I’d like to welcome you to the latest issue of the magazine!
The magazine is jam-packed with lots of useful local information and fantastic local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like never before, our community needs the support of all of us.
In case you weren’t aware, David and I run Dartford Living alongside over 50 volunteer members of the local community. DL is the only independently run magazine, serving the local area with information and positive local stories!
Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you, then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your neighbours. You will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise too!
If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter mailing list and you will join over 50,000 local people who read the magazine and/or follow us on social media each month.
When you’ve finished reading the magazine please either keep it on your bookshelf, for when you need to use a local business, or pass it on to a friend or family member to read too.
Vijay
Editor - Dartford Living Magazine
(and of course David and the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)
In the late nineteenth century, men from our twin town of Gravelines near Dunkirk took small sailing smacks to Iceland, looking for the codfish to send back home. For six months they would be there, sending back their catch to their wives waiting at home. Many lost their lives; there is a French sailors cemetery there, to this day; others were rescued by the Icelanders. The town has never forgotten the hospitality and support their men received; every year they host the Fête des Islandais, welcoming a delegation with song, dance, processions, poetry and artworks. This being France, there is food and drink involved.
I went as part of the Dartford delegation, along with the Cllr and Mrs Andy Lloyd, (Mayor and Mayoress) and a few others, this my first Twinning event. The welcome and hospitality was overwhelming; the organisers had laid on an interpreter for us to help with the language difficulties; though I can speak a bit of French, it aided understanding what was being said. Besides Dartford and Fáskrúdsfjorður, there was a delegation from their other twin, Biblis, in the upper Rhineland of Germany: they had sent their Gherkin Queen and Princess, along
TOWN TWINNING LOCAL
By Julian Bryant
with their delegation. They are proud of their gherkins!
Town twinning has its origins in the aftermath of WWII. After so much conflict, it was realised that unless people from different countries start to get to know each other as people, that it is easy for cheap populists to stir up enmity and hatred, rooted in the fear of the foreigner. So in Dartford we have had links with Hanau near Frankfurt, hence the Hanau Bridge, and the musical clock tower near the Orchard, sadly not working, but a gift from the town. We have had an association with Gravelines since 1991. Members have formed friendships with locals, some (not all) staying in their houses. Most are from older generations, and the Twinning Association is about to have a drive to welcome new and younger members.
Gravelines is a pretty and vibrant seaside town with a lighthouse and a huge beach. In the old fort, in the old Powderhouse, there is a Print Museum; including an exhibition of prints and etchings, some 25,000 strong. It includes works by Hogarth, Dürer, Goya, and Picasso. The grounds contain formal gardens, and a collection of rather good sculptures. The town is beautifully laid out, and has four stars for its floral displays; it’s very clean, and runs a free bus service seven days a week. Everywhere there are sporting and cultural clubs: their basketball team is really good. And on the seafront are some really good restaurants, serving not only fish! We were treated to a gastronomic dinner at Au Retour d’Island (the Iceland catch).
Even if you don’t join the Twinning, it’s worth a visit as part of a day trip to France, only 30 minutes from the Tunnel. But if you’re interested in the ideals of twinning, or in forming longer friendships, why not get in touch with the Association? The link is on the Council website: https://www.dartford.gov.uk/parks-leisure-1/ town-twinning
Temple Hill Primary Academy
It’s never too late to discover their happy place!
What makes Temple Hill special?
A vibrant learning environment
Creative and interactive curriculum
Modern, safe facilities
Thriving community
Tour with us every Thursday term time, 9:30am - 4:30pm.
Final date: 9th January 2025. Book your slot here.
As united as we are di erent.
FRANK SKINNER INTERVIEW LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT
By Vijay Jain , Editor of Dartford Living
Vijay, Dartford Living’s Editor, caught up with Frank ahead of his visit to The Orchard West Theatre last month.
As a Liverpool FC fan, I joined Frank for the interview wearing my Jurgen Klopp hoodie. The interview started with Frank asking me about what Klopp is up to these days now he’s no longer managing LFC. This warm natured start to the interview instantly brought out Frank’s charming and engaging personality.
