Dartford Living November 2021 by Dartford Living

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE NHS

PAUL OAKENFOLD INTERVIEW

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NOVEMBER 2021 - ISSUE 185 - FREE

BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS Dear Readers, Welcome to the November magazine. We live in strange times, but as usual the magazine is jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like no time before, your community needs you. In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well! If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter and you will join 7,000 others who receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Until next time, stay safe.

5. Benefits of running 6. Straight Out Of Dartford 8. Dartford Giving 11.Senior Snippets 16. Debbie’s Delicious recipe 22. Muladhara- the rest chakra 24. Winter sun with Harden Holidays 28 Fitness - November 32. DR Ruby- Winter recipes 36. Christians against poverty 38. Life under the Stairs 42. Upcoming shows at Orchard Theatre 44. Getting the most out of the NHS 47. Car News 48. Pilates suspension method 49 Dartford Painted Rocks & Sports roundup 50. Paul Oakenfold interview 52. Wild little rose 54 Useful numbers 55. Where to go locally 56 Advertisers index

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BENEFITS OF RUNNING BY ADAM ROBERTS 4. Running can be very social If your schedule makes it hard to socialise and even make new friends, try joining a run club. 5. Running Provides Motivational Targets You’ll soon be wanting to set yourself little goals, from completing a 5km in a certain time to your first 10km and beyond. 6. Running Helps You Explore New Places Whether it’s a short jog around a city on a weekend break, or a long trail run around a park, running is an excellent way to see more of the world, or just even more of Dartford. 7. Running Is Cheap All you need is a comfy pair of running trainings and you’re off, well ok you might need some other clothes on as well, but you honestly don’t need to spend a fortune.

It’s wise to take it slow at the start of whatever sport you decide to take up, but it’s especially important with running. That’s because running can be an absolute chore at first. Within a minute you’re breathing hard, your muscles start screaming at you after five, and at ten a lot of people have convinced themselves they won’t bother with running again. However, if you take it easy at the start and don’t put any pressure on yourself to run quickly, it won’t be long until you start to see the benefits. So here are 8 reasons why you will fall in love with running if you just give it a chance. 1. Running Makes You Fitter Well, obviously. Running is primarily

a terrific way to improve your cardiovascular fitness. 2. Running Can Help You Lose Weight If you want to be healthy, then maintaining a healthy weight should be right at the top of your to-do list, and running will help you achieve that.

8. Running Can Make You Feel Happier Immediately Runners are happier, more positive, and have higher self-esteem according to a study by Glasgow Caledonian University. There you have it, its official, running makes you happier, well maybe not at the start but the sense of achievement when you finish your run sure will. So what more can I say except go dust off those trainers and give it a go. Yes you will need to build up to start with, but you’ll be doing your first 5km in no time at all. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone, there are plenty of people out there that love running and want to help you on your journey. They are friendliest run club in Dartford called SLGR.

They run a free community run on a Tuesday night at 7pm from the Cricket Club, Hesketh Park. 3. Running Is Brilliant For Your The club caters to everyone from Mental Health newbies, seasoned pros with many Your mental health can benefit from marathons under their belts, the running just as much as your physical walk and run crowd and all that’s fitness. Running is time just for you, in-between. They are an awesome away from the stresses of day-to-day social club and ensure that no one life, and the endorphin rush you get is ever left on their own. from the activity is a great pick-me-up.

TARA MCDONALD

STRAIGHT OUT OF DARTFORD BY SHANNON RANDALL

that “working with the charity really opened my eyes to how much I took for granted.” Talking about what spurred on the need to raise money for the LGBTQIA community specifically, Tara commented on her naivety at assuming everyone felt the same as she did about people’s differences. “I was unaware about hate crime until one of my friends was attacked just for being gay. This of course had a big impact on me.” Tara’s career is heading to exciting places; not only does Tara want to write her own musical, but she also wants to expand her and her partners’ production company ‘Kidz with Toys’! Speaking more personally, Tara continued to say, “I got engaged yesterday and I would really like to have children in the near future, this would be the best project of all!”

Straight Outta Dartford is back this month with the Dartford born singer Tara McDonald. Not only is she a beautiful singer, a unique creative, an actress, and the owner of a production company but she is also an outspoken activist. In her words, “If I can do something good with what I’ve achieved then why not fight for equality through music!” Tara overcame a lot as a child that helped her get to where she is in her career today. “I always knew I wanted to sing and be on stage. It wasn’t until I was bullied at primary school that it really became my passion. I lost a lot of confidence and stopped speaking in public so my mum decided to take me to an after-school club in Eltham for performing arts. I found the courage to sing solo there one day.” From the after-school club, to a performer in ‘Les Miserables’, to a podium dancer in clubs, to a songwriter and singer...Tara now has an outstanding solo career, but has also collabed with Swedish DJ

‘Axwell’, Armand Van Helden and even David Guetta on his album ‘Pop Life’! One of the reasons I admire Tara as a creative is down to her astonishing aesthetics. Her music videos are full of all kinds of weird and wild concepts: crazy wigs, neon colours, Alice in Wonderland-esque themes...“I really love making music videos, coming up with concepts and looks. I have a strong visual imagination and I work best with people that allow me to feel free to fully express myself. Music and fashion for me are so entwined. When I’m writing a new song, the story comes alive like a movie in my mind which dictates the look and style.” Not only is Tara a talented creative, she also raises money and attention for important causes such as UNICEF, the LGBTQIA community and animal rights. When she was twelve she won ‘The Danny Kaye Award’ - a contest hosted by THE Audrey Hepburnand got the chance to be a child ambassador for UNICEF. She claims

Lastly, some advice from Tara for us creative ‘wannabes’…”I would say only work in the creative industry if you love it wholeheartedly. It may happen overnight or like me could take years to make a breakthrough. Take every opportunity especially in the beginning. You have to be resilient. If it’s something you’d love to do then you have to make it happen for yourself.” Be sure to check out Tara’s newest release and cover, ‘Outta my Head’ with DJ and producer Rawdolff. Instagram - taramcdonaldtv Twitter- @TaraMcDonaldTV National Bullying Helpline: 0300 323 0169

DARTFORD GIVING

By Kate Hargreaves

This month I’m writing about a fun volunteering role in the local community in a little-known social club, where you will be able to immediately see the positive impact of your time spent.

would be no New Yorkers. Many of the volunteers have been helping out for a number of years and are ready to “retire”, so new volunteers would be really appreciated.

