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WORLD GARDEN 2022 EVENTS

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MAKING MIRACLES

MAKING MIRACLES

LULLINGSTONE CASTLE AND THE WORLD GARDEN 2022 EVENTS

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. A historic family mansion frequented by Henry VIII and Queen Anne. It is also home to the UK’s first ever ‘World Garden of Plants’, containing some 8,000 plant species, cultivars and hybrids planted in their respective countries of origin, the vision of modern-day plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke.

2022 events

• Easter Egg Quiz –16th, 17th, 18th April - 11am – 5pm • Medieval Weekend –28th & 29th May - 11am - 5pm • National Garden Scheme – 19th June - 11am - 5pm • Lullingstone Craft & Quilt Festival – 15th, 16th, 17th July - 10.30am – 4.30pm • The Secret Garden Live – 27th July – 2.30pm • Plant Hunters Weekend – 27th, 28th, 29th August - 11am - 5pm • Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado – 7th September – 2.30pm • Eynsford Concert Band – Summer Concert & Garden Party – 18th September – 3pm • Mexican Celebration Weekend – ‘Cactus at the Castle’ - 24th & 25th September – 11am - 5pm • Halloween Magic – 30th October – 11am - 6pm Medieval Weekend – 28th & 29th May - 11am - 5pm The popular Medieval weekend returns for 2022. Don’t miss the transformation of Lullingstone into a magical medieval village, a chance to step back in time to experience the authentic sights and sounds. There will be ‘living history’ displays including live firing of cannons and mock battles, as well as character dress, tents and medieval weapons, courtesy of the remarkable Woodvilles medieval re-enactment group. Lullingstone Craft & Quilt Festival – 15th, 16th, 17th July – 10.30am – 4.30pm We are delighted to welcome Region 2 of The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles to Lullingstone Castle for our Quilt and Craft festival, a wonderful celebration of craftsmanship from across Kent, Sussex and Surrey organised by the Region 2 Quilters’ Guild.

Visitors will enjoy over 40 artisan craft stalls and be able to admire over a 100 stunning quilt and patchwork exhibits created by the talented local members. There is an opportunity to immerse yourself in all things crafty with a variety of demonstrations in quilting, lacemaking, spinning, weaving and embroidery, plus there will be workshops where you can ‘Make and Take’.

Mexican Celebration Weekend – ‘Cactus at the Castle’ – 24th & 25th September – 11am – 5pm Returning for 2022 is the popular Mexican celebration weekend, teaming up with the British Cactus & Succulent Society to host ‘Cactus at the Castle’. Tom Hart Dyke will lead two FREE guided tours of the World Garden including Mexico and the Cactus houses at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Visitors will also be able to browse around an array of plant stalls from leading nurseries and growers with cacti and Mexican plants, as well as specialist advice. Darren Everest Dahlias will be here with a pop up plant sale and stunning Dahlia displays to admire too!

Lullingstone Castle & World Garden - Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JA | Telephone: 01322 862114 www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk Facebook - LullingstoneWorldGarden Twitter - @lullingstone Instagram - @lullingstonecastle

MONDAYS

British Legion Hall Devon Road,South Darenth Da4 9ab 9.30am Sarah 07739 027161

VCD Sports Club Old Road,Crayford Da1 4dn 9.30am & 11am Sue 07507 599691

Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road,Dartford Da1 6jz 3.30pm,5.30pm & 7pm Paula 07891 424401

Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane, Dartford Da1 2sw 5.30pm & 7pm Kate 07590 995948

Longfield Community Centre Fawkham Road,Longfield Da3 7qp 9.30am,11am,12.30,4pm,5.30pm & 7pm Lynsey 07764 191073

TUESDAYS

Greenhithe British Legion London Road,Greenhithe Da9 9ej 10.30am Paula 07891 424401

Geddes Place Church (Behind Nandos) Bexleyheath Da6 7dj 9.30am Adam 07730 405313

St.John the Evangelist Park hill Road,Bexley Da5 1hx 5.30pm & 7pm Adam 07730 405313

St.Anselms Parish Centre West Hill,Dartford Da1 2hj 9.30am Gillian 07957 135737

Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane,Dartford Da1 2sw 5.30pm & 7pm Kate 07950 995948

WEDNESDAYS

St.Edmunds Church St.Edmunds Road, Dartford Da1 5nd 9.30am,3.30pm,5.30pm & 7pm Bex 07494 813497

St.Peters Church College Road,Hextable Br8 7rh 5.30pm & 7.30pm Kelly 07904 759587

