Dartford Living June 24

Dear Dartford Living Reader,

I’d like to welcome you to the latest issue of the magazine!

The magazine is jam-packed with lots of useful local information and fantastic local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like never before, our community needs the support of all of us.

In case you weren’t aware, David and I run Dartford Living alongside over 50 volunteer members of the local community. DL is the only independently run magazine, serving the local area with information 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 neighbours. You will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise too!

If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter mailing list and you will join over 50,000 local people who read the magazine and/or follow us on social media each month.

When you’ve finished reading the magazine please either keep it on your bookshelf, for when you need to use a local business, or pass it on to a friend or family member to read too.

Vijay

Editor - Dartford Living Magazine

(and of course David and the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

Kitten scanner for Darent Valley Hospital

Local florist joins bunch of flower magicians

Community Heartbeat

Painted Rocks

New Mayor for 24/25

Recipe: NYC style cookies

Travel Spotlight - Canada

Sports News

Life Under the Stairs

Messy Dash

On the Road

Dying Matters

5 Tips to keep your elderly parents well at home

Time of our lives competition

Dartford Choral Society

Where to go locally

Useful Numbers

Local charity Demelza

Advertisers’ Index

DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE

KITTEN SCANNER FOR DARENT VALLEY HOSPITAL LOCAL

By Dartford Lions

The Kitten Scanner is designed to help children who are worried about having an MRI and has been unveiled at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

With the use of a computer-game style Avatar, the Kitten Scanner gets the children playing a game where they follow the journey of their chosen character as it has its own MRI scan. Through the process of ‘play’ the child is then expected to feel comfortable as they copy the character in the MRI machine.

Children can put their favourite toy buddy into the scanner, which kicks off a fun and educational video. Different characters like Ollie the elephant, Chris the crocodile, and Doris the chicken then guide the little patients through the process, helping them understand the strange sounds of an MRI and offering tips on staying still which is an important part. They can then hopefully feel more comfortable as they copy the character in the MRI machine.

Before the machine was introduced at the hospital, children with a fear or anxiety of having an MRI were sent to London to use their Kitten Scanner. Costing more than £23,000, the equipment was bought with funds raised by the Dartford Lions Club.

Dartford Lions President Avtar Sandhu said: “This is one of the largest donations our club has ever made to a single project. This one purchase will affect the lives of so many members of the local community. Currently, children with a fear or anxiety of having an MRI scan are sent into London to make use of their kitten scanner. The new scanner at Dartford now makes the

hospital the first to have one in the whole of South East of England, something the trust is extremely proud of.

This is only possible with the continued support being offered to us by the local community of Dartford, it’s the support of our residents which makes projects like this one possible –Thank you to everyone who supports our club”. President Sandhu along with other committee members of the Lions Club met with the hospital’s teams from Radiology, Charity and Chief Executives departments at the hospital as the official handover was done.

“It’s the support of our residents that makes projects like this one possible.” Professor Seshadri Sriprasad, deputy chief medical officer at the hospital, said: “Young children are apprehensive about getting a scan done.

“The Kitten Scanner goes a long way in allaying their fears and is a welcome development. We are thankful to the Dartford Lions Club for making this happen.”

Life Cover - In the event of your death, a life insurance plan can protect those dependent on your income while you were alive.

Critical Illness cover – In the event of a serious illness, money paid out can be used to pay for life changing adjustments or just replace the income you may have lost through being ill.

Income Protection – You will receive a monthly payment to replace your personal income, should you be unable to work through sickness or injury.

Accident Protection – This provides a tax free lump sum in the event of a specified accidental injury. Particularly useful for amateur sports players and health service workers.

General Insurance –We can help with residential buildings and contents insurance, landlord’s insurance, insurance for high net worth clients and private medical insurance.

LOCAL FLORIST JOINS BUNCH OF FLOWER MAGICIANS

By Dartford Florist

The power of flowers celebrated across the UK and Ireland on 8th June 2024.

Local florists Sarah and Rachel who run Dartford Florist Ltd based in St Albans Road, Dartford will be joining 1000’s of other Flower Magicians when the flower industry comes together on 8thJune to celebrate all that is wonderful about flowers, floristry and florists and showcase the skill and magic that goes into it!

