WHY YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO MOVE—AND HOW YOU CAN HELP AT HOME
Fun, simple activities that support learning, communication, and social skills.
A Moving Child is a Learning Child
Movement isn’t just play, it’s how children learn. Crawling, climbing, jumping, and dancing help children develop their brains, bodies, and communication skills. Encouraging daily movement at home lays the foundation for confidence, problem-solving, and social interaction, while supporting lifelong learning.
Movement Builds the Brain
From the very beginning, every roll, step, and skip strengthens connections between the body and brain. These activities help children understand space, distance, and cause and effect, while building coordination and self-esteem. You can support this at home by letting your toddler crawl through a blanket tunnel, carry a small basket of toys, or walk on uneven surfaces barefoot.
Core Strength for Daily Life
Physical play develops the muscles children need for posture, balance, and control. Simple home activities, like climbing safely on a set of cushions, dancing to favourite songs, or carrying light objects, help children gain the strength and coordination they need for everyday tasks such as sitting at a table, holding a pencil, or dressing themselves independently.
Movement and Communication
Movement also supports early speech and language skills. Singing action songs, making up silly dances, or blowing bubbles helps with breath control and clear speech. Even rolling a ball back and forth or tapping a rhythm encourages coordination and expressive communication. Children who move regularly often gain confidence in expressing themselves.
Play That Powers Connection
Movement is a natural way to develop social and emotional skills. Imaginative play, role play, and group games teach cooperation, turn-taking, and problem-solving. At home, encourage your child to build a blanket den, dance together, or take part in a simple follow-the-leader game around the living room or garden. Every step, stretch, and jump helps them connect with others and understand the world around them.
Move, Play, Grow: Fun Ways to Keep Your Child Active at Home
Gross Motor (whole-body fun)
• Crawling, rolling, and wriggling
• Running, jumping, hopping, skipping
• Climbing, balancing, and hanging
• Dancing, marching, and stomping
Fine Motor (hands-on skills)
• Reaching, stretching, and bending
• Throwing, catching, and kicking
• Digging, scooping, and pouring
• Carrying, transporting, and building
Creative & Expressive Play
• Twisting, spinning, and turning
• Shaking, wiggling, and clapping
• Blowing, puffing, and making silly faces
Tip: Try a few activities from each category every day. Short, fun bursts of movement are more effective, and more enjoyable, than long sessions.
Encourage your child to move, play, and explore every day, these simple actions support brain development, physical strength, and confidence. For more expert tips on helping your child thrive, visit www.katiebkids. co.uk.
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INTERVIEW WITH DEFENDER GABBY HOWELL
The right-back was an imperative member of the Dartford FC Women’s defence last season, making 25 appearances in all competitions, seventeen of which were in the starting eleven. And her importance remains, as she has started all seven fixtures this season so far. Chris Palmer caught up with Gabby to talk about her career so far and hopes for the season ahead.
Gabby Howell was signed by Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy from Sutton United the season before last.
The right-back was an imperative member of the Dartford FC Women’s defence last season, making 25 appearances in all competitions, seventeen of which were in the starting eleven. And her importance remains, as she has started all seven fixtures this season so far.
The defender loves it here in Kent, which is just one of the reasons why she decided to remain here at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park…
“I love it here! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my moments. But I feel like I’ve been pushed mentally, both football-related and life-related here. I’ve been
coached in life and in football here, and I’m excited to see how much more I can grow. Plus, I love the girls. We have built such a fun environment here, that’s honestly like a second family. I’ve got no complaints. I’m happy to be a Dart!”
As the saying goes, once a Dart always a Dart, regardless of how long a player stays here. Once you’ve worn the shirt and played for the badge, you’re a Dart for life, a member of the family. And this Dartford FC Women’s squad is certainly a family, yet one that’s on the road to something truly special.
What does Gabby think of her team’s chances of achieving success again this season?
