Dartford Living June 2021 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE NEW MAYOR ELECTED

CRUISING CROSSWAYS RESTARTS IN COMMUNITY THE UK CHURCH

PAGE 20

PAGES 24-25

VACCINATION SUCCESS - PAGE 5 JUNE 2021 - ISSUE 180 - FREE

PAGES 48-49

MONDAYS British Legion Hall (morning) South Darenth Paula 07891 424401

Geddes Place Church(morning) Bexleyheath Adam 07730 405313

St.Anselms Parish Centre Dartford Gillian 07957 135737

Oakfield Primary Academy Dartford Kate 07590 995948

Oakfield Primary Academy(from January 5th 2021) New Venue Dartford Kate 07590 995948

The Howard Venue Hextable Kelly 07904 759587 New Consultant

Fleetdown Community Centre Dartford Paula 07891 424401

WEDNESDAYS St.Edmunds Church Living Well Dartford Jo 07800 797030

VCD Sports Club(morning) Crayford Sue 07507 599691 VCD Sports Club(evening) Crayford Shelley 07979 691619 TUESDAYS St.Anselms Parish Centre Dartford Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe British Legion Greenhithe Paula 07891 424401 St.John The Evangelist Church Bexley Adam 07730 405313

The Howard Venue Hextable Kelly 07904 759587 New Consultant

Danson Youth Centre Bexleyheath Shelley 07979 691619 FRIDAYS The Brent Old Boys Dartford Jo 07800 797030

VCD Sports Club(mornings) Crayford Liz 07900 213548

SATURDAYS Oakfield Primary Academy Dartford Sarah 07739 027161

VCD Sports Club(evenings) Crayford Jo 07920 851475

The Christchurch Centre Swanley Paula 07891 42440

THURSDAYS Greenhithe British Legion Greenhithe Paula 07891 424401

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BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS 5 Vaccination Success

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

6 Straight Outta Dartford- Mackenzie Crook 8. Dartford Giving 12 Senior Snippets 13 What a difference a year makes in the mortgage market 16 Debbie’s Delicious 18 3 houseplants that dislike the Dartford climate Natural Immune Support

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!

20 Councillor Rosanna Curran’s elected as Mayor of Dartford

Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

38 Life under the Stairs

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.

52. Where to go locally

Until next time, stay safe

22 International Yoga Day 24 Travel Inspiration with Harden Holidays 28. Fitness - June 36 Lessons to learn from lockdown 40 Commmunties of Kent lead charge to fundraise for India 44 Dartford painted rocks & Sports roundup 47 Car News 48 Crossways Community Church 54 Useful numbers 56 Business directory

DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE PRINTED BY:

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

Front cover photo by Janice Blake

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VACCINATION SUCCESS By Gareth Johnson, MP for Dartford

are available. As we went to print, nearly 60,000 people in Dartford had received at least one dose of the vaccine. At the end of May, I met Dr Pandya, a GP who has been leading the team at Swanscombe Health Centre, which is currently holding two vaccination clinics a week. Dr Pandya told me the vaccine uptake has been very good with patients really thankful to get the jab. He said this was some of the most satisfying work he had done during his time as a doctor. During my visit, I saw first-hand the dedication of everyone involved, from the reception staff who organise the appointments and the medical staff who administer the jabs, to the volunteers who are giving up their time to ensure the whole operation runs smoothly.

At the start of 2020, no one could have predicted the devastating impact Covid-19 would have on our community, our country and the world. Everyone has been affected by the virus and more than 150,000 people with Covid-19 have tragically lost their lives. We have faced health scares in the past but nothing on this scale in a generation. This time, science has come up with the main solution in the form of the Covid-19 vaccination.

Led by Kate Bingham, the Vaccine Taskforce’s main aim was to secure access to vaccines for the UK. Within months, scientists and pharmaceutical companies produced the first vaccines and, after a series of clinical trials, the green light was given for the vaccines to be mass produced for everyone. Last December, the NHS began its biggest vaccination programme ever, starting with vaccines by Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca. To date, around 40 million people have had one dose with most of these people having now had both vaccine doses. This is an achievement that virtually no other country has managed.

At the start of the pandemic, we always knew that producing a vaccine would be the best way to beat this disease and just months into the crisis, the Government set up a taskforce to ensure we were at Here in Dartford, teams throughout the forefront of this development. the area have been working tirelessly to get ‘jabs in arms’ as soon as they

Throughout Dartford we have seen the positive impact volunteers have had during the pandemic. Vijay, who is the editor of this magazine, is just one of the many volunteers giving up his time to help at a vaccination clinic! This vaccine programme is a real testament to everyone involved and I would urge everyone who is invited for a jab to get one as soon as possible. I would encourage people to ensure their contact details are up-to-date with their registered GP so they can be contacted quickly when they are eligible. It is fantastic to see the high uptake of the vaccine here in Dartford and I hope everyone continues to respond quickly when they get the call as the vaccine is truly our way out of what has been a miserable time for everyone.