Frank also flattered me by saying I didn’t look old enough to remember Fantasy Football. What a wonderful chap he is… We chatted about Klopp’s love of Padel and his recent visit to the Paralympics before we settled down into the ‘serious’ business of me quizzing him on a selection of questions provided by Dartford Living’s social media followers.
Vijay: Garry Turner asked “What is a joke that you’ve stopped yourself using and why?”
Frank: That would mean I’d have to tell a joke I didn’t want to use which would be problematic. There aren’t that many jokes, even when I watch back on VHS, which I wouldn’t use these days, but there are a few. We’ve all evolved! I can’t think of anything, stand up wise, that keeps me awake at night. The only jokes I wouldn’t use anymore were some sort of sexual adventure because I don’t have any anymore!
Vijay: From coming to see you at Dartford a few months ago, there were some risqué jokes and I found quite a mix of audience members.
Frank: Yes, it’s quite a mix, it’s weird isn’t it. It’s a bit like being Argos. Everybody comes.
Vijay: What was the last thing that had you in stitches of laughter? Was it your son Buzz?
Frank: Well he does make me laugh quite a lot. Hmm… I went to the magical circle in London on Friday and a man had his publicity [leaflet] and it said “I’ve never met anyone with more energy, Linda Lusardi” and I wasn’t sure if it was meant to sound like it sounds but it did sound a bit rude.
Vijay: Sarah Crook asked if you ever worry if you will stop being funny?
Frank: Yes, usually about five minutes before I go on stage. The secret with stand up comedy is to not think about it. It’s a bit like breathing. George Bernard Shaw said breathing is the easiest thing in the world until you think about
it. If you start imagining thinking about making a room full of people laugh for an hour and a half it seems impossible. It doesn’t do to analyse it too much. I like to talk to the audience.
Once I’m out there it doesn’t occur to me it’s not going to work. It’s a mix because there’s also that cockiness that you need which makes you think you’re the funniest thing on the planet. Which obviously I profoundly believe.
Vijay: Another question here from Lisa Roach. She said who would you like to interview or sing with who you haven’t already?
Frank: I think probably Bob Dylan. He’d be a nightmare to interview but he meant a lot to me as a teenager. I still regularly go to see him on stage and he’d be my choice. If you could get a proper interview out of him it would be brilliant but he’s a complicated man. I don’t know how he’d be doing Dartford Living.
Vijay: A couple of random ones. Gravy, should it be thick or thin?
Frank: Definitely thick. Not as random as you think. I am a great lover of gravy.
Vijay: Aah we clearly have a very knowledgeable audience at Dartford Living. Another one here. Would you rather wear Crocs or very sensible brogues?
Frank: I don’t understand what happened with Crocs. People once thought they were a revolutionary shoe then something happened and suddenly they became a laughing stock, but I stayed loyal. I’d choose them every time. I don’t know if you see this in Dartford but when you see people standing outside a restaurant
having a smoke, they’ve often got Crocs on.
Vijay: The next one is from Jeremy Kite, the leader of Dartford Borough Council. And he said, like Frank I’m a big fan of George Formby, not just his music, he had a great and interesting life too. Why doesn’t anyone write great comic songs anymore? Why don’t you write some?
Frank: I have thought about that, Kitey, as I like to call him. I did write a song in the style of George Formby which I used to end the show with. I loved ending the show like that and the ukelele used to get a cheer. I keep thinking I’d like to write some comedy songs.
Vijay: Nadine Ong asks, what’s your favourite venue to perform at?
Frank: Well, apart from The Orchard, I do like doing gigs in Birmingham which is pretty amazing. If my manager heard me say this he’d be upset… but I really like performing in small places. Above a pub with 80 people is the closest to how I grew up making my mates laugh in the pub. The truth is I’d rather do a little room in a pub in Dartford but a man’s got to live.
Vijay: A couple of questions from Jim Dickson, the new MP for Dartford. Do you get bored of singing Three Lions?
