Dartford Living February 2020 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE DARTFORD KEEP IT FC & NORTH LOCAL KENT MIND EVENT

KAREN AND GORKA INTERVIEW

PAGE 6

PAGES 36 & 37

PAGES 8 & 9

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that Slimming World feeling!

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slimmingworld.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 - ISSUE 164 - FREE

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*New Consultant * Monday 9.30am British Legion Hall South Darenth Da4 9AA Kirstie 07540 879494

Wilmington Memorial Hall High Road Wilmington DA2 7DW 5.30pm Jayne 07557979435

MONDAYS VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 9.30am,11.30am Sue 07507599691

St.John The Evangelist Church Parkhill Road Bexley DA5 1HX 5.30pm and 7.30pm Adam 07730 405313

VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 5.30pm,7.30pm Shelley 07979691619 Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 2SW 5.30pm and 7.30pm Kate 07590 995948 TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401

WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Liz 07900 213548 Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 9:30am Gillian 07957 135737 The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 5:30pm and 7:30pm Caroline 07776 181413 Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm Jo 07800 797030

Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 09:30am Jo 07800 797030 St Anselmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 FRIDAY The Conservative Club Spital Street Dartford Da1 2dt 9.30am Jo 07800 797030 SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane Dartford Kent DA1 SW 8am and 10am Sarah 07739 027161

Christchurch Centre Kingswood Avenue Swanley BR8 8AN 8am and 10am THURSDAYS Glentworth Ex Service Club The Howard Venue (formerly Jayne 07557 979435 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, South East Dance Studios) Kent, DA1 1JB 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, 5:30pm and 7:30pm BR8 7LG Gillian 07957 135737 9:30am Caroline 07776 18141

slimmingworld.co.uk 2 0344 897 8000

BY T H E CO M M U N IT Y,

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the February magazine. As usual it’s jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well! If you don’t always receive a copy directly through your door, you can pick up a copy from various drop off points including Dartford FC, local libraries, Fairfield Leisure Centre, The Orchard Theatre, The Priory and Orchards Shopping Centres, Stephen Oliver Art Gallery, health centres and local Nationwide and Barclays branches. Additionally, if you email editor@ dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter and you will join 7,000 others who receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Until next time, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

CONTENTS 6 Dartford FC joins forces with North Kent Mind 8-9 Keep it local event at Hawley Garden Centre 13 Dartford Then & Now 17 YMCA Sleep Easy 18 Charity Springball 20 CYCLEme Tots 21 Sophie’s Politics 24 Orchard Theatre Competition 27 Fitness - February 28 Recipe - Chicken (& other stuff) pie 33 Imago Community 34 Life under the stairs 36-37 Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez Interview 39 Rescue is best 41 North Kent Sock Appeal 42 Theatre Review 45 Car News 47 Sports Roundup 48-55 Where to go locally 56-57 Advertisers Index 58 Useful Numbers ONLINE

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DARTFORD FC JOINS FORCES WITH NORTH KENT MIND FOR MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Part of the stigma that still exists about mental Tony Burman commented: “The club is committed to health for men is that men have greater difficulty supporting the community and the work of North Kent talking about their own struggles. Mind.” The stereotypes of being a man are they should He added: “We are happy to host this group as men’s be a source of strength,show no weakness the mental health is such a important issue, and more men hunter-gatherer type. In many of these outdated need to talk about it.” stereotypes there is little room for showing poor mental health. We aim to reach out to the supporters of this great club to talk about their mental health and to be open about Plus let’s face it the words ‘mental health’ can bring it and to join our group. up negative and wrong ideas of what mental health really means. It is run as a peer support group so it allows people to meet and talk about any issues they have, with people This is the time to seek and be accepted for help who have experienced similar things to themselves and with your mental well-being within a group but the to offer advice to each other too. With sharing laughs first step has to be yours. together along the way. It’s important for everyone to feel they’re able to talk about how they feel without fear of judgement or The group starts on Thursday 30th January from 5.30pm discrimination within a confidential environment. til 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining or have any questions please Dartford FC have been a great supporter of North contact the group’s facilitator.. Kent Mind and all the services we provide. Darren Gosling at We are especially excited to continue this partnership DarrenGosling@northkentmind.co.uk Or North Kent Mind to bring the Men’s group to Princes Park. office on 01322 291380.

KEEP IT LO CAL E V E N T AT H AW LE Y GARDE N C E N TRE

KEEP IT LOCAL EVENT AT HAWLEY GARDEN CENTRE

By Anne Marriner

We are delighted to announce a partnership with Hawley Garden Centre to offer you an exciting range of locally hand-made gifts and treats. There is a whole raft of reasons why people start hand-making things for themselves, their families and their friends. And the bug can bite most of us at some stage in our lives. Craft skills contribute £3.4 billion to the UK economy. Some high-value crafts lend themselves to technological innovation, for example glass blowers are creating moulds for bio-engineered organs, but most in the sector are not so newsworthy. Nevertheless, en bloc, these cottage industries amount to a significant body of artistic talent.

The Keep it Local group is made up of workers from across the entire working age spectrum….and beyond. Some are driven by the need of income; students, perhaps in an artistic environment trying to supplement their income, Mums and Dads saving for a family holiday, those who have some spare time to fill and the retired who are keen to keep their parent’s skills alive. Others have artistic vision which clamours to be materialised. There are lots of reasons why crafters develop their skills, but all have one thing in common – they make things because they enjoy the creative process. From conception, through the design stage to completion, all of these people have very special, unique pieces of work to offer and are in turn rewarded by the simple pleasure of creating either something useful or a piece of art to be proud of. Keep it Local was set up in 2012 to bring the South East’s astounding group of crafting talent together. Amongst our association, some have workshops and studios, some work in a spare bedroom and some work on their kitchen table or sofa in front of the TV. Some have full-time careers in other

sectors, others have made the craft industry their full-time occupation. Their skills range covers the whole spectrum of the crafting world – the list is endless. Where we shop can say a lot about who we are and our sense of style, but our destination also needs to be a relaxing place to go, offering attractive, good quality food and merchandise. The Keep it Local team are well known for delivering an event which is all this and more besides. If you want an unpressurised stroll to see high quality, good value and a huge variety of Kent produced goods - give this Keep it Local event a try! You won’t see any traders or “tat”! In supporting our stallholders, you’ll not only be helping to ensure the continuity of the hand-crafting skills we have in the UK, but you can also hear from the maker about the thought behind the design and buy a positively unique item as a beautiful gift or treat for yourself. Keep it Local Crafts at Hawley will be held between 10-4pm from Friday 7th February to Sunday 9th. Admission and parking are free and, in case you’re tempted, bring cash as not everyone can accept cards.

KEEP IT LO CAL E V E N T AT H AW LE Y GARDE N C E N TRE

St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Hall DA11 0DJ

NORTHFLEET

A NEW YEAR! A NEW JOB! Explore your own potential by becoming a Personal Support Assistant This is a physical job that requires patience, flexibility, thoughtfulness and a sense of humour. Become part of a small team of Personal Assistants providing a level of care that enables a female, full-time wheelchair user, with high dependency needs, to live independently and have an active and interesting life HOURS REQUIRED: 20-25 hours per week spread over full days; late evenings; some weekends, & Bank Holidays, including Christmas/New Year + sleepover. Must be available for extra hours for holiday/sickness/emergency cover. EXPERIENCE: is not necessary as in-house training given. ESSENTIAL: Willingness to learn, confidentiality, commitment, communication, and reliability. ESSENTIAL: Full British driving licence + ability to assist in hydro pool + ability to cope with dark, cold mornings & evenings LOCALITY: must be local to the Gravesend/Northfleet area GOOD rate of pay and conditions (discussed at interview) FEMALE APPLICANTS ONLY Compliant with: S7(2B) of the Sex Discrimination Act PLEASE: Tel: 01474 322114 after 6pm for application pack.

KEEP IT LO CAL E V E N T AT H AW LE Y GARDE N C E N TRE

Da rt fo r d t h e n a n d n o w

DARTFORD THEN AND NOW HIGH STREET - DARTFORD By James Carney

As an Architect I am interested in the local context of our towns, villages and cities and how these places have developed over time. Having come across some wonderful old postcards and images of our local towns and parishes on a Facebook page I thought it would be really interesting to take a photograph from exactly the same viewpoint but from our current time in history in relation to the original images from around the early 1900s. The original postcards and images are courtesy of Brian Porter.

Da rt fo r d t h e n a n d n o w

YM CA SLEEP EASY 2 020

YMCA SLEEP EASY 2020 YMCA IS CALLING ON SUPPORTERS TO SLEEP ROUGH FOR ONE NIGHT YMCA Thames Gateway is calling on local residents to come together and sleep rough for one night in March to support local, homeless young people. The local youth charity, which has had a presence in Dartford since 1883, is hosting a Sleep Easy fundraiser in Central Park from 7pm to 7am on Friday 6 March. The event will see participants sleep outside for an evening to not only raise money but also awareness of youth homelessness.

Brian Cooke, YMCA’s Director of Housing, said: “YMCA’s across the country are holding Sleep Easy events at the same time to raise much needed awareness of the plight of rough sleeping among young people.” “We know from experience that without the support we offer many more young people would be sleeping on the streets and have less options and less chance of realising their potential. “We are calling on the local community, old and young, to sign up for YMCA Sleep Easy and help us support young people in our services today and into the future. One night out can make a lifetime difference.” To register for the Sleep Easy event with YMCA Thames Gateway visit their website at http://www. ymcatg.org or email sleepeasy@ymcatg.org.

YMCA Thames Gateway is one of several local YMCAs across the country that have joined forces to raise awareness during the national Sleep Easy Week (6 - 13 March). Hundreds of supporters are expected to sleep out all over the country to raise funds to help YMCA continue to support residents and young people in its services. YMCA Thames Gateway has hosted Sleep Easy nights since 2010 and the charity hope that this year’s event will help raise even more funds as the numbers of rough sleepers of all ages continues to rise and pressures mount on the housing market.

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SPRINGBALL Downton and Ali Associates is a Dartford based financial services company offering expert advice in mortgages, pensions, investments and protection. They have been a key part of the Dartford business community for 20 years and won ‘Best Owner Managed Business’ in the 2019 Dartford Business Awards. Downton and Ali have been proud sponsors of many local events in recent years and Managing Director, Brian Downton, has personally embarked on a number of sporting challenges to fundraise for several children’s charities. On 20th March 2020, Downton

and Ali will hold their third annual Spring Ball at Dartford Football Club, in aid of Holding On Letting Go and The Openwork Foundation Cares4Kids. Tickets are on sale from Brian@downtonandali.co.uk and we’d love to see the event sold out to support these very deserving charities.

Brian is a representative of Openwork and supports the Foundation in all his charity work. The Openwork Foundation, Cares 4 Kids, supports disadvantaged children and young people up to the age of 18, to help them move from dependence to independence.

s p r i ngb a l l

Holding On Letting Go is a Kent-based charity providing invaluable support to children who need help to cope with the death of someone close to them. This might be a parent, grandparent, or another member of family who has died, sometimes in sudden or traumatic circumstances.

BRIAN’S 2020 FUNDRAISING EVENTS • HELL OF ASHDOWN CYCLE SPORTIF • KENTISH KILLER CYCLE SPORTIF • DARTFORD HALF MARATHON

Often the adults close to the children are coping with their own loss, so these children may feel unable to express how they feel. You may have heard of Holding On Letting Go, as they recently featured in Kent Tesco stores as one of the centenary grant charities for the Tesco Bags for Life scheme. They are the chosen charity for 2020 by the Mayor of Medway and have received support from Global’s charity ‘Make Some Noise’.

• TONBRIDGE TRIATHLON • 7OAKS TRIATHLON • BRIDGE TRIATHLON • UK IRONMAN BOLTON

Quotes from feedback after bereavement support weekends: “I’ve been able to sleep more and worry less. I’ve been able to do stuff I wasn’t able to do before because I worried about what would happen when I’m not here” Girl aged 10. “I don’t feel so sad” Boy aged 8. “I liked the activities and meeting other people who have been through the same thing. I realised my feelings were normal” Girl aged 14. “He has opened up more about his dad’s death. He can talk about him without his ‘throat hurting’. He is beginning to laugh again at school and home” Parent of a 7 year old boy. Holding On Letting Go have added that they very much appreciate the support provided by Downton and Ali and other businesses, including the Spring Ball sponsors below, as it not only helps them with much needed funds to continue their work, but also helps to spread the word on the support they offer. Ultimately, this means that more families in need of their support can access it.

local residents and business owners, raising money for these two outstanding charities through sponsorship and ticket sales. On the night there will be a three course meal, a fantastic MC, Greg Davies, with entertainment from Master Magician Neil Edwards and DJ Max Hooper. Plus, more opportunities to raise money for these two amazing charities with a photo booth by Pete Bresser from Bresser Photos, a casino, raffle and auction. So, what are you waiting for? Email brian@ downtonandali.co.uk to book tickets. Brian will continue to fundraise through a number of other events in 2020 and all sponsorship is greatly received. You can sponsor Brian here - uk.virginmoneygiving. com/BrianDownton

The Spring Ball is a fantastic evening, attended by

CYCLEME TOTS DARTFORD By Zara and Claire As a young child you regularly master new skills and with that comes a great sense of achievement, especially a milestone as great as learning to ride a bike. We want to make this as easy and enjoyable as possible with our unique cycling programme that teaches children as young as two to ride. Young children learn best through play and our activity classes are created alongside Early Years Professionals to teach children to ride through a variety of engaging and fun activities designed to capture the imagination of even the youngest riders! We experienced the fantastic CYCLEme TOTS programme with our own sons, and watched them gain confidence and progress to riding a pedal bike confidently and quickly. We saw first-hand just how much fun the children had each week and how they grew a love of cycling which will stay with them throughout their lives. So, when the opportunity arose to purchase a franchise of our own, we jumped at the chance - and from here CYCLEme TOTS Dartford was born!

key life skills from a young age. We want to encourage children to get moving, feel healthier, enjoy the outdoors and most importantly have fun...on two wheels! If you are looking to get your little ones riding into 2020 then contact us now to book a FREE taster session! We are currently running classes at Stone Pavilion on a Monday morning, New Ash Green Village Hall on a Wednesday morning, and White Oak Leisure Centre on a Sunday morning.

Between us we have several years of experience Give us a call on 07503 344285 or visit our website for with running activity classes for young children, and more information at www.cyclemetots.com. feel passionately about the importance of teaching

S o p h i e ’ s P o l i t i c s : V ot e r t u r n o u t

SOPHIE’S POLITICS: VOTER TURNOUT With December’s election still a major topic of conversation, it can be revealed that only 67.2% of the British electorate turned out to vote. Why do you think this is? Is it that people are no longer interested in politics or they just can’t be bothered to vote? In fact, the turnout in Dartford was lower than the average at only 65.7%. As a result of this, I will discuss some reasons why people do not vote with hopes to increase the turnout for the next election. The political system in the UK is the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system. The UK is split into 650 constituencies all of which represent a seat in parliament. In each constituency, political parties campaign in order to try and sway the most amount of voters. Whatever party wins the most amount of votes in that constituency will win that seat in parliament. A political party must win 326 seats to win a majority, with their leader becoming the Prime Minister. Otherwise, a hung parliament is formed. As a result of this system, many people believe that their votes do not count. This is especially the case in constituencies that have ‘safe’ seats. This is when the people of that constituency continuously vote for the same party or MP. In Dartford, Gareth Johnson was first voted MP in 2010. As of 2019, he is still the MP of Dartford. If people believe that this won’t change, then why would they vote in elections? Just because Dartford is considered a ‘safe’ seat for Conservatives, it doesn’t mean it will always stay this way. If 100% of the electorate

actually voted on December 12th 2019, then the election could have swung another way. A lack of voter turnout means that the government formed does not reflect the people as there is a bias in the people who turnout to vote. In addition to ‘safe’ seats, low voter turnout may be because people no longer trust politicians. In fact, only 17% of people trust politicians according to an academic journal. In political campaigns, politicians say that they will do some amazing things for the country. They try to impress as many people as possible so that they win a majority. However when it comes to actually being in power, there are many broken promises. This can be seen in 2010, where the Liberal Democrats, who campaigned for the abolition of tuition fees, actually tripled the costs in the coalition government. Many students had voted for the Liberal Democrats because of this promise which they failed to fulfil. A lack of honesty has led to more and more distrust among politicians and the public. In actual fact, on election day I spoke to some individuals who were not going to vote. Their reasons for not voting were because they do not trust politicians. Whilst this broken relationship is understandable, the results of the election will only reflect those who vote. If people choose not to vote, then their views will not be represented which will only negatively affect them. The final reason that I am going to

discuss for a lack of voter turnout is a lack of knowledge about politics. The younger generations are much busier than the older generations were when they were younger. There are more activities and larger amounts of technology that has led to less time for politics. Consequently, many people do not understand politics and what the parties stand for. With a lack of knowledge, people are less likely to vote because it is not their priority. However, this should not be the case. With increased technology, has come easier modes of understanding politics. There are many quizzes online that enable people to see which party they closely align with. This will help them make an informed decision on who to vote for. Politics is constantly changing. It is not a fixed structure. The policies of all the parties change as leaders change. This means that opinions will change. Just because you live in a ‘safe’ seat constituency, it does not mean that the results are always going to stay the same. In fact, as cliche as it sounds, your vote could be the difference between a Conservative or Labour MP representing your constituency. I urge you, no matter who you are, to vote in all elections as the results will affect you. Whether it be housing or taxes or public transport, it will affect you so you need to vote for your future. I hope that voter turnout will increase in future elections and reach the amount that it did in the 20th century, which peaked at 83.9% in 1950. If this does not happen, then our democracy will continue to go downhill. For future posts like this, follow my Instagram page @politicsblog or subscribe to my online blog https://politicsblog.news/

WELLNESS HOLIDAYS: HOLIDAYS THAT HEAL By Harden Holidays

Wellness holidays are no longer just about the body and indulgence; they are also about mindfulness and getting back to nature. This month we bring to you the latest trends for holidays that heal. The hospitality sector is being challenged to meet an increasing demand beyond spas and workout spaces and think on how it can integrate other health considerations such as mindfulness and spending time in nature along with environmental concerns. Many suppliers have risen to the challenge and we see an increase in availability of active holidays, expeditions and walking tours with a chance to meet locals as part of a wellness experience. Mindfulness and digital detox are also in high demand as a result, no doubt a reflection of the hectic lives we are living in the present. Many holidays now include a nutritional consultation, yoga, meditation, Pilates and massage. Some will even take your phone away so you are not tempted to check your emails! The core trends are: Ayurveda(an ancient Indian health system); spiritual retreats; nutrition(continuing the vegan, gluten free boom); sustainability entwined with wellbeing; healing through nature including the concept of ‘forest bathing’. Here are a few destination ideas for wellness breaks: Greece – Marbella Elix opens in 2020 with a wellness centre for beauty treatments, fitness coaching, vinyasa yoga, Pilates and cross-training plus a tennis academy, a hiking trail to an ancient ruined city and spots for kayaking and biking. Portugal – Vila Vita Parc – offering personalised lifestyle programmes that include everything from personal trainer-led workouts in their gym to consultations with a HYPOXI®-Coach. Maldives – Amila Fushi – now incorporates Sensora light and colour therapy and uses the latest hip ingredient CBD oil (a legal cannabis extract) in some of their treatments. The new Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort has wellness in mind based on four pillars-

W ELL N ESS H OLIDAYS : H OLIDAYS T H AT H EAL

restorative sleep; innovative/ fun sports and fitness; healthy/ balanced food and rejuvenating spa treatments. You can use the Fit Trail, an island running track with obstacles or tackle its Raaveryia workout – the conditioning required to scale a coconut tree as the ultimate aim. India – A luxury journey in the Himalayas – Sikkim. Here you are offered a digital detox and a holistic experience with organic food, yoga, monastery meditation and nature walks to see the area’s spectacular rhododendrons, orchids and perhaps a red panda. Japan – 13-night Japanese Ikigai & the path to happiness trip that introduces hada no tsukai (naked communion) with hot springs in Kyoto and ikigai (reason for being) with a stay in a traditional farmhouse. Barbados – Colony Club Barbados – as a guest here you can enjoy its recently revamped spa, now featuring UK brand Element Herbology which follows five element theory matching individuals to wood, fire, earth or water to give balance to body, mind and skin. Slovenia – Stay at the remote Hotel Plesnik for forest bathing, walks, herb gathering with a farmer and use of natural pool and sauna. To continue the conversation on wellness holidays and more ideas don’t hesitate to come and see us in Dartford town centre.

WIN a holiday to

NEW YORK

Book your 2020 holiday through Harden Holidays and be in entered into our prize draw For full details visit www.hardenholidays.co.uk Or call in and see us in the town centre

Call - 0800 023 8974 E-mail - tim@hardenholidays.co.uk Website: www.hardenholidays.co.uk Visit us at: Unit 1B Henley House, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1AS (Opposite Prospect Place & Costa, next to Subway) 23

COMPETITION W ELL N ESS H OLIDAYS : H OLIDAYS T H AT H EAL

On Your Feet! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom and features some of the most iconic pops songs of the era, including ‘Rhythm is Gonna Get You’, ‘Conga’, ‘Get On Your Feet’, ‘Don’t Want To Lose You Now’ and ‘1-2-3’.

The show will be at The Orchard Theatre from Monday 6 April – Saturday 11 April Dartford Living have teamed up with The Orchard Theatre to offer a pair of tickets to the show. Just answer the question below.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan originate from which Caribbean country? A. B. C.

The Bahamas Cuba Jamaica

Please email your entries to comp@dartfordliving.com by the 15th February 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 email by the Orchard Theatre, 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.

Cygnet Club

For Adults with Learning Disabilities

Cygnet Club

For Adults with Learning Disabilities

CAN YOU DRIVE A MINIBUS? ARE YOU AGED 25 TO 69? ARE YOU FREE ON THURSDAY EVENINGS EVEN ON AN AD HOC BASIS? The Cygnet Club is a long standing, volunteer run social club for adults with learning disabilities. We have a minibus which collects approx. 15 members from Bean, Dartford and Swanley. We are in need of volunteers to drive the minibus. If there is anything you can do to help please contact one of the following: Becci Brown 07849 516548 Tracey Boswell 07912 746555 / 01322 667580 Come and join us www.cygnetclub.weebly.com

E-mail:cygnetclub1@gmail.com

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

EXCITING ACTIVITIES

PARTIES & OUTINGS

TEA & COFFEE

SUPPORT & ADVICE

GOOD FUN!

Come and join us Thursdays 7pm til 9pm Leyton Cross Social Club, Tredegar Road, Wilmington, DA2 7AZ £4 per person Volunteers also needed Contact: 01322 665196

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STEVE COOK

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FITNESS - FEBRUARY

FIT N ESS - FE B RUARY

By Mark Broadbent

Lots of you will have started a new exercise regime and/ or diet in January. Some will have picked a random plan to “try”, others will have researched it a bit more or taken someone else’s word for it. Others will just tighten up a bit on the foods they know they should be eating less of. The word “diet” means different things to different people. The same with training - you might have joined a gym and got a program from one of the instructors there, picked a routine from a magazine or one that someone has told you. There are many options to choose from - too many. The problem with so much information being readily available is it overwhelms and confuses people to the point that they either don’t do anything, or if they do manage to choose a path, it’s often the wrong one. I hate to say it but I even see clients with Personal Trainers doing the wrong things! It’s normally easy to spot what people are in the gym for - weight loss, gaining muscle, improving performance - training styles differ and their attitude towards training is different for each. Yet I so often see people doing the WRONG things for their goal. Clients (often with PT’s) who are there for fat loss, training to hit PB’s in squats, deadlifts and bench press… Guys trying to get bigger lifting as heavy as they can… Athletes over-doing the plyometrics or working slow, grinding movements when they need to be working on improving how well they move… Getting the right guidance is key to success both short-term and long-term. Yes, you can get results fast from these “quick-fix” plans or even doing the wrong things, but is that optimal? Will those results be short-lived with a rebound weight gain because you did it all the wrong way? People selling you 4-6-8 week programs may have good intentions, but offering quick results is setting you up for long-term disappointment. Not many people are suited to such intense strategies that are needed to get these rapid transformations. So many people “yo-yo” diet, losing weight too fast or the wrong way, then gain it all back again (often with a bit extra). Training too, often goes too fast. Going from doing nothing, to attempting to maintain a 5-session-a-week program. This tends to end in injury, burnout, or people hating their workouts. Whichever it is, it leads to people giving up because it’s unsustainable. When starting your program it’s so important that you do it right. This is what will determine if you stick to it long-term and get the results you want, or not. Your program should reflect your current condition, your exercise experience, your fitness level, your lifestyle and work, your home life, any injuries or medical conditions you have, what you’ve done in the past (recent and further back), what time you have available, what time you’re willing to commit to the program, your strengths and weaknesses… All of this and more!

Yes, you could get a program and get results without these considerations, but the more of this that you take into account, the more likely you are to have success. If you started a plan in January and are already wavering or struggling, or haven’t seen the results you were hoping for - it’s quite likely that your program isn’t right for you. I urge you to seek some help… from someone who knows how to help, not your friend who lost a few pounds last year, or a magazine article about a celebrity who lost weight. Whether that’s one of the Trainers in your gym, or someone else you trust. It’s worth the investment. YOU are worth the investment. And the disappointment of potentially failing again should be enough to motivate you to go and get the help you need. Here’s the shameless plug… If you need help with your training, I’m now offering Online Coaching. With over 15 years’ experience working as a face-to-face Personal Trainer I can now coach you from anywhere to get the results you want. Often when choosing a Trainer, price, location and schedules limit your options - Who works in your gym? Who can you afford? And who has space to train you at the times you are available to train? All of these become non-issues when working with an Oline Trainer. You can train whenever suits you; the Trainer doesn’t have to be local to you; and it’s cheaper than 1-2-1 PT. You can work with a BETTER coach, for LESS money, and if you miss a session it doesn’t cost you. It’s also worth noting that most people hiring PT’s tend to opt for 1 or 2 sessions a week meaning the majority of your workouts will be done on your own anyway! So Online Coaching isn’t a lesser service, it just makes it more flexible and more affordable. And if you get a good Coach, the results will exceed those you might get if you work with a sub-standard Trainer. If you’d like to talk about working with me you can contact me through my website www.TredegarPT.com.

RE C IPE : C H I C KE N ( A N D OT H ER STUFF ) PIE

RECIPE: CHICKEN (AND OTHER STUFF) PIE By Debbie Dickinson I LOVE COOKING FROM SCRATCH AND ITS AN ADDED BONUS IF I CAN USE THE LEFTOVERS FROM A PREVIOUS MEAL! This pie is one of the dishes I cook after we’ve had a Add just enough water to bring the pastry together roast chicken. (And after I’ve used the bones to make into a ball. stock - you’ll find my chicken stock recipe back in the Wrap and pop in the fridge to chill. October 2019 edition of Dartford Living.) As with a lot of my recipes I’ll always adapt the ingredients according to what I have available but this recipe is a FOR THE FILLING good place to start if you fancy an easy pie recipe (add Gently fry the leek (or onion) until soft, adding the or remove any ingredients as you fancy) – you’ll even mushrooms for the last few minutes. Stir in 2 heaped tsp of plain flour and cook on a medium heat, stirring make perfect pastry! all the time, for 2/3 minutes. Add the chicken stock in batches, stirring until smooth YOU WILL NEED: in between each batch. 200g cold block Butter plus a bit more for frying Add the chicken and ham and additional water if filling 400g Plain Flour plus a bit more for the pie filling is too thick. If it looks too thin, simmer for a while to reduce the sauce down. Leftover cooked chicken Season with salt and pepper and add any herbs/ Cooked Ham mustard powder to taste. 1 Leek (or onions) - sliced Pour the filling mixture into an oven proof dish (or Handful of Mushrooms – sliced individual dishes if preferred). 1 litre Chicken stock – homemade or made with a cube Roll out the pastry until about 1cm thick. Lay over your Mixed dried herbs/Black Pepper/Mustard powder dish and cut off any excess. Press down around the edge to seal the pie and make a small incision in the middle of the pastry to allow steam to escape while cooking. WHAT TO DO Use any leftover pastry on the top of the pie if you Make the pastry first so we can pop it in the fridge to like? Make stripes or use cutters to cut out shapes to chill for a bit before using. decorate. Brush the top with a little milk or beaten egg. For the pastry Put the flour in a large bowl. Either grate the butter or Bake in an oven at 180° for about 30 minutes or until chop into small pieces and add to the flour. I usually pastry is golden and filling is hot. then use a knife to chop the flour/butter together for Enjoy! xxx a bit, then when I can’t chop any smaller, I use my fingertips to combine until it resembles breadcrumbs.

B IP B OP B LO G

BIP BOP BLOG Hi D L Readers! So September saw the arrival of our little baby girl! Life as a family of 4 has been busy to say the least. 4 months on and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve completely forgotten what life was like with just 1 child. People say that you’re more chilled out with your second because you’ve done it all before, but you definitely have to be more organised! It takes a small miracle for us to get out the door on time most mornings! I’m still shocked that we had a little girl to be honest. As we didn’t find out what we were having, I did a little poll on Instagram with my scan picture to see what others thought. The majority voted for a boy, so when she arrived I was completely surprised! Buying pink girly things still seems very alien to me considering I’ve been in the boy aisle for the last 4 years! My birth story was far less dramatic than when little man was born. No multiple blood transfusions, no panic, no general anaesthetic! My waters broke late at night under a full moon and I was admitted into hospital as a precaution as I wasn’t fully in labour. The following day it was suggested I go home and good job I didn’t because 45 minutes later she was born!

Whilst in hospital, I really got a chance to see the incredible job that the midwives do. They work 12 hour shifts, they’re on their feet the majority of the time, they have women shouting at them for pain relief; I think I almost broke my midwife’s hand at one point trying to get through a contraction! They put up with a lot! The delivery suite was incredibly busy too when we were there (maybe because of the full moon) but it was organised chaos. The doctors and midwives weren’t flustered at all. Hubby said that our midwife was so calm, nothing seemed to phase her - she seemed prepared for anything. A few weeks later we went back to the hospital to give some gifts to the midwives as a thank you. But nothing will ever be enough in my opinion. What can you give for the greatest gift of all? So if any midwives just happen to read this, please know that you’re appreciated. Often us mums don’t get a chance to thank you properly and so I’d just like to put it out there that we’re so grateful for the job you do. Until next time Charlotte x

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I MAG O CO M M U N IT Y

IMAGO COMMUNITY Imago Community is a registered charity and provides the following services in Dartford: KENT YOUNG CARERS Supporting young people aged 5-18 across the Dartford District who have a caring responsibility for an adult or sibling. Kent Young Carers supports through assessment, 1:1 support, workshops and other activities. For further information on Kent Young Carers call 01892 530330 option 2 IMAGO SHORT BREAKS Providing after school Youth Cafes once a fortnight for children with disabilities aged 8-14 and monthly Saturday Clubs for those aged 14-19. There is an emphasis on fun, trying new things and making new friends. For further information on Short Breaks call 01892 530330 option 2 YOUNG ADULT CARERS service for those aged 16-25 who are looking after a family member of friend. The service can support with 1:1 emotional support, advocacy, monthly meet up groups, activities, training and information, advice & guidance. For further information contact 01892 530330 option 3. SOCIAL PRESCRIBING connects people with community resources and support services to meet their health and social care needs, enabling them to develop confidence and independence. The Social Prescribers

www.imago.community Twitter: @imago_community Facebook: @imago.uk provide 12 weeks support to people being discharged from hospital, or those living in the community to meet their changing needs. Offering information and guidance; working with individuals and families to create personalised support plans; linking them with local services and support organisations who provide ongoing help such as: Housing options, befriending, financial support, social activities, form filling, transport, home safety, domestic support, Telecare, domiciliary care, respite, aids & adaptations. Volunteering opportunities as a peer volunteer available. For further information call 01892 530330 option3. CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) works with people over 50 living in Dartford who are socially isolated or experiencing loneliness. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 12 week programme of activities offering a great opportunity to meet others and make new friends.

Volunteering opportunities as a group facilitator available. For further information call 01892 530330 option 3. WELLBEING MATTERS KENT provides community navigation to adults over 55 or those over 18 with complex needs; and adult Carer support. The service provides assessment and support planning, linking people with local opportunities, activities and services to improve welfare and wellbeing. There are opportunities for Carers to get together at social groups and activities. For more information call 01892 530330 option 3.

WANTED: YOUR USED INKJET CARTRIDGES! Imago send them for recycling and each one raises ÂŁ1 to support their work with Kent Young Carers! Simply follow the link to request freepost envelopes: recycle4charity.co.uk/Register/ C93503 or email hello@imago.community for Imago to post some to you.

LIFE U N DER T H E STAIRS

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON

LET’S HEAR IT FROM THE TOUGH GUYS TV over Christmas and the New Year was dire! I don’t think we actually watched much of anything, and I certainly can’t remember any of the advertised ‘highlights’. At Stevenson Towers, our viewing habits changed dramatically last year, when our aerial was blown down. For seven weeks we didn’t have a signal so couldn’t watch the telly. Life without soaps, quiz shows and reality TV was wonderful. I did have withdrawal symptoms for ‘Homes Under The Hammer’ but bought DIY magazines instead. Once repaired, we didn’t often switch the box back on; we read, wrote, listened to music, and it was only over time we started to check the schedules for something entertaining.

usually portrayed as lower class. Hierarchy was observed with the uniformed branch knowing their place. Surely, there are some very dated depictions of women – many wearing aprons and preparing dinner for their harried detective spouses. The TV cops’ children are always polite and well-mannered and do as they’re told. No one drove too fast and guns were not the norm. The only thing that amazes me is the sheer number of cigarettes smoked per episode! Most scenes were played in a fug of smoke. We just don’t see that nowadays. Coupled with the male orientated ITV 4 and I am once again contented with my viewing. You see, I like tough guys, cop dramas, blokes behaving blokishly! I want to see car chases, the boss addressed as ‘guv’ and bottles of whiskey kept in desk drawers. I like to see the villains getting their comeuppance, preferably during a free for all with the Met’s finest. Salty language and a healthy disregard for authority allows us all to rebel quietly, alongside Regan and Carter, Bodie and Doyle. Thank goodness then, for ‘Vera’ – stroppy lady in mac and hat with a razor-sharp brain, ‘Midsomer Murders’ – the ‘newish’ John Barnaby seems to hold a great deal of hidden anger waiting to surface, unlike the estimable Tom, and the late, lamented ‘Broadchurch’. Great police dramas with a hint of the night about them. With the anodyne and safe programmes we are presented with today, there is a danger of losing a great British tradition in the UK Police Drama. Programmes appear to be aimed at family viewing, when in reality figures from 2018 suggest that apart from the over 65s, all age groups are watching far less TV than ever. That very age group grew up with the Tough Guys. We know how to deal with them!

However, we discovered Talking Pictures TV, a gem of a channel that shows a great deal of black and white programmes and films from the black and white days of TV. We have seen a number of wonderful ‘B’ movies, some excellent early police drama series and some old favourites such as ‘Hazell’, ‘Special Branch’ and ‘Gideon’s Way’. Well written and acted, with many the staple diet of Friday night TV.

So, I salute you Talking Pictures and ITV4 – I can feast on some old favourites which bring special memories. Bergerac was great and through watching it, I began a love affair with the Channel Islands ongoing to this day. The safe and dependable taciturn ‘old school’ detectives in the Wexford series, followed by the very cerebral Morse. Latterly we’ve had a millennium’s eye view of the 1960s through George Gently. I still have an affection for Miss Marple, mainly because she never went anywhere without a small carpet bag which could have contained anything! It lent an air of a slightly dangerous Mary Poppins to the actresses who portrayed this lady.

I’m a sucker for a good police programme.

Time for a cuppa now. It’s grey and raining and I’m to watch Father Brown. See if I can work out whodunnit.

Compared to today. life then is shown as genteel and slow. Police detectives wore suits and ties, the bad guys were

Stay safe all

LIFE U N DER T H E STAIRS

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KARE N H AUER & G ORKA M AR Q UE Z

KAREN HAUER & GORKA MARQUEZ An Interview with Karen & Gorka It sounds like something from a fairytale romance. A couple of fiery Latin kids, each drawn inexorably to dance, one in Venezuela, the other in Spain. They carve their paths through Fame School in New York and European competitions, before eventually meeting on the biggest dance TV show in the world. And then they meet, sparks fly and they create their own dazzling dance show, Firedance. But it’s no fairytale - it’s the real life story of Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer, that show is Strictly, and that tour is headed your way in 2020. Gorka beamed: “I always wanted

to do this. I wanted to do something different. We knew it would be a great opportunity. Karen and I have been dancing and doing shows for the last year together and we felt like we were locked in. Even as we continue together we have a very good partnership, so whenever the idea came up, we felt like it was a great idea from the click we had already and when we sat down with the shows and the producers to try to create ideas, what we will do, and how we have a vision of what we want to show and share. We realised we just had the same ideas on so much. We want to take on what people have seen and show them it can be even better. There are so many shows right now that we wanted to create something different, something from a different perspective and I think it’s very good that both of us are Latin, we share that kind of mentality and point of view of what we want to show and be more passionate, more fiery, with strength.

For Karen too, their shared Latin heritage is the key to the show and its appeal - and why audiences are going to go wild for their flaming hot routines. She said: “What I love is that we’re focusing on certain dances. Because sometimes, if there’s too many things, then it can kind of bleed too much, it can just get a little bit fluffy but we wanted to focus on those fiery dances. Those dances that kind of get people emotionally and let people know that we really want to show that power, that strength but also the beauty that all of the dancers have within them. We’ve narrowed it down to some specific dances because people really love watching the tango or whatever, because they are dances that are really meaningful and that really kind of connect with people and have that power behind them. So we thought let’s connect to those dances. That’s the ticket right there.”

It’s all about passion. Not like classic sparkly ballroom, even the outfits, it’s You might expect those fiery tempers more street fashion with a Latin feel. to flare and clash, but it turns out the Less sequins and more fire.” opposite is true. Instead, it’s been a

KARE N H AUER & G ORKA M AR Q UE Z

matter of channelling that fierce passion into the dancing, and creating something truly special. Karen said: “Not at all, actually, because I guess we both respect each other so much. We’re very temperamental, yes. We know that we’re both fiery, yeah, but I guess the fact that we know that about each other means it doesn’t need to come out, it doesn’t clash, it means we can work together. We’re so invested in what we’re doing. From the music to the costumes, to every single little detail that’s going to be on that stage has come from Gorka and myself. We’re going to have a great team around a great band, great singers, and us. We’re going to be able to input and be across everything that people are going to be seeing so it is very nice to be able to have that access. It’s coming from a place of, of truth. It’s something that we need, that we’re really passionate about. It’s always a plus that you get to put out there what you really want to put out there. I love working with Gorka. He’s such a lovely man and a beautiful dancer who I really look up to.” Gorka agreed: “As soon as Karen and I started dancing together we were like - wow, this is fun. We were getting on so well from the start. I remember when we met for our first shows. We had to do five numbers and we had them like, in two hours. So we realised, this is a thing you know, when you click with someone, and the ambition, the connection, it was like we were able to see in each other’s brains at the same time. I was gonna say something but she was already doing it. So it’s easy to work with someone like that and it’s enjoyable so then we knew we needed to do something together. We think the same; we see the dance the same way. From the very start it was very, very good and it’s very easy when it’s like that, it makes everything easier and more fun.” Karen moved to the UK when she landed the Strictly job and that’s where the pair met - and they both love the idea of their show landing international success in their own right.

FIREDANCE will be at Orchard Theatre on the 21st March Tickets: www.firedancelive.co.uk

love to be able to go back to Spain and do this show in Spain. All my family are there but the biggest things I have done have been in the UK so to show over there even for a night or two nights to my family and friend what I have done would be incredible.” Karen said: “Even to this day I have to pinch myself. Now that I’m in a completely different country and in the best TV show and then I’m going on my own tour with Gorka, I can’t actually believe this is happening. When I got the call for Strictly I fell on my knees and I cried, I hadn’t worked for four months and was living on my savings. None of the dancers that were there then are there now except Anton and myself. He’s the longest running male and I’m the longest running female. I’ve been in it for eight years. It is incredible it really is and a joy to be around. I’m gonna be there until they drag me out. I still can do at least another five to seven years. Gorka and I first met on Strictly, I saw that he loved salsa and he loves the flamenco and those are the dances and I loved as well. But we actually only started dancing together this year. We just clicked; this is the best partnership ever. We get along so well. We choreograph together so well too. We both said I think we should take advantage of this and do something more and see what happened. And all of a sudden Firedance was born.”

Gorka said: “I would love to go international with this, there’s not so many dancers who can do that. I would

KARE N H AUER & G ORKA M AR Q UE Z

RES C UE IS B EST

RESCUE IS BEST We have teamed up with Battersea Dog and Cats home - Brands Hatch to bring you regular listings of animals requiring rehoming. Name: Jessie; Breed: Mongrel; Sex: Male; Age; 2 years 9 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 377293 Exuberant youngster Jessie is a fun loving and highly energetic dog, who is used to living life doing as he pleased in Portugal. Jessie is very intelligent and is always on the lookout for something to do. He will require active new owners who relish the idea of a challenge, as he does need some ongoing training around other dogs. He often forgets his manners around other dogs and can become upset if he cannot go over and say hello to a fellow canine. Battersea has seen good progress with his training, but owners will need to be in a position to continue this work in his new home. He will love long countryside walks and would make an excellent hiking companion if his new owners are that inclined. Jessie gets stressed in residential and built up areas, so he needs to live in a quiet and rural location. If you’re interested in rehoming Jessie, please visit www.battersea.org.uk Name: Tom; Breed: Domestic Short-hair; Sex: Male; Age; 2 years 2 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 378896 Tom is a big cuddly boy who will take every opportunity to curl up on your lap and sleep! He is looking for an extra special place of his own where he can explore and stretch his legs and most importantly snooze! His new home will need to provide him with lots of activity to keep him fit & healthy. He will lavish love and cuddles on his new family. Tom has tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a slow-acting virus and most cats live long, happy and healthy lives. However, in order to protect other cats and to preserve the health of the carrier, Battersea rehomes FIV+ cats to homes with enclosed gardens. Don’t worry if your garden isn’t currently “cat-proofed” as we can offer plenty of advice. We’ll also arrange for you to speak to a Battersea Vet prior to rehoming. If you’re interested in rehoming Tom, please visit www.battersea.org.uk

RES C UE IS B EST

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DARTFORD LI V I N G SUPPORTS N ORT H KE N T SO C K APPEAL

DARTFORD LIVING SUPPORTS NORTH KENT SOCK APPEAL By Mandy Garford A few years ago now, I was helping set up a Winter Shelter. We were setting out air beds in the hall, checking the curtains closed properly and the heating worked for a comfortable night’s stay. In the other room board games were ready and I could smell something lovely for dinner. I was beginning to think I would be quite happy staying here, when one of the organisers said something that would stay with me for years. or gender. Anyone can find themselves in need. ‘When they come in, they often have wet feet this time of year...rain or snow, so they take off their shoes and hang their socks on the radiators to dry out. They are not clean, plenty of holes and smell as they warm up on the radiators. We have a selection of donated jumpers, shirts, trousers, even shoes- but no socks!’ I discovered that socks are one of the most needed but least donated item of clothing. They don’t cost much and can make a huge difference out on the streets. Warm feet is everything! In 2016 I started the Dartford sock Appeal to do just that...provide socks for some of the guests at the Winter Shelter. In 2017 we began to help more people in Dartford by donating socks to other charities that helped people in need. This year we are reaching out even further to help even more people in the North Kent Area. We ask for new socks for hygiene reasons, but there are no rules on sizes

We would love your help to keep feet warm this winter. We are collecting in January, February and March. Please donate to any of our drop off points! - Gravesend Foodbank, Riverside Community Centre, Dickens Road, Gravesend, DA12 2JY - Marie’s Tea Room, 23 High Street, Gravesend, DA110BA - Re-animated Games, 21 Darnley Road, Gravesend, DA110 RZ - Made in Dartford Shop, High Street, Dartford - Stephen Oliver Studio and Gallery, Orchards Shopping Centre, Dartford, DA1 1DN - Wisdom Estates, 76 Spital Street, Dartford, Da1 2DT For more enquires please email NorthKentSockAppeal@gmail.com

T H EATRE Ro u n d u p

THEATRE ROUNDUP By Liz Dyer As another month comes to a close, I think we can all agree it’s been a sizzling start to 2020 at the theatre here in Dartford. After waving goodbye to Steve McFadden and the rest of the panto crew, we played host to an extended run of The Bodyguard, starring the brilliant Alexandra Burke. The romantic thriller received rave reviews, and of course it was also a welcome opportunity to revisit some timeless hits from the late great Whitney Houston. Also last month, we enjoyed a classic thriller that was made famous in the 1950s by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring TV favourites Tom Chambers and Sally Bretton, Dial M for Murder tells the story of ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice, who plots the perfect revenge after discovering his wife has been unfaithful. Gripping and full of suspense, this new production kept us all on the edge of our seats right to the end. As for February: Dartford welcomes back the Moscow City Ballet with their enchanting production of Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty (6th-8th), presented in classic Russian style with full orchestra. The company’s visit to Dartford is always

a winter highlight, and this year looks set to be no different. And that’s not the only dance treat lined up for us this month. Former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff joins X Factor star (most recently seen in Hair) Jake Quickenden in Dance to the Music (13th), whileinternationally renowned Argentinean tango superstars German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi prepare to thrill us in the award-winning Tango Fire (15th). For music lovers, among several highlights this month include Soul Legends (4th), Legend – The Music of Bob Marley (9th), and BoyzLife (25th), featuring Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden. And for those who enjoy a good drama, why not check out Lady Chatterley’s Lover (20th-22nd) or Madama Butterfly (5th) – see the Orchard Theatre’s website for details.

If you’re struggling with post-Christmas blues, here’s some good news: the festive season is not over yet! Until 8th February, DAODS present their pantomime, Cinderella, at Heathfields Hall – visit daods.co.uk for dates and more info. Tickets are just £12 for adults and £8 for kids, which I think we can all agree is a bargain. And finally, this month one of the best musicals to hit the West End in ages is coming to cinemas around the country. On 4th and 9th February, don’t miss what could be our final opportunity to see the brilliant Kinky Boots, recorded live last year at the Adelphi Theatre. It’s a joyous, heartwarming show written by Cyndi Lauper, and guaranteed to brighten these dark winter evenings. Enjoy!

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DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS Rock Painting in Dartford.

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting By Maria Kingsford town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre. Tand H EATRE Ro uthem n d u paround hiding

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.

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CAR N E WS

CAR NEWS FEBRUARY 2020

By Dhiren Ganesh

IN THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE WE LOOK AT NEW VERSIONS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE AND HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL FUND B O O ST T H E E L E CT R I C C A R INFRASTRUCTURE.

2020 Ford Puma – this is the rebirth of the Puma name as a sporty highriding crossover-SUV model. It comes with more as standard than normal such as the wireless phone charging and keep-lane assist. The first version availlable is the Titanium First Edition which will be powered by a 123bhp 1.0-litre Ecoboost mildhybrid three-cyclinder petrol engine. This will be alongisde the sportier ST-Line X 153bhp turbocharged petrol engine. Space in the boot is much more impressive, and there are clever features as standard, the best of them being the Megabox, which provides

80 litres of space beneath the boot floor. only offered in three-door form and This model is on sale now with prices its bodyshell is made of lightweight starting from £20,545. materials that include carbon fibre. It will be released in September 2020 and prices estimated to be start around £30,000. Government doubles funding for electric car infrastructure – The Department for Transport (DfT) will double the money available to install EV chargers on residential streets from next year in a bid to encourage more urban drivers 2020 Toyota Yaris GR – Developed in to go electric. The £10 million pledged conjunction with Toyota Gazoo Racing by the Government will provide an (hence the initials) and Tommi Makinen additional 3600 charge points across Racing, the Toyota Yaris GR is a hot-hatch the UK, making it easier for drivers which is rally-inspired and is the is the without off-street parking to charge official homologation model for the at home overnight. The new funding next Yaris World Rally Championship allowance follows the allocation of £2.5 car. The Yaris is kitted out with a new million for EV chargers in residential 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder areas in August 2019 and a previous engine that produces 257bhp, more £2.5 million pledge made in 2017. The than double the mainstream Yaris DfT will also start working on creating engine. A six-speed manual gearbox is a real-time public charger information standard, along with a sophisticated service that would allow drivers to see new suspension system and an advanced the nearest charge points, if they are four-wheel drive setup. The engineers and working and available for use, how designers have concentrated on three much they cost and how quickly they areas: aerodynamics, weight and weight will charge a car. The system could distribution, with a view to enhancing be integrated into sat nav and route the Yaris GR’s performance. The GR is mapping apps. 45

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash one by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the ate for the competition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if

CAR N E WS

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Excel Security Systems your local security systems installation specialists. We can provide you with tailor made security systems for your home or business requirements.. SSAIB-certificated (Insurance Approved) Intruder Alarms CCTV Door Entry Access Control Service and Repairs Takeovers and Upgrades All our systems are designed to suit your needs and your budget. www.excelsecurity.london Email: enquiries@excelsecurity.london Or call 01322 589 534 For a free no obligation quotation... Find us on Facebook

DARTFORD FC FI X TURES - f e b 2 0

UPCOMING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY INCLUDE: 2: Rugby union - Men’s Six Nations: France v England 2: American football Super Bowl, Miami

SPORTS ROUNDUP Injury forced Andy Murray to miss the Australian Open in January, and says he is not putting a time frame on his recovery from a pelvic injury, after delaying his comeback to the middle of February at the earliest. Murray last played at the Davis Cup in November and will now miss

tournaments in France and the Netherlands in February. After Wimbledon in 2017, Murray missed almost a year of tennis because of a career-threatening hip injury. He then played in only two tournaments between October 2018 and the start of June 2019.

Like many others, I thought his glittering career has come to an end in 2018. So his recovery in 2019, was a happy surprise and restored positivity back into UK Tennis, so I wish him a good recovery from the latest setback.

DARTFORD FC FIXTURES - FEB 20 V HAMPTON & RICHMOND - 8TH 3PM V EASTBOURNE BORO - 22ND 3PM

7-8: Tennis - Fed Cup qualifier: Slovakia v Great Britain, Bratislava 8: Rugby union - Men’s Six Nations: Scotland v England 8: Boxing - Kell Brook v Mark DeLuca, Sheffield 15: Athletics - Indoor Grand Prix, Glasgow 18 & 19: Football Champions League last 16, first legs 22: Boxing - Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury heavyweight world title fight, Las Vegas 22-23: Athletics - British Indoor Championships, Glasgow 23: Rugby union - Men’s Six Nations: England v Ireland 25 & 26: Football Champions League last 16, first legs

V WEALDSTONE - 29TH 3PM 47

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY W H ERE TO G O LO CALLY

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

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions at Dartford Libraries - Monday 10:30am - 11am 2:15pm – 2:45pm Friday Thursday 10:30pm -11:00am Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday 10:30am -11am Greenhithe - Thursday 2.15pm – 2.45pm - Thursday 10:45am -11:15am Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday 10:30am – 11am Sutton-at-Hone -Monday. 2pm – 2:30pm Temple Hill - Wednesday 10.30am -11am Dartford

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

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NOTES

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE Should you require any amendments, please indicate them clearly on the copy and return it to us together with this form within the next 5 working days Thank you

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While every effort will be made to follow up and contact you about your advertisement, it is ultimately the c regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you with we will assume all is correct and approved for press. C

All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of C form without the express written permission of the Publisher. Where an advertiser has supplied individual images to the Publisher for will remain the intellectual property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any format or used in any other publ

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W H ERE TO G O LO CALLY

CARE & SUPPORT

stroke survivors for stroke survivors. It provides excise classes, art sessions, outings, events and meetings. It meets at the YMCA, Dartford, DA1 1UP at 11.00 am on Tuesdays. Please contact Theo Hodges at Theo. Hodges@stroke.org.uk or 0743 7100 404, for more details

THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION meets on various date at Birchwood Country Club For more information contact Alexon 01322 228169.

THE WELLBEING LINK The Wellbeing Link meets on Friday mornings from 10-1pm in the St. Anselm’s Parish Centre, 89 West Hill, Dartford A friendly and informative group - call Julie On 07775875585

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

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

charity. If you are missing the contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the last Thursday of every month. For more details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www.waprobus.com

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 01603406767 and ask about the Dartford group. HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year. AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH Our club is open to anyone over 55 PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP wherever you live and costs just 60p Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, more information visit: to come along and join in. So why not Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford- come and join our friendly welcoming Bexleyheath-surrounding-areassocial club? For further information BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH social-group/ please call either John Letchford on PARKINSONS UK 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 For people with Parkinsons and their DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF 222195. carers. THE THIRD AGE) JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each meets on the first Tuesday of every meet on the third Tuesday of every month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30month (except August) at St Anselm’s month, with meetings beginning at 9.30pm. Information support workers Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 7.45pm. We meet at the Community available, guest speakers and quizzes. 2pm, For information about meetings Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: and interest groups call 01474-709068 DA2 7NE. More information can be 02083065973 or visit our website. found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk (under Local Clubs and Societies). THE STROKE ASSOCIATION has 2 WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP groups for stroke survivors with CLUB We meet each week on Wednesday Communication difficulties; one in We are a group of retired men who evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Dartford and one in Gravesend. Please meet monthly for a lunch and a Coffee Shop , Bluewater Upper contact Michele at Dartford@stroke. speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. Guildhall, opposite Waterstones. No org.uk or on 01622 3251 962. We also have a monthly walk and fees to pay, just purchase your drink occasional coffee mornings and as a or food in Starbucks and join us. All Also, there is a social group, run by side line we raise money for a local genres and writing styles are welcome

including adult fiction, young adult/ teen, children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and poetry. See H ERE TO G O LO CALLY us onWFacebook “Bluewater Writers’ Group” For further info email Tony at: tonyjan@talktalk.net CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com. FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI A warm welcome awaits you on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane, DA1 2NT at 7.30pm. For more information please contact Judith on 01322 278703 or email FairfieldDartford@wkfwi.org.uk

opportunities that Round Table does. DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Check out the locally famous club Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer Facebook search: or speaker, we also organise holidays * Dartford Round Table and day trips out as well as activities * Round Table including theatre trips, curling, short * Dartford Egg Hunt mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and You will receive a very warm cake afternoons and an art group. welcome. THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm For further details phone: 07706 103706

THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town Centre CRAYFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE 1st Description: We are a (non-profit Thursday of every month at 1.30pm. making) friendly social group open to Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, anyone over fifty. Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact We enjoy socialising, making new Secretary, Linda Lewis 01322 557229 friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle A group of retired ladies meet locally Walks and Short Breaks Away. for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. each month,. They raise funds for Annual membership £6 charity and usually invite a speaker. If you would like to join us or Join them and enjoy meeting and require further information please making new friends. If you would like telephone: more information please contact Iris Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414 (Secretary) on 01474 703448 TALK TIME MALE? AGED 18 - 45? TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME Round Table is for the guys ONLY) with Ladies Circle for the Ladies Fleetdown Library (ladiescircle.co.uk) Everybody welcome, join us for a Dartford RT meets every 2nd and 4th friendly chat Thursday. and light refreshments. Often called the original young man’s social club, Round Table has over 400 clubs in the UK and is in 50+ countries worldwide. We have an emphasis on having a lot of FUN. We guarantee that involvement with Round Table will enhance your social life, your personal abilities, your network and best of all it is not expensive. For your chance to become involved in something very special, you need to experience it because no other organisation offers you the

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 WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082

Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones 01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NORTH DOWNS Our club, which is one of 35,000 around the World, was set up 40 years ago and has members with a wide range of interests and backgrounds. The club actively supports a number of charities locally, nationally and internationally and we continue to raise funds for Ellenor Hospices, Demelza Hospices for Children, Darent Valley Hospital and many others. We are very keen to maintain these traditions and welcome new members from the area. We also organise numerous social activities both for members and the wider community. For more information about the club’s activities and membership please contact Bob Phillips on 07815 807520 or John Smeeth on 07889 137951 THE ASSOCIATION OF BEXLEY CHARITIES ’78 will hold its Grand Autumn Fair at the United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ (near the Broadway Shopping Centre) on Saturday 26th October 2019 from 9.45 am - 1.00 pm. There will be a variety of charity stalls selling Christmas Gifts and Cards; CDs and DVDs; Collectables; Jewellery; Chutneys, Jams, Cakes; Books; Children’s Toys and Games; Model Railway accessories. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ENTRANCE 50P (ACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FREE) WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY W H ERE TO G O LO CALLY

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES The group meet every week at Towncentric in Gravesend and this year we are looking at Everyday Life in Medieval London. We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12.30 at £6.00 per week customers can phone me on 01474 355676 for more information or look at my website www.tonimount. co.uk DSTC ALUMNI Hi all, if you went to DSTC, DTC, Dartford West Girls or any other name that the school has been known as we would love to hear from you! The school is looking to make links with former students to help raise the profile of the school but also as a way of getting back in touch with people. There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! www.facebook.com/groups/ DSTCAlumni

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! DARTFORD BELLRINGERS Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.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 10amTHE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP 12:30pm at the Dartford Science and We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in Technology College, Heath Lane, For the Community hall (opp St Paulinus more information see www.nwkfhs. church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 lights, scenery or singing/acting on the ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY has stage - everyone welcome. Email me been in existence for over 50 years (Carolyn) for more details at and has well over 50 active members. c_sawyers@hotmail.com. As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome. CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE incorporating Barnehurst and Slade The club meets on Wednesday Green. Meet every Monday (except evenings from around 7.00pm until the third Monday) of the month at around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call in Invicta House (aka Belvedere in for a chat about old Crayford and Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, to view the large collection of local Belvedere DA17 5DA. images, or bring your own for us to copy. DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING pm at GROUP

Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session. Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk 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 Carol 01322 220802 DARTFORD BOOKS AND CULTURE CLUB meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-Book-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub.co.uk COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB This small friendly club meets each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon in Sutton-at-Hone Village Hall. From 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Price is £3.00 to include Tea & biscuits. Occasionally we meet on a Saturday when we have a tutor with us, from 10am until 4pm Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357. WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page? If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com W H ERE TO G O LO CALLY

throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com STIMUL8 ACTIVITY SERVICE I provide all the equipment, materials and refreshments with just a small all inclusive, pay as you go, fee of £10.00 per person per session. Those who come have the opportunity to learn painting with watercolours, acrylics, inks and how to draw with pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoals, watercolour pencils, fabric pens, plus basics of sculpting and have the opportunity to sign up to additional floral workshops I offer too. www.stimul8-activityservice.co.uk EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH GROUP’ - calling all 11-18 year olds who want more than an ordinary life, come hang out with other young people and discover their ultimate purpose. Every Friday in term time, 7pm-9:30pm at Net Church Dartford, near McDonalds and next to Weatherspoons. For more information email andrew@ thenetchurch.co.uk or call 01322 272649. 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 SWANLEY HISTORY GROUP Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. Presentations on local social history. Venue Alexandra Suite St Mary’s Road Swanley BR8 7BU. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2. Everyone welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@

hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https://swanleyhistorygroup. weebly.com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter. NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm in the Community Room of Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 1BE. The programme of activities is varied with workshops, talks and sit and stitch sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More information can be found on our website www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk or phone 01474324734. THE GARDENING CLUB SUTTON AT HONE Monthly meetings, Visits to Gardens, Annual Garden Show and much more. For more information or to become a member please ring 01322 863556. MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528 BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meetings first and third Friday of the month at Freemantle Hall, Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. Covering stamps and postal history, meetings offer displays, auctions, competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on www. bexleyps.org.uk MAKE A NOISE CHOIR Singing songs from the shows and having fun! We meet every Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at St Anselm’s Church, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ www.makeanoisechoir.com GIRLGUIDING – DARTFORD DIVISION Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women aged 5-18 in the UK. There are more than 30 groups in the Dartford area run by our amazing volunteers who inspire girls every week. Our new programme delivers the fun and varied range of activities that you expect

from guiding, and of course, there’s still plenty of badges to earn. We’ve introduced new topics, new skills and new ways for girls to broaden their horizons. There are lots of flexible ways to volunteer so no matter how much time you have you can #inspiregirls too. If you would like to find out more please register your interest www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested DARTFORD HISTORICAL AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY www.historicaldartford.org.uk Our talks in 2020 continue with the following: Friday 21 February - Toni Mount. “Richard III King of Controversy”. Friday 20 March - Bob Ogley. “Biggin on the Bump”. Friday 17 April - Wilf Lower. “Under Billowing Sails - the Romance and Reality of Tall Ships”. Friday 15 May - Ian Porter. “Jack the Ripper”.

These events will be held at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, at 7.30 for 7.45pm and all are welcome. A small charge of £2.00 is made for nonmembers. Membership of the Society is currently £10.00 per annum and this includes a copy of the annual magazine which contains interesting articles on the history of Dartford and surrounds. Telephone 01322 221702 for further information.

We meet every third Thursday of each month, between 19:30 & 21:30 at the following local hall: Pheonix Place Community Hall Pheonix Place, Dartford, DA1 2XG If you have any questions, please contact our Club Secretary Tony Pringle who will be only too happy to help. Please use the following options: Email: tp.1971@outlook.com Tel: 07738 698284

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HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE details or contact Linda on 01322 ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION 409312 or email dartfordgym(HASARA) club@yahoo.co.uk We meet on the 2nd Thursday in the scout hut Sutton at Hone at 2pm. Other social activities include pub lunches, art and craft, short mat bowls, petanque, walks, coach outings, etc. We are a friendly and young at heart club. Do join us. Ring Jim on 01322 221736 or Carol on 07912564710 or just turn up.

SPORTS GROUPS AND CLUBS

LEARN KARATE Learn karate with Yamato Damashii – for adults & children Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. For more info, visit www.ydma. club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

Yoga with Emma “YOGA WITH EMMA WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING Europa Gymnastics Centre: Wheelchair epee fencing in - Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga – Dartford and Gravesham, we are 9.30am to 10.30am delighted to announce that New - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 9.30am to Ash Green Epee club, can now 10.30am introduce wheelchair fencing. If - Fridays: Yin Yoga – 10.45am to interested in taking up this para sport please contact us on 01474 11.45am 871484 or alternatively look at our Becket Sports Centre: website www.nagfencing.eu - Fridays: Hatha Yoga – 7.00pm to 8.00pm ERITH YOUTH RUGBY Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Please see www.samadhi-yoga. Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 co.uk for more information or 590515 email Emma at emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk“ LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS KENT EXILES AMERICAN Sundays 10:15-10:45 at FOOTBALL CLUB Swanscombe Leisure Centre. www.kentexiles.co.uk. Call Saj on 07903 513104 Coach Martin - 07944 730634. All ages from 7 years to adult DARTFORD GYMNASTICS welcome is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION to hold the”GymMark” Award for I run group fitness classes as 6 years. well as 1-1 and semi private Based in Heath Lane, we are a personal training sessions in friendly club Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery with super equipment, great DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do Nutrition: we offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength not close through the holidays! & conditioning, boot camps, Visit our website www.dartBoxercise, mum and baby classes, fordgymnastics.co.uk for full 54

inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for all abilities. The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk HARTLEY SWIMCLUB AT WHITE OAK POOL, SWANLEY We are a friendly group of adults who meet for a social swim every Thursday at 9pm. We’re looking for new members. Why not give us a try? Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday. DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio. We have an adult class 8-10pm too. We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members. DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB For more details see www.dfok. co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person. THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, Friendly club seeking new members. Abilities mixed. Would suit players with some prior experience. Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT

For further information please email: in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete highlystrungbc@gmail.com in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron W H ERE TO G O LO CALLY Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB are interested in joining us then please visit our website Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri. London and Kent. A great place to co.uk come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS grab a cup of tea and chat about all things hobby and some things not! Dartford Road Runners are based For more info visit - https://emperat Princes Park Stadium and are ors10th.wixsite.com/home one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities DARTFORD PARKRUN including a beginners group. DRR Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k teams compete in the Kent League, run every Saturday morning starting the Assembly League and the Kent by the Dartford harriers track in Fitness League. To see what we offer Central Park at 9am. All participants and how to join us please visit our get a time a position emailed and website – anyone is welcome to join texted after the event. To register us with all abilities. go to http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to node/440 bring your printed Barcode. Every Sunday Morning in the Park DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – CLUB registration is the same. Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN history stretching back to the 1920′s, Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now making it one of the oldest clubs in live. The run starts behind the Heath the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance Lane car park and is a free 5k run your Athletics then please visit our every Saturday morning at 9am. website Parking is restricted in the area so http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk please do not park in Heathclose Road and wherever possible please walk. CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB We are situated in Dartford’s FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN outstanding Central Park and can A new Parkrun event with parking at provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) Crazy Barn and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD session (we offer discounted annual memberships). Refreshments and Seeds is a long-established cycling changing facilities are also available. Club in Dartford and we share For no extra charge, we hold coached our headquarters at Hesketh with track sessions on Wednesday Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for most abilities and have a social ride evenings for runners of all abilities. most Saturday mornings. For info on joining us please visit our website This is a tough but very popular www.seedscycling.co.uk way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK and some of the friendliest runners TRIATHLON CLUB around. For more information please We are the local British Triathlon visit our website Federation Club covering Bexley, centralparkathletics.co.uk Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 times per week at White oak pool Every Sunday 10-11am – Child

friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina. There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for more details. The Run leaders for each group are as follows; Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford Dawn & Brian Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian New runners are always welcome, and you can contact Brian if you would like more information; see contact details and e-mail link on Our Group page. 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. DARTFORD BOCCIA CLUB Boccia is a Paralympic Sport similar to Pétanque or Boules. It is played in a seated position therefore ideal for disabled or non-disabled persons to play together. We meet once a fortnight on a Saturday between 5-6pm. Cost is £2.50 per player per session. There is FREE parking on site. All welcome. Facebook: Dartford Boccia Club THE ASHES BADMINTON CLUB Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 8-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Downton Ali Associates.........................................59 Urban Stitches...............................................14 & 15 BEAUTY Gorgeous Nail & Beauty.........................................10 BUILDERS, DECORATORS, ROOFING, BATHROOMS, HEATING, KITCHENS, WINDOWS & DOORS Claremont Decorative Services............................36 Kent Plumbing........................................................5 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..................................22 The Double Glazing Repair Man..............................4 YRS Refurbishments................................................4 CAFE Two Trees Cafe ......................................................37 CAR CARE ChipsAway..............................................................11 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.........................................................19 Dartford Our Space................................................47 Monkey Music.........................................................55 CHURCH Crossways Church...................................................7 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ....................................31 ENTERTAINMENT Bexley Park Sports & Social Club..........................37 56

Orchard Theatre.....................................................43 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ............................................................17 Wisdom Estates......................................................23 FARM SHOP H&M Foods.............................................................15 Stanhill Farm.........................................................16 FLORIST Dartford Florist.....................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage......................................................60 Shenley Road Garage...............................................7 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening.............................................7 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................25 NURSERY Holy Trinity Church Pre School.............................12 The Brent Playgroup..............................................47 MEDICAL AND HEALTH Slimming World.......................................................2 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Dartford Bootcamps...............................................32 Fairfield Leisure Centre..........................................30 On Pointe Pilates....................................................19 Why Weight?...........................................................20

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OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames............................................................38 RESTAURANT/ TEA ROOMS/CAFE EFES.......................................................................18 The Churchyard Tea Room....................................11 Two Tree Tea Room...............................................36 SECURITY Excel Security Systems..........................................21 SPORTS Dartford Football Club...........................................41 Fairfield Leisure Centre..........................................28 TUTOR my Bluewater tutor................................................49 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .................................................21

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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 Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group

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