MACKENZIE CROOK

Find out more about Dartford raised Actor Mackenzie Crook

STRAIGHT outta DARTFORD BY SHANNON RANDALL

Carribean film to continue with his much loved series The Detectorists. On top of that he stood his ground when it came to creating a new season for it, stating that he thinks the last season ended the story perfectly. With the ever growing trend of stretching out series until their seasons reach double figures, it is refreshing to see someone dig their heels in and put the art form above the monetary rewards. Mackenzie Crook is inspiring because the work he releases is one he truly cares about and is a representation of himself. As luck would have it, my stepdad Neil Garner went to school with Mackenzie Crook which led me to believe that a good way to end this piece would be to ask him a couple of questions about pre-fame Crook. Q: What was Mackenzie Crook like when you knew him back at school? Neil: I remember Mackenzie -who at school was called Paul- being a very quiet person. Remember him keeping himself to himself but at lunchtime he and a few friends would put on comedy sketches/skits against the wall in the playground and they’d get a decent crowd. These were a regular thing and very popular. Q: Were you surprised to see the direction his career went in or did everyone expect him to end up in some form of creative industry?

Born in Maidstone and brought up in Dartford, Mackenzie Crook is the next subject for Straight Outta Dartford! Mackenzie Crook is a fairly media shy public figure with no social media presence and not an awful lot of exposure with online articles and posts. This lack of media presence is made up for tenfold by his extensive and wellloved work. Acting, voice acting, theatre acting, directing, painting, music-video directing, writing... Name a creative profession and Crook is sure to have some

experience in it! Lovers of fantasy have endless Crook content with his characters in films and series such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Merlin, Game of Thrones and comedy fanatics have shows like The Office or his BAFTA winning show The Detectorists. What I find most endearing and inspiring about Crook is his pure passion and love for what he does. According to an article from the Radio Times -linked below in references- Crook turned down the next Pirates of the

Neil: I guess in hindsight with those lunch time shows we should have known he had an amazing career ahead of him. I remember seeing him many years ago in the old Paper Moon pub in Dartford, but I didn’t speak to him as he was with a few friends. I assumed so far his ambitions hadn’t taken off but when I went home to my parents house and turned on the tv, there he was on Channel 4’s ‘The Eleven O’Clock Show staring alongside Iain Lee and some bloke called Ricky Gervais. Not sure what ever became of him! His career has been amazing and well deserved through his sheer hard work and determination. It’s fantastic to see one of the good guys do so well.

DARTFORD GIVING

By Kate Hargreaves be a great role if you’re 16 or 17 and want to get some retail experience on your CV before applying for paid roles at shops at Bluewater when you’re 18!). You should be friendly and confident talking to people, or want to develop your skills in this area. Retail experience isn’t necessary as full training will be given.

This month I’m writing about one of the more common ways that people volunteer to help charities – as a charity shop assistant. There are many charity shops in the Dartford area, but this month I’ll focus on the RSPCA charity shops in Dartford and Gravesend. The Gravesend branch in particular has vacancies and both shops raise money for the RSPCA Kent North West branch. Charity shop assistant “What is it?” As a volunteer charity shop assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. Depending on your preferences, you could help on the shop floor or in the stock room, or a mixture of both. Typical tasks include helping customers find items, processing sales, sorting through

“Anything else I need to know?” If you like the idea of helping the RSPCA Kent North West branch, but aren’t keen on being a charity shop assistant, there are other ways you can help. You could become a trustee – a role that I wrote about in January 2021 (and I’m one of the trustees so you could be volunteering with me!); or you could be an eBay co-ordinator selling donated items online to raise funds for the branch. If you want more information about these roles, you can email donated items, steaming and hanging info@rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk. donated items for sale, and creating window displays. “This sounds great, how do I get involved?” Contact the Branch “Would I enjoy it?” You can make Manager, Becky Blackmore, at new friends, have fun, and feel good becky@rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk or knowing that you’ve helped raise on 01233 733584. vital funds to help the RSPCA to save more animals – what’s not to like! If you have any questions, feel free to email kate@dartfordliving.com. As “What would I get out of it?” You will always, happy volunteering! receive training and can develop skills in customer service, multi-tasking and merchandising. Shop experience is always great to have on your CV as it can show that you are reliable and have good interpersonal skills. “How much time do I need for it?” Ideally, you should be able to commit at least a few hours a week, but the days and times can be arranged with the shop manager. “Are there any requirements?” You need to be 16 or over (so this could

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SENIOR SNIPPETS By Christina Uppenkamp Home Instead Senior Care

on online interest groups. So, with this in mind, here are a few tips on how to stay socially active but savvy:

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford. In this instalment, I will be providing you with some useful tips on keeping older people safe on social media. Technology surrounds us in our daily lives in almost everything we do. It has not only influenced the way in which we communicate, share information and complete daily tasks but a recent report

suggests that it may even help to combat isolation and loneliness in older people and improve their mental health. It’s estimated that 60% of people aged 65 and over now have access to the internet at home. Not only are the silversurfers getting to grips with emailing but they’re also logging on to platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Skype to stay in touch with friends and family members. Many people are also playing online games, painting, sharing pictures on sites such as Pinterest and communicating with like-minded individuals

1. Create a strong password – use a combination of letters, capitals and numbers. 2. Use different passwords for social media sites and financial / payment sites. 3. Keep your passwords somewhere safe but not obvious. 4. Share a limited amount of personal information on social sites. 5. Never give out your address or financial information. 6. Ensure settings are set to private, not public – so only friends can see your information. 7. Never agree to meet someone without letting a relative know first. 8. Never give somebody you meet over the internet money. 9. When joining paid for social networks only enter your card details on secure and reputable websites – look out for the padlock icon on the payment page. 10. Use your common sense, if someone you meet seems too good to be true, there’s probably a strong possibility that they aren’t genuine.