New Yorkers Club volunteer “What is it?” New Yorkers is a Dartford-based social group for adults with learning difficulties. They meet on a Tuesday night from 7-9pm at Hubert House (near Temple Hill), which is organised and supervised by a group of volunteers, of which you could be one! New Yorkers’ members are typically a very friendly, funloving bunch who love getting to know new people. “Would I enjoy it?” The activities that take place at the Tuesday night sessions range from craft making to karaoke, quizzes to discos. The members often put on shows, inviting families, friends and the local community to attend, with Grease, Wizard of Oz and Mamma Mia being recent years’ productions. You don’t need expertise in any of these areas to volunteer, you just need to be willing to get involved and chat with the members.

“Are there any requirements?” Volunteers will be CRB checked due to spending time with vulnerable people, but otherwise all you need is enthusiasm. “Anything else I need to know?” New Yorkers is really valued by the members and their carers, and is often oversubscribed with a waiting list, as there are very few places in the area that these people can go that is a safe environment to socialise and make new friends. New Yorkers receives no funding and relies solely on donations and members raising funds; and any money raised is spent entirely on the members as there are no administration costs or paid staff.

“This sounds great, how do I get involved?” If you would like to know more or would like to go along one Tuesday night to see what the fuss is about, call Christine on 01474 813368, and you’ll be guaranteed “How much time do I need for it?” Being able to give a very warm welcome from New Yorkers! two hours on a Tuesday night (with breaks aligning with school holidays) is the minimum. There are As always, if you have any questions about New Yorkers also a number of other activities and trips that occur or any other volunteering role, feel free to email me throughout the year, such as a day out at the seaside at kate@dartfordliving.com. Happy volunteering! and seeing a show at the Orchard Theatre. Whilst full attendance at Tuesday night sessions and other events is not compulsory, you do need to be reliable – if you sign up to a session then you need to attend, as the events cannot go ahead without the required number of volunteers. “What would I get out of it?” Volunteering at New Yorkers is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and make you forget your worries. You get to have a fun evening with the members whilst also giving the members’ carers some much-needed respite time. The volunteers really are invaluable, as otherwise there

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SENIOR SNIPPETS - COPING AS A CARER FOR A LOVED ONE By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead Anyone that cares for somebody is likely to have many unanswered questions regarding both the care they are giving to their loved one and the care they owe themselves. To help answer some of those questions, we have compiled some top tips to help you become the best carer you can be: 1. Take a guilt-free break – Allowing yourself some alone time to unwind a few times each month will help you to reenergise and provide a much better quality of care. Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford. In this instalment, we will share some essential tips for those of you caring for a loved one. Being a family carer can be one of the most fulfilling things that you can do, but on the flip side, it can also be an overwhelming and thankless task.

2. Be patient – It can often take time to get into a consistent care routine. Keeping calm and patient will allow this to happen whilst also respecting your loved one’s dignity and independence.

The person you care for is unlikely to be the person you knew them to be. Accepting this change will help you to stay in the here and now and give the best care possible. 5. Accept help – In order to properly take care of someone else, you need to also be able to take care of yourself. When people offer to help you, it’s ok to accept it. We provide support to many families and couples to ensure the main carer has time off to ‘recharge’. If you’d like to discuss how we might help, please do get in touch. I f y o u h a v e a n y i d ea s fo r a future topic, please write to c.uppenkamp@dartford. homeinstead.co.uk - we’d love to hear from you !

3. Help them to feel good – A new haircut or item of clothing can do wonders for your loved one’s confidence and self-worth, so don’t forget to treat them every now and then! 4. Accept that they have changed –

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SPICED APPLE MUFFINS By Debbie Dickinson

The weather is getting chillier and these spiced apple muffins are perfect to share with friends around the bonfire.

What to do:

Or delicious with custard for a warming dessert.

In a large bowl, whisk together the Eggs and Sugars. Mix in the Milk and Oil. Sieve in the Plain Flour, Bicarbonate of Soda and Spices and mix well. Coarsely grate the Apples and add, together with the Oats and Sultanas. Stir until completely combined. (The mix will be quite wet)

What you need: 3 Eggs 120g Brown Sugar (whatever you have available) 100g Caster Sugar 500ml Milk 120ml Sunflower Oil 450g Plain Flour 1.5tsp Bicarbonate of Soda 2tsp Ground Cinnamon 2tsp Mixed Spice 40g Oats 250g Apple 50g Sultanas

Preheat your oven to 170°C Fan/180°C.

Pop a couple of spoonfuls of the mixture into each muffin case so they are about 2/3 full. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they look, and feel, set. Leave to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

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MULADHARA - THE ROOT CHAKRA FINDING GROUND. A SENSE OF BEING GROUNDED. ourselves. We may feel distracted, find it hard to focus, our relationship to time may feel distorted and it can be difficult to know what to do to feel better. Grounding techniques help us to reconnect to the present and feel calmer and safer in the here and now. Grounding anchors us, allowing us the headspace to more easily tune in and work out what our needs are and what we can do to meet them.

Last month I wrote about yoga for pelvic health, focusing on the area most often referred to as the pelvic floor and I was asked about the connection between the pelvic floor and the root chakra in yoga.

depictions of the 7 Chakra System and noticed that they are located in a vertical line from the pelvic base to somewhere just above the head. Physically when we think about the root chakra we are usually thinking about the area around the base of the pelvis, the tailbone, pubic bone, sitting bones and the pelvic floor. Working with the 7 Chakra System we include everything below this point, so we are including the legs and the feet. When we consider this area of the body, it’s easy to see why this chakra is connected to a sense of being grounded.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that’s often defined as wheel but the word can also translate as centre, group, circle or family. As with so many Sanskrit words, to understand the meaning we look at the context in which it’s used and from the ancient yogic texts we can see it’s used to refer to focal points, locations in the body to be focused on, in other In the context of mindfulness, words to be paid attention to. ‘grounding’ refers to the ability to return to the present moment with The root chakra is an English sustained attention. When we feel interpretation of the Sanskrit word ungrounded or off centre, it’s very muladhara which has come to be hard to tune in and connect to one of the most well know chakras in yoga. It’s not a direct translation, muladhara can be broken down into mula, meaning something like “root,” and adhara, meaning “support” or “base.” We might think about this area of the body as supporting our roots, allowing us to feel more grounded and centered both literally and energetically. You may have seen modern

In yoga we often connect to the root chakra to help us feel more grounded. Techniques range from the simple, for example pressing the soles of your feet more firmly into the ground, consciously sinking your sitting bones down into your seat, becoming more aware of the weight of your body sinking down through the bones of your legs, to the more involved, for example meditation or pranayama (breathing) techniques that strengthen the pelvic muscles using the action of mula bandha which translates as the root lock or valve. If you are interested and want to know more about the root chakra, please do get in touch. I am always more than happy to talk about yoga ☺ Take good care of yourself, Clair. clair.crestyoga@gmail.com

