Dartford Living June 2020 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE HOW YOUR PET CAN HELP THE BIRDS

YOGA FOR IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH

TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT AGING & EATING A HEALTHY DIET

PAGE 12

PAGE 28

PAGES 34-35

DARTFORD UNITES PAGES 6-7 JUNE 2020 - ISSUE 168 - FREE

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BY THE COMMUNITY,

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Readers, Welcome to the June magazine, this month only available online.

CONTENTS

We live in strange times, but as usual the magazine is jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like no time before your community needs you.

6-7 Dartford Unites 8 Parking Enforcement commences 12 How your pet can help the birds 14 Looking after your loved ones from a distance 16 Recipe 20-21 Traviss & Martin’s strong heart strong mind challenge 24 Travel advice 25 Fitness blog 26-27 Play thinking at ellenor 28 Yoga for improved mental health 31-33 Businesses offering services during the pandemic 34-35 Top 10 myths about ageing and eating a healthy diet 38 Life under the stairs 41 Rescue is best 44 Online Theatre roundup 47 Car News 48 Coronavirus helplines 51 Hartbeeps 60 Useful Numbers

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, when things are back to normal, you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well! 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, stay safe, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

ONLINE

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

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We’re doing everything we can to help Dartford shops, businesses and markets get up-and-running again. It’s not something we can rush and as they start to open EVERY shopper has a big part to play. PLEASE KEEP YOUR DISTANCE WHILST SHOPPING Putting space between you and other shoppers can help stop the spread of the virus. Maintain social distancing at every opportunity. PLEASE DON’T TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY We’re not yet ready to recommend shopping as a family or social activity. Please don’t shop in groups. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER SHOPPING Get in the habit of washing your hands before you set out shopping and wash again as soon as you get home. TRY SHOPPING AT DIFFERENT TIMES Shops are generally well-stocked so avoiding peak shopping times can help key retail workers manage demand and social distancing. Consider shopping earlier or later than usual. FINALLY- BE KIND, BE PATIENT and BE UNDERSTANDING These are tough times for everyone - retail workers and shopkeepers included. Be patient and understand that everyone is trying their very best.

Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council

DARTFORD

together

BY GA R ETH J OHNSON , MP FO R DA RTFO R D

DARTFORD UNITES BY GARETH JOHNSON, MP FOR DARTFORD

Throughout Dartford, people have been hit hard by this virus. Businesses have closed, people have died, we have all been unable to visit friends or relatives; so much has changed for us all. Yet, during this time we have seen a remarkable response from Dartfordians. Despite being afraid for their safety, we have seen shop workers continue to provide us with food and other essentials. Postal workers have continued delivering much needed items. Bus and train drivers have enabled key workers to get to work and allow us to access the services we all rely on. NHS workers have been on the front line with Darent Valley Hospital responding magnificently during what must count as their ‘finest hour’. Care workers have continued to look after our most vulnerable and Dartford fire station has maintained its operations and taken on other crucial duties. Our local dustmen have collected an incredible 98.6% of all bins, preventing rubbish piling up. Dartford police continue to keep us safe, whilst at the same time placing themselves in danger time and again. The response from all of these people and more has been truly heroic. Yet it is also local residents, sticking to the rules, who have been crucial in tackling this evil virus. People have taken an increased interest in the welfare of others and I have heard so many stories of people collecting medicines and food for the most vulnerable during this time. Our decency and humanity have shone through during this outbreak and people really mean it when they ask ‘how are you?’. There will always be a tendency to pick out wrong-doers, those who have not played their part, but in Dartford this has been the exception. The clapping on Thursdays has been a good way of recognising the fantastic work of the NHS but we should also not forget the kindness, commitment and sacrifice of so many people since this pandemic

took over. We are now well over the peak of this outbreak. At long last there is a light at the end of the tunnel as the restrictions are slowly lifted. The risk of a second peak will be with us for a while and our freedoms will continue to be limited but we can now start thinking of that visit to family members, that long awaited holiday, having a pint in the local pub or even getting a haircut! I make no apologies for the positive nature of this article. Whilst this virus has been dreadful, it has also brought us together. This outbreak will never be forgotten but nor should Dartford’s collective response. In some ways it has brought out the best in us. We are a long way from the end of this crisis but we can all take pride in our town and how we have responded to our greatest challenge for many years.

BY GA R ETH J OHNSON , MP FO R DA RTFO R D

CAR PARKS TO REMAIN FREE BUT ‘ON STREET’ ENFORCEMENT TO PROTECT NEIGHBOURHOODS WILL RESTART ON 1 JUNE 2020 SAYS DARTFORD COUNCIL

Dartford Borough Council officers are to recommence enforcement of on-street parking regulations as a gradual return-to-work sees commuter parking rise in some residential neighbourhoods. Enforcement of yellow lines, loading restrictions, yellow and white zig-zag markings, identified loading/waiting/ disabled bays and all resident parking schemes will restart from June 1st. Parking enforcement has been relaxed since 23 March when Government restrictions were put in place to combat the spread of Coronavirus. In order to phase this in, a period of warning notices given to offenders will ensue up until 14 June and from 15 June Penalty Charge Notices will commence for ALL on street contraventions. Leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite said, “We’ve noticed that the common-sense decisions we took to relax parking restrictions to help residents working from home are now attracting more and more commuters

as they return-to-work. It’s good to see the economy start to recover but we do need to protect the interests of local families living in residential streets, particularly if they are part of a resident parking scheme.” Jeremy confirms that council owned car parks will continue to be free for a while longer despite some other councils reinstating charges: “I’m quite relaxed that Dartford might be the last to re-impose car park charges because we’re trying to look at this in terms of managing demand rather than just revenue. It’s unlikely that our shopper car parks will be full again until traders open later in June and if the free spaces are useful to commuters in the meantime that’s fine. Everyone’s had a hard time and we want to help. We will probably have to look at bringing charges back when commuter or long-stay parking means shoppers can’t find spaces. “ For more information please contact press@dartford. gov.uk or call 01322 343225.

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HOW YOU R PET CAN HELP THE BI R DS

HOW YOUR PET CAN HELP THE BIRDS By Local Resident Howard Vaughan it up in a tree somewhere the little birds can find it. So, I tied my piles of fluff into two parcels and attached them quite close to the nest box that currently has a very industrious pair of Blue Tits busily taking in lots of moss to start off their nest. Hopefully they will find that Peanutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s super soft fur will make a nice nest lining for that dozen little white eggs in the weeks ahead.

By a rather circuitous route I have three cats. I love my cats and I love my birds therefore my cats have a Catio the full length of the side of my house which gives them access outside and keeps my garden birds out of their way. One of the three siblings is gloriously long haired and required frequent Oh and you can of course do this when you groom brushing but what a perfect time of year to be doing your dog or rabbit or any other hirsute pet! that job!

