Dartford Living - December 2021 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

RAY MEARS INTERVIEW

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

PAGE 5

PAGES 26-27

PAGES 32-34

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL AT DARTFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2021 - ISSUE 186 - FREE

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BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS

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

5. Merry Christmas from the Mayor of Dartford 6. Straight Out Of Dartford 8. Dartford Giving 11.Senior Snippets 16. Debbie’s Delicious recipe 22. Christmas lights raise thousands for hospice charity 24. Winter sun with Harden Holidays 26. Ray Mears-We are nature tour 28 Fitness - December 32. Christmas gift guide 36. Dartford’s award winning salon 38. Life under the Stairs 41. Doodle Dozen 42. Upcoming shows at Orchard Theatre 44. Back Pain 47. Car News 49 Dartford Painted Rocks & Sports roundup 50. Recycling for a reason 52. Wild little rose 54 Useful numbers 55. Where to go locally 56 Advertisers index

Until next time, stay safe.

DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE PRINTED BY:

Dear Readers, Welcome to the December magazine. We live in strange times, but as usual the magazine is jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like no time before, your community needs you. In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team) ONLINE

Front page image -

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Supply chain issues permitting, it looks as if we can have something approaching a normal Christmas this year. This is entirely due to the magnificent work by the scientists creating vaccines and the NHS for getting them into people’s arms at such an impressive rate. This was a world-beating effort for which we should be both grateful and proud. Thank you to all the men and women who continued to offer their services through the months and months of lockdown.

and did all they could to help those less fortunate than themselves. Many charities came to the fore also helping those in need. Although things are not quite back to normal, we are definitely getting there. A big thank you also to Dartford Borough Council for carrying on working throughout the pandemic, making sure that we were all offered the services we need, although sometimes a little slower than usual, and sending out help to those in need through food parcels and anything else they could help with.

I hope you have all managed to stay When times were difficult the positive during the trying times of community came together uncertainty and lockdown. I wish you

all a happy and healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We all deserve it! Should you wish to attend any of the events being held for my Charity please contact Carol Butcher on carol.butcher@dartford.gov.uk. We have coming up in the New Year 29th January Line Dance, 25th February Race Night & Fish and Chips, 20th March Cabaret Night and 23 rd April St Georges Day Dinner Dance. I hope to meet some of you in the New Year. Cllr Rosanna Currans, Mayor of Dartford

RAWGANIC - A NEW WAY TO SHOP

STRAIGHT OUT OF DARTFORD BY SHANNON RANDALL

even cleaning products. As well as this, they bring in a variety of foods from other small local businesses that they try to also sell on with zero waste. Kim loves to partner up with other small businesses and says she is “always on the lookout for new partnerships.” If you’ve never been to a package free food store before, the idea is to bring your own reusable packaging to store all the food you pick up whilst in there. Bring some tupperware or a netted bag or even just a reusable sainsburys bag and go crazy. Another option -and my favourite- is the oat milk dispenser. Bring in a glass bottle I think it is safe to say that eco- or grab one in-store if you have yet friendly ways of living are on the to get one and fill up on all the oat rise recently which is brilliant milk you could possibly want. considering how long we really have left to save the planet (reports To give people a better idea of what vary from saying we have 18 products Rawganic sells, I asked Kim months to 25 years - whatever what the best sellers have been so the correct figure may be, it isn’t far. “Our most popular products at looking pretty). So, that is why in the moment are the local honey today’s piece I am choosing to focus sourced from Ditton in Maidstone, on the new Dartford Highstreet our organic eggs from Fairseat Farm store, ‘Rawganic’ opened by and our cheese selection from various the owner of eco-friendly hair parts of Kent. I honestly thought salon, ‘Raw’, Kim Goodger. the zero waste dispensary would If you are looking to cut down on your plastic waste from food, then Rawganic is the place for you. Raw has a zero waste dispensary for products like pasta, beans and

about the planet and being as sustainable as possible as well as nutrition and knowing where my food has come from. My existing business [hair Salon, Raw] has become more and more sustainable over the last 3 years and we have made some major changes in how we operate in order to be more eco-friendly. Secondly…not being able to work for almost 10 months of 2020/2021 took its toll on me and my family. I was a single parent and living with my sister who suddenly became a widow at the start of lockdown also with a child. So I thought I needed to do something in order to be able to work if another lockdown occurred. What better business to start than a food business?” With plastic bags taking around 1020 years to decompose and plastic bottles taking up to 450 years, plastic waste is a massive contributor to climate destruction. Who can blame consumers for buying plastic when it is literally in or around every single food product they buy? Well, with shops like Rawganic, that excuse can no longer hold. “Our shop is super important for the Dartford community as there isn’t anything like it around and it’s giving the locals an opportunity to reduce their plastic and food waste by only buying what they need and reusing their packaging. From a nutritional point of view it’s encouraging people to shop organic, know where their food has come from and reduce our carbon footprint.”

So, pop down to Rawganic this week and do your part to support local be the most popular but it’s taking businesses and to save the planet! a little more to get people involved.” Instagram: rawganickent When asking Kim about why she Address: 4 Market Pl, Dartford DA1 1EX decided to open Rawganic, she said, “first and foremost I’m passionate

DARTFORD GIVING

By Kate Hargreaves

There are plenty of voluntary roles that I haven’t yet written about, and I’ll write about more of these in future. If you are part of a local cause and would like me to write about an associated voluntary role, please email me at kate@dartfordliving.com. However, instead of continuing to write about a new role every month, I’m going to occasionally re-visit some roles I’ve already written about, as it might be that someone interested missed it the first time round, or maybe when you first read about a role it didn’t suit your lifestyle or skillset but your circumstances might have changed since then.

Going forward, I’m going to change Dartford Giving a bit, and I wanted to use this month’s article to tell you how and why. I originally came up with the idea to write about volunteering roles during the first lockdown in 2020, when I (virtually) met a girl who had been furloughed from her job in retail and was considering becoming a charity trustee to fill her time until she went back to work. It was fantastic that she wanted to use her furloughed time to help others, but being a trustee for only a few months wasn’t realistic. It made me think that there must be a lot of people interested in giving their time to charitable causes but might not be aware of opportunities around them or might not have access to the right information about those opportunities. And so Dartford Giving was born.

And what will I be doing with the extra time in the months where I’m re-using an old Dartford Giving article? Well, just as the idea for Dartford Giving came from a way I thought I could help people like that furloughed girl, since writing the articles I have noticed some formatting inconsistencies, so I’m going to join the Dartford Living proofreading team. If there is something you’re not happy with, I really urge you to try to do something about it. What’s the worst that can happen? I hope that the Dartford Giving articles so far have shown you that there really is something out there for everyone. As I’ve repeatedly written about, as well as making the world a slightly better place, volunteering really does make you feel good about doing good and can teach you new skills, plus you can make new friends at the same time. So if you’re feeling inspired or just intrigued, why not add volunteering to your list of New Year’s resolutions?

Finally, I hope you have a great end to 2021 and a I’ve been writing about voluntary roles since the Happy New Year! August 2020 issue of Dartford Living. In that time I have received a few emails about the positions I’ve written about (as well as one email from an ex-boyfriend who thought it would be a good way to reconnect, but let’s not go into that!), and I hope that other readers may have also started volunteering after seeing a Dartford Giving article.