Because Flower Power is unique; goose bump inducing blooms that are used to celebrate every single life event; happy to sad, weddings to birthdays, new babies to exam successes and all the ‘just because’ purchases for a natural, healthy ‘pick-me-up effect’ only flowers can give.

And it is local Flower Magicians like Dartford Florist Ltd who make the magic happen. They not only create the most amazing creations but make sure customers have the very best, most wonderful, and totally affordable flowers they can buy.

Sarah and Rachel say Dartford Florist is proud to be a part of the first ever National Florist

Day and show people there is so much more to the flower industry than they think. The flower industry is a multibillion pound global industry that comes with lots of different challenges... like making sure deliveries are on time (as we know this is extra challenging with the traffic around Dartford), making sure flowers are kept in perfect condition., making sure flowers arrive in time from The Netherlands so that all important bouquet can be made and making any last minute emergency requests. Our job as florists is one of the most amazing jobs in the world. We create designs from beautiful flowers that are delivered to us from across the globe and help people for every occasion of their lives.

During the week of the 8th June we will be holding competitions, giveaways and more so please follow us on social media to keep up to date with everything that will be happening and as a Dartford Living Reader use the code DART24 to get 10% off* your flowers in the month of June *Minimum spend of £25.00 applies, Valid until 30/06/24

Dartford Grammar School Presents

DARTFORD FOODBANK

COMMUNITY HEARTBEAT

DARTFORD LIVING MEETS: Paul Williams

instructor and examiner at Yamato Damashii, a karate club based in Dartford.

This month, we had a coffee and a chat with Paul Williams, instructor and examiner at Yamato Damashii, a karate club based in Dartford.

I asked, What drew you into martial arts?

I’ve had an interest since my teens, I joined a karate club for 2 years and graded up to green belt, then as a teenage boy, I developed other interests and drifted out of karate. I still had an interest and always believed I would take it up again.

Why did you choose karate?

I liked the content, our style of karate (wado ryu) incorporates an element of jiu jitsu, plus it teaches respect, improves focus, concentration and confidence, which was great for a shy boy like me.

What do you enjoy most about karate?

Good question, I enjoy many things about karate but the thing I enjoy most, as an instructor, is seeing other people progress. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to improve and better themselves and if we can help in some small way, then we have done a good job.

Were you apprehensive about joining a new club?

Yes, absolutely, I think that’s natural, it’s a big step, walking into somewhere new, but I needn’t have been nervous, Yamato Damashii is very friendly and made me feel very welcome from the start. The instructors and the students are a great bunch of people, it’s like a big family.

How has karate benefitted your life?

Undoubtedly, it has improved my fitness and stamina, helped my concentration levels and given me more confidence.

It has also taught me a valuable skill in the form of self defence, I think there are 2 important life skills which everyone should learn, one is how to swim, the other is self defence. But self defence isn’t just about fighting, it’s also about learning how to avoid and manage conflict situations.

Can anyone learn karate?

Yes, karate is for everyone, it teaches many things, which can be beneficial in other areas of your life. You don’t need to get fit before you start, you just need to turn up. It is your own personal journey. As adults, we are all different and may have some ailments but this doesn’t stop you learning karate. You learn to improvise and incorporate what works for you.

Is it expensive and how do people sign up?

No, it’s not expensive, in fact, compared to other sports, it’s quite cheap, you pay for each

lesson when you attend and the only other things you’ll need are a karate uniform and a licence/ insurance.

Our instructors have well over 100 years of experience between them and are all DBS enhanced checked.

People can contact us via our website or socials or just turn up at one of our sessions for a free trial lesson. Visit www.ydma.club for more details.

PAINTED ROCKS

By Maria Kingsford

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.

Rock Painting in Dartford

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 an Gallery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

Here are some great photos of their painted rocks

NEW MAYOR OF DARTFORD ELECTED FOR 2024/25

Councillor Andy Lloyd has been appointed as the Mayor of Dartford for the next 12 months.

The ward member for Heath, who has served as deputy mayor for the past year, was elected at the Annual Council meeting on 8 May 2024.