Frank: Well I don’t sing it every day and when I’ve sung it live I come in first. I do the first verse so I’m so focused on hitting that first note and being in the right key so I couldn’t be bored. It’s a precision business. So I’m very focused.
Vijay: Jim Dickson MP also asked if you can recommend a poem he won’t have heard before.
Frank: Yes, I can. It’s long but very accessible and he won’t have to read it all in one go. It’s a poem by Robert Frost called the Star Splitter and it’s about a man who burns down his farmhouse so that he can use the insurance money to buy a telescope. There’s a bit at the end of it where the guy who’s telling the story goes and sees him with his telescope and they look at the stars together all night and it says “and we said some of the best things we ever said” and I love that line. Just two people talking. I think Jim would like that.
Vijay: Does your son ever listen to your poetry podcast?
Frank: I do hear from teachers that say they play it to their class. My son, I tried to get him to listen. They have a little poetry extracurricular workshop thing at school, and I leaned on him a bit for that but you know what it’s like if you push them one way they go the other.
Vijay: A question from Angela who says will you ever do a show like Fantasy Football with David Baddiel again?
Frank: Dave and I are very good friends still. As I speak to you now he’s only about 15 houses up. We are going to do a Gogglebox thing for Stand Up For Cancer. We hang out a lot. I went around his house to watch the Man City –Arsenal game whenever that was.
Vijay: Paul Williams asks what do you like doing in your spare time these days in between touring?
Frank: I do read poetry a lot in my spare time. One of my great joys is watching England play cricket on the telly. I can settle down for an ODI and that’s me absolutely blissed out. I’d got back from a gig the other night, I’d recorded the highlights and I sat in the dark and watched that. It was just bliss.
Vijay: Sounds like you’d get on very well with a very famous fella from Dartford, Mick Jagger who loves his cricket. While you are in Dartford, only about 1 minute from Orchard West, there is a Mick Jagger and Keith Richards set of statues. It’s really good and it’s the two of them singing and Mick has got his hand out. This guy comes along in the mornings, to go to the coffee shop next door, and ties his dog to his hand. You’re one of the funniest people I’ve met Frank, but this is funnier.
Frank: Oh, I can understand that. So, did they meet in Dartford then? Weren’t they at the railway station and Keith Richards had got some blues albums?
Vijay: That’s it. They’d both been to Primary School together in Dartford but weren’t friends. Then a few years later they met again at Dartford Station and went from there. There’s a plaque on the platform at Dartford Station.
Frank: Well I was on holiday in Eastbourne and they had this Radio 1 roadshow and they had this Mick Jagger impression competition and I won it. I won an album by Jigsaw. One hit wonders.
Vijay: So you were a champion Mick Jagger impersonator then. Another question from Paul. Who is your celebrity crush?
Frank: Probably Kate Winslet. I’ve always liked Kate Winslet. I’ve found as I’ve got older I’ve liked older women. Obvious mother and daughter out shopping, I’m always liking the mum.
Vijay: A very serious question here from one of our social media followers. Were you bullied when you were young?
Frank: I was bullied for a while when I was young because I was the only kid at our school who had a Beetle haircut. They used to shove me around and threaten and be horrible. A classic example if you were different someone
will seize on it but it probably only lasted a couple of months but I know what it feels like.
Vijay: What’s the weirdest thing a fan has done for you?
Frank: I once had a Frank Skinner quiz in a pub, relating to a charity night. Me versus this woman I’d never met before, it was questions about me and she won by 2 points. That was strange.
Vijay: Holly Pullen asked if you would put Corki in your top 10? Frank: * Frank laughs *
Vijay: Sorry Frank, this is the people of Dartford for you. That’s all I’m saying.
Frank: Well, exactly. It depends on what it was the top 10 of. If it was life changing experiences, then probably yes.
Vijay: Steve Leung asks what 3 things would you personally consign to Room 101.
