Dartford Living August 2016

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August 2016 - Issue 122

Dimples Day Nursery Green St Green Road Dartford Kent DA2 7HT Telephone: 01322 285885 Fax: 01322 288868 Email: enquiries@dimplesnursery.co.uk www.dimplesnursery.co.uk Limited spaces available for under 1, 2 and 3 year olds Vacancies for level 3 qualified practitioners.

WHAT’S INSIDE...

Award Winning Hartbeeps Page 19

Summer Holiday Guide Page 30-35

New, Smaller, Fire Engine Page 55

Plus - All your regular

features, events, information and much, more in your expanded 56 page issue.

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

DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE PROVIDING A FULL SERVICE TO DARTFORD SMALL BUSINESSES

“A Hand Holding Service” Established 35 years

COMPANY FORMATION Save tax by forming a private company from as little as £45 + registration fee + VAT. www.companyregistration.org ACCOMMODATION ADDRESS Have a virtual office accommodation address facility for as little as £40.00 per month. www.accommodation-address.com RENT AN OFFICE 24/7 Offices available to rent from as little as £38.00 per week with parking. www.accommodation-address.com

ACCOUNTANCY & TAX SERVICE Conradi Morrison & Co specialises in small clients and provides a top class personal service for a fixed low fee.

Phone for a free meeting to discuss your needs. www.dartfordaccountants.com PAYLINE Let us undertake your payroll and take the strain from you for as little as £18 per month + VAT. www.payline.org

Tel: 01322 278188

Haslemere, 4 Summerhill Rd, Dartford DA1 2LP Email: phc@conradimorrison.com

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Welcome to your

DARTFORD LIVING Magazine

Dear Readers,

As usual this month’s edition is 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! Nearly 5000 local people already do this!

Until next time, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and Annie, Barbara, Bhavesh, Christine, David, Dawn, Derek, Debbie, Dhiren, Elaine, Eleanor, Emma, Holly, Jackie, Jane, Jenny, Joanne, John, Ken, Kelly, Mark, Nickki, Nicola, Pat, Richey, Steph, Steven, Teresa and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

check out our new website for even more local news and articles

www.dartfordliving.com

Contents 6-14....................... .................... What’s on 15...................................... Useful numbers 23...............................................Hartbeeps 20...............................Dimples Day Nursery 24............................................Bumblebees 25............................Dartford Arts Network 30-35......................Summer Holiday Guide 36...............................Life Under the Stairs 42-43.........................ellenor Twilight Walk 44..............................................Auto News 45...............................................Gardening 46.....................................................Fitness 47...............................Small Business News 48......................Dartford FC Fixtures 16/17 49..................................Sporting Comment 52.................Orchard Theatre Competition 53....................................Theatre Roundup 55........................New Fire Engine for Kent

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH AUGUST

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Advertisers Index

Directory of Local Businesses advertising in Dartford Living

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Conradi Morrison & Co ...............................................2 BW Accounts................................................................18 Buss Murton .............................................................. 39 Lynton & Co ................................................................5 Smith Kiew Partners......................................................18 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, KITCHENS & WINDOWS A Baines & Son Roofing................................................32 Claremont Decorative Services..................................54 McIntyre Clarke Limited..............................................37 Steve Cook - Double Glazing.......................................33 CAKE MAKING Mrs Bakes.....................................................................54 CHILDCARE Dimples.. ............................................................1 CHURCHES Crossways Community Church....................................38 CLOTHING CAT Footwear...............................................................52 COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTH Dia Wipes................................................................17 CLEANING JJ Renovations..............................................................20 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ...........................................29 DOG GROOMING Carries Cruffty Cuts......................................................14 EDUCATION Kip McGrath.. ...................................................33 The Leigh UTC .............................................................26 ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians.. ....................................................4 Mr Electric..................................................................47 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS GPS Lettings............................................................17 Virotti...........................................................26 Wisdom Estates...........................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Shenley Road Garage...................................................40 GARDENING SERVICES Hawley Garden Centre................................................14 HAIRDRESSERS Sylvia’s Hair Salon........................................................41 HEALTHCARE Cameleon Care...........................................................14 HOTELS Campanile...................................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................32

LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ...................................................41 MASCOTS Mascot Moments........................................................37 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Worried about your childs weight?.............................38 Dartford Bootcamps.. ..........................................4 Monkey Music............................................................7 Why Weight?...............................................................22 Vibe...............................................................21 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.. ...............................................39 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames.............................................................40 PUB, RESURANT, TAKE AWAY The Parade Fish Bar ....................................................22 Malt Shovel.................................................................51 SANDWICH BAR Sally Sues....................................................................24 SPORTS Fairfield Leisure Centre................................................16 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .....................................................54

in advertising?

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Where to go locally...

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time) Mondays 9:15am - 11:00am. St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. Contact Julie on 01322 291092.

St Mary’s Greenhithe Church Hall, Messy Makers:10.15am-11.15am - an hour of messy play and creative activities for 2-5 year olds. at messymakers@gmail.com or call London Road, Greenhithe. £4.50 per child. For further information and to book, please emailus 07851 150593.

Tuesdays Catherine on 01322 220036.

Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact and drinks. John 01322 272649.

Little Fishes: 12 - 2pm, Net Church,, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £3 per family including all snacks information. further for 288434 (01322) on us call Please Dartford.

Street, Hythe 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 school children up to 4 years pre For children the for time snack healthy and ,biscuits tea Sticky Fingers, 9.30-11.30 am £1.50 per adult includes reenhithe.com www.stmaryg see or 382031 01322 St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact Wednesdays for further information.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 term, £5 weekly dependent on 6-weekly 1pm-2pm - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ t - £30 for Kent “Happi-Mess Facebook on us find or il.com kent@hotma availability, paid in advance - happi-messThursdays The Vineyard Centre, 24 Market St, Dartford. Contact Jane on 07956 430244 for further details.

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

- facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers Fridays 9.30-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult reenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmaryg - facebook.com/ToeRags Walkers Non £1 Child per £3 Dartford centre, education Adult Group Toddler Toerags 9.30-11am jeannehoadley@yahoo.co.uk 380322 01322 9.30-11.30 Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child Saturdays

healthy snack time for the children.

Daddy and Me 9.30.-11.30am A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes reenhithe.com www.stmaryg see or 382031 01322 Contact Greenhithe.

Road London St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall,

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

TUESDAY S Two sessions, from 9.30-10.30am and 10:45 - 11:45am in Fleetdown FC Hall; Heath Lane, Dartford. Contact Kate on 07770 860450.. ALSO RUN SAME PLACE/TI ME ON THURSDAYS TUESDAY S 10.30m - 11.00am (term time only) at Fleetdown Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

THURSDAYS (term time only) we will be holding 2 sessions - 10.15am & 11am Crayford Rd, Crayford, DA1 4ER. Tel: 020 8303 7777. Also: Coffee and Chat sessions at Temple Hill Library on the First Tues of the month 10am - 12noon.

THURSDAYS 10.30am - 11.00am (term time only) at Fleetdown Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

THURSDAYS 2.15 - 2.45pm (term time only) at Greenhithe Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

THURSDAYS 10.45am - 11.15am (term time only) at Longfield Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

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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

Sarah

07891 545965 sarah.h@hartbeeps.com

Parent and Baby Sing and Sign classes Learn baby signing the fun way!

Help your baby to communicate before speech, using music and play with weekly themes, instruments, and physical fun.

Dartford, Bexley, Greenhithe, coming soon to New Ash Green and other areas.

T: 07958 455699 E: jenettehawkes@outlook.com W: www.singandsign.com

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Dartford Living

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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.

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.

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 Pamela Childs 0208 303 8971

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES

at Dance Union, Greenhithe.

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 01322 387630.

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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 & District Stamp Club Hold regular meetings in The Meeting Place, The Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford. Details from Steve Alpe 01322 284491 or email

Dartford Books and Culture Club meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-BookClub/

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. £2.00 per afternoon. £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, free tea And biccies. 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

RSPCA Come andKENT, join your local Morris side, dancing NORTH and performing Gravesend and WEST BRANCinHDartford, Bexley areas and throughout FREE MICRO CHIPP ING Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable RSPCA North West side, andKent, can always find room foroffers newfree dancers Branch, and chipping musicians. great way of keeping micro s forIt’s alladomestic animalsaatgreat its fit and you’ll be helping to conserve clinic attradition.