VCD Sports Club Old Road, Crayford Da1 4dn 7.30am,9am & 10.30am Liz 07900 213548

VCD Sports Club Old Road, Crayford Da1 4dn 5.30pm & 7pm Jo 07920 851475

THURSDAYS

St.Peters Church College Road, Hextable Br8 7hr 9.30am Kelly 07904 759587

Greenhithe British Legion London Road, Greenhithe Da9 9ej 5.30pm & 7pm Paula 07891 424401 St.Anselms Parish Centre West Hill,Dartford Da1 2hj 5pm & 7pm Gillian 07957 135757

Baldwyns Park Baptist Church Dartford Road, Bexley Da5 2ay 5.30pm & 7pm Del 07975 541082

FRIDAYS

Bexley Football Club Lesley Close, Bexley Da5 1lx 9am Del 07975 541082

SATURDAYS

Christchurch Centre Kingswood Avenue, Swanley 8.45am David 07729 504636

Oakfield Primary Academy Oakfield Lane, Dartford Da1 2sw 8am & 10am Sarah 07739 027161

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McQueen’s Pharmacy Blood Pressure Service

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of premature death in England, affecting seven million people. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is the biggest risk factor for CVD and is one of the top five risk factors for all premature death and disability in England.

Monitoring your Blood Pressure regularly, either, at home or by a health care professional, increases the detection of hypertension within local populations and is beneficial to those people who do not routinely see their GP or use other NHS services. Eligibility Criteria: - Adults aged 40 years and over - No previous or current confirmed diagnosis of hypertension - Adults referred by their GP for either Clinic or Ambulatory Blood Pressure checks

In view of this, the NHS has commissioned a FREE blood pressure check service, accessible to adults 40 years and over, by visiting their local community pharmacy.

McQueen’s Pharmacy, Dartford is a provider of the service. Adults aged 40 years and over with no previous or current confirmed diagnosis of hypertension are eligible to access the service free-of-charge and are encouraged to either walk-in for a blood pressure check or alternatively book an appointment (preferred). The service is run Monday to Friday and is available to all adults that meet the criteria, irrespective of geographical location. During the appointment, the pulse is measured and checked for any irregularities and a set of four blood pressure readings are taken. Depending on the findings, a referral is made to the GP on the same day to confirm diagnosis or patients are fitted with an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) which measures the blood pressure over a 24-hour period in the convenience of the patient’s home. In addition, advice is provided for maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the aim of encouraging healthy behaviours. The appointment lasts approximately 15 - 20 minutes which, in the grand scheme of things, is a small portion of your day to ensure you’re not at risk of cardiovascular disease.

McQueen’s Pharmacy is an independent, family run community pharmacy that serves Dartford and the surrounding areas of Bexley, Bexleyheath, Crayford, Joydens Wood and Wilmington. Our aim is to provide the best care and service around the needs of our patients. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how crucial a community pharmacy is for offering health advice and services when access to GP Practices was limited. We offer NHS Services like Emergency Contraception, Health Checks, Blood Pressure Checks, Flu Vaccination as well as private services like Erectile Dysfunction, Anti-Malarials and MedicSpot. All people are welcome as no problem is too small or big. Let us help you!

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

- Adults aged 40 years and over - No previous or current confirmed

diagnosis of hypertension - Adults referred by their GP for either

Clinic or Ambulatory Blood Pressure

checks

Delivering your prescriptions free directly to you We collect prescriptions from all surgeries

Business Unit 3, Maplehurst Close

Dartford, DA2 7WX (Next to Londis and Dennis of Bexley)

Connect with and manage for you and Call: 01322 310 862 Web: www.mcqueenspharmac

Delivering your prescriptions free directly to you

We collect prescriptions from all surgeries

Business Unit 3, Maplehurst Close Dartford, DA2 7WX

(Next to Londis and Dennis of Bexley) Connect with McQueen's and manage prescriptions for you and your family.

THE JOYS OF SUPPLY TEACHING

Working on a Supply contract at a school as a Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Nursery Nurse or a member of the SEN Team, is a brilliant alternative to a permanent role.

You will still gain all the joy and rewards of working with amazing children in a Primary School setting, without the responsibilities and stress of a permanent teaching position.

Leaving the stress and long hours of lesson planning and staff meetings behind, Supply teaching offers huge advantages, whether you are new to the industry, have worked in it for years, or you are retired.

FIND YOUR STYLE For NQTs or anyone new to the education industry, Supply Teaching is a great way to sample the job before you commit to that important induction year. Supply teaching offers you the chance to work in as many different schools as you like. You can learn from new colleagues and experience a wide variety of classroom settings. This provides great insight, which can enhance your CV and help you choose the role you would like on a permanent basis in the future.