Peanut actually enjoys it and so in the sunshine today he had a good brush but I did not throw away the collected hair but decided to put it out for the birds as nesting material. Now you can either just put it on your lawn and see who comes down for it but it is a little safer if you tie

HOW YOU R PET CAN HELP THE BI R DS

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LOO K ING AFTE R YOU R LOVED ONES F ROM A DISTANCE

LOOKING AFTER YOUR LOVED ONES FROM A DISTANCE By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead We are currently facing uncertain times and in particular how we can protect and care for our older generation.

ones to help pass the time during an extended period at home and help keep the brain active whilst social encounters stall for the time being. Keeping busy with activities that give them a sense If you have an elderly loved one, recent Government of achievement or break up their routine such as measures concerning COVID-19 and the potential reading, puzzles, online learning and craft projects for vulnerable groups to go into isolation may are just some ideas to help combat boredom and require you to support them from a distance. boost their mood. We all want to help make sure our relatives are safe and happy at home, but these measures could Letter writing might be considered old-fashioned by mean that older people feel isolated and lonely. many, but we all love them, so why not send a letter to older family members or friends. This will help What can we do to help? them feel connected as well as enjoying writing Ensuring your loved ones are eating nutritious back to you. meals which they enjoy is very important. If you don’t live near your elderly relatives, you could ask Maybe on the subject of writing, they could take up their neighbours or local elderly support organa suggestion from Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of isations if they could help with getting shopping The Silver Line, when she recently said, “Write your essentials and food supplies, which they could life story, I am sure that your family would love to deliver and leave safely at the door. know the story of your life which you have always wanted to write down but never quite got round Years ago, you may have only been able to call to it.” people on the phone, but now there are many ways we can communicate such as Skype, video calls, If your loved ones are physically fit and active emails and social media. As loneliness may become and are missing their normal exercise, fitness or a real issue, scheduling regular calls is a great way wellness classes, but need to maintain a level of to ensure contact is frequent. Receiving a phone or mobility, you could put together an exercise plan video call every day from you, friends and family with a list of simple things they could do each day. will give them something enjoyable to look forward If they are savvy with the digital world, they could to and talking will definitely help! look for online classes or courses such as Pilates or chair-based exercises which they could use to keep The Office for National Statistics found that 83 moving. percent of people aged 65 to 74 had used the internet in 2019. Technology has a lot to offer older Useful links people and more and more are now using the It’s really important for everyone to maintain internet, mobile phones and smart TV’s and it could good hygiene which is a top priority in helping to be more with your support. avoid catching or spreading coronavirus. For more resources about Coronavirus, visit: Why not help your loved one set up an online NHS shopping account, or even a Netflix account where GOV.UK they can choose new films and popular TV shows to AgeUK watch, they can embrace technology and reap the benefits. Think about things you can suggest to your loved

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JAM TARTS By Debbie Dickinson This month I thought I would have a bit of a play with my recipe. So I’m giving you a basic Jam Tart recipe, but also lots of ideas for experimenting – I tried lots of pastry/filling combinations - let me know what you try and how you get on!!! You will need: 200g plain flour 100g block butter – straight from the fridge and cut into tiny cubes 1 egg To flavour your pastry, choose from: 1tsp Vanilla Extract / pinch of Salt, or 1tbsp Icing Sugar / Ground Almonds / Cocoa Powder / Desiccated Coconut For filling you can use: Jam (any flavour) / Marmalade / Curd / Nutella / Peanut Butter Sprinkles (optional) A shallow Jam Tart tray. What to do: Put the flour in a large bowl and, using your

fingertips only, rub the butter in until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. Add half the egg to start and mix in. Then add the rest of the egg, bit by bit, until you form a nice dough. You may not need all the egg, or you may find you need a bit more liquid – in this case add a few drops of water. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll the dough out until it is approximately ½ cm thick. Use a cookie cutter, that is slightly larger than the holes in your tart tray, to cut out circles. Gently press your pastry circles into the holes. If you have time, pop back in the fridge for a while. If you have pastry left over, you could use small cutters to cut out shapes and sit them on top of your tarts after you’ve added your filling. Add a teaspoonful of filling and smooth it down a little. Bake in a preheated oven at 200° (Fan 180°) for about 15 minutes until the pastry is turning golden brown. When you take them out of the oven, carefully add decorative sprinkles if you like. Then leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!

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TRAVISS AND MARTIN’S STRONG HEART STRONG MIND CHALLENGE

Traviss and Martin both wanted to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and so joined forces for the ‘Strong Heart, Strong Mind’ Challenge. Traviss has been hosting a Virtual Pub Quiz every week since lockdown, raising money for various charities. The BHF is very personal to him as his daughter Katie died from Congenital Heart Disease at just 3 years old. Traviss has completed the London to Brighton bike ride for over 30 years raising thousands; but like a lot of events this has been cancelled this year, losing the BHF approx. £10million. Martin was due to take part in the Ironman Challenge in Lanzarote but again this event was cancelled; so he decided to take it upon himself to go ahead with the race as best as he could safely in the current social climate. Martin did this in memory of Michael Badnall, his brother-in-law and who died suddenly earlier this year from a heart attack.

Intheseunprecedentedtimeswearestilloperatingbutmainlythroughouronlineservices.

The event started on Tuesday 19th May with Traviss Whitehead hosting a Virtual Pub Quiz on Facebook Live with approx. 200 people taking part and donating money to the British Heart Foundation. Then on Saturday 23rd May Martin Fuller undertook the Ironman Challenge on Fleet Estate, Dartford (where they both live). He started his 2.4 mile tethered swim at 7am and completed that in 1 hr 6mins. He then transitioned to a stationary bike and rode 112 miles on Zwift in 5 hours 14 mins, then came the marathon - 26.27 miles in 4 hours and 53 mins. The whole event, including transitions, took him just 11 hours 33 mins! Martin was supported on the day by the community on Fleet Estate; putting hearts and good luck messages in their windows, on their cars, on lampposts, and standing in their front gardens cheering him on, on every lap. That really helped him through and at the finish line Martin said ‘I’ve never done an Ironman before and smiled so much, I normally do this event with 2000 other people – but this is up there. ’

love and positivity this event created on their estate and more importantly how much they have raised for the British Heart Foundation. As of Tuesday morning the amount raised was £5,570, with donations still coming in. They have set up a joint Just Giving page for donations: www.justgiving.com/travissandmartin

Both Traviss and Martin are humbled by how much

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UPDATE FROM HARDEN HOLIDAYS - YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT By Harden Holidays

We hope you are all keeping safe and well in these uncertain times. The current situation in the travel industry is unprecedented and agents, tour operators and airlines have been faced with the mammoth task of bringing people home and making amendments to those travelling in the next few weeks. We are currently prioritising all bookings that are due to depart until the end of July and we are working on a rolling 2-week period. If you haven’t heard from us yet please do not worry, when we have an update on your trip, we will contact you. From the 24th March 2020 as requested by the UK Government the shop premises in the town centre will be shut however Harden Holidays will remain open and contactable at all times by: email – info@hardenholidays.co.uk phone – 0800 023 8974 or via Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn Messenger Our home office is all set up so please feel free to seek our advice, whether your existing travel plans were booked through us or not, we’re always here to help. We are certain that the world will open up to travel again and we will be able to explore its wonders, in the meantime, please know that we remain at your service through these challenging times. Stay safe, stay positive, and let’s look after each other. With best wishes, Tim Harden & the Harden Holidays team.

