Dartford Living September

FREE September 2018 - Issue 147

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE

Cover Photo by Janice Blake

The Dartford Dog Car p5-6 Gardening with the World Garden p12 Are 10,000 steps enough? p41

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 September 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 SEPTEMBER

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 Dog Car 11......................Bip Bop Blog 12......................Gardening with the World Garden 15......................Life Under the Stairs 17......................Beautiful Bluewater 18-19................Travel News 21......................Back to School 25......................Recipe - Carrot Mini Muffins 27......................Money Advice 29......................Rescue is Best 32......................Sports News 34-35................3PointDarts 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

it up!

DARTFORD DOG CAR

by Justin Scrutton

I bought this old VW Golf about 6 years ago, for the sole purpose of driving my dogs to and from their favourite parks/seaside walkies.

It soon became a favourite with onlookers, as Lolo the French Mastiff and Cenzo the Siberian rescue Dobermann standing up, leaning out the windows, people would laugh and point at them.

About a year ago, I came up with the idea of having a bit of fun with it whilst trying to doze off one night.

Why not cover the thing in fur? I mean, it’s not exactly going anywhere when I’m done with it in this state – covered in hair, aroma of swamp-dog…

Later additions were the ears and a cheeky number plate. It even has its own Facebook page, the Dartford Dog Car, with around 500 people following Lola and Cenzo on our adventures.

We encourage folk to post to the page anything dog related with rehoming/lost pets as well as lighter humour.

A lady called Chelsea asked if she could shadow us and make a short video for her photojournalism course at Uni. I welcomed the idea, Chelsea did an amazing job.

Later another newspaper wanted to do an interview, then ITV called for one.

With yet another interview from an advertising company, we actually received some money for our time.

We decided to give this to the Mayor’s charity, which was gratefully received, the Mayor’s charities are SAfE, Mary’s Child, Cherished Memories and HomeStart.

So, I set about sourcing some fur fabric on the internet.

10 metres of fur and 12 cans of high strength carpet glue later and I was ready to go.

Some folk say I have too much time on my hands!

Over 2 days – around 6 hours later she was complete.

Even the rear wiper blade wags as a tail every few seconds.

The Dartford Dog Car was born!

I’m not quite sure what Lola and Cenzo thought of it at first, they definitely had a look of surprise on them!

They soon loved the attention it attracted, they lapped www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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In all, 6 drivers – Andy, Brian, Gary, Garry, Martin and myself took them to Joss Bay, near Broadstairs.

The families were so appreciative and could not thank us enough.

I even got a call from one that evening, personally thanking me – It brought a tear to my eye.

To be honest I think the drivers had as much fun as the kids, lol.

My day job is running my chauffeur company, but when I can, I will go out on call to pick up a stray dog and check for microchip and try to reunite it.

Several of my drivers offered their day to run around some HomeStart families, 60 people in total, to Westgate on Sea. Organising the drivers was the hardest bit, trying to find a mutual day, as many vehicles as possible.

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Some of these children had never seen the beach before, let alone a family holiday. It really brings things into perspective.

HomeStart is based on Temple Hill Square and Rosie is at the wheel. She came, along with Carol and Theresa.

We will try to make this a yearly event.

If you see us on our travels, be sure to give us a wave, we don’t bite!

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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 No job is too big or too small, give us a call and we will be happy to provide a quote for your requirements.

Mobile: 07557358674 or 07847189015

Email: sales@electricworx.london

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

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Princes Park, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, DA1 1RT

Tel: 07538254666 Email: info@thepaulpagegolfacademy.co.uk

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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.

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BIP BOP BLOG

by Charlotte Wise

We’ve been busy vlogging about our journey so far over on our Facebook page so make sure you check out www. facebook.com/dartfordfamilyexpo for all our latest antics!

The event is taking place at Dartford Football Club on 30th Sept 12-4pm and we really hope to see you there!

Until next time Charlotte x

Hi D L Readers!

Hope everyone has enjoyed their summer! We have had a whirlwind of a time over the past 6 weeks with day trips and a break away in Devon. It seems to have gone so quickly and I can’t quite believe that we’re now in September!

Aside from being busy with a toddler and keeping my ‘Mumpreneur’ hat on, I’ve also been busy with venture number 2. This time I’ve teamed up with another Mum, Michelle Deogun of Bumps, Bubbas and Beyond Children’s Markets to organise The Dartford Family Expo. This is a brand new event for expectant parents and parents of new babies, toddlers and preschoolers showcasing all the information, advice, tools and treats that are available in and around Dartford.

It’s going to be a fantastic event for the local community and we’re so excited to be working on it.

We will have everything from singing Disney Princesses to paediatric first aid, counselling services to gifts and keepsakes and a whole array of informative talks and baby and toddler taster sessions running throughout the day. It’s going to be a great way of getting everything you need all under one roof.

And what’s more, it’s completely FREE to attend!

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GARDENING WITH THE WORLD GARDEN

By Tom Hart-Dyke

Image credit - Alan Graham

plants such as curry plants, lavenders, rosemary, to give a nice shape and increase the longevity of the specimen.

We have been very busy recently completing the finishing touches to our new “Hot ‘n’ Juicy” hot house, my botanical mission to showcase a wondrously diverse collection of sumptuous cacti & succulents mostly from the arid

September is still an extremely busy month for us in The World Garden, after the scorching weather in July and August, it’s also essential to ensure you keep on top of watering to maintain the post summer glow! Don’t forget, container plants require an extra soaking until you can see the water coming through the drainage holes, ideally use rain water collected from water butts. The challenge of drier months means weeding maybe a bigger task but hopefully easier to remove them!

Deadheading is next on the list, removing spent flowers helps keep the beds looking tidy and it’s a great time to start collecting seeds from your favourite perennials that have ripe seed cases. Our volunteers in The World Garden call this job treasure hunting, we recommend removing the dry seeds from the cases and storing in paper envelopes and then a sealed container. They can then be kept in a fridge to increase the viability of the seeds, ready to be sown in the Spring in a green house or your window sill.

Image credit - Alan Graham

regions of North America. It will open on Saturday the 15th September during our Mexican Celebration event, it’s a must see new feature of the garden, located next to our nursery and potting shed.

So don’t miss this month our popular Mexican celebration weekend, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a Mexican plant tour with myself and team, enjoy the band and a taste of Mexico! They will be two FREE guided tours of the World Garden including Mexico & The Hot houses at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Our café marquee will have a Mexican themed menu, so pop over for a great family day out!

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September – 11am – 5pm.

Adults £10, Children under 15 - FREE

Image credit - Alan Graham

I always see September as one of the key maintenance months, by keeping on top of the garden and preparing for the winter and beyond. It’s an excellent time to give herbaceous perennials such as Geraniums a good old haircut to promote a second flush of flowering. In addition, remember to trim back old flower spikes and new growth on Mediterranean 12

The World Garden and Lullingstone Castle

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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

by Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

CREASING UP

doesn’t care, has no self respect or just can’t be bothered.

I’m not sure if I would want to deal with someone at my bank, or a solicitor if they were untidy. Subconsciously I’d wonder if they were qualified to help me.

Do we place too much emphasis on how we look? It seems to matter a lot less than it ever did. Also, it seems to depend very much on what you do. Wearing neatly pressed clothes if your job requires heavy, physical work, possibly open to damage or dirt seems illogical. Similarly, turning up for work in a crumpled shirt or jacket in an office where clients visit will give a negative impression to that client.

I’m pleased that the days when men wore suits and ties at weekends and women wouldn’t open the door without a clean, starched apron are over.

I’m quite a fan of ironing. I have to be in the mood, but when I am, I am at my happiest de-creasing pillow cases, t shirts, jeans etc. The smooth lines cut by a hot iron through wrinkled clothing soothes my soul.

Chatting away to friends recently, I was surprised at the number of people who no longer iron. Neither of the offspring do, unless it’s for a special occasion – I’m guessing this would be wedding and funerals. Eldest Offspring has a uniform for work; it is fairly casual, being jeans and work boots but with an organisation logo on the shirt. She doesn’t iron it. Youngest is even more casual, being employed in a fairly fashionable bookshop, where there is no dress code other than ‘smart’ – and that’s open to interpretation.

I have another friend who irons her duvets but not the pillowcases. Yet another who tumble dries everything so she doesn’t have to iron. Obviously I’m doing that wrong, because whenever I tumble dry, stuff comes out as tangled as spaghetti junction, and creased beyond measure.

It’s a quirky thing, ironing. Why iron socks and tea towels, fitted sheets and knickers, but not a jacket or trousers? I know people who do/don’t iron all these items.

I’m just overjoyed that crinkle cotton exists. Wash it, twist, dry it, wear it. No ironing!

HOT DOGS – OFF THE MENU The majority of pet owners are sensible, caring folk well aware of the dangers of the recent hot weather in regard to their animals. We provide shade and extra water where possible, cool coats and quiet places.

We walk them early in the morning or late at night. The message about leaving them in cars is beginning to filter through.

Here’s a thought though. Just because you’re up at the crack of dawn to go to a boot fair doesn’t mean the dog wants to go as well. Early mornings are fine, but as the day heats up the poor animals suffer. Having attended a couple recently, I’ve been shocked by the number of dogs desperately seeking the shade or a drink while their owners amble around the stalls. These sites offer the barest of facilities to humans, let alone animals. Please let them have a lie in while you go bargain hunting.

Thanks.

See you next month.

Ironing is also ‘me’ time. While calmly pressing my clothes, I sort out ideas and tasks in my head, forward plan, day dream or just watch the activity in the garden. I feel rested afterwards and quietly satisfied when I see the pile of neatly ironed garments.

I wonder if we judge others on how they look? Do we see wrinkled or creased clothing as a sign that someone www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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BEAUTIFUL BLUEWATER Currently a total of 23 retailers at Bluewater have signed up to take part, with more expected in the coming weeks.

As part of Bluewater’s ongoing sustainability efforts and in a bid to cut single-use plastic consumption, visitors can now fill up their water bottle for free at any Bluewater retailer displaying a Refill Me sticker in its window, with zero obligation to make a purchase from the retailer.

Bluewater is celebrating the beauty of its incredible landscape with a unique exhibition of stunning photography, captured by local Bluewater guests. Beautiful Bluewater showcases 33 shots of the centre’s striking natural environment in more than 50 acres of lakes and parkland.

Local amateur photographers were challenged to capture the images over the course of summer, seeing Bluewater’s outdoors spaces in full bloom, for the opportunity to have their work displayed at the gallery. Now open for all to enjoy, the exhibition includes atmospheric shots of Bluewater’s contemporary architecture as well as images of the local wildlife soaking up the sun on one of the lakes.

The competition received over 60 entries with the 12 winning photographers also receiving a Bluewater gift card.

During the development of Bluewater, which sits in a picturesque former chalk quarry, more than one million trees and shrubs were planted, and have now grown and flourished into more Green Flag award-winning lakes and parklands, home to an array of rare wildlife. Guiding guests through this stunning landscape is the Nature Trail, with fun family activities and interesting information at each location, including the beautiful swan lake, the Mosaic Tunnel, Pirate Cove and new Pixie Valley.

Bluewater brands signed up to the “Refill Me” initiative include Costa, Caffè Nero, EAT, Starbucks, Coffee Republic, Pret, Krispy Kreme, Joe and The Juice, Lakeland, Bills, Côte, Carluccio’s, Pizza Express, Zizzi, Lola’s Cupcakes, Comptoir Libanais, Ask, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Byron, plus others. The new campaign is part of the centre’s wider green strategy, which includes achieving 100% diversion from landfill and recycling over 90% of all waste being produced on the site.

Robert Goodman, General Manager at Bluewater, said: “Sustainability is an integral part of Bluewater’s culture and we are thrilled to take part in the “Refill Me” initiative. It’s great to see our retailers coming together to encourage guests to reduce the number of plastic bottles being thrown away.”

Bluewater is part owned and managed by Landsec, which is rolling the Refill Me programme out across all of its centres nationwide.

Tom Byrne, Sustainability Manager, commented: “Refill Me is a brilliant way of reducing the amount of waste we produce from single-use plastics. We’re really excited to be able to offer our guests this service as part of their experience.”

For more about Bluewater’s Refill Me programme, visit: www.bluewater.co.uk.

Visitors can head to the Beautiful Bluewater Gallery on the Lower Guildhall to view the winning imagery, open until September. Please visit www.bluewater.co.uk for more information.

Bluewater has unveiled a new initiative, “Refill Me”, which allows guests to easily identify where reusable water bottles can be refilled with no obligation to purchase. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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DARTFORD ARTS NETWORK

by Kate Withstandley

As we were preparing for our Spring Fayre back in 2015, I was racking my brains for a unique outdoor activity which would fit our theme of the Green Man. I remembered an artist I studied at university, Andy Goldsworthy, who uses natural materials to create pattern and sculpture on the sites he finds. I designed an activity based on his style and DAN Land Art was born. Originally devised as an attempt to free art from the confines of the gallery space and highlight the beauty of art in nature, the medium lended itself perfectly to the ethos of our fayre and it went down a storm on the day, with scores of people getting involved and lots of great feedback from the public.

As a local artist network, one of our aims is to break down barriers between art practice and the public. Many of the parents commented that it’s a great idea and that they would now be gathering materials in their garden to make their own sculptures. Part of our reason behind doing the project was to leave people with a sense of ownership over it, that they can take the idea with them, re-use it, recreate it. You don’t need a studio of art materials to embrace creativity, you can do it anywhere around you.

With this in mind, we decided to take the project on a local tour, with ‘pop up’ stalls at fetes throughout the summer. We have been at Stone Fete, Ingress Fun Day, Bridge Community Day and Wilmington Fete, all of which have been just as well received as the first. At Stone Fete we almost instantly began to get some interest from passing children. “how much does it cost?” they asked cautiously. “it’s FREE!” we replied with glee. “Get stuck in!”. Soon enough, kids of all ages (including very grownup ones) were getting fully absorbed with the task, which was as enthralling to watch as to do. Children are always happy to join in, but adults are often more reluctant, the boundless confidence of children has been replaced with ‘I’m not arty’. But the grown-ups were drawn too, by helping their children and seeing the beautiful effects 18

which can be made from the simple placement of natural materials. Geometric shapes, curves, circles, mandalas, towers, piles; everyone had their own style. Some went far along the floor, others stayed in one small area and built up. The endless possibilities allowed for each person to express themselves creatively.

It was a complete delight to see the differences in the participants and their way of thinking (it took a while before anyone decide to build UP), their type of design, and the levels of concentration and creativity. We deliberately didn’t give a lot of guidance; (the imagination of a child is far beyond what we could proscribe) and although some people initially asked us what they should do, within minutes they were doing far better by themselves.

We also allowed the design to evolve, to ebb and flow throughout the day. People were reluctant to dismantle other artworks, but the nature of the activity is its change.

It ended very differently from how it began, which was exactly the intention.

We were lucky to have secured some funding from local Kent County Council councillors of the costs of running the events, and we would like to thank them for their contributions too. The project has been such fun, and all our fabulous DAN artists and volunteers have enjoyed themselves as much as the public participants! The experience has also helped us to gather feedback from the public about which kinds of arts projects they would like to see in the local area and I hope we have given people some inspiration about how to create free, simple, but beautiful art anywhere they go, with just the world around them and a little imagination…

Kate Withstandley - Acting Secretary of Dartford Arts Network

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Dartford Arts Network (DAN) is an inclusive arts and cultural organisation for those in, around and connected to the borough. You can contact us at hello@dartfordartsnetwork or visit our website www.dartfordartsnetwork.com.

Dartford Arts Network’s next project ‘Drastic Plastic Action’ will be the creation of 3 large-scale sculptures to hang in the Priory Centre and includes free public art workshops in the Market Hall area on 1st & 8th September 10am – 4pm. Please join us! We will be doing sewing, painting, printing, metalwork, willow and of course, colouring for the little ‘uns.

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

DRASTIC PLASTIC ACTION

- FUNTOONS WITH Tayo – Cartoon workshops for all the family £7.50 for each participant.

A DAN Public Art Project with FREE Art Workshops 1st & 8th September / 10am - 4pm / Priory Centre @dartfordarts www.dartfordartsnetwork.com/projects/drastic-plastic-action/

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.

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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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BACK TO SCHOOL

by Rebecca Daniel

to turn up with on their first day which drives us educators insane. Can you have a little guess what it might be? Any ideas? Equipment! Most schools across the UK expect students to bring their own stationary and to be honest, if money isn’t an issue, then it is great practice to do so. Not only will this prepare your child for their lessons but it will also teach them the value of being independent and responsible learners which is a teacher’s dream.

Store away the buckets and spades and dig out all of your pens and pencils. It’s that time of year again where adults are rejoicing, the grunts of children are being heard across the town, alarms are being set and shoes polished. It’s back to school time!

Whilst your little darlings have been busy gaming, texting and religiously scrolling through social media, getting back into that essay writing, problem-solving state of mind is not going to be a walk in the park.

The burning question is: are you and your children ready for school?

If not, here are three tips and tricks to get you back into the swing of things and ease your stress.

Tip 1: Avoid the herd of parents and the chaos of shopping for that all important uniform and try ordering various sizes and styles for home delivery or selecting the convenient click and collect options. The beauty of modern day shopping is the convenience of trying on things in the comfort of your own home and returning unwanted items in your own time.

Tip 2: Funnily enough, after years of being in education there is always one thing that most students forget

Tip 3: Let’s be honest, we all experience the pressures of being Mary Poppins but I have a secret to tell you.

Mary Poppins doesn’t exist. The most important thing as parents is that you remain calm during the ‘return to school’ period which will have a knock-on effect and your children will respond to your positive energy. Avoid falling into that trap where everything is left until D-Day; planning and preparation is key.

Although I am an advocate for education, personal and professional development, I am also very passionate about ensuring our children are confident, motivated and literate members of society. Encourage your child to pick up a book, comic, magazine or any text they can read to get them thinking and their brains ticking.

If you require any literacy support for you or your family, please get in touch for a free telephone consultation. This offer is specifically for Dartford Living readers and is valid until the 30th of September 2018. Give me a call on 03333 442 850, email hello@ jigsaw-education.com, or alternatively visit our website www.jigsaw-education.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/JigsawEdu. I wish all the local children (and of course parents) a smooth return to school.

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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:

• Misted, cracked or broken glass • Drafts, leaks & condensation • Sticking, loose or broken handles • Window/doors not opening, closing • Patio doors not running smoothly • Cat flap & letterbox fitting/replacement • Lock and key replacement

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Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS and hiding them around town.

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

By Kingsford HereMaria 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 -REALLY EASY CARROT MINI MUFFINS

by Debbie Dickinson

Really Easy Carrot Mini Muffins.

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

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

This recipe makes about 48 mini muffins. Could also be baked as a traybake in a 6” square tin and cut into squares.

You will need: 2 eggs 150ml vegetable oil 300g grated carrot 150g soft light brown sugar 100g raisins/sultanas 200g self-raising flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon & ½ tsp mixed spice (You could adjust to taste after making once? Maybe you could try adding orange/lemon zest? Or chopped nuts?)

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

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

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

Pop a spoonful of mix into each cupcake case (the maths geek in me loves to weigh mix into each case to ensure all are identical – in this case 20g) and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This may sound silly, but you’ll know when they’re done if you press gently on the top of one – it will feel spongy and baked! You could also test by the usual way of popping a skewer in and checking it comes out clean too, if you like!

Leave in the tray for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until cooled.

Try not to eat them all while they’re cooling!

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

Enjoy! xxx www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Discover Why Parenthood Is Good In Dartford!

Everything You Need To Know For Expectant Parents, Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers Bringing You All The Amenities and Support Our Community Has To Offer FREE TO ATTEND!

Venue:

www.FamilyExpo.co.uk

Dartford Football Club, Princes Park Stadium, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT

For more details contact info@familyexpo.co.uk @DartfordFamilyExpo

Media Partner

Sunday 30th September 2018, 12 - 4pm Sponsored by

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Sponsored by

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MONEY ADVICE

WEBSITE: www.capuk.org TELEPHONE: 0800 328 0006

by CAP

University: less skint, more mint It’s September again and new students around the UK are getting ready for the start of university and the challenges that come with it.

When you’re living away from home for the first time whilst balancing your social life and deadlines, it can be hard to know how to save money and balance a budget.

But with more and more students leaving university with problem debt in tow, it’s more important than ever to be savvy when it comes to money. Here are our top tips to make your uni days less skint and more mint.

First things first: make a budget and stick to it. It’s a lot less daunting than you think and once it’s done, you often won’t need to change it. Decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on things like food, travel and leisure (yes, this includes your nights out!) each week/month. If you’re unsure where to start, check out studentcalculator.org.

Learn to cook. Ready meals and takeaways are the quickest way to drain your bank account, so get your head around the basics ASAP. Get yourself a student cookbook or look up healthy, cheap recipes online. Make things like Bolognese, curry and stew in bulk and freeze it in containers – there’s your ready meal for another day!

Get the best deals on your food by shopping around for the cheapest options. There’s a handy website called mysupermarket.co.uk where you can compare supermarket prices. Remember to compare by weight to get the best deal.

Make the most of deals and discounts for students. The NUS extra card gets you money off at high street shops and food restaurants, while National Rail offers a third off rail travel for students aged between 16 and 25. If you’re living in halls of residence or a house occupied solely by students, you won’t have to pay Council Tax. You may be included in your parents’ home insurance, which will save you shelling out for cover too – it’s worth checking their policy details to find out.

There can be a lot of pressure on students to sign up for a gym membership during Freshers’ Week, but these can be expensive and often unnecessary. Why not find free ways of exercising? Hop on your bike to lectures and save money on bus fare, go for a run instead of paying to use a treadmill, or join a sports team and make some new friends.

Shop around for books. When you find out your course reading list, avoid immediately rushing out or jumping on Amazon to buy the lot. There are bound to be a lot and chances are you won’t read the whole book anyway. Scour the university or city library, second hand bookstores and charity shops. Don’t neglect to ask older students on your course for books they no longer use too.

Of course, the best way to bump up your bank balance is to get a part-time job, while also being proactive and enhancing your CV. Why not find out if your students’ union has any jobs available, an ideal way to work around your course timetable and social life? Make sure you factor any extra income into your budget.

If you want to learn more about budgeting your money, spending well and saving for the future, then sign up for a CAP Money Course at a church near you. Visit capmoneycourse.org for more info.

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Whatever place you’re into

“ Post summer reboot.”

Start your post summer regime today with NO joining fee Contact our friendly membership team today for full details Fairfield Leisure 01322 421166

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

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Visit website for full terms and conditions.

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.

Dog Tiggy, Mongrel, Female, 4 years old Ref: 352177 Tiggy is a clever and busy little dog with a love of training. She is looking for active new owners in a quiet location who are familiar with excitable terrier types. Tiggy can be unsure of unknown people and busier locations but loves exploring the great outdoors in open and peaceful areas. Her new owners should share her enthusiasm for training as she really will love to continue to practice the skills she has been learning.

If you’re interested in rehoming Tiggy, please call Battersea Brands Hatch on 01474 874 994 Cat Missy, Domestic Short-hair, Female, 8 years old Ref: 364638 Missy is a friendly and inquisitive lady who enjoys interacting with people, so long as she has given permission first!

She simply adores having her cheeks and head stroked, but also enjoys just sitting next to her favourite people.

Missy would make a great companion cat as she loves spending time with people, however she does enjoy her own space too. You’ll frequently see her lounging atop her cat tree, or peering out of the window watching the world go by.

Missy is looking for someone who understands and appreciates her one-of-a-kind personality and will treat her like the princess she is.

As much as she loves people, Missy has demanded she has a garden as her favourite past time is to sunbathe.

If you’re interested in rehoming Missy, please call Battersea Brands Hatch on 01474 874 994

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 14th September Friday 19th October Friday 16th November Friday 14th December 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. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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WEBSITE DESIGN From a small one page brochure site to an eCommerce website, we have packages to suit your requirements and budget

PROMOTIONAL LITERATURE

From Business Cards to Flyers and much more. We can design your literature to promote your business.

MAGAZINE AND BROCHURE DESIGN We are the current designer and editor for the Dartford Football Club Programme and also Dartford Living Magazine. We have a lot of experience in producing good quality publications.

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31

SPORTS NEWS Bav’s Sporting Comment

It’s a new Premier League season, but it’s the same Manchester City that have picked up where they left off last season. Can you spot a team that will run them close to the wire this season? Most pundits agree Liverpool will pose the biggest challenge to Man City, but given their start to the season, and quality of players on the pitch and on the bench, combined with the quality of their manager, I can only see one winner. Surely the question is how many trophy’s will they win? Quadruple anyone?

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

Upcoming events in September include: 2: Formula 1 - Italian Grand Prix, Monza

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

2-9: Cycling - Tour of Britain 6: Football - Uefa Nations League - Wales v Republic of Ireland 7-11: Cricket - England v India, fifth Test, Oval 8: Football - Uefa Nations League - England v Spain; Northern Ireland v Bosnia and Herzegovina 9: Football - Uefa Nations League - Denmark v Wales 10: Football - Uefa Nations League - Scotland v Albania 15: Cricket - T20 Blast Finals Day, Edgbaston

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

16: Formula 1 - Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay 16-23: Judo - World Championships, Baku, Azerbaijan 22: Boxing - WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight title fight - Anthony Joshua v Alexander Povetkin, Wembley Stadium 28: Boxing - World Boxing Super Series Final & WBA supermiddleweight title fight - George Groves v Callum Smith, King Abdullah Sports City, Saudi Arabia 28-30: Golf - Ryder Cup, Le Golf National, Paris 30: Formula 1 - Russian Grand Prix, Sochi

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FIRST SESSION !

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3POINTDARTS

By Nicola Coppen

Surely you want Andy Fordham to know your about your business? Yes, Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham!

practice and ability all lead individuals to amazing achievements & those making the grade can travel world wide 6. Academic subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) benefit from the mental arithmetic, including the speed of accurate calculations However, there is a down side. It appears that in order to qualify for national competitions, participants need to travel huge distances (Wolverhampton, Newcastle and the South West) and this benefits the higher skilled and more affluent and able families.

We hope you, like us, are having a wonderful summer.

We aren’t kidding – we want professional dart players and others in Kent to know about your business: Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham, Deta ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Hedman and Conan ‘The Barbarian’ Whitehead are just three of the household names who are top of our darts extravaganza!

This leads us nicely into the inspiration to find out about this: Kevin ‘The Dart’ Stringer – British Disability Darts Association player who told us more about the sport for disabled and young players, but equally how the sport is supportive of one another and the wider sense of community too.

So 4Roles4Goals and Kevin ‘the Dart’ have stepped in to give the dart community more members.

‘What you we talking about?’ we hear you ask….

4Roles4Goals are back planning our usual sport event based career days, but we also have a very big focus to tell you about. 3PointDarts – an event to benefit all people who want to play darts, but especially Young People. Why? Well, more about the inspiration in a minute, here’s the outcome of our research…

1. There is a keenness to play darts by young people (6 years and up & the same board and oche as the adults) 2. There are only 2 established Dart Academies in Kent - East Kent Darts Academy, Canterbury running for approx. 12 years - Dartford Darts Academy, Dartford running for approx. 1 year 3. There are U18 ‘superstar’ dart players in these academies that play for Junior Darts Corporation (even have their own range of darts you can buy!)

4. Darts is open to all – girls, boys, men, women, disabled or able-bodied 5. As with all sports, discipline, determination, 34

Together with some rather big names in the world of Darts, Andy Fordham, Deta Hedman, Conan Whitehead to name just a few, we are holding a very special event at Dartford Football Club on 9 November, which will: 1. Raise funds for ‘The Heart of Darts’ – the official

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charity of the sport 2. Raise funds for Kevin ‘the Dart’ who has just recently been called up to the England First Team in the BDDA World Cup 2019

media posts and ‘shout out’ mentions on all types of media outlets too. We will also ensure you have the opportunity to join us – although of course you don’t have to! We hope to get exposure in September across Business Radio and TV stations plus, if we can, local news. We of course invite your assistance if you have ideas too and all of these are recognised and publically applauded too.

Be a Programme and Table Sponsor? These sponsors are the focus of the individual tables and with branding and business promotion through our 4Roles4Goals outlets and articles. Whilst these sponsors are very much an ‘on the evening’ focal point, the advertising and promotion of support will go a long way to ensuring your Kent business has the attention it deserves for supporting the 3PointDarts causes!

3. Raise funds to bring the sport of darts to a wider community, potentially a Kent Dart League via 4Roles4Goals These 3 ‘goals’, or as we have called them ‘3PointDarts’ are going to need your help. We need Kent businesses to sponsor so we really can ensure all the ticket sales go to the 3 Good Causes.

How You Can Help. Could you….

Be our single headline sponsor who has the benefit of being the focal branding for the event? Your Logo would be highly visible in prominent displays across the stage, branding and business promotion through the 4Roles4Goals outlets. We will ensure you have evidence of your Corporate Social Responsibility focus at the event, in the lead up to and post event with social

Or can you help with attractive auction items to raise more funds for the cause? 4Roles4Goals is about all sports so sports memorabilia is always of interest, but equally vouchers for golf or afternoon tea, a service or a hamper - whatever you can donate and we can make the most of!

Lets not forget buying tickets!

All tickets include a 3-course meal and every aspect of the entertainment that you will see on the night and general tickets are just £46 each.

A limited number of ‘Meet and Greet’ tickets are available for exclusive access to time with the sport superstars. These tickets are £85 each and provide an earlier start to the evening for the select few taking advantage of this offer!

So, please find out more by getting in touch or following us:

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The Masonic Province of West Kent The Freemasons of Dartford in conjunction with Heritage Open Days cordially invite you to an OPEN DAY at Dartford Masonic Centre, 71 West Hill Dartford DA1 2HJ on

Sunday 9th September between 10.00 am and 4 pm

Visitors will be able to access the whole building, which will include guided tours of the Masonic Temple. On the ground floor there will be exhibits relating to the organisation and Masonic charities, with representatives of the Lodges and other Orders that meet in the Centre to provide information and answer your questions.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day. DMC staff will also be available to advise on booking the Centre for Weddings, Parties, Wakes or other events.

Further information can be obtained from DMC on 01322 224007 and at Heritage Open Days https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

CLAREMONT DECORATIVE SERVICES • ALL TYPES OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DECORATING • AROUND THE HOUSE MAINTENANCE JOBS • FREE ESTIMATES • REFERENCES AVAILABLE • RELIABLE, INEXPENSIVE AND QUALITY WORK BY LOCAL TRADESMEN CAN WE HELP YOU?

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

Meet our team – if you need help finding care, we will do whatever we can to be the difference you need.

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates:

Nursing | Residential | Dementia Respite Care Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm – 7.00|pm -Day Appointment required) Friday 3rd March Friday 21st April Friday 19th May Friday 9th JuneRd, Park, Rowhill Friday 28th July Friday 8th September

Historical Military Themed Tours for Clubs, Groups and Societies Legacy offers a range of military themed tours from a day trip to the scene of the Battle of Hastings, to bespoke tours to the WWI and WWII battlegrounds of Belgium and France from as little as £39 per person.

• Luxury Coach Travel • Local Collection Points • The Services of an Expert Battlefield Tour Guide • Channel Tunnel Crossings (where applicable)

For further details please contact Steve Hookins

• Accommodation (B&B basis) (where applicable)

Legacy Historical Services Ltd Room 9, 145 Nathan Way, Thamesmead SE28 0AB

Emerson Grange Care Home Emerson

Telephone: 0208 311 5309 Mobile: 07783 021508

Hextable, BR8 7FP

Call 01322 771477 Visit Open Surgerycinnamoncc.com – (no appointment necessary)

Email: legacy@lewiscoaches.co.uk EMERSON GRANGE www.legacyhs.co.uk

Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford – Saturday 15th July 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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2018

SEPTEMBER Saturday 8th September Eastbourne Boro KO 3pm Saturday 29th September Weston-Super-Mare KO 3pm

ADMISSION PRICES: Adult – £14.00 Concession (65+) – £9.00 Youth (13-17) – £5.00 Junior (5-12) – £2.00 Under 5s – FREE

www.dartfordfc.com info@dartfordfc.com | 01322 299990 Princes Park, Grassbanks, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RT,

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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

2 Banks Place, Market Place, Dartford, DA1 1EX

Buss Murton Law LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership No. OC345994 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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ARE 10,000 STEPS A DAY ENOUGH?

By Mark Broadbent With the popularity of fitness tracker watches and the likes, it seems appropriate to address the question of whether they’re any good or not. Do they actually work and will they help you to lose weight or get fit?

It’s a difficult question to answer since we all have different goals, different lifestyles, different ideas of what “exercise” is.

To bring it right back to basics, the recommended 10,000 steps a day will help to maintain a certain level of health and very basic fitness, but is unlikely to get you the results you want when you look in the mirror. This should be used simply as an indicator of how active you’ve been in a day.

What they don’t track is other exercise that isn’t “steps”. For example, your fitbit will not likely count the 100 push-ups or 200 squats you did in your workout, a 10km bike ride, or any other form of training that doesn’t involve steps.

Nor will it account for the 1,000 steps you took carrying a 50kg weight or some heavy shopping bags. These are far more beneficial for most than a few hundred steps.

1,000 steps walking normally is NOT the same as 1,000 steps pulling a sled, or 1,000 steps sprinting; and I’d argue that 100 squats is more beneficial than 1,000 steps.

I’ve seen people sacrifice hours of their day walking in order to get their step count up as if they need to hit 20,000 steps to make progress, but the reality is, that extra hour of walking would have been better spent doing a workout.

If you’re someone who obsesses over attaining “badges” or “medals” for completing X number of steps in a day/ week/month etc, and sacrifices other important tasks in order to make up your steps, then my advice would be to ditch the pedometer and focus on a good training schedule. You’re obviously active enough to hit the basic 10,000 steps a day and the need to go above and beyond this is unnecessary and even detrimental for your results.

If, on the other hand, you’re someone who rarely, if ever, hits the 10,000 steps, and you don’t work out on those days, then the step counter may well become a good ally.

Check your steps periodically throughout the day (not too often though) and if you’re flagging a bit, go for a walk to make sure you’re hitting your minimums. This is the real benefit to these trackers.

If you train regularly, your step count on those training

days will become less important.

As I said before, a good workout will be worth much more than the same time spent trying to clock up your steps. An hour of moderate to high intensity training will be multiple times better than the same hour spent walking. So, if you find on training days that you haven’t met the 10,000-step target, don’t worry. Your workout will likely compensate for most, if not all of that deficit. That’s not to say be lazy and that the step count doesn’t matter, daily activity and staying mobile is important, so if you do still hit the target that’s a plus, and having a workout is not an excuse to laze around for the rest of the day.

Wearing a step counter may be an eye-opener for some people and give you an idea of how active you really are (outside of your workouts), so in that respect, it could be beneficial to keep an eye on it, but don’t obsess over the numbers. An expensive watch isn’t really necessary, a basic pedometer will do, or your phone has probably also got a step counter on it too which will work just fine assuming, like most people, that you never go anywhere without it in your pocket (but that’s an issue for another day!).

Whether you count them or not, steps and other daily activity go a long way towards helping you to lose some excess weight and stay healthy. It’s important to remain active and move as much as you can to counter sedentary jobs. Your activity level needs to suit your fitness goals and so long as you are aware of what you need to do, and are actually doing it, there’s really no need to wear these watches. They can be helpful if used correctly, or a hinderance if you obsess over it.

Decide on your goals, determine how active you need to be to achieve those goals, and use these trackers as an aid to this if you feel they are helpful to you; but be aware of the confusion they could cause and be ready to do away with it if you see that starting to happen.

Mark

If you need help, get in touch for Personal Training or Nutrition Coaching via

www.DartfordBootcamps.com, MarkOneFitness.blogspot.co.uk

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TWILIGHT WALK – LET’S PAINT THE TOWN ORANGE!

By Basia Wilson

Let’s paint the town orange for your local hospice charity ellenor. ellenor’s biggest event yet, ‘’Twilight Walk’, is returning on Friday 21 September to cyclopark in aid of Kent charity ellenor, which provides vital hospice care to people of all ages.

Twilight Walk will see hundreds of supporters of all ages and abilities participating in an evening of fun, celebration and remembrance. Walkers will be wearing bright orange t-shirts and having fun together to raise money and remember a loved one in a special way and WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO JOIN US. Let’s paint the town orange together!

Emma Bowles, Senior Events Fundraiser at ellenor said: “Entries for the ninth Twilight Walk are now open and following the huge success of last year’s walk, we are looking to raise even more funds to provide the very best palliative and end of life care for people with terminal and life-limiting conditions in Kent. Last year’s walk saw a record 782 walkers take part and raise £46,268.31 for ellenor - the most raised from a Twilight Walk to date.

Without the support of the local community, we simply couldn’t do what we do. Twilight Walk is our biggest community event of the year and a wonderful way to show support and raise money for ellenor, this year we are determined to make an even bigger impact, and with your help we could be one step closer”.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the Twilight Walk again this year. We have sponsored the event now since 2014 and each year the team at ellenor outdo themselves in making sure that the event is a huge success and that everyone taking part has a great time. ellenor is close to the hearts of both founders of Esquire Developments, and we are extremely proud to be able to be a part of such a great event and help support the amazing work that the charity does each year” says David Braddon, Director at Esquire Developments.

"I love volunteering at ellenor's Twilight Walk. It's such a fantastic atmosphere and great to see the town of Gravesend lit up in orange. It's one of my favourite days in the whole year." Gary Groutage, Walker If you would like to support hospice care, to register for this event please go to https://ellenor.org/Events/eventdetails/twilight-walk-2018.

Volunteers play a vital role in making our events a success and if you or anyone you know would be interested in helping out on the night please contact Emma Bowles on 01474 320007.

Join us at our

Glitz & Glamour Evening FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2018 at The Mercure Brands Hatch Hotel DA3 8PE 7.15pm for 8pm Welcome Fizz, Three Course Dinner, & Coffee Followed by dancing to the fabulous

Jonah’s Wail (one of Kent’s top function bands)

Tickets £49.50 To find out more or book your tickets, please contact Sheila Buckley

Award winning property developer Esquire Developments has been the sponsor of the Twilight Walk since 2014.

Based in Longfield, the company creates sustainable developments that complement existing communities.

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Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

on 01474 533990 or email: sheila.buckley@alz-dem.org

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services is a registered Charity No. 1173379 and is a registered company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No.10690071

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817

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THEATRE ROUNDUP

By Liz Dyer

Who’s at the theatre this month? If you are, you’re in for a treat. If not, there’s still time to get your tickets...