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WINTER SUN – 10 WOW MOMENTS IN THE CARIBBEAN By Harden Holidays

The removal of 47 countries and territories from the red list on the 11th October has given a very welcomed boost to travel bookings for 2021/2022. Our conversation with clients, new and old is highlighting the increase in confidence people have in that what they are booking will actually go ahead however the greatest booster of all is the fact that we have clients currently enjoying their holidays across Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean. With more and more capacity being added to popular winter sun destinations it’s the best time to book that well deserved escape to the sun. While we cover all your Winter Sun destinations such as the Maldives, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the Canary Islands, Egypt and the beautiful Caribbean. This month we would like to entice you with some of the greatest experiences you can have in the Caribbean islands. Climb Dunn’s River Falls: JAMAICA This beautiful waterfall features on most island tours and offers torrents of exhilarating fun. This natural treasure was made for climbing, with warm crystal-clear waters cascading 600ft down to the beach. Sure-footed guides lead climbers up and over limestone terraces, scrambling over giant boulders, diving into tempting pools and standing over powerful torrents for the most invigorating of nature’s showers. Swim with Stingrays: CAYMAN ISLANDS The shallow sandbar at Grand Cayman, reached by boat, is home famously tame stingrays that sweep through the waist-deep water like a flotilla of Vulcan bombers to feed on handful of squid proffered by visitors. Prepare for close encounters of an aquatic kind as rays flap around and brush boldly

past, sucking up squid through their tiny mouths. Fly between Pitons: ST. LUCIA Swoop through Saint Lucia’s famous natural landmarks on a flightseeing trip showcasing the volcanic terrain of the country’s rugged south. Helicopter tours promises spectacular vantage points across the snaggletoothed Pitons, rising up in vivid emerald green that contracts with the cobalt backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. Adding to this visual feast are sparkling waterfalls, lush rainforest and the steaming Soufriere Volcano. Go underground in Harrison’s Cave: BARBADOS Descend into pitch-black tunnels to explore the subterranean network of milky-toned limestone caverns stretching for three miles. Harrison’s Cave is one of Barbados’s most popular and unique tourist draws – attracting visitors who ride electric trams noiselessly through caves of beautifully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, where crystalclear streams race into gushing waterfalls that tumble into deep mysterious pools. Party Junkanoo style: THE BAHAMAS Catch the carnival spirit with a Junkanoo Rushout celebration of cowbells, drums and whistles accompanied by colourful costumes and exuberant

dancing. The Bahamian version of carnival traditionally runs over Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and stems from the celebration of African slaves who were given holidays at this time. In recent times, Junkanoo has been extended to Saturday in the summer. Dive with whale sharks: BELIZE Sharing the sea with these gentle giants off the coast of Belize, where they gather in spring and early summer, is a key attraction of this fabulous diving destination. The clear and ward offshore waters host the world’s second largest barrier reef and a 400ft deep blue hole, one of the world’s top diving site. Desert trekking: ARUBA The Arikok National Park, accounting for nearly 20% of this Dutch territory’s landmass, couldn’t be further form the lush jungle normally associated with a Caribbean. Instead, it is a melting pot of Amerindian remains, abandoned gold mines and disused farms, surrounded by desert scrubland dotted with tall cacti, a rugged coastline and views of Venezuela from Aruba’s highest point. Carnival revelries: TRINIDAD The annual explosion of revelry that is the Trinidad Carnival is legendary and known as the Mother of all Carnivals. Costumed dancers, bedecked with exotic head-dresses of sequins, beads

and feathers, dance along the streets of Port of Spain, following trucks booming out pounding beats that compete with the distinctive rhythm of steel pan bands. Swim with turtles: ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES Stretching in arc downwards from St. Vincent to Grenada, The Grenadines have long proved irresistible for romantics and escapists. The protected waters around the islets of the Tobago Cays are rich in marine life, making them ideal for snorkelers who can swim with the numerous green sea turtles that gather here. Spice up your life: GRENADA Knows as the Spice Island of the Caribbean thanks to the abundant mix of herbs and spices grown here, Grenada is one of the world’s foremost growers of nutmeg. Stop for the natural flavours, including cinnamon, cloves, ginger and locally-made chocolate, gracing stalls at the spice market held in the picturesque capital, St. George’s. If you need a little inspiration for your winter holiday, if you’re a bit stuck on where to start planning your next getaway, we can help! Let us find your perfect winter holiday destination, contact the Harden Holiday team today.

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BOW ARROW GARDENING & LANDSCAPING. Gardening and Landscaping service in the Dartford, South East London, North Kent, Essex area. - Garden Design. - Garden Clearance. - Garden maintenance :all aspects. - Hedge/shrub pruning. - Deweed paths and flower beds - Lawn Maintenance and cutting. Free quotations Contact- Andy Davidson. Mobile 07815 118887 Email – andy_davidson_1@ yahoo.co.uk A Friendly, reliable and quality service. Bespoke quotations on request.

Full-time, experienced, qualified yoga teacher, teaching practical yoga and meditation classes in the local community and now online. When Government advice allows, the regular schedule of in person group classes in Hextable, Swanley, Sidcup and Bexleyheath will resume. For now, all regular group classes are being held online. Yoga Alliance Professionals Senior Yoga Teacher and British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course Tutor, I am qualified and experienced in making yoga accessible. I teach an embodied and practical approach to yoga, breath work and meditation, appropriate for all ages and abilities. You don’t need to be flexible to start! My classes are friendly, everybody is welcome, so come and see how it feels to tune in and connect yourself and feel better. Please visit my website for more information or email me at clair.crestyoga@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

FITNESS - NOVEMBER Training during the “busy” season (if you’re lucky enough to have a “not busy” season!)

marathon workouts into smaller, more regular (and more intense) sessions may be as simple a solution as it gets.

So, the nights are darker, the weather is colder and wetter, you’ve got shopping to do and people to see. When, oh when will you be able to fit in your training?!

traditional “sets and reps” type workouts, waiting for 60-90s (or more) between sets… I’ve always preferred to keep moving and get more work done.

There’s a good chance you’re actually trying to train too much. For most people, 2-4 sessions a week is plenty, the key is to train HARD and make the most out of your gym time, not prance about taking selfies or posing in the mirror. If, like me, you’re busy and short on time, you’ll probably find that shorter, more intense workouts will work best for you; not hours in the gym each visit, just a quick 20-40 minute blast then out the doors to get on with your busy life.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a place for “sets and reps” type training, it’s just not for everyone and it isn’t the most time-efficient if you’re limited on available gym time. So with the festive season approaching and an abundance of food and drink teasing you everywhere you look, the last thing you want to be doing is skipping workouts because you haven’t got time, my advice is to make the time for some shorter workouts and push yourself a bit harder.