“I think this season could be the best yet. We are super determined to make this season one to never forget. It would be great to go undefeated in the league, and to get into the cup finals again like last year. We’re all happy to continue putting in the hard work in order to achieve success, but having everyone at our games helps us lots. We would love as many people as possible to be a part of the journey with us.”
That last sentence is an important part of what this team stands for. Unity and togetherness is vital for success, and these ladies promote inclusion and acceptance in their family, of which we are all a part of. And they deserve our respect and support, more so now than ever before.
Returning to Gabby, what are her personal goals for the season and for her career as a whole?
“The goal is to win the league and go up to the National League. Personally, I just want to keep growing as a player. I’m always eager to learn and just want to be the best I can be.
“I’d like to go as far as I possibly can. But enjoying
my football is important. To be honest, I’m a bit of a geek for the sport, so I wouldn’t mind going into coaching eventually as well.”
She continues, “Within the camp, I’m known to ask a LOT of questions! I honestly just love studying the game, so I always try to get the most I can out of every session and game by asking as many questions as possible. I guess I like going into the details.“
There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, as we’re never too old to learn. On the flip side, what does Gabby bring to the team?
“I wish I could say ability on the ball, but it is defiantly my voice. I’d say that I’m constantly talking during the games, and I try to help my teammates by giving information to dictate the game.
“A strength of mine is probably tackles. I do back myself in one-on-one scenarios, and the constant talking and reading of games. However, I’d say that air headers are probably a weakness of mine, as well as my decision-making when on the ball sometimes.”
Gabby’s honesty is just one of her personality traits that draws you to her. And she’s not one to shy away from a challenge…
“Football means a lot to me and, I honestly think I’ve cried more over football than anything else in my life! Hahaha! I always want to do well, and I put pressure on myself to do that. I think the biggest challenge I’ve faced, and still face, is confidence and the mental challenges surrounding that. Being completely transparent, if I didn’t start, I would take it personally and struggle mentally with that. It’s taken me time to really understand ‘trust the process’ and be the best player and teammate I can be.”
She continues, “Being a good teammate is probably the most important thing I’ve learnt. In life, we rely on friends and family (they are our teammates). Football has allowed me to be a better person when it sometimes doesn’t go the way I want it to. The sport has made me appreciate the highs and the lows. I think it’s just helped me become a better person mentally.
“I just love playing football. I come from a footy family, so I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love the sport if I’m completely honest. I love the competition of it.”
Does she have a favourite playing position?
“Oh gosh, I’ve played in a fair share of positions. I think, sometimes that’s dependant on who we’re playing. I’ve been enjoying my new role as a CDM, but I’m very much still learning it. But I do also like playing at right-back in a back four.”
How does Gabby approach matchdays, and how does she stay motivated throughout the long seasons?
“On matchdays, I like to watch a bit of Only Fools And Horses in the morning, together with a coffee. On my way to football I’ll be singing my heart out in the car, and just try to not overthink the game ahead. I just turn up, get the job done, and then enjoy.
“During the week, I’m always in the gym. Saturdays are my rest days, otherwise I’m always doing some type of exercise. I’m motivated by always striving to improve and be the best I can be for the girls. We’ve created a family unit, so I just don’t want to let them down. That keeps me motivated.”
She continues, “One of the hardest things about juggling football and work is, probably the fact that I have to get dressed in my car to get to training on time! I work in West London, so I wake up at 5.30am, leave by 7am, and won’t get home until around 10pm! The days are very long.”
Has anyone ever given her any advice that she lives by?
“Yes, my Dad. He always told me that, if for whatever reason it’s not going my way on the ball or I’m having one of ‘those days’, then I need to just talk myself back into the game. It certainly helps!”
Does Gabby have any advice of her own for the next generation of footballer?
“Be the best team player you can be. Whether that’s checking in on players or simply talking to them during the game to make the game easier… for example, turn, set, man on, etc… Talking is important.”
And that can sum up Gabby Howell the football player. She is constantly mindful of her teammates and her own performances, making sure that she doesn’t let her side down. As she continues to grow and improve, there’s no doubt that she’d make an excellent future captain within the Dartford FC Women camp.
Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
From the day I was elected last 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.
By Jane Stevenson
CARE IN THE CAT COMMUNITY
I’ve always upheld the belief that cats are vastly more intelligent than they let on. They cheerfully allow us to source, prepare and serve their food. They ignore our carefully chosen toys, always grab the warmest, most comfortable place to sleep (usually a bed) and occasionally thank us by leaving a small ‘gift’ brought in from one of their days out! They studiously avoid giving any hint of being well able to catch their own food, poo outside or find a warm place to sleep when we’re not around.
Their carefully cultivated shortcomings in these areas came to the fore quite recently, when Other Half and I had to return to the mainland at short notice for a few days. In my ideal world, my cats would open their own food sachets, clean out their litter boxes, and take out a subscription to Cats World for entertainment! It would save me the worry of leaving them for however short a time. However, they deserve the best of care while we are away, and it’s important to me to find the right situation for them.
In the past, prior to our leaving Dartford, we entrusted our precious bundles of fur to our lovely neighbours, Diane and Dave. We knew the cats would be spoilt rotten, conversed with, looked after and loved. We trusted Di and Dave completely, to do this, knowing
any emergency would be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Since we upped sticks and moved, we haven’t found a replacement for the cats’ wonderful foster parents. Recently, any trips off island, required both cats to go into a cattery. We used a very comfortable cattery run by the RSPCA. There, they had their own household pod, warm and airy, plenty of blankets, toys and attention. Unsurprisingly, such care comes at a cost. For a few days away, I had to factor an additional £150 in addition to travel costs, accommodation etc. Money wasn’t an issue here; I knew they were in the best possible place and the care they would receive was first class.
The main problem was that the cattery is situated on the other side of the island, so the cats would be thrust into their travel cages (often with blood spilt – usually mine) and driven slowly across the island all the while shouting their disapproval at my driving skills, speed, route chosen. Both my cats are proper little back seat drivers!
Now both are well into old age, and the journey is just too much for them.
We had to find a solution. Luckily, a local dog walker advised us to try Lindsey. This young lady not only agreed to pop in to do the feeds, but she also sent photos and kept us up to date with our felines’ antics! Finding another human being who understands how important our pets are to us, is a godsend. Although we didn’t know Lindsey well, she met with us with the required paperwork, discussed food fads and took note of the aged state of both cats, their quirks and habits. They, in turn, behaved exceptionally well, caused little fuss and received a glowing report from Lindsey.
I am considering asking her to care for Other Half and I in our dotage – with the price of care homes, it could be an alternative to consider!
Take care people
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About the writer: Colin Fantham
I have been a Dartford resident now for well over twenty years. I like the people, and I like the town. Since I retired from working in the insurance industry in London, for forty-eight years, I am now able to enjoy retirement doing what I love best: writing. Since a young boy growing up in Essex, I was always somewhat creative. I wrote several pieces of music when young and still have ambitions to see my work performed one day. Since retirement I have written several scripts for stage and screen. Very recently I have completed my first book of short stories called: The Road to Fear & Other Tales of Intrigue which is available in Amazon Books UK (as are all my efforts); the book is a collection of thirteen short stories which will interest those of you who enjoy tales of mystery and suspense.
I have always been interested in storylines about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The first story in my book, The Road to Fear, concerns Ben and Jennifer, a young married couple who recently moved to a remote cottage in North Wales. Jennifer, heavily pregnant, is about to go into labour and needs hospital care. Driving desperately through a snowstorm, late into the night, the couple become hopelessly lost. Driving down an old country lane, lined with trees, an old man suddenly emerges from the shadows. Ben swerves the car, and slams into a tree. The old man is nowhere to be seen. Their only hope of survival is to leave the car and find the nearest cottage by foot. The only cottage they find is occupied by an old woman who has all the hallmarks of being a witch. Her
husband is missing. Did they run him over? Does the old woman somehow know? Will she seek retribution?
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I am now working on a second volume of short stories – watch this space!