37 Gordon Road, Dartford English We practice alternate , Kent,Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, DA1 2LX on the 1st Saturday in each month, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, 10am to 12.30pm is free but Private throughout Kent,. The fromservice May to August.

Bookings Contact Alison on 01322 donation s aretaken. appreciat ed. For more informat ion 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com please visit www.rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk.

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

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 Players Crayford 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.

Everybody welcome, join us for a friendly chat and light refreshments.

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.

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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TALK TIME

TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME ONLY) Fleetdown Library

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

Dartford Art Group

We meet every Thursday evening from 7.309.30pm.

We meet at the What if...? Gallery 67-69 High Street Dartford DA1 1DJ. The cost to belong is £40 per annum. For further enquiries please email ruthghoward@aol.com or ring 07940 836672

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Mummy On The Mend

A support group for parents affected by pre and post natal depression Fridays 12:30 til 14:00 at St Marys Church Greenhithe Email mummyonthemend15@gmail.com for more details.

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 08454 500 287 and ask about the Dartford group.

NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP

The Rendezvous Club (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm

Location: The Pop in Parlour, Graham Road, Bexleyheath DA6 7EG Description: We are a friendly social group open to anyone over fifty. As a social group we enjoy a number of activities including bingo, a Beatle drive, quizzes, to name but a few.

We also take part in outside activities including going for a meal or a trip to the theatre. On occasions we welcome a guest speaker.

Admission: £2.50 per week. Annual membership £6 (payable in January) 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 or Evelyn on 07891 061609.

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.

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

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 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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Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets based at Brooklands Lake Dartford, next to Homebase on Princes Road.

We parade every Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm- 9.15pm and is open to new recruits, junior cadets aged 10-12 and Sea Cadets aged 12-18. email dartfordscc@gmail.com for more details.

Dartford Orienteering Club

For more details see www.dfok.co.uk

Pete Bresser: An Apology In the July issue of the magazine we used a couple of photos frrom Bresser Photography for the Dartford Living Live article.

We received permission to use the photos but did not attribute these photos to Pete, as he had requested.

Dartford Living would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Pete for this oversite.

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Useful Numbers Where to go locally...

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6 years

For Pregnancy and Birth

Prenatal yoga Baby massage Mum and baby yoga Breathe, bond relax

lianne@yogabellies.co.uk 07530 281704

To book a free taster contact Tennis Tots North West Kent Call 07796 943798 email northwestkent@ tennis-tots.co.uk

www.tennis-tots.co.uk/ northwestkent

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

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Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders Short social walks that last around an hour No need to book - just turn up Any age and ability welcome Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence • Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear

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

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Dartford Living

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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 0800 0280247 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darenth Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartfordf 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

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 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 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250

Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www. dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- PRINCES PARK GOLF CLUB. Contact: Mr. Pat Coleman, Secretary 01322 863730. email: pat.coleman@dartford.gov.uk The Ashes Badminton Club Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30.

Jacqui 07764 182854.

Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Search facebook for: Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Hour Love Dartford

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11 15 15

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Dartford Living

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LOCAL PRESCHOOL ACTIVITY PROVIDER WINS NATIONAL AWARD!

Hartbeeps music and sensory classes for babies and toddlers, which has sessions in Dartford and South Darenth, has won ‘best national pre-schooler development activity’ and came second in the ‘best national baby and toddler activity’ category in the prestigious What’s on 4 Awards at their ceremony on Thursday 23 rd June. The awards scheme, which is now in its tenth year, recognises the best activities and classes throughout the UK as nominated and voted for by parents.

Local mum Sarah Hurrell fell in love with Hartbeeps after attending sessions with her own children. She decided to bring classes to the Dartford area at the beginning of the year and now runs seven classes a week across DA1 and DA4, with new classes coming to DA3 in September. In each session, little ones and their grown-ups can expect to enjoy a plethora of puppets, lighting effects, contemporary music, innovative and unusual props, original baby pop songs, and sensory experiences.

Featured Article

Sarah says: “I’m over the moon that we have won! I launched classes in April of this year and absolutely love to be part of such an innovative programme. To be able to bring Hartbeeps to our local community is a dream come true.”

Hartbeeps is keen for Dartford Living readers to try out their new look classes, and are currently offering readers a FREE taster session. Please contact Sarah; sarah.h@ hartbeeps.com or (07891 545 965), quoting Dartford Living, to claim this offer.

To book your Hartbeeps sessions visit bookeo.com/ hartbeepsnorthkent

Contact Sarah sarah.h@hartbeeps.com 07891 545 965

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11 15 19

Dimples Day Nursey Opens their new barn extention

When I first had the idea of opening Dimples, I approached my neighbours to inform them that Iintended to submit planning permission and asked if they had any objections.

All of my neighbours in Darenth were very supportive and when I informed one of my neighbours, John Wilby, he was delighted and told me that his newly born granddaughter would one day attend. 18 months later when the old barn had been converted into Dimples Day Nursery, little Danielle took her first walk from a few doors up to her new nursery. Danielle stayed with us until she started school and we have seen her grow into a lovely young lady.

Dimples has expanded since we first opened 14 years ago and we now have several buildings and a huge outdoor space and just recently we opened our beautiful new barn.

This barn has a large basement for sports activities and nursery events such as yoga, carol concerts, dance and much more. There are three nursery rooms on the ground floor and a flat on the first floor as well as a meeting room.

We moved into the new barn several weeks ago and on Saturday 16 th July we held our annual sports day and picnic and also had a grand opening of the barn. It felt

fitting that as Danielle was our first child into our first converted barn that she should be the person to open the new barn. Danielle, who is now 15, came along and did us the honour of cutting the ribbon to declare the new barn open. She was presented with a ‘Dolly Dimples’ doll and a plaque will be put outside of the barn showing that Danielle opened the barn.

We are also very pleased that Danielle will be coming to Dimples to do an apprenticeship in early years next year and once she has gained her level 3 she intends to go to university to train as a midwife.

Dimples is a Forest School and we cater for children from 3 months to 5 years. We have limited availability for 2 and 3 year olds and several career opportunities. Please view our website for more details www.dimplesnursery.co.uk.

There are also fitness classes run in the new barn and in the fields behind the nursery for adults and children.

For more details please view www.energyfitnut.co.uk.

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Dartford Living

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DARTFORD LIVING MEETS....... BY KELLY GOLDSWORTHY Tim McArdle has lived in Dartford for the past 11 years with wife Amie and 10 year old Daughter Tamsyn.

Asked what he likes about Dartford Tim said ‘other than when the Tunnel causes congestion, it is as easy to get into London as it is to get to the country. You can never feel isolated living in Dartford’ Tim works in West Dartford for UK Fostering. He says ‘We recruit passionate and committed foster carers throughout the South East, Midlands, North west and North East of England to support children who come into care. We are passionate about making the difference to the lives of children who have had at best a difficult start to their lives and at worst an horrendous start. Investment for these children early on in their lives is the key to making a difference to them and the wider society. Austerity is an additional contributor to poor outcomes for children.

We do our best to plug the gap despite the challenges.’

Tim co-founded Ukindo which is an international charity which is developing national and regional projects for children and their families from deprived backgrounds.

Tim explained ‘The idea of starting a charity was mooted about 8 years ago between Amar (co-founder) and I but it was not the right time. The finance, time and infrastructure was not something that could be rushed in our planning.

Finally in 2014 we started the process of forming the charity and was fully registered in England and Wales in early 2015. We have a helpline set up for those that have left the UK care system and who may be isolated and needing advice. Care leavers are often the most disadvantaged young adults in the country. Many will have had difficult beginnings, often educationally disadvantaged due to their circumstances and are often living independently before many young adults living with parents would have been.

On top of that, as independent young adults, they will often not have a secure family to fall back on for advice or support. We are seeking more funds so that we can develop mentoring services for care leavers.

We have also opened 2 free schools in India for children living in slums and aim to open many more free schools

across the country in the coming years. Some of the children we now educate were working as house servants at the age of 8 and under. Child labour remains rife in India and many other countries and opportunities to learn and grow are almost non-existent to the most deprived.

We are also in discussion with the Indian government to develop a model of foster carer that can be implemented across the country.

We will soon be opening offices in the US and Canada.