My preference now is to have a good warm-up (5-10 mins of full-body mobility work, not just sitting on a bike or walking on a treadmill for 10 minutes), then work on something I want to improve (either a skill or some strength training), and then blast some kind of circuit for 10-20 minutes of pure hard work.

Be sensible, but work as hard as you can. Pick the most beneficial exercises and focus your efforts on them – that means squats and deadlifts are IN, bicep curls and crunches are OUT! Resistance/strength work is far more beneficial and time-efficient than long runs or walking.

Most days I’m in and out of the gym in 45 minutes or less and probably get more work done than most of the people in there for over an hour. I discovered a long time ago that I (personally) get bored using the

Also, it’s quite possible that whilst you struggle to find the time for a 60-90 minute workout 2 or 3 times a week, you may actually be able to find 20-30 minutes most days, if not every day, so splitting up your

Another thing you could consider is that, while it’s beneficial and you definitely have more options, you don’t actually need to train in a gym. Training at home could save you a huge amount of time by eliminating the travel time to/from the gym. So, if time’s the issue, consider training at home – bodyweight or some basic home gym equipment is really all you need to get an amazing workout, and for general fitness and weight loss, there’s no need for big weights. (If your goal is purely strength, then yes, you may need a gym or a bit more weight to lift at home, but it’s still entirely doable, and if you’re a competitive power lifter, time probably isn’t an issue for you). So, give it a try – schedule in some shorter workouts and push yourself. If you need some help with programming, get in touch and let’s get you set up with a plan that works for you. Mark www.MBonlinePT.com @MarkBroadbentPT

DARTFORD’S GREAT LITTLE BUSINESSES NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!

www.dartford.gov.uk

Twist & Pulse

Talent) (Britain’s Got

Lee Mead

the Musical) (Fat Friends (Joseph)

Presents the Kiera-Nicole

ar) (2021 Panto st ) e! ak sh (Milk

David Ribi (Milkshake!)

CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON

Shane Hampsheir

plus...

FATHER CHRISTMAS

and more family entertainment A tribute to Dua Lipa

around the town!

Beer Pressure

SATURDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2021 2.30pm - 5.20pm in Brewery Square, Market Street www.dartford.gov.uk/christmas Programme may be subject to change

DR RUPY’S WINTER RECIPES Doctor and health food guru, Dr Rupy runs a cooking channel – The Doctor’s Kitchen – that shares his belief that food is the most powerful medicine. He has also published three successful cookbooks whilst being a qualified GP.

Add the garlic and pine nuts to the pan and fry for 2 minutes to colour, then add the vinegar, capers and rosemary and plenty of salt and pepper and cook for a further minute. Finally, stir in the cavolo nero and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender. Ideal for both flexitarians and vegetarians, Dr Rupy’s Serve the sautéed mushrooms on the golden toast. range of dishes appeases all tastes. Lunch Breakfast Umami Mushroom Pappardelle Balsamic mushrooms on toast

Using Waitrose 200g Chestnut Buttons Vitamin D Mushrooms Using Tesco Vitamin D 250g Chestnut Mushrooms Serves 2

Serves 4

4 tbsp olive oil 1 large carrots Prep time 5 minutes 2 small white onions Cook time 10 minutes 50g Parsley Cook’s tip: Rub the toasted bread with a garlic clove 6-8 cloves garlic 600g vitamin D chestnut mushrooms 2 thick slices of sourdough bread 500mls passata 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 tsp white miso 160g mixed vitamin D mushrooms and oyster mushrooms 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1-2 tsp chilli flakes 60g pine nuts 200g Pappardelle pasta 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 10-20g parmesan, grated 30g capers, drained and rinsed 2–3 sprigs of rosemary Preheat the oven to 200C fan assisted 160g trimmed cavolo nero, shredded Blend the mushrooms in a food processor into a rough sea salt and freshly ground black pepper mixture and scrape into a baking tray lined with baking paper (may have to blend the mushroom in batches) Toast the Sourdough. Drizzle the slices of bread with Bake for 10minutes, stir the mixture add balsamic vinegar oil and set aside. salt and pepper and bake for another 10-15 minutes Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan and sauté the Blend the carrot, onion, garlic, parsley stalks in the mushrooms for 5 minutes. blender into a fine soffritto mixture

Add to a large casserole dish on medium heat with olive oil and slowly caramelise for 10- 15minutes whilst your mushrooms are cooking. Make sure not to burn your garlic Add the mushroom mixture to the soffritto and stir together with the miso paste and chilli flakes Pour into the passata, stir and simmer covered for 15-20minutes Prepare your pappardelle in salted, boiling water according to packet instructions, mix together with the mushroom mixture and serve with chopped parlsey and grated parmesan

Dinner Festive Mushroom pie with gravy Using Tesco Finest Forestiere Mushrooms 250G Serves 4 5 tbsp olive oil 250g Tesco Finest Forestiere Mushrooms 1 red onion, sliced 1 leek, sliced 10g Rosemary needles, chopped 10g Sage, chopped 200g Parsnips, 2-3cm dice 180g Cooked Chestnuts 60g Walnuts, crumbled 100g Spring greens, finely shredded 1 shallot, finely diced 1 clove garlic, grated

100g mushrooms, diced 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp corn flour 250mls veg stock 50mls milk (or PB alternative) 4 Filo pastry sheets For the pie: Saute the mushrooms in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until golden, remove and set aside to cool Add the red onions and leek, cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the, rosemary, sage and parsnips and cover with a lid cook for another 7-8 minutes, until the root veg is softened Add back the mushrooms with cooked chestnuts and crumble in the walnuts stirring as you do Add the spring greens for another 2 minutes and then pile into a large round baking dish Gravy: Meanwhile to make the gravy saute the shallot for 5 minutes in a pan with oil Add the diced mushrooms, garlic, soy and Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes Add the corn flour, stock, milk and simmer for 5 minutes Pour into a blender and process into a smooth gravy Add the pie ingredients to a large pie dish with a splash of gravy to loosen the mixture Scrunch up some filo on the top and brush with oil Bake for 10-15 minutes until the filo is cooked Serve with the mushroom gravy

FULLY OPEN FOR DINING IN Our convenient location in the town centre means you’re never too far from savouring one of our chef’s specials or platters, made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to absolute perfection. We’ve been cooking up a storm since 1974

SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY 12PM TO 10PM THURSDAY TO SATURDAY 12PM TO 11PM WWW.EFESDARTFORD.CO.UK | (01322) 471458 34

COME ALONG AND TRY 2 FREE SESSIONS All abilities welcome.

