Dartford Living October 2018

FREE October 2018 - Issue 148

Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award

Dartford Business Awards special pages 5, 8-11

DARTFORD LIVING - WINNER BEST USE OF ONLINE 2018

By the community, for the community

www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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ired be inspwith Slimming World MONDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sue 07507 599691

WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 10:00am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Liz 07900 213548

British Legion Hall Devon Road, South Darenth, DA4 9AA 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm June 07957 902767

Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 9:30am Gillian 07957 135737

Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401

The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 5:30pm and 7:30pm Caroline 07776 181413

Church Centre, 112 Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, Kent DA10 0JZ 7:30pm Lisa 07986 030199

Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm Jo 07800 797030

Dartford Social Club, Lowfield Street, DA1 1HP Monday 7.30pm Kate 07590995948

Albany Hotel 13 Steynton Avenue Bexley, DA 3HN 5.30pm and 7.30pm Del 07975 541082

TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401 Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 5:30pm and 7:30pm Gillian 07957 135737

THURSDAYS The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 9:30am Caroline 07776 181413

Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 09:30am Jo 07800 797030 St Anselm’s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Baldwyns Baptist Church Dartford Road, Bexley DA5 2AY 5.30pm and 7.30pm Del 07975 541082 FRIDAYS Lesley Close Bourne Road , Bexley DA5 1LX 9am Del 07975 541082 SATURDAYS Amar Hall East Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RX 9:00am Sarah 07739 027161

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0344 897 8000

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WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF

DARTFORD LIVING

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY Dear Readers, Welcome to the October magazine.

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

In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories!

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

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

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

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

Check out our website for even more local news and articles

www.dartfordliving.com

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH OCTOBER

We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £30 per month. We don’t just take your money and add you to the magazine. We want to work with you to promote your businesses as much as we can using our website and social media channels for maximum exposure. We can also provide advertising options solely online on your website and/ or social media channels. We feel we have every base covered.

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

Magazine/ Website Design and Sales

CONTENTS

5........................Dartford Business Awards 8-11..................Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award 12......................Bip Bop Blog 15......................Life Under the Stairs 17......................Beautiful Bluewater 18-19................Travel News 24......................Running for ellenor 25......................Recipe - Scones 27......................Money Advice 29......................Rescue is Best 30......................Dartford Big Local 32......................Sports News 33......................Wrinklystock Competition 34......................Ride4Life 35......................Return of Los Endos 37......................DAODS 41......................Fitness 44......................Theatre Roundup 45......................Competition 46......................Car News 48-55................Where to go locally 56......................Local Sports groups 57......................Useful Numbers 58......................Advertising Index

Dartford Living does not certify, endorse or verify the contents of any communication within the magazine/our online presence or make warranty of any kind, express or implied, with regard to the information contained therein. Dartford Living and its owners cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services that appear in any Dartford Living publication or media outlet.

Dartford Living is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk 3

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NEWS

We love to hear from groups, organisations and individuals about what’s happening locally.

Include a photo if you can. Email your stories to editor@dartfordliving.com

DARTFORD LIVING WIN ‘BEST USE OF ONLINE’ AT DARTFORD BUSINESS AWARDS 2018 The Dartford Business Awards celebrate the best of the borough’s businesses.

There are many inspiring companies trading in Dartford, and the awards are dedicated to recognising, rewarding and celebrating their achievements in the local business community.

Business owners and leaders from across Dartford gathered at the Winter Marquee Bluewater on 20th September to celebrate the achievements of the Dartford business community.

Dartford Borough Council organised the 2017 and 2018 awards with the support of a number of key sponsors, including Dartford Living.

There were a huge number of applications and nominations from Dartford businesses. The final list of triumphant businesses reflects both the diversity of industries and skills in Dartford, and the wide range of work that they have been involved with. This year’s winners are:

Dartford Business Awards 2018 Winners

Best Use of Online – Sponsored by The Creation Lab Dartford Living

Christine French - Fox Estate Agents Shop of the Year – Sponsored by Bluewater Winner - Harden Holidays Commended – Sally Sue’s Sandwich Bar The Happy at Work Award – Sponsored by Barclays and Fairfield Winner - We Are Beams Commended – Fox Estate Agents Best B2B – Sponsored by NatWest Racer Marketing The Good for the Community Award Sponsored by Dartford Borough Council Winner - PLP Fire Protection Commended – Resource On Demand Ltd. The Bluewater Guest Experience Award Beaverbrooks The Jewellers North Kent College Apprentice of the Year Winner - Jay Titterrell – BDP International Commended – Jay Porter – AJS Contracts Ltd Commended – Luke Shields – Orchard Garage Limited Special Community Award – Sponsored by Dartford Borough Council Winner – Bluewater

The Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award – Sponsored by Dartford Living Winner - Hartbeeps North Kent Commended - Wisdom Estates, OnPointe Pilates, Orchard Garage Limited The Innovation Award – Sponsored by Oxford Innovation and The Nucleus Winner - The Hug Group Ltd. Commended - Bip Bop Shop Best Owner Managed Business – Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore and Wilkins Kennedy Winner - Resource On Demand Commended - PLP Fire Protection Commitment to Skills Award – Sponsored by Leigh Academies Trust / Ebbsfleet Development Corporation 4Roles4Goals Ltd. Exceptional Skills Award – Sponsored by The Learning Shop, Bluewater

As you can see Dartford Living was proud to receive the ‘Best Use of Online’ award, sponsored by The Creation Lab. Dartford Living was also delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Customers’ Choice Award’ in the new Dartford Business Awards. This award is dedicated to celebrating great customer service in Dartford and rewarding businesses that always go that extra mile.

www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Par 3 Pay and Play Golf course Relaxed and friendly atmosphere Great for families

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Fully qualified Electricians in Kent and London Emergency call outs Inspection, testing and electrical reports Fault finding Fuse board renewals / repairs Electrical alterations / additions Outdoor electrics Lighting installations Give us a call and we will be happy to provide a quote for your requirements.

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Dartford Living Customers’ Choice Award WINNER: HARTBEEPS NORTH KENT

important and positive difference to their week; that their child’s face lights up when they hear a Hartbeeps song and they are organising their return to work so they can continue to attend classes. I am first and foremost a customer of Hartbeeps and know how important those 45 minutes are each week; to bring joy, dress-up and be silly, share a smile and a cuddle with your child(ren) and create magical memories together.

With best wishes and magic sprinkles, Sarah x Hartbeeps North Kent offers award winning highly original and interactive musical and multisensory classes for children aged 0-5 years and their grown-ups.

Find out more about their classes and book your £4 trial by visiting www.hartbeeps.com/north-kent or www.facebook.com/hartbeepsnorthkent

Hello, I’m Sarah, and I have the pleasure of owning and operating Hartbeeps North Kent.

I discovered Hartbeeps through a friend; took my son along for a trial and haven’t looked back! I simply fell in love with the whole concept of Hartbeeps. It was like nothing I’d seen in other baby classes, the whole experience swept me and my son up in a world of joy. The musical storytelling, amazing puppets, props and equipment really help you to escape down the rabbit hole of imagination and join in the play with your child. No sitting back and shaking a maraca!

When my second son came along I was shocked to be diagnosed with postnatal depression and anxiety. My NCT crew were back at work or elsewhere and I felt isolated and scared. Hartbeeps was the only class that I felt able to do; to lose myself for 45 minutes in a magical world of make-believe with my sons, and use that special time to build the bonds of our new relationship. I realised that I enjoyed Hartbeeps just as much as my boys and jumped at the chance of opening my own franchise for Dartford, Swanley and Gravesend.

That was 2.5 years ago and I’m so proud of what my team and I have achieved in a short space of time. Hartbeeps has been truly embraced in North Kent and we have classes running across Dartford, Swanley and Gravesend boroughs. Our customers tell us time and again that Hartbeeps makes an 8

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COMMENDED: ORCHARD GARAGE

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COMMENDED: WISDOM ESTATES Robert became a fully-fledged member of the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) in 2016. That same year Robert and his fiancĂŠe Annabel bought their first home together, and in the summer of 2017 they were married.

In August of this year they became first-time parents to baby Jacob. These events have all added to Robert’s experience and insight into the needs of first-time buyers and young families.