One in two people will develop cancer at some stage in their life. Spotting cancer early, at a stage when it is less likely to have spread, means that treatment is more likely to be successful.
There can be a number of reasons why cancers are diagnosed late. Not all cancer journeys are straightforward, and other conditions may be considered first. Sometimes the tests we run are negative initially and do not indicate cancer. As GPs, we are limited in the tests we can do and have to refer patients to hospital for further investigation. If you have been referred to the hospital for a test which has ruled out cancer but your symptoms persist, please go back to your GP.
There are reasons why people may not seek medical advice for their symptoms. They may not be aware that their problem may be a symptom of cancer. They may struggle to get an appointment at an appropriate time or not want to bother their GP. They may also put off speaking to their doctor because they are worried what they might find.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
There are over 200 different cancers and these can present in lots of different ways. You are an expert in your own body. Speak to your doctor if you notice anything unusual. Many symptoms are not because of cancer, but could still be something that needs treating. When we refer a patient with suspected cancer, only 1 in 20 turn out to have cancer but we would always want to try and diagnose it early.
Some of the common symptoms of cancer:
General cancer symptoms
• Unexplained ache or pain
• Very heavy night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual lump or swelling
• Fatigue
• Bloating
Skin changes
• A sore that won’t heal
• A new mole or one that changes size, shape or colour, or becomes itchy, crusty or bleeds
• Other unusual skin changes
Symptoms that affect eating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual heartburn or indigestion
• Loss of appetite
Symptoms that affect your voice or breathing
• Croaky voice or hoarseness
• Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Breathlessness
Changes in your poo or pee
• Changes such as constipation, loose stool or increased frequency
• Problems peeing, needing to go more often or urgently, pain when going or not being able to go when you want to
Unexplained bleeding (no matter what colour the blood is)
• Blood in your pee or poo
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
Breast changes
• Breast lumps
• Changes in size, shape or feel of the breast
• Skin changes including redness
• Breast pain
• Nipple changes or fluid leaking from the nipple
For many of these symptoms there is more often a less serious cause. However, it is important to get any changes checked out.
What else can I do to help myself?
There are three cancer screening programmes in England that aim to identify patients at an early stage, before they develop symptoms of cancer. These are looking for bowel cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. When you get an invite, please consider participating.
We are currently developing a lung cancer screening service in Dartford Gravesham and Swanley, which will target smokers and ex-smokers aged 55-74. Local residents will start to receive invitations from March/April 2026.
However, if you have any symptoms that are ongoing, unexplained or unusual for you, it is a good idea to speak to your GP. It may not be cancer but if it is, the earlier it is found, the more likely it is to be cured.
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.
Thousands of eligible people are being urged to come forward for their flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
Those eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccines include adults aged 75 years and over, care home residents and people with weakened immune systems.
Health and social care workers, children, pregnant women and adults aged 65 years and over are eligible for the free flu vaccine this winter. Appointments can be booked online, via the NHS App or by calling 119 for free.
Find more information and check your eligibility at www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk
Welcome to Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead in Dartford & Bexley.
A survey conducted by Home Instead UK revealed that many families find discussing care options challenging. 81% of people hesitate to talk about care with their parents, despite 33% expressing concern about their physical health. Sadly, this commonly leads to care being introduced later than it should, often causing Mum or Dad’s health to decline more rapidly. Home Instead encourages people to start these conversations early to make the transition into care as smooth and stress-free as possible. It doesn’t have to be an awkward subject, and as a society we can lift the taboo.
Here are some tips to broach the subject of care with your older loved ones:
1. Start Early: If your parents are over 70, begin observing their daily routines and any challenges they
face. Casually introducing the idea of care before it becomes an immediate necessity can help make the conversation less awkward later on. By addressing potential concerns like vision issues or difficulties driving early, you create a more comfortable environment for discussion when the need for care eventually arises. This proactive approach ensures that care is introduced gradually, helping to preserve independence while easing the transition.
