LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

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I had a flying visit back to Dartford last week. Eldest Offspring invited me to stay with her over coronation weekend. Leaving Other Half to feed the cats, I boarded the ferry and sailed to the mainland. Apart from roadworks on the A3, an overturned lorry and the usual creep up the M25, the journey was uneventful.

It was my second trip back since moving eight months ago and I was surprised at the changes to the area.

A new town is taking shape in the quarry at Bluewater. It had been spoken about for so long, and then appeared almost overnight. I thought it would take years to see any buildings at all.

Bluewater itself seems to be going through a change. While lively and busy as normal, (or was it post Coronation service freedom) there are several areas of closed shops which surprised me. Is it the rents? The aftermath of the Covid, or just a sign of the times.

Dartford itself has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons, stories of violence and sadly murder, putting the town on the map. I note the borough council has some farreaching plans to improve access and make the town centre a pleasant place to go. I hope the bad publicity doesn’t put people off.

Overall, I enjoyed my trip back. I caught up with old friends, saw how my old neighbourhood had changed, with many houses for sale and an equal number being renovated. It demonstrates that the area still has appeal. Such actions should bring in new people who will settle and become part of the community. We need new people with new ideas to ensure the area remains a place for families to settle and grow.

GOD SAVE THE KING?

So, we have a new King and Queen. Whatever your views on Charles and Camilla and the rest of the Royal Family, the monarchy is still with us. It does need to change though.

There will always be those who argue the upkeep of the Royal Family simply isn’t worth it. I hope the new King will streamline the working family, cutting loose those who benefit from its largesse but do very little. They will have to find other ways of making a living. It will be a step in the right direction towards a modern, working and valid Royal Family to take us into the future. At a time when so many of us are struggling to make end meet, such an extravagant ceremony may have seemed out of place. However, I’d rather have some colour and spectacle than be a republic. I do believe having the monarchy is one of the few experiences we can offer the rest of the world. The income generated from visitors to the Royal palaces and associated royal events during 2019/20 reached £71.5 million pounds according to a recent report in The Independent.

Also, let’s be honest, as a nation, we do ‘spectacle’ better than anyone!

THAT BIRTHDAY BUCKET LIST!

A couple of months ago I wrote about getting on in years and how I was dreading reaching seventy. Well, as I said, it came and went, and nothing changed. However, I’ve added to my ‘Life To Do List’, in the hopes that I can continue to grow old disgracefully.

The surfing idea is on hold – I seriously doubt my knees could take it. However, paddle boarding seems safer, so I’ll investigate that. Horse-riding is still on the agenda, and I’ve decided I want to do a 4x4 driving course - not because I have one, but I just want to. I’ve resumed writing and might get that second book out this year. I have a new swimsuit in readiness for the summer yet may just start what is termed a ‘mature movers aquacise’ class at my local pool. Mind you, I’ll need to find a bathing cap first, in case my lovely pink hair turns green – a step too far even for me.

Take care of yourselves.

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