As a family-run business Wisdom Estates know that their continuing success owes much to their exceptional staff, and Robert has been fortunate to work alongside Benjamin Stanger (Senior Negotiator) for many years. Ben originally joined Wisdom Estates on a temporary basis, but enjoyed his role so much that he stayed - and the rest, as they say, is history.

Emily Archer (Sales Negotiator) is the newest member of the team, but has quickly established herself as a competent and integral member of staff who appreciates the fact that she can offer the very best of Customer Service, without being unduly hindered by time restraints and office targets.

Wisdom Estates opened its doors in 2013 after Robert Wisdom (Managing Director) became very disillusioned in working for one of the corporate estate agency chains. His ambition was to be in a position to put Customer Service above targets and profit, but in reality he knew the only way to do this was to open his own Estate Agency.

Suitable premises presented themselves and with the support and backing of family and friends Robert handed in his notice and for the next two months took over the family dining room, where he put together a business plan and designed everything - from the flying owl logo to the new window display. With the help of Diane Wisdom (Financial Director) bank accounts were opened, registration for PAYE and VAT was completed, and insurances and professional memberships were arranged.

To have been commended in the Dartford Business Awards is truly an honour, and a testament to all those who have helped me along the way, and to those who work alongside me. They continue to uphold the values that, at the end of every day, give me the satisfaction of knowing we have done our very best to make the buying and selling process as stress-free as possible for our Customers. My sincere thanks go to everyone who nominated Wisdom Estates.

Knowing our Customers felt our particular service was worthy of their nomination is appreciated more than words can say!

Since then Wisdom Estates has grown steadily, and today is ranked amongst one of the leading Independent Estate Agents serving Dartford and the surrounding areas.

The ideals that Robert set out to implement have become the mantra of all staff, and the exceptional Customer Testimonials bear out the fact that Customer Service is paramount. With most marketed properties being as a direct result of word-of-mouth recommendations it is clear to see why Wisdom Estates is renowned for giving a professional and personal service.

After studying to enhance his professional qualifications, 10

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COMMENDED: ON POINTE PILATES Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of my clients who took the time to vote for OnPointe Pilates as their customers choice, it really does mean everything to me and I am so pleased to have been commended.

Over the last 7 years I’ve worked incredibly hard to provide the best possible customer service and client experience, and I feel truly honoured to have won this award and thrilled that my clients value the service I offer.

My clients are the heart and soul of my business and I will continue to work tirelessly to provide an outstanding service to my clients – current and new.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the other businesses who were nominated and shortlisted for this award.

At OnPointe Pilates I feel passionately that everybody who comes into contact with my business should feel personally valued and a somebody, I encourage all my clients to work towards becoming the best version of themselves – irrespective of how long that takes. I ensure I know everybody by name so that each and every single client feels valued, as I really do care about my customers.

As part of this, to show my appreciation, I provide my clients with monthly free treats as a thank you for being a client and to show I care and value them. I pride myself in providing outstanding service to my clients through significant personal engagement. As well as monthly treats, I spend time speaking with my clients to ensure that I fully understand their needs, particularly those who have specific rehabilitation needs or who have suffered trauma and need to rebuild confidence in themselves, I also ensure that my staff act in the same way when they interact with clients.

I discovered Pilates myself over 7 years ago when recovering from an injury from professional dancing, it really helped me move more freely, get out of pain and continue to do the things I love! I’m now very passionate about sharing the benefits of Pilates with the community and showing people how it can help them move more freely and work towards becoming pain free, with this in mind I offer everyone a free no obligation taster session as I believe Pilates can add significant health benefits to everyone’s life - whether you need help rehabilitating an injury or want to improve your posture and feel more confident, need help getting rid of constant aches and pains in your body, would like help improving your sports performance or simply want a flatter stomach, the benefits are endless really. OnPointe Pilates is the solution.

Over the last 12-months I have provided many events in the community for my clients. I cannot single out one event as being my biggest success as I consider helping people to a better standard of wellbeing whether that is through rehabilitation from Cancer treatment or building core strength are all equally important and satisfying. Below is a flavour of the day to day activity I undertake which I consider to be successes from the last 12 months.

I run sessions for breast cancer post-operative patients to help them recover and feel empowered after their operations. I specifically undertook a course in Breast Cancer rehabilitation to be able to take these sessions which has on a personal level been a success for me. Raising over £500 for Breast cancer Charites through community events I have organised.

Arranging / hosting Chico from the UK- X Factor to run a master class in the community in January 2018, enabling my clients to experience a different style of dance with the fun factor element whilst increasing their fitness levels.

Hosting arranging Self Defence classes for women locally to enhance their self-awareness and confidence, and to feel safe and secure during their daily routines.

Running weekly classes for some of the more elderly community, my classes are often their only social interaction with others, which in my own way is a method of combatting loneliness for some of our more vulnerable members of the community.

So what now... I have many plans for the future – mother and baby pilates classes, relaxation and mindfulness specifically for mental health well-being, session to combat child obesity.

I will continue to work hard to grow the business so I am able to help more people move more freely, improve fitness and general heath both physical and mental and become pain free! I would like to conclude by thanking all my clients once again for voting for OnPointe Pilates and to invite anyone reading this to consider joining me for a free taster session to see how pilates can positivity change your life.

www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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BIP BOP BLOG

by Charlotte Wise

Hi Dartford Living Readers!

Now we’re well into autumn, we’re getting to that lovely time of year when germs are EVERYWHERE! So much so, I have been tempted to pick up little man from nursery wearing a surgical mask!

You just know, when your little one gets ill, the whole household will and there is no time to be sick when you’re a parent!

One sniffle from another toddler and I feel like asking 20 questions to their mum - is he poorly? How long has he been ill? Shall we end this play date now?!

It’s quite literally ridiculous how anxiety can kick in over something as minor as a cold but when you’re so conscious of it, the minute one of you gets sick, it’s only a matter of time before the other does too! I feel like I’m mentally preparing myself for fighting a battle of the germs, popping different immune system boosting vitamins by the second!

Remember before children when you could just stay in bed all day and watch day time telly when you were poorly?

NOT ANY MORE! Which leads me on to the Dartford Business Awards, a glamorous movie themed evening celebrating the wonderful businesses in Dartford......which I was almost late for because little did I know, the sickness bug had got us!

self-employed, work doesn’t stop and the only thing on TV was ‘Peppa Pig’ and ‘Baby Shark’ on repeat…..’Baby Shark Do Do Do Do Do Do….!’

Trying to juggle posting out ‘congratulations’ tweets to the other winners whilst looking for a bucket and trying to disguise being sick in front of my 2 year old was quite a challenge!

In the end, lots of Mummy cuddles on the sofa prevailed and after a big disinfecting of the house, the bug was defeated!

This is why all us parents are warriors!

The joys of having a toddler! Good luck mums and dads!

Until the next bug! Charlotte x

BipBopShop Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @bipbopmum Visit the website BipBopShop.com

Now Aw Winn ard ing!

It was a fantastic evening organised by Dartford Borough Council with great entertainment from singers, acrobats and Britain’s Got Talent’s, ‘Twist and Pulse’. But despite me receiving a Commended Certificate for Best Innovation for my business and passing my Best Use of Online Crown from last year to the extremely well deserved Dartford Living; the celebrations were short lived as by the following day, my son, hubby and I had the bug!

There was certainly no flicking through magazines, watching ‘This Morning’ after taking a day off work. Sadly, when you’re 12

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Children's Gifts & Wooden Toys Check out the New Website!

BipBopShop.com Email charlotte@bipbopshop.com

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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

by Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

GRIDLOCKED AND GRUMPY Like many of you I belong to a few local social media sites aimed at Dartford residents. I find them funny, thoughtful, entertaining and helpful; the traffic reports especially, as I sit in the comfort of my home wondering how people cope with the incessant problems in and around our town.

A couple of weeks ago, I found out! Travelling back from Medway around 5 o’clock, I hit the first trouble just before the Bluewater turn off. A broken down car blocking the road.

Soon cleared, leaving a disgruntled motorist waiting for the breakdown services. It then took me nearly an hour to get from the hospital to East Hill, and a further fifty minutes to get from there to Prospect Place. How on earth do folk remain sane when faced with this. It isn’t a new problem, Dartford has been steadily gridlocked for a number of years, yet the powers that be, the KCC, don’t seem to be aware of the problem, or aren’t taking it seriously.

I would reconsider using my car during the rush hour simply because I don’t have the time to spare staring vacantly at the boot of the vehicle in front. The whole experience was made a little more bearable by the good nature of other motorists, who for the most part are a patient bunch, resigned to such a daily grind.

IT’S SUMMER - WHERE ARE THE CHRISTMAS CARDS? During the blistering heat of the recent weeks, when I spent most of the time trying to keep me, the menagerie and the house cool, I was amused to see retailers are well ahead of us. During a brief shopping excursion, I saw uniform and school items for sale in July, mince pies in gaily decorated Christmas boxes in August and the inevitable Christmas cards adorning shelves. Eldest offspring couldn’t find a pair of shorts for a later holiday in September, but could have chosen a new winter coat or warm jumper if she was of a mind to do so.

We all know the climate is changing. It’s been hotter and sunnier here than in Morocco on some days. We are told this is the future; long hot summers, less rainfall and unpredictable winters. We don’t have such defined seasons anymore. Spring and summer have more or less merged.

Autumn is now a few short weeks around September/ October and winter does its own thing.

wholesale purposes, but unless I can buy what I want, when I need it, from a shop, I’m going to get it online.

Also, shouldn’t any business plan take the changes in our seasons into consideration and provide a longer shelf life on seasonal goods?

HALLOWEEN Given that Halloween isn’t that far away, I thought I’d leave you with an alternative to sweets for your trick or treaters.

Soul Cakes come from the Celtic festival of Samhain, more commonly known today as All Hallows Eve or Halloween.

They were baked and left on the porch with a glass of milk or wine, for the dearly departed. On All Hallows Day Nov 1, traditionally children and the poor would perform, sing or pray for the dead to earn the treat of the Soul cake, which evolved into the modern day version of trick or treating.

It’s a pretty adaptable recipe - feel free to use more autumnal fruits such as cranberries or other berries if you want.

- 450 g flour with incorporated baking powder (equivalent to one packet of yeast) - 1 tablespoon of mixed spices or add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves etc to your preference - 1/2 tablespoon of ginger - 175 g of butter - 175 g caster sugar - 2 eggs - 50 g raisins - 30 ml of milk - Cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture whitens. Beat the eggs lightly and add them little by little while beating.

- Mix the flour and spices, then add them to the mixture.

Add the raisins.

- Heat the milk. Add it gradually to the dough.

- Spread the dough on a floured surface and roll out to about 0.5 cm thick. Using a pastry or cookie cutter and cut out cookies (about 7 cm in diameter) - Lightly prick with a fork and make a deep cross with the back of a knife. This symbol would represent a soul liberated from Purgatory.

- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 ° C for 15 min.

- Sprinkle the cookies with sugar when baked and let them cool on a rack.

It would be nice if retailers fell into step. We could start with extending the season for purchasing summer clothes and shoes. I’d rather be in flip-flops than boots if the weather allows.

I’ve been looking for a new garden table, only to be told most are out of stock as the season is over. Really? I’m still having meals outside in the warm sunshine.

The crisis in the High Street may be partly due to the fact that retailers are out of touch with customers’ needs.

- Enjoy the Season – see you next month I appreciate every business needs to plan ahead for - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com

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Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817

Wow, so where do I start??

Fox Estate Agents is a multi award winning company, who are committed to the highest level of customer service.

Contact us, or come into the office to meet the team who are happy to give you some good, free, friendly advice.

Chris Fox FNAEA, Kent property expert as seen on Homes Under The Hammer, with Dion Dublin and Martin Roberts

2017

DARTFORD BUSINESS AWARDSI WINNER

BRITISH

PROPERTY

AWARDS

2017 WINNER

PROPERTY

AWARDS

2018

... . .. *

GOt.DWINNER

01322 479 660 I 94 Brent Lane, Dartford DA 1 1 QX www.foxsstateagents.com www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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P&O - Iona – Iona is designed to bring the outside in.

Through innovative design and unique spaces, she connects you with the sea, sky and shoreline. Iona’s Sky 18

Dome – the first of its kind in the cruise industry – is one such space. With its glass dome roof and spacious layout, it’s flooded with natural light. It offers a relaxed, poolside environment by day, with tantalising dining and drinking options; come evening, the space seamlessly transitions into a must-visit entertainment venue, showcasing spectacular aerialist performances and playing host to party nights under the stars. It’s a fun and welcoming space for families, offering laid-back dining, exciting entertainment, a swimming pool and room to roam. Now open for bookings for it’s first voyage in May 2020 to the Norwegian fjords.

Royal Caribbean – Symphony of the Seas – Prepare to be blown away because The Symphony of the Seas is officially the world largest cruise ship with 18 decks full of things to do. Swoosh down the scariest slide at sea, feel a shiver up your spine watching a spectacular ice show or create your own robotic cocktail in the amazing Bionic Bar. Welcome to Symphony of the Seas, the biggest, boldest, most innovative and most exciting adventure yet. Onboard Symphony of the Seas you’ll experience the very best of Royal Caribbean, enjoying incredible facilities, outstanding entertainment, a fabulous choice of dining options and state-of-the-art technology. With so much to discover onboard, and with their largest, most luxurious rooms ever to cosy up in, you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime, whether you’re a fun-loving family or a couple seeking the perfect escape.

Celebrity – Edge – A ship designed to leave the future

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behind. Celebrity Edge changes everything. The way you experience the world; the way you connect with the ocean; the way you play, dine and unwind at sea.

Revolutionary on every level, she’s the ship that’s setting a new standard of luxury and innovation at sea. Through the latest 3D technology, they’ve fine-tuned every detail of the ship like never before. From the incredible Magic Carpet – the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 storeys above sea level – to the private plunge pools in the new Edge Villas; the way you cruise will never be the same again.

So, pack your bags and book your cruise today! This year it seems like everyone is cruising – and for good reason.

A cruise holiday now proves to be one of the best value for money in travel. We have launched a cruise specialist arm to Harden Holidays – Select Cruise. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to be up to date with news, offers and and all things Cruise.

Call - 0800 023 8974 E-mail - tim@hardenholidays.co.uk Website: www.hardenholidays.co.uk Visit us at: Unit 1B Henley House, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1AS

(Opposite Prospect Place & Costa, next to Subway)

For 2018 the what if…? Gallery presents a bigger and better workshop programme. All places should be booked and paid for in advance please.

- Family COLLAGE WORKSHOP with Fiona Friday 3rd August 1-4pm - Family Arts/crafts workshop Friday 24th August - 1-3pm - HALLOWEEN WORKSHOP Friday 26th October 1-3pm All above workshops are just £5 per person - FUNTOONS WITH Tayo – Cartoon workshops for all the family £7.50 for each participant.

Wednesday 15th August from 11-12pm and 12.301.30pm Fun sessions where you will learn all the tricks of the trade creating your own cartoon character.

Care and Nursing at Home

Award-Winning Team Fully Managed Service Family Owned and Run Dementia Specialists 68 Branches Nationwide

Do you need a helping hand?

With almost 30 years of experience in caring for people within their own home, and a commitment to using only directly employed carers, we have the expertise to provide the best care possible from 30 minutes to full-time live-in care.

Looking for care?

01322 771 088 For more information www.helpinghands.co.uk

www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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This 12 week programme includes: • Weekly weight and waist check • Gentle exercise classes • Healthy eating advice • Ongoing personal Support

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T H IG E W Y Sign up for the WH tools to e h t u o y e iv g l il w nd Leisure Centre It’s FREE aFairfield ectively* Peppercorns Orchard Street Dartford DA1 2DF

Monday 10th September 2018 to 26th Nov 2018 1.30pm-3.30pm Lowfield St, Dartford DA1 1LH Tuesday 11th September 2018 to 27th Nov 2018 12 noon-2pm

more eff t h ig e w r u o y e g a man Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Hall Grove Road Swanscombe DA10 0GA Thursday 13th Sept 2018 to 29th Nov 2018 6.00-8PM

For more information and to book your place call 01732 227000 * for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 28

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a5 Flyer.pdf

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STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION

NO FEE! UT L-O !

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OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE Most common problems that arise with double glazing can be solved quickly and cost effectively:

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www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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RUNNING FOR ELLENOR

by Dave Shafford

a direct connection with ellenor (apart from working with them through Dartford Living) my parents used to work in hospices in my home county of Essex. My Dad was director of Clinical Services at St Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-bower and my Mum was a Doctor at St Luke’s Hospice Basildon. Unfortunately they were also cared for and passed away in the hospices that they worked for. As ellenor is the closest hospice to me it only seem right that I raising money for them, and I know my parents would have agreed with that.

To make the run a bit more interesting I will be running in my Southampton football shirt (being a massive Southampton fan!). For those of you who do not follow football there is a massive rivalry between Southampton and Portsmouth, so I am sure to get a lot of stick while running around!

On Sunday the 21st October I will be pounding the streets of Portsmouth running the Great South Run. It is the second time that I have run this race and so I am hoping to beat my previous time, being the competitive person that I am!

If you would like to sponsor me, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-shafford-el or email me - dave@dartfordliving.com

As with any organised run that I do I am raising money for a charity that is close to my heart. This year I will be raising money for ellenor hospice. While I don’t have Rock Painting in Dartford.

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

By Maria Kingsford

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

Here are some of the photos of their painted rocks.

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RECIPE - QUICK AND EASY SCONES

by Debbie Dickinson

QUICK AND EASY SCONES If you’ve never made scones before, you really should! These take less than 10 mins to prepare and just 10 mins to bake. And they are delicious!!!

As always with my recipes, try adding different flavours – herbs/spices or, in this case, dried fruit or chocolate chips?

The secret to fabulous scones is to not ‘overmix’ – just do enough and no more!

WHAT TO DO: Preheat your oven to 190°C Fan/ and grease or lightly flour a baking sheet.

Mix together 200g self-raising flour with a pinch of salt and rub in 50g unsalted butter (If you grate the butter or cut into tiny cubes its much easier).

You should end up with a fine breadcrumb texture.

Add 20g caster sugar.

Slowly add 100ml milk until the mix comes together as a dough.

Tip on to a lightly floured work surface and press the mixture gently until it becomes flat and about 2cm thick .

Use cutters to cut out your scones – I prefer quite small round cutters.

Squeeze any leftover dough back together, flatten again, and cut out more scones until all the dough has been used.

Brush the top of the scones with a little milk or beaten egg.

Bake in the hot oven for approx. 10 minutes until golden brown and the scones have risen nicely.

The scones can be eaten warm or left to cool completely.

We like to pull them in half and serve with butter and jam.

Enjoy xxx

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MONEY ADVICE

by CAP

Handy heat saving hints The long, summer days now feel like a distant memory as temperatures begin to drop and winter approaches.

Saving money can betough; Christmas is only a few months away and heating bills can soar, making the season feel all the more expensive. Here are some tips to help you save cash and to put your mind at ease.

The Energy Saving Trust says there’s a misconception that it’s cheaper to leave the heating on all day. To save money, it’s better to just turn it on when you need. If you can, turn off the radiators in the rooms you’re not using to save energy.

However, the price comparison service uSwitch recommends that if you have gas central heating, one room that you shouldn’t turn off is the radiator where the thermostat is fitted. This is because it can interfere with the temperature regulation of the central heating.

WEBSITE: www.capuk.org TELEPHONE: 0800 328 0006 You could even make your own draught excluders for your doors. Why not get a pillowcase and fill it with socks or dried rice? Tie it together and place it by your door. You could also try using letterbox and keyhole covers.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) helps over 2,500 people to become debt free every year and offers a unique combination of practical and emotional support throughout the journey.

Find out more at capuk.org or Freephone 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment with a trained local Debt Coach.

There are several free ways you can maximise the temperature in your house. One handy tip is to rearrange your furniture in your living or dining room. If you move your sofa or furniture away from the radiators, you’ll be avoiding unnecessary heating and the room will warm up faster.

You can also leave the bathroom door open as you run a bath or shower. This should allow the steam to move through to other rooms and heat them up too. Another hack is to leave the oven door open after you’ve used it.

Even though you’ll have turned it off, it’ll help to heat up the kitchen too.

One really easy change that you can make is turning off appliances at the wall after you’ve used them. It might never have crossed your mind before, but it could save you around £80 a year on energy costs!

Draught proofing your home will come in handy over the winter months as it’ll reduce the amount of heat lost. Did you know that your home can lose up to 10% of its heat through the windows? Here’s a nifty alternative to double glazing: use a sheet of clear plastic film and stretch it over the window. This will help to reduce any wasted energy and will be much cheaper to fit. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

27

Whatever place you’re into

“ Gym, Work, Relax, Repeat.”

Make time for your health & save up to £65.99!

Limited membership offer: 3 months for 2 & no joining fee!

Fairfield Leisure 01322 421166

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Visit website for full terms and conditions.

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Managed by Places for People Leisure Ltd for Dartford Borough Council.

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RESCUE IS BEST

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

Name: Salt; Breed: Domestic Short-hair; Sex: Female; Age: 6 years, 1 months; Reference: 365433 Salt is an affectionate girl that loves to greet people with a contented purr and a friendly head bump. She will even upgrade the purr in to a pleading meow if she feels you need a little more encouragement in giving her the fuss she deserves.

Salt has loved spending time in her cat tree hidey holes at Battersea. It has really helped her to feel safe and secure.

She would therefore be very appreciative if her new owner could provide her with a something similar in her new home.

However, she certainly won’t be spending all of her time in here as she also loves to engage in a bit of toy play with a string toy as well as wandering around in her own garden, enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer! If you have a settled home and cat friendly garden, Salt is sure to settle right in.

To meet Salt, please contact Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre on 01474 875102.

Name: Lenny; Breed: Chihuahua; Sex: Male; Age: 6 years, 0 months; Reference: 365533 Lenny is a fun little dog who has however found kennel life overwhelming at times. Lenny loves nothing more than having his own space to pick and choose his interactions and enjoys curling up on a soft bed. After a little time, Lenny becomes an interactive and enthusiastic dog enjoying playing in his own style.

Lenny is looking for new owners who have owned similar characters who will be understanding to his little ways allowing him both the time and space for his confidence to grow.

If you are looking for a dog with a character bigger than his size and have some time to dedicate to socialising Lenny please enquire with our rehoming team.

To meet Lenny, please contact Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre on 01474 875102. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

29

Exciting News Dartford Big Local Kid’s Club (DBL KIDS CLUB) are happy to announce that we have found a new venue for our club which is; ‘Oakfield Academy School’ in Dartford for our October Club, and all next year’s School Holidays. We would like to thank Mr Ratcliffe for all his help in accommodating ‘DBL KIDS CLUB’.

We are happy to say that we will have more variety of activities for the next camp with much more going on!!

As you can see from the map, the area is dictated by different factors and is decided by the program organisation, which is Local Trust. It is not determined by local DBL Partnership Members. It’s the same for the other 150 areas in the programme.

We are happy to except kids from outside the area for a small Contribution of £5 weekly cost, going back into the Club for further events.

More information please call 07395 788595 or email for an Application form zoe@dartfordbl.org.uk – We will need forms

back as early as you can so don’t lose out BOOK NOW!!!

We will be limited on availability, so we ask you to book online as early as possible. DBL kids are priority.

We will be running the Club - for two weeks; Monday 22nd Tuesday 23rd Wednesday 24th Oct and the week after 29th/30th/31st from 10am to 3pm

Dartford Big Local has run two holiday Clubs May & August.

We had a great first Pilot scheme and had A good turnout of children every day.

Ivan Daniel runs the clubs and feedback from all the parents was extremely positive.

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18

THE 20

D R O F T R DA

P O H N GR EE

ALE TIVAL FES

ted by

Suppor

5th, 6th & 7th October 2018

Central Park, Dartford

Be part of your local Real Ale Festival Tickets Available Now www.dartfordgreenhop.co.uk info@dartfordgreenhop.co.uk Twitter @DartfordGreenHop www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

31

SPORTS NEWS Bav’s Sporting Comment

England’s Test series win over India featured two of the best batsmen in the world. India captain Virat Kohli exorcised the English ghosts of 2014 by scoring 593 runs, 260 more than the next best.

England skipper Joe Root, aspiring to Kohli’s throne who has been rather inconsistent of late, was instrumental in turning the summer around for England with backto-back, match-winning centuries in the one-day series that preceded the Tests. So who is the best batsman in the world? Given Kohli amassed almost twice as many runs as anyone else in the series on tricky pitches - he averaged 59 - he confirmed himself as the greatest allround batsman of his generation. He was an intimidating presence to bowl at.

Dartford’s Health Walks Healthy Living Centre - Mondays 10.00am Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am Swanscombe - Sundays 9.00am

weekly!

• • • • •

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

For more details including starting points please contact Healthy Lifestyles Project Coordinator on 01732 227000

Upcoming events in October include: 7: Formula 1 - Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka 12: Football - Uefa Nations League - Croatia v England; 13: Rugby league - Super League Grand Final, Old Trafford 15: Football - Uefa Nations League - Spain v England; 20: Horse racing - British Champions Day, Ascot

DARTFORD BOOTCAMPS Outdoor Bootcamp Fitness Classes Strength Sessions Animal Flow Classes (indoors)

21: Formula 1 - United States Grand Prix, Austin 22-28: Tennis - WTA Finals, Singapore 27: Rugby league - England v New Zealand, first Test, Hull

FIRST SESSION !

28: Formula 1 - Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City

For more info and to Go to:

32

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WRINKLYSTOCK 7

COMPETITION

This year’s Wrinklystock 7 takes place at the Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford, on Friday 7th December at 7.30pm and stars The Kast off Kinks, featuring three former members of the legendary band The Kinks! With support once again from Wrinklystock legends The Replicants, The Kast off Kinks are back together playing great music and re-living the good times whilst keeping the songs alive that made The Kinks a household name - featuring Mick Avory (original drummer on all the classic hits from 1964-84), Ian Gibbons (keyboards/ vocals, Kinks 80’s & 90’s and still with Sir Ray Davies), John Dalton (bass/vocals, Kinks 60’s & 70’s) alongside Dave Clarke (guitar/vocals, formerly of the Beach Boys, Noel Redding & Tim Rose).

Expect an evening of iconic hits including: 'You Really Got Me', 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion', 'Sunny Afternoon', 'Lola', 'Days', 'Waterloo Sunset', 'Come Dancing', 'All Day and All of the Night' plus more...

A great night out, not to be missed! Tickets priced £23 can be purchased online here or from the MJC Box Office on 01322 291100.

To win a pair of tickets to the event you just need to answer the following question: Which of these is a Kinks song?: a) Waterloo Sunset b) Waterloo Sunrise c) Waterloo d) Paddington Email competition@dartfordliving.com by the 20th October to be in with a chance of winning RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by email, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to www.dartfordliving.com 33 contact youwww.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk if you win. It will not be used for any -marketing or promotional emails- www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

RIDE4LIFE

By Sally George

It is now a year on from the inaugural Ride4life event which took 33 riders from Darent Valley Hospital to Paris, cycling over 250 miles and raising money for Valley Hospital Charity. Over £70,000 was raised to benefit cancer services at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, and our sights are set high for the next Ride4Life cycling event in June 2019; a further 330 miles from Darent Valley Hospital to Amsterdam.

are unable to be with them around the clock.”

If you would like to find out more about Ride4Life please visit www.dvh.nhs.uk/ride4life or please get in touch by calling 01322 428256 or email sally.george2@nhs.net

As in 2017, the team of riders are a mix of grateful patients and their families who have been treated and cared for by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, and have chosen to give something back, as well as a number of our health professionals that work at the Trust who appreciate the difference charitable funds can make.

One of our recent sign ups is Rebecca Law, Staff Nurse on Walnut Ward.

“As a nurse on the Special Care Baby Unit at Darent Valley I get to see first-hand how money raised through the charity is used on a day to day basis. It is used to purchase vital equipment, such as incubators, respiratory support machines, phototherapy lights and recently a twin/triplet cot so we can reunite siblings as soon as possible. The Charity also helps us provide a home from home experience on our Unit, both through its décor and support group as well as the recent introduction of vCreate, a video messaging service which we hope enables families feel closer to their babies when they 34

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THE RETURN OF LOS ENDOS

by Pat Walsh Saturday 10 November sees the return of Los Endos – Ultimate Genesis for the 6th time to The Mick Jagger Centre and the recreation of a legendary concert...

Los Endos capture the excitement of a live Genesis gig from the 70s, with a 2½ hour Ultimate Genesis show of scintillating musicianship and state-of-the-art lighting.

Featuring music from their early heyday, when Peter Gabriel sang and Steve Hackett played guitar, to when Phil Collins took centre stage, Los Endos have focussed on music from all the hit albums of the 70’s – with a few surprises from other eras thrown in.

As avid fans themselves, the band’s love and feel for the music create a show that is truly second to none, bringing back to life some of the greatest sounds of the era. Attention to detail is the key to recreating this richly complex music, and many hours have been spent in the studio and rehearsal room ensuring all the instrumental sounds are deadly accurate. As lead vocalist, Jack Lipinski has the ability to be either Peter Gabriel, with his deep soulful delivery, or Phil Collins, with his cheeky, ‘Artful

Dodger’ persona.

Recently, the band have embarked on the challenge of reproducing Genesis tours on their 40th anniversary, and this year is no exception. The only gig that Genesis played in the UK in 1978 was Knebworth – but it was a classic concert. 1978’s best selling album from ‘And Then There Were Three…’. is well represented with songs such as ‘The Lady Lies’ and ‘Burning Rope’ But there are also plenty of old favourites – ‘Cinema Show’, ‘Ripples’, ‘The Fountain of Salmacis’ and many more.

It was a remarkable gig, one Los Endos aim to help everyone to remember – or experience for the first time.

Los Endos – Ultimate Genesis www.losendos.co.uk 10 Nov, 7.30pm The Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford www.themickjaggercentre.com

KIERAN POOLE’S COMEDY CHAT SHOW

by Kieran Poole

Local comic Kieran Poole brought his comedy chat show to Dartford in August with the next show rearing to go at Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend later this month.

The show involves stand-up comedians discussing their worst jobs as well as Kieran asking you about yours.

It began as a show on Miskin Radio, a community station in Dartford, and won Entertainment Show of The Year at the Community Radio Awards 2017 and Kieran hopes to make this interactive version even better.

Kieran said: “The idea of building an entire show around worst jobs is exciting because some of the best interviews with musicians, actors and comedians on the radio show involved them telling us about some dire jobs.

For example, one musician worked in a morgue late at night when he was 18 and another was the voice you hear when you press the emergency alarm in a stuck lift. She was 16. A child.”

Kieran has also done some bizarre jobs himself “from accidently becoming a Premier League manager’s bodyguard at a tennis tournament to being in a major Bollywood film”.

The next show is at Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend on Friday 28th September followed by dates at the Dartford’s Fox and Hounds on Friday 26th October and Friday 23rd November. Get there for 7:30pm to grab your seat.

Entry is free.

www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

35

LUXURIOUS NEW CARE HOME NOW OPEN! Be one of the first to see the luxury care home and its first-class facilities.

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

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LOCAL PERFORMERS PUTTIN’ ON THEIR TOP HATS FOR NEXT SHOW

by Pat Walsh DAODS last production at the Orchard Theatre was West Side Story and they will be looking to replicate the box office success of that show where most performances were nearly sold out. To this end the Society has been promoting Top Hat in a variety of ways online as well as with performances at Dartford Festival and in Dartford Town Centre. ‘The feedback from our audiences is always extremely positive and we know that many people come back to see us time and again’, says Chairman Paul Farlie.

‘Our challenge is to ensure that we get the word out there so we can attract new audiences and spread the word about what we do. Ultimately we serve the community so we want to make sure they get to see the benefits of our work.’

A local theatre group have been dusting off their top hats, white ties and tails over the last few months in preparation for their next big performance. Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) are hard at work in rehearsals for Irving Berlin’s classic musical comedy Top Hat, which opens in October in Dartford’s Orchard Theatre.

Based on the 1936 film of the same name, Top Hat was first brought to the stage in 2011 starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Tom Chambers. The show brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tapdancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage. Packed full of Berlin’s greatest hits including, Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails, Let’s Face the Music & Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz, it tells the story of Broadway star Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont. But things don’t go according to plan and a case of mistaken identity soon sends things off course.

This show will be followed by family favourite; Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, which will again be performed at the Orchard Theatre in April 2018. The Society is always looking for new talent, both on and off-stage, and anyone who is interested in getting involved should email daodscom@gmail.com.

Top Hat is being performed from 10th – 13th October at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford.

Tickets: 01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

The Society has been rehearsing towards the October performances since the beginning of May,with a cast of over 40 local performers meeting twice a week at their headquarters, Heathfields Hall in Dartford. ‘This show is known for its music and specifically the dance sequences made so famous in the original black and white film’, says the show’s Director Alex Tyrrell. ‘So we have worked incredibly hard to recreate the look and feel of those moments. It’s involved everyone sharing in the same vision of what we want to achieve, from myself as director but also our choreographer and our wardrobe department.

Ultimately it will be the people on stage that will turn our ideas into reality and everyone is really pulling together to make the show as fantastic as it can be.’ www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

37

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Local solicitors for all your personal and business needs Property conveyancing Family and divorce Employment law

Wills, trusts and probate Dispute resolution Company and commercial law

www.bussmurton.co.uk

T: 01322 220 235

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THE COST OF GETTING IT WRONG

By Mark Broadbent If you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, improve your health or fitness levels, and are failing or struggling, then help is what you need, and listening to the advice of someone who doesn’t really know what they’re talking about or how to apply any knowledge to YOU is nearly always a bad idea.

You can waste another year trying to do it by yourself, or you can employ the help of someone who can steer you in the right direction. The cost of getting it wrong is not only time (and we’re all impatient so why would you want to waste more of it on what’s not working?), but expensive gym memberships are also wasted if you’re not getting the results you want, so you can chalk that cost up too.

There’s also the stress, the frustration, the embarrassment of continually failing. The negative thinking and excuses like “I’ll never be skinny”, “I’m not meant to be thin”, “I can’t build muscle”, “It’s in my genetics to be ______ (fill in the blank)” The cost of doing things wrong is far greater than the cost of hiring a professional.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still YOU that has to do the work – simply hiring a Trainer isn’t going to magically make you lean and muscular; but making sure you’re not wasting your time in the gym, or undoing all the hard work with a bad diet is worth every penny.

As a Trainer myself, I like to see long term commitments.

It’s been drummed into us by advertising and pictures of incredible transformations that we can achieve inhuman results in short periods of time, but the reality is, it takes longer than that if you want to sustain those results. Rarely do these wonder-transformations last very long beyond the program.

It does require some hard work, but it’s actually much easier than you think – it just takes longer than you think or have been led to believe.

Another reason to seek guidance, particularly with the training side of things, is that injuries are a serious cost of getting it wrong. There’s always going to be a risk of injury if you’re training (or doing anything beyond lying in bed all day) but minimizing that risk is key. An injury that puts you out of action will undo all the hard work and leave you having to start all over again.

Guidance on how to train correctly, how to avoid injury, how to train in a way that strengthens your body against injury, or how to train safely around an existing injury could mean you can get consistent with your training, and therefore be on your way to results.

end up burning out. They don’t get the results they want, they may get injured from doing too much (or doing it wrong), they get ill because they’re not giving their body a chance to recover, they feel tired and drained and lacking energy, instead of feeling energised and stronger.

If any of these things sound familiar to you, it may be worth looking into hiring a Trainer to help guide you. A good Trainer will be able to tell you what you need to do more of, what you need to do less of, what type of training will be most suitable for your goals, and guide you with good nutrition advice, again, relative to you, your goals, and your body (because we’re not all the same, and we don’t all want the same things!)

For some people, the mere fact that they’re paying for it makes them take things more seriously and work harder, and that’s great!

Other people however do expect miracles and think that results will come simply because the Trainer turns up – don’t be naïve. We’re not miracle workers and we can’t do the work for you.

If you’ve tried and failed or aren’t getting the results you want, have a think about what you can do to change this. If you know what to do, knuckle-down and give it a good try.

If it’s still not working, then you have the wrong approach.

If you know that you’re, in all honesty, clueless – get help.

Think about how much you’d be willing to pay for a fitter, leaner, healthier body, more energy and the self-confidence knowing you did that.

There’s nothing more expensive than paying for something that doesn’t work or even more costly is the time wasted in pursuing something that never comes.

Likewise, if you’re not willing to invest (the time, money, effort, discipline) in something, you’ll never get the results you want.

Weigh up the pro’s and con’s and commit to doing what needs to be done.

The cost of getting it wrong could be far greater than the cost of hiring a Trainer.

How much do you want it?

If you’re interested in online or in-home Personal Training, nutrition advice or fitness classes around Dartford go to www.DartfordBootcamps.com for more information.

Over-training is also quite common (or more likely under- See you there! recovering). I see it all the time. People start a training regime to lose weight/get fit and they go in-all guns blazing – they - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk www.dartfordliving.com

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

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THEATRE ROUNDUP

By Liz Dyer

If you enjoyed last month’s nostalgic trip to the 60s in Summer Holiday, get ready to have the time of your life (again) in Dartford this month, as Dirty Dancing is back (1st-6th)! And sure I know we’ve probably all seen it a gazillion times already, but is there really such a thing as too many? The iconic story of Baby and Johnny, based closely on the 1987 movie, continues to pull in audiences all over the world, so it’s no surprise that a new tour is on its way. Dartford is only the second stop, so get your tickets and be one of the first to see it.

From the 60s to the 30s, the dancing continues the following week in romantic comedy Top Hat (10th-13th), the latest production from DAODS. The much-loved musical by Irving Berlin is full of songs we all know - even if we don’t know where from - like Puttin’ on the Ritz, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and Cheek to Cheek. Whether you’re a regular at DAODS performances, or it’s your first time seeing them in action, you’re undoubtedly in for a treat.

Speaking of songs we all know… any Beatles fans out there? Then get yourself down to the Orchard for Let It Be (15th-20th), the ultimate Beatles celebration. Unlike most jukebox musicals, this one doesn’t try and fit the songs to a story - the songs are the story. (And with over 40 to get through, there’d be no time for a story anyway.) See the Beatles perform at the Cavern Club, experience the hysteria of Beatlemania, and then enter the psychedelic

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world of Sgt. Pepper before a good old singalong to bring the evening to a close.

And finally, bringing the month to a more reflective end, don’t miss Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful (30th31st), commemorating the 100th year anniversary of the end of World War 1. Like the theatrical sensation War Horse, Simon Reade’s adaptation of the award-winning children’s novel is both a condemnation of the horrors of war and a celebration of life and the human spirit - and one not to be missed for children and grown-ups alike.

Looking for something a bit different? Check out Circus at Woodville Halls (27th-28th), featuring over 200 students from Centre Stage Theatre Academy and with songs from The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge and many more. If being scared is your thing, the Churchill in Bromley invite you to a terrifying new multi-sensory production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula (16th-20th). And if you missed The Full Monty at the Orchard last year, grab your chance to catch it again in Bromley this month (22nd-27th).

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COMPETITION STICK MAN

Touching, funny and utterly original, Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s STICK MAN is coming to the Orchard Theatre.

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

This award-winning production, from the team behind The Scarecrows’ Wedding, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Most suitable for all aged 3+ but all ages welcome.

MON 26 - TUE 27 NOVEMBER 2018

To book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk | Ticket Office: 01322 220000 We have teamed up with the Orchard Theatre to offer a family ticket to your choice of Stickman performance. To enter you just need to answer the following question: What other famous book was written by Julia Donaldson?

a) The Gruffalo b) Animals of Farthing Wood c) Spot d) Meg and Mog Closing date 15th October. Email your answer to competition@dartfordliving.com Good luck!

RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if you win. It will not be used for any marketing or promotional emails

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CAR NEWS - OCTOBER 2018

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we’ll bring you new SUVs available in Spring 2019 from European manufacturers.

2019 Mercedes GLE – the new GLE promises to have significantly more space inside than the current car, allowing Mercedes to offer two third-row seats in the rear for the first time, turning the GLE into a seven-seater.

The GLE features Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system, first seen in the A-Class hatchback, with two 12.3in digital screens coming as standard. One screen is given over to replacing the car’s traditional analogue dials with a configurable display, while the other displays features such as the sat-nav map. At launch, the GLE will come with either a 2.0-litre diesel engine or the 362bhp 3.0-litre petrol mild hybrid with a plug-in hybrid version beng offered, combining a diesel engine with an electric motor later. This is expected to offer 50 miles of range.

Prices haven’t yet been revealed, but this GLE is expected to cost slightly less than today’s model, which starts at £60,380. It will be released in Spring 2019.

2019 DS3 Crossback – The 3 Crossback is the second car to be launched by DS since parent company Citroën made it a standalone brand. The 3 Crossback is available with a multitude of personalisation options. Buyers can 46

choose between 10 alloy wheel styles, 10 body colours and three roof colours to create their own tailored car. Inside there’s a 10.3in infotainment screen, a digital instrument screen and a head-up display on offer. The infotainment system offers smartphone mirroring and sat-nav. Key safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking plus a system that allows the car to control its own speed and direction within its lane on the motorway. The engine range consists of three turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol units with 99bhp, 128bhp and 152bhp, plus a 99bhp 1.5-litre diesel for high-mileage drivers. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but a figure of around £21,500 and will be released in Spring 2019.

2019 Renault Kadjar – This is the new Kadjar which originally went on sale in 2015. The company’s latest petrol and diesel engines along with enhancements to the spec and a new interior design. The new Kadjar is wider than its predecessor with a bolder front end that incorporates more LED lights, including square foglights.

There will be a choice of petrol and diesel engines taken from Renault’s latest line-up. The new 1.3-litre petrol engine will be offered in two power outputs: 138bhp and 150bhp. Two diesel engines are on offer too – an uprated version of the Blue dCi 115 1.5, initially and a new Blue dCi 150 1.75-litre unit. On the inside, Renault has made the Kadjar airier, and given it a more upmarket look. A new 7.0in infotainment screen is standard; it’s said to have a brighter display and improved sensitivity and has a smartphone mirroring function. It has an estimated price tag of around £20,500, the Kadjar looks competitive against rivals in its class and will be on sale in spring 2019.

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Parent and Toddler Groups - Term Time Only

MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:00am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.00 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Toast 20p per slice Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 01322 291092.

TUESDAYS Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information.

9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com WEDNESDAYS 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £2.50 per family including all snacks and drinks.

Catherine 07878658685 11.15am - SLADE GREEN AND HOWBURY COMMUNITY LIBRARY BABY AND TODDLER ACTION RHYME TIME GROUP 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ £2.50 per Adult THURSDAYS 9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford.

9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@ yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child SATURDAYS 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe. com 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions at Dartford Libraries - Monday Friday Thursday Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday Greenhithe - Thursday - Thursday Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday Sutton-at-Hone -Monday.

Temple Hill - Thursday Dartford

10:30am - 11am 2:15pm – 2:45pm 10:30pm -11:00am 10:30am -11am 2.15pm – 2.45pm 10:45am -11:15am 10:30am – 11am 2pm – 2:30pm 10.30am -11am

The World Garden and Lullingstone Castle www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

8 EVENTS 201 ON - 7PM BER - 12 NO 28TH OCTO in Carving pk m Pu & n Hallowee Event

Come along and join in the fun! Term time only For more information please call 03000 41 31 31 48 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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The Brent Playgroup meet Monday to Friday 9.15am to 12.15pm Term time only.

For enquiries please contact: Mobile: 07989073866 Tel 01322 271738 (between 8 and 12:30) email: thebrentplaygroup@gmail.com or call in at any time.

Registered for Free for Two Children The Brent Methodist Church Hall PostCode DA1 1XF

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Groups and Clubs

THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION meets at 8pm on the 4th Wednesday evening of each month in the Pop-In Parlour, Mill Road, Northumberland Heath, Erith. The meetings last about 2 hours and the group often have a speaker on a variety of subjects, followed by tea and biscuits and general chat. For more information contact Eileen on 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 440482 or 07570 347612 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.

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

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

For further information please phone 01474 353405 or email landaclatworthy@btinternet.com SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. Presentations on local social history. Venue Swanley Indoor Bowls Centre Garrolds Close Swanley BR8 7BF. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2. Everyone welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@ hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https:// swanleyhistorygroup.weebly.com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter.

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

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THE GARDENING CLUB SUTTON AT HONE Monthly meetings, Visits to Gardens, Annual Garden Show and much more. For more information or to become a member please ring 01322 863556.

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK For people with Parkinsons and their carers.

We have 2 meetings per month. Bexley: 4th Thursday of each month, at Pincott Hall, 2-4pm. Dartford: 2nd Thursday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30-9.30pm. Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes.

Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973 MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528 BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meetings first and third Friday of the month at Freemantle Hall, Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. Covering stamps and postal history, meetings offer displays, auctions, competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on www.bexleyps.org.uk MAKE A NOISE CHOIR Singing songs from the shows and having fun! We meet every Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at St Anselm’s Church, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ www.makeanoisechoir.com The Association of Bexley Charities ’78 will hold its Grand Autumn Fair at the United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ (near the Broadway Shopping Centre) On Saturday 27th October 2018 from 9.45 am - 1.00 pm There will be a variety of charity stalls selling Christmas Gifts and Cards; CDs and DVDs; Collectables; Jewellery; Chutneys, Jams, Cakes; Books; Children’s Toys and Games; Model Railways Refreshments will be available, Entrance 50p (Accompanied children FREE) Wheelchair Access

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

If so, email your suggestions to editor@ dartfordliving.com

DARTFORD LIVING

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DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session.

Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk

in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@ btinternet.com

20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP more information visit: www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford-Bexleyheath-surroundingareas-social-group/

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

DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE 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 call 01474-709068 or visit our website.

STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE I provide all the equipment, materials and refreshments with just a small all inclusive, pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person per session.

Those who come have the opportunity to learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, inks and how to draw with pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I offer too. www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk

THE DARTFORD STROKE GROUP This group meets Monday afternoons at the YMCA Roundhouse, Overy Street, Dartford for a chat in a relaxing atmosphere, chairbased excise sessions, stroke leaflets and magazines, informal workshops, special art or games sessions and outings. It is aimed at Stroke Survivors, their carers, family and friends.

Please contact Theo Hodges on Theo.Hodges@gmail.com or phone/text Theo on 078 755 68296 for more details and current dates of our events and meetings DARTFORD FLORAL CLUB The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement. Contact Carol 01322 220802 DARTFORD QUILTERS meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford. We run a varied programme of activities suitable for the beginner through to the more experienced quilter. More details can be obtained from the club secretary on 01474 834872 DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE CLUB meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library.

For more information, find us at www.meetup.com/West-KentBook-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www. dartfordchessclub.co.uk COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month at Sutton at Hone Village Hall. 1.30pm until 4.30pm. £3.00 per afternoon (to include a raffle ticket and tea/coffee) £10.00 yearly fee.

We are a small, friendly club, not expensive. Tuition given. All supplies can be bought in situe. Come and see if you like it, You will be very welcome.

Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing

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 EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ - calling all 11-18 year olds who want more than an ordinary life, come hang out with other young people and discover their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church Dartford, near McDonalds and next to Weatherspoons.

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

IN THE CLICK OF A SHUTTER Beauty is all around us. Seeing, composing and capturing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from a photograph.

This exhibition showcases a variety of visually captivating works by members of Dartford & District Photographic Society.

The display will be open to view from Tuesday, 2nd October to Wednesday, 31st October, inclusive, at the Sir Peter Blake Gallery, Dartford Library, Central Park, Market Street, Dartford, DA1 1EU, during the library’s normal opening hours.

Admission is free.

Dartford & District Photographic Society meets on alternate Wednesday evenings at Stone Pavilion, Hayes Road, Stone, Dartford, DA9 9DS. More details on the society’s website: dartphoto.org.uk, and Facebook: @Dartphoto.

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Groups and Clubs

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

There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! www.facebook.com/groups/DSTCAlumni THE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in the Community hall (opp St Paulinus church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, lights, scenery or singing/acting on the stage - everyone welcome. Email me (Carolyn) for more details at c_sawyers@hotmail.com.

CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE incorporating Barnehurst and Slade Green. Meet every Monday (except the third Monday) of the month at Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call in for a chat about old Crayford and to view the large collection of local images, or bring your own for us to copy.

TALK TIME TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME ONLY) Fleetdown Library Everybody welcome, join us for a friendly chat and light refreshments.

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

For more information please contact 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - havenx35@gmail.com SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those 52

that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@hotmail. co.uk PAVILION PLAYERS Is an amateur dramatics group based at the Joydens Wood Community Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more information please visit www.facebook.com/pavilionplayers or call us on 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop down on a Tuesday night!

Everyone welcome!

DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.009.30p.m. Free tuition with a very friendly, sociable group.

The ideal way to make new friends. Phone Ester 01322 220458 or email: esther.correia1@btinternet.com North West Kent Family History Society The Dartford Branch meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10am-12:30pm at the Dartford Science and Technology College, Heath Lane, For more information see www.nwkfhs.org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington.

For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082 Erith Model Railway Society has been in existence for over 50 years and has well over 50 active members. As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome.

The club meets on Wednesday evenings from around 7.00pm until around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms in Invicta House (aka Belvedere Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, Belvedere DA17 5DA. DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and day trips out as well as activities including theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons and an art group.

Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones

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01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NORTH DOWNS They meet at the Holiday Inn, Black Prince, Thursday evenings 7:30pm for 7:45pm for Dinner and fellowship. For details phone 07759 863836.

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

HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch.

Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967 OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year.

Our club is open to anyone over 55 wherever you live and costs just 60p to come along and join in. So why not come and join our friendly welcoming social club? For further information please call either John Letchford on 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 222195.

JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meet on the third Tuesday of every month, with meetings beginning at 7.45pm. We meet at the Community Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, DA2 7NE. More information can be found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk (under Local Clubs and Societies).

CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com.

FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI 2nd Tuesday of every month, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, 7.30pm. Contact Judith on 01322 278703 CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st Thursday of every month at 1.45pm. Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact Secretary, Linda Lewis 01322 557229 DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB A group of retired ladies meet locally for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of each month,. They raise funds for charity and usually invite a speaker. Join them and enjoy meeting and making new friends. If you would like more information please contact Iris

(Secretary) on 01474 703448 MALE? AGED 18 - 45?

Round Table is for the guys with Ladies Circle for the Ladies (ladiescircle.co.uk) Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday.

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

For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need to experience it because no other organisation offers you the opportunities that Round Table does.

Check out the locally famous club www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Facebook search: * Dartford Round Table * Round Table * Dartford Egg Hunt You will receive a very warm welcome.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm For further details phone: 07706 103706 THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town Centre Description: We are a (non-profit making) friendly social group open to anyone over fifty.

We enjoy socialising, making new friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle Walks and Short Breaks Away.

Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. Annual membership £6 If you would like to join us or require further information please telephone: Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 Maypole Primary School EYFS 2019 Intake Open Days Was your child born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 and due to start School in September 2019.

Come along to our Open Days on Tuesday 27th November - 10.45am - 11.45am Thursday 29th November - 2.00pm - 3.00pm Just turn up - no need to book!

Franklin Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7UZ 01322 523830

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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Sport

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 07903 590515 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 is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford to hold the”GymMark” Award for 6 years.

Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great 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 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.

YOGA WITH EMMA

Becket Sports Centre (evenings): Mondays: Yoga for Men – 8.30pm to 9.30pm Thursdays: Hatha Yoga – 6.00pm to 7.00pm Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Europa Gymnastics Centre (mornings): Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to 10.30am Fridays: Mindful Yin Yoga – 10.45am to 11.45am

For more information please contact Emma: emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk TEL: 07932 621415 www.samadhi-yoga.co.uk 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 54

offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for all abilities.

The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk HARTLEY SWIMCLUB AT WHITE OAK POOL, SWANLEY We are a friendly group of adults who meet for a social swim every Thursday at 9pm. We’re looking for new members.

Why not give us a try?

Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday.

Tuesday Morning Yoga Class at Sutton Court, Sutton-AtHone The class is from 9.30am to 11am and is a mixed ability class beginners are always welcome.

More information is available at www.yoga-vitality.com or please contact Lesley at lesley@yoga-vitality.com or 07531 140646 DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio.

We have an adult class 8-10pm too.

We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members.

DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB For more details see www.dfok.co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person.

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

Would suit players with some prior experience.

Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT For further information please email: stephanie.thredgle@btinternet.com WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come grab a cup of tea and chat about all things hobby and some things not! For more info visit - https://emperors10th.wixsite.com/ home

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11 15

LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS

By Brian Downton

Dartford Parkrun Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants get a time a position emailed and texted after the event. To register go to www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode.

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

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

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

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 Well done to everyone who took part in the DWOT Triathlon on 10th June Dartford Road Runners Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR teams compete in the Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities. http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/node/440 Dartford Harriers Athletics Club Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance your Athletics then please visit our website http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk Central Park Athletics Club We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual memberships).

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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 http://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.

This group was set up after the founder suffered with PND herself and on trying to find support groups noticed there wasn’t any in KENT, We now support mums from all over the world online, in person or at groups. We pride ourselves on being there so no one feels alone or scared when dealing with PND. Groups held every Friday 12-2pm at St Mary’s church hall Greenhithe Kent.

Groups are set up in a playgroup style with activities for children of all ages and adults. Free to attend and refreshments/snacks supplied

by Mummy on the Mend.

Staff are available to talk with should you feel you need extra support. We are also able to help refer parents onto other services if needed. Staff are DBS checked, Frist aid trained and have training in mental health problems.

This is a friendly relaxed group for families to meet others in the same situation as them. Our focus is on mental health however anyone is able to attend.

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USEFUL NUMBERS Local and National

KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 01322 421480 Dartford West Health Centre 01322 223600 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 Counsellors Judianne/Paula 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000 247 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720 Samaritans: 116 123 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds

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

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

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- Contact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com The Ashes Badminton Club Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30.

Jacqui 07764 182854.

Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

Directory of Local Businesses advertising in Dartford Living ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Buss Murton ...................................................................... 40 Downton Ali Associates.....................................................59 GF + Co...............................................................................37 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS & WINDOWS Cloudy2Clear Windows......................................................13 Dream Doors......................................................................13 Nightingale Bathrooms......................................................22 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..............................................23 The Double Glazing Repair Man..........................................4 CARE HOME Emerson Grange.................................................................10 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.................................................................12 Hartbeeps......................................................................49 Monkey Music................................................................55 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ................................................31 ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians....................................................................4 ElectricWorx London...........................................................7 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ...........................................................................9 Wisdom Estates..................................................................33 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage..................................................................60 Shenley Road Garage..........................................................45 JEWELLERY Bradleys...............................................................................23 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ...........................................................38 NURSERY The Brent Playgroup......................................................49 MEDICAL AND HEALTH Emerson Grange...........................................................17 Helping Hands...............................................................13 Slimming World...............................................................2 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Blondies Fitness.................................................................22 58

Dartford Bootcamps...........................................................32 Fairfield Leisure Centre......................................................30 PQA.....................................................................................14 Why Weight?......................................................................20 Worried about your childs weight?....................................16 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.............................................................40 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames........................................................................42 PUB Bird in the Hand....................................................................6 SCHOOL Ebbsfleet Academy.............................................................10 SECURITY Excel Security Systems......................................................45 SPORTS Paul Page Golf Academy.....................................................17 Fairfield Leisure Centre......................................................28 THEATRE DAODS................................................................................37 Orchard Theatre.................................................................44 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing ..........................................................38

Advertise in the magazine for as little as £30 per month Contact: sales@dartfordliving.com

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Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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