Dartford Living November 2016

FREE

November 2016 - Issue 125

DARTFORD FC CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AT PRINCES PARK - PAGES 48-49

live happy! with

Slimming World

Groups around the Dartford area. For more details of the groups see page 28 of the magazine WHAT’S INSIDE...

Charity Ride in Nepal

for this delicious curry recipe visit Pages 24-25

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

Dartford Toy Appeal

Fox Estates

Pages 26-27

Page 30

Plus - All your regular

features, events, information and much, more in your expanded 56 page issue.

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

DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE PROVIDING A FULL SERVICE TO DARTFORD SMALL BUSINESSES

“A Hand Holding Service” Established 35 years

COMPANY FORMATION Save tax by forming a private company from as little as £45 + registration fee + VAT. www.companyregistration.org ACCOMMODATION ADDRESS Have a virtual office accommodation address facility for as little as £40.00 per month. www.accommodation-address.com RENT AN OFFICE 24/7 Offices available to rent from as little as £38.00 per week with parking. www.accommodation-address.com

ACCOUNTANCY & TAX SERVICE Conradi Morrison & Co specialises in small clients and provides a top class personal service for a fixed low fee.

Phone for a free meeting to discuss your needs. www.dartfordaccountants.com PAYLINE Let us undertake your payroll and take the strain from you for as little as £18 per month + VAT. www.payline.org

Tel: 01322 278188

Haslemere, 4 Summerhill Rd, Dartford DA1 2LP Email: phc@conradimorrison.com

2 2

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting advertisers Please mention Dartford Living when contacting ourour advertisers

Welcome to your

DARTFORD LIVING Magazine

Dear Readers,

As usual this month’s edition is jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can “use them or lose them!”

Don’t forget that we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. Dartford Living is YOUR magazine, the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories!

Feel free to 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!

We deliver to thousands of homes and businesses in the local area, however if you don’t always receive a copy directly through your door, you can pick up a copy from various drop off points. These include Dartford Football Club, numerous local libraries, Fairfield Leisure Centre, The Priory Shopping Centre, Stephen Oliver Art Gallery, numerous health centres and local Barclays branches. The ‘Previous Editions’ section of the Dartford Living website also includes electronic versions of Dartford Living magazine. Additionally, if you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our newsletter email mailing list and contact you just once a month with an electronic copy of Dartford Living! Nearly 5000 local people already do this!

Until next time, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and Annie, Barbara, Bhavesh, Christine, David, Dawn, Derek, Debbie, Dhiren, Elaine, Eleanor, Emma, Holly, Jackie, Jane, Jenny, Joanne, John, Ken, Kelly, Mark, Nickki, Nicola, Pat, Richey, Steph, Steven, Teresa and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

check out our new website for even more local news and articles

www.dartfordliving.com Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Contents 6-14....................... .................... What’s on 15...................................... Useful numbers 16......Fairfield Leisure Centre Competition 24-25................................Nepal Cycle Trek 26-27......................................Toy Appeal 3 30....................Local Business - Fox Estates 32.................................Sitting comfortably 36-37..........................Life Under the Stairs 42...............................Eat Well, Spend Less 44..............................................Auto News 45...............................................Gardening 46.....................................................Fitness 47...............................Small Business News 48-49.....................10 Years at Princes Park 50..................................Sporting Comment 53....................................Theatre Roundup 54.................Orchard Theatre Competition

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH NOVEMBER

Advertising

We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £26 per month. We also provide advertising options on our website and also social media channels for maximum exposure.

To book an advert call 01322 507817 or email

sales@dartfordliving.com

David Shafford Magazine/ Website design and Sales

Advertising from only Dartford Living

£26 p/m 3

Nutrition Coaching

e

Try a new approach if other Diets have failed you!

el .

Do you need daily help with your diet?

Rather focus on what you can eat than what you can’t?

Want a qualified professional to oversee your diet?

nal:

be ds. u

@ £25 PER

Book directly for a good value hotel to call your pad and enjoy FREE WiFi, FREE parking in a warm environment in a well-connected location.

From informal debriefs around a coffee, through working lunches and residential meetings of up to 50 people, the Campanile is your local PERSON,oneWHY WOULD YOU NOT? stop shop!

Try You’ll get all of the above and more!

• Daily support and lessons teaching you what to eat and why • Accountability to your own nutrition coach • Progress tracking with more than just weight • Realistic plan you can follow in the real world • Learn what foods your body needs to be healthy • Learn portion control without counting, weighing, or checking a book £30 a month

st-

www.campanile-dartford-south-east-london.co.uk

se

Call: 01322 278 925

4

4

Text Mark on 07841 848 404 for information or visit

www.DartfordBootcamps.com

mention Dartford when contacting our advertisers PleasePlease mention Dartford LivingLiving when contacting our advertisers

5

Advertisers Index

Directory of Local Businesses advertising in Dartford Living

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Conradi Morrison & Co ...............................................2 Buss Murton .............................................................. 39 Downton Ali Associates..............................................41 Lynton & Co ................................................................5 Smith Kiew Partners......................................................18 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, KITCHENS & WINDOWS A Baines & Son Roofing................................................32 Claremont Decorative Services..................................54 McIntyre Clarke Limited..............................................37 Steve Cook - Double Glazing.......................................33 CHURCHES Crossways Community Church....................................56 COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTH Dia Wipes................................................................17 CLEANING JJ Renovations..............................................................20 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ...........................................29 Gareth Johnson MP ....................................................14 DOG GROOMING Carries Cruffty Cuts......................................................14 EDUCATION Kip McGrath.. ...................................................20 ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians.. ....................................................4 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS GPS Lettings............................................................17 Fox Estates ..................................................................35 Virotti................................................................43 Wisdom Estates...........................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Dynes Auto Services...................................................51 Shenley Road Garage...................................................40 GAS ENGINEERS Homeserve North Kent...............................................33 GARDENING SERVICES Hawley Garden Centre................................................34 The Barge Group.........................................................18 HEALTHCARE Cameleon Care...........................................................14 HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE The Barge Group.................................................18 HOTELS Campanile...................................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................32 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ...................................................41

MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Worried about your childs weight?.............................38 Dartford Bootcamps.. ..........................................4 Monkey Music............................................................7 Why Weight?...............................................................22 Vibe...............................................................21 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.. ...............................................39 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames.............................................................40 SANDWICH BAR Sally Sues....................................................................24 SPORTS Fairfield Leisure Centre................................................16 TREE SURGERY The BARGE Group................................................18 THEATRE Orchard Theatre ....................................................55 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .....................................................54 WEBSITE DESIGN/ DESIGNERS/ GRAPHICS AK Creative ............................................................14

Interested in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com 5 Interested in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 5

5

Where to go locally...

Mondays

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time)

on 01322 291092.

9:15am - 11:00am. St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. Contact Julie 2-5 year olds. St Mary’s for activities creative and play messy of hour an 5am Messy Makers:10.15am-11.1 n and to book, please Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road, Greenhithe. £4.50 per child. For further informatio 150593.

07851 call or .com ers@gmail emailus at messymak Tuesdays Contact Catherine on 01322 220036.

Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford.

288434 for further information.

(01322) on us call Please Dartford.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, the children For pre school for time snack healthy and ,biscuits tea includes adult per £1.50 am Sticky Fingers, 9.30-11.30 children up to 4 years www.stmar ygreenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see Wednesdays 288434 for further information.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) anddrinks.John01322272649. snacks all including family per £3 Dartford, LittleStars:10-12pm,NetChurch,,(FormerlyGalaBingoHall) term, £5 weekly 6-weekly for £30 t 6JZ DA2 Dartford, Road, Swaledale Centre, y Communit 1pm-2pm - Fleetdown “Happi-Mess Facebook on us find or tmail.com s-kent@ho happi-mes advance in paid , dependent on availability Kent Thursdays details.

The Vineyard Centre, 24 Market St, Dartford. Contact Jane on 07956 430244 for further 9:30 - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford.

- £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ 9.30-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child ToeRags - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ 1-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child ToeRags Fridays £1 per adult 9.30-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. www.stmar ygreenhithe.com see or 382031 01322 Contact .

Greenhithe Road London Hall, Church Greenhithe Mary St £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ Child per £3 Dartford centre, 9.30-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education ToeRags 01322 380322 jeannehoad9.30-11.30 Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne ley@yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child Saturdays healthysnacktimeforthechildren.

DaddyandMe9.30.-11.30amAgroupfordadsandmalecarersofchildrenupto5years.£1.50includes www.stmar ygreenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

TUESDAY S Two sessions, from 9.30-10.30am and 10:45 - 11:45am in Fleetdown FC Hall; Heath Lane, Dartford. Contact Kate on 07770 860450.. ALSO RUN SAME PLACE/TI ME ON THURSDAYS TUESDAY S 10.30m - 11.00am (term time only) at Fleetdown Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

THURSDAYS (term time only) we will be holding 2 sessions - 10.15am & 11am Crayford Rd, Crayford, DA1 4ER. Tel: 020 8303 7777. Also: Coffee and Chat sessions at Temple Hill Library on the First Tues of the month 10am - 12noon.

THURSDAYS 10.30am - 11.00am (term time only) at Fleetdown Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

THURSDAYS 2.15 - 2.45pm (term time only) at Greenhithe Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

THURSDAYS 10.45am - 11.15am (term time only) at Longfield Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

6

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6 years

Sarah

07891 545965 sarah.h@hartbeeps.com

To book a free taster contact Tennis Tots North West Kent Call 07796 943798 email northwestkent@ tennis-tots.co.uk

www.tennis-tots.co.uk/ northwestkent

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

7

Where to go locally...

The North West Kent Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association meets at 8pm on the

4th Wednesday evening of each month in the Pop-In Parlour, Mill Road, Northumberland Heath, Erith. The meetings last about 2 hours and the group often have a speaker on a variety of subjects, followed by tea and biscuits and general chat. For more information contact Eileen on 01322 228169.

Dartford Ostomy Group Support (DOGS) meet

every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and pouch, their carers, family and friends.

ALL DIRECTIONS

is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or 07570 347612 YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The Hope Group on 07580 615206.

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS

Our Club presents a programme of workshops and demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere.

We meet on the last Thursday of each month except December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome, entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for people to be creative, make friends.

For further information please phone 01474 353405 or email landaclatworthy@btinternet.com

8

Swanley History Group Meets 1st Tuesday of every month. Presentations on local social history. Venue Swanley Indoor Bowls Centre Garrolds Close Swanley BR8 7BF. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. Members £1 Visitors £2.

Everyone welcome. Email swanleyhistorygroup@ hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit our website https://swanleyhistorygroup.weebly. com or Facebook page. Annual membership £5 includes a monthly newsletter.