Frank: It would be definitely, definitely luggage with wheels. I never use luggage with wheels. I had to go and get a suitcase from someone’s house and it was full and I carried it all the way home. I wouldn’t let the wheels touch the pavement. Another thing would be kale. Every time I eat kale I think they’ve left the plastic on it. The other thing would be people who get in the middle lane of the motorway and think they’ll stay there until they get off.
Vijay: Do you like peanut butter?
Frank: I love peanut butter. I’ve had a change with peanut butter. I used to love crunchy and in recent times I’ve switched to smooth.
Vijay: The reason I asked you that is because I chuck it on kale. Stir fry with peanut butter… and my last question is from Councillor Kelly Grehan who asks what advice you have for new comedians.
Frank: If you are going to be on television, find a way of dealing with people who know less about comedy than you do, telling you how to do comedy. Otherwise you are going to have arguments and everyone is going to say you are difficult. As far as being a stand up is concerned, say yes to every gig and get as many hours on stage as you can. That’s the only way to get better. That’s where you learn, not in the bedroom.
Vijay: Do you have somewhere to eat when you are down in Dartford?
Frank: I always just have a sandwich in the dressing room.
Vijay: Thank you very much for your time today Frank.
Frank: Good talking to you. I would wish Liverpool well, but it would be insincere. All the best to you and yours.
Wednesday 6th November 2024 @9.30am
Thursday 7th November 2024 @2.00pm
Thursday 9th January 2025 @9.30am
CHOCOLATE TART
By Debbie Dickinson from the Little Lavinia Bakery
This month’s recipe seems very indulgent but is quite simple to make. You can make the pastry the day before. Swap 50g of the Plain Flour for Cocoa Powder in the pastry if you like. And feel free to swirl raspberries or caramel sauce through the chocolate filling mix just before you bake! Delicious!
You will need:
For the tart case
300g Plain Flour
150g Unsalted Butter – cold from the fridge
50g Caster Sugar
1 Egg
50ml Milk
For the Chocolate Filling
300g Chocolate
200g Unsalted Butter
3 Eggs
120g Caster Sugar
Loose Bottomed Tart Case – approx. 10” Or Mini Tart Cases
What to do.
To make the Pastry Case
Put the Flour into a large bowl and stir through the Sugar. Add a pinch of Salt (optional).
Chop the Butter into small cubes and add to the bowl. You could grate the butter in. Rub, using just your fingertips, until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs. If you have a food processor this stage can be done using that.
In a small bowl beat the egg and add the milk. Mix together.
Gradually add the wet mix to the dry mix until it comes together into a dough. You may not need all the liquid. (Or you may need a little extra milk) Flatten the dough into a 1” thick disc and wrap in clingfilm. Chill in the fridge for at least 20
minutes.
When it has chilled, roll it between two sheets of greaseproof paper, sprinkled with a little flour until it is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of your tart case.
Carefully lift into your tart case and ease into the bottom corners.
You can use a knife to trim the pastry, but it will shrink in the oven so do not cut it too much.
Pop back in the fridge for another 20 minutes. We’re going to ‘Blind Bake; the pastry before adding the filling. To do this, prick the base of the pastry with a fork in a few places and cover the base with a sheet of greaseproof paper. Cover this sheet with either baking beans, if you have them, or copper coins. This just helps to restrict the pastry from rising while it is baking. Bake at 180°C for about 10 minutes – until the edges are starting to colour. Remove from oven, take away the beans/coins and paper and return to the oven for a further 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and leave to cool. Now you can tidy up the edges if needed.
For the Chocolate Filling
In a heatproof bowl, chop the chocolate and butter up into small pieces and microwave in 30 second bursts until just melted. When most of the mix is melted you can use the residual heat in the bowl to melt the rest. You do not need this mix to be hot.
In another, larger bowl, whisk the eggs together with the sugar until it is pale, fluffy and has increased noticeably in volume.
Add half the chocolate mix and carefully fold through the egg mix. Once combined, repeat with the remaining chocolate mix. It is important not to knock the air out of the egg mix so fold carefully!