Councillor Lloyd was first elected to Dartford Borough Council in 2005. He has served on the Cabinet for three terms, first with the leisure brief, when he drove the award winning redevelopment of Fairfield Leisure Centre, and then eight years with the finance portfolio, during a time when council tax was frozen for six of the eight years.

The new Mayor has spent his career in banking

and finance. For the past thirteen years he led a large consultancy business, first conducting a management buy-out from its American owners, and in 2023 he passed on the company into full employee ownership.

Both Councillor Lloyd and his wife Diane – who will be supporting as Mayoress – were born, educated, and have lived all their married life in Dartford. The couple boast three children and six grandchildren, all of whom live within the Borough.

During their leisure time, Andy and Diane enjoy spending time with their family, socialising with friends, cruise holidays, and modern jive dancing.

The new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Peter Whapshott, who will be joined by his wife Norma as Deputy Mayoress. He is currently serving as a councillor for Brent ward, and is the Armed Forces Champion for the whole of Dartford. Councillor Whapshott has a real passion for military history, and in addition to running a monthly veterans’ breakfast club, he is an ambassador for the Care for Veterans charity, and is the deputy chair for the Dartford and Crayford Sea Cadets.

Revd Charlie Lloyd-Evans of St Mary’s Greenhithe & St Peter and St Paul’s Swanscombe has been appointed as the Mayors Chaplin.

The Mayors Charity Appeal for 2024-25 will support two charities focused on the young people of Dartford: Little Buds Special Care Baby Unit, and Lutonia 2028 Scout Hall Redevelopment.

CHOCOLATE NYC STYLE COOKIES

By Debbie Dickinson from the Little Lavinia Bakery

Super indulgent and chunky, these cookies are delicious and look really impressive. You could swap some of the Chocolate to include fudge pieces or mini marshmallows.

You will need:

120g Unsalted Butter

175g Light Brown Sugar

1 Egg

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

250g Plain Flour

40g Cocoa Powder

1 tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Bicarbonate Of Soda

½ tsp Sea Salt (optional)

300g Chocolate Chips (made up from Milk, Dark & White Chocolate as you wish)

What to do:

Preheat your oven to 170°C Fan/ 190°C and pop a sheet of baking paper onto two baking sheets.

In a large bowl, beat Butter and Sugar together until thick and creamy.

Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract and mix to combine. The mixture will look a little curdled until you begin to add Flour.

Add in the Plain Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder and Bicarbonate of Soda (and Salt if using) and fold until just combined.

Stir through the Chocolate Chips.

You want to only get about 8 cookies from the mixture! So, divide the mixture into balls and place them into the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Place four balls onto each of the prepared baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes. Leave to cool for about 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

TRAVEL DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT – CANADA

By Harden Holidays

Breathtaking natural scenery, unique wildlife, and vibrant, eclectic cities make Canada the perfect destination for a life-enriching trip. There’s something to entice everyone, and experiences to be had like nowhere else in the world. Although its scale is quite something –it’s the world’s second largest country – it’s easy to get around – board a train, hire a car, jump in a motorhome, or fly through the skies in a helicopter; it’s all possible in Canada.

Natural wonders abound

No matter how you explore Canada’s dramatic natural wonders, be it heli-skiing in British Columbia or an easy hike through an alpine meadow, awe and inspiration are within easy reach. Watch the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) from the comfort of a hot tub, get soaked by Niagara Falls, head to a private wine tasting at a nearby winery, and watch grizzly bears on a lake edge.

Cities with a green edge

Canadian cities march to a diverse urban beat. History and architecture blend with a chic sophistication in Montréal and Québec. Vancouver is laid-back and culturally trendy, whilst Toronto offers something for everyone. These are all cities where you can explore museums, galleries and nightclubs, plus enjoy world-class cuisine and theatre. But look again and you’ll also find a wealth of natural beauty and green spaces.

When to travel

Whilst Canada is a year round destination and climates vary from region to region, the shoulder seasons are a fantastic time of year to plan a trip. In late spring and early autumn temperatures are at their most comfortable for exploring the outdoors and wildlife viewing is at its best.

Canada’s top attractions

Canada offers an extraordinary array of activities and attractions found nowhere else on earth. The Vancouver City Tour and Capilano Suspension Bridge gives a unique and exciting insight into the city’s fascinating past.

The Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour gives you the opportunity to board an Ice Explorer to drive across the glittering sheet of ice before experiencing the Glacier Skywalk. The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass is the ultimate way to see Niagara Falls’ most popular attractions including cruises and a walk behind the Falls (avoiding all the queues too).

If it’s wildlife you’re looking for, the Prince of Whales Marine and Wildlife Adventure has you hop aboard the Salish Sea Freedom, a high-speed-custom-built luxury catamaran, for a fully-guided whale watching and wildlife viewing excursion from Vancouver.

Journey through Western Canada with ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Pairing two incredible Canadian cities with an iconic rail journey through the Rocky Mountains. Vancouver offers a distinct blend of breathtaking natural landscapes and urban downtown streets. Explore Jasper National Park, stroll amongst incredible glaciers in Banff, and be astounded by the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Finally, venture through the hybrid of culture, urban living, and nature in Calgary.

Explore Alberta self-drive

Itinerary: Calgary; Canmore; Banff; Lake Louise; Icefields Parkway; Jasper; Edmonton

What better way to explore Canada than at your own pace with a hire car. Arrive in the dynamic city of Calgary and enjoy shops, bars, secret sculpture gardens and cool public spaces. Drive to Banff and make the most of the hiking trails, outdoor activities and wildlife watching opportunities. Head onwards to Lake Louise, nestled in scenic alpine meadows and surrounded by towering peaks.

Continue through the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Moving on to Jasper, explore scenic hiking trails, canoe on glass-clear lakes or board the SkyTram. Finally arrive in Edmonton and find the Art Gallery of Alberta featuring visual arts.

Slide into a Canadian adventure

Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and provides direct service to six continents. Air Canada operates more daily non-stop flights from the UK to Canada than any other airline, with up to 77 flights per week to seven major Canadian cities from London Heathrow; this includes four daily flights to Toronto and two daily flights to Vancouver. Air Canada offers the utmost in comfort, technology, and innovation with an ever-growing fleet of more than 400 aircraft that is one of the youngest, most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly in the world.

Alaska Cruises

To make your trip even more fascinating you can always take a weeklong cruise to Alaska from

Vancouver. As you sail north from Vancouver along the Inside Passage toward Alaska, forests give way to glaciers that calve into icy seas rich with whales and walruses.

Every one of our tours is tailor-made to your requirements, so turn an unforgettable journey into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by combining a spectacular rail journey or fly-drive tour through the Rockies with an Alaska cruise. We offer a wide range of cruise options from cruise lines such as Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as the premium cruise liner Oceania and six-star luxury cruises from Regent Seven Seas and Silversea.

Why not combine the Rocky Mountaineer train with an Alaska Cruise? For all things Canada and unique itineraries, contact Harden Holidays today.

Manchester City have done it again, clinching their fourth consecutive Premier League title with their trademark flair, leaving Arsenal’s valiant effort in the dust. City’s squad, bursting with world-class talent, saw Phil Foden stepping up brilliantly in Kevin de Bruyne’s absence, netting 27 goals and dazzling with his playmaking. Meanwhile, the unshakable Rodri remained a rock in midfield.

Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, had a stellar season too, showing significant improvement from last year. New signing Declan Rice was a gamechanger, and David Raya justified his spot between the posts, outshining Aaron Ramsdale. Kai Havertz also found his groove, becoming a key player. However, the Gunners might need a more dependable striker to push them over the line next season.

Despite the final day’s heartbreak, Arsenal fans can look forward to an even stronger comeback next season. So, while City celebrate yet another triumph, Arsenal’s spirit and progress promise a thrilling chase for the title next year.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

DREAMS

How many of us dream?

Dreams last between five to twenty minutes, although it seems longer. Depending on our outlook, we are either intrigued by them or assume it is our brains’ way of sorting out our thoughts and experiences.

Let’s get the scientific bit out of the way first: according to Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, among others, “dream content reflects the dreamers’ unconscious desires”.

All well and good, but I’d like to take issue with these esteemed gentlemen.

I dream quite frequently. I dream in colour, experience voices and sensations such as touch. However, I do not have an unconscious desire to experience unfamiliar places, time changes, or reliving my schooldays, which I also do.