Within 10 years we would aim to have projects operating in at least 10 countries across all continents. We anticipate being a major international charity which will have started as a small charity in West Dartford. We are at the stage where we have projects running and projects in development but we do not have significant funding streams. We are looking at corporate sponsorship, individual donations, fundraising events and anything that can brings funds into the charity. We have very limited resources as all staff are working on a volunteer basis so we need people who will come in with a fundraising idea and perhaps coordinate on their own steam. We are also seeking volunteer administrators, perhaps those that have retired but want to give some of their time to support what we are doing.

Although volunteering, there may be the opportunity of international travel.

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23 23

Nature Focus

The Plight of the Bumblebee by William S.Mundy

THE FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE. This is an orchestral interlude composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsa Saltan, in 1899–1900. It is well known piece of music but less well known is the “plight of the bumblebee” or for that matter about any of the many species of bees which are in decline.

In Britain we have lost 3 species of Bumblebees, the last being the Short-haired bumblebee, Bombus subterraneus, a native to the UK which was once widespread across the south of England, occurring as far north as Humberside.

Post-1950s its population distribution became isolated and patchy. Its decline was almost certainly the result of the loss of the species-rich grassland habitats on which it depends. It was last recorded near Dungeness in 1988 and was declared extinct in 2000. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has however successfully reintroduced it in an area around Dungeness where it appears to be thriving. It has now become imperative to prevent further decline in our remaining Bumblebee species.

In my last article I mentioned that Solitary bees are excellent pollinators but the area over which they forage, that is how far they fly in order to search for pollen and nectar, is limited to a radius of about 5 metres from their nests, whereas the bumblebee covers a radius of some 150 metres. Their proboscis (tongue) is longer than those of the honey bee, so they visit and pollinate flowers where the nectaries are too deep for the Honeybee to reach. The work force however is limited to 150 - 300 foragers and although they tend work for longer periods than the Honeybee, the extent of their pollination is less overall.

In recent years they have been used extensively in glasshouses to pollinate crops being grown under glass.

This commercial practise was developed in Holland and is also used in Britain for the same reasons. The limited area they fly from their nest does not cause a problem when they meet the glass barrier formed by the sides of the glasshouse, whereas Honeybees fly up and down the glass trying to get out until they are exhausted and die.

Nest sites vary between bumblebee species. Most of the more common species prefer dry, dark cavities and nests can turn up in a variety of unexpected places. Some nest

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underground, in places such as abandoned rodent holes, under sheds and in compost heaps. Of those that nest above ground, some make nests in thick grass, while others make nests in bird boxes, lofts and in trees. One of the species which nests in bird boxes and lofts is the Tree Bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum. With this species you may often see swarms of bees flying around the nest.

This is perfectly normal; these are male bees, waiting for queens to come out so that they can mate with them.

Although the Queens and workers have stings, they are not aggressive, but they will defend their nest if it is endangered. B. hyonorum is alittle more aggressive than others, so take extra care should you have bees in a bird box. The Male Bumblebees do not have stings.

The lifestyle of a Bumblebee is similar to that of the Solitary bees. Newly mated Bumblebee queens, after fattening up on Pollen and Nectar, hibernate for the winter in the ground or in holes found in walls. They emerge in the spring to seek a new location for their nests. They have special wax glands, which enables them to build the first cells into which they lay their eggs. When these eggs mature and hatch out as worker bees, they start to enlarge the nest, fetch pollen and nectar in order to feed the following batches of developing workers. The Queen’s only role from now on is to lays eggs. During the summer she will lay some eggs, which will become males and this is followed by a batch which will become Queens. When these new Queens are mated they will then become the ones that hibernate until the following spring and complete the cycle. The old queen and all the workers in the nest, 3 - 400, will die in the autumn and the deserted nest will not be used the following year by the Queens emerging from hibernation.

The preservation of Bumblebees is of utmost importance and their nests should not be disturbed unless there is a compelling reason, in which case help should be sought.

They should never be destroyed. Beekeepers will often be willing to assist removal if the nest is accessible, See www.dartfordbeekeepers.com for information. In most cases the bees will ignore the passing of humans providing there is no waving of arms or attempts to disturb the nest

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Dartford Arts Network

Local News 13 individual artists contributed, as well as art students at North West Kent College, children at The Bridge Primary Community School, and 10 members of the public who produced collage and monoprint works at the public workshops we held last summer at One Bell Corner.

After a lengthy period in the proverbial pipeline, our Dartford Assembly project is finally seeing fruition, springing up over a mad 2 weeks and birthing from its project management cocoon a beautiful mass of visual art for public delectation.

Conceived nearly two years ago, the central aim of the project was initially to kill two very significant birds with one stone: to provide a vehicle through which local artists could publicly display their artworks in the town, and to deliver a project which greatly enhanced the aesthetics of Lowfield Street for the general public.

Dartford Arts Network was still in its early inception stages at that point and learning how to produce such a major project as we went along was a huge hurdle to overcome.

Thankfully, we received some financial support from the council to make the project happen, but the logistical planning was immense; the time spent on design, artist liaison, landowner and council consultation, material production and site planning was overwhelming. All this was produced with a small group of local artist volunteers, each of whom was trying to (variously); do their day job, have babies, raise babies, have a life and do their own artwork. To say we are incredibly proud of, and grateful to, everyone who contributed, is an understatement.

We have had overwhelmingly positive responses from the public, who are generally delighted to see such a wide variety of local art on public display.

I hold a firm belief in the power of art; as regenerator, motivator, and as inspirer. To lift the spirit of a community and create a sense of belief and communal optimism takes more than just physical rebuilding or looking backwards to what once was. It takes beauty and reflection; it takes recognising how much (sometimes unseen) talent and potential is already present in the area and how those resources can be nurtured and used alongside retail and development to draw interest to our town.

This is the first major public art exhibition in Dartford and I am confident it is only the beginning. Our next project - Plastic Fantastic - is already underway.

After winning a grant from Ellandi, the owners of the Priory Centre, to produce a sculpture for the community addressing the issues of sustainability and plastic waste, we will be holding workshops in September to encourage members of the public to contribute to the construction and design.

See our website for more details on the project and how to get involved.

Kate Withstandley Chair of Dartford Arts Network Dartford Arts Network is an inclusive arts and culture network for those in, around and connected to the borough.

Contact us at @dartfordarts / hello@darfordartsnetwork. com / www.dartfordartsnetwork.com

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23 25

Are you currently in Year 9 or 11?

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The Leigh UTC, Brunel Way Discover everything The Leigh UTC has to offer and start an incredible journey in computer sciences and engineering.

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The Leigh UTC Brunel Way, The Bridge, Dartford, Kent DA1 5TF (for sat nav purposes use DA1 5FW)

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

Pick Your Own Strawberries (and more!)

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GIANT MAIZE MAZE Also at the farm

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Sunday & Bank Holidays 10.30am to 4.00pm (Last entry 3.00pm)

Stanhill Farm Stanhill Maize Maze

Birchwood Road Wilmington, Dartford, Kent. DA2 7HD

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EVERY SUNDAY 10:30AM STONE PAVILION A BRIGHT, MODERN AND GOD LOVING CHURCH, PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS

WORSHIP, WORD, CHILDRENS FACILITIES, REFRESHMENTS AND DISABILITY ACCESS For more information please visit our website: www.crosswayscommunitychurch.co.uk Email: crosswayscommunitychurch@mail.com or join us every Sunday 10:30am at the Stone Pavilion, Greenhithe, Dartford, DA9 9DS.

Things to do in Dartford and the surrounding area over the summer holidays The Summer is already upon us and once again there are numerous events going on around Dartford and further afield to keep the kids busy.

Over the next 6 pages we will look into more detail at these activities.

ACTIVITES IN DARTFORD Throughout the Summer...

Fit For Sport Activity Camps^ Pre-booking essential Age: 4+ Venue: Fairfield Contact: Find out more and book your child’s place at www.fitforsport.co.uk or call 0845 456 3233 (Calls cost 3p per minute plus the customer’s phone company access charge) From Saturday 16th July Summer Reading Challenge FREE - No booking required The Summer Reading challenge for children starts in all Kent’s libraries on Saturday 16 July. The Challenge encourages children aged 4-11 to read six books during the long summer break and receive a fantastic medal and certificate. This year’s theme, The Big Friendly Read, will feature some of Roald Dahl’s best-loved characters. The challenge is a great opportunity to have fun over the summer holidays with events happening in a library near you.

Children can find competitions, challenges, author interviews, news and the book sorter which recommends what children might like to read next on the Summer Reading Challenge website throughout the year www.readingagency.org.uk/ children/quick-guides/summer-reading-challenge For further information contact www.kent.gov.uk/ libs or phone Dartford Library on 03000 41 31 31.