2. Talk It Out: Foster open dialogue about your observations, focusing on your parents’ wishes. It’s important that Mum or Dad feels heard and has the opportunity to share their thoughts and preferences. By listening to their concerns and involving them in the decision-making process, you create a more respectful and productive conversation. Collaborate to find solutions that work for them and use examples to illustrate your concerns without jumping to conclusions.
3. Think About How You Talk: Approach these conversations with respect and empathy. Treat your parents as equals and use a tone you would appreciate if the roles were reversed.
4. Maximise Independence: Look for solutions that support their autonomy. If they need assistance at home, consider options that allow them to continue engaging in activities they love, like cooking.
5.Be Aware of Changes: Monitor any shifts in behaviour or living conditions, especially after significant life events. If isolation becomes a concern, explore options for regular companionship to enhance their social engagement.
We’d love to hear from you if you think you can help or if you would like to make a suggestion for a future topic. Please write to me, Christina at c.uppenkamp@ dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322 923750.
1. Benefited (8)
8. Missile (6)
9. Milky gem (4)
10. Drowned valley (3)
11. Bag attached to garment (6)
12. Send as a representative (8)
15. Public speaker (6)
16. Truly (6)
20. Animal restraint (6)
24. Neater (6)
27. Hindrance (8)
28. During (6)
29. Small child (3)
30. Rich and juicy (4)
31. Article of clothing (6)
32. Electrical monitor (8)
2. Jack the ------ (6)
3. Remove bones (6)
4. Hard deposit on teeth (6)
5. Fabric retailer (6)
6. Shrub (6)
7. Uncover (6)
12. Blockhead (4)
13. Final (4)
14. Clotted blood (4)
17. Way out (4)
18. Non-clerical (4)
19. Time long past (4)
21. Breathe out (6)
22. Delay (4,2)
23. Cad (6)
24. African fly (6)
25. Texan city (6)
26. Biblical prophet (6)
NONAGRAM
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines:
31 Good; 37 Very Good; 43 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
WORD PYRAMID
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another. You may only enter each chamber once and may only proceed through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any of the chambers.
Star Name: HARRY HILL 62 7 2 69 3 98 76 6 7 8 5 19 39 4 7 8 1 5 4 28 5 34 2
Tsetse; 25 Dallas; 26 Elisha.
Exhale; 22 Hold up; 23 Rotter; 24
Fillet; 4 Tartar; 5 Draper; 6 Acacia; 7 Reveal; 12 Dolt; 13 Last; 14 Gore; 17 Exit; 18 Laic; 19 Yore; 21
Delegate; 15 Orator; 16 Really; 20
Opal; 10 Ria; 11 Pocket; 12
Across – 1 Profited; 8 Rocket; 9
Starspot Crossword
Tether; 24 Tidier; 27 Obstacle; 28 Whilst; 29 Tot; 30 Lush; 31 Blouse; 32 Rheostat. Down – 2 Ripper; 3
carl; carol; carp; cart; ciao; citral; clap; clart; clip; clop; clot; coal; coat; coati; coil; coir; coital; cola; colt; copal; copita; copra; coral; crop; crotal; iliac; italic; laic; licit; lictor; lorica; octal; optic; optical; orca; otic; pact; pica; picot; PICTORIAL; piratic; plica; politic; rictal; taco; talc; topic; topical; torc; toric; tropic; tropical. Word Pyramid One way or another.
aortic; apricot; arco; artic; atopic; caltrop; capo; capot;
DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY
Our Autumn concert takes place on Saturday, 15 November, at St Michael's Church, Wilmington. Please note that on this occasion the performance will take place between 3.30.pm and 5.30pm - a change from our usual evening time.
This concert's theme is a plea for peace in our war-torn world and includes extracts from 'The Armed Man' by Karl Jenkins, Douglas Guest's 'For the Fallen', three Ukrainian Motets and Mendelssohn's 'Hear My Prayer' together with other relevant works. Tickets are £12 on the door (£5 for students) with interval refreshments. We look forward to seeing you!
New singers are always welcome as we seek to expand our membership, so if you enjoy music don't be shy! Just come along to The Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, at 7.30 on a Monday evening or, for more details, email Pat Everington at chairman@dartfordchoralsociety.org.uk
Over 400 guests filled the Grand Marquee in Bluewater on Thursday night for the Dartford Business Awards, where local businesses were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community.
It was another fantastic year for entries with over 50 local businesses applying, which ensured a wide range of businesses were celebrated and commended.
To match the evening’s Best of British theme, guests were treated to live entertainment including performances by tributes to Oasis and Ed Sheeran, along with local band Beer Pressure who got everyone singing along. A mystery special guest was revealed to be 90s star Rozalla, who wowed crowds with her smash hit ‘Everybody’s Free’, and ensured the party vibe
continued throughout the night.
A judging panel and sponsors came together to select and recognise the best of Dartford’s businesses. On the night, commended businesses were announced before the overall winners were awarded their certificates. With such a diverse array of nominees, the night showcased the incredible range and quality of businesses that Dartford has to offer.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said, “2025 has been another fantastic year for businesses, and I am so proud of the brilliant local businesses we have in Dartford. Nights like this are so important to highlight all the incredible hard work that goes into ensuring our community continues to thrive and grow, and I hear that
everyone had a great time!”
The winners from the night are:
Best Owner-Managed Business – sponsored by The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre, Oxford Innovation Space and ARC UK
Growler Stop – Hospitality Sector
Newsstand Comics – Retail Sector
Priory Flowers – Retail Sector
Mead Veterinary Centre – Services Sector
Dean’s Gentlemen’s Salon – Services Sector
Shop of the Year – sponsored by Bluewater
Longfield Village Butchers
Sally Bee’s
Daisy’s Dog Empawrium Ltd
Harden Holidays
Employee of the Year – sponsored by The Learning Shop and Fairfield Leisure
James King – Sally Bee’s
Michael Sandford – Wincanton Ltd
Jenny Evans – Doubletree by Hilton Dartford Bridge
Young Persons’ Award– sponsored by North Kent College and Made in Kent Radio
Ellie Doodney – We Are Beams
Lucia Zammit – We Are Beams
Tommy Tremain – Dean’s Gentleman’s Salon
Harrison Ibidunni – Refocus Project ltd
Stephan Kornilovski – Cortec IT Solutions Ltd
Megi Bici – North Kent College Dartford
Stanley Smith – North Kent College Dartford
Megan Bumstead – North Kent College Dartford
Maia Ellen Rees – North Kent College Dartford
Jay Howell – Crago Auto Repairs Ltd
Anabelle Nartey – Love to Tutor
Good for Society Award – sponsored by Downton & Ali Associates and Fox Estate Agents
Safer Communities Alliance CIC
Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled
Good for the Community Award – sponsored by Amazon LCY3
Russell Fewins Limited
Ray-Cay Holdings Ltd. (Home Instead Dartford)
Bluewater Award – sponsored by Bluewater
Big Easy Restaurant – Food & Beverage Sector
Nespresso – Retail Sector
Hangloose Adventure – Services & Leisure Sector
Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award –sponsored by Dartford Living
Growler Stop
The Lounge / Crossways Community Church Massage Holistic Therapy Ltd
To find out more about the Dartford Business Awards, visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk, or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk. Additionally, you can like the Awards on Facebook at www.facebook. com/dartfordbusinessawards or follow on X at www. twitter.com/Dartford_Biz
Dartford Borough Council organised and managed the Business Awards, and would like to thank all the sponsors from last night:
Amazon LCY3 – ARC UK – Bluewater Shopping Centre – Cohesion Plus – Dartford Living – Downton & Ali Associates – Fairfield Leisure – Fox Estate Agents – Made in Kent Radio – North Kent College – Oxford Innovation Space – The Learning Shop – The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre
Photos Simon Hildrew/Dartford Borough Council
In this month’s article we’ll look at Ferrari’s first electric vehicle alongside two other sub £40k electric SUVs coming soon.