I’d love to hear from you! To make a suggestion for a future topic, please write to me at c.uppenkamp@ dartford.homeinstead.co.uk. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322923750.

What a difference a year makes in the mortgage market By Lee Hockins

valuations more readily, limiting the need (and wait) for a physical valuation.

Another positive note you may have seen is an announcement from the Government surrounding 95% mortgages. This is good news for buyers who have a small deposit. In April, we have seen a number of high street lenders re-enter the market at 95% loan to value; great news for first time buyers and those wanting to move house. If you would like to discuss your mortgage options, we at Summit wealth are here to help. We will be able to give you advice on how to navigate a changing market and find the right mortgage for your current situation.

What a crazy 14 months it has been! The mortgage market has changed dramatically during the pandemic, in some cases daily. When the first lock down loomed the mortgage process fell into chaos. Problems arose as valuers were not allowed to visit properties, lenders had to change the way they worked to facilitate staff working from home and buyers could not physically visit properties.

These issues prevented and delayed buyers from purchasing their dream home. Due to the pandemic, and the ‘new normal’, we saw a drop in service levels and lenders stopped offering higher loan to value products. A year on, service levels have improved as lenders have found new ways to adapt to an everchanging market, employees are able to effectively work from home and lenders are now utilising desk top

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Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities

CARROT CAKE MINI MUFFINS By Debbie Dickinson

These delicious bit sized treats are perfect for a quick afterschool snack. Really easy to make so the kids will be able to help throughout. They can be frozen and then popped straight into lunchboxes – perfectly defrosted for lunchtime! I’ve given you the ingredients for a 1 egg mix – this will make about 24 mini muffins. Scale the recipe up as required or make as standard sized cupcakes – or even a cake. Just adjust the cooking time appropriately. What you need: 1 Egg 70ml Vegetable Oil 150g Carrot 75g Soft Brown Sugar (or what you have available) 50g Raisins/Sultanas 90g Self Raising Flour ¼ tsp Bicarbonate of Soda ¼ tsp Mixed Spice ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp freshly grated Nutmeg

What to do: Preheat your oven to 150°C Fan and line a mini muffin tin with paper cases.

Beat the Egg in a large bowl and mix in the Oil and Sugar. Grate the Carrot into the mix and stir, together with the Raisins. Sift in the Flour, Bicarbonate of Soda and Spices. Combine all the mixture together. Place a spoonful of mixture into each paper case and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Delicious eaten warm or leave in the tray for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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3 HOUSE PLANTS THAT DISLIKE THE DARTFORD CLIMATE By Silvie Mazacova

Dartford, and London in general, has very hard water and not every plant will let you get away with using it. Hard water is not bad, unhealthy or toxic. It simply means the levels of dissolved minerals – mainly calcium, magnesium and sodium – are fairly high.

leaves got curled up and browned before they manage to mature.

Go ahead and quickly check your houseplant’s pots. Are they covered with a thin, white film? If your answer is yes, it means the pot is full of sodium – a mineral plants despise. You can solve this issue by flushing the whole potting mix with distilled, bottled or rain water. You’re probably thinking: “I’ll just use softened water.” Be careful. Softening systems add small amount of salt which is nothing else than sodium. As we all know, salt water is not good for plants, even if the levels are miniscule. The best way is to use activated charcoal sticks, pitcher-style filters, or collect rainwater. Let’s have a look at some plants that dislike hard water a little too much.

Also called praying plants. They’re gorgeous and shockingly high It turns out spider plant is also maintenance. sensitive to water quality. As it’s a tropical plant, same as Calatheas, They are also incredibly sensitive it doesn’t tolerate sodium well to fluoride and chlorine. I checked because it doesn’t occur in their Thames Water website and the levels natural environment. of these two minerals are generally very low. It’s important to use some of the

#1 CALATHEAS

Those two minerals aside, Calatheas are very sensitive to hard water in general, and if you insist on growing them around here, you have to take some precautions.

ways mentioned above to filter the They also ensured me that they water without adding excess salt. don’t add any fluoride into our water supply. #3 FIDDLE LEAF FIG As for chlorine, Thames Water claims that they keep the levels constant and low. You can always let the water sit for 24h to allow any potential fluoride and chlorine to evaporate.

#2 SPIDER PLANT Spider plant is often referred to as unkillable. Mine, however, hasn’t been doing too well. As soon as I brought it home, it started getting brown tips and the newly grown

final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash chard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the mpetition is stated above. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if This plant is a nightmare. It’s sensitive to just about anything. Light, temperature and water all have to be just right. Not to mention that the plant gets stressed every time it’s moved ever so slightly. Never water fiddle leaf fig with tap water – it’s a sure way to kill it. You’re probably better off not having it in the first place unless you’re quite experienced. CONCLUSION Keep in mind that not all tropical plants are overly sensitive. My palms and ficuses have been doing incredibly well and don’t show any signs of distress. Don’t get discouraged, but take precautions when bringing home calatheas, spider plant, or a fiddle leaf fig (if you’re brave enough).