Juniors 6+ Monday & Thursday 5.15-5.45pm Saturday 9.00-9.45am Cadets 10+ Monday & Thursday 5.55-6.25pm Saturday 10.00-11.00am Adults 16+ Wednesday 6-7pm Saturday 11.15-12.15pm Classes at Bexley Park Sports and Social Club Contact Gary Parker 07931 815582

Dartford Living is much more than just a magazine! We have a massive presence online through social media and our website. We also have an online business directory and free quarterly networking events. Need help with design and marketing? We can help you! We can provide advice and offer website design and other graphic design assistance. When it comes to marketing we can offer the full spectrum of social media marketing as well as brochure and website copy. Great design and marketing is so important if you want your business to stand out! www.dartfordliving.com www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk www.dartfordliving.design

Dartford Resident?

Grant awards of up to £15,000 now available! New eligibility criteria, more grants approved.

Call us today.

Can’t leave hospital? Cold home?

Struggling to stay at home? Need adaptations?

Even if you are a homeowner, in work or have savings, we may be able to help with financial assistance for:

HOUSING ISSUES:

SAFETY:

Key safes, bannister and grab rails

Home in disrepair, de-cluttering, deep cleaning, moving furniture

ADAPTATIONS:

Stair lifts, level access shower, access ramps, large scale property adaptions

ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, repairs or replacement boiler

01322 343152

housinggrants@dartford.gov.uk

*Discretionary assistance is subject to budget availability and may be frozen by the Local Authority when necessary

Kelly Rose™ Skincare & Aesthetics Multi-Award Winning Skin Specialists Specialising in Advanced Facials and Skin Treatments for all skin types and skin concerns. 68 Little Queen Street, Dartford, DA1 1TL

www.beautybykellyrose.co.uk 37

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

up TV, streaming films, Twitter, and Instagram. I can just about master the intricacies of the TV remote. The terminology alone is confusing. Other Half has a DAB radio? What’s DAB? I’m told DVDs are almost outdated – I have some still in their cellophane wrapping which I keep meaning to watch – if I could fathom out how to use the DVD player. However, these are obsolete and I should look at getting a Blu-ray player. What? CDs are as old hat as vinyl records. Thankfully, I can just about fathom out how to download music via Spotify. Me and modern-day gadgets are like oil and water. We simply don’t mix. In the space of 24 hours both my dishwasher and my printer have given up the ghost. Both were perfectly working the last time they were used.

new machine, I’m going to spend the rest of the day checking out deals. My car offers similar challenges. Press a button on the dashboard and a I’m not a huge fan of washing up variety of screens light up. I’m told but now the Offspring have gone, my average speed, how many miles I there’s a lot less of it, so a repair to can drive before needing petrol, the that item may well have to wait until ambient temperature, what calls the coffers are off life support. It’s I’ve missed and much more. I use Today I opened the dishwasher to only a couple of plates and mugs a a car to get me from A to B safely put the crockery away only to be day – and six cat food dishes! Even and reliably – you can keep the rest. greeted by a machine full of dirty I can manage that amount. I know there are courses and techno water. Having bailed that out with a mug, I stomped off to the study I dread updating my mobile phone for buddy schemes to help people such to print some letters. Two went similar reasons. Today’s gadgets can as I. However, I may well be deemed through without any problem. do so much, I worry about pressing a hopeless case as I rarely get the The third never emerged! On the wrong button. I long to be like hang of technology even in its most further investigation the paper my friend, who ascertains that with basic forms. I would be an ongoing was jammed and more worryingly, a mobile phone and tablet, she can presence at these courses year in the cartridges were loose and a rule the world. She manages to run and year out. strange piece of plastic was flying several businesses using this set up around the inside of the printer. at least. I make calls, write texts, and Maybe me and the Techno Fairy just No rhyme or reason to why both take the odd photo on mine. It’s only aren’t compatible. electrical appliances decided to recently the Offspring have shown have a collective hissy fit! me Whatsapp and introduced me Stay well all. to the joys of shopping by phone. The printer is a bigger problem though. I often need to print and I thought it was an age thing, but send documents out, so now I’m now I’m not so sure. Many others building up a back log of documents of my generation are completely at and reports which will soon go from home with technology and enjoy low, to high priority. As it may well the benefits it brings. They chat cost more to repair it than to buy a knowledgably about using catch

Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1

27/1/14

12:15

Page 1

STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION

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Is your child starting Reception in September 2022?

Dartford

Primary Academy

Then come and find out how Dartford Primary Academy can provide them with a worldclass education. At our school, your child will become an internationally minded, global citizen.

‘Determined, Persistent Achievers Learning to Change the World’ To book a tour, call the school office on 01322 223751 and select the option for infant site admin (option 6) or email office@dartfordprimary.org.uk

St Albans Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1TE Dartford Primary Academy is part of Leigh Academies Trust 41

UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE Orchard Theatre read. “Nothing more than wonderful, funny, joyful tricks, constructed from language.”. Catch Carr on Sun 14 November. German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn comes to Dartford with his new show; ‘It’ll All Come Out in The Wash’. Give everything a good rinse and witness him wring sense out of the nonsensical.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is the UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club. The shows feature the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV. These events are all about you, the parents! But don’t worry – we also take great care of our younger guests. BYOB provides soft flooring, toys, buggy parking and baby changing facilities, so that your baby is happy and you can relax, have a coffee (or a cheeky G and T if you prefer!) and be entertained. If you need to whip out a bum (the babies please!) a boob or a bottle please feel free… and the comics won’t mind being heckled by our younger guests!* The show features a brand new line up of comedians every month. It features two acts, plus a compere, with a 15 minute interval, and the whole show will last approx. 75 minutes. Shows are every month on Mon 15 November 12pm, Mon 13 December 12pm, Mon 17 January 12pm and Mon 21 February 12pm. * Please note: our brilliant comic will be performing their usual adult material, which is why we have a 12 month age limit for our little laughers. Jimmy Carr is back with his new tour, ‘Terribly Funny’. Famed for his award-winning stand-up and TV presenting roles, comedian Jimmy Carr celebrates an illustrious career spanning more than two decades. Described by The Guardian as “a comedy hero for our time”, Carr promised a show filled with jokes about the terrible things that might have affected his audience or their friends. “But they’re just jokes,” the press release

Henning has no agenda; he just happens to be always spot on. Henning’s most recent television and radio appearances include “Have I Got News for You”, “Would I Lie To You”, “Live At The Apollo”, “Question Time”, and “8 Out Of Cats Does Countdown”. Don’t missing Henning on Sun 21 November. Comedy superstar John Bishop is coming to Dartford with his highly anticipated brand-new stand-up show – ‘Right Here, Right Now’. This will be John’s eighth stand up show and it is shaping up to be his best yet. It will see him performing across the UK, Ireland, America, Canada and Europe and stopping in Dartford on Fri 3 December. Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks makes its world premiere as an exciting new stage musical. The musical had its premiere at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle upon Tyne on 14 August 2021 before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a stage musical based on the 1971 Walt Disney film and the stories by Mary Norton. The show includes the original songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny, and new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill. Enchanting audiences in Dartford from Wed 24 - Sun 28 November 2021. Pantomime makes a comeback this year after last years cancellations across the country. Actor, television presenter and Panto dame, Christopher Biggins returns to Dartford to star in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Orchard Theatre as Sarah the Cook. Joining him will be Children’s TV presenter Kiera-Nicole and Comedian Rikki Jay. Jack and the Beanstalk will be a fun-filled Christmas extravaganza telling the fairy tale of a poor local lad who goes on a fantastic adventure up a beanstalk where fortune lies. This year’s production will be the perfect festive panto with a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and of course, plenty of audience participation. Join Jack and co from Sat 11 December 2021 - Sun 2 January 2022.

COMPETITION Sir Ranulph Fiennes

2nd December 2021 Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure; inspiring generations and risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken. Amongst his many record-breaking achievements, he was the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis – his current goal is to become the first person in the world to cross both polar ice caps and climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, Living Dangerously offers a personal journey through Sir Ranulph’s life, spanning his early childhood and school misdemeanours, his army life, the Transglobe Expedition and his current Global Reach Challenge; making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell. Sir Ranulph is named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living A. Cyclist B. Explorer C. Footballer

’

Email competition@dartfordliving.com by the 15th November to be in with a chance of winning. RUES: 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 Orchard, 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. 7. 7. All entries will be added to the Dartford Living mailing list to receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Please state when you enter the competition if you don’t wish to be added

YEAR 7 or POST-16 SEPTEMBER 2022

YOU CAN BE @ THE LEIGH UTC DARTFORD ‘It has been a tremendous and phenomenal learning journey for my child at The Leigh UTC. Thank you ever so much for your support. She is going to miss the tranquil and friendly learning environment, and of course the staff who have helped shape her learner’s journey.’ Parent

Join the only University Technical College in Kent. Visit our website for more information.

THELEIGHUTC.ORG.UK ‘Leading in all areas with Business Engagement and Post 16, Areas of Excellence.’ Challenge Partners 2021

Brunel Way, The Bridge, Dartford, Kent DA1 5TF Email admissions@theleighutc.org.uk for more details 43

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE NHS By Dr Julie Taylor

DR JULIE TAYLOR IS A GP PARTNER AT THE ORCHARD PRACTICE DARTFORD, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF DARTFORD MODEL PCN AND A BOARD MEMBER OF THE DARTFORD, SWANLEY AND GRAVESHAM INTEGRATED CARE PARTNERSHIP.

There are lots of different ways to access health care and it can be a bit of a maze to work out the best route to get the help you need. NHS 111 NHS 111 is available as a telephone service and online (111.nhs.uk). It can help when you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do. They can advise you on self-care or what local service can help you. 111 is supported by a clinical assessment service, whose clinicians can provide a more in depth review and advice. 111 can book you to be reviewed by a local pharmacist, your GP or an urgent treatment centre. Pharmacies Did you know that your local pharmacy is a great source of advice for minor ailments? Pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines, managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice. They are qualified healthcare professionals and can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles and aches and pains. If symptoms

suggest it might be more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need and will direct you to your GP surgery, urgent care centre or A&E. Pharmacists can also help you with medicines related queries, such as inhaler techniques, how to take a medicine safely and any queries you might have about prescribed medication or. Pharmacists are easy to access – many are open late at night and at the weekend and you do not need an appointment. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room so you don’t need to worry about being over heard. Some offer additional services, such as travel clinics, other vaccinations, blood pressure checks and even ear syringing/ microsuction. Please check with your local pharmacy to see how they can help you.

the right person first time, you may be asked to give more information about the problem you are contacting the surgery with. Your GP may not be the best person to help you. All GP surgeries are open and have been throughout the pandemic. However, because of the infection control measures from Public Health England that we have to work under, we cannot see all patients face to face. We use telephone, video and online consultations as a first contact to help decide who needs to be seen and how quickly. Because the opportunities to bring patients in for face to face appointments are limited due to social distancing and the need to protect vulnerable patients from COVID, we need to make best use of these appointments.

Urgent Care Centres You can go to an Urgent Care Centre if you need urgent medical attention but it is not a life threatening situation. Please use these centres where appropriate rather than the Emergency Department, to minimise the impact on emergency care and the hospitals. 111 can advise if you need to attend UTC and book you into a slot, to minimise the wait. There are a number of Urgent Care Centres in the Dartford area: Gravesham Community Hospital – open 8am-8pm Erith District Hospital – open 8amGeneral Practice General practice teams are now 10pm much broader than just your GP and Queen Mary’s Hospital – open 24 practice nurse. They may include hours other health professionals such as paramedics, clinical pharmacists, Emergency Department (A&E) physiotherapists, dieticians, The Emergency Department should occupational therapists, health and be used for those patients needing wellbeing coaches, care coordinators, only urgent medical attention and social prescribers, podiatrists and treatment, who have genuine lifemental health workers. To get you to threatening emergencies, such as:

Loss of consciousness Acute confused state and fits that aren’t stopping Chest pain Breathing difficulties Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped Severe allergic reactions Severe burns and scald Stoke Major trauma such as a road traffic accident. Less severe injuries can be managed at home or in Urgent Care Centres. Dental emergencies Please contact your usual dentist as some practices will offer emergency slots. You can also contact NHS 111, who can put you in contact with an urgent dental service. Your GP cannot offer urgent or emergency care.

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

CAR NEWS NOVEMBER 2021 By Dhiren Ganesh In this month’s article we look at a new models as the automotive industry gears up for 2022.

2022 Ford Focus family car – this is a larger family version of the ford focus diversifying the range. The new version will have a more muscular look with a high bonnet line and a more imposing front grille. LED headlights now come as standard on every Focus, and include integrated fog lights, allowing the light clusters to be slimmer than before. Amongst the engines available are the 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engine. There is also a Focus ST hot hatch with a 2.3-litre petrol engine. Inside you’ll find a new 13.2in touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 software with clear graphics, a logical menu structure and offering wireless connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Prices will start from £22,465 when available in early 2022.