Ferrari 2026 Elettrica - Ferrari enters the electric age with the 2026 Elettrica, its first fully electric supercar. This sleek four-door GT combines Ferrari’s racing heritage with cutting-edge EV technology. Powered by four electric motors and a 122kWh battery, it delivers over 1000 horsepower and a range of 329 miles. The Elettrica features an 800-volt architecture, active suspension, and simulated engine acoustics to preserve Ferrari’s iconic driving feel. Designed for speed and sustainability, it’s a bold step toward a greener future without compromising performance. The Elettrica launches in early 2026, redefining what it means to drive electric—with unmistakable Ferrari flair. No pricing information available but the electric Ferrari could start at more than 500,000 euros – around £430,000.
Vauxhall Grandland Electric AWD - Vauxhall has unveiled the Grandland Electric AWD, its first all-wheeldrive electric SUV, boasting an impressive 321hp and 509Nm of torque. Powered by a 73kWh battery, it delivers up to 311 miles of range (WLTP) and accelerates from 0–62 mph in just 6.1 seconds. The dual-motor setup— 213hp front and 112hp rear—ensures confident traction and dynamic performance. Available in GS and Ultimate trims, it features Frequency Selective Damping for enhanced ride comfort. Priced from £35,495 (including the Electric Car Grant), it undercuts its single-motor sibling, making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking performance.
BYD Atto 2 DM-I – Launching in early 2026, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i is set to become the UK’s smallest plugin hybrid SUV. Powered by BYD’s Super Hybrid DM-i technology, it offers up to 56 miles of electric-only range and a combined range of 634 miles. Designed for urban efficiency and long-distance flexibility, it features two powertrain options and subtle styling tweaks, including a larger grille and exclusive Midnight Blue paintAuto Express. With an estimated starting price of £28,000, the Atto 2 DM-i aims to redefine compact mobility, blending electric driving with hybrid practicality in a sleek, cityfriendly package.
Off the back of his acclaimed In The Moment world tour, triple BAFTA winning standup sensation Mo Gilligan has announced his brand new 2026 world tour The Mo You Know.
The tour will see Mo head to United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, The Middle East, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Netherlands, France and Belgium, as well as a run of UK dates in 2026, including two shows at London’s Eventim Apollo on September 11th and 12th.
Kicking off at The Alban Arena in St Albans on Wednesday January 28th, Mo will play a run of 28 dates across the UK in 2026. O2 and Live Nation pre-sales begin at
10am BST on September 24th and 25th, respectively, with general sale on Friday September 27th at 10am BST.
Mo Plays Dartford on the Thu 29th January 2026 – Orchard West – Tickets via their website.
Named “The Funniest Man in Britain” by The Times, Mo’s debut Coupla Cans stand up tour was a total sell out, including a huge two week residency in London’s West End. The show went on to be recorded as his debut Netflix Original Momentum, which was globally released in 190 countries.
In 2021, he went back on tour with There’s Mo to Life, which achieved another total sell out run including a remarkable 10 dates at the Hammersmith Apollo and a history making O2 Arena show. In 2022 & 2023 he released his second highly anticipated Netflix Special of the smash hit live show to great critical acclaim & hosted The BRIT Awards twice.
One of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, his multi award-winning entertainment format The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan (C4) saw him win his first BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance in 2020, swiftly followed by his second for Best Comedy Entertainment
Programme in 2022. Mo went on to become a long-standing judge on The Masked Singer (ITV) and released his first book That Moment When… with Penguin Books.
2024’s In The Moment tour took Mo across the globe, with sell out shows across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Netherlands, France, Belgium and the UK, finishing with another sold out show at the O2 Arena.
Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups
Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)
Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)
Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)
Swanscombe Castle Hill - Tuesdays 12.30pm
Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am (St Mary’s Church)
Stone Pavilion Walk - Thursdays 9:30am
Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am (War Memorial)
Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am
Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am (Castle Hill Community Centre)
• Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders
• Short social walks that last around an hour
• No need to book - just turn up
• Any age and ability welcome
• Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence
• Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear