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BUYING A PRESENT FOR AN ELDERLY FRIEND, NEIGHBOUR OR RELATIVE By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead Of course, with foods we do need to give a thought to any changing preferences or allergies they may now be managing. Clothing: Many senior folk really feel the cold, and may be worried about energy costs, so a new and jolly piece of clothing, that makes them feel snug, will be most welcome. How about warm socks, fingerless mitts, soft scarfs, slippers (new ones may prevent a fall), fleece pyjamas, or new dressing gowns…. Music: Music is the language of the soul! It can lift moods and bring back many happy memories. We can of course browse and buy online for their favourite pieces or artist. Do think about the equipment your loved one is familiar with… MP3 or CD or Tapes even! Don’t forget to buy some headphones so the neighbours Time: Enjoying time with others aren’t disturbed. is core to our emotional needs, especially after having to stay apart Audio Books or Video: Great for for so long these past 20+ months. those cold winter evenings and ideal Good company is always welcome, for someone who now finds it hard and it shows you want to spend to get out…… There are loads to time with them too! Giving them choose from – different eras, box-set an event or trip to look forward to series, life histories, explorer’s tales, (in say February) can really help political memoirs, old comedies (e.g. lift the winter blues. And the fun Flanders & Swan or The Goons), and doesn’t stop with the trip itself – they of course romance or general fiction. create great memories that can be Videos are also welcome – try and recounted to others or relived in find out their favourite or meaningful film or a perhaps seek a box set from quiet moments. the distant past that they’ll enjoy. Yum Yum: Everyone loves a varied and exciting food parcel! Customised Hobby gifts: Crafts and other hobbies hampers from a deli, or perhaps a really help with mental stimulation, homemade cake really show you’ve dexterity and of course mood. thought about your loved one. If Everyone loves to show off their they don’t have a sweet tooth, try latest creation….. So why not seek a a selection of their favourite teas, or painting or sewing set, or perhaps a perhaps some foods that will bring colouring book (therapeutic & fun), back memories, for example from or weaving set, or puzzle set. where they used to live or visit. …. If you’re like me, your mind may go blank when it comes to buying gifts for loved ones! As Christmas is almost upon us I thought you may like a few suggestions for presents for an elderly friend, neighbour or relative…..

Pamper gifts: Soaps, perfumes, manicure, massage…. Perhaps subscription to a weekly or monthly magazine – they’ll feel pampered each time it arrives! Practical Gifts: Smoke alarms, torches, hot water bottles, new electric blanket, kettle or iron (this will help with home safety too – it’s amazingly easy for a worn out item to be overlooked), or perhaps an easy to use radio, with a large day & date display….. How about something for outside?.... Boot removers, new walking stick, litter-picker-handle (which is great around the house too), and for someone who likes to walk how about a florescent jacket, and perhaps a GPS tracker if they wander too far. Finally, why not ‘Be a Santa’ this Christmas by delivering a present to an elderly neighbour on Christmas Eve, and label it from Santa….. or even better, invite them to your home for Christmas Day – that‘s the best gift for a live-alone person! Hope this helps…. I best get to the shops now …. ! Brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford – specialising in bringing joy to the elderly through practical support and fun in their homes and nearby.

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FESTIVE MULLED WINE FRUITCAKES By Debbie Dickinson

A festive cake that is fantastic on its own or decorated with Christmas sprinkles. Makes about 8 cupcakes or a 5” round cake tin.

Cream together the Butter and Sugar.

What you need: 150g Sultanas 200g Mix of any other Dried Fruit – Raisins, Cherries, Blueberries 3 Tbsp Mulled Wine – alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Zest and Juice of an Orange 115g Butter 115g Brown Sugar 2 Large Eggs 150g Plain Flour ½ tsp Mixed Spice

Gently stir in the soaked Mixed Fruit (together with any juice in the bowl)

What to do:

Add the Eggs, Flour and Mixed Spice.

Spoon into cupcake cases – about 100g in each case (or ¾ full) Bake the cupcakes in the oven for about 30 minutes (or about 1 ½ hours for a large cake) Leave to cool on a wire rack. These are delicious as they are, but to make them look more festive pipe green buttercream - mix 100g Butter with 100g Icing Sugar until pale and creamy, then colour using food paste colouring - and decorate with shop-bought sprinkles.

Preheat your oven to 140°C Fan Enjoy!! Put all the Fruit into a bowl and add the Mulled Wine, Orange Juice and Zest. Mix to combine, cover and leave to soak for a couple of hours (or overnight).

BECOME A FRIEND OF BEAMS Rosie a parent, describes her experience at Beams, “Caring for a disabled child will be one of the most difficult things a family can face. The whole team at Beams throw a life line when families hit rock bottom and can see no way out. Beams ‘get it’ and offer both emotional support and financial advice”

Become a Friend of Beams and experience days out and events such bring a smile to children with as a circus workshop, ‘sign along’, disabilities this Christmas. panto and of course a Christmas Party! We Are Beams support the most vulnerable in our community by Tracey Riley, Shortbreaks manager offering a menu of services that has been working for Beams for over directly benefit and assist those 25 years says, ‘Whilst Christmas dealing with the challenges of should be a fun time for all the family, raising a disabled child. The for a child with disabilities it is often disabled children and young upsetting and overwhelming. The people who access the services will experienced staff at Beams know typically have one or more learning the children and are able to adapt difficulty, complex health needs, and provide Christmas activities in a physical or sensory impairment, safe environment, allowing parents challenging behaviour, Autism or to spend time with other children or severe ADHD have a day off safe in the knowledge that their child’s every need is being Beams support 450 children taken care of” throughout the year and Christmas is particularly busy; many families For families that require additional will dread this normally happy time support, the Family Advice Team will with many of the ‘festive traditions’ be on hand in the lead up to Christmas feeling like demands for those with weekly groups and face-to-face children that thrive on routines, clinics providing ideas and tactics to resulting in increased anxiety or survive the festive period. meltdowns.

In order to continue our care services We Are Beams depend on the generosity of our local community to raise £1.6 million. £5 will provide a nutritional meal for a child that is staying with us or £10 funds an initial phone call between a parent in crisis and a Beams Family Advisor or a Christmas activity. Please help us to ensure we are there for every family who may need us in the future. Text FRIENDOFBEAMS TO 70085 TO DONATE £5 Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you will be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but do not wish to hear more from us, please text FRIENDOFBEAMSNOINFO instead. For further information please contact Call 01322 668501 x 5 or email fundraising@wearebeams.org.uk www.wearebeams.org.uk

Families will usually refrain from taking children with disabilities to busy and loud events such as the panto or Father Christmas. We Are Beams ensure that all children whatever their disability are able to enjoy this time of the year. The experienced staff in Short Breaks arrange a number of fun activities for all children including those requiring one to one care. All additional needs are cared for so children can have fun and

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS RAISE THOUSANDS FOR HOSPICE CHARITY

five years our Christmas lights have helped raise £6714.54 or ellenor. The lights will be turned on again this year by ellenor mascot Ellie on Friday November 26 at 7pm. Then they will be on a timer – during the morning school run until 9am and then from 3-10pm weekdays. On weekends the lights will be lit from 10am to 10pm. Paul said: “If it’s not too windy, I hope to have the snow machine going for the opening. I also have something special this year – a train will be going around the garden, with all three carriages lit up and a Father Christmas waving!” Paul first saw a Christmas train lit up in someone’s garden about 10 years ago and had always coveted it. But he wanted to go a step further and find a train which moved.

Fundraiser Paul Matthews’ stunning display of festive lights embraces everything that is wonderful about Christmas – from the magic and sparkle to remembering others at this special time of year.

eyes light up.”

Now the couple’s own five children and 10 grandchildren enjoy the Christmas displays they create as much as all the other children who visit. Lisa is even known locally as For the past 11 years he and his Mrs Christmas. wife Lisa have created a display to make passers-by stop outside their Paul said: “We built up the display in house and gasp in wonder. Their our own garden each year -- and about hard work and dedication have six years ago we really got noticed. also helped to raise thousands Two elves who were travelling round of pounds for their local hospice the neighbourhood with Santa charity ellenor. decided to photobomb our display and the picture was viewed by so Paul said: “I absolutely love doing many people on Facebook that we the displays. I’m the biggest kid suddenly become very well known. around – I’m certainly the biggest We got hundreds of messages and kid on this whole estate!” some people were saying we should raise money for charity. The couple have been decorating their house and garden in Romney “There was no contest really; without Road, Northfleet, every Christmas hesitation we chose ellenor. It was a since 2009 and their displays now charity we had been involved with in also raise vital funds for ellenor. the past and it’s our local charity – just up the road. It is mostly supported by Paul said: “It all started when we fundraising and charitable donations. took our first grandchild around We didn’t want to go to some big the neighbourhood to see the organisation, and we have definitely Christmas lights and we saw his made the right choice and in the last

He said: “I eventually spoke to someone at Chalk Garden Rail in Gravesend, and they ordered it for me last November. It finally arrived about three weeks ago – just in time for this year’s display. It looks a bit like the train from Polar Express. I love it!” Paul, who is a self-employed inspector for oil refineries, is often away working and has to plan his Christmas creations around the times he is home. He has been known to start setting up his displays in August or September! He said: “I’m lucky that my work has been well paid over the years and this is a way of giving something to the community and to other people around me. A lot of the time I am away working but when I am here, the reaction to what I do is wonderful.” Paul likes to introduce a fresh angle to the display every year. He said: “I’m always looking out for something new, but I don’t really have a plan – a lot of the time I’m just winging it. I usually start building

the display around a centrepiece. Last year it was an inflatable Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas. This year I’m using my double-level waterfall as a centrepiece, with the train going through it.”

He said: “We only live in a little road and last year people were queued up and down the street and round the corner – all observing social distancing of course!”

This year’s display will take Paul about 30 days to complete – many of those working 10 to 12 hours a day just to make sure everything is perfect, and the wiring is safe. He has even designed his entire garden around the displays by installing Astroturf and white picket fencing. And the house has undergone alterations too!

Every year Paul now installs a post box as part of his display, where people can leave donations for ellenor in designated envelopes. This year, for a bit of fun, he has also managed to find an old-style money spinner, so children can throw in their spare change. There will also be a QR code outside Paul’s house on a billboard, which will enable visitors to donate.

Paul said: “I changed the window above the front door to plain glass so that I could project short Christmas films onto it. I made a screen out of a B&Q shower curtain and bought a 4,500 lumens projector. The films are cartoony and show things like Santa in his workshop with his elves and a skating snowman – all fun Christmas stuff.” When asked about his electricity bill, Paul simply jokes: “We won’t mention that!” Fans of Paul’s lights display can rest assured that Santa will make an appearance again this year, on Christmas Eve.

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• If you would like to light up your home in aid of ellenor this Christmas, find out more about the Christmas Lights campaign at https://ellenor.org/ support-us/get-involved/events-and-challenges/ christmaslights/

‘It’s all so magical!’

Lisa Earley

• You can follow Paul on Facebook through the Romney Road Lights Northfleet page where there is a link to make your donation to ellenor. You can also give via Just giving at https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/romney-road-northfleet

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23 ‘It’s all so magical!’

‘It’s all so magical!’

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT - MUST-DO TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: KEEP YOUR HOLIDAY DREAMS IN SIGHT AND PLAN SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL FOR 2022 By Harden Holidays

We believe it’s the unique, must-see places and must-live travel experiences that turn a great holiday into an unforgettable one. Throughout the pandemic, travel plans have been put on hold but the dream of an incredible holiday can very much be kept in sight. Many are now looking ahead to 2022 and beyond to get something extra special in their calendar to look forward to, and make up for lost time. So, this month we share with you some special holiday moments, for you to consider including as part of your next trip. Craft your own chocolate in St Lucia Chocolate lover or not, Hotel Chocolat’s St Lucia chocolate making experience is one not to miss. Tour the 140-acre Rabot Estate (St Lucia’s oldest plantation) and admire jaw dropping views of the rainforest canopy and Piton Mountains. Once you’ve picked your cocoa beans, just add a blend of sugar, butter and spices to craft your very own and completely unique chocolate bar. Cruise around the Croatian Islands Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw once commented that ‘those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik’. Our eight-day island hopping cruises take in crystal clear waters, countless coves and sparkling bays for leisurely swimming and sun worshiping. Sight-seeing highlights include UNESCO listed Dubrovnik, the stunning Mljet national park and the famously beautiful Zlatni Rat beach. Admire Moorish design at Alhambra Palace, Granada The Alhambra Palace in Granada is the swansong of the Moor’s sophisticated civilisation. Home to sultans, royals and a young Catherine of Aragon, it impresses with its skillful geometric architecture, intricate, thoughtful aesthetics and beautiful ceramics and plasterwork. Walls carved with stunning Arabic calligraphy and pristine gardens with undisturbed pools

and gentle fountains, add to the charm and splendour. Catch a sunset in Santorini Santorini sunsets are spectacular and regarded as some of the finest to be seen anywhere in the world; villages that seem to cascade down hillsides and volcanic cliffs make for a fine backdrop. As the sun starts to sink below the horizon, the white washed houses and blue domed roofs are bathed in the characteristic glow of a Mediterranean evening that will linger long in your mind’s eye. Feel like a Hollywood Star on a water limousine tour of Lake Como Camera ready, wide lens set, you’re ready to take in the views of stunning lakeside mountains, exquisite villas and idyllic villages as you cruise the Lake Como shoreline by water limousine or traditional ferry. Optional extras include a 3-course dinner, a visit to the picturesque waterfront village of Bellagio, or a private tour around the lake: the lake’s your oyster! Discover Eden on earth at Plitvice Lakes National Park It’s difficult to put the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park into words. Winding footpaths lead the way through 16 crystalline lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. As you meander through the myriad greens and blues, butterflies and colourful flowers paint a pretty picture indeed. Top tip – You can visit all year round, but Autumn can be particularly beautiful with red and rose hues taking centre stage.

Experience an open air opera in Verona The ancient Roman amphitheatre in Verona delivers outstanding acoustics, and the annual Arena Opera Festival features unique and sensational opera, ballet and concert events. As the sun sets, 15000 audience members will be dazzled by the scale, design and energy of the productions. Next year sees an acclaimed Carmen as well as Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, set in ancient Egypt. Get home inspiration in the souks of Marrakech A trip to the souks of Marrakech is certainly a feast for the senses; the smell of spices, the whistles of the snake charmers, and the ancient tales of the Berber storytellers. Winding through its labyrinthine streets you’ll find ornate lanterns, plush rugs and the finest quality leathers for a price that is next to nothing – if you’re willing to haggle. With its bold colours, unique patterns and warming effect, it’s no surprise that Moroccan décor has found its way into many of our homes. Thailand’s floating markets A journey brimming with the colours, sights and sounds of the Far East. Offering the perfect escape from the urban streetscape, board a longtail boat and sail along the longest canal in Thailand, Damnoen Saduak, to see the floating markets of farmer’s fare and flowers and sample the finest flavours of Thailand with lunch in a local restaurant. Visit railway bridge number 277, otherwise known as the Bridge on the River Kwai. Travel in style and luxury aboard

the Belmond Simplon-OrientExpress Treat yourself to a truly decadent adventure. The wonderful way to celebrate any occasion, the Simplon-Orient-Express offers passengers the chance to travel in unparalleled luxury. Exceptional service, lavish furnishings and sublime views over majestic countryside, combine to make your journey an outstanding work of art. The Orient Express can be taken between London and Venice, Verona or Vienna. Desert safaris The untouched sand dunes of the United Arab Emirates provide the perfect boundless playground for a multitude of desert safaris. There are traditional rides on camels and displays of falconry. There are the rollercoaster antics of dune-bashing in 4×4 Land Cruisers, as well as motorised quad bikes and pedal-power mountain bikes with very fat tyres to tackle the desert landscape. However you intend to travel in 2022, whether something extra special or just a few days in the sun, give us a call or visit us in Dartford town centre. We can’t do the packing for you but we have everything else covered. -Testing - Entry Forms (foreign and UK) - Visas - Check-in Documents From all of us at Harden Holidays we wish you a wonderful festive season and we look forward to see you once the tinsel is packed away.

Dartford Town Centre www.hardenholidays.co.uk 0800 023 8974

INTERVIEW: RAY MEARS - WE ARE NATURE TOUR

Q: What is the theme of your leaf, it tasted of apple peel. And I’ve new show We Are Nature which never looked back. That was when is touring the UK in the spring? I really started to get a kick out of being outdoors. I remember that day A : T h i s i s a s h o w a b o u t also seeing some baby Jays on the rediscovering nature and exploring ground. So, things connected. The the true depths of our sensory joy of the subject that I’m involved capacity. It’s about rediscovering in is that you never stop learning. ourselves, rediscovering who we I’m still learning now. are and exploring capabilities which have been passed down to Q: Can you tell us about your us from our ancestors. theatre show? Q: When did you first fall in love with nature? A: When I was about seven or eight and I started to learn about edible plants. In those days, there was no internet, you couldn’t look on YouTube for information, which was a good thing. So, I went to the library. At first, all the books were very botanical and a bit mysterious to a 7-year-old. me. But then a book came on to the shelves which had photographs in it. I gingerly took that book out into the countryside looking for edible plants, and I came across this plant in the woods called wood sorrel. I took ages to study it before I plucked up the courage to try it, which is how it is if you’ve got no one to teach you apart from a book. But when I finally tried the

supermarket for example, you drive there, and you know exactly where to look for the road signs. When you go inside, and you look for a special offer - there’s a bright dayglow star telling you ‘This is a special offer’. But in nature, everything is far more subtle - more cryptic and camouflaged. To see things in nature you must learn to use your senses to find the wildlife that is hiding. Once you start to do this you discover that the whole process is massively A: This show is all about thinking rewarding because you are scratching and feeling the depth of our ability an itch you didn’t know you had. and turning up the volume of the senses that we normally suppress. Even in an urban setting the increased Effectively ‘tuning in and turning situational awareness that you gain on’ to nature. from the things we will be talking about can help to make you safe. I will be showing how we can reconnect with an evolutionary Q: What can audiences expect from heritage that stretches right back the show? to the earliest of our ancestors. We have these abilities which are handed Together with the audience we will down by each generation for most go on a voyage of discovery of our of our species’ history. These skills senses. But it won’t be limited to just were essential for survival, and I that - we will be talking about a lot would argue that they still are. It’s more – how we can read a landscape, never been more important than the kind of equipment that we can to feel, understand and connect to use to ‘supercharge’ our senses, and nature than now. how we can use these skills, not only for our own enjoyment and benefit With today’s fast-paced life and the but also to protect wildlife which is rise of technology, everything is such an integral part of the British made very easy. When you go to the countryside.

We will look at the extraordinary work that the National Wildlife Crime Unit do in this area, how they protect the environment and how they combat wildlife crime which has increased during lockdown.

the debate in a sensible way.

There is a very good chance that people coming to this show will find their lives forever changed.

I lean towards what Prince Charles said. I think he hit the nail on the head when he said two things are very important. One is that we mistakenly feel that nature is completely at our disposal, and we forget that we are a part of it. As the title of my book suggests, we are nature. We are not lords of it, we are within it and need to act accordingly.

Q: Many people discovered the beneficial effects of nature during lockdown, didn’t they?

Q: You are obviously very busy with your various projects - do you have time for any hobbies?

A: Yes. What we saw during lockdown is how important the greenbelt is. What a safety net that was! We don’t want to see people try to build on this land. It is very important that we start to stand up for the things that matter to us that aren’t necessarily immediately obvious.

A: No. I just do what I do. I’ve got very diverse interests. The field of bushcraft is enormous. You’re carving a piece of wood one day, and you’re picking mushrooms and watching birds the next. It’s a wonderful subject that never gets boring.

Q: What do you hope that the COP26 conference about climate change has achieved?

Q: You obviously have a great love of animals – do you have any of your own?

It has outed those big polluting nations that are not yet mature enough to join

A: Yes. We have a Labrador, and now we have a Labrador puppy, who is causing

mayhem at the moment! Pets are wonderful. They are the most amazing companions. In times of difficulty, they are a great distraction, and they are excellent security. They also remind us daily how intelligent other animals are. Q: What do you hope that audiences take away from “We Are Nature”? A: I hope that when they leave the theatre, people will start to notice things that they didn’t notice on their way to the theatre. I hope that they slow down just a fraction to take in the information that often gets missed. I think lives will be saved because of alertness, and some of our audience members will also help to protect wildlife from some of the threats that it currently faces. But the most important thing is that they go away and see and feel and most importantly enjoy nature. I don’t think there is a more important skill that I teach than that. It’s a very powerful skill. Ray Mears, We are Nature, is at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on Friday 11th March 2022 at 7.30pm

FITNESS - DECEMBER Preparing for your January Fitness regime

a gym” isn’t an answer either – what are you going to do at the gym? What days and times will you go? If you’re going to do classes, which ones? This all needs to be planned around what you hope to achieve, be it fat loss, muscle gain, improving your fitness, all three of those, or training for an event/sport (or anything else really). Thirdly, don’t overdo it. Don’t be the person who turns up 6 days a week for the last three weeks of January (because you couldn’t possibly start the first week – it wasn’t Monday yet!) Whatever we Trainers tell people and then disappears for another 11 about “starting now”, “don’t wait”, months. “there’s never a perfect time” etc etc you can always guarantee that Be the person who turns up conpeople will embark on a “new” sistently 2-4 times a week for the fitness journey in January! entire year! So, if you’re one of the many people who plan to get fit, join a gym, change your life this January, here’s my advice to you: Firstly, whilst most will ignore this one, I’d say START NOW! Don’t wait – there’s never a perfect time 😊 The thing is – what are you waiting for? If you’re planning to gorge over Christmas and New Year, then all you can hope for in January will be to “break even” and all the hard work will lead to nothing more than where you are right now before the face-stuffing.

If you’re currently not training, aim for 2-3 times a week. If you’re already doing something, 3-4 times is good. If you’re already doing more than 4 sessions a week, this particular article isn’t for you anyway (and you might also be doing too much!).

Fourth, I’d say get a Coach. A gym induction shows you how the machines work, but won’t likely give you a real idea of what to do beyond 3 sets of 10 on half a dozen machines. Getting a program set up, FOR YOU, takes time. Exercise selection, what weight to use, set and rep schemes, You don’t have to go mad, but start rest periods etc will all be different or maintain your exercise regime for different people. in December, and be mindful of what you eat, ensuring you don’t Also, unless you’re completely over-indulge (but by all means unsure and a bit nervous about have a few treats). The aim isn’t lifting weights, the machines are to put on 10lbs, then lose them in probably best avoided anyway and January. The aim is maintain your you should be using freeweights; current weight… and lose a few lbs often not covered in any detail at in January. all in a gym induction. If you eat an extra 10,000 calories the week before you “start”, then you’ve got to eat 10,000 fewer calories just to get back to where you were to begin with (and it’ll take twice as long to diet those calories away than it took you to eat them!).

Knowing exactly what you need to do to get the desired result not only gets you quicker results, but gives you confidence that you’re doing the right things. So many people go to the gym and go through the motions, not really having any idea if what they’re doing is right (or worse – they think they’re doing the right things… but Secondly, get a plan in place. Don’t they’re not. I see this all the time!). leave it until January 2nd to figure Lastly, Training and Nutrition go out how you plan to get fit. “Joining hand in hand. You shouldn’t do one

without the other. Don’t follow some ridiculous “Diet” with a capital “D”, it’ll only stress you out even more, and that’s the last thing you need on top of a new routine of training and a sure-fire way to ensure that everyone in the gym is left wondering where you’ve disappeared to by February. Your diet should consist of the foods you enjoy, just modified slightly to include more of the good stuff (fresh veg, good quality meat and fish, healthy fats etc), and a little less of the not-so-good stuff (takeaways, sweets, alcohol and fizzy drinks etc – you know what I’m talking about). Essentially, you could eat exactly what you do now, just smaller portions and you’d be on the right track. Then as you slowly swap out “worse” foods for “better” foods (it works on a scale – there are no definite “good or bad” foods), you’ll enjoy better health and fat loss, without the stress of “Dieting”. As always, I’m here to help. Online Coaching is a great way to get the guidance and expertise you need to help you achieve your goals, and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a Personal Trainer for one-to-one sessions. You also don’t even need to join a gym or have a home gym (they’re useful yes, but absolutely not essential to get great results), we can work with whatever kit you’ve got available, or even just your own bodyweight if that’s your preference. I’m ready to help you now, but just as happy to get you started in January if that’s your plan (just be sure to get in touch beforehand so we can get you up and running right away!). So enjoy your Christmas, go easy on the “extras”, and get your plan in place NOW even if you won’t start now. Mark www.MBonlinePT.com @MarkBroadbentPT

Dartford’s Health Walks weekly!

Santa

Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am • • • •

Tree Community Centre - Thursdays 11:15am

This walk has been temporarily suspended and will resume at a later date in 2022

Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am

on tour

This walk has been temporarily suspended and will resume at a later date in 2022

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am

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 the One You Kent team call 01322 343067 or email oneyou@dartford.gov.uk

Funded by

Santa on tour

FREE!

* SEE santa’s vintage fire engine * * free gifts for children * * no ticket requireD * * just wrap up warm and turn up * For a full list of dates and locations that Santa is visiting, please see www.dartford.gov.uk/events

Dartford Resident?

Grant awards of up to £15,000 now available! New eligibility criteria, more grants approved.

Call us today.

Can’t leave hospital? Cold home?

Struggling to stay at home? Need adaptations?

Even if you are a homeowner, in work or have savings, we may be able to help with financial assistance for:

HOUSING ISSUES:

SAFETY:

Key safes, bannister and grab rails

Home in disrepair, de-cluttering, deep cleaning, moving furniture

ADAPTATIONS:

Stair lifts, level access shower, access ramps, large scale property adaptions

ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, repairs or replacement boiler

01322 343152 housinggrants@dartford.gov.uk

*Discretionary assistance is subject to budget availability and may be frozen by the Local Authority when necessary

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2021 Snuggy - snuggy.shop If you want to celebrate Christmas and the festive season like an influencer, Snuggy is a must-have. From Love Islanders to TOWIE stars, anyone who’s anyone in reality TV has a Snuggy and there’s good reason, too. The oversized hoody is made from a soft flannel fleece exterior and sherpa fleece interior making it a staple for cosy comfort when snuggling up in front of the fire. The best-selling Snuggy is available in five different colours at www.snuggy.shop, and has options for adults (£59.99), children (£34.99) and even your canine companions (£22.99).

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Bring home the dollars with the popular game show and go head-to-head with your family and friends in the race to reach £1 million. Relive classic moments from the show and tackle the iconic money ladder using only your wits and digital lifelines (accessible through a smart device) to reach the top. But watch out! Get a question wrong and you fall back to your closest safety point. Do you have what it takes to win a (virtual) million? Great fun for family game night or date nights you can see who has the skills to reach the top and claim the virtual pounds. Based on the popular game show this board game provides endless fun and excitement as you test your knowledge. The Ginger Fox Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Board Game costs £29.99 from Smyths

Crosta & Mollica Christmas Table Food and Snacks Transport yourself to Italy with the authentic flavours of Crosta & Mollica - because nothing brings people together like good food, shared. Crosta & Mollica, which simply means ‘crust & crumb’ in Italian, was founded with a desire and dedication to bring well-made Italian food to the UK. From delicious wood-fired pizzas to versatile piadina flatbreads, savoury artisan biscuits, crostini and more, Crosta & Mollica makes every single product in Italy - one bite and you’ll almost think you are, in fact, in Italy. Some of their foods include: Flatbreads: Piadina - traditional Italian flatbread Golden durum wheat flatbread, with extra virgin olive oil Emiliana flatbread, with extra virgin olive oil Organic whole blend flatbread, with extra virgin olive oil Pizza range: Margherita: Tomato, mozzarella, oregano Bosco: Mushrooms with truffle & garlic cream sauce Imperia: Prosciutto cotto, pesto & creamy garlic. Stromboli: Calabrese & Ventricina salami and spicy pepperoni Snacks: Tarallini with fennel seed or multigrain Crostini with oregano or chilli Linguette with rosemary or classic Torinesi & Grissini with poppy and parmesan or black olive Crosta & Mollica is available to purchase from Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and lots of independent food retailers.

Kath & Kin - kathandkin.com From personalised storage caddies to labelled glass jars and dog bowls, Kath & Kin is the go-to homeware firm for the likes of Mrs Hinch, Stacey Solomon, Rochelle Humes and Jacqueline Jossa. Kath & Kin’s beautifully made and perfectly thought out products are ideal for various storage hacks in all rooms. Have a browse on the website and you’re bound to find the perfect present for the organiser in your life!

44 Foods - 44foods.com From luxury food bundles to delicious recipes to top tips for a more sustainabile Christmas, for all your Christmas food needs, 44 Foods is here to help. Launched in January 2021, the firm is a collective of farmers and food producers who are passionate about ethically produced, fairly priced, sustainable food. Together, they supply fruit and veg, meat and dairy and larder essentials direct from their farms to your door - offering customers a fairer way to shop, and promising to pay producers and farmers a fair price.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

DARTFORD ’S AWARD WINNING SALON

Kelly Rose Skincare & Aesthetics won Beauty Salon of The Year and received a Gold Award for Service Excellence at the Kent Health & Beauty Awards 2021, beating seven other finalists in the category.

The salon, based in Little Queen Street, Dartford, is known across the region for its award-winning advanced skincare treatments and specialises in adult acne. Kelly Rose Skincare & Aesthetics was established in 2018 after owner, Kelly, had her own battle with cystic acne in her early 20’s. Kelly said “It’s such an honour to receive two awards, especially after the tough year our industry has had throughout the coronavirus pandemic. I’m incredibly proud of my salon and everything our team has achieved over the

last 3 years. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to bring the best service and treatments to our salon. Clients always compliment our treatments and services so highly and our team

has grown over the past year due to high demand. I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months bring!” For more information about Kelly Rose Skincare head to www. beautybykellyrose.co.uk

PRATYAHARA - TURNING INWARDS subjected to over this past year and I can more easily embrace the need for a period of descent and rest. This winter I’ve planned time for pratyahara, to turn my attention inwards, to slow down and align with the darker nights and rest. I’ll be lighting candles, reaching for hot drinks, warm soothing foods, slowing my breath, journaling and reflecting on the year that has passed, allowing myself time to be alone to find inner stillness. Pratyahara may be a process you already practice to help you to turn away from outside distractions so you can pay attention more easily and if you practice yoga, there may be postures, movements or gestures that you use, maybe without even consciously realising that help you to turn away from the noise of everyday life, so you can feel quiet and centered. At this time of year it’s common to feel drawn in two directions. On the one hand bright lights, shopping, over spending, over eating, alcohol and consumerism are vying for our attention and on the other hand longer nights and colder weather are naturally calling us inwards. If we allow ourselves to attune to the season, Winter’s pull to turn inwards can feel like a much needed balance at the end of the year. As the leaves drop from the trees and become absorbed by the earth, nature is encouraging us to take time to rest and absorb all that we have been through and all that has passed. We can embrace the darkness as a time to process, accept, release and say goodbye to the past year.

and ahara meaning something ingested, taken into ourselves from the outside. Pratyahara can be seen as the concept of turning our attention away from the external information that we would usually be ingesting as we go about our lives, so we can see ourselves more clearly and connect to our own experience. One of the reasons I love yoga is that it gives me a language to describe my experiences, helping me to make sense of my feelings so I can honour them more fully. Naming the process pratyahara I can more readily acknowledge that the way I’m feeling now is a natural response to the overload my senses have been

If a need to turn inwards resonates with you this winter, I invite you to honour the feeling, to say to yourself ‘this belongs’. There are many ways to feel connected and when we lean into the opportunities for balancing and healing that winter brings, we are encouraging ourselves to appreciate and feel more connected to the rhythms of life. Keep taking good care of yourself, Clair. clair.crestyoga@gmail.com

Yoga texts refer to a process of withdrawing the senses from the outside to the inside. This process is called pratyahara - often translated simply as ‘turning our senses inwards’, the word stems from the Sanskrit prati and ahara, prati meaning “against or away”

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

made me uneasy about the reality of international commitment. I’ve never been well read on the subject, living more by an instinctive choice than a formed opinion. However, during one meal with this eclectic group, I learnt so much from them about such problems, put forward with passion, well-articulated argument backed by the all-important evidence. Not so much the inconsequential concerns of the much maligned ‘snowflake generation’ but a wake-up call for those of us who have become so insular these past two years. LISTEN TO THE SNOWFLAKES Another year passes – and hasn’t it been a strange time. I’ve found Covid and post-Covid life challenging and rewarding. A strange brew to be sure, given the severity of the events we have shared.

Since my return to Dartford, I have tried to make some changes. They are individual to me and will have little effect on the world’s problems: but I am pleased to have made a difference. My small contribution to healing our ver y damaged I learnt about the plight of retail environment is a start. staff in a national chain, regarding conditions of work and the poor Motivated by my dinnertime pay; how we can all help towards co n vers at io n , m a y I s u g gest regulating climate control, sometimes something we could all do. Let’s by changing the smallest of habits; change one thing. Swap our current I was told how a small local organic brand of washing up liquid for a business supports local producers, plant-based version? Stop using wet artisans and promotes cruelty free wipes and go back to a cloth – an old products. We spoke of upcycling, flannel of course. Buy our veg loose, repurposing possessions and the or support one of the many farm hidden shame of domestic abuse. shops in the area. Shop around for local arts and crafts, local businesses, Such a variety of topics. and services. Maths PhD student, a biodiversity consultant, a teacher, bookseller, resting vet and an organic food shop supervisor. It was an interesting mixture of views and opinions, all passionately discussed.

There are things I’ve taken on board this year which have helped shape my thoughts and actions. Not from peers and those in my own (very old) age group, but from talking to a diverse group of folk, all very much younger than myself. Those, in the past, we have always suggested are ‘seen and not heard’. I’ve found such conversations, stimulating, thought provoking, difficult and exciting. It brought home a couple of points. Such discussions have given me a We are bombarded with news and renewed view of life as it is. media headlines about climate change, use of plastics, food poverty, I toddled down to Bristol recently, upcycling, repurposing etc, but how to visit the Youngest Offspring much do we take on board? and his house mates. A vibrant and talkative group of twenty I’ve always been interested in somethings featuring a cross conservation and the environment, section of that generation. but the lack of any real plan I dined with a psychologist, a following the COP 26 conference

As with the pandemic, we are all in this together. Have a wonderful 2022. Love and good health to you all.

Kelly Rose™ Skincare & Aesthetics Multi-Award Winning Skin Specialists Specialising in Advanced Facials and Skin Treatments for all skin types and skin concerns. 68 Little Queen Street, Dartford, DA1 1TL

www.beautybykellyrose.co.uk

Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1

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The Doodle Dozen

Have you met these twelve tiny pencil pals with big hearts and even bigger personalities? The Doodle Dozen® are back with a brand new book, just in time for Christmas! Doodle Dozen Let’s Get Doodling Our World, out 30th November 2021, is the third book in this inspiring picture book series for children aged 4-8 years. Dartford-based author, Michelle Gibbs, published the first book in the series late last year, after being inspired by her sons’ creativity. Inspired by their colourful doodles, Michelle wanted to create the Doodle Dozen® series to show her sons that they can do whatever they put their minds to! The Doodle Dozen® series has become a labour of love for Michelle, as she seeks to inspire all little readers and

doodlers to believe in themselves pencils, the Doodle Dozen® stories and their own creativity. are great early conversation starters for children about expressing their In the first book, Doodle Dozen Let’s emotions and managing different Get Doodling, we meet the Doodle experiences. With the holidays now Dozen® as they work together to upon us, these books would make reunite with their human friend the perfect gift for the little readers Ziggy, who they miss dearly. In the and doodlers in your world. They second book of the series, Doodle also make great year-round gifts too! Dozen Let’s Get Doodling At School, we join Ziggy and his pencil friends Visit doodledozen.com to purchase on their first day in the classroom! yours today, take a sneak peek inside In the third and latest instalment of the books, check out the 5-star the series, Doodle Dozen Let’s Get reviews, and watch the inspiring Doodling Our World, Ziggy and his doodle videos! Don’t forget to sign little brother Milo welcome home up to the Doodle Dozen® mailing list the best gift they could ever ask for, today for exciting updates and all their new baby brother, Kai. the inside scoop, including exclusive discounts! These fun and creative picture books will appeal to both kids and Follow @doodledozen on social parents alike! With the clever use media and #letsgetdoodling for of colour and personification of the the holidays!

UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE Orchard Theatre an international sensation all over again. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true. The show is packed with their hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. The phenomenal musical stops in Dartford from Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 January.

We are delighted to bring you a new season of top-class entertainment at the Orchard Theatre, in the heart of Dartford. We really do have something for everyone, from spectacular musicals to thought provoking drama, hilarious comedy to live music and not forgetting the annual Pantomime…oh yes we do! Having wowed audiences across the UK since 2016, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet makes its debut at the Orchard Theatre this new year with a spectacular production of Tchaikovsky’s perennial favourite, The Nutcracker. Under the expert direction of Marina Medvetskaya, this acclaimed company combines classical training and technique with outstanding soloists to entertain audiences in breath-taking style. A full orchestra complements the purity of the dancing and traditional staging, to bring a taste of imperial Russia to the UK. This spectacular new version of The Nutcracker, with stunning baroque designs, is a delightfully festive tale and the perfect treat for the whole family. Don’t miss this captivating production of The Nutcracker from Monday 3 - Wednesday 5 January. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony and Olivier Award-winning, true-life phenomenon, Jersey Boys. They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect onstage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them

‘Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas and frogs sit on logs’ Are you sitting comfortably? It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and Frog is looking for a place to sit, but Cat has other ideas and Dog is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming.. Who knew there were so many rhyming rules and what will happen when Frog is in charge? Join Frog, Cat and Dog in this Olivier Award nominated stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. Oi Frog & Friends! is created for the stage by Emma Earle, Zoe Squire, Luke Bateman and Richy Hughes. 55 minutes of fun for ages 3+ “This ZANY, SILLY, GOOD-NATURED show had my two and a half year old jumping out of his seat.” The Times “A WILD TIME for fans of RHYME.” The Guardian Visit Frog and friends in Oi Frog on Wednesday 26 - Sunday 30 January. A sold out hit in the West End, on its UK Tour, at the Sydney Opera House and reigning on Broadway, the multi Olivier Award nominated, international smash hit Six is the phenomenon everyone is losing their head over! From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. It’s time they told their story. Think you know the rhyme, think again….Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE! Don’t lose your head this January from Tuesday 25 - Sunday 30.

COMPETITION A pair of tickets for either Fri 14 or Sat 15 January Fat Friends - Fri 14 & Sat 15 January 2022 The “weight’ is over! Fat Friends - The Musical is back and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! The show will be launching its tour at the Orchard Theatre starring West End and TV favourite, Lee Mead. Joining the previously announced Lee Mead as ‘Kevin’ will be Sherrie Hewson as ‘Julia’, Jessica Ellis as ‘Kelly’ and Les Dennis as ‘Fergus’. This hugely entertaining musical is based on the hit TV show Fat Friends, that starred James Corden and Ruth Jones. Created and directed by the brilliant award winning Kay Mellor, (In the Club, Girlfriends, Band of Gold), whose latest hit series of The Syndicate has just run on BBC One and with original music and songs by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends - The Musical reunites our favourite foodie friends as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local slimming club, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Kay Mellor said ‘I am thrilled with the amazing star cast we have assembled for our second outing of Fat Friends The Musical. Lee Mead and Jessica Ellis are fantastic performers and will be wonderful as Kevin and Kelly, and it’s great to be welcoming two iconic actors, Sherrie Hewson and Les Dennis who first worked together 40 years ago and are now reunited on stage’. This hilarious treat opens at the Orchard Theatre on Fri 14 & Sat 15 January and returns for second helpings from Mon 14 - Sat 19 March. Fat Friends – The Musical stars which West End favourite actor? a) Lee Mead b) Michael Ball c) Michael Crawford Email competition@dartfordliving.com by the 12th December to be in with a chance of winning. RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 7. 7. All entries will be added to the Dartford Living mailing list to receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Please state when you enter the competition if you don’t wish to be added

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BACK PAIN By Dr Julie Taylor DR JULIE TAYLOR IS A GP PARTNER AT THE ORCHARD PRACTICE DARTFORD, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF DARTFORD MODEL PCN AND A BOARD MEMBER OF THE DARTFORD, SWANLEY AND GRAVESHAM INTEGRATED CARE PARTNERSHIP.

Back pain Back pain is very common and pain in the lower back is particular common. In most cases, the pain is not caused by anything serious and will usually get better over time. In this article, I will explain some of the common causes of back pain, how these can be managed and when you must seek further medical advice. Causes of back pain It is often not possible to identify the cause of back pain. Sometimes the pain is from an injury such as a sprain or strain, but it often happens for no apparent reason. It is rarely caused by anything serious. Occasionally back pain can be due to a slipped (or prolapsed) disc, where a disc of cartilage in the spine presses on a nerve. Sometimes it can be caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve that runs from the pelvis to the feet. These problems tend to cause additional symptoms such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation. How to prevent back pain • Stay active – adults are advised to do 150 minutes of exercise per week. • Lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and

assess your back pain. You do not need to speak to a doctor. You can also self-refer to a physiotherapist on the Darent Valley Hospital website.

When to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional • If the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks. • The pain stops you from doing your day-to-day activities, despite trying painkillers that you can buy from a pharmacy. regular exercise – being overweight • If the pain is very severe or gets can increase your risk of developing worse over time. • If you are worried about the pain back pain. or struggling to cope. • Avoid sitting for long periods. • Check your posture when sitting, using computers or tablets and When to get immediate medical advice watching TV. • Ensure the mattress on your bed Although most back pain will gradually improve on its own, supports you properly. • Do regular back exercises and there are some signs that suggest it might be something more serious stretches. and needs to be checked urgently. • Take care when lifting. You should contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately if you have back How to relieve back pain Stay positive and remember your pain and: • Numbness or tingling around your pain will get better. • Stay as active as possible and try to genitals or buttocks continue doing your daily activities. • Difficulty passing urine (peeing) Resting for long periods is likely to • Loss of control over your bladder or bowel (peeing or pooing) make the pain worse. • Try exercises and stretches for • Chest pain back pain. Other activities such as • A high temperature walking, swimming, yoga and pilates • Unintentional weight loss • A swelling or deformity in your back may also be helpful. • Take an anti-inflammatory painkiller • The pain does not improve after such as ibuprofen – check with a resting or is worse at night pharmacist if this medication is safe • If it started after a serious accident such as a car accident for you to take if you are unsure. • Use hot and cold compresses for • The pain is so bad you are having short term relief. You can buy these problems sleeping from a pharmacy but a hot water • Pain is made worse when sneezing, bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables coughing or pooing wrapped in a towel will work just • The pain is coming from the top of your back, between your shoulders, as well. • Many GP surgeries now have First rather than your lower back Contact Physiotherapistis that can

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

CAR NEWS DECEMBER 2021

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we look at a small SUV going on sale from next Spring and changes to the using your mobile phone whilst driving.

2022 Toyota Aygo X small SUV – this is the Aygo X small SUV, a bit wider and taller, than the Aygo model which it replaces. Toyota has certainly given the car a suitably aggressive look, helped by flared wheel arches and larger alloy wheels. There will be an incresed boot size enough to carry a couple of arry-on suitcases.Engine wise it will feature a 1.0-litre 71bhp petrol engine economical enough to do 60mpg. Standard kit will include 17in alloy wheels and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. On sale in spring 2022 prices are expected to be around £16,000.

2022 Volkswagen T-Roc small SUV – this is the updated Volkswagen T-Roc small SUV which has aggressive looks and an imposing road presence. From the outside, the updated T-Roc has received a suite of minor styling tweaks, including an LED light bar running the length of the grille. Inside, the traditional instrument cluster has been replaced with an 8.0in display on all models, which can be upgraded to 10.3in which includes features such as wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connections, as well as an in-car wi-fi hotspot. Engine option remain the same with 3 petrol (ranging from 1.0 to 2.0-litre) and 2 diesel (both 2.0-litre) to choice from. On slae from Spring 2022 prices can be expected to start from £26,000.

Tougher penalties for using your mobile phone – drivers will face fines of up to £200 and could receive up to six penalty points if they’re caught using their phones – and not just if they’re using them to make calls. It will also apply to playing games, taking photos or videos, or scrolling through music playlists while driving. The highway code will be brought up-to-date and adjusted to explain the new measures, and it will also be made clear that hand-held mobile phone use at traffic lights or in traffic jams is illegal. This will come into effect from next year.

Become a

FRIEND OF BEAMS

this Christmas

We Are Beams support the most vulnerable in our community by offering a menu of services that directly benefit and assist those dealing with the challenges of raising a disabled child. Our work is divided up into four key areas. These are our Short Breaks Service, Family Advice Service, Direct Payment Service and our overnight respite unit, Dragon’s Retreat. The whole team at Beams throw a life line when families hit rock bottom and can see no way out. Beams ‘get it’ and offer both emotional support and financial advice. Beams Parent, Rosie We depend on the generosity of our local community to raise £1.6 million to continue our care services. Give a gift this Christmas. Help us to ensure we are there for every family who may need us in the future.

FRIENDOFBEAMS to 70085 to donate £5. Text

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text FRIENDOFBEAMSNOINFO instead.

We Are Beams is a registered charity (number 1054129)

Caring for a disabled child will be one of the most difficult things a family can face. wearebeams.co.uk 48

Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and in the Orchard Shopping Centre. ByGallery Marialocated Kingsford Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

SPORTS ROUNDUP After the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) opened a call for evidence from the elite and grassroots game in early November, more than 1,000 people (and growing) have contacted an inquiry into discrimination in cricket amid the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal and Yorkshire Cricket Club. ICEC chair Cindy Butts has stated the cricket “must change now… it is crucial people across the game, many likely inspired by Azeem’s bravery, have the chance to be heard.” Rafiq himself says he expects the “floodgates” to open and similar cases in county cricket to emerge, as he urged anyone who had experienced abuse in cricket to speak out. Don’t be surprised if this is just the tip of the iceberg, especially in relation to Yorkshire.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN DECEMBER INCLUDE: 5 Dec Formula One racing - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 12 Dec Formula One racing - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 13-18 Dec SWIMMING World Short Course Champs (Abu Dhabi) 26 Dec RACING King George VI Chase

As a reminder, the recent events follow an earlier report by an independent panel which found Rafiq had been a victim of “racial harassment and bullying” at Yorkshire, but the club said they would not take disciplinary action against any player, employee or executive. That prompted widespread criticism of the club’s response, during which several senior members of the club resigned, and kit supplier Nike and many sponsors have either ended partnerships or said they would not continue deals. Yorkshire have also been suspended from hosting international matches by the ECB.

RECYCLING FOR A REASON: HOW ELLENOR IS TAKING A FESTIVE APPROACH TO SUSTAINABIITY THIS CHRISTMAS of life-limited patients – and their families – within the local Gravesend community. Some chippings, Leah explains, will be sold to local sports clubs, while others will go towards the maintenance of ellenor’s hospice garden – a space used and enjoyed by palliative patients of all ages, and their families. A long-term advocate of sustainability and ‘upcycling’, Leah counts among her hobbies the salvaging of old jars and pots, to refashion for novel purposes. For Leah, then, ellenor’s Christmas tree initiative is “a labour of love”. But she also believes that tackling environmental issues is a responsibility that all charities must share.

These days, climate change is a topic that’s rarely far from public conversation, and more and more people are wanting to know what they can do to help. With organisations having such a crucial role to play in the world’s ongoing sustainability efforts, ellenor – a Northfleet-based hospice charity – is doing its bit this Christmas. Because, despite the joy it brings to many, Christmas is also a time of excess; when the pressure to buy and consume overrides the importance of recycling and reusing. Currently, around six million Christmas trees are discarded every year, with a staggering 250 tonnes of trees – all of which could be composted – thrown straight in the bin. Christmas trees and sustainability, of course, have a complicated relationship – something ellenor’s Supporter Engagement Officer Leah is quick to recognise. “A lot of people don’t want a Christmas tree because, well… you’re cutting down trees! But I think if we can do something about what happens at the other side, people can still have a Christmas tree. I have a plastic tree – it’s not my favourite thing, because it’s

plastic! – but my other half, in turn, doesn’t want a real one because of [the environmental impact].

“We’re a charity, but we’re also a business – and all businesses have a CSR (corporate social responsibility). This is something that we really believe in from a corporate perspective. Just because we’re a charity, it doesn’t mean we don’t have to share this responsibility.”

“It’s a Catch-22. You want one because you love them, but actually they can be equally bad. So it’s just about doing something to counteract that But, thanks to ellenor’s robust – [to think about] the full life cycle.” network of dedicated supporters, volunteers, and donors within the That’s why this festive season, Leah local Kent and Bexley communities, is leading the charge on ellenor’s this responsibility isn’t one the charity brand-new Christmas tree recycling has to shoulder alone. initiative. For a minimum donation of just £12.50, ellenor will be offering a “Ultimately, it’s the relationships Christmas tree collection service to we have in the local community people living in Kent. The goals are that allows us to do what we do. twofold: raising money to support These personal connections are the vital care and support ellenor something you don’t get with a big provides to life-limited patients and national charity, because they don’t their families, whilst also supporting have the capabilities to do that – to dedicate that time to the individual. the planet. People really have a connection to us, And even if you don’t participate in being local, which makes it easier to ellenor’s Christmas tree recycling get people involved with initiatives initiative, there are still plenty of such as our Christmas tree recycling campaign. ways in which you can ‘chip in’. Once collected and chipped – a task made possible by ellenor’s corporate partners in the community – the chips will be sold on via local enterprises, such as Meopham PYO and Broadditch Farm Shop. Every pound spent on these chips will help ensure ellenor is able to continue offering its vital care and support

“ R e a l l y, t h o s e a r e t h e b e s t conversations we have; because we’re talking to genuinely nice, wholesome, kind people. With them behind us and a continuing commitment to making the world a greener place this Christmas, anything is possible.”

COME ALONG AND TRY 2 FREE SESSIONS All abilities welcome.

Juniors 6+ Monday & Thursday 5.15-5.45pm Saturday 9.00-9.45am Cadets 10+ Monday & Thursday 5.55-6.25pm Saturday 10.00-11.00am Adults 16+ Wednesday 6-7pm Saturday 11.15-12.15pm Classes at Bexley Park Sports and Social Club Contact Gary Parker 07931 815582

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WILD LITTLE ROSE By Roisin Arnold

GIFT WRAPPING To celebrate the launch of my website there is premium gift wrapping available at the moment. If you purchase this, all items you order will be gift wrapped for Christmas, in monochrome wrapping paper and the WLR signature teal ribbon (which hopefully can be reused by the recipient!). All items are sent with a free polishing cloth and jewellery care guide. I can also hand write a personal gift note to go alongside your gift if you so wish. Writing is one of my favourite things to do and it’s lovely to be a part of people sharing their appreciation for a special person in their lives. MERRY CHRISTMAS! December 2021.

necklace and the very popular ‘asteroid’ studs and ring. These Hi everyone, hope you are starting items incorporate beautiful organic to feel a bit festive! I’m excited to textures with a high shine finish so share that I have launched the that they feel as good as they look. Wild Little Rose website (www. wildlittlerose.co.uk)! Everyone has The asteroid studs (pictured) have been so supportive and if you’ve been very popular so far, each stud already followed my launch over is made from melting scraps of silver on Instagram I’m very grateful to within my studio. This means the you! I’ve loved building my little exact texture of each one is literally WLR community over the last never the same as another which I few months and look forward to think adds to the charm and identity connecting with everyone more of the collection. The studs are also an through the Christmas season and ideal stocking filler if you’re looking into the new year. for a thoughtfully handmade – but affordable- item. JEWELLERY SPOTLIGHT I do love mixing metals and one This month I would like to introduce of my favourite items within this you to my newest jeweller y celestial collection is the ‘Sun and collection. I have made a handful Moon’ bangle. The bangle has its own of pieces which are inspired by silver ‘moon’ and 9ct gold ‘sun’. Go all things celestial: the collection over to my website and have a look includes two sterling silver ‘sun at this one if you like warm and cool and moon’ bangles, a ‘moonlight’ tones together like I do!

As always, feel free to come and say hello over on Instagram (@ wild_littlerose) and check out my website: www.wildlittlerose.co.uk If I can help you with your jewellery gifts this Christmas please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can always send me a DM on Instagram or contact me through the website with any questions. Custom jewellery requests are always welcome too. Wishing you a happy and peaceful festive season. See you next year!

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USEFUL NUMBERS LOCAL AND NATIONAL

KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/ Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 01322 421480 Boots Chemist Bluewater 01322 624780 (Late Night) ASDA Greenhithe Chemist 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1513 100 West Kent NHS helpline 0800 0 850850 TRAVEL Heathrow Airport Enquires 08700 000123 Gatwick Airport Enquires 08700 002468 National Rail Enquires 08456 484950 Highways England Info Line 0300 123 5000 HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014

Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697 555 Citizens Advice Bureau: 01322 472 979 Debt Councilling (CAP) 0800 328 0006 Information About Drugs - FRANK: 0800 776600 Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162 Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624 Local Breastfeeding Counsellors Judianne/Paula 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000 247 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720 Samaritans: 116 123 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www.

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

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 ParkContact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Together Dartford Living Community Group

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:00am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.00 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Toast 20p per slice Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 01322 291092. TUESDAYS Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036. 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information. 9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9:30-10:30am at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime WEDNESDAYS 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £2.50 per family including all snacks and drinks. Catherine 07878658685 11.15am - SLADE GREEN AND HOWBURY COMMUNITY LIBRARY BABY AND TODDLER ACTION RHYME TIME GROUP 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ £2.50 per Adult THURSDAYS 9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford. 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 10:30-11:30am, at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free.Contact 07770860450 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@ yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child SATURDAYS 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL DOWNTON & ALI ASSOCIATES……............…..59 CARE PROVIDERS SUMMIT WEALTH...………..……………………...7 HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE………..………..10 ANCHOR FOSTER CARE…………………….......18 HOME IMPROVEMENTS TUDOR LIVING ELECTRICIAN…………...……..15 HEALTH AND WELL BEING THE DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR MAN…………...4 FEET MATTERS……………………………….....19 STEVE COOKE DOUBLE GLAZING ………….….39 YDMA KARATE……………………………….......27 CLAREMONT DECORATIVE SERVICES………….46 STAR KICKBOXING………………,……………...51 A BAINES AND SON ROOFING ………………....53 KELLY ROSE SKINCARE………………………....37 EXCEL SECURITY……………………………...…21 DARTFORD ROAD DENTAL CENTRE…………....29 RELIGIOUS SERVICES CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY CHURCH…………..36

OFFICE SPACE /SUPPLIES NUCLEUS ……………….....…………………….14

COUNCIL DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL………………21

OPTICIANS LINKLATERS………………....…………………..53

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT PICTURE FRAMING GARETH JOHNSON……………………………...15 CRAFT FRAMES……………....………………….53 PRINTERS ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS DARENTH PRINT…………….....………………..19 FOX ESTATES………….....………………………..9 WISDOM ESTATES………...……………………..14 RESTAURANTS, CAFES & FOOD OUTLETS THE WAT TYLER ...........................................35 FARM SHOPS EFES…………………………….....……………..40 H&M FOODS……………….....………………….13 STANHILL FARM………………..………………..21 EDUCATION MY BLUEWATER TUTOR…………………………29 FLORISTS DARTFORD PRIMARY ACADEMY………...………20 DARTFORD FLORIST …………………………….19 LEIGH UTC………….....…………………………43 TODDLER SENSE ………….…………….………23 GARAGES / VEHICLE SERVICES ORCHARD GARAGE …………………...………...60 56

LEISURE ORCHARD THEATRE……………………..………12 DARTFORD FC……………………………...…….51 BEXLEY PARK COMEDY………………….....……..4 TRAVEL GOLDEN LEAS HOLIDAY PARK………...............17 HARDEN HOLIDAYS ………………………....…..24 RETAIL WILD LITTLE ROSE …………………..………….23 BRADLEY’S JEWELLERS………………………...46 WEBSITE DESIGN & MARKETING DARTFORD LIVING MARKETING………………..45 DARTFORD LIVING DESIGN………………..…...58

THINKING OF ADVERTISING? We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £40 for a month. We don’t just take your money and add you to the magazine. We want to work with you to promote your businesses as much as we can using our website and social media channels for maximum exposure. We can also provide advertising options solely online on your website and/ or social media channels. We feel we have every base covered. To book in an advert call 01322 507817 or email sales@dartfordliving.com David Shafford

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YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH DECEMBER 2021

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

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Dartford Living - December 2021

Articles inside

Where to go locally

Useful numbers

Wild little rose

Dartford Painted Rocks & Sports roundup

Recycling for a reason

Car News

Doodle Dozen

Life under the Stairs

Upcoming shows at Orchard Theatre

Dartford’s award winning salon

Christmas gift guide

Winter sun with Harden Holidays

Debbie’s Delicious recipe

Christmas lights raise thousands for hospice charity

Straight Out Of Dartford

Senior Snippets

Merry Christmas from the Mayor of Dartford

Dartford Giving

Ray Mears-We are nature tour