, provide guests with adrenaline-pumping moments. Spaces like Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walk way which wraps around the entire ship; The Concourse, which boasts a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach, offer guests a chance to slow down and relax.

At the christening ceremony we were treated to

a show-stopping performance by Norwegian Prima’s very own godmother - Katy Perry, who took to the main stage to officially name and christen the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull. The three-level Prima Theater & Club stage was then transformed into a whimsical backdrop where guests enjoyed a powerhouse performance of some of Perry’s chart-topping hits including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Firework.”

“It was so much fun to sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her on her way to sail the high seas,” said Katy Perry. “I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I was happy to wish all the vacationing guests a happy bon voyage!

Highlights:

Prima Theatre: There’s nothing unusual about a theatre or nightclub venue on a cruise ship, but the scale and flexibility of this venue has to be seen to be believed. We saw the three-storey facility in three different configurations: a lecture hall, a musical/concert theatre, and a nightclub. During our sailing, the theatre hosted an adaptation of the Donna Summer musical, Summer. It also hosted performances by Kool and the Gang and Chaka Khan, and two lectures on World War II history in France, featuring two actors from Band of Brothers. We’re not sure if that’s “something for everyone”, but it certainly was a diverse line-up!

Prima Speedway: Simply put, this is go-karts on a ship. While the carts don’t go very fast, the ability to race carts on a three-level track at sea is simply astounding. There are leader board screens around the venue and even a podium to celebrate the winner of each race. Spectators are given access to a viewing platform at the centre of it all and can even fire at the cars as they go past in a ‘laser tag’ style.

Galaxy Pavilion: An arcade reinvented for the modern era! This was packed with simulators, immersive games and even an escape room. Perhaps more than anywhere else on the ship, you don’t feel like you’re on the ocean at all.

Tee Time & Darts: The games continued on the outer section of Deck 18. I enjoyed them both, although playing crazy golf while at sea adds a certain challenge! Given our itinerary, we didn’t always have the best weather so some of these outdoor activities were limited. However, when we were in port and the weather was nice, both the golf and darts were fun ways to spend some time. Both have some interactive elements. The darts are set up with an interactive screen that automatically counts the score and sets challenges. The darts lounges are also more sheltered than the crazy golf, which helps to keep your arrows straight! On the same outdoor deck you’ll find The Stadium, which includes shuffleboard tables, table football and other games.

Outdoor Deck 8: We spent a lot of time on Deck 8, as it is the only deck on which you can walk around the entire exterior of the ship. In good weather, this area is a good alternative to the main pool (Deck 17).

Norwegian Prima departed on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning Sept. 3, 2022, before she made her way to the U.S. She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.

THE HAPPINESS BOX

Roll back to March 2020 Bradley and his fiancé Louise were placed on furlough from their employers. They wanted to send little letterbox gifts to their loved ones, these proved so popular they decided to sell their gifts online and launch The Happiness Box.

Due to the pandemic they wanted to give back to the NHS, so for the entire year they donated 10% of their sales to them. Then came Christmas 2020 and the NHS coincidentally got in touch with them to place a large order for their staff which completely transformed their business allowing them to open up offices in Dartford, hire friends, family and local Dartford residents. Today they send their boxes all across the world and have recently been commended at the Dartford Business Awards for Best Manager Owned Business. Their attention to detail and passion separates them from others and they have plans to grow and expand their business.

If you’d like to send a little bit of happiness to

your loved ones you can visit their website www.thehappinessbox.co.uk or follow them on facebook/Instagram thehappinessbox2020

AUTUMN DRIVING TIPS

As the nights grow longer and we spend more time driving in dingy, dark, wet conditions, it’s important to do some basic checks on your vehicles. It’s better to spend a few minutes checking now, than discovering them driving down the motorway!

So, let’s start with wipers…..We’ve enjoyed a long, dry summer this year, so they’ve been mostly sat in the same place for months. Sap from the trees, road dirt, bugs all make them stick to the screen. If you’re not one to regularly clean your car, then chances are the rubber has been damaged when you’ve now had to turn them on. We see a lot of MOT failures at this time of year on wipers. We don’t charge labour to replace them, only for the blades themselves, so it’s not an expensive repair, but it all adds up. Maybe splosh some water on your screen and carefully lift them off, then use a cloth to gently wipe the rubber part, so you clear any debris build up. If you park near trees then try and clear any needles/leaves from the blade, as they get caught under them which makes visibility more difficult when driving in rain and also damages them.

Wind screen washers. Quickly try your screen washers to make sure they’re working as they’ve probably not been used much for months. Nothing worse than a greasy screen or a bug splat whilst driving that you then smear all over the screen and can’t clear because no water is coming out. Sometimes the jets or the filter in the pump get blocked, or maybe just the bottle itself is old and starting to deteriorate, all of which we can fix, but much better to find out before you set off.

Tyres. I know we always say tyres, but they are so important. The roads have been dry, now they’re wet. This time of year, they are more slippery

because of the build up of debris on them over the warmer months, which hasn’t been washed away. Checking tyres is a very good habit to get in to and one of the easiest. Take a look to see if there are any bulges, or rips in the tyre – no one wants a blow out at any speed. Clipping kerbs, potholes, litter on the roads all damage tyres. This time of year we see more tyre problems as puddles mean you can’t see the potholes. Sometimes we can do a puncture repair, other times we have to replace the tyre. Use the 20p coin trick to check for tread depth - if you can see the rim of it when its in the groove, your tyres are too low. Tyre pressure is important too, not only for grip, but for fuel efficiency. If you’re not confident to check and adjust the pressures yourself, pop by either of our sites and we’ll do it for you for nothing.

Lights. Not all vehicles tell you when a light is out. If yours doesn’t, then regularly check them – you want/need to be seen. If you need help changing a bulb, then pop in, as they’re not all straightforward. It’s also a good idea to regularly wipe over the light lens (especially the front) to make sure they’re not dimmed because of dirt. Lastly, we always see an increase in repair work at this time of year. People are starting to think about paying for Christmas, so put off getting their vehicles serviced and maybe ignore the clunk they heard when they went over that speed bump. It’s like anything, a problem ignored always gets worse. If you’re not sure about anything ‘car’, then ask. We will always tell you the cost before we do anything.

A.C.W. 10 – THE WORLD WAR I CONCRETE BARGE AT GREENHITHE

By Richard Lewis

An historically important ferro-concrete ship lies abandoned on the River Thames at Greenhithe. She is A.C.W. 10, one of two concrete barges built by Messrs. J. and W. Stewart of Brentford and launched during WWI.

The construction of ferro-concrete ships was driven by the huge loss of merchant shipping due to the German U-Boat campaign, combined with an acute shortage of steel. A significant programme to build ferro-concrete ships, largely funded by the British Government, began in 1917. A.C.W. 10 is one of those ships.

It was May 1917 when concrete construction specialists Messrs. J. and W. Stewart of Brentford received an order to build two ferro-concrete barges and less than one year later, on 29th March 1918, A.C.W. 10 , was launched. She was completed and registered by 9th July 1918. Her sister ship, A.C.W. 11 followed later the same year. A.C.W. 10 could be reasonably described as the first large concrete vessel built in Great Britain. She was certified by Lloyd’s Register as ‘A.1 - For English Channel and Coasting Service from Thames to Milford Haven - Subject to Annual Survey, and subject to the notation “Experimental” being made in the Register Book’.

Her dimensions were length, 150’ 8’, breadth, 24’ 6”, depth, 11’ 7” & draft, 10’ 11½ “. Her Gross Registered Tonnage was 357 tons and in her five compartments, divided by four watertight

bulkheads, she had a deadweight carrying capacity of about 400 tons.

Originally registered to ‘The Shipping Controller’, by 1920, she had been sold to Alexandra Towing Co. Ltd of Liverpool and according to documents at Lloyd’s Register, was moored in Southampton. She was still in Southampton, now owned by William Brent Esq and being used for ‘harbour purposes’ when she lost her Lloyd’s classification on 23rd July 1925.

In 1933, she was acquired by John Mowlem & Co. of London, one of the largest construction and civil engineering companies in the UK. At this juncture she was shortened to just over 120’ by having her bow removed and altered to become a ‘Crane

A.C.W. 10 nearing completion at Brentford, 1918 Illustrated London News - Saturday 18th May 1918 Image © Illustrated London News Group

Illustrated London News - Saturday 18th May 1918 Image © Illustrated London News Group

Barge’. Looking at the projects undertaken by John Mowlem & Co during the time A.C.W. 10 was in their ownership, it is entirely plausible that A.C.W. 10 was utilised in the construction of Battersea Power Stations A & B.

A.C.W. 10 was still owned by John Mowlem & Co in 1948 but by 1954 her official registration was closed. No records have been identified to date to definitively prove what happened next to A.C.W. 10 but what is known for certain is that she lies today at Greenhithe, clearly visible on Google Earth at 51°27’14.0”N 0°17’01.4”E.

Investigations confirm that she was certainly in situ at Greenhithe by the mid 1960s and at this time, the F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd dock still flourished. One purpose of this article is to see if anyone remembers what use this concrete barge was put to by Everards, since it is known that her crane was still present until removed by the Port of London Authority, due to safety concerns, around a decade ago. She wasn’t converted into a quay as her holds are still open so perhaps her crane was used for the offloading of barges moored alongside her or maybe she literally was there to act as a ‘breakwater’.

During the building of the dwellings at ‘Bendigo Wharf’, consideration given to removing or demolishing her, but a decision was taken to leave her where she lies. This is fortuitous as she is an important relic of the WWI era of British

ferro-concrete shipbuilding of which only a few examples still exist. Interestingly, her sister A.C.W. 11, also launched during WW1, is one of these survivors, lying in a bay in the Orkney Islands.

Footnote : A.C.W. 10 has oft been misidentified as one of the six WWII concrete barges built for F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd by W & C French at Gray’s, Essex between 1943 and 1944. A number of these barges, each of 192 GRT, 107’5” long and 25’ wide, still exist on the banks of the Thames today, notably at Erith. ‘The Life & Times of The Crete Fleet’ is a manuscript, researched and written by Richard Lewis, with additional research and editing by fellow Norwegian concrete ship enthusiast, Erlend Larsen Bonderud.

www.thecretefleet.com together with Facebook and Instagram sites @thecretefleet aim to increase awareness of these important maritime relics.

ACW11, the sister of ACW10

COPING AS A CARER FOR A LOVED ONE

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford.

In this instalment, we will share some essential tips for those of you caring for a loved one. Being a family carer can be one of the most fulfilling things that you can do, but on the flip side, it can also be an overwhelming and thankless task.

Anyone that cares for somebody is likely to have many unanswered questions regarding both the care they are giving to their loved one and the care they owe themselves. To help answer some of those questions, we have compiled some top tips to help you become the best carer you can be:

1. Take a guilt-free break – Allowing yourself some alone time to unwind a few times each month will help you to reenergise and provide a much better quality of care.

2. Be patient – It can often take time to get into a consistent care routine. Keeping calm and patient will allow this to happen whilst also respecting your loved one’s dignity and independence.

3. Help them to feel good – A new haircut or item of clothing can do wonders for your loved one’s confidence and self-worth, so don’t forget to treat them every now and then!

4. Accept that they have changed – The person you care for is unlikely to be the person you knew them to be. Accepting this change will help you to stay in the here and now and give the best care possible.

5. Accept help – In order to properly take care of someone else, you need to also be able to take care of yourself. When people offer to help you, it’s ok to accept it.

We provide support to many families and couples to ensure the main carer has time off to ‘recharge’. If you’d like to discuss how we might help, please do get in touch.

If you have any ideas for a future topic, please write to c.uppenkamp@dartford.homeinstead.co.uk - we’d love to hear from you!

In this month’s article we look at the growing range of electric models and tips to reduce fuel bills.

2023 Polestar 3 – the new Polestar 3 electric SUV gets dual-motor power and a range of up to 379 miles, plus the latest safety tech. This starts an expansion of the Polestar range with a coupe SUV and performance cars coming in the next few years. The 3 is powered by two electric motors that together produce 482bhp with a performance pack to boost this to 510bhp, so it can get to 60mph on par with its rivals. The electric motors are driven by a 111kWh battery, which gives the 3 an estimated range of 379 miles. The 3 can charge at speeds of up to 250kW, which means you can get it from 10-80% in around 20 minutes if you can find a suitably powerful charging point. Inside, there’s a minimalist theme, with the car’s main infotainment controls integrated into a large 14.5in central touchscreen with an Androidbased system and lots of sustainable materials to the interior. It features the latest safety technology such as the ‘SmartEye’ system, which monitors the driver’s eyes and can stop the car if it detects drowsiness or a distracted driver. Pricing for the 3 starts from £79,900 for the standard car and is available from summer 2023.

2023 Jeep Avenger electric SUV – the Avenger is the brand’s first electric car. It precedes the introduction of two other new electric Jeeps – the Wagoneer S and Recon – which are due in 2024. Powering the Avenger is a single electric motor that produces 154bhp and is front-wheel drive. Energy will come from a battery with a 51kWh usable capacity that gives it an official range of 248 miles. With 100kW charging capability, the battery can top up from 20-80% in 24 minutes if you can find a suitably powerful charging point. Inside, the Avenger gets a simple yet rugged-

looking interior, and all cars come standard with a 10.25in infotainment display. The interior also comes with plenty of space to store made up of a huge central storage bin, enormous door pockets and a shelf that spans the width of the dashboard. Prices for the Avenger are expected to start from around £32,000 when its on sale in June 2023.

Ways to reduce your fuel bills – With petrol and diesel prices still at extortionate levels, here’s a short guide to getting the most out of every tank of fuel.

Remove excess weight. Take unnecessary bulky items out of the car, such as that shovel you put in the boot to clear snow in winter.

Basic Maintenance. Keep your car well maintained and serviced regularly. Check and if need be pump up your tyres to the correct level to reduce rolling resistance.

Plan your journey. Avoid traffic black spots and busy times if possible, and get the map or satnav out to avoid getting lost and driving further than necessary.

Turn off air conditioning. Unless it’s really cold or uncomfortably warm in the car, leave the aircon turned off. Using it can put a strain on the engine and burn more fuel, especially at low speeds.

Be gentle and change gear early. Accelerate and brake gently, and change to a higher gear as soon as possible.

By Dhiren Ganesh

by Bhavesh Ganesh

A year ago, Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua was the super-fight British fans, and arguably the whole of the boxing world, dreamt of.

An all-British meeting for all four major heavyweight belts between two world champions with opposing personalities who cross over to the mainstream was in touching distance. But it wasn’t to be… Fury was instead ordered by an arbitration hearing to face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy bout. That that point it seemed the Joshua-Fury wasn’t to be.

Joshua has lost three of his last five bouts and is without a world title, while the unpredictable Fury has said he has retired on more than one occasion.

However, in an unexpected twist, WBC champion Fury challenged Joshua via social media, and it seems Joshua, has agreed terms to fight Fury on 3 December. Should it finally happen, is the

Rock Painting in Dartford

fight still a modern-era super-fight? Or has interest faded, and are there actually bigger fights available to be made instead?

Sporting events in November include: 8-20: Snooker - UK Championship, York Barbican 13: Formula 1 - Brazilian Grand Prix, Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos 19: Rugby Union - England v New Zealand, Twickenham

21 Nov-18 Dec - Football - World Cup, Qatar 26: Rugby Union - England v South Africa, Twickenham

By Maria Kingsford

Centre .

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

Here are some of the photos of their latest painted

By Dr Julie Taylor

November is men’s health month. Typified by men growing moustaches, some in a dodgy 70’s style, but there is a more serious reason behind this campaign. Men die, on average, 4½ years earlier than women. One man in five will die before 65 years old. Many of the causes of death are preventable, which means there are things that we can do to ensure that men live healthier and longer lives.

Your heart

One in eight men die from coronary heart disease, caused through narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This is higher than for women (1 in 14). There are some factors that we can work on to reduce your risk. If you receive an invite for a ‘Health Check’, these risk factors will be assessed.

• High blood pressure affects around 28% of adults and at least half are not on adequate treatment. 50% of heart attacks and strokes are linked with high blood pressure. Know your numbers – check your blood pressure at home, in a community pharmacy or at your GP surgery. If it is raised, seek further advice.

• Diabetes increases your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases by 2-3 times, and people with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke. Being overweight

increases your risk of developing diabetes. If you have symptoms of diabetes (thirst, frequent urination, feeling tired) please get it checked out.

• High cholesterol is associated with 1 in 4 heart and circulatory disease deaths.

• Smoking is thought to be responsible for at least 15,000 deaths from heart and circulatory diseases each year. Use the NHS quit app or contact One You Kent stop smoking service for help – 0300 123 1220 or text ‘quit’ to 87023.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle. Around 1 in 6 heart and circulatory disease deaths are associated with being overweight and being more physically active can reduce your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases by 35%.

It’s good to talk

Three times as many men as women die from suicide and it is the largest cause of death for men under 50. The highest rates are in 40-49 year olds. Men are more likely to report lower levels of life satisfaction than women. Men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems.

Simple changes such as talking about your feelings, keeping active and eating well can make you feel better. If you are worried that you are developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP for help and support. If you are in distress and need immediate help or are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E. Organisations such as the Samaritans and CALM can also help when things are tough.

Below the waist

Prostate problems become more common as men get older. Some problems experienced are related to an enlarged prostate but prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. It is more common in men who are black or those with a family history of prostate cancer. The symptoms that men may experience with prostate problems are urinating frequently, difficulty holding on or getting started, poor stream or, rarely, blood in urine or semen. If you have any symptoms, please

contact your GP surgery.

Testicular cancer is the number 1 cancer amongst young men. If it is caught early, it is highly treatable. It easy to check yourself – just give them a feel every month or so, to learn what is normal for you. If you notice anything different, contact your GP surgery.

Finally

Men – take note of what is going on in your body and your mind. If there is something not right, contact your GP practice.

DR JULIE TAYLOR IS A GP PARTNER AT THE WELLCOME PRACTICE DARTFORD, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF DARTFORD MODEL PCN AND A BOARD MEMBER OF THE DARTFORD, SWANLEY AND GRAVESHAM INTEGRATED CARE PARTNERSHIP.

Dartford’s premier private practice, serving Dartford community since the 1980s

INTERVIEWS WITH THE PANTO STARS

Yes, my very first professional pantomime was at Dartford, Jack and the Beanstalk. I think it was 1983-84. Then they said it’d be January when I was going to come back. Well, they didn’t say that, they said it’d be a blue and cold day when we invite him back. It did take them until 2010-11 season, where I did Jack and the Beanstalk again, which I really enjoyed. I love Dartford. I’ve done many shows there over the years, tours and charity shows and all sorts. So. I love Dartford.

Are you looking forward to returning to Dartford?

I love Dartford. It’s only about 40-45 minutes on a good run, you don’t have to go through the Dartford tunnel coming from around the M25. But, I love Dartford, and I’ll always come back. It’s one of my favourite, favourite venues.

Regan Gascoigne

Bobby Davro

You’ve appeared on stages and screens since the 80s. Is there a moment during your career that sticks out most to you?

Yes, I guess getting my first television show on my own, I think I started way back in 1985-86 time, when I was doing Copy Cats. Out of that they gave me my own TV series, which ran for six or seven series. I think we did a special first with a very well known producer called John K. Cooper. We went down there and I couldn’t believe that I’d got my own show. It was a dream come true. And there’s another dream that came true. My hero in life is Gilbert O’ Sullivan, who’s an old songwriter. My father picked me up in school and I heard his record on the radio back in 1972. Got nothing right. I fell in love with his music. He became my idol and I always knew that I was going to meet him. Then eventually I did meet him about 16 years later through the business and he’s one of my dearest friends now. I always dreamt that I’d be on his show or he’d be on mine and my dream came true back in ‘92. I sat in the wardrobe department or makeup department, I looked up at the monitor and there he was. I started to cry and it was weird. The makeup lady said, why are you crying? I said, I’ve dreamt about this all since 1972 and my dreams come true. Loads of things which stick in my mind, things that affect me emotionally.

So have you performed in Dartford panto before?

You are current Dancing on Ice champion, what were the biggest challenges of competing?

The biggest challenge was, I’ve never done TV before, so for me I was scared of how I was going to be perceived and if people were going to like me or if I was going to come across this or that. That for me was really hard. I knew that the challenge, obviously, of learning to skate is obviously there, but as I was in the process, I started to realise after filming and stuff, I’m worried how are people going to see me? So that was a challenge.

What attracted you to the role of Pantomime and being in Panto?

What attracts me to Panto is the fact that I have done it for so long and it just is Christmas. It doesn’t feel like Christmas without it, especially after COVID and the pandemic and not being able to do it. I really realised how much I love it and how much joy and happiness it brings me at Christmas.

What do you think about this role are you’re going

to specifically enjoy?

I am so nervous. This is my first big role, although I did play a dwarf years ago with Jonathan Kylie, an amazing director in the company. And, yeah, I’m just excited now that I’ve been able to take on a bigger role and that just is special.

If you could pick your dream line-up for a panto or actor in Hollywood then who would it be and why?

Oh, my God, there is so many there is just so many people that I would die to work with. But because I’ve always loved her and I love David Attenborough it’s so hard but do you know who would be amazing in a panto? Joanna Lumley would. Yeah. Magical. But actually she would be incredible.

George Shelley

So, earlier this year, Union J reformed, how was reuniting for you?

It was amazing. It had been six years since we performed together and it was just beautiful to be back on stage, back where it all began. We all miss singing so much, we all miss performing. So, yeah, it was the start of hopefully a new chapter for Union J, it also felt like in the end, a good round off to a lot of experiences we’ve had before. Don’t want to say a book end, but like a chapter end and it was just a very pivotal moment for us. So, looking forward to seeing what happens but also, we had a nice bit of closure for everything that happened before.

So what was the best and worst experience during your time in the jungle on I’m a Celebrity?

Best experience was meeting all my friends that I met, Ferne, Vicky and Lady C was amazing just to be a part of because she’s a bit of a classic contestant. The worst was the sleep deprivation. Not being able to sleep and not having my creature comforts, as funny as it is, because there’s lots of creatures out there, just not the creatures you want.

Finally, what are you looking forward to most during your panto debut?

I’m looking forward to having a lot of joy over Christmas. I think that period for me personally can become, since lockdown, and since my sister’s birthday is Christmas Day, can get quite wrapped up in grief, which I think is okay to talk about, but panto is just something that’s going to spread a bit of positivity, bring back a bit of Christmas spirit. I think that’s what it’s about, really, is I lost a lot of my Christmas spirit after losing my sister. I think this is just a nice opportunity to keep that sort of childhood magic of Christmas alive.

Ellie Jane Grant

You recently made your professional debut in the UK tour of South Pacific. How was that experience?

Amazing. Coming out of drama school to that being my first job was surreal and wonderful. I’ve learned so much from the talented company and the amazing creative team. It’s been an amazing experience and just being able to tour around the UK and see such amazing theatres has been grand.

Do you have anything you always take on tour with you?

Do you know what? Coffee is a must. I love coffee. And I always have my fluffy dressing gown. So yeah, fluffy dressing gown and coffee!

So what attracted you to a role in pantomime?

I was a panto babe when I was younger, and I always looked up to the leading lady or just everyone in the cast. I’d be like, wow, I would love to do that one day. And it’s always been a dream of mine to lead in a show.

What are you looking forward to the most in Panto?

With panto you get to create a family and it’s Christmas time. You bond so well with other cast members and crew for such a short amount of time. It will be so nice just getting to have a lot of laughs and fun. You don’t have to take yourself too seriously. And I love the audience participation. I’ve worked with kids in the past, performing to children and it’s something I just really enjoy.

Why do you think panto is so important to people?

I think it relates back to children, you take them on a magical journey and they love the story of Cinderella. For two hours you just sit there and have fun and you get to be taken through this story. So, yeah, I think the fun and the audience participation is why people love it!

Are you looking forward to working with other cast

members, George Shelley, Bobby Davro, Regan Gascoigne and Bree Smith?

I am, yes! Especially Regan and George as this is their first role in pantomime as well, so I’ll be able to learn with them. Also working with Bree, I’m really looking forward to because she knows a few people that I’ve worked with on South Pacific, so I have that link to her. She’s also done musicals like me and trained in the same thing and you just

get to know different people who have different backgrounds. You can always learn from different performers. So I’m looking forward to meeting them. And of course, I look forward to laughing at Bobby’s jokes! I think we’ll all get along really well.

Are you looking forward to coming to Dartford?

So I’m looking forward to exploring the town and seeing what’s out there on my days off, I’ll definitely go on some walks and will do some Christmas shopping in Bluewater.

Do you have any plans for Halloween this year?

Well, I’ll be in Edinburgh on tour, so the cast are planning to do a ghost tour, which will be a fun thing to do. Because we have a show that day, so I’ll be doing a show and then we’ll be doing something spooky and fun in the evening. I’ll definitely be in fancy dress. The cast will also have a fun themed dance warm up before the show that day, dancing to Halloween songs like the monster mash!

If the Fairy Godmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

I wish every child gets what they want for Christmas this year.

COMPETITION

WIN tickets for a family of four for Cinderella for any available performance between 10 – 17 Dec

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella. Starring singing sensation, recording, radio and television star George Shelley making his pantomime debut as Prince Charming, Cinderella is a family treat not to miss! George will be joined by pantomime legend Bobby Davro as Buttons, the Dancing on Ice reigning champion Regan Gascoigne as Dandini and newcomer Ellie Jane Grant in the title role. Completing the line-up is the newly announced Bree Smith as the Fairy Godmother. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients The Orchard Theatre audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

George Shelley first burst onto our screens in 2012 on ITV’s X Factor as part of UK boyband Union J. Since then, he has gone on to present London’s #1 Radio Show Capital Breakfast alongside Dave Berry and finished runner up in ITV’s fifteenth series of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! George has also had a successful acting career, appearing in ITV’s Benidorm and BBC3’s Murder in Successville. Most recently, George reunited with Union J for a sell-out performance at The London Palladium, as well as appearing in ITV’s up and coming primetime show Queens for the Night alongside Lorraine, Mel C and Rob Beckett.

Bobby Davro is well-known for his illustrious television career which has seen him present his own series Bobby Davro on the Box, Bobby’s Sketch Pad, TV Weekly, Public Enemy Number One, Rock with Laughter and Run the Risk, and host 65 episodes of Winner Takes All. He has also appeared in EastEnders playing the loveable rogue Vinnie Monks, donned skates on Dancing on Ice, and came 4th in Celebrity Big Brother. Regan Gascoigne ice-skated into our hearts and was crowned the champion of ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2022. No stranger to the stage, Regan trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and the Actors Centre, London and has appeared in many pantomimes in his time. Other highlights include appearing with Demi Lovato on The MTV Europe Music Awards as part of the Urban Voices Collective, The Nutcracker for English National Ballet at the London Coliseum and ITV’s Full Monty This Is Me.

With over 30,000 theatregoers attending pantomime at The Orchard Theatre each festive season, it’s never too early to book for this year’s show!

George Shelley was a contestant on which TV music competition?

1. The Voice

2. X- Factor Email competition@dartfordliving.com by the 20th November to be in with a chance of winning.

RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn.

The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered..

Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn.

Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 7. 7. All entries will be added to the Dartford Living mailing list to receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Please state when you enter the competition if you don’t wish to be added

47www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

SPICED CARROT CUPCAKES AND MINI MUFFINS

By Debbie Dickinson

Great lunchbox treats! Freeze them once made, pop a cupcake or one or two mini muffins in your child’s lunchbox before school and they’ll be perfectly defrosted in time for lunch!

And because they are made using oil, they’re really quick and easy for even the littlest of kids to stir and make!

This recipe makes 6 cupcakes or approx.

mini muffins.

will need:

Carrot

Light Brown Sugar (or you can use any you have available)

Flour

of

Ginger – Feel free to adjust

spices to suit your taste

What to do: Preheat your oven to 140ºC Fan/160ºC/ Gas mark 3 and prepare a cupcake tin or mini muffin tin with paper cases.

Beat the egg in a large bowl and add the oil, sugar, carrots, and raisins.

the flour, bicarbonate of soda, spices and a pinch of salt and stir thoroughly until combined.

Pop a spoonful of mix into each cup cake case (the maths geek in me loves to weigh mix into each case to ensure all are identical – in this case 20g for mini muffins and 75g for standard sized cupcakes) and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until spongy looking.

Leave in the tray for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until cooled. Try not to eat them all while they’re cool ing!

Freeze in a single layer on a baking tray covered in cling film. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag/ box.

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY

MONDAYS

9:15am - 11:30am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.50 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 07917 843592.

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 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 Music and Rhyme Time at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free. Contact Katie on 07734661352 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime

10.30 - 11.00am. “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at Fleetdown Library. Music and fun for babies and pre-schoolers. No charge. Term time only. All are welcome - just turn up!

WEDNESDAYS

1pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ - £3.50 per Adult - £1 Siblings Bottomless refreshments.

THURSDAYS

10:30-11:30am, Music and Rhyme Time at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free. Contact Katie on 07734661352 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime

FRIDAYS

9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags Mummy’s Linkup: 10am – 2pm on the 2nd Friday of each month, Tree Community Centre Mummy’s Linkup : 10am – 12noon on the 4th Friday of each month., Temple Hill Community Centre

SATURDAYS

2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

BABYBALLERS

Themed Football and multi skills sessions are suitable for girls and boys aged 16 months to 5 years old. Your little superstar will learn shapes, colours, numbers and lots, lots, more all through playing the BabyBallers way!

Classes in Dartford, Northfleet, Gravesend and Ebbsfleet on Fridays and weekends. Please visit https://babyballers1.class4kids.co.uk/ or email matt@babyballers.com

LITTLE LEARNERS NORTH WEST KENT

Award winning messy play and mark-making classes across North West Kent for ages 5 months to 5 years. We learn how to write through messy play, scribbling & more! Our classes provide ample sensory develop ment opportunities and focus on developing children’s pre-writing skills and all the important little muscles involved in this. Contact Aisha at aisha@littlelearnersuk.com or visit the website to book a class. Littlelearner suk.com

www.dartfordliving.com

LOCAL CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS IN AND AROUND

PLEASE CHECK WITH

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.

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 837172 or 07570 347612

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every Friday morning 10.3012.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK

For people with Parkinsons and their carers. Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7 -9pm. Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes. Contact Wendy Leach.   Tel:  02083065973

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 is a support group for people with any life affecting health issues from loneliness and isolation to life limiting conditions. - call Julie On 07775875585

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

20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH

SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP more information visit: www.meetup.com/20s-30s-DartfordBexleyheath-surrounding-areas-social-group/ DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OFTHE THIRD AGE)meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 2pm, For information about meetings and interest groups visit u3asites.org.uk/dartford/welcome

WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS CLUB

We are a group of retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have a monthly walk and occasional coffee mornings and as a side line we raise money for a local 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

HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP

Dartford & Gravesham Branch. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 1012pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING

Wheelchair epee fencing in Dartford and Gravesham, we are delighted to announce that New Ash Green Epee club, can now introduce wheelchair fencing. If interested in taking up this para sport please contact us on 01474 871484 or alternatively look at our website www. nagfencing.eu

ERITH YOUTH RUGBY

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

LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS Sundays 10:15-10:45 at Swanscombe Leisure Centre.

Call Saj on 07903 513104

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS

Celebrating 50years

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

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

www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

TO MAKE SURE THE CLUBS ARE STILL OPERATING

LEARN KARATE

Learn karate with Yamato Damashii – for adults & children

Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free.

For more info, visit www.ydma.club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

KENT EXILES AMERICAN 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

FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI

We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Dartford Girls Grammar School at 7.30pm. Activities include guest speakers, theatre visits and monthly lunches. New members welcome. For more information please call Judith on 01322 278703

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.

HOP LIKE IT’S HOT

A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person.

HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION is a friendly group of retired and semi-retired men and women over

55. We have a monthly meeting on the second Thursday at Sutton at Hone Scout Hut at 1.30pm. Associated activities include petanque, keep fit, short mat bowls, country walks andten pin bowling. Come along to a meeting [£2entrance] or call Carol on 07912 564710. You will receive a warm welcome.