The past few weeks, I made a conscious choice to try and recall dreams. Some have been downright odd, taking me back to the 1980s putting me in a situation where I worked for an international bank (more of a nightmare, really). One placed me in a furniture shop, arguing about tables! Another featured a chance meeting with the Offsprings’ old head teacher! A further involved a quiet dinner with a minor TV character. Those are the dreams I can recall. None of them reflect an unconscious desire!

I also have a specific recurring dream where I am at a table in a crowded restaurant and can see my father at the bar. I call out, wave, stand up but to no avail. He simply never looks my way or acknowledges me at all. I often have a , quiet and reflective day afterwards, thinking about him.

I’ve tried to rationalise it by assuming it’s dad’s way of telling me he’s gone. In order not to overthink this, I can only assume I am

processing the trauma of losing him; if this is the case, the few glimpses I get of him are more than welcome.

It was this which prompted me to delve into the subject of dreams. The varying explanations I read seemed to share my idea that I am working through some unresolved issues or processing trauma.

It is a fascinating subject, and far more complex than I realised. There are many types of dreams: lucid, recurring, false awakening dreams, prophetic and healing dreams to name a few. Also, there appears to be a shared experience: many of us have dreamed of falling or being chased.

Day dreaming is an activity we all take part in, usually when we’re supposed to be engaged in something else. We may look ‘zoned out’, or ‘far away’. When we become aware that we’ve been day dreaming, we frequently feel uplifted and calm, almost like having a mini break from the routine of the day.

The downside of dreams are nightmares. There is often no rhyme or reason to why we have these disturbing dreams. Suffice to say, they can leave us feeling fearful, exhausted, and sometimes afraid to go back to sleep.

Hollywood produced some films about dreams, usually targeting the more uncomfortable side of sleep. There is The Wizard of Oz, with the terrifying Flying Monkeys, or Inception with its multi layers of sequences. Also, consider The Matrix or Vanilla Sky!

There is so much information about dreaming, including medical, historical, and religious views.

There are books about interpretation of dreams, both scientific and esoteric. Some give deep meanings of symbolism, desire and may link into alternative views such as the fairy world or provide a link to a gateway of a parallel world. Given the sheer number of interpretations. I’m rather glad I only have to deal with buying furniture or meeting the head teacher. At least I knew him!

Sleep well people.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ONE PAINT SPLATTER AT A TIME! JOIN MESSY DASH WITH WE ARE BEAMS!

Join the colourful chaos and cover yourself in glorious gunge at Messy Dash, a brand new fundraising event hosted by We Are Beams.

Fabulous fun for all the family, with every splatter and every giggle raising money for disabled children and their families.

Taking place on Sunday 7th July at Dartford Central Park and fully accessible to everyone, participants can toddle, walk, run or jog around the vibrant multi-coloured 2.5 k route. The course is super family friendly and wheelchair accessible too.

There will be messy mayhem at every kilometre, from slime stations and glitter showers so the finish line is a sparkle of glitter and colour! You will even receive a Messy Dash medal for your participation.

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting disabled children and their families through the charity’s vital care support services including Family Advice, Respite Care and Summer Play Schemes.

One family that will be taking part in the event is Kerrie’s. The charity provides essential support for her son Ewan, who has ASD, ADHD, OCD, and a severe learning disability. Beams offers

Ewan fun days out, overnight respite care, and invaluable advice and support services for the family.

Kerrie explains why she chooses to fundraise for Beams,:

“Knowing Ewan is safe and having a great time at Beams gives me peace of mind, Beams provides experiences most children take for granted, like days out and independence that Ewan wouldn’t otherwise have. They help him reach his full potential.

This is why I choose to raise funds for Beams so Ewan and other children can continue receiving the invaluable support”

The charity supports over 450 families every step of the way through the unique challenges of raising a disabled child. Based in Hextable, the disabled children and young people who access Beams services will typically have one or multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD.

Sign up for the Messy Dash today and let the colourful chaos begin!

The event is kindly sponsored by Dartford Borough Council, Magrock, Bell Group and Dartford Living.

Event Details

Sunday 7th July

Address: Dartford Central Park, Central Park, Dartford, Kent DA1 1JP

Time: Event opens at 9.30am, and the run starts at 10am

Cost:

£15 – Adults

£12 – Child 12-17yrs

£8 – Child 11 and under

£40 – Family (2 adults and 2 children)

To enter please visit www.wearebeams.org.uk/ events-challenges/

USED SPORTS CARS ON

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we will look at used sports cars which should be fun to drive and of great value.

Audi TT Roadster – its sharp and nimble to drive with a strong engine line-up going from 178bhp to a potent 395bhp. The TT is comfortable and a class leader for interior quality with a decent amount of space on offer. The used prices are reasonable across the board – an example of a 2019 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI S line, 44,580 miles, for £20,980.

Porsche Cayman Coupé – a great driving experience this comes top of the Porsche sports car range with it being lighter, having a stiffer structure for better handling and more

comfortable also. The Cayman is also slightly more practical and offers very good balanced and engaging handling, precise steering with a choice of 6 engines. An example is a 2016 Porsche Cayman S, 59,300 miles, for £32,950

Mazda MX-5 – sticking to the principles of the first ever MX-5 in 1989 it continues to be light, compact and playful to drive. It has a larger engine now with a 2.0-litre 181bhp which is more than enough to explore the car’s capabilities. That means you can have a lot of fun at even modest speeds. A good example is a 2018 Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] GT Sport Nav+, 46,000 miles priced at £11,995.

Audi TT Roadster Mazda MX-5

Porsche Cayman Coupé

WHAT’S ON AT ORCHARD WEST

DYING MATTERS

It’s one of the certainties of life, but dying is a topic we find difficult to talk about. None of us want to think about getting ill or dying. It brings up so many emotions that we want to shy away from it. Talking about dying, before you need to, can give us the time and space to have this difficult but important conversation about our fears and wishes around dying.

How to start the conversation

Research tells us that older people are more likely to talk about death and dying with their friends than their family. Younger people are less likely to start the conversation and more likely to shut the conversation down. Sometimes, the opportunity arises, due to a terminal diagnosis or the death of someone near. Or you may need to plan the time and place. You may want to have lots of little conversations rather than one big one.

You may be worried about lots of things from who will take care of your dependents when you are gone, what treatment you want or don’t want through to who will inherit specific possessions. It’s likely if you are thinking about these issues, others are too but just haven’t shown it. Don’t worry about the conversation becoming emotional, speak about what matters to you.

What will the end look like?

Everyone is unique and dying will be different for everyone. However, there are some things that are common to everyone.

• It is normal for people to eat and drink little as they approach the end of life. It is also normal for us to worry about our loved ones becoming dehydrated. However, the body becomes unable to process food and drink, and even fluids given by a drip. Good mouth care, keeping the lips and mouth moist, will be enough to keep them comfortable.

• People dying spend more and more time asleep than awake. They may make noises or movements, such as pulling at bed clothes.

By Dr Julie Taylor

They may seem confused when they wake. This is because of slowing down of metabolism including oxygen supply to the brain.

• You may notice changes to the colour or temperature of the skin and blood is diverted to the essential organs.

• Breathing patterns often change and may become irregular. You may hear them snore or the noise of secretions ‘the death rattle’. This is not disturbing them, but may upset those around them.

Three things to plan before you die

1. Make a will. If you don’t have one, your money and possessions will be distributed according to a set of rules rather than your wishes. You can write a will yourself, but it is better to use a solicitor to check what you have written.

2. Make a funeral plan. Your wishes can be included in your will or you can make arrangements in advance with the help of a funeral director.

3. Start planning for your future care and support. None of us know what will happen in the future, but if you are unable to make decisions about your care how will others know your wishes? Do you want to appoint someone to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so (Lasting Power of Attorney)? Are there any treatments you would refuse? Is there a particular place you would like to spend your last days? When you have thought about these things, communicate your wishes with your loved ones.

Let’s talk

Talking about death doesn’t bring death closer. It’s about planning for living and making the most of the time we have left.

DR

JULIE

TAYLOR IS A GP PARTNER AND TRAINER AT THE WELLCOME PRACTICE AND THE PRIMARY CARE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR DARTFORD GRAVESHAM AND SWANLEY HEALTH AND CARE PARTNERSHIP.

