Dartford Living July Issue

By the community, for the community

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July 2017 - Issue 133

The Beauty Around Us Pages 8-9 WHAT’S INSIDE...

Ebbsfleet Garden City is Growing - Pages 10-11 Dartford Big Local - Page 14 Making Miracles - Page 24

Plus - All your regular

features, events, information and much more in your larger 60 page issue.

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

MONDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sue 07507 599691 British Legion Hall Devon Road South Darenth DA4 9AA 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm June 07957 902767 Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Church Centre, 112 Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, Kent DA10 0JZ 7:30pm Lisa 07986 030199 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

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Wilmington Memorial Hall High Road Dartford DA2 7DW Tuesday, 530pm Susan 07584991531

THURSDAYS The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 9:30am WEDNESDAYS Caroline 07776 VCD Sports Club, Old 181413 Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 10:00am, 5:30pm and St Anselm’s Parish 7:30pm Centre Liz 07900 213548 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 Glentworth Ex 2HJ Service Club 5:00pm and 7:00pm 154 Lowfield Street, Gillian 07957 135737 Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB Greenhithe & 9:30am and 12:00pm Swanscombe British Gillian 07957 135737 Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ The Howard Venue 5:30pm and 7:30pm (formerly South East Paula 07891 424401 Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, SATURDAYS Hextable, BR8 7LG Amar Hall 5:30pm and 7:30pm East Hill, Dartford, Caroline 07776 Kent, DA1 1RX 181413 9:00am Sarah 07739 027161 Temple Hill Community Centre Christ Church Centre Temple Hill Square, Kingswood Avenue, Dartford, DA1 5HY Swanley, BR8 8AN 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 8:00am and 10:00am 7:30pm Kelli 07931 085668 Jo 07800 797030

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WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF

DARTFORD LIVING

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

14 10-11

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8-9 Contents

8-9..................The Beauty Around Us 10-11..............Ebbsfleet Garden City 12-13..............Dartford Living Meets 14...................Dartford Big Local 16...................Life Under the Stairs 17....................The Hope Group 19...................Quartz Financial Services 24....................Making Miracles 32....................Stanhill Farm Recipe 34....................Sports News

35.......................News from Princes Park 44.......................Local Entertainment 45.......................Fitness 46.......................Auto News 47.......................Gardening News 48-55..................Where to go locally 57.......................Advertising Index 58.......................Useful Numbers

Check out our website for even more local news and articles

www.dartfordliving.com 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.

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Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoy July’s 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!”

Don’t forget that we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. Dartford Living is YOUR magazine, the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Feel free to 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!

We deliver to thousands of homes and businesses in the local area, however if you don’t always receive a copy directly through your door, you can pick up a copy from various drop off points. These include Dartford Football Club, numerous local libraries, Fairfield Leisure Centre, The Priory Shopping Centre, Stephen Oliver Art Gallery, numerous health centres and local Barclays branches. The ‘Previous Editions’ section of the Dartford Living website also includes electronic versions of Dartford Living magazine. Additionally, if you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our newsletter email mailing list and contact you just once a month with an electronic copy of Dartford Living! Over 5,000 local people already do this!

Until next time, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and Amie , Annie, Barbara, Bhavesh, Bradley , Cath, Catherine , Christine, Daniel, David, Dawn, Derek, Debbie, Dhiren, Elaine, Eleanor, Emma, Emma, Holly, Jackie, Jane, James , Jenny, Joanne, John, Kay, Ken, Kelly, Mark, Nickki, Nicola, Pam, Richey, Sarah, Sam, Sharon, Stephen, Steven, Teresa, Tarnya, Vanessa and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

Photo by Bresserphotos.com

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 15TH JULY 2017

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Apex Law are excited to announce the opening of their new offices in Dartford. Our Dartford office is in a very convenient position with free visitor parking and close to the station. It is run by Pam Downes a well known local Lawyer with an experienced team. Pam deals with all aspects of Residential Conveyancing plus Private Client issues such as Lasting Powers of Attorney’s, Court of Protection Applications, Wills, Probate, Compromise Agreements and she is a specialist in Equity Release matters.

Apex Law has case handlers located throughout the South of England and further afield who are all highly experienced in their fields of law including commercial property, Wills, Family Law, Residential Conveyancing and Private Client.

In this highly technological world, expensive office premises can only drive up costs and at Apex Law LLP we are passionate about offering the highest level of service but at a price you can afford, because many of our Lawyers are self-employed they are frequently able to offer more flexible hours to suit you. We have Lawyers fluent in French, Chinese and Malay. We also have strategic alliances with Spanish Lawyers.

At our offices we offer a friendly comfortable environment in which you can relax whilst dealing with your legal issues.

We provide a cost effective local, national and international service in most areas of law and if we have no specialist in regard to any matters in which you require advice, we have arrangements with other firms of solicitors to whom we can refer you with confidence.

Our offices are located at: 3 The Pantiles

Unit 32

1st Floor

Bexleyheath

Basepoint Business Park

87 Rainham High Street

DA7 5HH

Victoria Road, Dartford

Rainham, Kent

01322441442

DA1 5FS

ME8 7HS

info@apexlaw.co.uk

01322283854

01634233331

pam@apexlaw.co.uk

rainham@apexlaw.co.uk

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FEATURE ARTICLE: THE BEAUTY AROUND US

Words by Kelly Goldsworthy, photos by Janice Blake

Dartford resident, Janice Blake, has become well known on Dartford Living’s Facebook Group and Facebook Page for her photographs of the local area. She clearly has a natural flair for photography!

Janice explained “I got into photography when my son bought me an iPhone for Christmas. When I took my first picture with it I was hooked and I haven’t stopped taking pictures since.”

Janice’s pictures tend to be of local buildings, natural sites and nature. Janice said “There is always something pretty, unusual, beautiful or just different to take a picture of. Sometimes the everyday things that we see make a good picture. Anything and everything inspires me. My favourite pictures are of the beautiful birds around Brooklands Lakes, especially the babies.”

As you can see, we’ve included a few of Janice’s photos on the front cover and within this article, to give you a bit of a flavour of her work.

Janice’s photographs have become so popular with our Followers on Facebook that an Album, specifically for her photos, has been created on the Dartford Living Facebook page. Janice also regularly adds her latest photos to the Dartford Living Community Group on Facebook.

Sometimes we miss or forget the beauty around us, but with the help of Janice’s photographs you can’t help but recall that there’s a lot to make us smile within the Borough of Dartford.

Search for our Page and/or Group on Facebook: Page: Search for ‘Dartford Living’ Group: Search for ‘Dartford Living Community Group’

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FEATURE ARTICLE: EBBSFLEET GARDEN CITY IS GROWING

By Mark Templeton Head of Communications Ebbsfleet DC

Many of you will have seen the progress now being made in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

In the last year alone, more than 600 new homes were started, multiple and major housebuilders are on site and they are reporting very strong sales.

But it’s not just about homes. Ebbsfleet Development Corporation which was set up to speed up the pace of delivery in Ebbsfleet, has also, through its planning committee, approved plans for a new school, Cherry Orchard Primary Academy, which will open this September.

Work will also start in the summer on a new £12million bridge which will link Springhead Park with Ebbsfleet International station.

And the corporation is working on a series of new walking and cycle routes as well as improving existing routes, to ensure the whole of the Garden City is joined up and people living there will have less need to use their car.

such as the planned A2 junctions.

Developers report that local buyers have been snapping up properties with the Government’s Help to Buy scheme being used in up to 90 per cent of purchases.

To give you a flavour of some of the things happening on the ground, you will currently see:

Throw plans into the mix for a new city centre around Ebbsfleet International Station and the fact the Garden City is part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone meaning companies setting up there will qualify for discounted business rates, and you’ll see that there is plenty happening.

Eastern Quarry

Yes, the area has been talked about as a Garden City for years, but take a look now and you’ll see things are really starting to happen.

Ebbsfleet Green

This June, an Ebbsfleet Garden City Information Centre will open at Ebbsfleet International Station and that will allow members of the public to see a large model of the Garden City in its entirety as well as use an interactive screen to get the very latest information on developments.

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation has also launched a programme with 40 partners that brings together all parties in Ebbsfleet Garden City to ensure a smooth delivery of housing and infrastructure.

The Single Integrated Development Programme, known as SID, will be used by all stakeholders in the Garden City to plan its delivery and ensure there are no ‘pinch points’ which would have an effect on the public.

The programme, with input from partners, tracks month by month with detailed mapping when new houses will be built, what vital infrastructure such as electricity will be installed and when road improvements will take place

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Persimmon is building 170 homes and Clarion Housing 125 affordable units. Barratt Homes is building 112 units.

42 have already been released and all sold.

Redrow’s first phase of 180 homes is progressing well with around 70 properties sold and more than a dozen occupied. There will be 950 homes here eventually with sports and community facilities and a new school.