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 andsome 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 partici pants 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.

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

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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 stateof 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 annualmemberships). 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.

DARTFORD & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. We are a long-established camera club meeting fortnightly at Stone Pavilion. We have an exciting programme of speakers, competitions, practical evenings and would welcome new members with or without pho tographic experience to our friendly meetings. You can attend several meetings as a guest before taking out membership which enables you to become a fully-fledged member and enter competitions. Our website is dartphoto. org.uk. We have a spacious hall which enables us to meet “socially distanced” in the present environment. We hope to meet you soon.

DARTFORD MUSIC SCHOOL

Want to learn to play or sing?

For all ages and abilities, we have something for you.

We offer a variety of music learning activities based at The Mick Jagger Centre including Individual Instrumental Lessons, group sessions with Red Rooster, Dartford Youth Choir and DMS Orchestra!

What’s stopping you?

Webpage: www.themickjaggercentre.com/dart ford-music-school.html

Email: DMS@themickjaggercentre.com Follow us: Twitter @Dartford_Music Instagram @ dartfordmusicschool

WILMARA Wilmington Active Retirement Group. We are an active retirement group who meet on the third Friday of the month from 2pm till 4pm at the Memorial Hall in Wilmington. Our activities include guest speakers, outings, holidays, theatre trips, tenpin bowling, Petanque, Kurling, indoor sports activities and a lunch club. Please come along and pay us a visit you will be very welcome!

Telephone Membership Secretary. Wendy Murray 01322 226943

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS

Learn new techniques, make friends and enjoy interesting talks, workshops and demon strations. Absolute beginners and more experienced stitchers welcome. We meet on the third Saturday of every month except August from 2-4pm in Southfleet Village Hall, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9NX or by Zoom if necessary. Visitors are very welcome.

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website: www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk email: info@northkentembroiderers.co.uk phone: Eileen on 01474 324734

DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY

A warm welcome awaits newcomers to Dartford s oldest choir - established over 100 years ago. We rehearse on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at The Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, from September to June and perform four concerts annually. Just turn up to sample the delights of choral singing! For more information please contact the Chairman, Pat Everington. Tel: 01322 220124.

DARTFORD HISTORICAL & ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY

meets

on

in the month ( October to May) at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford at 7.30 p.m. See website for details.

ST ALBAN’S AND ST EDMUND’S CHURCH GROUPS

St Alban’s Church

- Stepping Stones’ Toddler Group @ St Alban’s Church, St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 3FT Wednesday’s from 8:30am – 11:30am.

- Community Café Coffee Morning @ St Alban’s Church (Tuesdays) , St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 1FT, 10am – 12noon. Drinks, sausage or bacon sarnies, scones, fruit, friends and chat.

- Knit & Natter @ St Alban’s Church, St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 1FT 10:00am – 11:30am, on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Come and knit, learn to crochet (or teach someone else), have a coffee and a lot of nattering!

St Edmund’ Church

- Kindness and Wellbeing Group @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND

- Tuesday’s from 9:30am – 11:30am. Make new friends, chat over a cuppa, mindfulness and well being resources and support.

- Café @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND Thursdays from 10am – 12noon

- Over 60’s Club @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND Lunch at 12:30pm (£5pp must be booked in advance). Raffles and bingo from 1pm, prizes galore.

ACCOUNTS, BUSINESS, FINANCE AND

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COUNCIL

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CHARITABLE

LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT

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Dartford

LOCAL AND NATIONAL USEFUL NUMBERSS

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 999EDF 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

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 CounsellorsJudianne/Paula 01322 224072

Call 999 in an Emergency

Police, Ambulance

Non Emergency Number

Kent

555

Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www. dartfordjujitsu.co.uk

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 ClubDawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250

Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- Contact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com

Dartford Valley RFCwww.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/

USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Together Dartford Living Community Group

Mortgages

Mortgages – with our many years of experience, our professional mortgage consultants can help you find the right mortgage to suit your needs

First time buyers – we can help you as first time buyers to navigate your way through purchasing your first home. This can be a worrying and confusing time, but with our help, you can be confident you’re in safe hands.

Moving home – we can help you find your next mortgage when moving home and ensure you get the right mortgage for your needs.

Capital release - if you have equity in your current home, you may be able to release some capital for home improvements or debt consolidation. There are various methods of raising capital and we can guide you through the process.

Buy to Let – if you are considering investing in the property market as a way to generate income, we can advise on the best way to proceed and also, the lender’s criteria.

Help to Buy – if you are eligible for the ‘help to buy’ government initiative, we can help guide you through the process and explain what your commitments are. Think carefully before securing other debts against your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Call Brian Downton, Dartford’s Protection Champion for: