North Kent Wolves FC officially launched on Saturday 13th September, at a celebration hosted by club and team sponsor EFES Restaurant in Dartford. Players, supporters, and members of the local community came together to mark the start of the Wolves’ journey in grassroots football.
The launch party was an opportunity to share the club’s vision and ambitions while thanking those who have supported the team from the very beginning.
Over the summer, the club partnered with Haberdashers’ Crayford Academy on Iron Mill Lane, securing a welcoming home ground where the team will train and host their matches.
Club Chairman Jamie Bell said:
“This is the beginning of something special for our players and our community. North Kent Wolves FC isn’t just about football, it’s about building connections, creating opportunities, and giving people a team they can be proud of.”
The event also highlighted the impact the Wolves are already having on players and families.
Yannick, one of the Wolves’ players, shared: “I’ve played for a few football clubs, but NK Wolves feels different. Our coach really supports us and tailors training to help us grow as players and as a team. The parents are just as encouraging, and we’ve already formed a fantastic squad. I’ve never felt more motivated to start the season!”
Aariv, another player, added:
“NK Wolves is a great football club. I had never played football for a team until NK Wolves gave me an opportunity. I haven’t played for very long but I can already tell that this team will be something great!”
North Kent Wolves FC is committed to making a positive impact locally by building strong community links and creating a welcoming environment for players of all abilities. The club is proud to offer opportunities for children who might not otherwise have had the chance to play football in a structured, competitive setting. By focusing on inclusivity and avoiding trials or selection processes, NK Wolves ensures that every player gets the opportunity to be part of a team, develop their skills, and experience the joy of grassroots football. With the support of parents, sponsors, and the wider
community, the Wolves are determined to provide not just football training, but also a sense of belonging and pride both on and off the pitch.
Parent, Mr. Edem said:
“This is my son’s first football team and we absolutely love it! What makes it special is that anyone can come and play – every child gets a warm welcome, the chance to play in a proper league, and to be part of a brilliant community of supportive parents.”
Another parent, Mr. Cook, added:
“The club is amazing. The children love it and the coaching staff are just amazing. Win, lose or draw the commitment is there; a testament to how grassroots football should be played, coached, and supported.”
The Wolves are more than just a football club; they are a growing community built on support, inclusivity, and a shared passion for the game. With the foundations complete, players, parents, and coaches all pulling together, the future looks bright for this exciting new club.
If you’d like to be part of the Wolves family — whether as a player, supporter, or volunteer — visit www.nkwolves.co.uk to find out more.
•Public
Halloween Magic – 26th October – 11am - 6pm
Join us to celebrate Halloween magic on our last day of our 20th season; pumpkin carving, pumpkin trail, spooky garden tours and more – perfect for all the family. Tom will give garden tours at 1pm and a dusk tour at 5pm, learn about the origins of pumpkins, colours and varieties and children can spot the Halloween tricks in eerie torchlight! There will also be a chance to meet and even hold some critters with the help of a Zoolab ranger from 3pm to 4pm.
Fancy dress is welcome – let’s celebrate the end of our special season in style!
Additional £5 donation for the pumpkin carving (please bring cash for pumpkin carving to be placed in a collection bucket!)
Manor House is open 11am - 4pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Admission price - £12.50 adult - children under 16 go FREE
www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk
Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, Kent. DA4 0JA
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Get ready Dartford! The smash-hit comedy variety drag show direct from the West End is coming your way as The Dazzling Diamonds arrive at Orchard West on 16th November 2025.
Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, audience participation, live vocals, dazzling lip syncs, and a glittering setlist of well-known songs, this outrageous night out pays homage to old-school drag tradition while serving up a fresh twist for today’s audiences.
The dazzling trio made up of Lola Lush, Lexi Leven, and Bailey La Creame – have performed across the UK and internationally in holiday hot spots such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Cyprus and Turkey. The three first met in Cyprus, and now produce, choreograph and perform The Dazzling Diamonds together.
“We’re bringing side-splitting comedy, spectacular costumes, stunning live vocals and all the glamour of Vegas to Dartford and it’s going to be fabulous! Bring a Tena lady or three, you might need it…”
CAST
Lola Lush (Brandon Nicholson, Surrey)
Brandon’s glamorous alter ego, Miss Lola Lush, was
born in 2017 and has sparkled ever since. From international residencies in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Cyprus to theatres across the UK, Lola has wowed audiences with her trademark sass and show-stopping comedy.
A seasoned panto performer, Brandon has also delighted thousands as one half of the Ugly Sisters across the country. As both performer and producer, Brandon is one of the driving forces behind The Dazzling Diamonds, combining glitz, glamour and gutbusting humour in equal measure.
Lexi Leven (Luke Attwood, Kent)
With a career spanning musical theatre, cabaret and pantomime, Luke shines on stage as his dazzling persona Lexi Leven. From drag performances in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Cyprus to Ugly Sister roles in pantomimes across the UK, Luke blends camp comedy, glamour and audience interaction.
As both performer and producer, Luke ensures The Dazzling Diamonds is as polished as it is hilarious –keeping the other two in line with a bevel sharper than a knife.
Bailey La Creame (Jack Thomas, Hertfordshire)
Jack discovered his passion for performance early on, training in musical theatre, dance and singing before unleashing his fabulous drag persona Bailey La Creame. From local bars to international stages in Cyprus and Turkey’s famous Talk of the Town, Bailey’s quick wit, powerhouse vocals and infectious energy have made her a fan favourite across the UK cabaret and drag scene.
Alongside Brandon and Luke, Jack has great creative input in shaping The Dazzling Diamonds working yearround mixing the music and making sure every track sparkles. His creativity bursts from paper to stage.
© Joe Nobile
Photo
ENRICHING EARLY YEARS EXPERIENCES – WHY THEY MATTER
We are thrilled to share that KatieB Kids has been named “Most Enriching Nursery 2025 - South East London” at the Greater London Enterprise Awards. This recognition reflects what we believe matters most in the early years - providing children with experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence for life. But what does “enriching” really mean in practice for young children? It’s about creating opportunities beyond the basics of care, where children can explore, imagine, and develop independence in a safe and supportive environment. Research shows that early exposure to varied experiences not only supports emotional well-being but also lays strong foundations for later learning.
At KatieB Kids, enrichment happens every day through our accredited Forest School programme, where children build resilience and problem-solving skills in nature. It happens in our unique child-led curriculum, inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori, where children’s interests guide their learning. And it happens through our community ethos, where parents are active partners in their child’s journey.
Winning this award is a proud moment for our team, families, and wonderful children. For us, though, the true reward is seeing children light up with confidence, creativity, and joy as they learn and grow.
KatieB Kids Tips: 3 Simple Ways to Enrich Your Child’s Day
Get outdoors – Even a short daily walk or time in the garden can spark curiosity. Encourage children to collect leaves, spot wildlife, or notice seasonal changes – it builds observation skills and a love of nature.
Follow their interests – If your child is fascinated by cars, cooking, or dinosaurs, let their play and activities reflect that. Child-led learning fosters independence and deeper engagement.
Connect through community – Whether it’s a playdate, library visit, or local group, shared experiences with others help children develop social skills and feel part of something bigger.
At KatieB Kids, these values are woven into everything we do – and we are proud that our Most Enriching Nursery 2025 award celebrates just that.
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Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
From the day I was elected last July, I have been working hard in Parliament and across the local area to support our communities and to carry my Dartford constituent’s voice and priorities to Westminster.
I am here to support you, and my office is always here to help – please get in touch on jim.dickson. mp@parliament.uk for any questions, support or to sign up to my next surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon.
If you’d like to keep updated with my regular activity and find out about new events and surgeries, follow me on social media (Jim Dickson MP on X, Facebook and Instagram) or sign-up to my newsletter on the QR code.
Please always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.
By Jane Stevenson
WHY DON’T WE CARE ABOUT POLITICS?
Who really is in charge of us? Who is working to ensure we receive the basics – a roof over our heads, food, best working conditions, a reasonable salary? Who ensure protocols and rules are in place to protect us?
Most people would reply that this is the job of government – before they then complain and point out the deficiencies of whichever party is currently ensconced at No 10.
Others would argue that it is big business, the banks, or vast corporations hiding their wealth in a maze of complicated tax rules. A few would mention individuals by name – the mega rich, identifiable by name.
In a way, we are all right – these organisations and people hold much influence over our daily lives.
Yet we forget that we have an individual power of our own. One we often ridicule or cite as not being worth it. This is our vote.
It isn’t necessarily a political vote. For instance, a shop consistently supplies poor quality produce. You complain to the manager but nothing changes. You can either stay with them buying poor produce or vote with your feet and find another shop with better quality goods, a manager who strives to provide the best. It is the same with services, a rude staff member, poor service in a bar or café. The choice is up to us whether to remain as a patron of that particular establishment, lodge a complaint and trust those in charge to listen and make changes, or take our custom elsewhere. We are in charge.
So why are we so apathetic towards government and international corporations? In my opinion, we often think we ‘don’t matter’, or ‘my vote won’t make a difference’. We believe those who choose a political career are only out for themselves – I share similar opinions.
I’ve never thought of myself as aligned with any political party. I do read their manifestos and see some good ideas which rarely come to fruition. I have serious concerns about those elected to lead our political parties. They seem to range from the charisma free, to the frightened rabbit approach, to oily insincerity. My voting record is changeable and patchy, veering towards total indifference. Close my eyes and put a cross somewhere!
In January 2024 the London School of Economics published a paper on how coalition governments are reshaping democracy. It cites those governments of Spain and Poland as examples. It introduces us to a growing youth vote, and their concerns regarding abortion rights, LGBQT+ rights, immigration and education in addition to housing, employment and human rights. Those reaching voting age, and the younger electorate appear to care less about the established political parties, their overblown pomposity and self-importance and rather more about specific issues that affect us all.
Is it time then to consider a coalition to govern us.? The idea isn’t new - the UK government consisted of an all-party unity framework in WW2, headed by Winston Churchill - and isn’t a political game changer, yet I think it is what would persuade me why it is so important to take back my voting power.
My ideal coalition would take a more inward look at helping those already here, reintroduce polytechnic colleges and support manufacturing in this country. It would ensure a sustainable building programme, making use of the thousands of empty properties rather than blight the landscape with more new towns and cut the bureaucracy of the NHS and other large nationals; but I’m an old hippie, so what would I know? Or do I have the germ of a good idea?
Take care all.
Author DDL Smith, born and raised in Dartford, marks the UK release of his latest novel, Decay, on the 10th October. This book launch also represents his first international listing, with the book available through major retailers including Waterstones in the UK and Barnes & Noble in the United States.
Smith’s creative path began in Dartford with youth productions at the Orchard Theatre, performing in musicals and gaining early stage experience. Those years sparked his imagination and gave him the first sense of what it meant to tell stories that held people’s attention. His interest carried into North Kent College, where he studied TV and Film. He developed skills in a more professional setting that built on the hobbyist filmmaking he had experimented with throughout his teenage years.
Early adulthood saw Smith branch further into the indie film industry. He worked as a producer on a Cold War–era spy thriller filmed in Essex, supporting its marketing and fundraising. The project went on to reach international festival circuits and showed the power of independent stories being shared with wider audiences. From last year, Smith ventured into novels with the Detective Dion series. The books gained notice for their atmosphere and recurring themes, but he saw them as a foundation rather than a final destination, setting the stage for his new novel Decay.
Decay takes readers to the remote forests of Sweden, where a fractured family attempts to reconcile. Their fragile peace on a camping trip is disrupted by the discovery of a Cold War relic, long forgotten yet still poisoning the ground they walk on. What begins as a story of strained relationships becomes something more unsettling. Scientific reality collides with folklore and the landscape itself turns hostile. The novel blends ecohorror with a folkloric feel, exploring past technology as well as the legacies we as a species leave behind.
The release represents a creative milestone for independent publishing and aspiring authors. Decay demonstrates how a novel from a local author can find recognition well beyond its starting point, reaching readers across the UK and US through major online platforms. Smith’s journey highlights how determination and imagination can carry a writer from community stages to an international audience.
Decay will be available from 10th October.
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Same day deliveries are available (If ordered by 12 noon Monday - Friday, before 11am Saturdays)
Thank you for your continued support
Bluewater has honoured the anniversary of one of its most recognisable and much-loved employees with a unique commemorative tribute inside the centre.
Heather – “but prefers Hev” – a Primark employee
who has become a viral sensation on TikTok, is being celebrated with the unveiling of a cast-iron blue plaque, which officially names her favourite escalator, the ‘Hevscalator’.
Hev, who has worked at Primark Bluewater since September 2019, has captured the hearts of thousands online with her down-to-earth and relatable content, often featuring her favourite escalator in the centre.
To mark her six-year anniversary, which traditionally sees gifts made from iron exchanged, a specially commissioned cast-iron blue plaque has been installed on the side of the escalator
The 30cm plaque includes the inscription “In honour of Bluewater’s own TikTok legend, Heather ‘but prefers Hev’, who joined Primark here in September 2019, we have officially renamed this, her favourite escalator, ‘The Hevscalator’."
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “Hev has become nothing short of a local legend here at Bluewater. Her energy, humour and passion for life have built her a loyal online following, and it’s clear she has a very special place in the hearts of both our guests and her colleagues. We’re thrilled to celebrate her six years of working at Bluewater with this fitting tribute, which we’re sure will become a selfie spot for her local followers.”
The unveiling of the plaque comes after Hev’s popularity has grown far beyond Kent, with her TikTok videos frequently reaching millions of views, attracting fans across the UK and beyond. Hev’s fame has reached national airwaves too, with multiple features on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.
To be the first to hear about Bluewater news and events, visit www.bluewater.co.uk/en
We all know the NHS is struggling. People are living longer, but the years gained are often spent in poor health or with a disability impacting on their health. There is an increased demand on GP surgeries, community services and hospitals as a result. The demand for health and social care is growing faster than the NHS can cope with and funding has not kept pace.
The government has produced a 10 year plan for the NHS, to change the way it works so that it can manage this demand better. It recognises that this increased demand cannot be met with the current ways it provides the health services and includes three big shifts:
1. From hospitals to community: more care will be delivered in or close to people’s homes, rather than needing to travel to hospital.
2. From analogue to digital: using technology better from sharing patient medical records digitally between different parts of the health service, through to developing the NHS App and the use of AI.
3. From sickness to prevention: catch health problems earlier, prevent illnesses where possible and encourage healthier lifestyles. This also focuses on health inequalities, ensuring that people from poorer areas can live longer lives in good health.
Neighbourhood Health
Developing Neighbourhood Health is part of the plan to shift more care from hospital to community. GP Practices, Community Health Services, Social Care and the voluntary sector will work together to support people to stay well in their own homes. People from each of these organisations will work together as a team, bringing their own expertise to provide personalised care for the patient. Information will be shared and care coordinated so that patients don’t have to keep repeating their story to different people.
In Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley we have already developed seven Neighbourhood Teams. These are based around groups of GP practices (Primary
Care Networks) that cover registered populations of around 30,000 to 50,000. We have started with a focus on patients with frailty or complex care needs. HCRG Care Group, who provide adult community heath and care services, have reorganised their staff into Neighbourhood Teams, so that there are named community nursing and therapy staff aligned with practices. There are frailty nurses and frailty GP leads in each Neighbourhood. We also have named staff from Older Adult Mental Health Service, the ellenor, Alzheimers and Dementia Support Services and Imago (Community Navigation). Working together and with GP Practices, we will provide coordinated person centred care.
Our first piece of work is to look at those who are most at risk of an admission to hospital to see what we can do to support these people to stay in their own home for their health needs to be met. This builds on the work that we have been doing together for a number of years to support those with complex needs to get the care they need.
Why is this important?
You might not know that you are under a Neighbourhood Team but be aware that there are a number of different people been involved in getting you the care and support that you need to stay well and support you when you become unwell. For the NHS, having robust Neighbourhood Teams will allow that shift from hospital care to community care. Better communication of care will reduce unnecessary duplication and costs, avoid hospital admissions, making the NHS more efficient and effective. But more importantly, you will have a better experience of receiving the care that you need from the right person closer to home.
Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.
Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp, Director of Home Instead Dartford. With autumn arriving and the days getting cooler, here are some top tips to help you stay warm through the winter months.
Boiler check-up: It is recommended to have an annual boiler service to make sure it’s in tip top condition. The last thing you need in the middle of winter is a broken boiler, and a freezing cold house.
Draught excluders: It is important to make sure all windows and doors are in good condition. If you have old, cracked or broken frames you may want to seal the gaps or use draught excluders to stop the cold weather from creeping in!
Keep your pipes warm: Burst pipes are common during winter due to rapid freezing and thawing which could cause significant damage. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep your pipes warm with their own foam cardigan (called lagging), which will reduce the heat lost and insulate the pipes to stop them from freezing.
Several thin layers: Try wearing several thin layers of clothing, rather than one big jumper – the layers
trap hot air, keeping you warmer for longer. To keep heating bills down, consider wrapping up in a blanket or wearing more layers, rather than turning up the thermostat.
Keep your feet warm: There’s nothing worse than cold feet! To keep yourself warm this winter, wear thermal or thick socks and sensible shoes if you’re venturing out. Wear boots with a thick lining and consider buying specially designed shoes, in case the weather turns icy!
Hot water bottle: Consider using a hot water bottle throughout the day if you’re at home and during the night in bed. They are relatively inexpensive and very useful, quickly heating up your bed without using electricity or fuel. But make sure to check them for their expiry date and any cracks before use!
Bleed radiators: Trapped air in your radiators can prevent hot water from circulating effectively, which could be the reason your home isn’t as warm as it has been previously. Bleeding your radiators releases the trapped air and allows your central heating to work once again, keeping you and your property warm.
I’d love to hear from you! To make a suggestion for a future Senior Snippets topic, please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead Dartford, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT.
“We want to get local Dartford people to become tourists in their own area. There are so many amazing places on our doorsteps we don’t see or haven’t seen since we were children. I’m hoping that’s what ellenor’s art trail will do for the Borough of Dartford – encourage local residents to see their home, and hospice care, through a fresh perspective.” Georgie Packer, Project Manager of ellenor’s public art trail.
On the surface, the logistics are almost absurd.
60 fibreglass sculptures, bolted to concrete plinths that tip the scales at 800 kilograms apiece. 40 lorries. Dozens of forklifts.
But at the heart of ellenor’s public art trail – based on the classic children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt –lies something far weightier: a community-wide attempt to reframe how people understand hospice care.
The art trail will come to the Borough of Dartford in summer 2026, when the sculptures – 30 Giant Bears and 30 Bear Cubs, all inspired by those in Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s beloved picture book – will fill the surrounds of ellenor’s local community. The big Bears will be designed by a mix of local and national artists, while the small ones will be painted by schoolchildren and community groups.
All of the sculptures, come next June, will be placed along a trail throughout Dartford’s urban area and the sprawling Bluewater shopping complex – bringing families into overlooked streets, winding footpaths, and neighbourhoods they may not have visited in years. There, the art can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for the entirety of the trail’s eight week run – for free.
The goal? To engage the local economy, draw in hundreds of thousands of people, and use the artwork to spread awareness of an altogether different kind of work – the vital role ellenor plays in supporting its local community.
ellenor is a hospice charity that cares for patients with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses throughout Kent and Bexley. It has inpatient and outpatient services in Northfleet, but most of its care takes place in the community, from the homes of the people it supports. ellenor is organising the art trail, with the support of Dartford Borough Council(Presenting Partner), Bluewater Shopping Centre (Official Partner), and Pentagon Transport Ltd – the project’s Storage and Logistics Partner.
Georgina “Georgie” Packer, 32, is the project’s trailblazer – literally and figuratively. She’s taught art therapy in schools, delivered mental health training, and has strong experience in hospice fundraising. But ask her about this project – ellenor’s first-ever public art trail –and her eyes light up with the kind of joy that makes even the logistical nightmares feel worthwhile.
Georgie joined ellenor in January 2025 and will see the trail through to its end, after the last bear has been auctioned off. Between now and then, she’s tasked with overseeing everything: from corporate partnerships to concrete placements. But the real work is subtler: it’s about weaving hospice care into the cultural fabric of Dartford – one sculpture at a time.
ellenor’s hospice services are wide-ranging. Its commitment to holistic care involves caring not only for the patient’s clinical needs, but for their emotional, psychological, and social ones, too – with services such as complementary therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, and bereavement support available for the families ellenor supports.
But for many people in the Dartford area, ellenor’s services remain largely unseen.
“Previous market research showed that people in the Dartford area weren’t aware of the vast expanse of ellenor’s services,” Georgie says. “Or in some cases, aware of ellenor at all. The vast majority of our care for the people of Dartford takes place within the community
– so it’s a balancing act. How do you bring that message to people in a way that’s comfortable for families to engage with? The art trail is a gentle entry to promote that awareness.”
Each sculpture along the trail will have a plaque bearing a QR code. Scanning these will allow the trailwalker to ‘collect’ each work of art in a digital passport. It will also provide the viewer with bite-sized stories about ellenor’s services, and about the wide range of patients and their loved ones – local people, like you and me – ellenor supports. That might be a quote from the family member of a patient ellenor has supported, some highlights from ellenor’s Wellbeing programmes, or reflections that challenge common misconceptions around hospices.
So – why bears?
There were plenty of animals in Wild in Art’s sculptural stables to choose from. But aside from being easily recognisable and instantly lovable, the bears from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt offer something else: symbolism.
“We felt that the book itself is really about resilience,” says Georgie. “It’s about all the lengths the fictional family go through – from thick, oozy mud to a swirling, whirling snowstorm – in pursuit of the bear. For us here at ellenor, it reflected the ups and downs real people go through when they’re having an extremely tough time in life. That speaks so closely to the experience of anyone needing the support of a hospice like ellenor.”
There’s also the physicality of the bears. “They’re big and powerful, but also cute and endearing,” Georgie adds. “Which makes them a great canvas for artists – and the kids are going to fall in love with the cubs!”
In addition to the vital awareness the bears will raise of ellenor’s role in supporting its local community, the sculptures will also bring vital funds into the hospice. Some of this come from the money ellenor saves through the support of its partners – which also includes Pillory Barn (Creative Partner), The Image Works (Photography and Videography Partner), and Artisan Print (Print Partner) – while some will come after the art trail’s eight-week run is over, when the painted bears will be auctioned off for around £4,500 each.
But the real legacy, Georgie hopes, will linger longer.
“We’re trying to challenge the way people think about hospices,” she says. “To make people feel open to learning more; to help demystify what we do.”
It’s a slow, deliberate strategy. A bear in a shop window. A quote on a plinth. A memory, or an invitation, or an idea. Small things – until they’re not.
“Ultimately, it’s about community,” Georgie finishes. “About a story. And every single person who touches this trail – whether they paint a sculpture, fundraise for a cub, or just walk the route – is helping tell that story.”
We take a look at three new cars coming to the UK including Geely’s first entry in the UK market.
Polestar has launched the Polestar 5 in the UK, a sleek electric Grand Tourer blending luxury and cutting-edge tech. Starting at £89,500, it features up to 871bhp, 0–62mph in 3.1 seconds, and a range of 351 miles. Built on a lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, it offers fast 800V charging and a minimalist interior with sustainable materials. A 14.5-inch touchscreen, Google integration, and advanced driver assistance systems come standard. With its aerodynamic design and supercar-level performance, the Polestar 5 sets a bold new benchmark for premium electric vehicles in Britain. It will be released in late 2025.
Geely has officially entered the UK market with the launch of its all-electric EX5 SUV, starting at just £31,990. Set to rival models like the Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EX5 offers a WLTP range of up to 267 miles and rapid charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Available in three trims—SE, Pro, and Max—the EX5 includes standout features such as a 15.4-inch infotainment screen, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The top-tier Max trim adds luxury touches like massaging seats and a panoramic roof. Powered by a 218hp motor and a 60.22kWh LFP battery, the EX5 is tuned by Lotus Engineering for UK roads. Buyers also benefit from an eight-year warranty and a free Andersen A3 home charger. With strong specs and competitive pricing, the EX5 is poised to shake up the UK EV market.
Kia’s all-new 2025 K4 redefines the compact sedan segment with sleek styling, advanced tech, and impressive efficiency. The K4 features a fastback silhouette, LED lighting, and a signature tiger-nose grille. Under the hood, it offers a 2.0L engine with 147 hp or a turbocharged 1.6L delivering 190 hp. Fuel economy reaches up to 34 mpg combined. Inside, the K4 boasts a spacious 98.7 cu.ft. cabin, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available heated seats. Safety is paramount, with Kia Drive Wise features like lane-keep assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. With trims ranging from the budget-friendly LX to the sporty GT-Line Turbo, starting at around £28,000, the K4 offers something for every driver. Stylish, smart, and safe—the Kia K4 will be out during Winter 2025.
Orchard West reveals the final principal line-up for this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Aladdin promising magic, laughter, and festive fun for audiences of all ages. Completing the cast are West End and stage stars Anton Stephans (as Genie of the Lamp) and Richard Foster-King (as the Wicked Sorcerer).
They join the previously announced national treasure Linda Robson (as Councillor Chigwell), hilarious comedian Rikki Jay (as Franky Panky), Jason-Marc Williams (as Widow Panky) who will dust off the bra and stilettos as this year’s Dame, Britain’s Got Talent’s magical Mandy Muden (as Spirit of the Ring), West End star Cleve September (as Aladdin) and exciting newcomer Ruby Mann (as Princess Jasmine).
Powerhouse actor and singer Anton has shared the stage with music legends including Tina Turner, George Michael, and Elton John. With an equally sensational theatre career performing in leading roles across the West End, Broadway and international tours, including Porgy and Bess, Starlight Express, Smokey Joe’s Café, Jesus Christ Superstar and Fisherman’s Friends. Most recently, he earned critical acclaim as Audrey II in the Little Shop of Horrors UK Tour. Beyond the stage, Anton has been a finalist on The X Factor (2015) and has extensive credits across television, film, and radio.
Richard is a seasoned panto performer and actor delighting audiences across the UK for over 20 years. He has also appeared in numerous West End shows and UK tours including Anyone Can Whistle, Hoods the Musical, Romeo and Juliet, Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be and The Wind in the Willows. Earlier this year he was filming alongside Tom Cruise in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s upcoming feature film, due for release next year.
Theatre Director Tal Rosen said “We are thrilled to complete our spectacular cast for this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. With such a talented line-up of West End stars, comedians and panto favourites, audiences are guaranteed a show, bursting with magic, music and laughter. We are delighted to welcome
you back to Orchard West, Dartford’s home of festive entertainment, where families and friends can share in the joy and sparkle of this unforgettable Christmas tradition.”
With this sensational line-up you’re guaranteed to be taken on the magic carpet ride of the year!
Make memories with your family in a show jam-packed with all of the panto ingredients you know and love –expect a dastardly villain, a hapless comic, a hilarious panto dame, as well as fabulous musical numbers, bags of slapstick fun for all ages.
Will Aladdin be able to thwart the wicked sorcerer, gain control of the magic lamp and win the heart of Jasmine? Come along and find out! With tickets from just £15 Grab your tickets now to this fabulous festive treat before they fly out of the door!
www.orchardwest.co.uk.
Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups
Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)
Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)
Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)
Swanscombe Castle Hill - Tuesdays 12.30pm
Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am (St Mary’s Church)
Stone Pavilion Walk - Thursdays 9:30am
Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am (War Memorial)
Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am
Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am (Castle Hill Community Centre)
• Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders
• Short social walks that last around an hour
• No need to book - just turn up
• Any age and ability welcome
• Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence
• Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear