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COUNCILLOR ROSANNA CURRANS ELECTED AS MAYOR OF DARTFORD FOR 2021-22 during work on HMP Belmarsh in Woolwich, which opened in 1991. Councillor Currans’ interest in local affairs was sparked by the four day power cut in Dartford in 2009. She felt affronted by the meagre offer of compensation from EDF and decided to mount a campaign to secure proper recompense for the inconvenience caused to residents. EDF eventually agreed to pay £700,000 in compensation to residents, while also setting up a £750,000 community fund. As a result of the campaign, Councillor Currans began taking more of an interest in local affairs and this led to her election as a councillor for Brent Ward at a by-election in November 2014. Since then Councillor Currans has served on many committees and has been the Lead Member for matters relating to the Town Centre. The new Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Rosanna Currans, was elected at the Annual Council meeting on the 28th April 2021, succeeding Councillor Roger Perfitt, who served an extended two year period of office due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

in London and has been a Dartford resident since 1983.

The Brent Ward councillor was elected at the Council’s first ever virtual Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

During a long and varied career, Councillor Currans had an assortment of jobs, treading the boards before working as a circus girl, bar maid, and performing secretarial work while raising her children.

Councillor Currans is married to husband Alan, with whom she has three sons aged between 39 and 55 and three grandsons between 17 and 19.

Councillor Currans was first elected to Dartford Borough Council in The new Mayor’s last job before 2014 and previously served as retiring was Office Manager for Mayor in 2017/18. She was born Wimpey Construction Management

Councillor Currans helps to run the quiz night at the Dartford Conservative Club, is a member of the Dartford LIONS and the Dartford East Health Centre’s Patient Participation Group, and regularly attends meetings of the Friends of Hesketh Park in addition to her other duties as a councillor. Outside of the Council, Councillor Currans’ main interests are her family, reading, lunching, meeting people, helping constituents with their problems, and watching Australian soap operas. Councillor Currans will be supported throughout her Mayoral Year by Mrs

Corinna Bailey, who will accompany her on official engagements as her Escort.

KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

The new Deputy Mayor for 2021-22 is Councillor Paul Cutler and the Deputy Mayoress is his wife, Suzanne. The couple have lived in Stone for nearly 28 years and have four children who all attended local schools. Councillor Cutler has spent most of his career working in corporate sales, working for Xerox UK. Councillor Cutler’s hobbies are gardening, cooking, eating and entertaining with friends and family. The Mayor’s Charity Appeal for 2021-22 will support three charities; Arrow Riding Centre, Healthy Living Centre Dartford, and Home-Start. Details of these charities can be found below: • https://www.arrowridingcentre.com/ • https://www.hlcdartford.org.uk/ • http://homestartnwkent.org.uk/

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INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY, THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AND SUN SALUTATIONS

This year the summer solstice falls with this in mind that it has become on Monday the 21st of June, the customary in yoga classes to perform same day as International Yoga Day! sun salutation type sequences at this time of the year. It’s not a coincidence that the two events fall on the same day. When Gestures of honouring and paying the UN proposed and established reverence to the natural world International Yoga Day the Indian are part of a yoga practice that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, encourages us to appreciate and suggested the date of the 21st of feel more connected to the rhythms June, as it’s usually the longest of life. In a world of uncertainty, a day of the year in the Northern feeling of connection to the changing Hemisphere and shares a special seasons can bring great comfort. significance in many parts of the Quoting India’s Prime Minister “Yoga world. is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness Solstices happen twice a year - in with yourself, the world and nature.” June and December. The June solstice happens somewhere You may have heard of the ritual between June 20th and the 22nd, of performing 108 Sun Salutations most often falling on the 21st. The around the summer solstice. I’ve December solstice takes place organized and taken part in 108 somewhere between December Sun Salutations a number of the 20th and 22nd, again most often falling on the 21st. Solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning Sun and sistere, meaning to come to a stop or stand still. On the solstice the Sun, as seen from the Earth, appears to stand still. Since prehistory, the summer solstice has been marked by festivals and rituals. More recently the summer solstice has been seen as a time of celebrating the sun’s warmth and light and it’s

times for charity and enjoyed the challenge, but it’s not for everyone. It’s important to me that everybody can practice yoga and with that in mind, to celebrate the last summer solstice, I held an online (because of lockdown) accessible yogathon and this year I will have the great pleasure of repeating the event outside. I call the yogathon accessible, meaning that although we will be practicing dynamic salutation type sequences together, participants won’t have to have a particular athletic ability to take part. I will be demonstrating various example sequences, including chair sun salutes. Those taking part can follow along with me, modify or use a sequence of their own. Though we may be making different shapes, for an hour and a half we will be out in the park, moving and breathing together, honouring and paying reverence to the warmth and light of the sun, celebrating International Yoga Day, thanking India for the gift of yoga and raising money for both our local Women’s Aid and O2 Concentrators for India. May we all feel the warmth and light of the sun this summer solstice. Keep taking good care of yourself, Clair. clair.crestyoga@gmail.com

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TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: CRUISING SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTS IN THE UK

By Harden Holidays

Restarting cruising means so much to so many people. As with many things, you don’t truly value what you have until it’s gone. We were bursting with excitement as we drove into City Cruise Terminal in Southampton and caught the first glimpse of MSC Virtuosa – that is when it really hit home – this is really happening – we are going on holiday on this new and amazing ship! We wrote about her in last month’s article so we won’t go into the details on this occasion. This article is about our personal experience of what it is like to be cruising again. We were warmly welcomed by the shore-side team who guided us through the embarkation process – with regulations and protocols so tight you may be denied boarding if not followed correctly. The two key things that could end in your boarding being denied are lack of evidence of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of boarding / proof of double vaccination, and travel insurance that specifically covers you for Covid. After queuing up for security and another lateral flow test, we found ourselves on board, right under the LED Dome Galleria. The LED screen extends the length of the 112m promenade and was displaying a Union Jack to mark the special occasion. With a glass of bubbly in our hand - we could not be happier. The 6,200 passenger ship is sailing at a reduced capacity of 1,000 guests until the 21st June to allow for greater social distancing and for the new protocols to become familiar. ‘Health is our priority’ is MSC’s mantra for this new era and they take it very seriously. Most of the rules are no different than what we are already accustomed to: wearing face masks while moving around the ship, socially distanced seating in restaurants, bars and theatres and menus accessed via QR code. All these protocols do take a bit to get used to, however compliance has been excellent and everyone on board was very attentive to these new necessities. The MSC for Me app is great – it allows you to access the daily activities, view your

bill - updated live with every purchase, and you can even use it to message each other without the need to buy the WIFI package. There was so much to explore on board – it is very much a multi-generational ship. You can do as much or as little as you like. We went as a family with a 7-year-old so most of our time was focused on the little one, however we did get time to ourselves while she was happily and safely playing with other children in the kids’ club. We spent time in the swimming pool, relaxed in the hot tubs, we played bowling, arcade games, table tennis, foosball, we tried the waterslides, the waterpark, we raced in the Formula 1 simulator, we battled aliens on the immersive VR game, we tried the 5D cinema and ended every evening watching a new Broadway style show. There was no shortage of bars and eateries on board – 31 to be precise. The food was excellent in all the venues we tried. The Butchers’ Cut – one of the speciality restaurants was our clear favourite but it did come at an additional cost. To give you an idea of this place, it is here that we first heard of and tasted smoke-infused-butter which was sensational, and their 14oz NY striploin steak was to die for. All food and drinks are served to you by staff, even in the buffet restaurant, which is open until 2am serving light bites for those who need a slice of pizza before bed.

Having the Premium All Inclusive Package allowed us to be fully relaxed – all drinks under £10 were included and most did not cost more than that. We enjoyed all the cocktails, mocktails and some really, really nice wines with this package. We do not feel we the need for more. The beautiful Aurea Spa was not fully open on this voyage due to the UK government restrictions, however the treatments were allowed to go ahead. The Thermal area looked fabulous, and we can only imagine how fantastic it can be once allowed open. To give you taster here, you can have a soothing sauna, followed by a cool shower infused with either lemon, mint or Scots Pine. You can try a dark sensory steam bath, or an invigorating whirlpool bath.

entitled to up to 30% off. Prices start from £299 per person for a mini cruise and £849 per person for a 7-night cruise. If you would like to know more and/or book your UK Seacation with MSC or any of the other cruise lines offering voyages for UK guests this summer - do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. 0800 023 8974 - info@ hardenholidays.co.uk - Dartford town centre.

Sailing on Virtuosa’s inaugural voyage felt like a privilege and one that will stay with us for a long time to come. We could not recommend it highly enough – you will not find anything else like it in the UK. Make this summer one full of discoveries and excitement by going back to cruising or trying it out as a new experience. Guests of all ages are welcomed onboard MSC Virtuosa including both vaccinated and nonvaccinated. Booking a sailing around the British Isles comes with the Premium All Inclusive package which include all your drinks and gratuities for all cabin categories and if you work in the healthcare sector you may be

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

Full-time, experienced, qualified yoga teacher, teaching practical yoga and meditation 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 regular group classes are being held online. Yoga Alliance Professionals Senior Yoga Teacher and British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course Tutor, I am qualified and experienced in making yoga accessible. I teach an embodied and practical approach to yoga, breath work and meditation, appropriate 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 for more information or email me at clair.crestyoga@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

FITNESS - JUNE “Thinking about starting” is not starting

start then?) you could have been steadily plugging away at it, getting stronger, fitter, healthier, leaner, more toned… Think where you’d be now if you’d actually started when you started thinking about starting. If you’d taken immediate action as soon as you decided that’s what you wanted to achieve. Probably a lot closer to where you want to be than where you are now!

I’ve helped thousands of people over the years, through Personal Training, Online Coaching, Nutrition Coaching and teaching various classes, not to mention via my social media content that reaches thousands of people.

Think of all that time you’ve wasted where you could have been making steady progress towards your desired end result…

Now, when you finally do start, you’ll be impatient, wanting faster results; results you could have had if you’d One thing that most people tend to only started when you first “thought say when they start is that they’ve about starting”. been “thinking about starting” for a while. Whether that’s a few weeks, You’ve likely heard the saying “The a few months or a few years! best time to plant an oak tree was 20 years ago. The second best time I’ve had people come to me for a is now.” consultation and then disappear, only to come back a year later, The same goes for fitness. Yes, ready to start. you may have wasted some time over-thinking it (or just plain putting It’s all well and good saying you’ll it off), but the faster you’d like to see start, but until you actually start, some results, the sooner you need it means nothing. to get started. Saying you’ll start doesn’t get you And here’s the thing – There’s NO any results! “right time”. The longer you “think about” starting (i.e. put it off), the longer it’s likely to take to reach your goals when (or if) you do eventually start. Don’t wait until something bad happens to get started.

There will ALWAYS be things you need to work around. You‘ll always have birthdays or Christmas, or holidays, or work do’s to go to.

That’s something you’ll have to deal with forever, and that’s a long time Don’t wait until the doctor tells you to put things off. you’ve got a problem, to start eating better and exercising. All the time you’ve spent waiting for the “right time” to start, or for When did YOU first “think about” a 6-month gap in your calendar getting a bit fitter or starting a diet? to magically open up (by the way, Quite likely a while ago. Have you for many people, that 6-month done it yet? gap opened up last year when we went into lockdown – did you

So, it’s time. Time to stop thinking and start doing. It’s not as intimidating as it feels before you’ve started. A good plan is actually incredibly easy to implement and will progress with you. Start slow and easy and build momentum, making small changes that will all add up over time into big changes. If you feel you can’t do it alone, get in touch. Let’s get you started and let’s get you where you want to be. Follow me on social media and contact me to start the discussion and turn “thinking about it” into “doing something about it”. I look forward to hearing from you :) Mark www.MBonlinePT.com @MarkBroadbentPT

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LESSONS TO LEARN FROM LOCKDOWN As the world has battled on through the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all faced ourown challenges. However, there are positives to be found in every situation, and with lockdown restrictions continuing to ease, it’s time to start thinking about what we’ve learned and how we can use this in the future. The importance of savings You may have found that building up savings has been easier during the pandemic, with working from home and travelling less having cut costs. Perhaps you’ve been fortunate enough to be able to pay down debts with the cash you’ve saved. The pandemic has shown us all the importance of having a buffer to fall back on and we can take this lesson with us into the future. Thinking ahead to when life returns to ‘normal’, where could you realistically cut costs to allow you to build up or increase your savings pot? Celebrating small wins With retailers like B&Q having reported ‘exceptional demand’ during the pandemic, it’s clear that many of us have caught the DIY bug while spending more time at home. You may have noticed that rearranging a room, painting, or even putting up a shelf can help to boost self-confidence and mental wellbeing. That’s because even small achievements are worth celebrating. This is definitely a lesson we can take from lockdown – and maybe some new DIY skills too! Handling pressure During the pandemic, many of us have faced increased pressure from things like reduced income, juggling work and childcare, and health concerns. What ways have you found to help you de-stress during

this time? Perhaps you’ve benefitted from going for a daily walk, having healthy snacks or scheduling in time to call a friend. These are useful tips to take with us going forwards as we continue to face the pressures of everyday life. Making the most of a new skill or hobby Perhaps the extra time at home has given you the chance to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. It may be easy to fall back into old habits when you return to your usual routine, but hold tight to the benefits you got from this new activity, like having time to relax, feeling productive, and the joy of doing something for yourself. You could even turn it into a way to earn some cash – see diseasecalleddebt. com/frugal-hobbies-to-make-money for inspiration. Being thankful Until the pandemic hit, many of us didn’t realise how much we’d been taking for granted, like seeing family, spending time with friends, and being free to go out amongst other things. The restrictions in our daily lives have taught us to cherish what we have, slow down and appreciate

the simple things. What did you miss most, and how might you continue to cherish these things in the future? Asking for help We’ve also learned that we don’t need to struggle alone. When a crisis hits, sometimes the help we need can be right on our doorsteps. During the pandemic, we’ve seen incredible displays of community spirit as friends and neighbours have helped each other with picking up shopping and delivering medicine. Similarly, help is available if you’re facing money worries. How about joining a course where you can access an online budgeting tool and learn tips to help you gain greater control over your finances? The next free local budgeting course, run over three consecutive Monday evenings, starts on 21st June at 8pm (over zoom or at Christchurch Dartford). To register for this free course visit capmoney.org. If you are interested but cannot make this course, email Ebun on capmoneydartford@gmail. com to enquire about future free daytime or evening courses. Despite the pandemic, thousands of people

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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? Grief is a strange beast. It has stages – anger, sadness, loss, acceptance, blame, to name a few. They don’t come in any order and sometimes all during the same day.

need? It’s a tangled web of emotions. Then the deed is done and we are supposed to ‘get on with it’. It’s not the same with people. Our family funeral passed off in a dignified and respectful way. Warm words and fond memories were exchanged, and tears shed at the finality of it all. We shared stories and laughs at a small wake afterwards, and the day passed with a feeling that aunt would have approved, although groaned at some of our stories. Her influence was a part of the day for us and we are now coming to terms with the end of her life. We seldom do this for animals. There appears to be a school of thought that having a pet put to sleep is normal. I can assure you it’s not.

Readers of last month’s copy, will know I lost my dear, aged aunt last month. As is the way, preparations for her final journey were organised and I was asked to contribute towards her funeral. I wrote something about her early life and then read a poem. It was a tribute to her internal voice guiding me, that I read both pieces without breaking down in tears – something she would have scoffed at. However, the sadness of the day was exacerbated by another outpouring of personal grief; for the untimely passing of one of our cats. I debated whether it was tasteless

Atticus was an older gent, living rough on the allotment site near to my home. He was a dirty and scabby cat, fur roughened by poor diet and fighting any other male cat that was close. He was obviously hungry. When he staggered into our garden some seven years ago, his tail looked like a piece of string, he had bites on his legs, patches of fur missing, ear mites and fleas and his breathing was noisy and bubbly.

or inappropriate to assign similarities to both events and then write about them. After some reflection I reached the conclusion that firstly my dear aunt would not object in the slightest, being a cat lover herself, and secondly the death of a much-loved pet is as We had tried to find owners but no painful as losing family. one had come forward, so I bit the I suppose that pets are family in their bullet, caught him and took him to own right. They share our lives our the vets. A week later, after tests, sofas (and beds), we talk to them, treatment, cleaning and neutering he ask their opinions on matters and came out and moved to Canterbury generally treat them as extended with my son where he spent 18 months in a student house. I’m told family members. he would attend parties, content to Losing a pet often leaves us feeling sit in the room with people and just empty and sometimes guilty. Did we watch them. He had a choice of beds not see the suffering? Did we hang to sleep, a small wardrobe of woolly on to our pet because of our own hats and enough love and hugs to

make up for whatever he’d missed over the years. We had no idea how old he was – an educated guess was about six or seven. He walked badly, the result of a historic fracture, and had a small permanent kink in his tail. After his sojourn at university he came back to us and settled down as if he’d never been away.

So while I grieve for the loss of my lovely aunt, I’m also going through the same roller coaster of emotions for Atticus. The funeral was in a strange way a good way to remember them both. I’m certain my aunt wouldn’t have minded in the least. RIP Aunt and Atticus.

The capacity of Atticus to trust people despite his past amazed me. He never showed the slightest fear of meeting people, was a lap cat in the truest sense of the word and as far as I could judge, he seemed to like us. We were often ‘cleaned’ as he was a bit OCD about personal hygiene. He sat on the desk whenever I wrote, and hogged the best cat bed, much to annoyance of the others. None of them every tried to assert ownership of it while Atticus was resting. His illness took him down very suddenly. His death was unexpected and so very painful for us all and especially Youngest Offspring who was his favourite.

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COMMUNITIES OF KENT LEAD CHARGE TO FUNDRAISE FOR INDIA AMIDST COVID 19 CATASTROPHE By Gurvinder Sandher With the pandemic raging through India at a catastrophic rate, and the death toll reaching record breaking numbers, Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC) and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara working with local faith groups, sports organisations and local businesses from across Gravesham and Dartford raised £34,000 through an appeal.

The funds were used to purchase small businesses came together in 150 oxygen concentrators and solidarity has only reinforced my oxy-meters which will be sent to faith in the communities of North India through humanitarian charity Khalsa Aid based in Slough who work in disaster zones around the world. The charity has a plane charted to ship the equipment out to India on Wednesday 19th May. Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “I cannot be more proud of the communities of North Kent who all came together regardless of ethnicity and faith to fundraise in order to help another country in its time of need. When we initially made the invite calls to the various groups to donate, we were unsure of the kind of response we would receive. However, we were met with nothing but enthusiasm and a genuine need to help. The fact that the local Churches, Mosques, Gurdwaras, sports teams and

Kent and truly add credence to our motto that we are always stronger together.” Manpreet Dhaliwal President of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara commented “During the pandemic the Sikh community have worked hard to support those in need arranging meals for thousands in the local community. I was therefore humbled by the response we had to this appeal at a time when oxygen concentrator numbers are fast dwindling from the markets. This initiative was all out effort to procure enough supplies which we eventually secured from a factory in Poland. The scenes in India have touched us all, and I hope in this small way we are able to support those in need at this most challenging of times.”

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DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS Rock Painting in Dartford.

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting

hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and By and Maria Kingsford Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

SPORTS ROUNDUP Manchester City’s reaction to losing their Premier League crown to Liverpool last season has been resounding, with the title reclaimed in style and with room to spare. Pep Guardiola’s side finished 18 points adrift of Liverpool last season but have reversed that deficit to win their third title in four seasons - an achievement enhanced with a place in their first Champions League final and a fourth successive League Cup victory.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN JUNE INCLUDE: 30 May-13 June: Tennis - French Open in Paris

History tells us that retaining a Premier League is a difficult assignment and any contention that City are in a position to dominate for years underplays the desire of rivals such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United to rebuild and challenge for the title.

11 June-11 July: Football - Euro 2020 in various countries (final at Wembley)

City will start next season as the dominant domestic power - but they will know there are no guarantees that will continue. City have also finally crossed the psychological barrier into the Champions League final, and they will feel they can be regulars at the elite level now. So the trend is up for City, and you can be sure they will be working behind the scenes to ensure it stays that way in 2021-22.

28 June-11 July: Tennis - Wimbledon

26 Jun-18 July: Cycling - Tour de France

29 June, 1 & 4 July: Cricket - England v Sri Lanka ODIs

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CAR NEWS JUNE 2021

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we look at a new SUVs models and a new refreshed small car.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace SUV – this is the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace large SUV has space for seven people and advanced driver assistance technology. This is slightly longer than the current model with optional 3rd row seats to transform it to a 7-seater. This Tiguan Allspace also features new front and rear bumpers to give it a more aggressive stance, and new LED lights which adapt their shape to stop you dazzling other drivers at night. Inside, you’ll find a 10in digital instrument panel which can put the most useful information, including the sat-nav map. You will have a choice of petrol and diesel engines from a 1.5-litre engine to a 2.0 litre engine. On sale later this year the prices are expected to start from around £34,000.

2021 Skoda Fabia small car – this all new version is now significantly longer and wider than its predecessor which means it has a bigger boot than its rivals. There is an option of a new 10.25in digital instrument cluster inside, which can be used for such things as the sat-nav map, directly in front of you. As standard, though, you’ll get analogue dials and a 3.5in information screen. A heated steering wheel and heated windscreen are available as options on the Fabia for the first time. You will be able to choose from an option of five petrol engines variants from a 1.0-litre up to a 1.5-litre. No electric versions will be available. You’ll have a choice of 9 colours and alloy wheels from 15in to 18in diameters. Safety and assistance kit includes a new Travel Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to help motorway travel. Available from Autumn 2021 prices are expected to start from £15,500.

2021 Kia EV6 electric SUV – this is the new Kia EV6 electric SUV will be able to travel more than 300 miles between charges and features a high-tech interior. This is the first of the new Kia electric range based on a 2019 concept car. Entry-level models are powered by a single 222bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. Energy comes from a 77.4kWh battery, giving the EV6 a range of 316 miles. You can also opt for four-wheel drive, with two electric motors producing a combined 321bhp. There will be a GT-badged performance version with 577bhp power output. The charging of the battery can go from 10-80% charge in 18 minutes using faster public chargers and longer using the home wall box chargers. Inside, there’s a 12.3in digital instrument panel in front of the driver, plus a separate 12.3in infotainment screen that’s angled towards the driver. It will have a big 520-litre boot and space at the front under the bonnet for charging cables too. Available from October 2021 prices will start from £40,895.

CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY CHURCH Crossways Community Church has been operating in Crossways Business Park and Stone for the past 6 years.

When we started we were only expecting to see our church members join in but quite the opposite, we have also seen it become a great resource to not only the younger generation of our churches but also others including the vulnerable who maybe can’t get out to a physical location and people from across the world tuning in. The task for churches now is to maintain that online presence whilst also hosting in person meetings - the future of church is going to look a lot different going forward.” Due to the uncertainty of the guidelines being lifted in June Crossways are hosting a Drive in Church service that will be hosted outside their office location in the crossways business park.

It was crossways that set up the amazing Community space Two Trees Tea Room on the stone recreation ground for the local community and it was them that helped establish the Stone parish youth club back in 2017. Like any church, charity and business, Covid hit everyone including the local churches. They like many other churches had to shift from in person gatherings to meeting online where many churches including Crossways, have seen unexpected growth during this season. The senior Pastor Stephen Brindley said” Even though we were already doing a little bit online, when we had to shift our entire church service across, it was a minefield having to learn a whole new process and purchasing a lot

of tech equipment to make it work. Many churches struggled with the process but we have managed to help other churches get online too.

Pastor Stephen Brindley who founded the church in 2015 will be speaking at the event with everyone able to (with social distancing in place) worship together after a very long

time of hosting church online. Crossways is a vibrant, bright and active church within the Dartford community and they believe that in these dark times right now, people need hope and they believe that hope can be found in Jesus Christ. The church currently meets at the stone Pavilion but are always on the look out for larger premises in the area. With Covid effecting many business and premises If you are able to help them with space, they would love to talk to you. To find out more about Crossways or to book yourself for the Drive in Church service then visit their website

www.crosswayscc.co.uk or find them on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms.

Myth-busting the Covid vaccine

By Dr Julie Taylor

The COVID vaccination programme is one of the biggest mass vaccination programmes that the UK has ever seen. Vaccines are only available on the NHS - you cannot get these privately (scam alert!). Over 75% of vaccinations have been delivered by GP-led teams.

and get rid of it. Myth: The vaccine was developed too quickly, it won’t be safe Truth: Any vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. There are a number of reasons why they have been developed quickly compared to other medicines. This includes: • different phases of the vaccine trial were run at the same time, rather than one after the other, which sped up the clinical process. • funding for all of the trials was available at every stage, so no delays caused by seeking funding to continue. • thousands of people volunteered quickly for the clinical trial across the globe. Myth: We don’t know what’s in these vaccines. Truth: The ingredients for all vaccines have been published. Despite theories circulated on social media, they do not contain microchips or any form of tracking device.

How do vaccines work? Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It’s much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can protect you for many years. You cannot catch COVID from the vaccination.

Myth-busters Myth: COVID vaccine can change your DNA Truth: The vaccines use mRNA to instruct our cells to make a piece of the coronavirus’s hallmark spike protein in order to spark an immune system response. Once the mRNA does that, our cells break it down

Myth: I’ve already had COVID-19, so I won’t benefit from the vaccine. Truth: We don’t yet know how long natural immunity to COVID-19 lasts. Experts say that, even if you’ve had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine to make sure you’re protected. Myth: COVID is no more dangerous that the flu. Truth: COVID is more fatal, spread quicker and affects people for longer than the flu. Myth: I don’t need to be vaccinated

as I’m young and fit. Truth: Most people who get COVID-19 will recover, but some people develop severe complications and a few sadly will die. Long COVID can affect 10% of those aged 18-49 years. The vaccine also protects those around you, including those who are most at risk and those who can’t be vaccinated. It will be important for ending the pandemic. Myth: The vaccine contains pork/other animal derivatives/aborted foetal material.

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

Truth: None of the three currently approved vaccines contain any animal fats, egg bi-products or foetal material. When it is your turn, please get a jab. Dr Julie Taylor is leading the COVID Vaccine Programme for Dartford MODEL Primary Care Network (Maple Surgery, Orchard Practice, Dartford East Health Centre and Lowfield Medical Practice).

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 2 nd July Friday 10 th September Friday 26 th November If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment-based surgeries in the future, please contact him at gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7047.

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

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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 2021

Articles inside

Crossways Community Church

Where to go locally

Dartford Giving

Travel Inspiration with Harden Holidays

Senior Snippets

Car News

Councillor Rosanna Curran’s elected as Mayor of Dartford

International Yoga Day

Vaccination Success

Straight Outta Dartford- Mackenzie Crook