Teen Gym Sessions (unlimited use during term times) Times: Monday-Friday 3.30pm-5.30pm. Saturday & Sunday 12 noon-6pm Venue: Becket Sports Centre Price: £12 for 4 weeks (induction fee included) Age: 13-15 years (induction required) Contact: 01322 280646

Every Tuesday & Thursday Dartford Valley RFC Senior Training for Men And Women No booking required Age: 17+ Venue: The Leigh Academy (Goals) Time: Men 7.30pm-8.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Women 6.30pm-7.30pm Tuesday and 7pm-8pm Thursdays.

Price: £10 per person, per month for women. £15 per person, per month for men Contact:Luke Stickings on 07554 001909 or email him. Visit the Club’s Facebook page.

Come and give it a go at Dartford Valley Rugby Club – the fastest growing Rugby club in England! All welcome! No height or weight restrictions.

Every Saturday Dartford Valley Vipers RFC Wheelchair Training No booking required Venue: Northfleet Youth Centre (for now) , Hall Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 8AJ Time: Saturday mornings Contact: Mandy McCambridge on 07979 676330 Visit the Club’s Facebook page.

Players of all ages, sexes and experience welcome.

Wheelchair rugby is an able-bodied and disabled sport. Come along and join in this fantastic game!!

Come and give it a go at Dartford Valley Rugby Club – the fastest growing Rugby club in England! All welcome! No height or weight restrictions.

Every Sunday Dartford junior parkrun FREE - Pre-registration essential Age: 4-14 years Venue: Meet outside the Cafe in the Park, Central Park Time: 8.30am for 9am start Contact: Register to receive a barcode at www. parkrun.org.uk/dartford-juniors Weekly timed 2km run (not race!) aimed at

children aged 4-14. Children can run by themselves or accompanied by an adult.

From Monday 1st August Storytime^ FREE - Pre-booking essential Age: Under 5s with an accompanying adult Venue: The Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Centre Time: 10am-11am Contact: Call The Orchard Theatre Ticket Office on 01322 220000 to book The Orchard Theatre’s fun and lively interactive storytelling session for under 5s and their grown-ups!

Book activities marked ^ directly with the organisers and those marked * with Dartford Borough Council

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN KENT CELEBRATE A SUPER SUMMERTIME AT LEEDS CASTLE This summertime be entertained by a host of characters across an eight week extravaganza of music, drama and adventure taking place within the beautiful 500 acre grounds and gardens of Leeds Castle in Kent. A colourful calendar of additional activities will be included in the daily entrance ticket to complement the many permanent attractions on offer, while a packed programme of ticketed evening events will keep you entertained all summer.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the 900 year old Castle, the evening ticketed events programme begins on Saturday 9th July with the Classical Concert presented by Aled Jones and conducted by John Rigby. Field cannons, fireworks, glorious food, ballroom dancers, Spitfire display, patriotic flag waving and picnics to the soundtrack of much loved classical music such as the 1812 Overture performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are all the ingredients for a truly memorable summer’s evening.

The ticketed events programme continues on 20th July with an intimate evening of rousing opera, performed in the Castle’s magnificent Henry VIII Banqueting Hall with the popular comic opera Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’. Meanwhile Shakespeare aficionados can enjoy a performance of Twelfth Night on the lawns of the Castle on 23rd July.

Movie fans get their share of fun too with Luna Cinema returning to the Castle with Bridesmaids, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Top Gun on 28/29/30 July respectively.

The magic continues with an open air theatrical adaption of The Wizard of Oz on 5th and 6th August with lashings of audience participation, dazzling costumes, an original script and plenty of laughter for all the family.

The evening ticketed events conclude on 3rd September when you can meet the world’s most famous of detectives, Sherlock Holmes, as he is called upon to solve the greatest mystery of all time...that of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Bring a picnic and your best detective skills for an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense and theatre under the stars to close the Leeds Castle Summertime season.

Fun for all the Family Enjoy music on the lawns every Sunday with brass bands playing swing, jazz and classical music while you enjoy the idyllic views of the Castle throughout August. Meanwhile keeping children entertained in the holidays is simple with a host of activities included in the daily entrance ticket, starting with different challenges every week in the spiralling Yew Maze. Fun and frivolity comes along on 13th and 14th August with Interactive Children’s Theatre: Heroes, Heroines and Hoods, while the Mystery Quest on 15th to 19th August will get you guessing. Activities

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continue with Doodle Station on 20th and 21st August and Spy School from 27th to 29th August.

Daily attractions included with the entrance ticket include the adventure playgrounds Knights’ Realm and Squires’ Courtyard adjacent to the Maze and Grotto, while Elsie the Land Train and the Black Swan ferry are available for a small additional charge. Why not take a leisurely punt on the moat and enjoy stunning views of the Castle as you hear about the 900 year history, charges apply. See the daily free flying falconry demonstrations featuring owls, hawks, falcons and a vulture and visit the Exhibition Centre to view the largest collection of dog collars in the world.

Take a fascinating journey through the 900 year history of the Castle in the Gatehouse Exhibition or step back in time to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, all included in your entrance ticket.

Admission tickets cost £24.50 for adults; £21.50 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £16.50 for

6pm from April to September.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN AND GAMES AT KENT LIFE Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, near Maidstone, has unveiled a packed programme of summer holiday activities and events, including a visit by children’s favourite The Gruffalo and the attraction’s first-ever Ice Cream Festival.

Six weeks of fun on the farm kick off on July 23 with a fortnight of themed Nature Explorers. Check out the award-winning attraction’s nature trails, take part in animal activities and visit Kent Life’s farmyard friends.

Come along on July 31 and see The Gruffalo, hear his story and meet the owls and mice he encounters on his way.

children, £13.50 for children with disabilities (age 4-15 years), under 4s free. Admission tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round.

Book online and receive 10% off admission tickets at: www.leeds-castle.com For all evening ticketed events book online at www. leeds-castle.com/events or call the Box Office on 01622 880008 (open weekdays 10am – 5pm).

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 within easy reach of London.

Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 4.30pm and gates close at

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Young and old alike can discover their creative side between August 8 and 21 with the Creative Crafters, when there will be plenty of crafty activities including a visit to the Paint-a-Pot Studio.

From August 22 to September 4, it’s summer holiday camp time featuring traditional games and races. Enjoy some seaside fun at the sandpit and build a sand castle, or sit back and watch the Punch and Judy Show. Then on August 29, Kent Life hosts its first Ice Cream Festival, with ice cream vendors, chocolatiers and sweet stalls galore!

Why not head over to Brundle’s Big Top and catch a show, including Claws & Jaws, Flip the Clown, Kent Life Entertainers, Kent Owl Academy and Nick Spellman AnimalMan.

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Admission to Kent Life costs adults £9.50; children £7.50 (aged 3-15); concessions £8.50; family ticket (two adults and two children) £29.95. Members and under-threes FREE. Opening times: 10am to 6pm, last admission at 5pm.

Kent Life is the county’s premier rural heritage experience, set in 28 acres of countryside. Visitors can wander through period dressed historic buildings in the charming Vintage Village; explore the beautiful gardens, orchard and one of the last hand-picked hop gardens in the country; ramble along the wildlife discovery trail and see the last working

coal-fired oast house in Britain.

You can also now jump aboard the brand new land train for a tour of the gorgeous grounds or alternatively take a tractor ride.

The attraction is also a real working farm, so there are plenty of animals to see, including pigs, sheep, ducks, goats, alpacas, horses and ponies. You can even hold some of the smaller animals in Cuddle Corner.

football theme park. From 15th July – 22nd August, guests can take part in a variety of exhilarating games including Foot Darts, Football Pool, Panna, Street Foot Golf and Powerball, plus there’s a chance to win a £1,000 Bluewater Gift Card. Five activity tokens cost £15 or ten for £25, book online in advance at www.footsportsuk. co.uk to receive a 25% discount using the code FSUK16BW. Bluewater’s Nature Trail

Make the most of the outdoors by exploring the beautiful parkland surrounding Bluewater on the new and improved nature trail. Families can pick up a nature trail leaflet, follow the footprints from outside Zizzi and discover picturesque lakes and parkland - the perfect setting for a family picnic. Plus, when children complete the trail and hand the sheet into the Concierge Team at the Red Concierge Desk (close to John Lewis), they’ll receive a special gift from Sidney - Bluewater’s resident squirrel.

For the ultimate day out this summer, come rain or shine, head to Bluewater to experience a host of activities, special events, retail therapy and delicious dining for the whole family to enjoy.

Fairground fun with LEGO® Friends LEGO® Friends Amusement Park live Tour is coming to Bluewater this summer. Families are invited to join the LEGO Friends and check out the fun-sized Amusement Park Roller Coaster, Hot Dog Van, Bumper Cars, Space Ride and the Arcade. Set in the beautiful world of Heartlake City – the Amusement Park sets offer hours of building entertainment. Little ones can build whatever their imagination desires at the bumper car brick pits, play the slam dunk game, meet Nate the Hot Dog Guy and capture all the action at the photo stand. Plus, when the excitement is over, visitors will leave with a free goodie bag. The LEGO® Friends Amusement Park opens in the M&S carpark from 26th – 29th August.

The world’s first football theme park: Football FEST Bluewater presents Football FEST, the world’s first indoor

All-aboard Eurostar’s pop-up carriage The holiday season is here and to celebrate, Bluewater

Kent Life is in Lock Lane, Sandling, near Maidstone, just off junction 6 of the M20 or only an hour by train from London. For further information call 01622 763936 or visit www.kentlife.org.uk. You can also follow Kent Life on Twitter @Kent­_Life SUMMER FUN AT BLUEWATER

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Indoor fun Sega XD Theatre is a simulation theatre experience that transports visitors on a thrilling 4D motion ride - the first of its kind in England. Guests can watch 3D movies with motion seats and giant fans, and can choose from a selection of magical adventures including a trip to outer space, a haunted goldmine, a safari and much more.

Let little ones run wild at Splat, the fantastic multi-layered soft play zone for children up to the age of seven. A small Splat play area and ball pond for under threes is also available. has teamed up with Eurostar to offer guests the chance to travel to top cities across the continent for just £29.

Throughout July, holidaymakers can enjoy a relaxed and speedy trip from either Ashford International or Ebbsfleet to Paris, Lille and Brussels. Shoppers simply need to make a purchase at Bluewater and then head to Eurostar’s pop-up train carriage, located at the Rose Gallery, to redeem the offer.

Pirate-themed family fun Ideal for thrill-seekers, Pirate Cove Adventure Park is a great day out for guests of all ages. Children and parents alike can experience the excitement of two adventurefilled 18-hole mini golf courses, featuring pirate ships, castles, caves, waterfalls and sunken boats. The attraction also boasts a zip wire, high ropes and climbing wall.

Additionally, families can board the Pirate Pedaloes and cruise around the Blue Lagoon.

Or why not let the under 17’s enjoy a driving lesson?

Young Driver’s fully qualified ADI driving instructors will teach big kids aged 11 or over how to start, brake and park a brand new dual controlled Skoda!

For more info visit www.Bluewater.co.uk TIME TRAVELLERS” AND “POLAR EXPLORERS” GO FREE AT THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM THIS SUMMER! Kids go free this summer at The Historic Dockyard Chatham!

One free child with every full paying adult – www. thedockyard.co.uk for full details and terms & conditions.

Features at the dockyard incliude:

Enjoy the latest must-see movies Film fans can head to Showcase Cinema De Lux to enjoy the latest movie releases, including The Secret Life of Pets (out now), Ice Age: Collision Course (out now), Ghostbusters (out 11th July), The BFG (out 22nd July) and the highly anticipated Finding Dory (out 29th July).

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· Doc. Yard’s science extravaganza gives kids the chance to experiment with ‘time travel’. · Captain’s Cat invites young adventurers to help on ‘Mission Explore’ · Visit the new ‘Command of the Oceans’ galleries to discover HMS Namur on display for the first time and extraordinary naval artefacts recovered from the sea bed · The new £9m development has something for all the family, including interactive galleries, a new restaurant and a new adventure playground! · The summer exhibition ‘Pole of Cold’ combines art, adventure and the natural world · Visit thedockyard.co.uk website to plan your visit and purchase tickets.

Buy online and save! · Tickets valid for a whole year giving unlimited access to all galleries, attractions, exhibitions and activities

A Day at Diggerland – The Ultimate Adventure Park Experience!

Three playgrounds (one indoors), two historic battleships to explore, steam trains running monthly, a cold war submarine, an astonishing Victorian Ropery and a famous film set; The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a unique and fun day out for all the family.

Fun for all ages from 4 (subject to height restrictions) to 40-plus, Diggerland with its 18 different rides and drives and an array of additional activities is the ideal theme park for small to large groups looking for something exciting and truly unique. Get to grips with real JCBs and 180/360 excavators, take a head-reeling turn or two on the Spindizzy, rise to lofty heights and enjoy the views on the Skyshuttle, enjoy a bone-rattling off-road ride on the Groundshuttle, or have a go on the Dodgems and Go-Karts!

Less than an hour from London, Dover, Tunbridge Wells and Essex, with an abundance of activities for all ages and free on-site parking, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is recognised as ‘one of the UK’s best day-out destinations’.

Having recently undergone a £9m redevelopment, made possible through the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund; the Homes & Communities Agency and other donors, the maritime attraction now features a new restaurant, themed playgrounds and the ‘Command of the Oceans’ interactive galleries, offering something for all members of the family.

To celebrate the new opening, the Dockyard proudly presents an exciting line up this summer, including festivals, exhibitions, tours and tons of kids’ activities.

What’s more, kids go free!

Many kids get excited at just the thought of passing a building site and seeing all the JCB diggers, which to them are larger than life toys!

Fascinated by all of the machinery, little boys (and even girls) dream of sitting inside the cabs of diggers and hope their playrooms will one day come to life. Well the dream can come true at... Diggerland!

Diggerland is The Ultimate Adventure Theme Park Experience where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full- size construction machinery. Located in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire, Diggerland is the perfect destination for action, fun and thrill packed family days out.

There are indoor and outdoor play areas, sandpits, coin operated rides and much more where younger visitors can let off steam while their parents can just sit back, relax and watch the fun… or join in!

Kent’s park in Strood’s Medway Valley Leisure Park boast a Diggerland Goodie Store where visitors can mark their day with a memorable souvenir as well as buy gifts, toys and other merchandise, and there are cafeterias that offer a wide selection of hot and cold snacks, meals and beverages. Picnic tables are located in the grounds for those who prefer to bring their own packed lunches.

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Local News

Life Under The Stairs by Jane Stevenson

BOOT FAIR BLUES? It’s 12.30 on a Sunday afternoon and I’ve been up since 5am. Not because of the early birds catching the worm, or the neighbours having a party, or even the OH’s snoring: I had a clear out which necessitated a boot fair.

Mind you, queuing up on Birchwood Road, shortly after six this morning, I must confess my enthusiasm wasn’t quite as strong as it had been. I’d got the Boot Fair Blues.

Grey skies, lack of breakfast and the prospect of being offered 20p for something I’d paid £20 for sort of took the sparkle off the plan.

However, the day panned out better than expected.

Firstly, sold a great deal, reinforcing my belief in up cycling anything and everything. Secondly the Stevenson Christmas Fund is looking a great deal healthier than it was. Lastly, everyone there was just so good tempered, from the other stall holders to the hundreds of people who paraded through the gates. The bartering was friendly and relaxed, and I was surprised how reasonable the offers made, were.

The most amazing things was the sheer generosity of people. The Eldest Offspring was selling on behalf or her favourite charity. People willingly paid more than asked, refused their change or even returned to add a donation.

The buyers were a real mixed bunch too. Colourful in dress and language, laughing and with an eye for a bargain, they walked up and down the rows of stalls taking in the stock. The rapid phone conversations ‘she’s selling dog bowls for 20p... I’ll buy a few...’ through to the charming lady who was so gracious in her argument for me to reduce the price of some jewellery, that I felt I couldn’t refuse her.

All ages, cultures, couples, some large family groups plus the occasional serious buyer, rooting through things for the next undiscovered Rembrandt!

Given that recent events would suggest we are a nation of small minded bigots, xenophobic to the point of stupidity, I’d like to think this was the true face of a community all enjoying a peculiarly British past time.

There are several boot fairs held regularly around the Dartford area. It is well worth rolling out of bed at some ungodly hour to join in. Who knows, you might even find that missing Rembrandt.

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THE TRIALS OF RURAL LIVING. I am lucky enough to live in a village near to Dartford, in what is termed a semi rural area. I am surrounded by fields, can watch the foxes and their cubs chase around the narrow lanes and see all manner of wildlife, hedgerow plants and birds. Standing in the local field I can see for miles, the dark line of trees forming the only barrier to my view. It is quiet and peaceful. In the summer, the fields are busy as early harvests are plucked and later crops planted. After living in south east London for many years, the sight of all the open space, the soft muted sounds of wildlife and the view of the sun as it sets, throwing an array of pinks, purples and golds overhead, still takes my breath away.

But so many of the amenities I took for granted in London no longer exist in my neck of the woods. There is an infrequent bus service, no local shops or post office. Even the simplest of errands, for milk or bread, increases my personal carbon footprint as I have to drive everywhere.

Parking is a nightmare as the reduced public transport forces most homes into multi car ownership.

The road is narrow, poorly maintained and liable to flooding.

The hedgerows, which I love for their diversity, become a menace in spring when they grow high and unwieldy, obscuring oncoming traffic. They get trimmed once a year. Heavy rain washes mud off the field where it runs down the hill. Often the drains overflow. A snow fall is laughable. As ever, the selfish strip the salt bins, leaving the rest of us to slip and slide our way to work. Once out of Dartford town, we are invisible to the powers that be.

Yet despite this I wouldn’t live anywhere else. When in London, no-one helped if I couldn’t get the car started.

The buses, herds of 89s and 57s, were full of stony faced strangers. Here, people stop when I’m gardening, offer advice and commiserations (I never did get those giant hollyhocks to grow). In inclement weather we help each other by offering lifts in the pouring rain or by getting the shopping when the snowfall has made life more difficult for our older neighbours. People smile... and chat... like they did in ‘the good old days’ according my elderly relatives.

For those simple reasons I’ll forego the simplicity of the ten minute train journey to Charing Cross, the tourist centre that is Greenwich and the traffic. I’m happy being rustic!

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27 41

Charity Focus

Each month we will be featuring a local charity. If you represent a charity and would like to be featured please email charity@dartfordliving.com

Twilight: Time to turn the town orange

chips and ice cream and hot chocolate on their return to the Cyclopark.

Among those already signed up for the Twilight Walk is Tracy Down from Cliffe Woods, who is walking in memory of her father, David Hopkins, who died at ellenor Gravesend in June last year, aged 61.

David had been ill for a while before being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in early summer 2015. He came under the care of ellenor at home on 4 June that year and was transferred to ellenor Gravesend the following day, just one week after being diagnosed.

ellenor’s popular Twilight Walk is taking place in Gravesend on Friday 16 September and will, as always, give participants the opportunity to enjoy an evening of smiles and memories. It’s a chance to join with others and remember a loved one or simply to get out into the streets and raise money for local hospice care.

As walkers make their way through Gravesend, creating a carnival atmosphere as they go, the streets will turn orange and, as the light fades, the evening sky will be lit up with torches and flashing lights. On the back of their T-shirts, participants can write the names of loved ones – family, friends or perhaps colleagues – that they are remembering.

“The care Dad received in the hospice was second to none,” says Tracy. “The nurses made us all feel welcome and truly showed compassion, not only for what my Dad was going through but for all of us too.”

Just days before going into the hospice, David asked his long-term partner, Sandra, to marry him.

“The staff at ellenor were more than happy to help

The event is being sponsored, for the second year running, by Esquire Developments. Based in Longfield, the company creates sustainable developments that complement existing communities.

More than 500 people are expected to take part in Twilight and have a choice of two routes, 8km or 12km. Both start with a loop round the Cyclopark in Gravesend and, after a circular walk around the town, return to the Cyclopark.

The route takes walkers past ellenor Gravesend – where families and nurseswill be waving in support.

In addition to being cheered on by supporters, there will also be some treats along the way – including

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with the arrangements,” says Tracy. “The day after arriving at the hospice, my Dad went into rapid decline and the staff managed to pull together an amazing wedding service for him with his close family and friends around him. I cannot thank the staff enough for making my Dad’s wish come true.”

David died four days later, on 10 June, surrounded by his family. “From the moment I stepped foot inside the hospice, I felt a connection to it and immediately - at my Dad’s suggestion - I signed up to take part in my first Marathon in Brighton this year,” she says.

“Whether you’re a keen athlete or simply like to stroll, the Twilight Walk is the perfect place to have fun while raising vital funds for your local hospice,” says Emma Whittington, Events Manager at ellenor. “Sign up today to secure a place in this popular walk and help us to turn Gravesend orange for an evening.”

Entry is £15 for adults and £10 for children. Book online today at www.ellenor.org/events or call Emma Whittington or Kirsty Doubleday on 01322 626506.

Tracy will be joined on the Twilight Walk by her eight-year- old son Ronnie, who has also raised money for ellenor over the last year – including taking part in the Mini Mile Race in Brighton, the day before the Marathon.

The Twilight Walk will start with a mass participation warm-up – cheered on by ellenor Patron, Cheryl Fergison - and everyone will receive a Twilight Walk T-shirt and goody bag.

Corporate and Community Fundraiser £23952 -£27815 (Pro Rata) 22.5 hours- Flexible working hours 5% pension (after probationary period) We are looking for a highly motivated Corporate and Community Fundraiser to develop new income streams for the Charity. This role would suit someone that is experienced in dealing with both local businesses and community The work involves developing fundraising campaigns, hosting events and motivating employees to generate corporate giving.

Use of own car is essential for travel in the local area.

If you are interested and would like to find out more please email admin@parentsconsortium.co.uk for an Application Pack (No CV accepted) or telephone 01322 668501 extn 5.

Parents Consortium is a local charity based in Hextable that supports disabled children and their families in Kent. To find out more on our work see our website www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Closing date for applications: Tuesday 16 th August 2016 Interview date: Thursday 25 th August 2016

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Dhiren’s Automotive News

Automotive

In this month’s article we’ll bring you new editions available this year and find out which brands top the dependability survey

Nissan Qashqai Black Edition SV

A new range-topping version of the Nissan Qashqai has been revealed. Dubbed the Qashqai Black Edition SV, it’s the first special-edition version of the Qashqai to go on sale since the second-generation model’s launch in 2013. Nissan says the Black Edition SV will be produced in limited numbers and sit at the very top of the Qashqai range, above the current Tekna grade. In addition to the specification of Tekna models, Black Edition versions of the Qashqai receive 19in alloy wheels, black metallic paint and new styling plates on the front and rear bumper.

A panoramic glass roof is included as standard. The sole engine choice is a 1.5-litre diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox and CO2 emissions of 103g/km. Priced at £27,310, the Nissan Qashqai Black Edition is on sale now in a limited production run.

Facelifted Renault Clio RS

The Clio RS has been facelifted to keep it in line with the rest of the Clio range, with a tweaked grille, rear bumper and headlights, as well as exclusive front fog lights that form a checkered pattern in the front bumper. There’s a choice of three chassis options: Sport, Cup and Trophy, which reflect increasing levels of track-oriented focus, with

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Sport being the most road-friendly. The 1.6-litre petrol engine under the bonnet is available in two power outputs: 197bhp for the Clio RS 200 EDC, and 217bhp for the Clio RS 220 Trophy. Automatic gearboxes will be available with both options. There’s also a central infotainment screen, which features bespoke graphics for the RS, including screens to monitor things like oil temperature and power output. The current Clio RS starts at £19,130 and rises to £21,780 for the 220 Trophy, so expect prices of the facelifted car to start around £19,500 and £22,000 respectively when it goes on sale in October this year.

Skoda tops new UK vehicle dependability survey

Skoda is the most dependable brand in the UK, with the fewest problems experienced by owners. That’s according to the new J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Survey (VDS), which ranks vehicle manufacturers and their models according to how reliable they are. The 2016 survey took in the views from owners whose vehicles were 12-36 months old, asking them about problems they had experienced within the past year. Problems were grouped into eight categories, and included engine, gearbox and infotainment issues, as well as comments relating to the car’s driving experience. This is the second consecutive time that Skoda has topped the list, having also been named as the most dependable brand in 2015.

Czech brand Skoda scored the lowest mark, with just 66 vehicles per 100 having some sort of problem. Next came Japanese brand Suzuki with 79 problems per 100 vehicles, and in third place Korean brand Kia. Interestingly, Kia’s sister brand, Hyundai, sits closer to the bottom of the list, with a score of 130 problems per 100 cars. The industry average was 113 problems per 100 cars.