The Garden City’s first pub at the entrance to Ebbsfleet Green is being built by Marston’s and is already taking shape and is expected to open in September.

Springhead Park Countryside Properties is currently building its latest phase of 123 homes providing a mix of apartments and houses in the heart of Ebbsfleet Garden City. There will also be a new school.

Plans are also coming forward in Northfleet for more than 600 new homes, community and leisure facilities as well as a new school.

Paul Spooner, Interim Chief Executive of Ebbsfleet

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Development Corporation, said: “This has been a truly remarkable year for the Garden City as we have exceeded the 600 target for the number of starts on new homes – compare this to the previous year when there was just 60 starts on site and you see a picture of rapid development taking shape.

“With our commitment to forward fund essential infrastructure our development partners are confident of delivering 5,100 new homes in Ebbsfleet Garden City by 2021 as we head to the overall target of up to 15,000.”

“Our private partner housing developers tells us that interest in the Garden City is incredibly strong and sales have been buoyed by the Help to Buy scheme which is giving younger people a real step up on the property ladder.”

“Much of the success of Ebbsfleet Garden City is down to its location and the rail link that can get you into central London in just 17 minutes and developers report that people from around Kent who work in London now see this as a prime destination to live, especially with the wide range of housing on offer.”

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

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DARTFORD LIVING MEETS.......HARLEY CLARK HURREN BY KELLY GOLDSWORTHY Hello, I’m Harley; I am 36 and live locally with my lovely Wife, Sonia. She is relatively local, though I moved here from Maidstone. I have called Dartford home since 2010 and despite the M25 car park on our doorstep, I enjoy living here and I have met many wonderful people. I also work locally for Dartford’s Early Help Team, where I support children, young people and their parents or carers.

In 2012 I started training as a Social Worker. I wanted to challenge my thinking around mental health because the only views I had, were echoes of those in the media of the time. Stigma is still very real and needs to be challenged, but even just five years ago it seemed as though any violent crime was being blamed on someone’s mental health and language in headlines still included words like ‘loony’ or ‘bonkers’. I wanted to understand more and so was very pleased to be offered a six month placement at Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Mind (now, North Kent Mind).

I was struck by how caring the organisation and its workers were. Whether volunteer, Mind support worker, counsellor or manager there was a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards those in need of support and an unyielding commitment to doing all that could be done.

During my time here I worked with individuals and groups of people with issues including but not limited to; anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, paranoia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and psychosis. What I liked most was that when I finished my placement in 2013, I very much saw each human being for the person they were and not just a label given to or accepted by them.

In January 2014, I was approached to join as a Member of the Board of Trustees, something I felt and continue to feel very privileged by. As board members, we oversee decisions relating to the services that are provided and the strategic development of the organisation, including the responsibility of employing a growing number of people.

As it is a voluntary role, we donate our time to do this, and I am delighted to contribute to my community in this way.

A friend of mine had this idea to complete a big challenge.

I was thinking something like a bungee jump or even a parachute jump. Something big, but over quite quickly.

Then he mentioned the GR20 which I had never heard of.

It’s basically a walk, but not an easy one. GR stands for Grande Randonnee (in French) and these are a network

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of long-distance trails throughout Europe.

The GR20 is 185 km long and runs through the mountains of Corsica. I was a bit hesitant at first, but then I thought, why not! It would give me an opportunity to raise awareness and fundraise for North Kent Mind and I enjoy a challenge. Not only that, but this challenge parallels life in many ways. It will be a journey, with many ups and downs (both physical and emotional) but it will be travelled with friends, with opportunities to make new ones along the way. I kind of like the symmetry.

I support North Kent Mind because it does good work in my local community. However, I want to stress that all mental health charities and organisations are incredibly important because difficulties can affect anyone at any time. Managing your own mind can be really hard!

I strongly believe that with the right help and good people to deliver local services, people can overcome mental health challenges and go on to lead successful, rewarding and meaningful lives. North Kent Mind is vital to this in our local community, not only because it already provides a great number of services across Dartford but

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also in Gravesham, Swanley and Medway. It also has a dedicated team of the most wonderful people who are passionate about supporting others and reducing the stigma of mental health.

I have many hobbies which help keep me fit, active and above all, connected to others in my community. I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a runner, but I do like to run. Dartford has a thriving running community of which I am a member. I regularly attend Dartford parkrun on Saturdays and I volunteer as often am able to, either on a Saturday or at Junior parkrun on Sundays. I like cross country running and am a member of Dartford Harriers Athletics Club.

I am also a UK Spartan. Spartan Races are obstacle course races set over a number of distances. So far I have completed six races ranging from 3.5 -13.1 miles. They require the ability to run and to overcome challenges such as cargo nets, rope climbs, monkey bars and barbed wire crawls etc. My training buddy Chris B is largely to blame for this monstrous addiction. The euphoria of crossing that finish line is hard to beat.

Aside from exercise, Sonia and I have an allotment in

Dartford and enjoy growing our own fruit and vegetables.

We also love wildlife and have sown wildflowers, built bird boxes and hedgehog hideouts as well as recently completing a beekeeping course with the Dartford Beekeepers. We have made some good friends on plot and time spent here is rejuvenating. In addition to this, I am a Bushcraft enthusiast and enjoy practical survival skills. The natural world can promote a sense of connection to our environment, both as children and adults, which is so good for mental health and wellbeing. This is an area in which I am keen to develop my knowledge and skills. In order to do so, I have started volunteering my time with Badger Bushcraft to learn more.

To donate to Harley’s fundraising go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HarleyClarkHurren There is also a Facebook page called ‘Harley’s Help: Fundraising for Mental Health & Wellbeing’. Please do like, share and keep up-to-date with training and other bits and bobs on this challenge.

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FEATURE ARTICLE: WHAT IS DARTFORD BIG LOCAL

Big Local is managed by the Local Trust and is an exciting opportunity for residents in 150 areas around England.

These residents can use at least ÂŁ1m each to make a massive and lasting positive difference to their communities. Big Local brings together all local talent, ambition, skill and energy from individual residents, groups and organisations that want to make their area an even better place to live.

The exciting news is that we have this opportunity in an area of Dartford. Dartford Big Local covers the areas highlighted in the map (see map image). Sophie Price is a Dartford local and will be consulting with residents and businesses within the catchment area to hear their views around positive changes and new initiatives that DBL can support.

The DBL aim is to create a community that is able to identify local needs and take action in response to them. It will increase skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future.

The community will then make a difference to the needs it prioritises and people will feel that their area is an even better place to live. An example of this could be investing in local sports facilities or helping local entrepreneurs to develop and start businesses in the area.

DBL is not about short-term thinking as locals have 10 years or more to plan and deliver the best options for

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Email: spricecommunity@gmail.com

the area. The decisions are resident led and not about the government or statutory organisations.

If you live or work in the area highlighted Sophie would love to hear your views on how we can make positive changes. Or why not invite Sophie to your community group?

Email: spricecommunity@gmail.com

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Chris Fox FNAEA

A PASSION FOR PROPERTY SALES SINCE 1978 94 Brent Lane Dartford DA1 1QX

01322 479660

www.foxestateagents.com

• No Sale No Fee • Free Market Appraisals • Appointments 7 days a week • Professional and Friendly Bespoke Service • Open house and accompanied viewings • Free On-site Office Parking

Fox Estate Agents have won the British Property Award for Dartford.

The team were mystery shopped, over a lengthy period, against a detailed set of twenty-five criteria.

This gave a balanced overview of their customer service which was judged to be excellent.

Chris with Lucy Alexander and Martel Maxwell from the BBC’s Homes Under the Hammer

Life Under The Stairs by Jane Stevenson TRASH, TREASURE, TRANSFER Stevenson Towers is not a Tardis, and with four adults living under one rather small roof, space is now at a premium.

With both children temporarily back with us, bringing their own furniture and possessions, every inch of space has been utilised. The garage is full to bursting, every cupboard is crammed with stuff.

The positive side was that we were forced to have a clear out, resulting in boot fair profits and a healthy eBay account.

I just didn’t realise exactly how much ‘stuff’ we had.

While waiting for the Youngest Offspring to finish work recently, I browsed the shelves in Waterstone’s and came across a book called ‘The Joy Of Less’ by Francine Jay. Eagerly, I pounced on it and skimmed through. Then I bought it, ironically adding to the piles of stuff I already have.

Yet what an eye opener it is proving to be. It is a thoughtful, funny and useful book on decluttering our lives. I still haven’t finished it, but already have taken on board her ‘Trash, Treasure or Transfer’ mantra. Going through drawers and cupboards and really taking a long hard look at what I’ve accumulated over the years. Much has gone into the Trash – why on earth I kept broken ornaments, odd cutlery and magazines from years ago is beyond me. I must have wanted them for something, but the fact I haven’t used them is testament to the fact they aren’t needed.

Treasure is a harder category to define. I have photographs handed down from generation to generation, many showing my ancestors. I have documents and letters dating back to the seventeenth century – no use at all to me but a reminder of where I came from. If I have no idea of the people in the photos, I’ve got rid of them.

I’ve asked myself some hard questions: does my mother’s teaching certificate from the 1940s qualify as Trash or Treasure? What about my dad’s RAF papers from World War II? The jury is still out on those items, and they are back in the bureau. The same goes for jewellery – some handed on to me but which has no sentimental value for me at all. Some I’ve had melted down and made into new items that I wear knowing the history behind them.

Transfer is the best of all. Many of us do this as a matter of course, by donating unwanted items to charity, or renewing, revitalising and re-using old items. The transfer in this case is a new lease of life. An old garden chair, given a lick of paint will see me through for another year or so. A can of spray paint transforms a formerly dull frame into a clean and on trend mirror frame.

I’d recommend the book to anyone who feels overwhelmed by possessions – an accumulation of items that may not see the light of day, and lie forgotten and unused

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in cupboards and drawers. There is also another, more sobering reason to declutter now and again.

When my parents died, I had the onerous task of going through a large house full of things from a long and happy marriage. Forty bags of clothes went to charity, the knick knacks of a lifetime – silverware, cigarette lighters, glassware, linens and books to name a few things, were all redistributed. Even a car, left in the garage for several years had to go. It’s a task I don’t want my children to be faced with – it’s painful and a reminder that loved ones have gone.

Read the book, and arm yourselves with large rubbish sacks. You’ll need them.

WELL, I NEVER KNEW THAT...

We have recently had a death in the family. A sad time for sure and a reminder that it comes to us all.

Yet even in the darkest time there is humour, and for me this was the introduction to the huge range of funeral caskets available nowadays.

I went along with my relative to arrange a funeral. Lovely helpful people at the company, and a choice of coffins I could scarcely believe.

I have always assumed coffins and caskets were made from wood. I had no idea that the range was so vast. From the very ornate, fitted with heavy and intricate decorative handles and lined with all manner of expensive material, to the more basic variety, with ‘brass effect’ handles.

What I wasn’t aware of is that coffins can be made of wool, bamboo, banana leaf or cardboard, among many other materials. Some funeral directors offer handmade, individually designed coffins and you can also have a coffin landscaped with pictures and photos of your choice.

I’m not sure what I think about this. Death is a serious and sad time for family and friends. There is a dignity involved in sending the deceased off. Yet perhaps we should look on the lighter side of it. It is also a chance to celebrate a life gone, to remember the good times, the funny side of things that we shared with that person.

Perhaps a banana leaf coffin sums up their attitude to life – who knows. After all, the decisions for such items are often taken by those left behind, and as family or friends we should know what suits the personality of the one we have lost.

We had help and support from our choice of funeral home, and made our decision based on what we knew.

We did our best, and that’s what counts.

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Ms Rani Khamba Chairperson Hope Group Peppercorns 3 Orchard Street Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF 07580 615206 hope-yoga-and-you.co.uk

Big Lottery Grant Award for Local Women’s Support Group “The Hope Group in Dartford, a finalist in the 2016 Kent Charity Awards, has received £5818.00 from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All programme to provide free Yoga and Meditation Classes for women, some of which may be vulnerable and need support at critical times in their life”.

Yoga and meditation are proven to be of benefit to general health and regular participation can also strengthen people’s ability to overcome personal challenges, improve overall wellbeing and increase life chances.

Hope has been working with women of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds since 2007 and has just launched a new series of classes at Peppercorns in Dartford aimed at women living and working in the Dartford and Gravesham areas.

Hope has already had a big impact in the lives of many local women who wanted a helping hand to improve their quality of life: “Hope Group has been wonderfully supportive and has helped to increase my confidence and self-esteem. Everyone in the group understands what it is like to try and deal with difficult problems in isolation on your own. Joining other people who are in a similar situation to me, has made me realise that I can overcome my problems and my fears. I’ve also made new and lasting friendships. Hope has, quite literally, given me hope”.

Rani Khamba, Chairperson for Hope who set up the group, added: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the group and needless to say I am very proud of what has been achieved since the group first opened and the number of ladies that have benefited from our group ‘Hope’. Above is just one testament of the wonderful work we as a group are doing and none of this would have been possible without the generous funding we have received from year to year and namely this year ‘The Big Lottery Grant’ has enabled us to continue offering two regular Yoga classes a week.

The evening classes are aimed at ladies that work who can therefore attend our evening classes as opposed to those that may be retired or not currently working who may prefer to attend the morning classes”.

Classes are free of charge but places are limited to 25 per session. Attendees are sometimes referred to the classes by other support organisations based in Dartford and Gravesham or even by the NHS. However please feel free to come along independently or give us a call to discuss any matters.

LOCAL BUSINESS:

QUARTZ FINANCIAL SERVICES

Website: quartzfs.co.uk Telephone: 07932 616400/01474 887948 The right to live in the property until they have either both either moved into long-term care or if both of them has passed away.

Equity release – unlock the value in your home for your retirement One of the services we provide is equity release. It can be used for a variety of reasons but we’re finding that retired people are increasingly coming to Quartz to release money built up in their home to fund home improvements, holidays and helping their family financially.

The money released is tax-free and allows you the freedom to unlock the value of your home to enjoy as you wish.

As no monthly payments are required, the interest will roll up over the life of the mortgage and be repaid, usually by the sale of the property on death or moving into long-term care. A certain percentage of the property was also ringfenced so that a minimum percentage of the property’s value would be passed to their beneficiaries when they have both passed, or left for themselves if sold.

They can make voluntary overpayments towards the interest without incurring early repayment charges (limits apply) and can be repaid in full at any time if funds allowed this (early repayment charges would apply).

We’ve recently helped a retired couple in their 60s to release equity – here’s their story.

Our clients, a married retired couple, had sold their greater London home, cleared their mortgage and had bought their retirement home outright. They also had a little left over for some improvements but two years later, they wanted to make some more which hadn’t been planned and so they needed to secure some finances.

They looked into local authority grants but didn’t qualify and weren’t prepared to ask friends or family for a loan on what they considered to be non-essential expenditure.

It was then that a friend recommended Quartz to them as we have huge experience in helping people over 60 in this situation.

Quartz owner Melinda Bush met with them to go through their circumstances and requirements to establish whether a traditional mortgage better suited them or if there were other means of raising the funds they needed.

After a full fact find and research process had been carried out to high industry standards, a Lifetime Mortgage was recommended which is a type of Equity Release plan.

The plan that was right for them gave them: The money they required at the lowest fixed rate currently available in the market No monthly payments to make

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Everyone’s circumstances are individual and there are many plans available to suit each different client we meet.

For a consultation and bespoke plan about equity release, contact: Quartz Financial Services. contact@quartzfs.co.uk 07932 616400 01474 887948 quartzfinancialservices.co.uk Quartz Financial Services Limited is an appointed representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Melinda Bush - founder, Quartz F

OPENING HOURS: Monday - Saturday 12.00pm to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 12.00am Sunday - 12.30pm to 12.00am (Including Bank Holidays) 56 Hythe Street Dartford DA1 1BX SUNDAY BUFFET - 12 ITEMS 12.30pm TO 9.00pm (Dine in only) Adults £9.50, Children Under 12 £5.50

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Dartford Living

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Wills LPAs Probate Trusts Home visits available for Will Instructions Fully insured - 2 million pounds PI Insurance Reasonable fees Member of IPW and regulated by Trading Standards Institute Website: www.smnwillwriting services.com Email: susan.norris@ smnwillwritingservices.com Tel: 01322 291379

The only independently owned and family run funeral directors in Longfield, Dartford and the surrounding villages Especially for the first time, any time of the day or night you can talk to us We will attend to everything We will liaise with doctors, coroners, hospitals, churches, celebrants and ministers We have a private chapel of rest and can provide a fleet of Hearses and Limousines to compliment a dignified occasion We also provide: 24 hour personal service Experienced staff members Worldwide repatriation

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Home visits Funeral plans Obituaries

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STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION

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Mob: 07747 015223 Tel: 01322 412791 45 Knole Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 3JN. E-mail: steve.cook3@ntlworld.com

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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Dartford Living 23

LOCAL CHARITY: MAKING MIRACLES Making Miracles is a local registered charity, which was established three years go. We have worked hard to gain supporters and key partners to work alongside us and have also secured some Big Lottery Funding, which has helped us to expand. We are now moving across Kent quite quickly and we were also a finalist in the Kent Charity of the Year Awards 2017! We launched into the Dartford and Gravesham area just before Christmas and are looking for support from local people.

We aim to do three things: 1 - Support parents of a high risk pregnancy (where mum and child are at risk), premature baby or a baby loss: We support local families referred to us via Darent Valley Hospital with a professional trauma counsellor to help them make sense of a diagnosis and provide 1-1 support.

In the devastating event of a baby or infant loss we provide professional bereavement counselling. We also have just opened a Baby Memorial Garden to provide them with a place to go, visit and remember their babies.

2- Help Darent Valley Hospital: We have just launched into DVH and are running stalls selling baby goods in order to raise money for the counselling services that local parents could not access prior to us expanding into Dartford and Gravesham. The hospital approached us after hearing about us from our work in Medway and we are very proud of the services we have in place there. We have big plans for DVH and look forward to introducing more services when our fundraising in the local area is established further.

3 – Research: We support and raise awareness of relevant studies into the investigation of birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirth. This is so more effective intervention and prevention may be established in the future thus the UK’s National Statistics are lowered. Right now we are investigating funding a 40 week additional scan to see if this lowers the stillbirth rate. This is a 2 year pilot and we hope we can achieve huge things here alongside the medical professionals.

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website www.makingmiracles.org.uk email becci@makingmiracles.org.uk Tel: 07921 333003

We are looking for volunteers and fundraisers to create a new team in the local area. This may involve knitting or crocheting, helping on a stall in DVH or at a shopping centre in one of our towns. Or taking part in a sponsored event, holding a charity tin in a local business or us becoming a company’s Charity of the Year.

For further information please call Becci on 07921 333003, email becci@makingmiracles.org.uk or visit www.makingmiracles.org.uk

Alzheimer’s & Dementia S U P P O RT S E R V I C E S Registered Charity No. 1024385

FREE MEMORY CAFÉS Hartley Wellfield Community Hall DA3 7EG 1st Thursday of The Month 10am - 12pm

West Kingsdown Kingswood Court TN15 6LN 1st Tuesday of The Month 10am - 12pm

Swanley White Oak Court BR8 7WF 2nd Friday of the month 2pm - 4pm

Meopham St John’s Church Hall DA13 0AA 3rd Tuesday of the month 10am - 12pm

Dartford The Orchard Shopping Centre DA1 1DU 3rd Wednesday of The Month 10am - 12pm

Gravesend The Woodville Halls DA12 1AU 4th Wednesday of The Month 11am - 1pm

Living well with dementia, Practical information, Refreshments Chance to relax in a safe environment

Call Us On - 01474 533 990

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

MONEY ADVICE Welcome to the (frugal) festival season For families, couples and groups of friends alike, festivals are always a summer favourite. What could be better than a staycation spent sitting in the sun, listening to music and having fun? The problem is, festivals rarely come cheap.

So is there a way to enjoy the season while saving money?

You betcha.

If you’re new to the whole camping thing, don’t bother splashing out on a fancy new tent (unless you’re planning on getting into it seriously, of course). Ask around and see if you can borrow a tent from a friend. The same applies for camping chairs, picnic rugs, sleeping bags and blowup mattresses. A gas stove is also a useful addition to any camping trip (see the next tip for more on that).

Let’s face it, pop-up caterers know full well how convenient they are. Who’s going to leave a festival to trek for miles looking for another shop when they can grab something there and then? Sadly, this often adds up to a hefty price tag! As well as bringing non-perishables like crisps and breakfast biscuits from home to keep you going through the day, make meals like Bolognese, stew and curry in advance and freeze them – they’ll keep for a day or two and can be heated up with a gas stove (make sure you check whether the festival allows these first). A flask, some coffee granules and a travel kettle could save you a small fortune too.

Lots of festivals, including New Wine, Greenbelt and ONE, offer discounted event entry and camping for volunteers – some will even give you these things completely free of charge, with meals thrown in as well! Got kids in tow?

Most festivals will want volunteers to do shifts of a couple of hours each dotted throughout the day, so make sure there’s always one adult ‘off shift’ to look after the kids and you’re winning.

If the festival runs over several days, consider whether the venue is close enough for you to drive home at night rather than staying over. Provided you’re not going to be

Website: www.capuk.org Telephone: 0800 328 0006 running up big fuel costs, it’ll save you some money on a camping ticket (not to mention there’s less chance of waking up with a seriously cricked neck!)

Take plenty of cash with you. Not all festivals have cash machines on site, and when they do the queues can be tediously long and there’s a hefty transaction fee. That said, only take as much cash as you’re going to spend and avoid the temptation of all the shops and stalls!

Regardless of the weather forecast, pack clothes for all eventualities! This is Britain after all. An umbrella and raincoat are a must, as are sun cream and a sun hat. Don’t leave yourself in a position where you have to shell out for these things in the shops on-site – they’re never going to be cheap.

There can be a fair bit of waiting around in between acts at festivals, so make sure you have plenty to do. Whether it’s a good book or outdoor games and activities to do with the kids, it’s something to keep you all busy without having to splash out on on-site entertainment. Hey, if the venue is big enough and you’re allowed to take them in, why not bring your bikes? If it keeps everyone entertained for an hour or two, it’s worth it.

Are you living on a low income or tight budget? Would you love to learn simple and effective ways to make the most of your money and not be held back in life by your financial situation? If so contact Kelvin on 07861 101496 regarding a local CAP money course to help you with budgeting and saving. If you’re struggling with debt, don’t panic – last year we helped over 20,000 people with their debts. Give CAP a call on 0800 328 0006, visit capuk.org or pop in to the CAP Drop In at Dartford Community Church Bungalow, 171 Dartford Road, DA1 3EW (via side entrance in Broomhill Road) on the last Wednesday of the month between 12 noon and 2pm to have an informal chat over a cuppa with Karen, our Debt Centre manager (no appointment necessary). All CAP’s services are available to everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background and are free.

Dartford Property Renovations

Garage Conversions Extensions Loft Conversions Wood Flooring Decking Carpentry Works Plumbing and electrical Works Gas Safe and Electrical Safe Kitchen and Bathroom Refurbishments Painting and Decorating Boiler Installation (with warranty) All work undertaken please ask.

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Contact Details Email: rbbuildingservices@live.com Telephone: Robert - 07948566829 for a FREE quote

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Dartford Property Report - July 2017 Dartford rents rise by 22.6% since 2005 The Dartford Property Market is a very interesting animal and has been particularly fascinating over the last 12 years when we consider what has happened to Dartford rents and house prices.

There’s currently much talk of what will happen to the rental property market following Brexit. To judge that, I believe we must look what happened in the 2008/9 credit crunch (and what has happened since) to judge rationale and methodically, the possible ramifications for long-term investors in the Dartford property market. You see, an important, yet overlooked measure is the performance of rental income vs house prices (i.e. the resultant yields over time). In Dartford (as for the rest of Great Britain), notwithstanding a slight drop in 2008 and 2009, property rentals have been gradually increasing.

The income from rentals has been progressively increasing over the last 12 years. Today, they are 22.6% higher than they were at the beginning of 2005. In fact, over the last five years, the average growth has been 2.4% per annum. From a landlord’s point of view, increase in average rental income is not to be sneered at. However, the observant readers will be noting that we are ignoring an important factor – our friend inflation.

Turn the clock back to 2005, and we have a property being rented for say £900 a month and that is still being rented at £900 a month today, in Spring of 2017. While the landlord is not getting any less income, this £900 is no longer worth as much. Let me explain, in 2005, £900 may have bought a two-week 4* holiday in Italy.

Yet, holidays have increased in line with inflation (which has been 38.5% since 2005), so our holiday would cost today £1,246 (£900 + 38.5% inflation = £1,246). Therefore, the landlord could no longer afford the same holiday, even though having the same amount in pound notes from their rental property.

This means when we compare rents in Dartford to inflation since 2005, Dartford landlords are worse off today, when they receive their monthly rental income, than they were in 2005 by 15.9% in real terms (rents increased by 22.6% since 2005, less the 38.5% inflation since 2005 – net affect 15.9% drop) However, rental income is not the only way to generate money from property as property values can increase. Although in the short term, cash flows are diminishing, many Dartford landlords may be content to accept that for a colossal increase in capital value.

Property values in Dartford have risen by 64.8% since 2005 This equates to a reasonably salubrious 5.4% per annum increase over the last 12 years. Even more interesting that this includes the 2008/9 property crash, this will make those Dartford landlords and investors feel a little better about the information regarding rents after inflation.

Moving forward, the prospects of making easy money on buy to let in Dartford have diminished, when compared to 2005. Last decade, making money from buy to let was as easy as falling off a log – but not anymore.

It would be true to say, my rental income verses property prices study does lead to noteworthy thoughts. I am often asked to look at my landlord’s rental portfolios, to ascertain the spread of their investment across their multiple properties. It’s all about judging whether what you have will meet your needs of the investment in the future. It’s the balance of capital growth and yield whilst diversifying this risk.

If you are investing in the Dartford property market, do your homework and do it well. While some yields may look attractive, there are properties in many areas that do not have the solid rudiments in place to sustain them. If you are looking for capital growth, you might be surprised where the hidden gems really are. Take advice, even ask your agent for a portfolio analysis like I offer my landlords. The clear majority of agents in Dartford will be able to give a detailed analysis of past and anticipated investment opportunity (especially the awful effect of inflation) on your portfolio. However, if they can’t help – well, you know where I am, the kettle is on!

For more thoughts on the Dartford Property market – visit the Dartford Property Report www.dartfordproperty.blogspot.co.uk

FIRE ENGINE RALLY LULLINGSTONE CASTLE An action packed ‘special event’ for all the family! A spectacular showcase of fire-fighting history with over 20 fire engines and carts from the Victorian hose carts and the Edwardian period right up to present day, courtesy of the Kent Firefighting Museum and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Experience epic live fire displays run by the Fire Service Preservation Group South East Branch enthusiasts, demonstrating how to put out various kinds of fires! Younger visitors can get a slice of the action and learn how they operate, with the opportunity to even squirt the hoses!

Sat 8 and Sun 9 July 11am - 5pm Admission £10 Adults, Children u15 FREE website: www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

We are looking for caring and compassionate community carers

Your local Travel Agent Gary Wilson Travel Consultant

Please send me your leisure or business travel requests. School and Sports groups catered for.

01322 515910 Www.travelcounsellors.com/gary.wilson

· To work in Dartford and surrounding areas. · Are you able to support people to remain living in their own homes · We do ask you are able to work every other weekend. · Experience is not essential as full in house training is provided. · Drivers required

Please apply on: 01322 225513 or email selma@here-2-care.co.uk

15 years of high quality work and exceeding customer expectation, through innovation and first class service.

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info@bargegroup.co.uk

01322 311141

Visit our Showroom: Call Now on: 020 8316 0197

226 Blackfen Road, Sidcup Kent DA15 8PW

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS - TILED ROOFS - COMPOSITE DOORS Is your Conservatory too hot in the summer & too cold in the winter?

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Is yours a winning business?

Visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.com to apply now Or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk to find out more

The new Dartford Business Awards are now officially open for entry With several categories available, the awards are all free to enter and designed to cater for every size of business, from the smallest to the largest in the Borough.

Entrants must be based in the Dartford Borough Council rates areas, and must have been trading for a full year to January 1st, 2017.

To enter your business, visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.com

Our great sponsors are: Barclays Bluewater Dartford Borough Council Dartford Living Fairfield Leigh Academies Trust NatWest Oxford Innovation The Creation Lab The Learning Shop The Nucleus Thomson Snell & Passmore Wilkins Kennedy LLP

Tom’s Pan-Fried Chicken Fillet with a Baby Leaf Salad Ingredients (serves 2): 2 chicken fillets 3 tsp. smoked paprika 2 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. parsley

1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 2 garlic cloves, finely diced 2 tbsp. rapeseed oil

Salad: baby leaf salad, enough for 2 people cucumber yellow pepper

brie or cheese of your choice green olives, pitted sun dried tomatoes, sliced thinly

Method: 1. Firstly, wash the salad items (except the olives and tomatoes) with cold water in a colander, and let them drain.

2. Slice the cucumber, yellow pepper and tomatoes thinly and set aside. In a salad bowl add all the salad items and mix them all together with a little oil from the tomatoes, this will add flavour.

3. Next, prepare the garlic cloves and set aside in a small bowl. Measure the herbs and spices into the same bowl and combine them all together. Empty the mix on to a plate.

4. Now the fun part, you will need two sheets of plastic wrap both roughly 30cm long. Lay the first sheet on top of your work surface, then place a chicken fillet on top and finally lay the second sheet of plastic wrap on top. With a rolling pin flatten the fillet until it’s roughly half an inch thick, and then repeat with the other fillet.

5. Next, take the fillets and coat them all over with the herb and spice mix. Then put a large frying pan on a medium-low heat and add the oil and fillets. Cook until golden brown (approx.

3-4 minutes) then turn over for the other side to cook. Chicken should be firm to the touch when cooked and hot in the centre, if you’re unsure use a knife to cut open the fillet to check.

6. Finally, plate up the salad and lay the chicken on top. This means that when you cut into the chicken the juices will wash over the salad giving it another depth of flavour. Slice, grate or melt your cheese of choice over the chicken.

Tom’s Top Tips: Seeing as it is summer, if you want to cook the chicken on the bbq you can just drizzle with a little oil first. Be careful of the heat and remember to turn regularly.

Enjoy!

YOU ARE ENOUGH When we are not enough, we try to fill the void inside by: • feeding emotions – not body • drinking and smoking • pursuing obsessions • seeking extremes Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) helps you to find the reason of the issue or unwanted behaviour. RTT is a short-term therapy - a particular hypnotherapy model targeting the source of the problem and giving you a new perspective. RTT provides immediate and lasting results, so you never want to go back.

Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy treatment for - Addictions - Anger - Anxiety - Confidence - Depression - Eating issues - Obsessions - Sleep issues - Stress and pains - Trauma effects

For more information, please call 078 1464 2212 or visit www.ifieldtherapy.co.uk

Register at ifieldtherapy@gmail.com, on line www.ifieldtherapy.com or 078 1464 2212

Initial consultation (1hr) is free. Addictions are treatable in one hypnotherapy session (2hrs), followed by your daily listening to a personalised recording for 21 days.

Practice locations: Crown House, Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1DZ 45 Central Street, London EC1V 8AB 184 Westcombe Hill, London SE3 7DH

Entry fees apply. During bad weather, the ground may be unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs - please phone prior to your visit.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs please.

Stanhill Farm Birchwood Road Wilmington Dartford, Kent DA2 7HD 01322 669711

info@stanhillfarm.co.uk

www.stanhillfarm.co.uk Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

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SPORTS NEWS

BAV’S SPORTING COMMENT England’s Under-20 Football World Cup winners have been a revelation! A 1-0 win over Venezuela on 11th June in South Korea gave England their biggest international title since 1966.

Having not won a single match in the U20 tournament since 1997 - and failed to even qualify on four occasions over the past 20 years - manager Paul Simpson’s side have confounded the theory that English youngsters are not as technically proficient as their European or South American rivals.

As well as pride and excitement in the here and now, we must control our anticipation about the future, and the inevitable talk of a new ‘golden generation’. We don’t want to burden these lads at a young age. However, this victory does go to show that the FA’s strategy of blooding England youth teams in foreign tournaments is starting to pay off.

However, we all know this is also about how much game-time these boys get in the Premier League to hone their talent. A 2015 study found the percentage of club-trained players in Premier League squads had reached a new low, with just 11.7% graduated from their club’s academy. A report released by Uefa in January found that 62% of players in England’s top tier were foreign — the highest in Europe. This is not news to anyone, but a reminder of the challenge these young men face. At least their U20s exploits in South Korea will live with them forever, and may have made some managers ponder whether they genuinely need to look elsewhere.

Upcoming events in JuLY include: 1: Rugby union - New Zealand v British & Irish Lions, second Test, Wellington 1: Cricket - One-Day Cup final, Lord’s 1-23: Cycling - Tour de France 3-16: Tennis - Wimbledon 6-10: Cricket - England v South Africa, first Test, Lord’s 7-26: Football - Gold Cup, USA 8: Rugby union - New Zealand v British & Irish Lions, third Test, Auckland 9: Formula 1 - Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg 9: Athletics - London Anniversary Games, London Stadium 14-18: Cricket - England v South Africa, second Test, Trent Bridge 14-23: Disability sport - World ParaAthletics Championships, London 16: Formula 1 - British Grand Prix, Silverstone 16 Jul-6 Aug: Football - Women’s Euro 2017, Netherlands 20-23: Golf - The Open, Royal Birkdale 27-31: Cricket - England v South Africa, third Test, The Oval

Dartford Cricket Club – Match Day Sponsor

Do you have a business to promote?

Dartford Cricket Club is one of the oldest clubs in England having been established in 1727 and has been playing cricket at Hesketh Park since 1904.

We are now offering the opportunity to sponsor a Saturday home league game for a one off fee of just £50.

We will announce your sponsorship on our Twitter, Facebook and website on the day of your choice and we will display your name or company around our pavilion.

As a not for profit charitable organisation registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club any proceeds received will be applied towards our stated aim of investment in sporting facilities for the benefits of all within our local community.

If you are interested please call 01322 225152 or email pavilion@dartfordcc.co.uk for more information

2017 HOME FIXTURES AT HESKETH PARK

6TH MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V HARTLEY C.C 13TH MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BROMLEY C.C 20ST MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI HAYES C.C 27TH MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V TENTERDEN C.C 3RD JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V WHITSTABLE C.C 10TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V TUNBRIDGE WELLS C.C 17TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V BEXLEY C.C 24TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V HSBC C.C 1ST JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V SEVENOAKS VINE C.C

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8TH JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V CANTERBURY C.C 15TH JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V BECKENHAM C.C 22ND JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI FOLKESTONE C.C 29TH JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI MOTE C.C 5TH AUGUST - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V WHITSTABLE C.C 12TH AUGUST - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BICKLEY PARK C.C 19TH AUGUST - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BROMLEY COMMON C.C 26TH AUGUST - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V SANDWICH TOWN C.C 2RD SEPTEMBER - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V LINDEN PARK C.C

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Website: www.dartfordfc.com Email: commercial@dartfordfc.com

NEWS FROM PRINCES PARK The club are delighted to announce that they have signed a two season deal with local company Twin Restaurant Group who will become the new sponsor for the home shirt.

Twin Restaurant Group own three local Chinese restaurants in Dartford, Bexleyheath and Gravesend. They are very popular within the community and they pride themselves on providing affordable, quality food ( all cooked freshly to order) in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Owner of the Restaurant Group Michael Tang, said of the sponsorship deal ” As an owner of a Dartford business for 16 years and a supporter of the club for just as long I am very proud to be involved with the club and provide sponsorship of the home shirt for the next two years. Twin Restaurant Group has been a member of the business club for many years and sponsored games on a regular basis, but when the opportunity arose to become the home shirt sponsor, I was more than happy to do this, and support my local club in a bigger way. The football club is a big part of the community in Dartford and the surrounding areas. Many supporters are already visitors to my restaurants and I hope the link can become even stronger going forward. Having Twin Restaurant Group associated with Dartford FC can only be a positive thing and I wish to have a long and successful partnership in the future. My family and I look forward to watching the team next season and hope Tony and the players can achieve the promotion they are aiming for” www.twinnoodles.co.uk

Chairman Steve Irving ” I am delighted that Michael has agreed for the Twin Restaurant Group to become the club’s home shirt sponsor for at least the next two years. The three restaurants in Dartford, Bexleyheath and Gravesend form the group – Twin Noodle Bar, Twin Palace and Twin Dynasty – and are very popular in each community. Michael and his family have been involved in supporting the club for many years and we look forward to this continuing for many years to come” Dartford FC’s new home kit will be worn by the First team in the upcoming Pre-season friendly against Millwall on Saturday 8th July. It will then be available to purchase in July and details will be confirmed in due course.

Upcoming Fixtures at Princes Park

v Millwall 8th July 1pm v Gillingham 12th July 7.30pm v Sutton Utd 18th July 7.45pm v Cambridge Utd 22nd July 3pm v Bromley 25th July 7.45pm Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

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Professional Training from Elite Industry Staff Outstanding full-time training at Reynolds Performing Arts College in Dartford Fully funded* 3 year Performing Arts Course in Dance and Musical Theatre from Sept 2017

What else is happening at Reynolds Training Academy?

Fully funded* courses in Beauty Therapy and Fitness Instruction at Level 2 & 3 & Sports Massage at Level 3 *Subject to Eligibility

For further details: Tel: 01322 275807 Email: training@reynoldsgroup.co.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

% *

Selling Fees Why pay more to sell your property?

es ti er ! op ed pr ir e u or req

M 38

Wisdom Estates 76 Spital Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 2DT t: 01322 272 144 | e: sales@Wisdom-Estates.co.uk

www.Wisdom-Estates.co.uk

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25/02/2016 15:23

We have been providing expert and trusted legal advice to individuals and businesses for generations. www.bussmurton.co.uk

T: 01322 220 235

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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

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 3rd March Friday 21st April Friday 19th May Friday 9th June Friday 28th July Friday 8th September

• 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 Telephone: 0208 311 5309 Mobile: 07783 021508 Email: legacy@lewiscoaches.co.uk www.legacyhs.co.uk

Open Surgery – (no appointment necessary) 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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Competitive Rates!

A BAINES & SON ROOFING • New Roofs • Repairs • Tiles • Slates • Flat Roofs • All Lead Work • UPVC Fascias & Soffits • All Guttering

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Dartford’s Health Walks Healthy Living Centre - Mondays 10.00am Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am Greenhithe - Wednesdays 11.30am Central Park - Thursdays 10.30am Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am Temple Hill/The Bridge - Fridays 11.00am • • • • •

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Dartford Living

43

Local Entertainment Theatre Roundup by Liz Dyer

As we come to the halfway point in 2017 (yes, already), it seems as good a time as any to take a look back over some of the theatre highlights of the last six months, and to take a sneaky peek ahead to what’s coming up later in the year. But first, a quick reminder to keep an eye on the Dartford Council website for news of this summer’s outdoor theatre and cinema seasons - these are always a lot of fun and a great opportunity to get out in the sunshine and enjoy some fantastic entertainment.

What are your favourite shows of the year so far? Here are a few to choose from…

All the way back in January, Ghost the Musical wowed us with its special effects and equally special performances particularly from Carolyn Maitland, who made her debut as Molly at the Orchard. This was followed in February by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s all-time classic, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, starring Joe McElderry.

As fun, colourful and brilliantly bonkers as ever, this is a show that never gets old.

In March, love was in the air as The Wedding Singer came to town. Based on the Adam Sandler movie, the show starred Jon Robyns and Ray Quinn, but was perhaps most memorable for Ruth Madoc’s wildly inappropriate granny dance… The following month saw the pride of Dartford, DAODS, return to the Orchard with a fantastic production of Made in Dagenham - a feisty, feel-good feminist show

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inspired by the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968.

And one final highlight of 2017 so far has to be Bill Kenwright’s dazzling production of Evita, featuring West End star Emma Hatton in a show-stopping turn as Argentine First Lady Eva Perón.

How will we top all that in the next six months? Well, there’s certainly plenty to look forward to - with musicals including the Summer Youth Project’s Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, DAODS’ Singin’ in the Rain, Flashdance, The Addams Family, Shirley Valentine and Grease; crime thrillers A Murder is Announced and A Judgment in Stone; comedy from Joe Pasquale, Henning Wehn, Jon Richardson, Paul Chowdhry and Joel Dommett; and family fun with The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Peppa Pig’s Adventure, it’s fair to say there’s something to keep everyone entertained over the next few months.

There’s plenty more where that came from too, so take a look at orchardtheatre.co.uk to see what else is coming up soon at our brilliant local theatre. And because Christmas is now less than six months away, remember to book your tickets for the Orchard panto, which this year is Cinderella starring TV’s Louie Spence.

For regional and London theatre news, reviews and interviews, visit theblogoftheatrethings.com.

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Fitness

What is a ‘good’ workout?

I’ve written an article before named “You don’t sweat fat�, but many people still get confused over what constitutes a good workout.

I see it all the time – people coming out of a class, dripping with sweat, praising what a good workout that was‌ all based on the fact that they got hot and sweaty.

By that definition, relaxing in a hot bath or sitting in the sauna for 20 minutes would be all you need to burn fat and get slim. Don’t be fooled.

Indoor workouts should build up a good sweat if you’re working hard (and dependent on what your workout is aiming to achieve), but don’t misinterpret this as the marker of a good workout.

Your body sweats to cool down. You overheat (for whatever reason), sweat as a result, then when the sweat evaporates off it cools you down. More sweat doesn’t mean you’re working harder, it normally just means that it’s not evaporating and doing its job (VERY common when training indoors) and you’re NOT cooling down and recovering.

You know the feeling when you’re working hard and getting too hot – you feel uncomfortable, weak and lacking energy, maybe a bit faint or dizzy, and like you need to stop and cool down. That’s your body telling you to stop and cool down!

By contrast, if you train somewhere a lot cooler, such as outside, or if you crank up the air-con to the max (so it actually does something), you can actually train a lot harder and get more out of the workout. Sweat will evaporate in the breeze, or you just won’t get as hot.

That means you have to work a lot harder to overheat. If you’re not getting as hot, you can work harder for longer before your body tells you to stop (by making you feel faint). Likewise, if you’re in an environment where you can actually cool down when you’re resting (as opposed to still being in a hot, sweaty room), then you’ll be able to work harder for your next bout too.

Overall, you’ll be able to work a lot harder, and therefore burn more calories and better improve your fitness if you’re training somewhere cool and breezy. Could be outside, could be a well ventilated/cooled room with some air flow (a few fans will help as long as they’re not just blowing hot air around).

Unless your goal is simply to sweat as much as possible, that shouldn’t be the reason you choose any particular

class. And don’t be fooled by any drop in scale weight after a sweaty workout – you’ve lost water from your body so yes, obviously you’ll weigh less, but then you have to rehydrate so you haven’t actually lost any weight in your workout – just dehydrated yourself [hopefully] temporarily.

(The only people whose sole purpose of a workout is to sweat is someone trying to make weight for a competition – and then it’s temporary and very brief – there are also dangers to this but we won’t go into that now!)

To have a good workout – where you can burn as much energy [calories] as possible – you need to be somewhere you can recover and cool down between sets and won’t overheat too much during sets. This is by far the best workout “supplement� you can choose – it’ll make you work harder than anything else, and you’ll get a lot more from your workouts.

If you’ve ticked that box, then you can focus on putting more into your workouts and increase the intensity. More work done = better results!

Beyond this, a “good� workout should simply be something that challenges you and makes you push yourself in a safe and controlled way.

Make sure your workout – and by that, I mean every single exercise you do – is tailored to the results you want to achieve. Question every exercise and if you can answer why you’ve chosen that exercise and how that relates to your goals, then you’ll have a good workout right there.

Focus on perfect form, controlled movements, no “bad� reps, and appropriate weights.

Exercise classes are obviously less specific to individual goals, but if you choose a class that uses training methods similar to those you need to be using to suit your goals, then you’ll be fine and the group atmosphere may help you push yourself a little harder than you would if you trained alone.

Meet these criteria and put maximum effort into every workout, and they’ll all be good đ&#x;˜Š If you want to try a workout outdoors, why not come along and try a Dartford Bootcamps class?

Go to the website to claim your first session free! www.DartfordBootcamps.com

Dhiren’s Auto News July BMW 6 Series GT

The 6 Series Gran Turismo (GT) is a five-door hatchback version of the 5 Series that will replace the 5 Series GT. There will be three engine options at first: 630i and 640i petrols and a 630d diesel. Two trim levels will be available: SE and M Sport; the latter comes with chunkier bumpers, more prominent sills and larger wheels and tyres. The 6 Series GT has bolder front end styling and a more shapely rear than the 5 Series GT and is 150kg lighter than the 5 Series saloon due to its new platform and greater use of aluminium and hot-formed high-strength steel in its body structure. In 2018, the model to join the line up will be a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid called the 640e. It will combine a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor.

Inside, a 10.3-in touchscreen infotainment system with voice and gesture controls is offered as an option. It will be available from November 2017 with prices will start at £46,810 for the 630i GT SE and rising to £57,570 for the 640i xDrive GT M Sport.

Hyundai Kona

The Korean manufacturere introduces another affordable SUV, even more affordable model, called the Hyundai Kona. The Kona’s name continues Hyundai’s tradition of naming its cars after holiday destinations – Kona is

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In this month’s article we’ll bring you new models to be launched later in 2017 with the a couple of new SUVs to rival a growing market.

a coastal region of Hawaii. The Kona comes with body cladding around its lower edges and a large front grille with thin headlights – all designed to give it an aggressive, muscular appearance. Buyers will be able to personalise their cars through 10 exterior colours and a two-tone roof, as well as a selection of 16in or 17in alloy wheels. Two petrol engines will be available, the entry-level choice is a 1.0-litre turbocharged motor with a six-speed manual gearbox (118bhp). There’s also a higher-powered 1.6-litre petrol (175bhp). A new 1.6-litre diesel engine will also be availablein 2018 – it will be available in 113bhp and 131bhp forms, and will also offer four-wheel drive. Hyundai may be working on an all-electric version of the Kona, which is tentatively scheduled to arrive late next year.

Hyundai’s biggest rival in this market is the big-selling Juke, and since that car currently costs from £14,590, an entry-level price of around £15,000 for the Kona seems likely and will launch in October 2017.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The C3 Aircross is the replacement for Citroen’s ageing C3 Picasso MPV. The new C3 Aircross aims to be the roomiest and most practical compact SUV. The new car resembles a small, rugged SUV - as well as the high-set driving position you’d expect of such a car, the C3 Aircross has a high bonnet, skid plates front and rear and extrachunky, contrasting-coloured wheel arches. People can add a contrasting colour to the roof or splashes of colour on the roof bars and air intakes. The C3 Aircross will be offered with a range of Citroen’s PureTech three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6-litre diesel is offered with three power outputs: 90, 100 and 120hp, and the 1.2 petrols can be had with 82, 110 or 130hp. There’s no official prices of the Citroen C3 Aircross range yet, but are expected to start around £16,000 when it goes on sale in November 2017.

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Gardening Hints and Tips - July Plants of the Month - Fuchsias

needed – lawns use around 4 gallons of water per square yard per week – use a lawn sprinkler set on a timer to avoid wasting water and making your water bill shoot up.

Tomatoes Tomatoes are our favourite home-grown vegetable and a little care and attention now will ensure bumper crops throughout the summer. Make sure your plants are well supported – tying them in as they grow, remove sideshoots from upright cordon varieties, remove yellowing or dying leaves and watch out for pests and diseases, then treat accordingly. Feed weekly with a liquid tomato fertiliser and water regularly so that the compostor soil remains evenly moist.

Make sure your garden is bursting with colour this summer with our plants of the month. There’s plenty to choose from for long-lasting interest including Fuchsias, Roses, Penstemons, Lavatera, Lavender and Spiraea. And don’t forget our huge range of summer-flowering herbaceous perennials.

Herbs If you love cooking indoors or are spending the long, sunny days and evenings barbecuing, then you’ll appreciate having plenty of fresh, tasty herbs. If you don’t have room in the rest of the garden, then plant up a herb pot with all your culinary favourites so they’re easily to hand when you need them. From Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme to Basil and Mint we have all the herbs you’ll need for a potpourri of scents and tastes.

Lawns If your lawn is looking tired and run down, give it a boost now with a liquid feed. And where weeds or moss are a problem use a liquid feed, weed and moss killer. Keep mowing regularly when the grass is growing to ensure it looks its best. You can leave small clippings on the lawn as they will help conserve soil moisture. But when a good soak is

Weeds Weeds can soon take over the garden and not only do they look unsightly, but they can smother your prized plants, steal valuable water and nutrients from the soil and become hosts to pests and diseases.

Now’s the time for an all-out assault on them using a hoe for annuals and small weeds, mulches and planting membranes to keep beds and borders permanently weed free and weedkillers to stop even the most persistent weeds taking over. Use a weedkiller based on glyphosate for persistent, deep-rooted perennials.

Plant buying tips If you have colour gaps in your beds, borders and containers now is a good time to plug them. Treat you and your garden to an eye-catching tree or specimen plant like a tree fern, Fatsia Japonica, Phormium or grasses. Or if your garden is looking a bit flat put up an arch, pergola or trellis and cover it with colourful climbers. Look out for our instant colour suggestions from our wide range of shrubs, herbaceous plants and seasonal bedding. And if your patio is looking tired or colourless pop insome large container plants for instant impact.

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Where to go locally...

Mondays

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time)

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

Tuesdays , Dartford. Contact Catherine on Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad 01322 220036. on (01322) 288434 for further 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us n. informatio snack time for the children For 9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 Road London Hall Church e Greenhith Mary St years 4 to up children school pre or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com

Wednesdays

on (01322) 288434 for further 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us information. per family including all snacks and 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £3 drinks. John 01322 272649.

Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale £2.50 per Adult

Thursdays

9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford.

Child - £1 Non Walkers 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per facebook.com/ToeRags Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.

1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per com/ToeRags

Fridays

up to 2. £1 per adult 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidrenor see St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 www.stmarygreenhithe.com Child - £1 Non Walkers 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per gs facebook.com/ToeRa Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, oo.co.uk dley@yah 380322 jeannehoa 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child

Saturdays

up to 5years. £1.50 includes 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children Greenhithe. Contact 01322 Road London Hall, Church e Greenhith Mary St children. the for time snack healthy 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com

Dartford Libraries District Community Fun Days 2017

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

Ashen Drive Dartford Fleetdown Greenhithe Longfield Summerhouse Drive Sutton-at-Hone Swan Valley Temple Hill

Monday Friday Thursday Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday Greenhithe - Thursday Longfield - Thursday Summerhouse - Tuesday Sutton-at-Hone -Monday.

Temple Hill - Thursday

Monday Saturday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday

31ST July 2.30-4.30pm 15th July 10am-4pm 20th July 10.30am-3.30pm 27th July 2-4pm 17th August 10am-12 noon 3rd August 11am-1pm 25TH August 10am – 4pm 4th August 2-4pm 1st August 2-4pm

Come along to our Community Fun Days, enjoy craft activities, meet our Community Partners, join the Summer Reading Challenge and find out what’s happening.

We hope to see you in the Library soon. www.kent.gov.uk/libs Telephone 03000 41 31 31

Dartford

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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

Come along and join in the fun! Term time only For more information please call 03000 41 31 31

Where to go locally...

The North West Kent Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association meets at 8pm on the

4th Wednesday evening of each month in the Pop-In Parlour, Mill Road, Northumberland Heath, Erith. The meetings last about 2 hours and the group often have a speaker on a variety of subjects, followed by tea and biscuits and general chat. For more information contact Eileen on 01322 228169.

Dartford Ostomy Group Support (DOGS) meet

every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and pouch, their carers, family and friends.

ALL DIRECTIONS

is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or 07570 347612 YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The Hope Group on 07580 615206.

JUST FOR GROWN UPS GROUP We are a small friendly group who meet at the Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Centre on the first Tuesday of the month. Join us any time between 11am and 1pm for a social chat, coffee and biscuits or a fun quiz. For more information contact mikeansell.dt@hotmail.co.uk

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS

Our Club presents a programme of workshops and demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere.

We meet on the last Thursday of each month except December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome, entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for people to be creative, make friends.

For further information please phone 01474 353405 or email landaclatworthy@btinternet.com

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Swanley History Group Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. Presentations on local social history. Venue Swanley Indoor Bowls Centre Garrolds Close Swanley BR8 7BF. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2.

Everyone welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@ hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https://swanleyhistorygroup.weebly. com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter.

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

The Dartford Stroke Group is starting chair-based excise classes on Monday afternoons at the YMCA Roundhouse at 2.30pm on 19th September, 3rd October, 17th October, 7th November, 21st November, 5th December and 19th December. This is as well as the regular meetings of the Stroke Group at the Meeting Place on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Please contact Theo at Theo.Hodges@gmail.com or phone/text Theo on 078 755 68 296 to get the current dates for our events and for more information

Age UK, Crayford library Pop in Parlour coffee morning every Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK

For people with Parkinsons and their carers.

We have 2 meetings per month. Bexley: 4th Thursday of each month, at Pincott Hall, 2-4pm. Dartford: 2nd Thursday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30-9.30pm.

Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes.

Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES

St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528

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

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

Dartford Books and

Culture Club meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at meets once a month Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, on Saturday mornings Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. at Dartford Library. For We are seeking new members at all levels to play more information, find Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session. us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-BookEnquiries: contact Club/ 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-Bexleyheath-surroundingareas-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.

Dartford Stroke Group is aimed at Stroke Survivors, their families and carers. It meets at the Meeting Place in the Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford for a chat, support, excise classes, outings and speakers. Please contact Theo at Theo.Hodges@ gmail.com or phone/text Theo on 078 755 68 296 to get the current dates for our events and for more information.

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

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

GUITARS IN THE SHADOWS – JOIN IN MUSIC BY THE SHADOWS TO 60S TO ROCK N ROLL Meet at Dartford Working Mens Club (Essex Road) at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Membership is free but we do ask for a small contribution to costs on the night. Call Ray on 07813 540131 or email guitarsinshadows@hotmail.com

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.

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

The Dartford Chess Club

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

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Dartford Living

51

Where to go locally...

Mummy On The Mend

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

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!! https://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.

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

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SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP

is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those 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!

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

A support group for parents affected by pre and post natal depression Mondays - 10-11.30am St Peters Church, Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath Kent DA7 4RW Wednesdays (starting 26th April) 9.30-11.30 Tree Estate community hall Tree Estate Dartford Kent DA1 2RG Fridays 12-2pm St Mary’s Church Hall Greenhithe - Mount’s road, Greenhithe Kent DA9 9ND Email mummyonthemend15@gmail.com for more details.

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

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

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Dartford Active Retirement Group,[ DARTARA,] We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and day trips out as well as activities including theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons and an art group.

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

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

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

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

MALE? AGED 18 - 44?

WANT TO HAVE FUN AND DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE WITH YOUR SPARE TIME? We’ve arrived in Dartford and we are a NEW Round Table Get involved, you WILL enjoy it! www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk

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, Jean Monk 01322 557142

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.

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

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

Kent Exiles American Football Club www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

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.

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 http://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 Every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre. Kids start at 9am, adults at 11am. Just turn up, first lesson free or visit www.facebook.com/yamatodamashiimartialarts [1] for more info.

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

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LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

Come and join one of North Kent’s fastest and most successful Martial Arts clubs.

For more information, call Saj on 07903 513104 or just come along to one of our sessions and join in the fun! With the most reasonable fees around, you’ll find that training can be affordable too! For all details please visit our website www.northkentkarate.com

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, a friendly, all ages (must be over 18years old) & all abilities(sorry no beginners) Thursdays at 745-945pm,at the Dartford Girls Grammar School sports hall Shepherds Lane,Dartford,Kent,DA1 2NT For further information email Stephanie.thredgle@btinternet.com

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MUSIC UMBRELLA

Classes for under-fives teaching the basic elements of music through whole body movement, using the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods. With action songs and games, using percussion instruments and props like hoops, balls and soft toys, the children develop musical, physical and social awareness, concentration, co-ordination and confidence - and have lots of fun! Becket Sports Centre, Thursdays during term time: babies and toddlers: 9.15 till 9.55; 3 and 4 year-olds: 10.00 till 10.40 Contact Myrtle : 07763 378451 Email : myrtlebm@hotmail.co.uk

a b c +=

Little Bright Sparks Fun phonics, literacy and numeracy classes for 2-4 year olds. Classes held on Weds in East Malling and Thurs in West Kingsdown ÂŁ5.50 per class 07768 447657 for more info www.facebook.com/littlebrightsparks http://www.babysign.org.uk/

Slade Green and Howbury Community Library Baby and Toddler Action Rhyme time group Every Wednesday (Term Time only) at 11.15am LEGO Club Every Saturday 2-3pm for ages 5 and over Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

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 Interested advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com ininadvertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com InterestedInterested in advertising?

Tel: 01322 Tel: 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living

11 15 55

COMPETITION orchardtheatre.co.uk Ticket Office 01322 220000

THE LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE SUN 20 AUG 11AM Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl bands, with breathtaking dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest vocals in the UK. Bursting with personality, this is a high-energy show from beginning to end!

Dartford Living and The Orchard Theatre have teamed up to offer a pair of tickets to this show, To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just answer the following question...

Which of these is a member of Litle Mix? A) Jesy B) Laura C) Sarah D) Sam email your answer to competition@dartfordliving.com This competition closes on 15th July. 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. Unless you advise otherwise we can use your email to send you promotional material from Dartford Living.

Advertisers Index

Directory of Local Businesses advertising in Dartford Living

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Buss Murton .............................................................. 40 Downton Ali Associates..............................................59 GF + Co........................................................................41 Lynton & Co ................................................................4 Quartz Financial Services.............................................19 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS & WINDOWS

Affix Windows..............................................................30 Claremont Decorative Services..................................39 Nightingale Bathrooms................................................11 RB Building..................................................................26 Steve Cook - Double Glazing.......................................23 CAKE MAKING Rock and Rise.......................................................41 CONVENIENCE STORE S3 ................................................................................22 COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTH Dia Wipes................................................................7 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ...........................................31 EDUCATION Kip McGrath.. ...................................................13 ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians.. ....................................................4 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS GPS Lettings............................................................7 Fox Estates ..................................................................15 Virotti................................................................27 Wisdom Estates...........................................................39 FARM SHOP/ PICK YOUR OWN Stanhill Farm...............................................................33 FUNERAL SERVICES Stephen P Gay Funeral Services..............................22 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage...........................................................60 Shenley Road Garage...................................................42 GARDENING SERVICES Barge Group................................................................29 HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE The Barge Group.....................................................29 HOTELS

Campanile...................................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................23 LAW Apex Law.......................................................................6 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ...................................................42 NURSERY The Brent Playgroup.............................................5 5MEDICAL HERE2CARE..........................................................29 Ifield Therepy......................................................33 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Worried about your childs weight?.............................21 Dartford Bootcamps.....................................................30 Fairfield Leisure Centre...............................................36 Monkey Music............................................................49 Reynolds.....................................................38 Why Weight?...............................................................20 Vibe...............................................................28 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.. ...............................................40 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames.............................................................42 RESTURANT Kent Curry....................................................................19 SECURITY Excel Security......................... ..............................43 SPORTS Fairfield Leisure Centre................................................15 TRAVEL Travel Counsellors................................................29 TREE SURGERY The BARGE Group.................................................29 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .....................................................22

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

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

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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

Useful Numbers 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 222998 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

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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: 0208 301 1010

Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www. dartfordjujitsu.co.uk

LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047

USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS

LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/

Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Love Dartford

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- PRINCES PARK GOLF CLUB. 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/

Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

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MOT - SERVICING - REPAIRS - CAR SALES DIAGNOSTICS - EXHAUSTS - AIRCON - TYRES

01322 271000    

Local, established, independent garage Customer courtesy cars Wide range of used cars in stock Used Car Finance available

Car MOT Test £30

Bike MOT Test £25

See our independent feedback at: www.goodgaragescheme.com and www.trustedtraders.which.co.uk

Supporting the British Heart Foundation & Dartford Cricket Club

mail@orchardgarageltd.co.uk

www.orchardgarageltd.co.uk

128 Park Road, Dartford, DA1 1SZ