Once all is combined, pour into your prepared tart case. It won’t rise much in the oven so you can fill right to the top of the pastry case.
Bake at 160°C for about 20 minutes. You need the tart to be cooked, but still a bit wobbly as it will continue to cook for a while, then firm up as it cools. Leave to cool on a wire rack.
Once cool, place in the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up before slicing – it will make it easier!
Serve with Whipped Cream or Fruit. Enjoy!
DARTFORD FOODBANK
SMART MOVES: KNOW THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF BEING A LANDLORD
By Simpson Wreford LLP
Understanding the various landlord tax responsibilities and opportunities for deductions can help you manage your finances more effectively and ensure compliance with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regulations.
Income Tax on Rental Income
As a landlord, you must pay income tax on the profits you make from renting out your property. The profit is calculated by subtracting allowable expenses from your rental income.
Allowable Expenses:
• Letting Agents’ Fees for managing your property
• Legal Fees for lets of a year or less, or for renewing a lease for less than 50 years
• Accountants’ Fees
• Buildings and contents insurance
• Costs for maintaining and repairing the property, but not improvements
• Utility bills - Gas, water, electricity, etc
• Council Tax and Service Charges
• Costs for services such as cleaning or gardening
• Other Direct Costs like phone calls, stationery, and advertising
Non-Allowable Expenses:
• Capital Expenditure for improvements or renovations that increase the property’s value.
• Personal Expenses not directly related to the rental property.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
When you sell a rental property, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax on the profit made from the sale. The gain is calculated as the difference between the selling price and the purchase price, minus any allowable expenses such as legal fees and estate agent fees. The current CGT rates for residential property are 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 28% for higher rate taxpayers.
Inheritance Tax (IHT)
If you pass away and leave your rental property to your heirs, they may be subject to Inheritance Tax. The current threshold for IHT is £325,000, with a tax rate of 40% on the value of the estate above this threshold. However, there are various reliefs and exemptions available.
Conclusion
Navigating the tax landscape as a landlord can be complex, but understanding the key aspects of income tax, allowable expenses, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax can help. Always consider seeking professional advice to ensure you are making the most of available deductions and complying with all tax regulations.
Simpson Wreford LLP have a wealth of experience helping landlords with their Tax. Contact us now for a free initial consultation on 020 8317 6460 or visit our website at www. simpsonwreford.co.uk
THE LONDON BUTTERFLY GARDENS AT HALL PLACE & GARDENS
Within the flight area, we have created an environment which is controlled and monitored to ensure perfect conditions for our live butterflies.
The temperature and humidity is created not only for tropical butterflies, but to also sustain the tropical plants and flowers needed to enable the butterflies to feed, breed and lay their eggs. The habitat of the butterflies has been
reconstructed at our butterfly farm in such a way as to allow visitors an insight into the fascinating way of life of these amazing insects.
Coming Soon: The Living World
What is The Living World?
The Living World is a living museum of jungle insects from Leaf & Stick Insects, Praying Mantids, Jungle Nymphs, Spiders & Leaf Cutting Ants with the aim of educating the public about tropical natural history.
School Visits
A School visit to our butterfly gardens is a fantastic opportunity for all ages to learn about the wonders of butterflies and tropical rainforests. We have free flying tropical butterflies inside our rainforest inspired butterfly gardens, which replicates the natural life of tropical butterflies.
Our educational visits are designed to not only educate, but to inspire future generations.
Saturday 7 December at 3.30pm In person at ellenor, Gravesend
. To book your space at this event and dedicate a star on our tree in memory of your loved one, please visit ellenor.org/lightsoflove If you have any questions, please contact our team at supportercare@ellenor.org or call them on 01322 626509. They will be very happy to help.
Seeking a world-class education for your child?
Discover how Leigh Academy Dartford excels in providing just that! Our school nurtures internationally minded young minds, empowering them to become global citizens.