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Gardening

Gardening Hints and Tips August Planning autumn planting Start planning that new bed or border. Look for plants with a long flowering period and those that have two or more seasons of interest with flowers, fruit, colourful stems and interesting foliage.

Choose plants with different foliage colours and shapes, and remember that while evergreens help bring structure and winter interest they may need livening up with deciduous plants. Use winter and spring bedding plants to increase the seasons of interest, and plant bulbs for extra splashes of colour.

Vegetables The harvesting season is now in full swing, so make sure you pick crops that are ready. Leave them too long and they’ll lose flavour and tenderness.

Now’s a good time to sow endive, radish, spring cabbage for next year, winter varieties of spinach and maincrop turnips. Having spent lots of time and effort growing your fruit and veg to perfection, protect it from caterpillars and bird damage with fleece or small-mesh plastic netting – or, if you have a large area, put up a fruit cage.

Planted Containers Keep your garden looking bright and colourful by adding some new containers planted ready for Autumn colour. Plant them up yourself with favourites such as pansies, evergreen shrubs such as euonymus, and under planted with spring flowering bulbs. Or make it really easy by taking home our ready-planted containers.

Pruning Many summer-flowering plants that have finished flowering can be cut back now and may produce further flushes of flowers. After pruning give the plants a quick pick-me-up by watering on a high potash liquid feed.

Lawn preparation for September September is the best time to sow a new lawn or

lay turf, but it pays to prepare the area now. To beat perennial weeds, spray with a weedkiller.

Once the old turf has been removed, work over the soil to a depth of 9 inches with a fork and spade, removing weed roots and large stones, and incorporating compost, lawn soil or composted bark.

Rake and level the soil, walk over it to settle it, rake again and then leave it bare to allow weed seeds to germinate. These can be sprayed or hoed off ready for sowing or turfing next month.

Cuttings August is the best time to take cuttings from half-hardy bedding plants, such as fuchsias, pelargoniums, marguerites and trailing petunias, for overwintering. Once done, cover the pots with a polythene bag or place in a propagator and place somewhere warm and sheltered but out of strong, direct sunlight. Don’t forget to pick up everything you need for taking successful cuttings including pots, compost, dibbers, rooting hormone, labels and propagators.

Watering Make sure your plants produce a display to be proud of by giving them just the right amount of water they need. Well-established plants may not need regular watering but newly planted ones, bedding plants and all plants in containers will need regular watering.

Vine weevil As vine weevil beetles tend to lay eggs in late summer and early autumn it pays to protect vulnerable plants in containers – such as begonias, fuchsias, cyclamen and sedums – with a Vine Weevil Killer. A wide range of pests can be controlled by spraying affected plants with a systemic insecticide. And check out our range of biological controls for vine weevil and other common pests.

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Fitness Improving your eating and health without “Dieting For most people “Diets” are too difficult. The healthy recipe book or diet plan is great for about a week, then compliance drops off and the excitement of trying something new wears off because you haven’t lost 10 lbs in a week. Gradually the “Diet” goes out the window and old eating habits creep back in. For some people, the traditional method of following a strict diet for a few weeks, or the points systems or caloriecounting that have been relied on for so long do work, but for most, they don’t quite get the results you’re after.

Enter Habit Based Nutrition.

The reason people fail at dieting is because their new actions go against ingrained habits. It’s your behaviour and habits that need to be addressed rather than a strict plan telling you what you can or can’t eat. You don’t need to be told what you can or can’t eat as this is the failing point in most diets, and most people know what they should and shouldn’t be eating. You need to be able to enjoy the foods you like, but still eat in a way that works for your body and delivers the results you want.

By addressing your daily habits, you can make small, healthy changes easily; gradually improving your diet over time so it changes for good, not until “the end of your diet”. Every couple of weeks you should introduce a new habit that you can scale up or down to suit your current level – if it’s too hard, make it easier. If it’s too easy, make it more challenging.

By introducing one achievable habit at a time, you’ll build up step by step to a healthier lifestyle. Progress should be tracked in a number of ways, not just with weight on the scales (which is useful, but not ideal); photos, measurements, compliance and any other specific markers you feel will be helpful are essential in keeping you motivated.

DAILY reminders will help you stay on track; and learning why you’re doing what you’re doing will help you understand and commit to your habit changes more easily. Remembering why you’re making the changes (what your goals are) will also keep you motivated.

One of the main reasons slimming clubs work is because you’re making yourself accountable. Tell someone what

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you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and ask for their support (it doesn’t have to be a facebook announcement to the world, but someone you trust who will hold you accountable and give you a hard time if you slack off – like a trainer or coach). The aim is not to embarrass you when you fail, but to motivate you to try harder and boost your pride and confidence when you succeed.

Now you can do all of this yourself, but there’s so much nutritional “information” out there that it can be difficult to work out what you need to do next, or even where to begin!

As a Precision Nutrition certified coach, I can now offer you access to ProCoach, a habit-based nutrition coaching program that will help you to easily integrate healthy eating into your lifestyle.

It covers all of the above – teaching you new habits in a structured way to ensure you start at the beginning and build up slowly, one success after the other. While there’s no right or wrong way, certain foundations need to be laid before you can build on them, so getting the right habits under control first will prevent you from falling off the wagon by trying something you’re not ready for.

This is an entirely new approach to dieting for most people, (in fact, for the first couple of weeks we don’t even talk about food!) but it’s effective and it works. By helping you think about and focus on your goals, it will help you make better choices that will ultimately lead to your desired result.

If you’d like more information on ProCoach, visit www.

DartfordBootcamps.com/nutrition-coaching where you can watch a video of people who’ve done the program, and contact me with any questions you might have. If your current efforts aren’t working for you, it’s time to try something new!

By Mark Broadbent, Master Personal Trainer & Instructor at Dartford Bootcamps. Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com for information on Personal Training, Nutrition coaching or Bootcamp Fitness classes. - MarkOneFitness.blogspot. comAnd follow us on Facebook and Twitter (do it now……) for extra tips, advice and motivation.

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Small Business

Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) Each month Paul Conradi, Chartered Accountant from Conradi Morrison & Co will be giving us his professional advice for small businesses.

From 5 th April 2016, the new Personal Savings Allowance was introduced and tax no longer deducted from savings at source.

The New Personal Savings Allowance allows basic rate tax payers to receive up to £1000 in savings income before tax is due. Higher rate tax payers get a £500 band and additional tax rate payers have a nil band. The Government expects that this new allowance will take 95% of savings out of the tax system.

Persons moving between basic, higher and additional tax rates will find more savings income will become taxable as it progressively falls outside the PSA. Some people may be used to receiving a refund of tax deducted at source and so

are normally eager to file their tax returns in order to speed up the refund. From April 2016 savings income will normally be received gross and it is likely that for tax payers with larger interest receipts, tax will be payable.

Some of my clients had thought that savings were now outside the tax system. This is not the case. Any interest received over £1000 or £500 for higher rate tax payers will still have to be declared. It is therefore still beneficial to consider ISAs. As your local Accountant, I would be very glad to meet you and discuss the possibility of tax planning in your business.

For more information, please see page two of this month’s Dartford Living and feel free to call me on 01322 278188 to arrange a meeting without charge.