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS’ GROUP Meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 2pm - 4pm in the Community Room of Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend DA12 1BE. The programme of activities is varied with workshops, talks and sit and stitch sessions. Visitors are very welcome. More information can be found on our website www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk or phone 01474324734.

The Dartford Stroke Group is starting chair-based excise classes on Monday afternoons at the YMCA Roundhouse at 2.30pm on 19th September, 3rd October, 17th October, 7th November, 21st November, 5th December and 19th December. This is as well as the regular meetings of the Stroke Group at the Meeting Place on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Please contact Theo at Theo.Hodges@gmail.com or phone/text Theo on 078 755 68 296 to get the current dates for our events and for more information

Age UK, Crayford library Pop in Parlour coffee morning every Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK

For people with Parkinsons and their carers.

We have 2 meetings per month. Bexley: 4th Thursday of each month, at Pincott Hall, 2-4pm. Dartford: 2nd Thursday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30-9.30pm.

Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes.

Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES

at Dance Union, Greenhithe.

Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class learning routines from differing genres to popular music providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience or partners necessary. Contact 01322 387630.

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Inte

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page?

If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com Dartford & District Stamp Club Hold regular meetings in The Meeting Place, The Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford. Details from Steve Alpe 01322 284491 or email

Dartford Books and Culture Club meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-BookClub/

20s 30s Dartford Bexleyheath surrounding areas social group more information visit:

www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford-Bexleyheath-surroundingareas-social-group/

DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 2pm, For information about meetings and interest groups call 01474-709068 or visit our website.

Dartford Stroke Group is aimed at Stroke Survivors, their families and carers. It meets at the Meeting Place in the Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford for a chat, support, excise classes, outings and speakers. Please contact Theo at Theo.Hodges@ gmail.com or phone/text Theo on 078 755 68 296 to get the current dates for our events and for more information.

Dartford Floral Club

The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance £6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement. Contact Chris 01322 836026

Dartford Quilters meet on the 2nd Saturday of each

month at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford. We run a varied programme of activities suitable for the beginner through to the more experienced quilter. More details can be obtained from the club secretary on 01474 834872

erested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

The Dartford Chess Club

The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm at St Anselms Parish Hall, West Hill and was founded 100 years ago in 1914. All queries to Mike Wiltshire at 01322 272152 or visit www.dartfordchessclub.co.uk

GUITARS IN THE SHADOWS – JOIN IN MUSIC BY THE SHADOWS TO 60S TO ROCK N ROLL Meet at Dartford Working Mens Club (Essex Road) at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Membership is free but we do ask for a small contribution to costs on the night. Call Ray on 07813 540131 or email guitarsinshadows@hotmail.com

COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB

meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month at Sutton at Hone Village Hall. 1.30pm until 4.30pm. £3.00 per afternoon (to include a raffle ticket and tea/ coffee) £10.00 yearly fee.

We are a small, friendly club, not expensive. Tuition given. All supplies can be bought in situe. Come and see if you like it, You will be very welcome.

Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

WEST HILL MORRIS

RSPCA Come andKENT, join your local Morris side, dancing NORTH and performing Gravesend and WEST BRANCinHDartford, Bexley areas and throughout FREE MICRO CHIPP ING Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable RSPCA North West side, andKent, can always find room foroffers newfree dancers Branch, and chipping musicians. great way of keeping micro s forIt’s alladomestic animalsaatgreat its fit and you’ll be helping to conserve clinic attradition.

37 Gordon Road, Dartford English We practice alternate , Kent,Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, DA1 2LX on the 1st Saturday in each month, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, 10am to 12.30pm is free but Private throughout Kent,. The fromservice May to August.

Bookings Contact Alison on 01322 donation s aretaken. appreciat ed. For more informat ion 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com please visit www.rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk.

Dartford Living

9

Where to go locally...

TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES

The group meet every week at Towncentric in Gravesend and this year we are looking at Everyday Life in Medieval London. We meet every Thursday from 10.30-12.30 at £6.00 per week customers can phone me on 01474 355676 for more information or look at my website www.tonimount.co.uk

Hi all, if you went to DSTC, DTC, Dartford West Girls or any other name that the school has been known as we would love to hear from you! The school is looking to make links with former students to help raise the profile of the school but also as a way of getting back in touch with people. There will be an event later on in the academic year and we are planning some exciting things for the group so get joining and let’s get reminiscing!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSTCAlumni/

The Manor Hall Variety Group We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in the Community hall (opp St Paulinus church) Crayford. We are looking for anyone who could help us with sound, lights, scenery or singing/ acting on the stage - everyone welcome. Email me (Carolyn) for more details at c_sawyers@hotmail.com.

Everybody welcome, join us for a friendly chat and light refreshments.

SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP

is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those that don’t know).

Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@hotmail.co.uk

PAVILION PLAYERS

Is an amateur dramatics group based at the Joydens Wood Community Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more information please visit www.facebook. com/pavilionplayers or call us on 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop down on a Tuesday night!

Everyone welcome!

CRAYFORD TOWN ARCHIVE incorporating Barnehurst and Slade Green. Meet every Monday (except the third Monday) of the month at Crayford Library hall - 2pm-4pm. Call in for a chat about old Crayford and to view the large collection of local images, or bring your own for us to copy.

Haven (LGBT) Social Group.

London / Kent area. Every Friday a safe Place to Meet.

For more information please contact 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - havenx35@gmail.com

10

TALK TIME

TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME ONLY) Fleetdown Library

Dartford Bellringers Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.009.30p.m. Free tuition with a very friendly, sociable group.

The ideal way to make new friends. Phone Ester 01322 220458 or email: esther.correia1@btinternet. com

North West Kent Family History Society

The Dartford Branch meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10am-12:30pm at the Dartford Science and Technology College, Heath Lane, For more information see www.nwkfhs.org.uk or ring Janet 01322384836

Creative sessions at the what if...? Gallery in Dartford. Every Wednesday evening between 6-9pm. The cost is just £3.50 and you will be able to mix with other artistic people and paint and draw - in fact do anything creative that you like to do. Just turn up - no need to book and bring your own materials. See you there!

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Mummy On The Mend

A support group for parents affected by pre and post natal depression Fridays 12:30 til 14:00 at St Marys Church Greenhithe Email mummyonthemend15@gmail.com for more details.

The Rotary Club of the North Downs

They meet at the Holiday Inn, Black Prince, Thursday evenings 7:30pm for 7:45pm for Dinner and fellowship. For details phone 07759 863836.

The National Women’s Register

The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 08454 500 287 and ask about the Dartford group.

NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP

The Rendezvous Club (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm

Location: The Pop in Parlour, Graham Road, Bexleyheath DA6 7EG Description: We are a friendly social group open to anyone over fifty. As a social group we enjoy a number of activities including bingo, a Beatle drive, quizzes, to name but a few.

We also take part in outside activities including going for a meal or a trip to the theatre. On occasions we welcome a guest speaker.

Admission: £2.50 per week. Annual membership £6 (payable in January) Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414

DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB

MALE? AGED 18 - 44?

A group of retired ladies meet locally for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of each month,. They raise funds for charity and usually invite a speaker. Join them and enjoy meeting and making new friends. If you would like more information please contact Iris (Secretary) on 01474 703448

Dartford & Gravesham Branch Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes.

For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

WANT TO HAVE FUN AND DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE WITH YOUR SPARE TIME? We’ve arrived in Dartford and we are a NEW Round Table Get involved, you WILL enjoy it! www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk

Fairfield (Dartford) WI 2nd Tuesday of every month, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, 7.30pm. Contact Judith on 01322 278703 or Evelyn on 07891 061609.

Crayford Women’s Institute 1st Thursday of every month at 1.45pm. Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact Secretary, Jean Monk 01322 557142

Over 55’s Club - We meet every Wednesday 2pm to 4.30pm at Tree Community Centre, Cedar Road. We play bingo, tea and biscuits, and socialise. We also run regular coach trips to the coast throughout the year.

Our club is open to anyone over 55 wherever you live and costs just 60p to come along and join in. So why not come and join our friendly welcoming social club? For further information please call either John Letchford on 01322 270732 or Pam Carr on 01322 222195.

Joydens Wood Women’s Institute meet on the third Tuesday of every month, with meetings beginning at 7.45pm. We meet at the Community Centre, Birchwood Drive, Wilmington, DA2 7NE. More information can be found at joydenswoodresidents. co.uk (under Local Clubs and Societies).

Crayford and District Probus Club

meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Falcon Wood Club, 1 Falcon Wood Avenue, Welling at 10am.

Contact Tony Maun 0208 306 1075 or email Crayford.Probus@gmail.com.

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

11

Where to go locally...

WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING

Wheelchair epee fencing in Dartford and Gravesham, we are delighted to announce that New Ash Green Epee club, can now introduce wheelchair fencing. If interested in taking up this para sport please contact us on 01474 871484 or alternatively look at our website www.nagfencing.eu

Erith Youth Rugby

Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Erith.

Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 590515

Kent Exiles American Football Club www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

Hartley Swimclub at White Oak Pool, Swanley

We are a friendly group of adults who meet for a social swim every Thursday at 9pm.

We’re looking for new members. Why not give us a try?

Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday.

LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

Come and join one of North Kent’s fastest and most successful Martial Arts clubs.

For more information, call Saj on 07903 513104 or just come along to one of our sessions and join in the fun! With the most reasonable fees around, you’ll find that training can be affordable too! For all details please visit our website www.northkentkarate.com

LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS Sundays 10:15-10:45 at Swanscombe Leisure Centre.

Call Saj on 07903 513104

Dartford Gymnastics

is the only British Gymnastics Club in Dartford to hold the”GymMark” Award for 6 years.

Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do not close through the holidays!

Visit our website http://www. dartfordgymnastics.co.uk/ for full details or contact Linda on 01322 409312 or email dartfordgymclub@yahoo.co.uk

Learn Karate

Learn karate with Yamato Damashii Every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre. Kids start at 9am, adults at 11am. Just turn up, first lesson free or visit www.facebook.com/yamatodamashiimartialarts [1] for more info.

YOGA WITH EMMA

Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30am-10:30am At Europa Gymnastics Centre Fridays 7.00pm – 8.00pm at Becket Sports Centre For more information please contact Emma: emma@samadhi-yoga.co.uk TEL: 07932 621415 www.samadhi-yoga.co.uk

12

Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets based at Brooklands Lake Dartford, next to Homebase on Princes Road.

We parade every Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm- 9.15pm and is open to new recruits, junior cadets aged 10-12 and Sea Cadets aged 12-18. email dartfordscc@gmail.com for more details.

Dartford Orienteering Club

For more details see www.dfok.co.uk

JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS The Sutton at Hone Table Tennis club run a junior practice session on friday evenings during school terms at the village hall.