FITNESS - J UNE

FITNESS - JUNE By Mark Broadbent The power of NEAT People tend to think of their workouts as the time they’ll be “burning fat”, but the reality is, no matter how hard you work (or think you work) in the gym, you can only burn so many calories in an hour. If you’re really pushing yourself, you might be able to burn 600-700 in the hour, but realistically, for most people and an average workout, it’s probably half that. The vast majority of your calories are burned outside of your workouts. In the other 23 hours of the day. This is NEAT – Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis Basically, NEAT is the amount of energy you burn outside of your workouts and it greatly outperforms your workouts for burning calories. So, logic dictates that if you can’t substantially increase the number of calories you burn during your workouts, and you burn more outside of them anyway, then perhaps the best way to increase energy expenditure is to find ways to increase NEAT (i.e. find ways to burn more calories the rest of the time). This is actually really simple and is the basis of the “10,000 steps a day” rule. If you’re not regularly averaging 10,000 steps a day or doing something else active to compensate for this, you should start here. You can add in extra steps by walking part of your way to/ from work, walking up/down escalators, taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking on your lunch breaks, take phone calls walking, take regular breaks from sitting and go for a quick walk around the office/building, go for a walk before/ after dinner, take the dog for a walk, make your social gatherings more active (do something active instead of sitting in a pub/coffee shop). I realise some of these aren’t so relevant right now, but the principal is the same – if you’re not currently going to work, go for walks in the time you’d normally commute etc. Actively trying to increase your daily activity will have a huge impact on your efforts to drop body fat. If you find you struggle (even with the above recommendations) to hit 10,000 steps a day, then go for a longer walk on days off – as long as you average 10,000 steps a day (70,000 steps a week), then the end result is the same. So, make up for low days with higher step days.

Even little things like standing desks or sitting on a swiss ball instead of your office chair can make a difference… Imagine that sitting in a chair burned 1 calorie a minute (***these numbers are completely made up by the way – don’t quote me on this, it’s just to give you an example of how it works!), and that sitting on a gym ball or standing burned 2 calories a minute… Over the course of an 8-hour day (480 minutes), you’d have burned an extra 480 calories! Just from swapping your chair over! 480 calories, 5 days a week is 2,400 calories a week which would, in theory, equate to nearly 1lb of weight loss – without changing your diet or even setting foot in a gym! This is the power of NEAT. So, alongside your workouts and making small, easy changes to improve your diet, aim to hit your 10,000 steps a day average to really ramp up the fat burning. If you regularly do hit 10,000 steps a day already, aim to maintain this, or if you can, increase it to 11 or 12,000. If you currently average nowhere near 10,000 steps a day, start with a smaller goal. 7,000 or 8,000, and then gradually build it up to the 10,000. Not all steps are equal… Another easy way to increase NEAT would be to wear/ carry something heavy – stick a small weight/sandbag in a backpack and you’ve just increased the effectiveness of your 10,000 steps (think of the chair > gym ball example). 10,000 steps is great; 10,000 steps carrying some extra weight will be even better! I must stress though, that this is OUTSIDE of your workouts. NEVER skip a workout in favour of getting more steps in. The workout will always be more beneficial than walking. So, if you’re in the position that you’re due to do a workout but you haven’t hit your steps yet, DO THE WORKOUT! If you need help figuring this out, download the free 5-day Kickstart plan from www.MBonlinePT.co.uk and follow me on Facebook and Instagram @markbroadbentpt

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PLAY THINKING AT ELLENOR: ESSENTIAL IN HELPING BEREAVED CHILDREN PROCESS THEIR GRIEF AND LOSS

INTERVEW WITH JOLANTA MARTIS

“I’ve worked as a play therapist at ellenor for over four years. As a psychologist, I specialise with working with children aged from two to 12 – it’s the period of their lives during which this sort of therapy will have the biggest impact because, at this stage, they often use play as an expression of what they’re feeling. Children are referred to us through a variety of routes: via their own families if we’re looking after their relatives; via GPs or local hospitals, and via local schools, which can also access our support in helping their staff understand bereavement better through our outreach programmes.” “We offer as standard 12 play sessions, each lasting for 30-45 min. – but we can and do extend that time frame if the child has more complex issues. Around each activitybased session, a multi-disciplinary approach involving parents, family, schoolteachers, counsellors - even social workers if appropriate – is designed to give each child the best, most helpful support given their individual circumstances. Safe-guarding issues are of course always at the forefront of anything we do involving children, too.” When most people think about what we do here at ellenor, they will think of the symptom management and end-of-life nursing we offer patients. But we know it’s essential, too, to work to support the mental health of those they leave behind. For children especially, grief can be a massive, bewildering issue. Fail to help them deal with it, and the implications for those children and young people – not to mention the NHS’s already overburdened CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) - can be enormous. This has never been more true than it is today during the current Coronavirus pandemic.

What happens at a play session? “First and foremost, the child has a safe space in which to express, through play, what’s going on in their emotional lives. We work one-on-one and, though I will interact with the child, absolutely it is him or her who sets the agenda. I want to see, through play, where the child will take me, with a range of activities helping them to express anything they might be feeling, any worries they might have. It’s all about finding the best method for each child to explore, process and cope with grief and the stresses it brings. In play therapy, children use a variety of means to express themselves including figures and toys, art materials or creative writing. In my experience play is the free expression of a child’s innermost feelings and they will engage in activities that’s best expresses these feelings. We can also offer feedback to parents and guardians, empowering them through sessions to use play to listen to and communicate more effectively with, their children in ways they may not have considered before”.

ellenor has a multi-disciplinary approach to working within our local community of north and west Kent, using our limited charitable funds as prudently as possible to support a range of children’s bereavement services, always remembering that everyone experiences grief differently. Here, one of ellenor’s play therapist, Jolanta, talks about her “Children process so many things in bereavement, including anger, loss and loneliness. And sometimes work with children.

that bereavement brings additional traumas and fears to INTE RVEW WITH J OLANTA MA RTIS the fore as well as anxiety about any changes in their own circumstances – a house- or school-move, for instance – that the bereavement may bring. Play therapy and how we use it to help children process their grief is vital, complicated and challenging work that really does make a positive difference, both to children’s day-to-day lives and to their future emotional wellbeing.” What is GEMS? GEMS stand for Grief: Every Memory is Special. It’s a group we run about four times a year for around twenty children aged seven to 16, all of whom will have lost either a sibling, a parent or someone very close to them. The children come together to share their emotions about loss, and the group interaction is a powerful antidote to any loneliness they may suffer at home or school, where perhaps no one else has been through what they’re going through. Here, everyone gets it. Friendships are formed, the kids can talk about issues they’re facing, and we can prepare them for questions and situations they might have to deal with. But GEMS days are also about having fun together, so we combine creative therapeutic activities with fun, team building type outdoor activities such as survival skills in the forest, trips to the seaside or boxing training teaching resilience and perseverance. As with all the work ellenor does, it’s about equipping people to cope with the hereand-now and to know they can handle, or can get help in

handling, whatever the future brings – difficult times, yes, but much to enjoy, too.” In the current situation, more than ever before, we must find appropriate and perhaps new ways of working with children and their families. This is a time of considerable change for children; their home, school and social lives are all being significantly disrupted. At ellenor we are trying to manage the therapeutic connection with the child in different ways, like sending therapeutic letters, using transitional objects and planned telephone calls. In some situations, changing to a video call therapeutic intervention would be beneficial and I think it would work in a group setting. We are in the process of developing this kind of support for bereaved children who are in our GEMS group. Most children are incredibly resilient and technologically advanced. Perhaps it is time to ask them to teach us how best to communicate at a time where we cannot meet face to face? We continue to offer supportive services such as online and telephone counselling as well as Family Support, so please contact the Wellbeing Service at ellenor if you are struggling. If your child or if you know someone who could benefit from our hospice services, please contact Dawn Miller on 01474 320007.

By C l a i r Yat e s , Cr e st Yo ga

YOGA FOR IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH By Clair Yates, Crest Yoga

and we weren’t able to find help or release, this armouring can turn into chronic tension. We may become so used to wearing our amour, that we’re not able to feel the tension itself fully, although we are probably well aware it’s effect. The aches and pains, the shallow/restricted breathing, raised shoulders, clenched jaw, tense focus and pressure in the eyes, grinding teeth, restless legs, fidgeting, feeling disconnected or numb, these are all symptoms of wearing our amour for too long. The physical practice of yoga, the stretches, the tuning in, the conscious releasing of muscles, all help us to ease out of our amour, to put it down, even if just for a moment. To feel the weight lifted and know that it is possible to live The 18th – 24th May 2020 was Mental Health in a more spacious body, to have space in our minds. Awareness Week. In national newspapers in recent weeks you may have seen the reports that Yoga practice gives us the opportunity to tune into our regular yoga can help reduce depression for people full experience so we can respond to ourselves more with mental health disorders, including alcohol kindly and care for ourselves more fully. And, if we are dependence, depressive and bipolar disorders practicing, we tend to notice sooner when something and psychosis such as schizophrenia. The findings, isn’t working for us, or isn’t quite right, giving us more published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, space to alter our course or make changes. are based on a systematic review and data analysis I am so grateful to yoga for giving me the tools to experience of 13 studies with 632 participants. myself and my life in a more spacious way. If you are For those of us already practicing regular yoga these struggling with your armour, I recommend looking for results are not a surprise. We know first-hand how a yoga teacher, who can begin to guide you to find your much better we sleep after a class, how less easily way to release the tension. irritated we get if we have practiced and how we Find a class that combines tend to make healthier choices for ourselves in the physical practice, yoga postures with breath work the hours after yoga. and meditation if you can, It sounds a bit dramatic, but I always say yoga so that you can benefit from saved my life. I don’t mean it kept me alive, but it the full range of practices has enabled me to live inside my body as a more yoga has to offer. fully embodied human being rather than stuck in my head, or outside of my own experience of being Wishing you good mental health a fully alive whole mind-body. Lots of us who have been through difficult times, Clair will have unconsciously armoured ourselves, the phrase psychologists use to describe the defensive, For more information on the classes I run please see my tight, tense, bracing stance the body involuntary advert on page 35 takes to protect itself. If the difficult times continued

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TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT AGEING AND EATING A HEALTHY DIET By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead Senior Car

As we age, physical changes to our bodies occur which can affect the way we think and feel about food. These changes can prevent us from having access to a healthy diet and can also make us believe we are less hungry, resulting in us eating less. As part of a campaign by Home Instead Senior Care Dartford, Stay Nourished, we dispel the top 10 myths about ageing and eating a healthy diet. 1. Your stomach reduces as you get older A common misconception about ageing is that your stomach gets smaller, and as a result, you need to eat less. Although appetite and capacity to eat may change, stomach size does not shrink.

protects and fuels our bodies, and is key to ageing well. 3. Weight loss is healthy Throughout life we might believe that losing weight is healthy, but this is not the case when we get older. Instead, dieting and unintentional weight loss should be avoided in later years unless advised by a GP or dietician. 4. You should only eat when you feel like it The ageing process can affect the usual triggers that tell us if we are hungry or full. A loss of appetite is not normal and could be a symptom of an underlying health problem.

5. You need a low-fat diet Contrary to popular opinion, a low-fat diet is not always the best approach, especially for older people. Some fats 2. You need to eat less when you get older People often wrongly believe that as energy are important as a source of calories and some older requirements reduce, we need to reduce our food people may need to eat more to maintain a healthy weight. intake. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the case. Our metabolism may slow down when we age but eating good food is what 6. Eat more vegetables

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Nutrient-rich vegetables are essential in any diet, but should be eaten as part of a balanced diet including protein, carbohydrates and fluids. Protein is more important as we age as it protects our muscles, immune system, body organs and brain. 7. You only need to drink water when you’re thirsty If you feel thirsty, chances are it is your body telling you that you are low on hydration. Dehydration can cause confusion and hampers normal kidney function. 8. Meal supplements are sufficient Our bodies cannot live off meal supplements and vitamins alone. Some supplements can interact with medication and some just don’t work the way they claim to. Meal supplements also cut out the opportunity to enjoy food with other people, family and friends. 9. You must always eat 3 square meals a day Making sure you eat regularly is essential to remaining healthy and well but eating three satisfying meals a day can be a struggle if your appetite is affected. If three good sized meals are too much of a challenge, by eating five of six smaller meals or well-proportioned snacks. 10. Malnutrition is a symptom of getting older

Malnutrition can affect anyone at any age and is not a normal aspect of the ageing process. Malnutrition can occur in bodies of any size, large or small, but older people are particularly at risk. Don’t dismiss the warning signs of malnutrition as being par for the course. For more information about Home Instead and how we can help you or your loved one live a healthy, happy life at home, get in touch with us by calling 01322923750 or via our website www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford.

Full-time, experienced, qualified yoga teacher, teaching practical yoga andmeditation classes in the local community and now online. When government advice allows, the regular schedule of in person group classes in Hextable, Swanley, Sidcup and Bexleyheath will resume. For now, all group classes are being held online. I am fully insured, hold the Triyoga Teaching Diploma, a British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) accredited diploma, the Triyoga specialist certificate in Restorative Yoga, Triyoga certificate of advanced teacher training, a certificate in teaching yoga to people with disabilities, and Accessible Yoga. Registered Exercise Instructor (REPS), Level 3, Yoga Alliance Professionals Senior Yoga Teacher, British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course Tutor. The style of yoga I teach is alignment-based yoga, an embodied and practical approach to yoga, breath work and meditation, accessible for all ages and abilities. You don’t need to be flexible to start! My classes are friendly, everybody is welcome, so come and see how it feels to tune in and connect yourself and feel better. Please visit my website www.crestyoga.com for more information or email me at clair.crestyoga@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

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DEALING WITH DEBT AFTE R THE LOC K DOWN

DEALING WITH DEBT AFTER THE LOCKDOWN This year has been a challenging one to say the least, and we’re only halfway through it! Everyone has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the consequent lockdown, but the ways in which we’ve been affected individually may be very different. If you previously had debt that you were managing well, it may be that a change in circumstances means this has now become a problem. You may no longer be able to make your regular repayments. However, there are helpful steps you can take to deal with it. How to deal with problem debt - Make a budget detailing your current income and expenditure (both essential and non-essential). There’s a great budget planner on moneyadviceservice.org.uk which you could use to help with this. - Check what help or benefits you may be eligible to claim at turn2us. org.uk. - Look at what’s left over in your budget. If you have more going out than coming in, where could you realistically cut back to free up some money? This might mean switching to a cheaper energy tariff or cancelling unused subscriptions.

- If your budget is too tight, make a list of all the companies/people you owe money to. - Contact each one, explain the situation and ask about any payment holiday schemes they offer. - If you need extra support, take the step to seek professional advice from a debt advice charity such as Christians Against Poverty – see capuk.org for more information. How paying down debt saves money . Alternatively, the lockdown may have seen you save on costs such as travel, eating lunch out, childcare and school trips. If this is the case, it may be possible to save what you would have normally spent and use it to pay down debt. If you have savings at the moment, it’s likely the interest you earn on them is almost nothing, so all you’re doing is keeping the money in the bank and not actually getting anything for it. However, interest will continue to be added to any debts you owe every month, which means that having the debt could be costing you money right now. It makes sense to decrease the amount of debt you have and lower

the interest, if you’re able to. There’s lots of information on how to do this at moneysavingexpert.com. Remember to keep a savings buffer for emergencies and unexpected costs. Other ways to save money during (and after) the lockdown You may find that you have more time to save for annual expenses such as your vehicle MOT. The DVLA has given an extension of up to six months for vehicles with an MOT expiring after 30 March – see gov. uk/dvla for more details. If your vehicle is parked on the road, legally you need to keep it taxed and insured. If you have a garage or driveway available, you could declare your vehicle off the road with a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN). This means you won’t have to pay for the road tax. See gov.uk/ make-a-sorn for more information. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity which, through local churches, delivers debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups, and support for people breaking habitual dependencies. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

LIFE UNDE R THE STAI R S

bench. I’ve begun to follow recipes and experiment with herbs and spices (I’m not a good cook by any means), but no one has food poisoning yet.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON STRANGE DAYS! It is the day after the somewhat mixed messages from Mr Johnson regarding the lessening of lockdown measures. Personally, I am rather bewildered by what’s being said. Since then it appears even the government itself are at odds with each other. Rather than be uneasy even now, my decision is to carry on as I have – social isolating, social distancing until I feel safe. The tragedy that is Covid 19 has taken us all be surprise. Tragic deaths, friends diagnosed with the virus, loss of precious family togetherness. My community have coped brilliantly, as have many others. We are more observant of each other, more supportive kinder, happier even. The culmination of this newfound companionship was demonstrated on VE Day when young and old alike made cakes, decorated houses and cars, put tables and chairs in their gardens and enjoyed each other’s company. Social distancing observed, cakes on offer, left on garden walls, football in the street with all of us acting as lookout for the very occasional vehicle that drove by. Only the neighbourhood dogs let us down. Apparently, dogs do not understand the concept of personal space or social distancing. However, they did provide us with laughs as they hopefully scavenged for any spare food and disrupted the football games. Stevenson Towers is a hive of industry now. A few weeks ago, we would not have tried cooking or woodworking projects; Other Half has constructed a much needed hedgehog house, and mended the wooden

Our garden should provide most of our vegetables for the coming months, slugs and snails permitting. I’m trying to grow carrots, for the first time, and can claim modest success with melon growing. Writing and research offer a welcome release from the interminable dreary news, along with jigsaws and strange attempts at needlework. One skill I have mastered to gold medal level is online shopping! Probably less said about that, the better. Our walks have become more adventurous, and often include a trip to somewhere with water. Brooklands and the River Darent are now firm favourites. We have been delighted to see new born chicks, numerous butterflies and varieties of bees. However, we still wait to see the elusive terrapins that apparently live there. Other Half has rediscovered his camera and I can now tell a chiffchaff from a skylark by their call. Social media has been a double-edged sword. No more ’10 most influential films/albums/images please. I’ve run out of friends to tag, and images to share! I’ve deliberately not read the numerous posts about the handling of this situation. There aren’t any guidelines for it; scientists, politicians and industry leaders are feeling their way in the dark. Mistakes have been made, but let’s not forget the successes too. More worrying is the ‘cures’ posted online. For many of us they are nonsensical and ignored, but there could be someone out there desperate enough to try them. The upside is the Zoom platform. My slimming group are active and vocal at these online meetings. The support and motivation I received in person in ‘the old days’ is still available from the others and our consultant. I’ve found online exercises to keep me supple and joined in discussion groups on a range of topics. None of this will ever replace face to face meetings with family and friends. It is a different world now, and we must realise things have changed. We cannot go back to what was – it didn’t work. In time, Covid-19 will disappear, restrictions will ease and we can return to another normality – one where people matter, rather than fame and fortune. Where we look more inwards for our needs than outwards. I hope that the new spirit of camaraderie is a permanent change. A cheery hello, a smile or a wave can boost the spirits immensely. As ever, a huge thank you to the NHS for all their sacrifices and hard work – but let’s have a big cheer for the others – the supermarket staff, delivery drivers, postmen and women and all the others who have gone to work to ensure we can buy food and other items, receive our mail and parcels and prescriptions. Words really aren’t enough. To quote Captain Tom “We will get through this and come out of it stronger, more united and ready to face any challenge together.” Take care all Dartford Living readers sending best wishes to all.

LIFE UNDE R THE STAI R S

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R ESCUE IS BEST

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: Dali; Breed: Mongrel; Sex: Male; Age: 3 years 4 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 382542 Dali is an enthusiastic boy. He is a beautiful dog who loves to run really fast when off lead and charge around with a toy in his mouth but will also settle on his bed and watch the world go by. Dali is an extremely strong dog who will need owners who are able to confidently manage his strength and excitable nature. He also has a calm side and could live with older children in a quiet home with a private garden. Dali is comfortable with everyone he meets as long as they are willing to give him some attention and a gentle back rub! As a puppy Dali was involved in an incident with another dog that has made him unsure and worried when he seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other dogs out and about. His new owners will need to be sympathetic around this and willing to put some training in to build his confidence. For more information, please visit www.battersea.org.uk Name: Storm; Breed: Mongrel; Sex: Male; Age: 0 years 3 months; Centre: Brands Hatch; Reference: 384910 Storm is beautiful young dog who is still growing into her floppy ears and oversized puppy paws! She is a sweet natured excitable young dog who loves nothing more than the company of her favourite people. Storm still has plenty of growing to do and is most likely going to be a large dog once she is fully grown! Storm still has a lot to learn about the world and is very quickly overwhelmed in new situations. She has been working to build her confidence and learn how to cope in conditions that she finds stressful. She is therefore looking for experienced new owners who will be able to confidently read her body language and be patient with her ongoing training. Storm will be a rewarding and affectionate companion to a home ready to dedicate time to her needs and keep her mind and body busy as she grows. Battersea is now in a position to begin finding a small number of animals loving new homes again. The charity has introduced a new rehoming process to take into account social distancing rules. As a result, the charity is prioritising existing rehoming applications and prioritising customers who live a short distance from the three centres and have a home set up that enables safe and social distancing delivery. For more information, please visit www.battersea.org.uk

R ESCUE IS BEST

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o n l i n e THEAT R E Ro u n d u p

ONLINE THEATRE ROUNDUP By Liz Dyer The lockdown may be starting to ease, but sadly it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to head back to the theatre any time soon. But it’s not all bad news: more and more theatres across the country (and the world) are sharing content online to keep us entertained during these difficult times. The following is by no means a comprehensive list, and more shows are being released online all the time, while others are only available for a very short period - so it’s definitely worth a Google to see what’s on at the moment. But for now here are just a few of the options on offer at time of going to press: As we mentioned last month, Andrew Lloyd Webber is releasing a show on YouTube every Friday, usually just for 24 or 48 hours, so keep an eye on The Shows Must Go On! YouTube channel for updates. Meanwhile BBC Culture in Quarantine offers not just

theatre, but all manner of visual arts including exhibitions, music and even a life drawing class! Visit bbc.co.uk/arts for details. You can now watch 60-minute specials from world-famous Cirque du Soleil on YouTube for free, including show footage and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures have released four of his classic productions to rent or purchase online; visit newadventures.net for more info. And you can catch a new creatively staged Shakespeare play on YouTube each week, as The Show Must Go Online brings together actors from across the world to perform from home for our entertainment.

marked with an all-star concert in the West End, featuring the likes of Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas. Rent it at home now for just £4.99, or buy the download for £9.99. And you can also watch Take Me To The World, the recent 90th birthday celebration for Stephen Sondheim, featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars, totally free on YouTube. For younger viewers, The Wind in the Willows, starring Rufus Hound, Denise Welch and Gary Wilmot, is available to watch online for just £4.99 – visit windinthewillowmusical. com - or you can rent the Broadway production of Shrek the Musical on Amazon Prime for just £3.49. And why not pay a visit (online, naturally) to London’s Unicorn Theatre, Half Moon Theatre and Chickenshed, which are just a few of the organisations sharing digital content to entertain young audiences during lockdown.

And that’s not all. Theatres across the nation, including Southwark Playhouse, Leicester Curve, Chichester Festival Theatre, National Theatre, Barn Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Hampstead Theatre, The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells are all sharing content online. So is Soho Theatre, and their offering includes the original Fleabag, which you can view for £4 – but don’t delay as it’s only available until 31st May! Apologies if any of the above is no longer available by the time you Last year the 25th anniversary of read this – as Boris might say, it’s legendary musical Les Misérables was a constantly evolving situation ;)

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Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery Shopping Centre. o n l i n e located THEAT R Ein Rothe u nOrchard dup

By Maria Kingsford

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

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CA R NEWS

CAR NEWS JUNE 2020

By Dhiren Ganesh

IN THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE WE LOOK AT NEW VERSIONS FROM EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS FOR 2021, TWO A REFRESHED VERSION OF AND ONE A HYBRID SALOON FOR 2020.

2021 Mini Countryman – this is the facelifted Mini Countryman that retains the cutesy styling and proportions of its iconic hatchback sibling. It does, however, get more aggressive front and rear bumpers than before. Plus, LED lights are now standard and there’s a wider selection of paintwork and personalisation options, including alloy wheels of up to 19in in diameter. Move inside, and you’ll find the 5.0in digital instrument cluster from the recently introduced Mini Electric. What’s more, an 8.8in infotainment screen is standard controlled by a dial. The system is permanently connected to the internet, allowing it to show you real-time traffic information and answer your questions using Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. You’ll be able to choose from 134bhp and 176bhp

petrol engines, a 176bhp diesel and a 217bhp plug-in hybrid. Expected to be availble from August this year prices will start from around £24,000.

2021 BMW 5 Series – the BMW 5 Series is one of those rare things: a car that’s always at or very near the top of its class. Part of the reason for this sustained success is BMW’s habit of updating the 5 Series before it really needs to be and it’s no surprise that it’s been given refreshed looks and more technology. The front grille has been enlarged in an effort to make the car appear more imposing and get wider and taller vents in the front bumper throughout the range. LED lights are standard front and rear, with laser headlights that increase the range of illumination to 600 metres available as an option. On the inside, where a 12.3in infotainment screen replaces the old 10.25in unit. This is allied to a faster operating system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and, for the first time in a BMW, remote software updates. The engines largely remian the same with a new six-cylinder 545e plug-in hybrid saloon available. Prices will start from £37,480 and will be on sale from July 2020.

2020 Peugeot 508 Hybrid – plug-in hybrids look very tempting at the moment – for the Peugeot 508 hybrid you get an electric only range of 39 miles and fuel economy is up to 235.4mpg. For performance the 1.6 tubrocharged version with an electric box is the quickest version. The batteries prove to be a double-edged sword, however. While they can give excellent economy, their additional weight (equivalent to three very burly adult passengers) also impacts how the car rides and handles. There’s no doubt that the 508 Hybrid has a ‘wow’ factor inside, with its highmounted digital instruments, glitzy trims and a big 10.0in touchscreen on most models. There’s a good spread of pleasingly squishy plastics although you don’t have to look too hard to find scratchier stuff. Its available to order now with prices starting at £34,945.

HELPLINES YOU MAY FIND USEFUL DU R ING THE COVID 19 OUTB R EA K

HELPLINES YOU MAY FIND USEFUL DURING THE COVID 19 OUTBREAK Government Helplines

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Government Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565 https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline

Mental Health Foundation Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

HMRC Coronavirus Tax Helpline: 0800 015 9559 https://www.gov.uk/difficulties-paying-hmrc Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644 https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/ School Closures Coronavirus Helpline: 0800 046 8687

Mental Health Anxiety UK Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm) Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk Bipolar UK A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder. Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk CALM CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight) Website: www.thecalmzone.net Men’s Health Forum 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) Website: www.mind.org.uk No Panic Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD. Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge Website: www.nopanic.org.uk OCD Action Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources. Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk OCD UK A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments. Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Website: www.ocduk.org PAPYRUS Young suicide prevention society. Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and 2pm to 10pm on

weekends T h a n k yo u toand Co ubank n c i L loholidays) r K e l ly Gr e h a n fo r co l l at i n g t h i s i n fo r mat i o n Debtorsanonymous.org.uk Website: www.papyrus-uk.org Rethink Mental Illness Support and advice for people living with mental illness. Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) Website: www.rethink.org Samaritans Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org.uk SANE Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm) Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/ textcare Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum Website: www.sane.org.uk/support YoungMinds Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals. Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) Website: www.youngminds.org.uk Debts Step Change FreeHelpline: 0800 138 1111 stepchange.org National Debtline Free Helpline: 0808 808 4000 nationaldebtline.co.uk Business Debtline Free Helpline: 0800 197 6026 bdl.org.uk

Turn2us Helpline: 0808 802 2000 Turn2us.org.uk Older People Age UK Helpline: 0800 169 6565 ageuk.org.uk How to overcome loneliness Independent Age (Advice and Support for Older Age) Advice line: 0800 319 6789 Independentage.org RVS (Royal Voluntary Service) Call: 0845 608 0122 Domestic Abuse National domestic abuse helpline 0808 200 0247 Domestic Violence Assist 0800 195 8699 - specialises in providing assistance to obtain emergency injunctions Women’s Aid Domestic Violence 0808 2000 247 Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 National Centre for Domestic Violence 0800 970 2070 National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300 Victim Support 08 08 16 89 111

Debtors Anonymous THANK YOU TO COUNCILLOR KELLY GREHAN FOR COLLATING THIS INFORMATION

20 R EASONS WHY YOU NEED P ROTECTION

20 REASONS WHY YOU NEED PROTECTION In 2020 we’ll have been in business for 20 years! To celebrate, each month we’re sharing 20 top tips about topics that are closest to our heart. Our aim is always to provide you with the best possible information so you can make informed financial decisions. This month we’re talking about insurance and the reasons why you need both personal and business protection. 20 Reasons Why You Need Protection No-one wants to pay for insurance, but we all have a responsibility to make sure we, our families, and our estate are protected. If you own a business, you should also have protection in case you, one of your partners, shareholders or key employees were to die or were unable to work because of a serious illness. In this article, we’ll outline 20 reasons why you need individual and business insurance. First, why do you need individual protection? Individual Protection A life insurance plan will protect the people who are dependent on your income if you pass away. The sum they receive can be used to repay debts, provide your family with an income or provide a legacy for their future. We can help you calculate how much money your dependents would need if you died and help you plan a capital sum to provide for your family without incurring any unnecessary inheritance tax. A critical illness plan will provide a lump sum if you survive a qualifying serious illness for a minimum period. Advances in medicine thankfully mean more people recover from critical illnesses, but their lives often change profoundly afterwards –

for example, they may not be able to work, may have to move to a new house or they may need to replace the income they lost when they were ill. Income protection provides the reassurance that you will receive a monthly payment so you can pay your bills and maintain your lifestyle if you can’t work due to sickness or injury. We can help by reviewing your existing provision from private policies or employment benefits and arrange the most appropriate plan within your budget if required. Accident protection provides a tax-free lump sum if you have an accidental injury. Buildings and contents insurance protects your home and belongings in case of fire, theft, loss or accidental damage. We can arrange a quotation for you, advise about different levels of cover and provide information about protecting your valuables outside the home. If you rent out properties, landlords’ insurance can provide protection for your building and contents. Landlord’s insurance will also provide a lump-sum if your tenants don’t pay their rent and if your property is left empty during a claim. Private client’s insurance is for high net-worth clients. We can arrange one bespoke insurance policy to cover all your general insurance needs. This might be building and contents insurance for several properties, for example, plus cars and even boats or a plane. Private medical insurance gives you the reassurance that you will receive assistance if you need access to private medical care for yourself or your family following accident or illness. We can help you arrange individual protection by gaining a clear understanding of your background and circumstances, which enables us to recommend custom-designed solutions that suit your needs. If you’d like to find out more information about

SPO RTS ROUNDUP

individual protection, please click here to download your free guide. Business Protection If you are a business owner and you pass away or are unable to work for an extended period, it could seriously affect the revenue of your business. This could affect your business’s profits, ability to pay debts and meet ongoing costs. It could result in the loss of clients, and loss of confidence from suppliers and lenders. This could seriously affect your dependents if they rely on your income. These problems can usually be avoided if you have the right insurance, but you need advice about setting up policies depending on the sort of business you have. We can help you get the most appropriate insurance depending on the sum insured, the terms of cover, your age, and health. If you have a team and any of your key employees were no longer able to work due to death or serious injury, it could affect your business revenue and profitability If you are a shareholder or a partner in a business, you should make arrangements in case one of you were to pass away. If you don’t, your business will

be subject to inheritance law, which could mean your partners can’t carry on trading and your family might not receive compensation. Life policies for each business owner would result in a tax-free lump sum to be paid out if one of them were to pass away, which could be used to buy and run the business. This means the other partners could continue to run the business and … … the family of the deceased would receive the proceeds of the sale. Even if the business is to pass to a family member without payment, there might still be a need to have life insurance held in trust to compensate other members of the family. And if the business is to pass to other partners without payment, life insurance in trust is usually required to compensate the family. If you’d like to find out more information about business protection, please click here to download your free guide. No-one wants to think about what might happen if they were to pass away, have a serious injury or accident, or if their property was damaged through loss, theft or fire, but taking some time to make arrangements now will protect your family, estate and business if the worst happens. Contact us for more information tailored to your circumstances.

SPORTS ROUNDUP Anyone for Socially Distanced sport? Domestic competitive sport behind closed doors began from this month, for the first time since mid-March.

Upcoming events in June include: 17 June – Premier League restarts The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in numerous postponements and cancellations

It is up to individual sports to assess the risk, and consult athletes, coaches and support staff. Horse racing and snooker resumed competitive action from early June , while the Premier League restarts on 17 June. However, during a period when positive test results and death due to COVID-19 are still very much the reality, is this too much too soon? With second highest number of deaths in the world and the second highest death rate due to COVID-19, everyone would surely understand if we were more cautious than our European counterparts in re-opening. Have we collectively lost patience and care less about the consequences?

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY WHE R E TO GO LOCALLY

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

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

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

CHECK WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN 52 DURING LOCKDOWN

c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

Welcome to your Hartbeeps North Kent Quiz! Do you know your Ralphs from your Dexters? Are magic sprinkles running through your veins? This one is for the grown ups only! So grab some nibbles, your drink of choice and join us on Saturday 6th June to test your Hartbeeps knowledge with Quiz Master Kelly! This quiz is for everyone to attend whether you are a current Hartbeeps customer or not (you may find it harder if you have never been to class before!) We want it to be a lockdown lifeline for anyone who needs it so do invite your friends too! There are also prizes up for grabs! There is no charge to attend, however we are indeed a small business working in unprecedented times so if you did wish to contribute to our efforts, please do feel free to *buy us a coffee* www. buymeacoff.ee/HartbeepsNK We look forward to seeing you soon! x PS Keep following us on socials as you may find some much needed clues to help you!

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY -

FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

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

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 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

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.

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.

SOCIAL GROUPS

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

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

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION has 2 groups for stroke survivors with Communication difficulties; one in Dartford and one in Gravesend. Please contact Michele at Dartford@stroke. org.uk or on 01622 3251 962.

WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS CLUB We are a group of retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have a monthly walk and occasional coffee mornings and as a side line we raise money for a local

HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

OVER 55’S CLUB - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year. Our club is open to anyone over 55 AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH wherever you live and costs just 60p PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP to come along and join in. So why not Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, more information visit: come and join our friendly welcoming Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford- social club? For further information Bexleyheath-surrounding-areasplease call either John Letchford on BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH social-group/ 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 PARKINSONS UK 222195. For people with Parkinsons and their DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF JOYDENS WOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE carers. THE THIRD AGE) meet on the third Tuesday of every Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each meets on the first Tuesday of every month, with meetings beginning at month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30month (except August) at St Anselm’s 7.45pm. We meet at the Community 9.30pm. Information support workers Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, available, guest speakers and quizzes. 2pm, For information about meetings DA2 7NE. More information can be Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: and interest groups call 01474-709068 found at joydenswoodresidents.co.uk 02083065973 or visit our website. (under Local Clubs and Societies).

Also, there is a social group, run by

BLUEWATER WRITERS’ GROUP We meet each week on Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm at Starbucks’ Coffee Shop , Bluewater Upper Guildhall, opposite Waterstones. No fees to pay, just purchase your drink or food in Starbucks and join us. All genres and writing styles are welcome

54 CHECK WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN

including adult fiction, young adult/ opportunities that Round Table does. teen, children’s, non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and poetry. See Check out the locally famous club h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n us oncFacebook “Bluewater Writers’ www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk Group” Facebook search: For further info email Tony at: * Dartford Round Table tonyjan@talktalk.net * Round Table * Dartford Egg Hunt CRAYFORD AND DISTRICT PROBUS You will receive a very warm CLUB welcome. meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD Avenue, Welling at 10am. Contact We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com. and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI A warm welcome awaits you on the 2nd Tuesday of For further details phone: 07706 every month at Dartford Girls Grammar 103706 School, Shepherds Lane, DA1 2NT at 7.30pm. For more information please THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) contact Judith on 01322 278703 or Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm email FairfieldDartford@wkfwi.org.uk 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

DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP [DARTARA] We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and day trips out as well as activities including theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons and an art group. Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones 01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NORTH DOWNS 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 -

FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

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

SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@ hotmail.co.uk

DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session. Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk

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 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 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. Contact deryck.w.jones@gmail.com, phone 01322 586937

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/

NORTH WEST KENT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY THE MANOR HALL VARIETY GROUP The Dartford Branch meet the 1st We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in Saturday of each month from 10amthe Community hall (opp St Paulinus 12:30pm at the Dartford Science and church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, Technology College, Heath Lane, For lights, scenery or singing/acting on the more information see www.nwkfhs. org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836 stage - everyone welcome. Email me (Carolyn) for more details at ERITH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY has c_sawyers@hotmail.com. been in existence for over 50 years and has well over 50 active members. CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE As the club continues to grow new incorporating Barnehurst and Slade members are always welcome. Green. Meet every Monday (except the third Monday) of the month at The club meets on Wednesday Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call evenings from around 7.00pm until in for a chat about old Crayford and around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms to view the large collection of local in Invicta House (aka Belvedere images, or bring your own for us to Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, copy. Belvedere DA17 5DA.

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.

56 WITH THE PROVIDERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE STILL OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN CHECK

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page? If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com c h e c k w i t h t h e p ro v i d e r s to s e e i f t h e y a r e st i l l o p e n d u r i n g lo c k d o w n

WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com 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 Angela Hurd Telephone: 01322 407556 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.

new topics, new skills and new ways for girls to broaden their horizons.

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm in the The Community Room, Asda Gravesend Superstore, Thames Way, Gravesend DA11 0DQ. 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.

www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

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

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

DARTFORD HISTORICAL AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY www.historicaldartford.org.uk OUR TALKS IN 2020 CONTINUE WITH THE FOLLOWING: THE LOCKDOWN FOR COVID-19 CANCELLED THE REMAINDER OF THE 2019-2020 PROGRAMME. WE ARE HOPING TO RESTART WITH THE 2020-2021 IN OCTOBER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU THEN.

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.

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 07738 698284

Tel:

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

WHERE TO GO LOCALLY -

FOR WHEN THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL

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HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE Swanscombe Leisure Centre. ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Call Saj on 07903 513104 (HASARA) 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.

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford to hold the”GymMark” Award for 6 years. Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great ORCHARDS JUNIOR SCALE MODEL coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do CLUB. We welcome everyone from age 8 and upwards. We meet not close through the holidays! on a Tuesday evening from 6pm Visit our website www.dartonwards in The Meeting Place in fordgymnastics.co.uk for full the Orchards Shopping Centre. details or contact Linda on 01322 We deal with all sorts of scale 409312 or email dartfordgymmodels from Airfix and similar, club@yahoo.co.uk Warhammer, model railways etc. We charge £1 per week per LEARN KARATE person and any under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult. Learn karate with Yamato We have a small number of Damashii – for adults & children kits available to purchase at a Every Wednesday evening at the reasonable rate. Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. https://www.facebook.com/OrchardsJuniorScaleModelClub/ For more info, visit www.ydma. club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts. SPORTS GROUPS

AND CLUBS

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 58 10:15-10:45 at

FOOTBALL CLUB www.kentexiles.co.uk. Coach Martin - 07944 730634. All ages from 7 years to adult welcome ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION I run group fitness classes as well as 1-1 and semi private personal training sessions in Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & Nutrition: we offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, 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 Club in Dartford and we share strength. It is suitable for all levels our headquarters at Hesketh with and abilities. Classes are held every Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for Wednesday stone abilities have c h e c k wevening i t h t h e p roat v i dthe e r s to s e e i f t h e y a rmost e st i l l o p e n d u r i nand g lo c k d o wansocial ride pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 most Saturday mornings. For info on costing £5 per person. joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK Friendly club seeking new members. TRIATHLON CLUB Abilities mixed. We are the local British Triathlon Would suit players with some prior Federation Club covering Bexley, experience. Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm, Dartford times per week at White oak pool Girls’ Grammar School, DA1 2NT in Swanley and Fairfield pool in For further information please email: Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many highlystrungbc@gmail.com members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB please visit our website Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri. co.uk London and Kent. A great place to 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 Dartford Road Runners are based things hobby and some things not! at Princes Park Stadium and are For more info visit - https://emperone of the biggest road running ors10th.wixsite.com/home clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR DARTFORD PARKRUN 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 Fitness League. To see what we offer by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join get a time a position emailed and us with all abilities. texted after the event. To register http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/ go to node/440 www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode. DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS Every Sunday Morning in the Park CLUB there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – registration is the same. Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, DARTFORD HEATH PARKRUN making it one of the oldest clubs in Dartford’s 2nd parkrun event is now the country. If you are interested in live. The run starts behind the Heath 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 CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB walk. We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN provide access to a state of the A new Parkrun event with parking at art running track (re-laid in 2015) Crazy Barn and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD memberships). Refreshments and Seeds is a long-established cycling changing facilities are also available.

For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities. This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina. There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for more details. The Run leaders for each group are as follows; Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford Dawn & Brian Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian New runners are always welcome, and you can contact Brian if you would like more information; see contact details and e-mail link on Our Group page. 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. 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.........................................65 Urban Sticks...........................................................13 BUILDERS, DECORATORS, ROOFING, BATHROOMS, HEATING, KITCHENS, WINDOWS & DOORS Claremont Decorative Services.............................36 Home & Garden......................................................31 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..................................22 The Double Glazing Repair Man..............................4 Westgate Dartford..................................................34 CAR CARE ChipsAway..............................................................10 CHILDREN Bip Bop Shop.........................................................26 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ......................................5 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates ............................................................11 Wisdom Estates......................................................23 FARM SHOP H&M Foods.............................................................38 FLORIST Dartford Florist......................................................19 FOOD AND DRINK Kemsing Gin..........................................................41 60

GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage......................................................60 Shenley Road Garage............................................26 GARDENING Bow Arrow Gardening............................................38 HEALTH Home Instead...........................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................23 NURSERY Holy Trinity Church Pre School.............................46 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS On Pointe Pilates....................................................19 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.................................................43 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames............................................................38 RESTAURANT/ TEA ROOMS/CAFE EFES.........................................................................7 SECURITY Excel Security Systems..........................................26 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .................................................21 WEBSITE DESIGN Dartford Living Design.............................................2

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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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Dartford Living June 2020

Articles inside

Hartbeeps

Car News

Coronavirus helplines

Online Theatre roundup

35 Top 10 myths about ageing and eating a healthy diet

Rescue is best

Life under the stairs

7 Dartford Unites

Recipe

Travel advice

27 Play thinking at ellenor

Fitness blog