The kids may be heading back to school in September (though not before wowing us all over again with last month’s brilliant Summer Youth Project production of The Wizard of Oz), but summer’s not over yet here in Dartford, because the Summer Holiday big red bus is coming to town (4th-8th)! Don’t miss this stage version of the classic 1960s Cliff Richard movie starring Ray Quinn, and get ready to hit the road and sing along with all the hits in what’s been described as “the feel-good musical of the year”.

Missed Pirates of Penzance in the park last month? No worries - get your tickets instead for Gilbert and Sullivan season (10th-12th), which includes Iolanthe, Trial by Jury and Pirates of Penzance. Then sit back, relax and enjoy a great evening in the company of the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, safe in the knowledge that you definitely won’t get rained on.

Horrible Histories (19th-23rd) is a franchise that needs little introduction; between the books, the TV series and the live shows, they’ve been making history fun for kids of all ages since 1993. And now they’re back with not one but two shows: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians. Why not check out both?

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And that’s not all that’s coming up for younger theatregoers.

I must admit that Little Baby Bum (28th-30th) is a new one on me, but as the world’s largest educational YouTube channel, I’ve no doubt it will be a name that’s all too familiar to the parents out there. Bring your little ones along to see Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends in the world premiere of this brand new live show.

Not spotted anything you fancy yet? Other highlights coming up this month include Dartford favourite Joe Pasquale (2nd) and former Britain’s Got Talent stars Flawless (24th) with Chase the Dream: The Reboot.

There’s music from Jane McDonald (16th), The Simon & Garfunkel Story (17th) and Tropicana Nights (14th), and comedy where you’d least expect it in Dracula: The Bloody Truth (27th) and One Man Stranger Things (28th).

And for something a bit different - and a chance to peek behind the scenes of our favourite local theatre - why not come along to the Open Day (2nd) or Tea & Tour (25th).

Oh, and don’t forget to get your tickets for this year’s panto starring Marti Pellow! Christmas will be here before we know it...

For local and London theatre reviews, visit theblogoftheatrethings.com

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COMPETITION Rock Of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the Dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true!

TUE 20 - SAT 24 NOVEMBER 2018 To book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk | Ticket Office: 01322 220000 We have teamed up with The Orchard Theatre to offer a pair of tickets fo Rock of Ages opening night on the 20th November at 7:30pm To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just answer the following question...

Which band sung ‘The Final Countdown’? a) Europe b) Asia c) America d) Foreigner Closing date 15th September. 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 - SEPTEMBER 2018

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we’ll bring you new models available now and a new BMW Series 3 for next year.

2018 Kia Niro PHEV – The Kia Niro is a conventional petrol-electric hybrid with a battery that charges itself, but there’s also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model in the range, which, as the name suggests, you can plug in to charge.

The PHEV goes about its business in town quietly (barring some road noise) and smoothly shuffles power between the battery and the petrol engine as required. The official electric mile range is 36 miles, however you may receive slighlty less than this in reality. There is a battery pack stored in the boot of the car which reduces the capacity but doesn’t impede on leg and head room in the car.

It’s loaded with equipment such as heated seats and automatic lights and wipers are included, while the 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. It is on sale now from £27,995 (with a £2,500 plug-in government grant).

2018 Citroën C1 Urban Ride – The Citroën C1 Urban Ride is ‘SUV-inspired’ according to the French brand; it still looks like a city-friendly hatchback. However, matte black wheelarch extensions, black 15-inch wheels, black 46

door mirrors and tinted side and rear windows do give the Urban Ride a slightly more robust character. It has a bright orange trim and blue cloth seats create a bold look, but may not be to everyone’s taste. It includes lots of standard equipment, including heated door mirrors, a reversing camera, a DAB radio, steering wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth and a USB socket. It also gets a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system as standard. Prices start from £12,225 and is available to buy now.

2019 BMW Series 3 – BMW has made this new, seventhgeneration 3 Series is a little bit larger, lighter and safer than the outgoing model by moving it onto the same basic underpinnings as those of the larger 5 Series and 7 Series saloons. It’ll have a more spacious interior, too, with plenty of new technology, while fans of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument cluster should note that a similar system will be available as an option on the 3 Series for the first time. Full engine information is not released yet however the following will give you a guide; engines are likely to range from a 114bhp 316d diesel and 134bhp 318i petrol options, all the way up to include a 300bhp 3.0-litre diesel and eventually a near-500bhp new M3 super-saloon. The car’s centre console looks to have had a redesign, too, with separate driving mode buttons (Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro and so on) replacing BMW’s long-standing rocker selector. And practicality has been improved, with a notable gain in rear leg room evident, and extra head and elbow room in the front seats. The biggest change ahead of the driver is likely to be the option of fully digital instruments in place of the part-digital ones you find on the 5 Series and 7 Series.

More details will follow as it becomes available. Prices are estimated to start from £29,000 and will be on sale from early 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 – 11AM SEPTEMBER 15TH & 16TH - 5PM Celebration Weekend Mexican ON - 7PM BER - 12 NO Carving 28TH OCTO in pk m Pu & Halloween 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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49

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 PopIn 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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

THE DARTFORD STROKE GROUP This group meets Monday afternoons at the YMCA Roundhouse, Overy Street, Dartford for a chat in a relaxing atmosphere, chair-based 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 Chris 01322 836026 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-Kent-Book-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 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 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 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 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.

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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, 52

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 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

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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 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

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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 Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30am-10:30am At Europa Gymnastics Centre Mondays 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Fridays 7.00pm – 8.00pm at Becket Sports Centre 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 offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, 54

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.................................................................11 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 Orchard Theatre.................................................................44 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing ..........................................................38 WEBSITE DESIGN Dartford Living Design.................................................30

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

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817