Book a tour or a virtual meeting: search ‘Leigh Academy Dartford’ or scan the QR code 01322 223751 | leighacademydartford.org.uk
WINTER SUN
By Harden Holidays
Winter sun holidays provide the perfect escape from the cold, grey months of winter, offering sunshine, warmth, and relaxation. For many, these holidays are an opportunity to break up the long winter season, recharge, and enjoy activities that would otherwise be unavailable in colder climates. Here are several reasons why winter sun holidays are so popular, as well as the best destinations and experiences for those looking to swap cold for warmth.
1. Escape the Cold
The most obvious appeal of a winter sun holiday is the chance to leave behind freezing temperatures and long dark days. A trip to a sunny destination can provide a refreshing change of scenery, helping to combat the winter blues. The warmth of a tropical or subtropical climate offers physical relief from the cold and a mental boost, as exposure to sunlight is known to improve mood and energy levels.
2. Recharge and Relax
Winter months can be draining, with shorter days and less daylight often leading to lethargy and a lack of motivation. A winter sun holiday offers an opportunity to recharge both mentally and physically. Relaxing on a beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying outdoor activities that are unavailable during winter are great ways to de stress and return to everyday life feeling rejuvenated. Whether lounging by a pool, strolling along the coast, or enjoying an al fresco meal, winter sun holidays allow you to unwind and experience a slower pace of life.
3. Exciting Destinations
There are many fantastic winter sun destinations across the world, each offering its own unique charm and activities. Closest to us, the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, provide year-round sunshine and are a popular winter getaway. Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria are known for their volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture.
For those seeking a more exotic escape, destinations such as the Caribbean or Southeast Asia are perfect options. The Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic, boast warm temperatures, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Southeast Asia offers culturally rich locations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali, where you can explore temples, enjoy vibrant street markets, or
simply relax on picturesque beaches.
The Middle East is another excellent winter sun destination, with places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering a mix of modern luxury and rich cultural heritage. Dubai, in particular, is famous for its high-end shopping, world-class hotels, and desert adventures, making it an attractive winter holiday spot.
4. Outdoor Activities
Winter sun holidays offer a wealth of outdoor activities that simply aren’t available during the colder months. Water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing are popular in warm destinations, allowing you to explore marine life or catch some waves. Hiking in lush tropical rainforests, taking scenic coastal walks, or even embarking on wildlife safaris are just a few examples of what’s on offer.
5. Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
For those who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a winter sun holiday can be particularly beneficial. SAD is often triggered by a lack of sunlight, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and low motivation. Traveling to a sunny destination can help alleviate these symptoms, as exposure to natural sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood and wellbeing.
Create lifelong memories with Harden Holidays, contact our team today.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
By Orchard Garage Limited
It’s that time of year again- low sun, wet and slippery roads, darker evenings, much less visibility. Now is an excellent time to do some basic checks on your vehicles. It’s better to spend a few minutes checking now, than discovering them once you’ve set off.
Windscreen. Something that always catches me out - the inside of the windscreen. I don’t know how it gets to be so dirty, but the low sun at this time of year really makes it very difficult to see through. Driving on the motorway at speed, if the road climbs and the sun hits your screen, you’ll be driving blind. Taking a couple of minutes to give it a wipe over to clear it makes so much sense. Whilst we’re on the subject of windscreens, if you’ve noticed a stone chip in your screen, it’s a good idea to get it seen to before the cold weather sets in. Cold temperatures can turn a small chip into a large crack. Most insurance companies repair stone chips for a nominal fee or for free and it doesn’t affect your no-claims. Worth checking your policies.
Wipers. Generally speaking, your wipers won’t have been used much over the summer, so they have been mostly sat in the same position. Sap from trees, road dirt, bugs all make wipers stick to the screen which, when they are first used again, can cause small tears, meaning they don’t clear the screen adequately. We see a lot of MOT failures at this time of year on wipers. Whilst we don’t charge labour to replace them, only for the blades themselves, it’s a simple task you could do yourself. Also, if you park near trees then try and clear any needles/leaves from the blade, as they get caught under them making visibility more difficult when driving in rain and also damaging them.