The session runs from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

The session is run by an Table Tennis England qualified coach.

Further details please telephone: John Jones 01322 272953

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Useful Numbers

MUSIC UMBRELLA

Classes for under-fives teaching the basic elements of music through whole body movement, using the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods. With action songs and games, using percussion instruments and props like hoops, balls and soft toys, the children develop musical, physical and social awareness, concentration, co-ordination and confidence - and have lots of fun! Becket Sports Centre, Thursdays during term time: babies and toddlers: 9.15 till 9.55; 3 and 4 year-olds: 10.00 till 10.40 Contact Myrtle : 07763 378451 Email : myrtlebm@hotmail.co.uk

a b c +=

Little Bright Sparks Fun phonics, literacy and numeracy classes for 2-4 year olds. Classes held on Weds in East Malling and Thurs in West Kingsdown ÂŁ5.50 per class 07768 447657 for more info www.facebook.com/littlebrightsparks http://www.babysign.org.uk/

Slade Green and Howbury Community Library Baby and Toddler Action Rhyme time group Every Wednesday (Term Time only) at 11.15am LEGO Club Every Saturday 2-3pm for ages 5 and over Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

13

Crufty Cuts Mobile Dog Grooming Puppy Pamper

Breed Styling

Everyday Trim

Handstripping

Nail Clipping

Bath & BrushUp

121 personal service for your furry friend in the comfort of their own home 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 4th November Friday 2nd December Friday 6th January Friday 3rd February Friday 3rd March

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.

Call Carrie on: 07754

721944

Email: info@carriescruftycuts.co.uk Website: www.carriescruftycuts.co.uk FB: www.facebook.com/carriescruftycuts FULLY INSURED & ENHANCED CRB CHECKED

web design

graphic design

marketing

social media

seo

pay per click

printing

web hosting

“We provide our customers with a full selection of creative services, ultimately saving you time and money”

City Arms House 125-127 London Road Dartford, Kent, DA2 6BH T: 01322 319387 E: info@akcreation.co.uk www.akcreation.co.uk

14

AK Advert - Half Page.indd 4

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

15/08/2016 12:38

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

Useful Numbers 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 Darenth Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartfordf East Health Centre 01322 421480 Dartford West Health Centre 01322 222998 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: 0208 301 1010 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. 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 Park- PRINCES PARK GOLF CLUB. Contact: Mr. Pat Coleman, Secretary 01322 863730. email: pat.coleman@dartford.gov.uk The Ashes Badminton Club Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30.

Jacqui 07764 182854.

Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Search facebook for: Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Hour Love Dartford

Interested advertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested ininadvertising?

Tel:Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 15

11 15

“Whatever place you’re into” Swimming Pools, Sauna, Gym, Cycling Studio, Multi use Sports Hall, Workout Studios.

Fairfield - Official training venue for Dartford FC First team 01322 421166 - Call us now to #JoinOurTeam

Managed by Places for People Leisure Ltd for Dartford Borough Council.

Terms and conditions apply.

COMPETITION

Win a month’s FREE Family swimming courtesy of Fairfield leisure centre We have a family ticket to give away that will enable a family (2 Adults and unlimited Children 18 years and under - worth £39.98) free swimming for 1 month.

To be in with a chance of winning just answer the question below.

Fairfield is the offical training venue for which football team? a) Charlton Athletic b) Dartford c) Ebbsfleet This is an email only competition. Please email your answer to comp@dartfordliving.com by the 20th November- 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 by the Fairfield Leisure Centre, within 5 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.

16 16

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Interested in advertisin

Winners of “Lettings Agency of the Year”

gps lettings

has been identified by specific applicants on our database.

If you’re thinking of letting please call us today.

020 8859 2200

www.gpslettings.co.uk

Dia Wipes are an essential part of your blood testing routine. Suitable for anyone who has Type 1 Diabetes, or those with Type 2 Diabetes who need to test their blood.

Keep Dia-wipes handy so your blood glucose testing does not slow you down: · School · Office · Car · Beach · Sports · Many more!

Each finger wipe measures 45mm x 70mm. Does not contain alcohol, fragrance or any product or chemical that will interfere with your blood glucose result. 25 wipes in each resealable pack. RRP £1.49 per pack

Available to order from leading insulin pump pouch and diabetic accessory supplier: Funky Pumpers www.funkypumpers.com or www.dia-wipe.com

ng?

507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 16Tel: 01322 Interested in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

17 Dartford Living

17

Contact Sarah sarah.h@hartbeeps.com 07891 545 965

15 years of high quality work and exceeding customer expectation, through innovation and first class service.

       

Play Installation & Repairs Tree Surgery & 24/7 Emergency Callout Stump Grinding Hard & Soft Landscape Construction Grounds Maintenance Equipment Hire Traffic Management Highways & Local Authority

www.bargegroup.co.uk

info@bargegroup.co.uk 18 18 16

01322 311141

Please mention Dartford contacting our advertisers Please mention Dartford LivingLiving whenwhen contacting our advertisers

CYCLE 2017

VALLEY to

PARIS

Take on our cycling challenge 20 - 24 September 2017 Join our fully supported 5 day cycle ride from Darent Valley Hospital to Paris. Clocking up over 250 miles in 4 days, you’ll enjoy a celebration meal in Paris, then a day to explore the French Capital before returning to Ebbsfleet Intl', where you’ll be reunited with your bike. www.dvh.nhs.uk/ride4life 428256 ð&#x;“žð&#x;“ž:: 01322 ✉ dgn-tr.fundraising@nhs.net You can help your hospital to detect, diagnose and treat cancer sooner.

ride 4life IN SUPPORT OF DARENT VALLEY HOSPITAL CANCER FIGHTING FUND

Help with English and Maths 7-16.

Extension and support.

Qualified Teachers.

Ofsted Registered Maths Reading English Spelling Comprehension

DARTFORD • 01322 285685 67 Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1LU

kipmcgrath.co.uk/dartford

Call today for a FREE assessment

Commercial & Domestic Cleaning • • • • • •

Carpet Cleaning Kitchen Deep Cleans Extraction System Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleans Builders Cleans Spring Cleans Free Estimates - Fully Insured Telephone - 07889 641457

20

JJ Renovations Limited

72 Darenth Road Dartford, Kent, DA1 1LS Email: jjrenovations@hotmail.co.uk

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

% *

Selling Fees Why pay more to sell your property?

es ti er ! op ed pr ir e u or req

M Wisdom Estates 76 Spital Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 2DT t: 01322 272 144 | e: sales@Wisdom-Estates.co.uk

www.Wisdom-Estates.co.uk *Subject to VAT, minimum fees and Terms & Conditions

Wisdom Estates-100mm x 140mm News Shopper-Feb16.indd 1

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

25/02/2016 15:23

Dartford Living

21

why weight...?

This 12 week programme includes: • Weekly weight and waist check • Gentle exercise classes • Healthy eating advice • Ongoing personal Support

FREE Stone Pavilion

RAMME 12 WEEK PROG Fairfield Leisure Centre

y...

toda n la p ? ...

T H IG E W Y Sign up for the WH ols to o t e h t u o y e iv g l il Peppercorns and wTown Hall Orchard Street Dartford DA1 2DFly* ’s FREE&Greenhith ItSwanscombe ctive Hayes Road Greenhithe DA9 9DS Thursday 12th Jan 2017 to 30th March 2017 10.30-12.00

Lowfield St, Dartford DA1 1LH Tuesday 10th Jan 2017 to 28 th March 2017 6.30-8PM

e re 9theff moMonday t h Jan 2017 to 27th March 2017 ig e w r u o y e g a man 1.15pm-2.45pm Grove Road Swanscombe DA10 0GA Thursday 12th Jan 2017 to 30th March 2017 6.30-8PM

Wednesday 11th Jan 2017 to 29th March 2017 6.30pm-8.00pm

For more information and to book your place call 01732 227000 * for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 28

DARTFORD LIVING MEETS....... BY KELLY GOLDSWORTHY Tammy moved to Greenhithe from Blackheath in 2004, moving to Finland in 2011 for 4 years, before returning to Greenhithe last year.

Tammy says ‘for me the community spirit is what I like about living here, I have plenty of great neighbours on my road and with my 2 rescue dogs I am regularly meeting locals in the park whom I have found very friendly. I can often stay in the park for a good half an hour chatting to someone and their dog!.Also the location is also great.

I have access to everything I need, Bluewater, Dartford Bridge and motorways all within a short distance. Plus my children attend excellent schools.’

Tammy runs Yoga Xtend and Yoga Sproggs. She says ‘ I have a Yoga business and many of my classes are held at Stone Pavilion. I offer Yoga classes to adults and children’s classes 4+ and also Yoga workshops. ‘ I love teaching Yoga, my rewards come from students telling me that their back pain has gone, or that they can now sit cross legged. I often get great feedback from many of the parents whose children attend the classes. Yoga is so beneficial to children and the best thing is they really enjoy it!’

‘I also work in local schools, nurseries and Bupa homes and have been recently working in association with the NHS offering Yoga classes at Little Brook Hospital. I would like to see Yoga offered in many more schools and nurseries and this is the reason I open the class for children. I also recently took part in the I AM TEAM GB national sports day and offered a Free Yoga class to the local community at the Stone Recreation Grounds.’

Tammy spoke about the benefits of yoga: ‘Yoga is not something I practice when I roll out my mat, for me it’s the way I live. The science of Yoga amazes me still, even after nearly 20 years of practice. The peace that the Yoga stretches, breathe, work and relaxation brings to me is unbelievable which obviously affects my day to day living. I also love reading the Yoga philosophy the idea of Karma sits well with me and the act of spreading kindness is what I try to promote during my classes. If I could have a magic wand I would make Yoga a part of the school day. Children need to release energy in a positive manner, take the awareness back inside their bodies and through breathing techniques and relaxation learn how to be calm and deal with stress and or anger.’

For more about Tammy’s classes see: http://yogaxtend.com/ Men Mental health and society

Dear Dartford Living If your child is schooled at any of 5 Wilmington Schools, Nursery, Primary or Secondary then Please share and sign Wilmington Safer Streets petition for increased road safety on Common Lane, Wilmington.

More and more children are being hit by cars, buses and coaches and the authorities are ignoring our pleas for immediate action. The community are scared for their children’s lives, we need KCC to take action before this unsafe and neglected situation creates a fatality.

Help us make KCC listen to our concerns and click the link below and share. www.change.org/p/sign-the-petition-for-improvedroad-safety-for-common-lane-wilmington?recruite r=296984321&utm_source=share_petition&utm_ medium=copylink Wilmington Safer Streets Facebook Campaign

in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested in Interested advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living

23

23

Charity cycle around Nepal Brian Downton, of local firm Downton and Ali Associates, has just returned from a 6 day cycle trek in Nepal. The trek was in aid of the Openwork Foundation and their Charity for 2016 - Cares4Kids.

The [Openwork] Foundation (formerly known as the Allied Dunbar Foundation and then the Zurich Advice Network Foundation) was launched in 1981. Since this time, they have worked together to raise more than £18.7m for disadvantaged children, both in the UK and abroad.

Since Openwork’s launch in 2005, they have raised more than £5.2m by taking part in everything from overseas cycle challenges to charity curry nights.

The funds raised are distributed in the form of charitable grants to national, local and overseas projects nominated by our advisers and staff. The Openwork Foundation is part of Zurich Community Trust (UK) Limited, the registered charity (266983).

Here are extracts from Brian’s blog: Day 1 – Kathmandu to Nagarkot After a full day travelling we arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal and checked into our hotel for the first night. We were too late to set up our bikes on Saturday, so this was left until Sunday morning until just before the first days ride.

Sunday morning was an early start as we had to leave at 7:45am to get to the bikes, to set them up with the

saddles and pedals that we had brought with us.

Team photo done, Big Mo did the warm up which is a daily ritual and leads to our daily chant, ” its all for the kids”!

I had the privilege of having Ted the Openwork Foundation bear with me on the first day, so he was with me on my bike and at lunch and dinner before he was passed over to his next foster parent.

The cycling on the first day was supposed to be the easiest of the week, but if that’s the case then the next 5 days will be tough! The views are spectacular though…

Day 2 – Nagarkot to Namo Buddha, Nepal The day started with a spectacular view of the sunrise from our rooms, but unfortunately, we could not see Everest today. On the bikes and almost immediately we hit the first 700 foot climb of the day. A total of 2,500 feet over 20 odd miles. Not something any of us wanted first thing after breakfast. We were all ready for a break once we reached the top.

Some of us took the opportunity to climb a lot of steps to hopefully get another chance for a view of Everest – alas, nothing again, too misty, but it sounds like a few photos will claim to be of Everest within a few months!

After a lovely lunch, we were back on the bikes and it was fairly uneventful until the rain came just before we got to the hotel. We managed to find the faster riders eventually, who were in the dry enjoying coffee.

Day 3 – Namo Buddha to Godavari, Nepal The toughest day so far.

We woke up to a brilliant view and breakfast at our wonderful hotel, which was a Namo Buddha resort – all vegetarian and the best breakfast so far!

We started with a quick ride to the monastery near the hotel and then had a big climb up to the top, which was interesting in bike cleats, but worth it for the view.

Once we had walked down again, we started a treacherous downhill ride which really set the scene for the day. Lunch today was a picnic, which was nice, but then the heavens opened for the first time just as we embarked on a climb that went on and on and on and on!

We got to the top and waited for all the group to arrive, then had a great downhill, initially on a mud track but then to our delight tarmac!!

24

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

the team, and we had to dig deep and help each other, so that we could all Finnish in daylight.

The morning went well and we were on schedule when we stopped for our packed lunch. Our guide, Jagan described it as a packed lunch, but it was rice and meatballs, plus noodle soup, which picked us all up.

Some more uphill was followed by the only downhill stretch of the day, until finally we hit the last 17 kilometres, all uphill with no breaks, climbing to the top at Daman which is about 2,300 meters high!

Personally I would not have made it to the top without the company of Penny and Donna. We all helped each other with encouragement.

The whole team made it to the top eventually, after nearly 10 hours of cycling and we were rewarded with the most amazing views from the hotel which was built into the side of the mountain.

Day 4 of the Kathmandu Valley Cycle Challenge Today started at 7am for breakfast and then a warm up by our yoga expert Sanjay, who took us through some moves.

On the bikes and the first 4km was tarmac and downhill, but the hills soon rose in front of us.

A very quiet day for falls today, with Guy taking out Stuart and taking a photo and Devesh wiping out on a steep drop. Everyone had a great time today. We were at the lunch stop early, so had some time to kill before the food was ready. Time to relax a bit.

Lunch was the usual Nepalese curry and we only had 10km left after lunch before we reached our hotel.

We have learnt over the last 4 days, however, that there is no such thing as just 10km in Nepal.

The 10km started with a steep drop into the valley and some rolling hills. Not bad, but then we hit a climb up towards our hotel…4km along a busy road which was a very interesting experience!

Nearly there with only 600 metres to go, said our local guide, Jagun, but he neglected to mention it was uphill all the way and very steep. Still we all dug deep and got to the hotel and our rooms to find there was no hot water!

Eventually we had all washed in the 4 rooms which did have hot water and eventually made it to a lovely dinner.

Day 6 of the Nepal Cycle Challenge After our efforts yesterday, we still had to be up early today for the final day on the bike and 52 kilometres to the finish line!

After our warm up, we set off on the opposite route from yesterday back down the mountain from Daman.

It was a fast pace but still mentally demanding because of the concentration needed on the turns and switch backs.

At the bottom we regrouped before setting off on more climbs, which after the effort of yesterday were felt by us all, but at the top we were rewarded with the most incredible views as we descended back into the Katmandhu valley.

We regrouped at a point where our local guide Jagan said there was 5 kilometres left, but in fact it was closer to 14 to the finish line. So we set off single file with the girls leading on the final part of our epic journey.

Finally as we rounded a bend we saw the Cares4Kids banner marking the end of the ride.

Celebrations followed with all the group and support crew plus lots of local children.

To dontate to Brian’s appeal visit http://buff.ly/2e8q8dj

Day 5 of the Cycle Challenge in Nepal – The Hardest Day! We awoke early. We had the hardest day of the trip ahead of us.

We left on the bikes at 7am for 65 kilometres which were to be mostly uphill! Today was going to be a true test of Interested Tel: in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested in advertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living

25

23

CHOICES – DOMESTIC ABUSE AGENCY HELPLINE 08009179948 Choices is a specialist domestic abuse charity providing help and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. It doesn’t matter what your age, race, gender or sexuality is – anyone can be affected by domestic abuse. Research show that 130,000 children live in a home where there is a high risk of domestic violence.

The physical, psychological and emotional effects of domestic abuse on children can be severe and long- lasting. In many cases, continual abuse of mum can undermine her parenting role or ability to parent, leading to bonding and attachment difficulties between her and the children.

Some children may become withdrawn and find it difficult to communicate and others We launched Dartford Toy Appeal in 2014, in an atte may blame themselves for the abuse. It is vital therefore, that when a family come into children who may not be expecting much because refuge, they are helped to re-build their lives and relationships. funding issues being faced by domestic violence c

fleeing domestic violence are forced to leave behin

Throughout the year, we try to organise social events and outings for mums and their children to give them the opportunity to spend quality time with each other and have some fun. The number of people bringing quickly exceeded o At Christmas time, we try to make it as special as we can for our families in refuge, particularly as the emphasis on Christmas is often about family. Children often ask “will Santa know where we are”. We therefore strive to give them all a sack of goodies from Santa, having ensured them that he will definitely be visiting!

and bringing wrapping paper and batteries with the colleges bringing boxes of donations, having organi they would otherwise have sold. Having had such su The Parents Consortium last year.

Inspired by the success we have had over the last t children in our community supported by the follow

We also organise a Christmas party, including a visit from Santa to include families who Choices - support those affected by domestic abuse have moved on over the past year.

This has been made possible for the past two years with the help of the Dartford Toy Appeal and the generosity of the people from Dartford and surrounding communities.

The Appeal has made a significant difference to the emotional well-being of our families and their road to recovery.

The Parents Consortium - support families affected Ellenor - provide hospice service Haven Food Bank - provide food to families struggl

New toys, books, toiletries and wrapping paper are 14th November and 16th December:

On behalf of all the families who have benefited from the kindness of the local community, Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery, Orchards Centr I would like to thank each and every one of you who have donated the wonderful gifts. Stone Parish Council Pavilion, Hayes Road, Stone D Wisdom Estates, 76 Spital Street, Dartford DA1 2DT Choices, 40 Chastilian Road, Dartford DA1 3JJ. Practical Car & Van Rental, 18 The Brent, Dartford D Hotel Campanile, 1 Clipper Blvd. West, Crossways B Co-op Funeral Care, 91-93 Lowfield St, Dartford DA St Michael & All Angels Church, Church Hill, Wilmin The Orchard Theatre Ticket Office, Home Gardens, The Priory Shopping Centre Information Centre, Da The Haven Foodbank held at the Gateway Vineyard Church in Dartford has been operating for four and half years. In other years we have been very pleased to receive some toys from varying organisations. We sometimes do not have enough so any toys or books given will be greatly received and given to our families on a Thursday afternoon. Some of our families have four children of varying ages and we do have some new families with very young babies. The children when they receive the gifts in other years are always very excited and we love giving them out. So on behalf of the foodbank and all our volunteers we would be pleased to receive any gifts that that are given to us.

26

‘Being involved with the Toy Appeal has been an up generous community Dartford has.’ - Kelly Grehan

‘It is really exciting how this has grown from a sm thank you to all involved.’ - Vijay Jain - Dartford Livi

‘For me, the Toy Appeal has demonstrated how t less fortunate than themselves. This is the third of donations and drop-off points has increased – Stephen Oliver: Studio & Gallery and Dartford Toy A

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

The wonderful toys donated by the kind readers of Dartford Living will be given to our young patients and their siblings at Christmas – helping to create precious memories for families facing terminal illness during this festive period. ellenor is Kent’s longest established children’s hospice charity, supporting more than 120 families at any one time. Its impact has been felt by many young patients over the years, as well as the thousands of mums, dads, brothers, sisters and relatives who have received emotional support throughout a child’s illness and after they have died.

empt to collect some Christmas presents for local of the circumstance of their family. Aware of the charities and the knowledge that many children nd toys we decided to collect for Choices.

our expectations. People were dropping off toys em too. We then found businesses, nurseries and ised collections themselves. Shops gave products uccess the first time we collected for Choices and

two years this year we are asking for presents for wing charities:

e d by disabilities

For a sick child, when life saving treatment is needed, this can often mean leaving the comfort, security and proximity of the family home for treatment or respite at a hospital or hospice. However, as a pioneer in the field of hospice at home care, ellenor enables children in Kent to receive the very best care and support they need at home, so they can stay with their loved ones.

The end-of-life and respite care provided by ellenor, relieves a heavy burden for a family, and is given completely free of charge. The families never have to pay a penny, as the majority of the £6.7 million it needs every year is raised from our generous local community. ellenor also provides crucial support for young people, assisting the transition into the charity’s adult services. Its specialist team help teenagers and young adults with progressive life-limiting illnesses, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and their family to adjust to the different world of adult care and ensure they are linked into all the services they need.

To find out more about ellenor, visit: www.ellenor.org

ling financially

e welcome at the drop off points below between

re, Dartford DA1 1DN. DA9 9DS. T.

DA1 1YN Bus. Park, Dartford DA2 6QN A1 1HP ngton DA2 7EH , Dartford DA1 1ED artford DA1 2HS

plifting experience - showing what a fantastic and - Dartford Toy Appeal Founder

mall project into a great community initiative so, ing and Dartford Toy Appeal Founder

the people of Dartford are willing to help others year of the appeal, and each year the number Thank you Dartford.’ - Stephen Oliver – Artist at Appeal Founder

Parents Consortium is a local charity that supports at least 350 disabled children and their families at any one time.

The disabled children and young people who access our services will typically have one or multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD.

Our work is divided up into four key areas. These are Short Breaks Services, Family Advice Service, Direct Payment Service and Dragon’s Retreat Short Break Unit.

Parents Consortium needs to raise £1.4 million in order to continue their care services.

Kind Regards and many thanks for your support.

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

27

live happy! with

Slimming World save

up to

£5

– ask in group for more details

MONDAYS * OPEN EVERY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY * VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sue 07507 599691

Wilmington Memorial Hall High Road, Wilmington, DA2 7DW 5:30pm and 7:30pm Lindsey 07849 352213

Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401

Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 9:30am and 12:00pm Angela 07956 896679

WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Sutton Court, Church Road Crayford, DA1 4DN Sutton at Hone, DA4 9EX 10:00am, 5:30pm and 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm 7:30pm June 07957 902767 Liz 07900 213548

* NEW GROUP* LAUNCHED Church Centre, 14 SEPTEMBER 112 Swanscombe Street, Wilmington Memorial Hall Swanscombe, Kent DA10 0JZ High Road, Wilmington, 7:30pm DA2 7DW Lisa 07986 030199 9:30am Lindsey 07849 352213 TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe The Howard Venue (formerly British Legion Club South East Dance Studios) London Road, Greenhithe, 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, DA9 9EJ BR8 7LG 10:00 am 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Caroline 07776 181413

THURSDAYS The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 9:30am Caroline 07776 181413 St Anselm’s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 SATURDAYS Amar Hall East Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RX 9:00am Sarah 07739 027161

Christ Church Centre Kingswood Avenue, Swanley, BR8 8AN Glentworth Ex Service Club Temple Hill Community 9:00am 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Centre Kent, DA1 1JB Temple Hill Square, Dartford, Kelli 07931 085668 5:30pm and 7:30pm DA1 5HY Angela 07956 896679 5:30pm and 7:30pm Jo 07800 797030

visit the website to read Emma’s story slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

Dartford’s BIG Christmas Lights Switch-On Celebrate the festive season with us on Saturday 19th November in Dartford High Street at the BIG Christmas Lights Switch-On! There’ll be entertainment from around 2pm including star guests who’ll be turning on the lights and joined

by Father Christmas for lots of fun giveaways.

The spectacular snow and light display add to what’s sure to be a great event for the whole family.

Christmas Carol Concert

Join us on the 14th December at 6:30pm for this year’s brilliant Christmas Carol Concert. Taking place for the first time at the Outdoor Theatre in Central Park, tickets for this free community event will be available late November from www.dartford.gov.uk/events

Dartford’s markets

Thursdays and Saturdays Dartford’s markets are held twice a week and offer a great selection of products, all at value for money prices! Enjoy live entertainment at One Bell Corner too and don’t forget the Farmer’s market every third Friday of the month.

Also look out for the Christmas market this winter, where there’ll be all kinds of festive foods and treats on offer!

Make sure you don’t miss a single thing that’s happening in our community.

Visit the We Love Dartford Twitter and Instagram pages and join the followers already enjoying some great offers, news and community information.

Supported by

01322 479660 - www.foxestateagents com

Chris Fox is a local boy, born and bred in Bexleyheath, who has had a passion for property sales since 1978.

Soon after he left school, Chris joined William Willetts estate agents in Sloane Square which is now part of the Hamptons International group where he sold residential and commercial property in Kensington and Chelsea before coming back to the London Borough of Bexley, where at the age of twenty one, became one of the youngest managers of an estate agents in the area.

Chris's dream has always been to own his own business and that dream led to the birth of Fox Estate Agents on Brent Lane in Dartford. His new business is built on his reputation for integrity and outstanding customer services and is growing rapidly, going from strength to strength.

As a company, Fox Estates feels it's important to support the local community. Chris donated prizes for the raffle at Brent Lane's Diamond Jubilee street party for the Queen's birthday and luckily for Chris, the rain stayed away as he was flipping burgers on the barbecue all afternoon. Chris enjoyed himself hugely and it was a fun way to meet his new neighbours. The business also supports and donates to the Parent's Consortium, a charity that supports around three hundred and fifty disabled children, young people and their families. The company is a member of The Orchard Theatre Business Group which gives Chris and his staff access to their productions and gives them a glimpse of what goes on backstage. It's an enjoyable way to to keep in touch with and support local businesses. As Chris is an avid sports fan, particularly football, he's become a member of the 1888 Business Club at Dartford FC and you'll find him at the ground, cheering them on at every home game.

The extensive knowledge Chris has obtained from nearly forty years experience has led him to be a regular property expert on BBC's Homes Under the Hammer. He's really enjoyed meeting the stars of the show and loves being in front of the camera. He's so experienced now, he rarely needs more than one take which, as you can imagine, endears him to the camera crew as they don't have to spend extra time standing outside in the cold. Chris Fox Dartford's very own TV star!

Fox Estates is a local, friendly, approachable business so if you have any property needs or queries, pop along to see Chris and his team and they'll do their best to help and advise you.

Sitting comfortably?

Ahead of an Alexander Technique day at Bexley Village Community Library this month, author and yoga teacher Tony Cranston explains who Alexander is and why you should sit up straight to read this My first experience with Alexander Technique was with a student of my yoga Tai Chi classes over 20 years ago, who was a teacher and showed my class a little exercise for the head and neck. I could instantly see the benefit and I was hooked and then trained. Its impact on my health, exercise, teaching and sense of well-being and outlook has been immense.

Frederick Matthias Alexander was a Tasmanian born Australian actor. The eighth son, he moved with his family to Melbourne, the home of the theatre. There he became a popular major star working day and night until he began to lose his voice. No doctor or wise woman could cure him, so he decided, as the story goes, to work out what he was doing to himself and find the cause of his problems, which surfaced only when acting.

Thus began his voyage of discovery about our human body and the things we do to it, and that almost all of

our aches and pains are caused by, or made worse by our posture.

Coming to London, and as an actor, he was a sensation among the celebrities, performers and doctors of the time, who dubbed him the ‘Asthma Doctor’.

Over the next 60 years, he taught, trained and further developed his techniques. Madonna, Paul McCartney, Roald Dahl, Robin Williams and Jeremy Irons are all known to have reaped the rewards of the Alexander Technique.

John Cleese, the comedian and actor, once said: “I find the Alexander Technique very helpful in my work. Things happen without you trying. They get to be light and relaxed.

You must get an Alexander teacher to show it to you.”

Tony will be holding an Alexander Technique day In Bexley Village Community Library Bourne Road DA51LU Sunday 27th November 10 am – 3pm. Investment £35.00 For more information, call 07712 226 261

FROSTY FAIR 26 NOVEMBER 2016 SATURDAY 10.30AM – 2PM CHRIST CHURCH HALL, CROSS ROAD, DARTFORD. REFRESHMENTS AND LIGHT LUNCHES ; CAROLS PERFORMED BY GUIDES & BROWNIES ; FACE PAINTING; CHILDREN’S TOMBOLA; COLOURING COMPETITION (PRIMARY AGES) SALE OF CAKES, GIFTS, FLORAL DISPLAYS, PRESERVES ETC ; PHOENIX STATIONERY ; RAFFLE; ‘GUESS THE WEIGHT OF THE CAKE’ . . . AND MORE.

32

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

£1,500 Fixed price boiler installation

Get a new boiler for £1,500 HomeServe North Kent will supply and professionally install an Ideal I-Mini C30 combi-boiler for the fixed price of £1,500.

Plus, you can add a tado smart thermostat to your installation for just £150 (RRP £199). T&C’s apply*.

The Ideal I-Mini C30 boiler is suitable for a standard three-bedroom home with one bathroom.

Why choose HomeServe North Kent:

    

We can fit your new boiler in as little as 48 hours All of our engineers are fully trained and Gas Safe registered We’ll provide upfront and transparent pricing with no hidden surprises You can book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year We also specialise in boiler repairs and servicing

Book your free survey today on 01322 518616 or visit homeservenorthkent.co.uk

*For full Terms & Conditions please go to homeservenorthkent.co.uk/fixed-price-boiler. The offer applies to surveys completed before 30 October 2016 only.

Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1

27/1/14

12:15

Page 1

STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

NO FEE! UT L-O L A !

C VAT NO

Most common problems that arise with double glazing can be solved quickly and cost effectively:

Mob: 07747 015223 Tel: 01322 412791 45 Knole Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 3JN. E-mail: steve.cook3@ntlworld.com

34

• Misted, cracked or broken glass • Drafts, leaks & condensation • Sticking, loose or broken handles • Window/doors not opening, closing • Patio doors not running smoothly • Cat flap & letterbox fitting/replacement • Lock and key replacement

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

“COULD YOU BE THE NEXT ANDY MURRAY?”

TENNIS COACHING AT LEIGH UTC

New Tennis group coaching for Juniors aged 5-14 years has started at the Leigh UTC (Brunel way, Dartford, DA1 5TF) Learn the latest tennis techniques, shots and matchplay skills. Only £12 per lesson including all fees and free Racket hire.

Book and pay online or come for a trial lesson.

TENNIS COACHING AT THE LEIGH ACADEMY New group coaching for Juniors and Adults of all ages coming soon at the Leigh Academy (Dartford DA1 1QE) Register your interest online.

W: www.rhntennis.com T: 07815 753532 E: tennis@robertneal.org

Dartford Living

35

Local News

Life Under The Stairs by Jane Stevenson

HUNGER GAMES I have fought, and lost, many battles with my weight. I resigned myself to being round and jolly and developed an attitude to deal with some of the hurtful comments over the years. I did try the two main slimming clubs we all hear about, with varying degrees of success; but there was always something that caused me to walk away, shake my head in despair at yet another failure.

That is how I saw it – me failing, although I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t a big eater, although not a sensible one either. Yet I’d followed the plans, attended the weigh ins but rarely stayed to the groups – I was too embarrassed to sit among women, mostly thinner, attractive and more confident than I. It slowly dawned on me that it was the social aspect of the groups that scared me. I couldn’t ever see myself as slimmer, more vibrant and acceptable.

Eventually I gave up trying – I’ve never had too much of a problem finding clothes to fit, although I never looked as good as the models in the adverts.

What changed my approach was a combination of a knee injury and the Eldest Offspring wanting to shed a few pounds. She took herself off to the local Slimming World group in Sutton at Hone while I stayed in my armchair applying hot and cold compresses to my injured knee.

She came back full of praise about the group, its ethos and the eating plan. It was different, she said, not like I’d remember it, she said. She also told me about the people who run it and who attended. I listened with half an ear.

However, it piqued my interest. It sounded too good to be true, but as I watched her over the next few weeks it was clear something was different.

I went to a meeting on a whim. If I’d have given it any thought I wouldn’t have gone. It was the best thing I’ve done for years.

The consultant spent time with me explaining how the ethos of Slimming World works. She showed me the guides, the food diaries and the myriad of helpful leaflets available; but most of all she gave me her time.

She listened to my fears and health issues and gently explained how the plan could work for me. She is quite

36

possibly the best consultant I’ve ever met, in terms of empathy and knowledge – and humour.

The social team around the consultant are kind, informative and non judgemental – all the things I was worried they wouldn’t be!

My group is the early evening timeslot. It is a mixed group in that it caters for young and old, men and women, those who have reached their chosen target weight and those who are still on the journey.

Above all it is friendly. I don’t feel judged or humiliated. I stay to the group and laugh with my colleagues over our stories – how that extra glass of prosecco added half a pound, and how by changing our eating habits we lose our unwanted extra pounds. All the time we are guided by our consultant who offers support and ideas.

I don’t want to sound like I’ve found the answer to obesity – I haven’t.

What I have found is a slimming club that works for me, because of the people who run it. I’m a baby in terms of attendance, as I’m only entering my 7th week. However I’ve lost far more weight than I thought I would, have joined the social team so I can encourage others, and stay to my group sessions.

There are many branches of Slimming World around the country. I just think I’ve found one of the best.

STREET SAVVY It’s a fairly mixed community where I live. Young and old co exist peacefully most of the time. People say hello, smile and sometimes stop to pass the time of day. However during the school holidays and weekends, there are some problems – children cycling, skateboarding, playing football or just congregating in the roads.

The kids range in age between eight and early teens. I wonder sometimes if their parents know where they are.

I always thought I knew where mine were younger – I was quickly disabused of that notion by them recently.

Their point being childhood games aren’t boundary led!

I have every sympathy with the children because there is nowhere for them to play. No nearby parks, no safe

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

area, no amenities. A trip to the local park involves a journey by car or bus. So the local kids do the best they can. The fields that surround us are a no-go area, the farmer recently barricading the entrances to well worn paths across the land.

So the children play in the roads, dodging traffic and other road users. At least they are safer playing in a large group.

Is there an answer? What do you offer this age group?. Play schemes in the summer are not always accessible, while other leisure projects are often expensive and short term.

Also, there are few initiatives at other times of the year.

There are local uniformed groups, but few children stay past secondary school age.

Youth clubs are a thing of the past, dragged down by legislation, policies and safeguarding checks. Years ago I tried to start a group for the 11 – 16 year old age group, but was absolutely floored at the amount of red tape involved – it was daunting and I fully understand why adults don’t or won’t get involved.

So I guess we’ll just have to accept the discarded bikes on the pavements, dodge the skateboarders coming down the middle of the road, and pray that the kids stay safe and sound.

Not a good outlook is it?

£19.99 A MONTH

FREE CLASSES

Join The Gym Dartford Terms and conditions apply. See www.thegymgroup.com for details.

Up to £30 joining fee may apply.

7775 - TGG - Dartford Quarter Pager Ad_69x96.indd 1

09/09/2016

McIntyre Clarke Limited Building & Electrical Contractors Property Maintenance

• General Building / Extensions • Plumbing / Electrical (NICEIC & CHAS Approved) • Tiling • Roofing • Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting • Interior & Exterior Decorating • Carpentry / Fencing

Free Estimates - Fully Insured

Telephone 07889 641457 Email: mcintyreclarke@outlook.com Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

37

Interested in advertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living Interested inTel: advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

39

25

Competitive Rates!

A BAINES & SON ROOFING • New Roofs • Repairs • Tiles • Slates • Flat Roofs • All Lead Work • UPVC Fascias & Soffits • All Guttering • All Work Guaranteed • Insurance Work Undertaken

TEL: 01322 271693 MOBILE: 07971 792463

4026

Please mentionDartford Dartford Living when contacting advertisers Please mention Living when contacting ourour advertisers

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

41 27

Charity Focus

Eachmonthwewillbefeaturingalocalcharity.Ifyourepresentacharity andwouldliketobefeaturedpleaseemailcharity@dartfordliving.com

Eat well, spend less Trying to eat well on a budget can be tricky, but there are lots of ways it can be done.

We’ve come up with some top tips to help make your grocery shopping a more cost effective experience: 1. Plan your meals – Avoid wasting food by planning your meals ahead of your weekly shop, and include meals that use common ingredients to reduce the need to buy lots of extras.

There are plenty of recipes online that are budget friendly; and check out other items on our blog capuk. org/connect/blog.

2. Stick to your list – Popping into the shop on your way home might seem like a good idea but try to avoid shopping on a whim as you’re likely to spend more on things you won’t use. Make a list, and then go shopping.

3. Don’t shop on an empty stomach – This is a must for impulse buyers: plan your shop when you know your purchasing won’t be dictated by hunger pangs!

4. Freeze it – Cheese, milk, fruit and vegetables; there’s so much food you probably weren’t aware you could freeze!

Avoid unnecessary waste by freezing portions or putting a loaf of sliced bread in the freezer and taking out slices when you need it.

5. Be supermarket savvy – There are plenty of deals to be had, but don’t get drawn in by the first one you come across.

It pays to do your research – mysupermarket.com is a great way to scan the shop prices from the comfort of your armchair.

6. Raid the reductions – check out the clearance aisle for anything that is close to its sell by date.

Either use it that day or pop it in the freezer for another meal.

Make sure you only buy something if you know you can use it, not just because it’s a bargain!

7. Timing is everything – Head to the supermarket later in the day, ideally about an hour before it closes, when all the items due to go out of date the following day will be heavily reduced.

This is a great way to get hold of expensive fresh foods at a smidge of the cost – just freeze them for later.

8. Don’t be fooled - many supermarket deals aren’t always

42

28

as good as they seem.

Multi-buy deals might sound great, but double check the price of a single item as often the saving isn’t that much.

9. Check the small print - It’s also worth checking the price per unit as this will tell you how much you are really getting for your money.

For example, a pack of margarine costing 89p might have seemed like the cheaper option compared to the one for £1.80 until you discovered the price per 100g is 36p as opposed to 17.8p.

10. Watch where you’re looking – Supermarkets put a lot of effort into designing their layout so you spend more money.

For example, they’ll purposely place the most expensive products at your eye level and the essential items at the back to make you walk through all the other aisles and buy things you never intended - be wise to their tricks!

If you’re struggling to pay your bills today and are worried about debt, don’t panic help is at hand. Christians Against Poverty offers free advice regardless of age, gender, faith or background. Visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.

The local Dartford CAP centre run a monthly drop-in on the last Wednesday of each month between 12 noon and 2pm at Dartford Community Church meeting hall, 171 Dartford Road, DA1 3EW. Call in without an appointment and have an informal chat with one of the team if you are wondering about the next steps in dealing with debt.

mention Dartford when contacting our advertisers PleasePlease mention Dartford Living Living when contacting our advertisers

Alzheimer’s & Dementia S U P P O RT S E R V I C E S Registered Charity No. 1024385

FREE MEMORY CAFÉS Hartley Wellfield Community Hall DA3 7EG 1st Thursday of The Month 10am - 12pm

West Kingsdown Kingswood Court TN15 6LN 1st Tuesday of The Month 10am - 12pm

Swanley White Oak Court BR8 7WF 2nd Friday of the month 2pm - 4pm

Meopham St John’s Church Hall DA13 0AA 3rd Tuesday of the month 10am - 12pm

Dartford The Orchard Shopping Centre DA1 1DU 3rd Wednesday of The Month 10am - 12pm

Gravesend The Woodville Halls DA12 1AU 4th Wednesday of The Month 11am - 1pm

Living well with dementia, Practical information, Refreshments Chance to relax in a safe environment

Call Us On - 01474 533 990

Interested advertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested in advertising?

Tel: in 01322 507817 Tel: www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 43

29

Automotive

Dhiren’s Automotive News

In this month’s article we’ll bring you new 2017 models to be launched including an updated version of a classic and two new models.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

The new Mazda MX-5 RF (which stands for Retractable Fastback), is the hard-top version of the latest MX-5 sports car. It’s expected to be the best-selling version of the MX-5 when it reaches this country because sales of the previous hard-top accounted for 80% of total sales in the UK. Mazda has given the RF a unique look, characterised by a new rear deck, which gives the impression of a targastyle roof. Engine options in the RF are the same as for the regular Mazda MX-5, with 1.5-litre (from May 2017) and 2.0-litre petrol units the only choices. When the car appears in dealerships there’ll be a limited run of Launch Edition cars. Just 500 will be made, and each comes with a two-tone roof, BBS alloy wheels, black door mirrors and a black rear spoiler. The MX-5 RF costs from £22,195 in entry-level form - £3,700 more than the soft-top MX-5, which goes on sale in March 2017.

2017 VW Golf

Changes to the new Golf includes mild styling changes and interior and equipment upgrades, this Golf facelift will also introduce a new petrol-electric ‘mild’ hybrid powertrain, which will be offered alongside the existing petrol and diesel models, as well as revised versions of the Golf GTE hybrid and the e-Golf electric car. The new mild

44

hybrid powertrain, which uses a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, is said to be capable of returning 60mpg under real-world conditions. The e-Golf will feature a more advanced battery, which will boost its driving range to around 186 miles, or 68 miles further than the current model. Improvements to fuel economy and CO2 emissions on the rest of the Golf’s extensive engine range, which currently includes 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and 1.4 and 2.0-litre diesels. Volkswagen is also likely to bolster the available equipment on its S, Bluemotion, Match, GT and R Line specifications. The new Golf will be revealed in November and is expected to go on sale in the UK early in 2017, expected to be priced a little over today’s starting price of £17,625.

2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Alfa Romeo is entering the prestige SUV market with the Stelvio in 2017, their first ever SUV model. A rival for the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Powering the Stelvio will be the same range of petrol and diesel engines that already feature in the Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon, and topping the range will be a 3.0-litre V6 petrol model badged as the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Both rear and four-wheel drive versions of the Stelvio will be offered.