2022 MG ZS EV electric SUV – this is MGs electric SUVs to rival a busy market. The updated ZS EV receives two new battery options – the 72kWh long range battery and the 51kWh with travel ranges from 198 to 273 miles on a full charge. Changes to the outside includes LED headlights have been added, which will improve visibility in dark conditions compared with conventional bulbs and a new rear bumper and new aerodynamic five-spoke wheels. Inside you’ll find a 10.1in touchscreen in place of the previous 8.0in unit. Prices are yet to be anoouced but expected to start around £26,500 and qualify for the £2,500 Government electric grant. It will be on sale from November 2021. 2022 Dacia DusterCommercial – this will be one of the cheapest of its kind in the country when it goes on sale. The new Duster Commercial adopts a similar look to the Duster family SUV,

with Y-shaped LED running lights, an imposing front grille and 16in alloy wheels. Modifications tot eh SUV to turn it into a commercial includes a flat, wooden load floor in place of the rear seats, leaving you with a payload weight capacity of 503kg. Inside, the Duster Commercial comes with an 8.0in touchscreen display for telephone, radio and sat-nav. It also has a built-in alarm system as well as six speakers for your music. Other standard kit includes air conditioning, electric front windows, cruise control, a trip computer, DAB radio with bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection. Lots of other options available with the trims. Petrol and diesel engines will be available from a 1.0-litre and 1.3-litres petrol’s to a 1.5-litre diesel option. Prices will start from £13,995 including VAT when it’s on sale in mid-2022 making it one of the cheapest.

PILATES SUSPENSION METHOD (PSM) By Sarah Phillips If you have tried mat or reformer (or other equipment) Pilates classes, you will be well aware of the amazing benefits it can have both on the body and the mind. Pilates Suspension Method (PSM) takes all of these benefits (and more) to create a unique, challenging and fun Pilates class. The creator of PSM, Rebecca B e c k l e r, s a y s “ T h e P i l ate s Suspension Method combines contemporary and traditional mat and equipment-based Pilates exercises and performs them on a suspension trainer. Each PSM exercise has a Pilates root and is also done in many of the traditional Pilates series. PSM is designed to be taught in a group or one-to-one setting and is a wonderful way to

keep up with your Pilates practice Gymnastics Centre, Vimy Way, while travelling or if you want to spice Crayford. up your current workout routine” For more information about PSM Similar to regular Pilates, it is or any of the Pilates classes I run, excellent for improving your core including mat and reformer, please strength, balance, and mental health. contact me by: email – sarah@ However, it also boasts the additional kember.co.uk, mobile – 07716 benefits of improving other muscle 131434, Facebook – @kemberpilates, groups, because when using the website – www.kemberpilates.co.uk, suspension trainer, participants rely Instagram - @kember_pilates. on their own bodyweight to carry out many of the exercises. Any brand of suspension trainer will do, such as TRX or Pro 3. There are currently two classes available; Thursday mornings via zoom at 9.30am (your own suspension trainer will be required for this) and in person on Thursday evenings @ 7.30pm at the Europa

Rock Painting in Dartford.

DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS

Local people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and in the Orchard Shopping Centre. ByGallery Marialocated Kingsford Here are some great photos of their painted rocks.

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

SPORTS ROUNDUP Recognised as a fight for the ages and a trilogy worthy of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster, Fury vs. Wilder was awesome, as Wilder was knocked out by the British boxer in their latest fight in Las Vegas. However, Deontay Wilder’s post-fight reaction had room for improvement and the immediate aftermath of the fight was unsavoury. Albeit belated, Wilder did congratulate the ‘Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury, stating Fury was a “true warrior and a true king” and congratulated Tyson Fury. Wilder was stopped by Fury in the 11th round after twice knocking down the Briton himself in a thrilling third meeting between the pair. This means the rivalry is finally put to bed and the Gypsy King’s reign in the heavyweight division goes on.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER INCLUDE: 18 Oct-15 Nov: Cricket - Men’s T20 World Cup in India 23 Oct-27 Nov: Rugby League - World Cup in England (men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments) 15-16 November: Football - World Cup qualifying final group games: San Marino v England; Northern Ireland v Italy; Scotland v Denmark (15th); Wales v Belgium (16th) 23 Nov-8 Jan: Cricket - Australia v England five-Test Ashes series

As for Wilder, his bravery rightly earned him many fans and there are calls for a mouth-watering clash with Londoner Joshua…

PAUL OAKENFOLD INTERVIEW

He was there from the start, so Paul remember. Oakenfold couldn’t be happier to still be involved with Ministry of With a line-up like that, there is only Sound three decades down the line. one name that could be added as a special guest to really round things On November 13th, the world’s off. Who else, but Ministry’s first-ever most iconic dance music brand are resident and a man who despite celebrating their 30th anniversary going on to global superstar success, with what promises to be the party has never forgotten where he came of the year, a massive event in from and who’s love for the club is London’s O2 Arena. Titled Three as strong as ever...Paul Oakenfold. Decades Of Dance, the show will feature a special performance For Oakey, Ministry Of Sound is by Ministry Of Sound Classical, a club that will always occupy a recreating the legendary tracks special place in his heart and is one that have defined the club over that, when they come calling, he’s the years with the 50-piece always ready and willing to step back London Concert Orchestra. If behind the decks because, when it that wasn’t enough, some of the comes down to it, he’s as much of world-renowned DJs that have a fan as he is an integral part of the been mainstays of Ministry such as Ministry story. Judge Jules, Brandon Block and Alex P, alongside esteemed vocalist You played Ministry on it’s opening Kelli-Leigh, will be bringing their night and now here you are the considerable talents to the decks special guest for it’s 30th Anniversary to ensure that the night is one to party. You must be pretty excited?

“Who would ever have thought we would still be talking about Ministry and my relationship with them after 30 years? What a fantastic club, though. I was lucky enough to be the resident when it opened and our relationship has just grown naturally from there on in. I’ve done many, many events with them and still do, so when they asked me to be part of this big show, I didn’t have to think twice. It’s a wonderful thing and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” Dance music reworked as a classical concert is nothing new, but this one is going to be pretty special. Why do you think that is? “It’s because it’s literally their 30th anniversary. That alone is remarkable and special as a result. There’ve been a lot of classical events in the last few years and they do well, so it makes sense for Ministry of Sound to celebrate three decades at the O2. I honestly think it’s going to be

amazing and there’s a lot of special guests who’ve been involved with the club over the years playing at it. I’ve seen the list of what the orchestra is going to play and I can guarantee that people are not going to be disappointed. It really will be a moment in electronic music. If I wasn’t playing myself, I’d be there to check it out anyway.” When Ministry first opened in 1991, did it feel like a landmark in dance culture from the off? “It absolutely did. Up until that moment, there hadn’t been a club that was purpose-built and designed for the dancefloor like Ministry was, had the soundsystem that Ministry had and had the vision that Ministry had for what it could be. It was a real moment in club history, if not the world. We suddenly became players. Those kinds of clubs were only ever seen in America, then suddenly England, so therefore Europe, had a club that could compete with that. It was a game-changer.” When you think of Ministry, what comes to your mind? It was always a big deal for me to play at Ministry of Sound and it still is. It’s an iconic nightclub with an iconic brand, so to still be part of it after all these years is an honour for me and I consider myself very fortunate as a result. I always love playing in the club. For A DJ, to play on a soundsystem like that and to have the club packed, well it’s wonderful. Every time. It’s as simple as that and I feel very fortunate to have been able to play there so often and to still be able to. They move with the times. They’ve understood that you simply have to, so that’s what they have done and they have done it well.

I think it’s important to challenge yourself and move with the times and for me, Ministry has been the nightclub that has done that also.” What’s happening with your upcoming new artist album Shine On? “It’s going to be released in the first quarter of next year, in America it’ll be around the time of The Grammys. It’s more of the same in the respect that I’ve collaborated with various different artists from different genres, but musically it’s not all about the dancefloor. During Covid, I started really knuckling down on sounds and progression in terms of music, so it’s very cinematic. There’s some great names on there like Eve, Azealia Banks, Cee-Lo Green, Luis Fonsi and more. A bunch of really interesting people. When you are making music, you make them based on how you feel at the time and where you are in your life, so it’s been very much a progression for me. So at this moment I wanted to do something cinematic, so I hope people like it.” As someone who has spent his entire adult life playing out to crowds every weekend at least, it must have been difficult for you when everything was closed down so suddenly and for so long? “I went through various emotions over the course of it. At first I saw it as a chance to take my foot off the pedal and have a break after 30 years of DJing. That was actually nice. Then things change and you start to think about how you are going to cope and how you are going to live. So you just have to adapt. I was very fortunate in that my Dad taught me a wonderful lesson when I was a kid about saving for a rainy day. I didn’t really understand what

that meant until I was older, but I’m so glad I did, as I ended up having to live off my savings because I didn’t work for 16 months. I know a lot of colleagues in music who really suffered during that time and got no help from the government, so it was a really difficult time for a lot of people. I missed being able to go out and DJ, but there were a lot of people in the industry who had it harder than I did. Now we’re back though, so people are enjoying themselves again and I’m really fortunate that I’ve got work again, so I’m really happy. I’ve done a few gigs already and they’ve been brilliant, though it was a bit weird at first after not playing for so long! I’m slowly getting back into it, though.” Do you have any long-term plans or goals still, or have the last 18 months made you think differently about the future? “I don’t want to think too far ahead these days. What I’ve realised these last couple of years is to try and live your life and enjoy the moment. I’ve lost two close people in the last two years during Covid. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future, none of us do. So I’m all about enjoying the now. We all need one another. I’m realising that more and more and I’m seeing it more and more. It’s about being in the moment, helping each other, being kind and enjoying our lives. It doesn’t cost any money to put your arm around someone and say ‘I’m here for you.’ So I’m not thinking about the long-term future. I’ve got a show tonight, I’ve got a show tomorrow and I’ve got Ministry’s 30th anniversary to look forward to. I’m going to play, enjoy and have fun. That’s enough for me.”

WILD LITTLE ROSE By Roisin Arnold

or recycled again. In the run up to Christmas when there will be lots of lovely gifts and paper under the tree; if you can ‘shop small’ for something, consider it. I know I will be doing a happy dance for every order that comes through! Don’t forget there are so many great local businesses in Dartford that are featured right here in the magazine.

Christmas making in my workshop is definitely in full swing. I’m busy making bespoke items at the moment and I’m feeling very grateful to be creating unique pieces that will end up under the Christmas tree for people.

So, what’s on my workbench this week? I’m in the midst of creating a small Christmas collection which is very exciting. The collection comprises a bangle, pendant necklace, ring and earrings. All items include plenty of my signature h a m m e r te xt u re a n d ca n b e personalised with initial charms: ideal for gifting. Items can of course be bought individually or together, and there may be a special offer coming when it launches (keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram: @wild_littlerose) Small handmade jewellery gifts are a great way to give someone a thoughtful Christmas present: made just for them.

source recycled silver when buying materials for new projects. Though slightly more expensive I believe the environmental impact is worth it. All scrap silver left over from my making is reused. This is where it gets creative! Through a process called granulation, silver can be melted Until next time, please come and I’ve been reflecting on sustainability into tiny granules which can then find me on Instagram- feel free to say a lot lately. It’s a word we hear be used to decorate items like rings, hello. I’ll be posting updates on my often and is crucial, but what bangles and pendants. soon-to-launch website! If there’s any does it mean, for a small business way I can help with your Christmas like mine? Sustainability is about Sustainability day-to-day is being gift plans don’t hesitate to ask. maintaining something, for as mindful of what I’m using. Think long as possible in a certain way. through to the next steps: where In my workshop, that means is that material going to end up? thinking about the materials I Making to order means I can be more source, as well as how I use scrap selective in use of materials in the and leftovers. I ask myself: how first place. If I do have popular items can I ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’, to in stock, the numbers will be small maximum effect? It is important and hopefully moving quickly to a to aim to reduce use of materials new home. Packaging is a key area and consider reusing/repurposing to minimise environmental impact. items and resources. Of course it Currently I’m using boxes made also makes good business sense to from recycled materials and any reuse valuable metal! I choose to additional packing can be reused

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USEFUL NUMBERS LOCAL AND NATIONAL

KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/ Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 01322 421480 Boots Chemist Bluewater 01322 624780 (Late Night) ASDA Greenhithe Chemist 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1513 100 West Kent NHS helpline 0800 0 850850 TRAVEL Heathrow Airport Enquires 08700 000123 Gatwick Airport Enquires 08700 002468 National Rail Enquires 08456 484950 Highways England Info Line 0300 123 5000 HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014

Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697 555 Citizens Advice Bureau: 01322 472 979 Debt Councilling (CAP) 0800 328 0006 Information About Drugs - FRANK: 0800 776600 Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162 Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624 Local Breastfeeding Counsellors Judianne/Paula 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000 247 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720 Samaritans: 116 123 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www.

Call 999 in an Emergency Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastguard 101 Non Emergency Number for Kent Police Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 111 NHS Non Emergency Number

dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527. Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134. Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111. VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312. ‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes ParkContact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com Dartford Valley RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Together Dartford Living Community Group

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

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Dartford Living November 2021

Articles inside

Where to go locally

Useful numbers

Wild little rose

Pilates suspension method

Dartford Painted Rocks & Sports roundup

Getting the most out of the NHS

Upcoming shows at Orchard Theatre

Car News

Paul Oakenfold interview

Fitness - November

Muladhara- the rest chakra

Life under the Stairs

Straight Out Of Dartford

Senior Snippets

Winter sun with Harden Holidays

Benefits of running

Dartford Giving