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Local Sports News

Dartford FC Fixtures 16/17 August

February

Saturday 6th: Wealdstone (H) Wednesday 10th: Whitehawk (A) Saturday 13th: Chelmsford (A) Tuesday 16th: Gosport Borough (H) Saturday 20th: Weston – Super – Mare (A) Saturday 27th: Hungerford Town (H) Monday 29th: Hampton & Richmond Boro (A)

Saturday 4th: Whitehawk (H) Saturday 11th: Gosport Borough (A) Saturday 18th: Chelmsford City (H) Saturday 25th: Oxford City (A)

September Saturday 3rd: Maidenhead United (H) Tuesday 6th: Welling United (H) Saturday 10th: East Thurrock (A) Tuesday 13th: Margate (A) Saturday 17th: FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Saturday 24th: Concord Rangers (H) October

March Saturday 4th: Bath City (H) Saturday 11th: Concord Rangers (A) Saturday 18th: Truro City (H) Tuesday 21st: Margate (H) Saturday 25th: St Albans City (A) April Saturday 1st: Hemel Hempstead Town (A) Saturday 8th: Eastbourne Borough (H) Friday 14th: Hungerford Town Fc (A) Monday 17th: Hampton & Richmond B (H) Saturday 22nd: Bishops Stortford (H) Saturday 29th: Poole Town (A)

Saturday 1st: FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Saturday 8th: Truro City ( A) Saturday 15th: St Albans City (H) Saturday 22nd: Bath City (A) Saturday 29th: Oxford City (H) November Saturday 5th: Eastbourne Borough (A) Saturday 12th: Hemel Hempstead Town (H) Saturday 19th: Bishops Stortford (A) Saturday 26th: FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Rnd December Saturday 3rd: Poole Town (H) Saturday 10th: FA Trophy 1st Round Saturday 17th: Maidenhead United (A) Monday 26th: Ebbsfleet United (H) January Sunday 1st: Ebbsfleet United (A) Saturday 7th: East Thurrock United (H) Saturday 14th: Weston – Super – Mare ( H) Saturday 21st: Welling United (A) Saturday 28th:Wealdstone (A)

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2016 HOME FIXTURES AT HESKETH PARK

7TH MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V FOLKESTONE C.C 14TH MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BLACKHEATH C.C 21ST MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V TUNBRIDGE WELLS C.C 28TH MAY- 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V LORDSWOOD C.C 4TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BROMLEY C.C 11TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V BEXLEY C.C 18TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V SEVENOAKS VINE C.C 25TH JUNE - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V TENTERDEN C.C 2ND JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V HARTLEY C.C 9TH JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BECKENHAM C.C 16TH JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V ORPINGTON C.C 23RD JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V TUNBRIDGE WELLS C.C 30TH JULY - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V WHITSTABLE C.C 6TH AUG - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V BROMLEY C.C 13TH AUG - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V BEXLEY C.C 20TH AUG - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V SEVENOAKS VINE C.C 27TH AUG - 12PM START- DARTFORD 2ND XI V SANDWICH TOWN C.C 3RD SEPT - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V HARTLEY C.C

Bav’s Sporting Comment Aurevoir Euro 2016...

Portugal were the winners best suited to Euro 2016 unspectacular, not easy on the eye, but got the job done.

The final in Paris did not provide the happy ending the French wanted as the hosts lost 1-0 in extra time. And the national mood reflected the feeling of many who have followed Euro 2016 around the country. Euro 2016 was a tournament that had the odd highlights and big moments, but was one that eventually came up short on what it promised.

Euro 2016 got the final many felt it deserved, one that reflected the tournament. Portugal’s win over France was mediocre for long periods, brightened by late drama but rarely spread with the magic to elevate it above just ordinary.

The brutal truth is this was a Euros that will not be remembered with huge affection by many countries other than winners Portugal and perhaps Wales and Iceland. In the end it was a tournament of individual contributions from great players that fell a long way short of being a great showpiece. Bring on the new season of the Premier League!

Upcoming events in AUGUST include: 3-7: Cricket - England v Pakistan, third Test, Edgbaston 5-21: Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Key dates: 6-13 swimming and rowing, 6-16 track and road cycling, 11-20 golf, 12-21 athletics) 11-15: Cricket - England Pakistan, fourth Test, The Oval 13: Football - Premier League season starts 20: Cricket - T20 Blast Finals Day, Edgbaston 26-28: Formula 1 - Belgian Grand Prix, SpaFrancorchamps 27: Rugby League - Challenge Cup final, Wembley 29-11 Sep: Tennis - US Open, New York

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Competition

orchardtheatre.co.uk Ticket Office 01322 220000

BROTHERHOOD OF MAN SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER In 1976 Brotherhood of Man won the Eurovision Song Contest with their much loved song “Save Your Kisses For Me”. Making this their 40 th Anniversary year they are proud to boast the original Eurovision line up of Nicky Stevens, Sandra Stevens, Martin Lee and Lee Sheriden.

Dartford Living and The Orchard 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...

In what country was the 1976 Eurovision song context held?

A) The Netherlands B) Germany C) United Kingdom D) Norway

Send the answer to Dartford Living, 7 St Ronans View, Dartford, DA1 1QD or email competition@dartfordliving.com This competition closes on 15th August. Good luck!

RULES: 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. Proof of posting will not be regarded as proof of delivery. 5. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 6. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 7. Closing date for the competition is stated above.

New styles from CAT Footwear, which offer both style and comfort, perfect for garden woking and great for the upcoming festival season! (Feel free to check out more styles on their website! www.catfootwear.com/UK) Featuring EASE technology, the exclusive and limited collection has 30% better compression than standard EVA footbeds meaning it doesn’t flatten and offers great abrasion resistance and superior cushioning. The product is super durable and seriously shock absorbing.

Available locally from Debenhams.

£110

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£100

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£115

Local Entertainment News

July/ August Theatre Roundup

by Liz Dyer

In a month of news that’s at times felt a lot like a bizarre drama - or comedy, depending on your viewpoint - it’s been reassuring to know we could escape to the theatre for an actual show any time it all got a bit too much. July began at the Orchard with Let It Be, a celebration of the Beatles but also of a glorious time in British history, restoring a little bit of national pride just when we most needed it (did someone say Iceland?). There was music from Matt Cardle, Blake, Showaddywaddy and Elkie Brooks, and comedy from Sarah Millican. There were dinosaurs. There was even penis puppetry, all the way from Las Vegas.

This month, things are a bit quiet, as we look ahead to the new season (and hopefully get out and enjoy the sunshine) - but there are still plenty of highlights to look forward to, among them Bugsy Malone, a Summer Youth Project at the Orchard from 11th-13th August, and local favourites Changeling Theatre, who return to Central Park on 10th August with Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well. Sunday concerts at the bandstand continue throughout August, and there are free movie nights too, including Saturday Night Fever and The Italian Job. More details about all the local open air entertainment can be found on the Dartford Council website.

In other theatre news, if you missed The Rocky Horror Show recently (or even if you didn’t miss it, and just really want to see it again) the show will be touring to the Marlowe in Canterbury from 1st-6th August. Whereas

if you like your horror a bit less fabulous and a bit more scary, head over to the Churchill in Bromley from 23rd27th for Jekyll and Hyde, starring TV favourites Andrew Paul and Kim Taylforth.

Now as we head into the summer months, let’s take this opportunity to look ahead at a few of the treats coming our way for the rest of 2016…

At the beginning of September, Dirty Dancing is set to bring a bit of late summer fun and romance to Dartford.

Fans of the movie will love this show; you could even say we’ll have the time of our lives (sorry, I had to).

The Sound of Music will be in town at the end of September, starring The Voice’s Lucy O’Byrne as Maria. And catch the most successful rock and roll show of all time, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, which returns to Dartford in October.

In November, the Orchard will be host to two classic shows: the award-winning Sunny Afternoon, based on the music and career of The Kinks, and then the very next week, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. Prepare to sing at the first, and sob at the second.

And of course, December is all about panto season - if you haven’t booked yet to see Snow White starring local legend Joe Pasquale, what are you waiting for?

For more London and local theatre reviews, visit theblogoftheatrethings.com

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Local News

New smaller fire engine on the run in Swanscombe Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) new addition weighs 12 tonnes, six less than its predecessor but is still packed with a range of specialist equipment and the latest technology, to enable fire crews to continue providing an excellent service to the people of Kent and Medway.

As well as being lighter, narrower and more maneuverable, the new fire engine, one of 29 being rolled out around the county, is more fuel efficient and so better for the environment. It is also £50,000 cheaper than existing models, which had reached the end of their life and will stay in service for at least 15 years.

John Allwright, Watch Manager at Swanscombe fire station explained some of the advantages of the new fire engine: “It benefits from a compressed air foam system (CAFS) which uses only a small amount of water to quickly and effectively suppress a wide range of fires. It holds the same amount of water as the more traditionally sized engines but has a larger capacity hose allowing a higher volume of water to pass through so we can tackle fires

more effectively.

“It also has the added benefit of the latest firefighting technology - fog spike – which is used to punch holes into a structure to deliver water inside of compartments, creating a super-fine misting effect that can dramatically reduce the temperature and spread of a fire.”

Fire stations due to receive the new fire engines will be in service in the forthcoming months as training is rolled out to the crews.

John ended: “As firefighters we never know what emergency we will be called to next, it could be a house fire, a car crash or someone having a heart attack or other medical emergency. This new fire engine with its latest technology, defibrillators and first aid equipment, will help us deal with all of those emergencies benefiting not only the firefighters but the community as well.”

The new fire engines weight 12 tonnes, are 2.36m wide, 3m high and 7m long.

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