If you are retired, and you are missing teaching, it’s a great way to dip your toes back in and share your wealth of knowledge and experience with new students and teaching staff. You can regain that important feeling of achievement and continue to make a difference in children’s lives, while still enjoying a part-time retirement!

BALANCE IS EVERYTHING Supply teaching comes with great flexibility. You can choose when you work, when you take your holidays and when you want a break. Selecting your days off will contribute to a better work-life balance, combining your teaching career with your home, social and family commitments.

TAKE AWAY THAT STRESS Being a Supply Teacher means you don’t always need to manage certain tasks such as lesson planning, assessments, paperwork, and parents’ meetings. These elements take up precious time and eat into your evenings and weekends.

TAKE THEM BY SURPRISE To start with, the children aren’t familiar with you, so you have an excellent opportunity to take them by surprise and do something different to capture their interest. These memorable moments give you the upper hand and enables you to capture their attention, make an impact on their learning and build connections. Especially if this is a long-term placement.

FIND YOUR STYLE Supply Teaching provides an opportunity to enhance and develop your teaching style. Working in different schools, with new groups of students, meeting new Teachers and Head Teachers will provide you so much valuable experience while discovering new teaching methods and school processes. You will identify approaches that will shape your career and enable you to become the very best Teacher or Teaching Assistant.

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS Through Supply Teaching you may find your dream job! If you find the school you love, a class that truly inspires you and the teaching team you can see yourself working with long term, there is usually a very high chance that the school will want you too, and a permanent role can be found.

If you are looking to start your career in Education or are looking for a new Teaching role or Teaching Assistant role in Dartford or the surrounding towns, please get in touch with Gain Education today: 01322 589181 info@gaineducation.co.uk www.gaineducation.co.uk

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by Harden Holidays

Beaches, sunshine, entertainment – Dubai has it all. It’s no wonder they’ve been named TripAdvisor’s top destination in the world for 2022! We are seeing and feeling the love for Dubai here at Harden Holidays – there is a significant jump in bookings for Dubai for Feb/Mar/Apr and then again for Oct/ Nov/Dec. With Feb and Oct half terms being the most popular time of year to travel.

Once a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is today one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the city is home to nearly 200 nationalities and offers an unforgettable experience to all visitors. Whether it is by the banks of the Creek, or at the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai lives and breathes a sense of possibility and innovation. And with an unparalleled coastline, beautiful desert and magnificent cityscapes, memories are just waiting to be made here.

Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, food, shopping or relaxation – you’ll find it in Dubai. A city that’s made for bucket lists, Dubai has an incredible array of memorable experiences for every explorer. Discover the latest family hotspots, treat yourself to an award-winning spa ritual, unearth centuries-old history, savour new cuisines, or simply spend the day at the best Dubai attractions under the sun.

If you are new to Dubai – here are the top 5 attractions you don’t want to miss: 1. Burj Khalifa and Downtown - Start the trip with a guided tour of the fashionable Downtown district. You can get an insights into the construction of some of the city’s iconic buildings such as one of the world’s largest shopping malls - the Dubai Mall, the charming retail and restaurant cluster Souk Al Bahar, and the iconic Dubai Opera. Of course, you cannot leave Dubai without visiting the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa. Go up to the viewing deck on the 125th floor and enjoy the breath-taking views from the top of the world.

2. Traditional souks – if you are seeking a special gifts to bring home, Dubai’s souks offer a sensory shopping experience with a kaleidoscope of

colourful raw cotton and silk fabrics, traditional handicrafts including metal, ceramics and glasswork, aromatic spices and natural fragrances. Many are located on the banks of the Dubai Creek, meaning you can combine the experience with a trip by ‘abra’, Dubai’s traditional water taxis. The souks represent Dubai’s history as a trading point along the ancient Silk Road, with goods such as patterned fabrics imported from India, spices at the Dubai Spice Souk, and row-upon-row of precious metal traders at the Gold Souk.

3. Desert safaris - An excursion to the Arabian desert is a unique and special experience that offers respite from time spent in the confines of a conference venue. A range of itineraries are available, from a short desert drive to an overnight Bedouin camping trip, with traditional Arabian food and entertainment under the stars. Other options include a camel trek, wildlife safari, a hot air balloon ride and a sunset drive.