There is also the prospect of a plug-in hybrid version of the Stelvio joining the range in 2018. Inside, the Stelvio’s dashboard layout and equipment will once again reflect that of the Giulia - including that car’s infotainment and sat-nav system, controlled via a rotary dial on the centre console. The Stelvio is due to be launched at the start of 2017, with sales in the UK starting next autumn or early winter. Pricing has yet to be announced, but a figure of around £40,000 has been suggested. At that price, the Stelvio will be among the most expensive cars of its type.

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Gardening

Gardening Hints and Tips November Tender Plants Tender plants won’t appreciate being kept out in the cold – so move them somewhere protected from frost and cold winds. We have an excellent selection of cold frames and heaters to give protection and beat off the worst of the winter weather. Plants that are hardier, but still sensitive to winter cold, will appreciate a thick mulch of bark and even covering with fleece and bubble wrap during the coldest weather.

Fruit Create your own fruit garden – now’s an excellent time to plant fruit trees and bushes, and we have a superb range available. To ensure bumper crops, plant with plenty of organic matter and slow-release fertiliser. Make sure you train bushes where necessary, and use stakes and ties for fruit trees.

Composting Don’t throw away your spent bedding plants, kitchen waste and other plant material – turn them into valuable compost for improving your soil and mulching your beds. And fallen tree leaves can be turned into leafmould – the perfect soil improver and mulch, especially for rhododendrons, azaleas and other woodland plants. Making good compost and leafmould is easy with our wide range of compost bins, compost and leafmould accelerators, leaf rakes and collectors.

Cyclamen and azaleas Brighten up your home this winter with our superb quality colourful azaleas and cyclamen. They’re easy to look after – just put them somewhere cool and in good, indirect light. Keep the compost moist,and feed regularly for best results.

Evergreen shrubs If your garden is looking a bit dull and lacks structure, brighten it up with evergreen shrubs. We have a fabulous range to choose from – many of which also have other attractions – such as flowers and berries – to provide colour all year round. Get newly-planted evergreen shrubs off to the best possible start by planting with compost and slow release fertiliser.

Lift dahlias, cannas, begonias Once the first frost has blackened the foliage of dahlias, it’s time to carefully lift the tubers for overwintering in a cool but frost-free place. Remove any loose soil and hang them upside down for a few days to drain any water in the stems. Then remove all dried soil, label and store them in just damp compost. The tubers of cannas and large flowered begonias will also need lifting. Canna tubers are also stored in just damp compost, but begonias should be stored dry in nets.

Containers for winter and spring You can’t beat planted containers for brightening up gardens and patios throughout the autumn, winter and spring months – and they also make perfect presents. We have plenty of exciting ready planted containers for you to just pick up and take away, or you can plant one yourself.

Plants of the month Ensure your garden remains colourful throughout winter with our plants of the month. There’s plenty to choose from including: winter-flowering heathers, winter jasmine, Viburnum bodnantense, Viburnum farreri, Viburnum tinus and mahonias. And don’t forget plants grown for their berries, colourful stems and the huge range of evergreens available.

Pest watch Although most pests and diseases are less active in autumn and winter, be vigilant for problems, and deal with them as soon as they’re seen. Houseplants and plants overwintered in greenhouses and frames are especially susceptible to pests, but can be quickly helped with a pesticide spray.

Maintaining a high humidity around most foliage houseplants – especially those in centrally-heated houses – will help keep them strong and healthy and help reduce red spider mite attacks. The reverse is true in greenhouses and frames where high humidity can lead to problems with grey mould and other diseases, so reduce watering and provide good ventilation where necessary.

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

45

Fitness

Are you wasting your time on a treadmill?

For the most part fat loss is about energy expenditure. Calories are units of energy, fat is made up of stored energy, so to burn fat you must use up energy.

I’m going to tell you how you can burn more energy, without spending precious extra time in the gym.

Your muscles are the engines of your fat burning. The harder they work, the more energy [calories] you’ll burn.

While running on a treadmill/outside, cycling, or jumping on the cross-trainer for 40 minutes will burn energy and improve your aerobic fitness, it’s not going to work your muscles particularly hard, especially after a few weeks of doing it when your body becomes accustomed to the workout and more efficient at it (more efficient = less calories burned).

For the most part, the sheer amount of time people spend running is what produces any fat loss results, but also normally comes with a loss of muscle too (picture a typical long-distance runner – not generally the most muscular builds).

If your goal is fat loss, without the accompanying loss of muscle and strength (remember you want to keep hold of your muscle to burn more calories, and I see no reason why anyone would want to get weaker!) then resistance training is your best choice.

Already I can hear the usual response (normally from women): “But I don’t want to get muscly” You won’t.

Let me explain.

To burn fat, you need to be burning more calories than you consume – should be quite obvious.

To build muscle, you need to be consuming more calories than you burn (you can’t build muscle without adequate fuel – it would be like trying to build a wall without any bricks).

So while there are some slight differences between training protocols, training for fat loss and training for muscle gain are very similar. The difference comes from your nutrition.

By lifting weights (resistance training) you will be burning more of the fuel in your muscles. This fuel then needs replacing, which will come from your food, or if you’re burning more than you’re eating, from your energy (fat) stores.

Enter the next problem: Gyms full of machines.

Machines made to target specific muscles are great for rehabbing an injury or for targeting problem areas for body-building, but for the weight-loss community, they’re using too few muscles to burn any significant amount of energy; and if you spend your hour in the gym going from one machine to the next with your “3 sets of 10” programme, you’re missing out on A LOT of calorie burning.

There’s a reason that squats, deadlifts, lunges, burpees etc. are hated world-wide – because they’re hard work! Hard work means they’re using most of your muscles at the same time, draining your energy (burning it) and getting you out of breath (muscles need oxygen to burn fuel – so the more out of breath from lifting weights you are, the more energy you’re likely burning [as a side note – this also

46

counts as “cardio”]).

THIS is how you should be allocating your gym time. Focussing on large movements with resistance.

Remember, if you’re eating less calories than you burn, you won’t be able to build lots of muscle! For women, you also don’t have the right hormones to build muscle easily, especially without eating enough.

Some people will notice an ‘apparent’ increase in muscle size to begin with. If you’re not used to lifting weights, your muscles will draw in more fluid (water/blood) in order to repair, and they’ll also become more efficient at storing energy (which is a good thing because it’s easier to burn it from here, and it means less will be stored as fat if more can be stored in the muscle).

This is not your muscles growing, just becoming more efficient; and it will not continue unless you are over-eating – don’t panic about your jeans getting a little bit tighter around your thighs initially.

Fat-burning is much, MUCH faster than muscle-building so this will be a non-issue very soon.

If you want a leaner, more toned, firmer look, you need to make your muscles firmer and more toned. To do this you need to put tension through your muscles with heavier weights.

“Toning” requires heavy weights, not light weights and high reps.

In summary: ● For fat burning you need to lift weights (even just bodyweight exercises are sufficient) as oppose to spending countless hours doing “cardio”. ● Choose large, full body exercises over small isolated ones. ● Technique comes first and foremost, only then can you add more weight. ● As long as you’re burning more fuel than you’re consuming (calories), you CANNOT build masses of muscle, just a small adaptation to begin with as the muscles adjust to the extra work. ● More sets, less reps, heavier weights (with good technique) are preferable. ● Eat a healthy diet full of nutritious foods and avoid over-eating, but don’t drop calories too low; as long as calorie intake is less than expenditure you’ll lose weight, but if you drop calories too low your calorie expenditure will drop to match it and weight loss will stop.

For help with your training and/or nutrition, visit www.

DartfordBootcamps.com for more information on Nutrition Coaching, Personal Training, Bootcamp, and other classes.

And follow us on Facebook and Twitter (do it now……) for extra tips, advice and motivation.

By Mark Broadbent, Master Personal Trainer & Instructor at Dartford Bootcamps.

Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com for information on Personal Training, Nutrition coaching or Bootcamp Fitness

classes. - MarkOneFitness.blogspot.comAnd follow us on Facebook and Twitter (do it now……) for extra tips, advice and motivation.

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Small Business

Incorporation of a Limited Company Each month Paul Conradi, Chartered Accountant from Conradi Morrison & Co will be giving us his professional advice for small businesses.

A few years’ ago, I wrote an article about incorporating a limited company with the view of reducing an individual’s tax liability. At that time there had been much controversy in the press about famous high earners who undertook the formation of companies and paid substantially less National Insurance contributions and tax. There is still much comment in the newspapers in respect of this matter but the fact remains that it is still quite legitimate and could benefit many businesses. Due to the dividend tax which is charged on individuals in respect of dividends of over £5,000, some of the benefit has been lost by incorporation. However, by issuing shares to your spouse, you can extend the £5,000 to £10,000 (ie £5,000 each).

Each year all small businesses should consider whether it would be beneficial to become a limited company. The incorporation of a limited company is now very easy via Companies House but it is usually more beneficial to arrange for an Accountant to incorporate a company so that all technicalities are dealt with properly, including minutes, the issue of shares, the registration for VAT and informing the Inspector of Taxes.

As your local Accountant, I would be very glad to meet you and discuss the possibility of tax planning in your business.

For more information, please see page two of this month’s Dartford Living and feel free to call me on 01322 278188 to arrange a meeting without charge.

The benefit of using a company is particularly useful in respect of small businesses, consultancies and other personal services.

You should be working short contracts with several companies, supplying your own equipment and able if necessary to add other employees to the job. If however you only have one source of income and set yourself up as a limited company, you could fall foul of tax laws.

All limited companies currently pay tax at 20% of their taxable income. It is still advantageous to pay the directors a salary just below the secondary NIC threshold of £156 per week. If the company pays a salary above this, they will be liable to pay employer’s NIC of 13.8%. The remainder of money you wish to take from the company can still be voted in dividends but as stated above, if an individual receives more than £5,000 in dividends, he would be liable to pay tax of 7.5% on the dividend. As long as the director is paid up to the secondary NIC threshold, it would protect his/her state pension.

Interestedininadvertising? advertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested Tel:Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 47

33

Local Sports News

10 Years at Princes Park It is coming up to 10 years since Dartford returned home to their new stadium in Dartford. Years of a nomadic existence were ended when Dartford Borough council agreed to finance the new stadium to allow Dartford to return home.

The first game at Princes Park ended in a 4-2 win over Horsham YMCA, managed by former Dartford manager Tommy Sampson. It was an emotional day for the capacity crowd that will be remembered by everyone who attended the game.

remembered as the first sustainable stadium and I hope it’s not the last. Above all, we need to keep supporting The Darts to make sure the footballing memories are just as great.

II’ve always maintained that Princes Park, as with the Judo Centre and other new facilities, is here for the good people in our community. When I look at the stadium, the kids using the community pitch and the rising popularity of The Darts I know the case for it proven over and over.

Returning home has allowed Dartford to expand both on and off the field. On the field Dartford have gone from the Southern League through to the National League with the team now consolidating in the National League South hoping to return to the National league as soon as possible.

Off the field Dartford has created an ever improving academy that can boast a number of success stories with players either player for the Dartford first team like goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim or moving on to bigger and better things like Ebou Adams who is now playing for Norwich City.

They have also linked up with Leigh Academy to offer a football scholarship alongside an education. This is now available for both boys and girls teams.

Council Leader Jeremy Kite had this to say about the ground: Princes Park has changed the landscape for new sports venues across the country. It will always be

48

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Dartford Manager Tony Burman

You led the team out as manager for the first game at Princes Park. Was it a proud moment for you?

It was a fantastic day all round a truly memorable day and one that will stay with me for ever.

Leading the team out was also very special and a very proud moment.

history that went back decades.

How does Princes Park compare to Watling Street?

It’s completely different Princes Park is state of the art and is making its own history people want to come here and see what brilliant stadium we have Watling street was a typical non league ground sloping pitch open at both ends full of nostalgia and

How important was it for Dartford to return home?

I don’t think the club would have been able to survive much longer. We needed to return and I think it’s been a very good decision by Jeremy and his colleagues to bring the club back to Dartford where it belongs.

Dartford have a good record at Princes Park. How much do you feel that has helped with our rise through the leagues?

Massively the facilities were the best around players wanted to play for you and the supporter’s have been fantastic as have the community for using the facilities.

Dartford Captain Elliot Bradbrook How does Princes Park compare to the other grounds in the National league South?

Princes Park is certainly the best ground in the National League South, and one of the best in nonleague football. It is a wonderful facility, and we are very lucky to have it. Some other stadiums have a nice older feel to them, but Princes Park is the envy of most clubs in the country.

Do you feel that Dartford having their own ground has really helped Dartford progress as a team on the pitch and off?

Absolutely. When I first joined the club back in 2008, Princes Park and the level of support the team had was one of the major attractions. I don’t think the club would have been able to attract half as many good players as it has over the years without it. Not only has it help us be a force on the pitch, but it has also

helped the club grow off of it. The 3G community pitch has teams of all ages and genders playing on it 24/7, so the whole facility has really helped transform DFC into a community cub since it was built.

We have not lost a game at home this season do you think this form will enable us to push for promotion this year?

Are you trying to jinx us?? Home form is so important – you have to win your home games to be successful, and we have been on a good run recently. If we can continue to play well, score goals and keep clean sheets then I see no reason why we can’t mount a promotion push. That is the aim.

Dartford co-chairman steve irving

Dartford have been back in Dartford for 10 years now.

How necessary was it for Dartford to return home?

The move back to the borough was absolutely essential for the long term survival of the club. The average attendances rose from around 250-275 to just short of 1100 in the first season and the first year in the Conference Premier Division up to 1325.

Do you feel the success that Dartford has had since returning ‘home’ has been down to having somewhere we can call home?

It was also vital for the structural development of the club.

Before moving in to Princes Park, we had the first team plus reserves, under 18’s, under 16’s and the Junior section.

We now run with the first team, 5 academy sides, 10 youth development sides from age 7 to 16, 3 girls and a ladies first team plus the Junior section. A total now of 43 sides.

What has been your favourite game at Princes Park?

My favourite game at Princes Park? Now there’s a question.

The Play Off final win v Welling in 2012 probably. Then beating Luton Town in 2013, completing the double or maybe the first televised game v Mansfield Town.

49

Bav’s Sporting Comment Gareth Southgate reached the midway point in his four-game tenure as England manager on a difficult night in Slovenia - still searching for the persuasive evidence that will land him the fulltime job. Southgate walked into a team and a Football Association in turmoil following the hasty departure of predecessor Sam Allardyce after just 67 days, one game and conduct regarded as unbecoming for his position. Southgate was never going to apply a quick fix, and how it showed as England leaned heavily on the brilliance of goalkeeper Joe Hart and large slices of luck to scrape a 0-0 draw in the World Cup 2018 qualifier against Slovenia.

Southgate has looked and sounded the part. If the FA was searching for someone to restore dignity after the turbulence surrounding Allardyce’s departure, he is the perfect fit. He has handled himself in the calm, assured manner for which he is known.

He took the ruthless decision to drop captain Wayne Rooney, a player he figured alongside for England and someone he spoke glowingly about before leaving him on the sidelines in Slovenia.

For perspective, England are doing just as well as France and Sweden in their group and better than the Netherlands and Euro 2016 winners Portugal. Spain also have seven points from their opening three games. Small crumbs of comfort - but Southgate will take them after a trying 90 minutes in Ljubljana.

Upcoming events in NOVEMBER include:

9-13: Cricket: England’s tour of India: 1st Test, Rajkot 11: Football: World Cup qualifiers: England v Scotland 11-13: Formula 1: Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo 15: Football: International Friendly - England v Spain, 20:00 ATP World Tour Finals, London England’s tour of India: 2nd Test, Visakhapatnam 22 Nov-4 Dec: Snooker - UK Championship, York Barbican 25-27: Formula 1: final race of the season, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina 26-30: Cricket: England’s tour of India: 3rd Test, Mohali, 04:00 26: Boxing: Anthony Joshua defends his IBF heavyweight title in Manchester

JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS THE SUTTON AT HONE TABLE TENNIS CLUB RUN A JUNIOR PRACTICE SESSION ON FRIDAY EVENINGS DURING SCHOOL TERMS AT THE VILLAGE HALL. THE SESSION RUNS FROM 7.30 PM TO 8.30 PM. THE SESSION IS RUN BY AN TABLE TENNIS ENGLAND QUALIFIED COACH. WE ARE NOW ABLE TO TAKE IN A FRESH GROUP OF YOUNGERS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.THE NORMAL STARTING AGE GROUP IS 10-12 YEARS,BUT ANY KEEN YOUNGSTERS WOULD BE CONSIDERED. FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE TELEPHONE: JOHN JONES 01322 272953

50

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Recruiting Community Support Workers.

Dartford’s Health Walks Healthy Living Centre - Mondays 10.00am Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am Greenhithe - Wednesdays 11.30am Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am Temple Hill/The Bridge - Fridays 11.00am • • • • •

weekly!

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 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

Full training will be given.

Full, Part time & flexible hours to suit.

Full holiday entitlement.

Call 01322 291000/ 07976241478

For more details including starting points please contact Healthy Lifestyles Project Coordinator on 01732 227000

Interested advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested ininadvertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested in advertising?

Tel: 01322 507817 Tel: www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 51

11 15

F.D. TRANSPORT “FULWICH VILLA” 100 FULWICH ROAD, DARTFORD KENT TEL: 01322 292323 MOBILE: 07831 448552

• FREE ESTIMATES • ALL REMOVALS UNDERTAKEN • ALL GOODS FULLY INSURED

F.D. TRANSPORT

• HAULAGE, PARCEL SERVICE, SINGLE ITEMS

52

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Local Entertainment News

October/ November Theatre Roundup

by Liz Dyer

I know I’m always saying this, but we really are spoiled here in Dartford in terms of our theatre options. Not only is London less than an hour away (at least when Southeastern are behaving themselves), we also have a fantastic local theatre right on our doorstep, where we get to watch some of Britain’s best shows without having to pay sky-high West End prices.

This month, we got to enjoy some of our own local talent too, as the Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) returned to the Orchard with their fabulous production of Annie Get Your Gun. I can’t quite believe it’s taken me seven years to catch one of their shows, and I won’t be waiting another seven for the next one.

Other October highlights included two hugely entertaining shows, both celebrating the life and talent of musical legends who tragically lost their lives at a young age: The Glenn Miller Story, starring Tommy Steele, and the triumphant return of Buddy, the most successful rock ’n’ roll musical of all time, which charts the career of Buddy Holly.

Coming up this month - prepare to laugh, cry, and be amazed by the selection of shows on offer. Britain’s Got Talent star Jamie Raven will be taking to the stage on 5th November to blow our minds with his incredible magic tricks, while comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Josh

Widdicombe will be tickling our ribs on the 2nd and the 10th respectively.

On the 8th, the Richard Alston Dance Company will be performing in Dartford for the first time in their 21-year history; the evening of contemporary dance will begin with a pre-show talk at 6.30pm. And they’re followed on the 12th by TV presenter Steve Backshall, in a family show about his real life expeditions with photos and films from his travels all over the world.

Later in the month we get to enjoy two very exciting musicals. First, Sunny Afternoon (15th-19th), the awardwinning show about the life and career of The Kinks, which has enjoyed huge success in the West End (and which one of my colleagues described as the best musical he had ever seen). And before we’ve had time to catch our breath, we’ll be back for Blood Brothers (21st-26th), the classic tear-jerker by Willy Russell starring Lyn Paul.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love this show, so if you haven’t seen it yet, this is your chance. And if you have… see it again.

Oh, and don’t forget to book your panto tickets. Not long now!

To read more regional and London theatre reviews, visit theblogoftheatrethings.com.

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living

53

Competition JACKSON LIVE IN CONCERT STARRING BEN & HIS INCREDIBLE LIVE BAND & DANCERS

Thursday 1 December 2016 7.30pm The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

We have teamed up with The Orchard to offer 2 tickets to the show. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just answer the following question...

Michael Jackson was originally part of a group. What was its name? a) Jackson 5 b) Jackson 4 c) Jackson 7 d) Jackson 8 Please email your entries tol comp@dartfordliving.com by the 15th November - 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. Proof of posting will not be regarded as proof of delivery. 5. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 6. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 7.

Closing date for the competition is stated above.

CLAREMONT DECORATIVE SERVICES • ALL TYPES OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DECORATING • AROUND THE HOUSE MAINTENANCE JOBS • FREE ESTIMATES • REFERENCES AVAILABLE • RELIABLE, INEXPENSIVE AND QUALITY WORK BY LOCAL TRADESMEN

CAN WE HELP YOU? Please call Mike or John on: Tel 01322 406439 / 01322 525708 Mobile: 07742 085333 Email: mikeperry5001@aol.com Partners: Mike Perry and John Petherick

54 38

Please mention Dartford Living contacting our advertisers Please mention Dartford Living whenwhen contacting our advertisers

EVERY SUNDAY 10:30AM STONE PAVILION A BRIGHT, MODERN AND GOD LOVING CHURCH, PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS

WORSHIP, WORD, CHILDRENS FACILITIES, REFRESHMENTS AND DISABILITY ACCESS For more information please visit our website: www.crosswayscommunitychurch.co.uk Email: crosswayscommunitychurch@mail.com or join us every Sunday 10:30am at the Stone Pavilion, Greenhithe, Dartford, DA9 9DS.