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ELDERLY PARENTS WELL AT HOME

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead

We’ve all heard the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’. As experts in elderly care we understand the importance of keeping loved ones safe and well in their own homes.

We are often called in when a family is at crisis point due to a family member’s health deteriorating. Sometimes a health issue is unavoidable, but in many cases prevention and/or early intervention can avoid a difficult situation.

It’s important not to view any deterioration in someone’s general health as simply ‘getting old’. Inactivity, missed GP appointments, signs of depression, problems with meal preparation, a poor appetite or weight loss as well as slips, trips and falls are all warning signs that require attention.

Doctor’s orders

It’s important to go to the doctor regularly as well as keeping up with other check-ups such as hearing and eyesight. We advise maintaining a calendar, so they don’t miss regular and annual appointments. Planning ahead to ensure they are able to get to the appointments is also advisable.

Taking the right medication at the right time can be confusing – particularly if your family member is living with dementia. It’s important to have a system that ensures they are keeping up to date with medication.

Keep physically and mentally

active

Encourage activity! With warmer weather now upon us, encourage simple exercise such as short walks. An activity such as gardening, which is great for both body and soul, can help to maintain muscle and flexibility as well as releasing stress.

Maintain a healthy diet

Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – the latest advice is to ‘eat

the colours of the rainbow’ which is a fun way of keeping on track. Choose wholegrain options when it comes to bread, include oily fish in your diet each week and cut down on sugary snacks.

Keep hydrated

This is possibly one of the easiest ways to maintain wellbeing. Did you know that water makes up 60-75% of our body weight? It’s really important to keep hydrated as it is involved in many important functions including regulating body temperature and helping our brains to function as well as helping to prevent constipation. Experts recommend around 1.2 litres daily which is 6-8 glasses.

Companionship

Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health. We all know how good it is to talk and spend time with likeminded individuals. Encourage your loved one to take part in local activities such as craft clubs, having a cuppa with a neighbour or joining one of the many community-run social groups. Knowing what to look out for can really help to avoid health issues. Our team is on hand to offer help and advice, including signposting to local organisations and groups.

We’d love to hear from you if you would like to make a suggestion for a future topic. Please write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford. homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322 923750.

‘THE TIME OF OUR LIVES’ – THE ULTIMATE 80’S MIX TAPE!

Saturday 15th June 24 - 7.30pm www.themickjaggercentre.com/The-Time-Of-Our-Lives/

Travel back in time to the electric 80’s! An era of memorable movies and timeless tunes! Relive the soundtrack of a generation as ‘The Time of Our Lives’ brings you a cocktail of the BEST 80’s music and movie soundtracks! With charts hits including ‘Club Tropicana’, ‘Rio’, ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’, ‘Relax’, ‘Little Respect’ to name a few! Grab the popcorn and sing along to the unforgettable classics from ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Footloose’, ‘Top Gun’, ‘Dirty Dancing’ and more! This really is the dream 80’s mix tape!

Question: Club Tropicana was a hit song for which highly successful pop act of the 80’s?

A) BAM B) WHAM C) SPAM

Email competition@dartfordliving.com by the 10th June to be in with a chance of winning.

RULES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone or email by the Mick Jagger Centre, within 3 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 7.. All entries will be added to the Dartford Living mailing list to receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Please state when you enter the competition if you don’t wish to be added

DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY

THE DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY presents it’s final concert of the season on the 22nd of June at Christ Church, Cross Road, Dartford. Tickets are ten pounds on the door and the performance begins at 7.30 pm. The music features a grand selection from the works of Verdi, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and others. This time we are singing in support of the ELLENOR HOSPICE, whose work is largely dependent on public subscription, so please come and swell the audience in support of this great cause together with Dartford’s oldest choir!

If you enjoy singing, why not join us? Find us at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. Rehearsals for the new season begin mid September. Just turn up to a warm welcome.

For more information please visit our website - www.dartfordchoral.org.uk - or contact the Chairman, Pat Everington, Tel: 01322 220124.