4. Night dhow dinner cruises - A unique cruise combining views of the Creek and Arabian cuisine. A host of companies offer dinner cruises on a wooden ‘dhow’ at a range of prices. The dhow is the traditional vessel that sailed the ancient silk route and which still carries goods across the Indian Ocean today. The two-hour experience gives you a stunning night-time views of the city as the boat cruises lazily along the Dubai Creek. 5. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood - The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood sits on the banks of the Dubai Creek, close to the souks, and provides a captivating insight into traditional Arabian life. Buildings constructed in the traditional 19th century style in stone and wood house art galleries, museums and cultural exhibits. A must-visit within the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood is the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Under the banner ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’, the Centre aims to break down cultural barriers and promote an understanding of Arabian culture amongst both expatriate residents and visitors. Tours include an Emirati breakfast or dinner on Emirati-style carpets and pillows, a walking tour around the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood and the chance to sit back and ask your questions to a knowledgeable local host.

We can’t talk about Dubai and not mention Dubai EXPO 2020, that sadly finished at the end of the month. The opportunity during the 182 days to collaborate, innovate and marvel at what humanity can accomplish together has been tremendous. Emirate Airlines are offering free one day passes for all visitors travelling with them. Make sure you get yours if you travel in March. Find out more at https://www.expo2020dubai.com/, even if you can’t go it is worth a virtual visit.

For all things Dubai and book your next Arabian adventure in the sun – contact Harden Holidays today.

Dartford Town Centre

www.hardenholidays.co.uk 0800 023 8974

Listen to Your Local Hospital Radio Station.

On line at Valleyparkradio.org.uk www.liveradio.uk, search Valley Park Radio

studio@valleyparkradio.org.uk 01322428362

#morethanhospitalradio #welovedartford

Winning the gold medal for 2 - 7 year olds

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Gravesend (Saturdays) New Ash Green (Sundays) Dartford (Sundays) Contact: Coach Belle www.miniathletics.com E: bflannagan@miniathletics.com M: 07805 127028Join the fun!

Kell Brook sensationally beat Amir Khan in the sixth round, with the referee stopping the contest, to settle one of the most bitter and long-running feuds in British boxing.

A packed-out crowd witnessed a demolition job from Brook, who showcased timing and power to win in emphatic fashion. A fight which had been in the making for over 17 years - with the two former world champions having traded words but never punches - ended with Khan and Brook embracing.

The thrilling encounter might mark the end of both men’s fighting careers, with Brook admitting that, although he felt he was back in top form, retirement was on his mind.

Khan admitted after the sixth defeat of his career that he had struggled to switch on during the fight. career of which he, his loved ones, and fans of British boxing can be proud.

The manner of his previous defeats - all vicious, stomach-churning knockouts - often made Khan, and the theoretical fragility of his chin, the butt of jokes among boxing fans. But his talent, achievements and impact on the sport surpass that of most boxers.

Khan is a fighter who single-handedly carried the torch for Team GB’s boxing squad at the 2004 Olympics, winning silver in Athens.

Sporting events in March include: 4-13 March - Winter Paralympics, Beijing 4 March-3 April - Cricket - Women’s ODI World Cup, New Zealand 24 March - Football - World Cup European qualification semi-finals: Wales v Austria, Scotland v Ukraine 15-18th March – Horse Racing - Cheltenham Festival, Cheltenham 20 March – Formula 1 - Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit,

DARTFORD GIVING OPEN SPACES VOLUNTEERING

As we enter into Spring, we’re lucky enough to have some beautiful woodlands and country parks right on our doorstep, where we can fully appreciate the longer days out in the fresh air. As amazing as nature is, sometimes these areas need some help from us humans, and this is where you can get involved – volunteering in the country parks, woodlands or heath nearby.

Open spaces volunteering “What is it?” Many public outdoor spaces are simply too big for the staff to maintain by themselves, so they rely on a team of volunteers who help out with various tasks from tree cutting to fence building, weed pulling to seed planting.

“Would I enjoy it?” If you consider yourself to be somewhat green-fingered or just have a desire to help our natural environment, then yes.

“What would I get out of it?” You’ll get the opportunity to spend more time outdoors (which has big benefits for mental health), learn more about the local wildlife and, depending what tasks you do, potentially improve your physical fitness too. You will also get to meet like-minded people – some groups are very sociable and go for a drink afterwards, but you can always opt out or choose the more solitary tasks if you want some alone time with nature.

“How much time do I need for it?” This is a pretty flexible role. Many meet-ups are either weekly or fortnightly, but there is no pressure to attend every session, although giving the organiser a heads-up would be appreciated to help them plan the day’s tasks. Sessions typically last about 3-4 hours, but again this isn’t set in stone.

“Are there any requirements?” None at all!

“Anything else I need to know?” Any equipment required is provided to you, including gloves.

“This sounds great, how do I get involved?” Details of volunteering at Dartford Heath (every Tuesday) and Darenth Country Park (every Thursday) can be found on the Dartford Council website, and the Woodlands Trust runs a volunteer group to maintain Joyden’s Wood, which meets every Wednesday. Therefore if you’re very keen you can join my dad by volunteering three days a week! It’s worth checking the notice boards in your local country park for details of any other volunteer groups too. If you don’t fancy parks, heaths and woods, there are similar groups that work to maintain waterways – it’s worth a Google search if you’re interested.

If you have any questions, feel free to email kate@dartfordliving.com. Happy volunteering!

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

Roger Daltrey once sang ‘...hope I die before I got old…’ He was so wrong.

Greetings to all .

I’ve just spent a few days away in Bristol. It was Youngest Offspring’s birthday, so I went to help him celebrate with dinner and a few days sightseeing.

All was going swimmingly until I fell over. I was in Bath, full of ‘olde worlde’ cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. I had my face mask on (pre Boris’s permission to cease) and had just left a café after a coffee and a rather nice carrot cake. Busy chatting, as usual, I totally misjudged the kerb and ended up falling forwards on my knees.

The good folk of that city crowded around and got me back on my feet, shaken but mobile. Youngest Offspring was quiet for a while… too quiet. He finally put into words his concerns. Apparently, I am getting too old! I need to be more observant of my surroundings, and more aware of my physical shortcomings.

I was fully prepared to defend the Silver Surfer outlook on life yet his comments were not nasty or unkind – just very true.

I am in my late sixties, yet after retiring a few years ago, I’m busier than ever. Retirement opened a brand-new world for me. My time is my own, and I fill it doing the things I’d previously put off; I read, go to the theatre, and have become a jigsaw junkie. I’m busy with pet projects including writing and volunteering for an animal welfare charity. I joined a slimming group and lost over four stone. I take off for a few days break when I feel like it. I enjoy occasional dog walks with Eldest Offspring, and meeting up with old and new friends.

I enjoy leisurely lunches with friends where we talk about holidays, hobbies and books or any other topic we fancy. I go home and boot up Spotify where I listen to my choices – whether it be the Eagles, Adele, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC or George Ezra.

The point is that in my head, I’m still twenty five! Happy to sleep on the floor when staying with friends, still listening to loud rock music, enjoying low brow films and sitting round the table talking politics till gone midnight.

The down side to is that I’m in denial about the brain/body relationship.

Air guitar is a thing of the past – my shoulders ache. Going upstairs hard work, I can’t kneel on the floor to do a jigsaw and I need a couple of paracetamol before I even think of getting out of bed. I need lists for everything yet I still manage to forget things. I love driving but have become the white haired old lady doing a respectable 50 mph. When doing the Bristol run M25/M4/M32, I need the ‘tea and wee’ stops more frequently. I was invited to go wild swimming last summer;

I mentioned it to a close friend who looked at me askance. ‘Is that really a good idea? What about your Raynauds? You need to take care of yourself.’ My desire to try ice skating is held in check by the fear of breaking a leg. I would still love to go horse riding but am wary of finding an animal docile and thoughtful enough to put up with me on its back.

I’m looking at house buying. Eldest Offspring gently explained how much things had changed since I moved out of London some 30 years ago. My points of reference for such things are indeed many decades out of date, whether it be moving, working or technology. I was taught programming on a word processor using mag cards. I’d be interested to hear how many of you even know what a mag card is.

All is not lost though. I can still get away with jeans and drift around the house in a kaftan. Fashion is far more accessible whatever age you are. Whether it is Primark chic, Marks and Spencer or an online retailer, we are spoiled for choice and there are no hard and fast rules for what is deemed suitable for the older woman. My mother’s generation would never have worn jeans or leggings. It wasn’t proper!

No more weekly wash and set – which left the hair as stiff as a meringue which weirdly nevA friend sent me a meme last week: don’t worry about getting old – worry about thinking old. It sums up an attitude all older people should adopt and enjoy.

I have made allowances for this aged body – I have a hearing aid if needed, and a walking stick (for uneven ground only). I have purchased some thermal socks and thank Asda for their range of colourful camis. I have a wardrobe of gloves and scarfs suitable for the coldest day. I test my blood pressure, take my tablets, and eat as healthily as I can. I’m doing my bit to remain mobile, alert, and active.

I need more sleep and have outgrown the need to accept everything I read or hear is The Truth. I’ll happily listen to others’ opinions and comments, but don’t expect me to nod away in agreement, if I don’t.

As for the knees – they are an attractive shade of green and slightly lumpy still. Thank goodness for ibuprofen.

Rock on people.

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