Tyres. Checking tyres is a very good habit to get in to and one of the easiest. Take a look to see if there are any bulges, rips, or cords showing. Clipping kerbs, potholes, litter on the roads all damage tyres. This time of year we see more tyre problems as puddles mean you can’t see the potholes. Sometimes we can do a puncture repair, other times we have to replace the tyre, it depends how close to the tyre wall the damage is. Good tyre tread is essential for gripping the road, especially in wet conditions. If you can see the rim of a 20p coin when it’s in the groove, your tyre tread is too low. Tyre pressure is important too, not only for grip, but for fuel efficiency. If you’re not confident to check and adjust the pressures yourself, pop by either of our sites and we’ll do it for you free of charge.
Lights. Not all vehicles tell you when a light is out. If yours doesn’t, then regularly check them – you want/need to be seen. If you need help changing a bulb, then pop in, as they’re not all straightforward. It’s also a good idea to regularly wipe over the light lens (especially the front) to make sure they’re not dimmed because of dirt. Lastly, we always see an increase in repair work at this time of year. People are starting to think about paying for Christmas, so put off getting their vehicles serviced and maybe just turn the radio up to drown any strange noises! If you catch an issue early enough, it will almost certainly be cheaper than leaving it to get worse. If you’re not sure about anything ‘car’, then ask. A lot of problems we can diagnose without charge and we will always tell you the cost before we do anything.
Looking for the perfect venue to host a child’s and adult birthday party, engagement, wedding reception?
Look no further, Bexley Park Sports & Social Club has everything you need!* Large air conditioned hall with a stage for your entertainer/DJ
* Space for a bouncy castle or soft play, outdoor astroturf
* Private Bar
* Catering available or welcome to bring your own cold buffet.
* Ample parking
* Access to outside terrace
To check availability please contact us on info@bexleypark.co.uk 01322 527973 / 07850 328970
Calvert Drive, Dartford, Kent DA2 7GA 01322 527973 | www.bexleypark.co.uk
WINTER WONDERS! ORCHARD WEST
COUGHS - WHEN TO BE WORRIED
Coughs are a common symptom and usually nothing to worry about, but there are times when a cough might suggest a more serious condition. Understanding when to be concerned about a cough is important, particularly during cold and flu season or in times of respiratory outbreaks like COVID, when coughs are common. Here’s a guide to when you should worry about your cough and seek further advice.
Duration of the Cough
Most coughs resolve on their own and can last for up to 3 weeks. If you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks, it is important to check it out. Whilst a lingering cough could be due to a prolonged viral infection, it might also indicate conditions such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even lung cancer. Chronic coughs should always be checked out, especially if other concerning symptoms are present.
Type of Cough
The nature of the cough also matters. If you notice a persistent dry cough (no phlegm), it might suggest irritation or inflammation in your airways, often associated with conditions like asthma or even COVID. A dry cough may also be related to acid reflux, where stomach acid irritates the throat.
A productive cough (producing mucus or phlegm) could indicate an infection. This can still be a viral infection, especially if associated with a runny nose, and antibiotics are not needed. However, if you have a fever and feel unwell, it might be a chest infection and so is worth contacting your surgery.
Bloody sputum (haemoptysis) should never be ignored, as it could be a sign of tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, or lung cancer.
Associated Symptoms
A cough alone, especially this time of year, is not necessarily worrying. However, when accompanied by certain symptoms, it becomes more concerning. You should seek medical advice if you have:
• Difficulty breathing alongside a cough, which can indicate a respiratory condition such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma.
• Chest pain associated with coughing can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue like pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lung) or heart problems.
• Unexplained weight loss along with a chronic
By Dr Julie Taylor
cough might point to more serious illnesses such as cancer.
• A cough accompanied by a high fever could indicate a bacterial infection that might require antibiotics, such as pneumonia.
• Persistent night sweats alongside a cough could be a warning sign of tuberculosis or another serious infection.
Cough in Children
Parents often worry when their children develop a cough. While most coughs in children are caused by viral infections, it’s important to be vigilant. Seek medical advice if your child has a persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks, if they are struggling to breathe, have a high fever, are drowsy, or are refusing to eat or drink. A barking cough may indicate croup, while a whooping sound can be a sign of whooping cough (pertussis), both of which require medical attention.
Preventing coughs
The NHS offers vaccinations to protect the most vulnerable against respiratory infections, such as flu, pneumonia (pneumococcus), COVID and now the new RSV vaccine, which protects against a common cold virus that can cause life-threatening complications in vulnerable people.
Vaccines including flu, whooping cough and RSV are offered to pregnant women. These can also offer protection to their newborn baby.
Stopping smoking, especially if you have a lung condition, will also help prevent infections. Using a handkerchief to cough or sneeze into, washing your hands and staying home if you are unwell can help to prevent spread.
If you have a chronic respiratory condition, such as COPD, you may be offered a ‘rescue pack’ to start as soon as you develop symptoms. Make sure you are clear about when to take this.
When to See a Doctor
Whilst most coughs are harmless and clear up without treatment, prolonged or severe coughs, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should not be ignored. Speak to a clinician at your GP surgery if your cough lasts more than three weeks, or if it’s accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above. They will take a history, examine you and may refer for further tests like a chest x-ray, lung function tests, or blood tests.
Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.
DISCUSSING CARE HOME OPTIONS
By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead
Welcome to Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead in Dartford and Bexley.
A survey conducted by Home Instead revealed that many families find discussing care options challenging. 81% of people hesitate to talk about care with their parents, despite 33% expressing concern about their physical health. Sadly, this commonly leads to care being introduced later than it should, often causing Mum or Dad’s health to decline more rapidly.
Home Instead encourages people to start these conversations early to make the transition into care as smooth and stress-free as possible. It doesn’t have to be an awkward subject, and as a society we can lift the taboo.
Here are some tips to broach the subject of care with your older loved ones:
1. Start Early: If your parents are over 70, begin observing their daily routines and any challenges they face. Casually introducing the idea of care before it becomes an immediate necessity can help make the conversation less awkward later on. By addressing potential concerns like vision issues or difficulties driving early, you create a more comfortable environment for discussion when the need for care eventually arises. This proactive approach ensures that care is introduced gradually, helping to preserve independence while easing
the transition.
2. Talk It Out: Foster open dialogue about your observations, focusing on your parents’ wishes. It’s important that Mum or Dad feels heard and has the opportunity to share their thoughts and preferences. By listening to their concerns and involving them in the decision-making process, you create a more respectful and productive conversation. Collaborate to find solutions that work for them and use examples to illustrate your concerns without jumping to conclusions.
3. Think About How You Talk: Approach these conversations with respect and empathy. Treat your parents as equals and use a tone you would appreciate if the roles were reversed.
4. Maximise Independence: Look for solutions that support their autonomy. If they need assistance at home, consider options that allow them to continue engaging in activities they love, like cooking.
5. Be Aware of Changes: Monitor any shifts in behaviour or living conditions, especially after significant life events. If isolation becomes a concern, explore options for regular companionship to enhance their social engagement.
We’d love to hear from you if you think you can help or if you would like to make a suggestion for a future topic. Please write to me, Christina at c.uppenkamp@dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT. Alternatively, you can also call me on 01322 923750.
Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
I’m pleased to announce that I have opened my new Dartford constituency office and that my surgeries are taking place on last Friday of every month from 11 am.
The Hill Hub Dartford 1a Highfield Road
Dartford DA1 2LH
To book an appointment email jim. dickson.mp@parliament.uk if I’m unable to accommodate everyone who wishes to see me on that date my casework team will be happy to assist you over email.
Gardener Steve
Tending to your garden like it’s my own
I provide regular care for domestic gardens including: Lawns, Beds & Borders, Shrubs & Hedgerows at affordable rates. I cover Dartford & the surrounding areas and am fully insured. Please contact me for further information or to arrange a visit. Many Thanks.
07590049382 or gardensteve1@outlook.com
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