LOCAL CHARITY PROVIDING EXTRAORDINARY CARE FOR EXTRAORDINARY CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS OR LIFE-LIMITING CONDITIONS

Demelza is a local charity providing extraordinary care for extraordinary children with serious or life-limiting conditions, from first diagnosis and for as long as we’re needed. Part of this work is our practical support service, which helps families manage the day-to-day practical considerations that come with having a child with complex needs – as Mo, mum to Teni, shares:

“Teni, my beautiful, strong-willed daughter, was born prematurely after an emergency C-section in Tunbridge Wells. She was almost immediately transferred to the Oliver Fisher Baby Care unit in the Medway Maritime Hospital.

I really struggled. I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, but the bus ride to the hospital took an hour and a half each way, while a taxi there and back would be £120. It’s just my husband Tito and me, and we couldn’t manage that every day.

Thankfully, Demelza was there for us. When we

were referred, I was nervous – I thought, ‘Teni is premature, but she’s healthy; she doesn’t need a hospice!’ I had no idea the kind of support they could offer.

Their practical support drivers were amazing, providing me with free transport to and from the hospital; nothing was too much trouble. They were so respectful of me as a person, whether I was struggling one day and needed to keep to myself or having a better day and wanted a chat.

We’re so grateful that they were there when we needed them in those first weeks.”

It isn’t just driving either; Demelza’s practical support team can help with any of those jobs that take up time in a family’s life, enabling them to spend more precious time together as a family. From painting bedrooms to building furniture, from mowing the lawn to hanging up the laundry – our amazing volunteers put their time towards removing those little stresses.

“The families we support at Demelza have often had their lives turned upside down,” shares Howard, one of our practical support volunteers. “They’re going through something totally unimaginable. Half a day’s driving is nothing compared to the difference you’re going to make to that family; we’re privileged to do it.”

Demelza supports families across Kent, East Sussex, and South East London and we always need more practical support volunteers to help us provide this invaluable service. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, a mop or a lawnmower or you like to drive, and if you have even a few hours free every week you can enquire about becoming a practical support volunteer by visiting demelza.org.uk/support-us/volunteer or scanning the QR code.

You can visit our amazing team of Hygienists without seeing a Dentist first?

For the month of June, you can get £20 off your first Direct Access Hygienist appointment. This means you pay £70, instead of our usual price, £90

Please call 01322 223 927 quoting DAJUNE24, alternatively book

ADVERTISERS INDEX

ACCOUNTS, BUSINESS, FINANCE AND LEGAL

Downton & Ali Associates

Urban Sticks

CARE PROVIDERS

Avante Care

Home Instead

CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS

Dartford Foodbank

Demelza

ellenor

ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS

Bricks4cash

Fox Estates

Gary Lintorn

FLORISTS

Dartford Florist

GARAGES/VEHICLE SERVICES

Orchard Garage

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Dartford Council Walk and Talk

Dartford Road Dental

Randox

Slimming World

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ CLEANING

A Baines

Double Glazing Repair Man

Steve Cook

Zero Dry Time

The Mick Jagger Centre

Yamato Damashii

PARENT AND TODDLER

Baby Sign

Hartbeeps

Little Learners

Music Maestros

PRINTERS

Darenth Print and Design

RESTAURANTS, CAFES, FOOD OUTLETS

Cadiz Tapas Bar

Efes Turkish Restaurant

Growler Stop

Subway Time and Plaice

RETAIL

Bradleys Jewellers

Craft Frames

THINKING OF ADVERTISING?

We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £37.50 for a month. We don’t just take your money and add you to the magazine. We want to work with you to promote your businesses as much as we can using our website and social media channels for maximum exposure. We can also provide advertising options solely online on your website and/ or social media channels. We feel we have every base covered.

To book in an advert call 01322 507817 or email sales@ dartfordliving.com

David Shafford Magazine/ Website Design

Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups

Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)

Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)

Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Tuesdays 12.30pm

Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am (St Mary’s Church)

Stone Pavilion Walk - Thursdays 9:30am

Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am (War Memorial)

Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am (Castle Hill Community Centre)

• Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders

• Short social walks that last around an hour

• No need to book - just turn up

• Any age and ability welcome

For more details including starting points please contact the One You Kent team call 01322 343067 or email oneyou@dartford.gov.uk

• Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence

• Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear