CHRISTMAS FUN AT BLUEWATER - PAGES 32

from Dartford Living - October 2022

become home to a 40-metre-high Observation Wheel, providing guests with spectacular views over Bluewater and the surrounding GreenFlag status parkland. The Observation Wheel will be suitable for guests of all ages, and able to accommodate groups of up to 6 people. To fight the chill and get into the festive spirit, guests can sip a hot mulled wine or winter spiced cider, whilst children can enjoy a deluxe hot chocolate. There will be a great range of food on offer too, including festive sweet treats. James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “The ‘Believe’ Christmas grotto was fantastically received last year and, with a few magical enhancements, we’re excited to announce that it’s back for 2022. What we love about ‘Believe’ is that it offers a full festive, interactive experience as well as the chance to meet Santa himself which will create Christmas memories to treasure forever.

“While guests join us for their annual Christmas grotto visits, the Ice Rink and Winterland will be right outside, providing parents with all the components they need for a fantastic family day out this Christmas. As all attractions are likely to be incredibly popular – ‘Believe’ sold out in 2021 - we’re advising guests to book early to guarantee their visit.” All three festive attractions will be located outside of The Village, near Zizzi’s. Tickets will go on sale from 10am on Friday 9th September, with costs outlined below: - ‘Believe’ Christmas Grotto: £14.50 per child and £5.50 per adult (plus an online booking fee) - Ice Rink: Tickets start at £14.50 for adults, and £12.50 for children – with family tickets starting at £44 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children). - Winterland: Entry costs £3 per person, with tokens for rides and stalls available to purchase on-site or online. - There will be an online offer where guests can ride the Observation Wheel for £7, with entry to Winterland included as free; or ride as a group of 4 for £22, with entry to Winterland included for free. If tickets are bought on the day, they will cost 5 tokens per person. *Opening hours and dates for ‘Believe’: On Friday 25th Nov, open from 11am-7pm On Saturday 26th Nov, open from 10am-7pm On Sunday 27th Nov, open from 10am-6pm

From 30th Nov-13th Dec: - On Wednesdays – Fridays, open from 11am7pm - On Saturday 3rd Dec, open from 10am-7pm - On Sunday 4th Dec, open from 10am-6pm - On Saturday 10th Dec, open from 9am-8pm - On Sunday 11th Dec, open from 10am-7pm

From 14th – 18th Dec - On Wednesday – Friday, open from 10am – 7pm - On Saturday, open from 9am-8pm - On Sunday, open from 10-7pm

From 19th - 23rd Dec: -Open from 9am-8pm daily

On Christmas Eve, ‘Believe’ will be open from 9am – 4pm

**Opening hours for the Ice Rink will be confirmed by Bluewater closer to the attraction opening date. ***Opening hours and dates for Winterland: 12 & 13th Nov, open from 12-9pm (Closed Mon - Fri) 19th & 20th Nov, open from 12-9pm (Closed Mon - Fri)

From 26th Nov - 16th Dec - Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 12 -9pm - Open Mon - Fri from 4-9pm

From 17th Dec - 2nd Jan - Open from 12-9pm every day

Sat 7th & Sun 8th Jan, open from 12 - 9pm

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead

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, Director of Home Instead Dartford.

Here are some top tips to help you stay warm through the winter months.

Boiler check-up. It is recommended to have an annual boiler service to make sure it’s in tip top condition. The last thing you need in the middle of winter is a broken boiler, and a freezing cold house.

Draught excluders. It is important to make sure all windows and doors are in good condition. If you have old, cracked or broken frames you may want to seal the gaps or use draught excluders to stop the cold weather from creeping in!

Keep your pipes warm. Burst pipes are common during winter due to rapid freezing and thawing which could cause significant damage. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep your pipes warm with their own foam cardigan (called lagging), which will reduce the heat lost and insulate the pipes to stop them from freezing.

Several thin layers. Try wearing several thin layers of clothing, rather than one big jumper – the layers trap hot air keeping you warmer for longer. To keep heating bills down, consider wrapping up in a blanket or wearing more layers, rather than turning up the thermostat.

Keep your feet warm. There’s nothing worse than cold feet! To keep yourself warm this winter, ear thermal or thick socks and sensible shoes if you’re venturing out. Wear boots with a thick lining and consider buying specially designed shoes, in case the weather turns icy! bottle throughout the day if you’re at home and during the night in bed. They are relatively inexpensive and very useful, quickly heating up your bed without using electricity or fuel.

Bleed radiators. Trapped air in your radiators can prevent hot water from circulating effectively, which could be the reason your home isn’t as warm as it has been previously. Bleeding your radiators releases the trapped air and allows your central heating to work once again, keeping you and your property warm.

For more information on joining the team or on the services provided, please call 01322 923750 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford.

SUPPORTING COMMUNICATION AT KATIEB KIDS

Being able to communicate effectively with others is probably the most important of all life skills. Young children rely on developing speech, language and communication to be able to learn at school and play with their friends. Research even tells us that a child’s vocabulary when they are 5 years old can tell us how well they will do in school at 11.

Louise Buckley at KatieB Kids nursery in Stone, Dartford says that, particularly following the global pandemic, parents are becoming increasingly anxious about delays in their children’s speech. Children need words to be able to understand what they read, and to be able to make guesses when they can’t understand. They work things out using the words they know - their vocabulary. It helps them to be able to write in a more interesting way, and to explain themselves to other people and pre-school children need to develop these skills to reach their full potential. tips are:

• Have conversations with children every day. • Provide opportunities for children to speak about their thoughts and feelings. • Get down to the child’s level to communicate and follow their lead. • Use a full range of expression. • Be a good listener and give the child time to respond. • Use appropriate levels of language. • Use a multi-sensory approach to teach new words. • Use a wide range of visuals including story props, signs, pictures, photos • Use books to develop language. • Make learning new words a part of everyday activities.

KatieB Kids is giving a FREE workshop open to all parents on October 26 at 7pm exploring how to gain confidence in how to creating communication friendly environments at home, and how to be successfully responsive to support children to thrive in school and beyond.

For more information on KatieB Kids and their FREE workshops www.katiebkids.co.uk

by Bhavesh Ganesh A record 24-race calendar has been confirmed for the 2023 Formula 1 season.

A new race in Las Vegas and the return of Qatar and China makes next year the longest ever season despite the loss of the French Grand Prix. The season begins in Bahrain on 5 March and ends in Abu Dhabi on 26 November.

Las Vegas will be the penultimate event on 18 November, while China has been given a 16 April date after a three-year absence due to the COVID pandemic.

Monaco and Belgium have retained their places. The British Grand Prix will be held on 9 July.

There remain some doubts about China because of the country’s management of COVID, in which lockdowns remain an ongoing strategy. The increased number of races shows Formula 1 has high demand across the world, with increasing growth and appeal. It is great news that we will be able to see exciting new locations such as Las Vegas, alongside the much-loved venues across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Sporting events in October include: 8 Oct-12 Nov - Rugby Union - Women’s World Cup, New Zealand

15 Oct-19 Nov - Rugby League World Cup, England

17 Oct-14 Nov - Cricket - Men’s T20 World Cup, Australia

Rock Painting in Dartford.

cal people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting d hiding them around town. The rocks can also be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and llery located in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

re are some great photos of their painted rocks.

By Maria Kingsford

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

Here are some of the photos of their latest painted rocks.

MENOPAUSE MATTERS

By Dr Julie Taylor

Menopause is defined as the time when your periods end. It happens when the ovaries are unable to produce the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. The average age of natural menopause is 51 years, but it can occur earlier or later, and can be brought on by treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or if the ovaries are surgically removed. Perimenopause, the time between the beginning of menopausal symptoms and when periods stop, can last for several years, during which time the hormones can fluctuate.

How do I know if I am going through the menopause? Menopause symptoms can start when you are still having regular periods. There are lots of symptoms that can be caused by menopause, as discussed below. However, these symptoms can also have other causes. Please speak to a doctor if you find these symptoms troublesome. Physical symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, vaginal dryness, bladder problems, joint aches and headaches. Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptom, affecting 60-85% of women. Night sweats can cause insomnia. Post-menopause, women find that their skin feels drier, itchy and bruises easily and they may experience some hair loss. Women can also experience psychological symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulties concentrating, difficulties coping and forgetfulness. Whilst some of these symptoms can be menopause related, and can be affected by sleep disturbances, this is also a time of life where there are additional life stresses related to work pressures, teenagers and aging parents that may contribute.

Sexual problems can be caused by lack of oestrogen leading to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable. As men and women get older, their libido can decrease. Dealing with menopausal symptoms can improve general feelings of wellbeing, which can sometimes help with libido.

Do I need a blood test? If you are at the normal age for menopause and have the classic symptoms, then a blood test is not needed. These can be misleading during perimenopause as the hormones can fluctuate from normal to abnormal. The blood tests are also inaccurate if you are taking any hormonal treatments including some contraceptive pills. We usually diagnose and manage menopause on the history and symptoms. However, if you are going through an early menopause or your doctor suspects another reason for your symptoms, then a blood test may be suggested.

What can I do about my symptoms? Hormone replacement therapy is an option for many women. This helps to stabilise the fluctuating hormones and can improve many symptoms. However, not all symptoms may be due to hormones and HRT isn’t always a magic pill. If you are interested in exploring if it may be an option for you, speak to your GP. There are alternatives to HRT for women who can’t have hormone treatment. Your GP can also advise you about these.

Wearing natural fabrics in loose layers and keeping your bedroom cool at night can help with flushes and night sweats. There are lots of innovative products on the market from cooling sheets to fans

that you can wear around your neck. Reducing caffeine, avoiding spicy foods or those containing monosodium glutamate and staying at a healthy weight may also help. Diabetes, thyroid problems, other health conditions and some medications can also cause flushes/sweats. Doing pelvic floor exercises can help with some bladder problems and your doctor or nurse can advise if you need hormone treatment (vaginal oestrogen) or a pessary. Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers can be used to help with vaginal dryness.

Menopause is something that all women will go through and menopausal symptoms will affect 70% of us. There are lots of things that can help. For more information check out the menopause matters website www.menopausematters.co.uk

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

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

Dartford’s premier private practice, serving Dartford community since the 1980s

Did you know we are accepting new patients to our practice?

Our award-winning team of highly qualified Clinicians, Hygienists, Orthodontic Specialists, Oral Surgery Specialists and experienced support staff are waiting to look after you and your oral health. Our Practice offers state of the art equipment, the latest treatment techniques and in-house specialists, ensuring minimally invasive treatments and preventative oral hygiene services.

To welcome you to our practice, we have 2 New Patient Offers for you to choose from:

New Patient Exam £65 instead of our usual price of £75

Direct Access Hygienist Appointment (30 minutes) £68 instead of our usual price of £78

We also offer: • Specialist and Special Interest Dentistry: Braces, Root Treatments, Implants • Cosmetic Dentistry: Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Smile Makeovers • Denplan Membership options and interest free finance to help spread costs • Saturday Appointments

To take advantage of either offer, please call 01322 223 927 to book your appointment, quoting DLOFFER22

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we look at the growing range of electric models including a high end new SUV model.

2023 Ford Mustang – The new Ford Mustang retains V8 power and a manual gearbox, while also offering improved performance. This will be the seventh-generation model of the sports car that will be arriving late next year. It will be offered with a familiar 5.0-litre V8 engine that has been tweaked to maximise performance and fuel efficiency. Power figures are yet to be released, but the new Mustang is expected to produce slightly more than the current car’s 453bhp. As with the current car, a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine will also be offered. Visually, the new Mustang features a familiar design that is much sharper than the current car’s. However, there are now strong differences between models. The V8, for example, gets a more aggressive grille and an extra pair of air intakes for cooling. With no prices announced yet the new Mustang will be offered in both coupé and convertible forms, starting at around £55,000. 2023 Jeep Avenger electric SUV – the new Jeep Avenger electric SUV can travel for up to 248 miles between charges, with plug-in and mild hybrid versions on the way. The Jeep Avenger is powered by either two or four 94bhp electric motors, depending on whether you opt for a two or four-wheel drive model. That means up to 376bhp should be available if you go for the most powerful version. When the battery pack details comes out it could be the one which means a 10-80% charge could take as little as 30 minutes if you can find a suitably powerful charging point, with an official range of 248 miles. Both plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid variants of the Avenger will join the line-up later on. It’s expected that mild-hybrid versions will use the 1.2-litre petrol engine that we recommend in various models from Peugeot and Vauxhall. The Avenger features including LED rear lights and bold front grille, which will be blanked off on pure electric versions. Prices are expected to start from around £30,000, with the plug-in and mild hybrid versions costing slightly less when its on sale in summer of 2023.

2023 Ferrari Purosangue SUV– The Purosangue – which means ‘thoroughbred’ in Italian – is the brand’s first production four-door four-seater. It features a monstrous 715bhp 6.5-litre V12 petrol engine, making this the most powerful SUV you can buy. With a top speed of 192mph its fuel consumption have not been announced but expected to have options for all including a plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid versions. Passengers will get into the Purosangue via rear-hinged doors with a 10.2in infotainment screen for all uses. It will be the largest family car from Ferrari when released in 2023 and prices expected to start from around £390,000.

THE ORCHARD THEATRE IN OCTOBER

Blood Brothers Bill Kenwright’s multi award-winning production of Blood Brothers is back for autumn 2022!

Starring former X-Factor finalist Nikki Colwell Evans returning as the iconic Mrs Johnstone and Sean Jones, completing his final ever tour in the role of Mickey Johnstone.

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail). This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening atthe Liverpool Playhousein 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

The superb score includes A Bright New Day,Marilyn Monroeand the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The Osmonds – A New Musical The Osmonds: A New Musical with story by Jay Osmond tells the true story of the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits, decade after decade. From their star residency on The Andy Williams Show from 1962 to 1969, to pop stars and ‘Osmondmania’ from 1971 to 1975, to the arrival of The Donny & Marie Show, a popular variety TV show, from 1976 to 1979, The Osmonds lived a remarkable life recording chart-topping albums, selling out vast arena concerts and making record-breaking TV shows - until one bad decision cost them everything. The musical features a list of 1970s anthems, including One Bad Apple, Down by the Lazy River, Crazy Horses, Let Me In, Love Me for a Reason, (We’re) Having a Party, Puppy Love, Long Haired Lover From Liverpool, Paper Roses, and many more. Jay Osmond sat down to answer a few questions after the world premiere of The Osmonds – A New Musical.

What’s your favourite Osmonds song and why? Love me for a Reason. Because ‘let the reason be

love’ is a message that is so powerful. But Crazy Horses would be my next choice. You did karate as a young man. Still doing the fancy kicks? No, not nowadays. But I keep fit. I’m a walker - I love to walk. And I love football. I’m also doing the Pure Trim diet at the moment. It’s organic and very pure and I have lost 30lb in the last 6 months. Big families usually mean hand-me-downs. Did you have hand-me-downs? We had so many clothes thrown at us in the 70s that we didn’t need to hand down. But when I look back at some of the things we wore - wow! But hey, it was the 70s and we all wore crazy stuff. I can’t wait for people to see the costumes in this show!

What’s your most memorable moment of being in The Osmonds? So many, but one that stands out is the night we went to watch Led Zeppelin in concert. We were introduced to the guys and they were just the nicest people! Robert Plant asked us to join them on stage for Stairway to Heaven. We weren’t sure that their audience would appreciate us, but eventually we said OK. Robert introduced us as his brand new friends. I played percussion and conga. It was incredible! What is your philosophy for life? Go about life and do good. Because when you do good, you feel good. And have a purpose. Be a light to others. To me, that’s the goal in life. It’s the key. How do you want people to be feeling when they have seen your show? I want people to walk out of the theatre feeling lifted and excited about life; to feel joy. That’s my goal.

COMPETITION

THE SENSATIONAL 60’s EXPERIENCE Sun 20 November

The biggest and best 60’s show touring the UK for one night only. With a brand new production for 2022. The Sensational 60’s Experience brings you a three hour 60’s spectacular of pure nostalgia. The show with the definite feel good factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960’s. Five legendary names take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten where you’ll find it impossible to remain in your seat. Whether you come to relive your childhood memories or you just simply want to see what your parents have been raving about for all these years. Come and experience the musical phenomena of the 1960’s for yourself. Full of timeless classics, this is the must see 60’s show for 2022.

Starring: MIKE PENDER MBE, THE TREMS, DOZY BEAKY MICK & TICH, THE FORTUNES, VANITY FARE

Question:

Which of the following was a number one on the Billboard 100 in the USA for the band Vanity Fare? 1. Hitchin’ A Ride 2. Hitchin’ My Horse

Email competition@dartfordliving.com by the 20th October to be in with a chance of winning.

BAKEWELL SLICES

By Debbie Dickinson

This recipe will make about 18 slices.

What you need: For the base: 300g Plain Flour 50g Icing Sugar 150g Cold Butter, cubed 3-4 Tbsp Cold water For the filling: 3-4 Tbsp Raspberry Jam 200g Butter 200g Caster Sugar 200g Ground Almonds 1tsp Almond Essence (optional) 1 Large Egg For the topping: 100g Icing Sugar

You’ll also need an 8” square cake tin and some baking beans (or a bag of copper coins). What to do: Preheat your oven to 180° C Fan. Put the Plain Flour and Icing Sugar in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed Butter and rub the flour into the butter – using only your fingertips – until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the cold water, little by little until you can combine the mixture into a dough. Pop int the fridge for a few minutes. Press the dough evenly into the cake tin. Cover the dough with a piece of silver foil and place baking beans or copper coins on the foil.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes – the beans/coins will ensure the dough doesn’t rise too much. Remove the beans/coins and foil and bake for a further 10 minutes.

Take out of the oven and leave to cool slightly while you make the filling. In a small saucepan melt the Butter. Remove from the heat and stir in the Sugar, Ground Almonds, Egg and Almond Essence (if using). Spread the Jam over the baked base and spoon the rest of the filling evenly on top. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch. Take out of the oven and leave to cool.

For the topping, add cold water to the Icing Sugar to make a pourable consistency and smooth evenly across the top. If you like you could colour some of icing and add details/patterns to the top. Leave for 20-30 minutes until the icing has set completely. Cut into slices and enjoy! xxx

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY

MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:30am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.50 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 07917 843592.

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 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 Music and Rhyme Time at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free. Contact Katie on 07734661352 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime

10.30 - 11.00am. “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at Fleetdown Library. Music and fun for babies and pre-schoolers. No charge. Term time only. All are welcome - just turn up!

WEDNESDAYS 1pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ - £3.50 per Adult - £1 Siblings Bottomless refreshments.

THURSDAYS 10:30-11:30am, Music and Rhyme Time at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free. Contact Katie on 07734661352 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime

FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags Mummy’s Linkup: 10am – 2pm on the 2nd Friday of each month, Tree Community Centre Mummy’s Linkup : 10am – 12noon on the 4th Friday of each month., Temple Hill Community Centre

SATURDAYS 2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

BABYBALLERS

Themed Football and multi skills sessions are suitable for girls and boys aged 16 months to 5 years old. Your little superstar will learn shapes, colours, numbers and lots, lots, more all through playing the BabyBallers way!

Classes in Dartford, Northfleet, Gravesend and Ebbsfleet on Fridays and weekends. Please visit https://babyballers1.class4kids.co.uk/ or email matt@babyballers.com

LITTLE LEARNERS NORTH WEST KENT

Award winning messy play and mark-making classes across North West Kent for ages 5 months to 5 years. We learn how to write through messy play, scribbling & more! Our classes provide ample sensory development opportunities and focus on developing children’s pre-writing skills and all the important little muscles involved in this. Contact Aisha at aisha@littlelearnersuk.com or visit the website to book a class. Littlelearnersuk.com

LOCAL CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS IN AND AROUND DARTFORD - DUE TO COVID PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANISER TO MAKE SURE THE CLUBS ARE STILL OPERATING

THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATIONmeets on various date at Birchwood Country Club For more information contact Alexon 01322 228169. DARTFORD OSTOMY GROUP SUPPORT (DOGS) meet every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselm’s Parish Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. It is for anyone who has an Ileostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, IBS and pouch, their carers, family and friends. ALL DIRECTIONS is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 837172 or 07570 347612

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN PARLOUR COFFEE MORNINGevery Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK For people with Parkinsons and their carers. Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7 -9pm. Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes. Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973 THE WELLBEING LINK The Wellbeing Link meets on Friday mornings from 10-1pm in the St. Anselm’s Parish Centre, 89 West Hill, Dartford A friendly and informative group is a support group for people with any life affecting health issues from loneliness and isolation to life limiting conditions. - call Julie On 07775875585

JUST FOR GROWN UPS GROUP We are a small friendly group who meet at the Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Centre on the first Tuesday of the month. Join us any time between 11am and 1pm for a social chat, coffee and biscuits or a fun quiz. For more information contact mikeansell.dt@hotmail. co.uk

20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP more information visit: www.meetup.com/20s-30s-DartfordBexleyheath-surrounding-areas-social-group/ DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE) meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 2pm, For information about meetings and interest groups visit u3asites.org.uk/dartford/welcome WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS CLUB We are a group of retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have a monthly walk and occasional coffee mornings and as a side line we raise money for a local charity. If you are missing the contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the last Thursday of every month. For more details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www. waprobus.com

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 01603406767 HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP Dartford & Gravesham Branch. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 1012pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

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

ERITH YOUTH RUGBY Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome

LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS Sundays 10:15-10:45 at Swanscombe Leisure Centre. Call Saj on 07903 513104

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS Celebrating 50years. Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do not close through the holidays! Visit our website www.dartfordgymnastics. co.uk for full details or contact Linda on 01322 409312 or email dartfordgymclub@yahoo. co.uk

LEARN KARATE Learn karate with Yamato Damashii – for adults & children Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. For more info, visit www.ydma.club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

KENT EXILES AMERICAN FOOTBALL CLUB www.kentexiles.co.uk. Coach Martin - 07944 730634. All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION I run group fitness classes as well as 1-1 and semi private personal training sessions in Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery DA2 7HT. ENERGY Fitness & Nutrition: we offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for all abilities. The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk

FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Dartford Girls Grammar School at 7.30pm. Activities include guest speakers, theatre visits and monthly lunches. New members welcome. For more information please call Judith on 01322 278703

DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio. We have an adult class 8-10pm too. We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members.

HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person. 55. We have a monthly meeting on the second Thursday at Sutton at Hone Scout Hut at 1.30pm. Associated activities include petanque, keep fit, short mat bowls, country walks and ten pin bowling. Come along to a meeting [£2 entrance] or call Carol on 07912 564710. You will receive a warm welcome.

WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come grab a cup of tea and chat about all things hobby and some things not! For more info visit - https:// emperors10th.wixsite.com/home

DARTFORD PARKRUN Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants get a time a position emailed and texted after the event. To register go to www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode. Every Sunday Morning in the Park there is a Junior parkrun over 2k.

FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN A new Parkrun event with parking at Crazy Barn

SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD Seeds is a long-established cycling Club in Dartford and we share our headquarters at Hesketh with Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for most abilities and have a social ride most Saturday mornings. For info on joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk

DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK TRIATHLON CLUB We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 times per week at White oak pool in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then please visit our website http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri.co.uk

DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR teams compete in the

Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities. http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/node/440

DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS CLUB Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance your Athletics then please visit our website http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk

CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual memberships). Refreshments and changing facilities are also available. For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities.

This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk

Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert

SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR) SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina. There are currently four runs available with more starting soon; see below for more details.

The Run leaders for each group are as follows; Dartford Cricket Club, Dartford - Dawn & Brian

Cyclopark, Gravesend - Dawn & Brian New runners are always welcome, and you can contact Brian if you would like more information; see contact details and e-mail link on Our Group page.

DARTFORD & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. We are a long-established camera club meeting fortnightly at Stone Pavilion. We have an exciting programme of speakers, competitions, practical evenings and would welcome new members with or without photographic experience to our friendly meetings. You can attend several meetings as a guest before taking out membership which enables you to become a fully-fledged member and enter competitions. Our website is dartphoto. org.uk. We have a spacious hall which enables us to meet “socially distanced” in the present environment. We hope to meet you soon.

DARTFORD MUSIC SCHOOL Want to learn to play or sing?

For all ages and abilities, we have something for you.

We offer a variety of music learning activities based at The Mick Jagger Centre including Individual Instrumental Lessons, group sessions with Red Rooster, Dartford Youth Choir and DMS Orchestra!

What’s stopping you?

Webpage: www.themickjaggercentre.com/dartford-music-school.html Email: DMS@themickjaggercentre.com Follow us: Twitter @Dartford_Music Instagram @ dartfordmusicschool

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard

WILMARA Wilmington Active Retirement Group. We are an active retirement group who meet on the third Friday of the month from 2pm till 4pm at the Memorial Hall in Wilmington. Our activities include guest speakers, outings, holidays, theatre trips, tenpin bowling, Petanque, Kurling, indoor sports activities and a lunch club. Please come along and pay us a visit you will be very welcome! Telephone Membership Secretary. Wendy Murray 01322 226943 NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS Learn new techniques, make friends and enjoy interesting talks, workshops and demonstrations. Absolute beginners and more experienced stitchers welcome. We meet on the third Saturday of every month except August from 2-4pm in Southfleet Village Hall, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9NX or by Zoom if necessary. Visitors are very welcome.

website: www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk email: info@northkentembroiderers.co.uk phone: Eileen on 01474 324734

DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY A warm welcome awaits newcomers to Dartford s oldest choir - established over 100 years ago. We rehearse on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at The Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, from September to June and perform four concerts annually. Just turn up to sample the delights of choral singing! For more information please contact the Chairman, Pat Everington. Tel: 01322 220124.

NEW TO SINGING OR NOT SUNG FOR SOME TIME?

FREE

6 WEEKS SINGING COURSE

THE COURSE IS RUN BY THE KENTONES MALE BARBERSHOP CHORUS

DATE: 6TH OCTOBER 2022 TIME: 7.30PM TO 8.45PM VENUE: St PAUL’S CHURCH HALL CROFTON ROAD ORPINGTON BR6 6JE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: MOBILE 07779755510 OR EMAIL kevkentones@outlook.com

St Alban’s Church ST ALBAN’S AND ST EDMUNDS CHURCH GROUPS

- Stepping Stones’ Toddler Group @ St Alban’s Church, St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 3FT Wednesday’s from 8:30am – 11:30am. - Community Café Coffee Morning @ St Alban’s Church (Tuesdays) , St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 1FT, 10am – 12noon. Drinks, sausage or bacon sarnies, scones, fruit, friends and chat. - Knit & Natter @ St Alban’s Church, St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 1FT 10:00am – 11:30am, on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Come and knit, learn to crochet (or teach someone else), have a coffee and a lot of nattering!

St Edmund’ Church

- Kindness and Wellbeing Group @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND - Tuesday’s from 9:30am – 11:30am. Make new friends, chat over a cuppa, mindfulness and well being resources and support.

- Café @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND Thursdays from 10am – 12noon

- Over 60’s Club @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND Lunch at 12:30pm (£5pp must be booked in advance). Raffles and bingo from 1pm, prizes galore.

• 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

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTS, BUSINESS, FINANCE AND LEGAL K & A Chartered Surveyors Blue Rocket Accounting Summit Wealth Downton and Ali Associates

4 22 49 59 PRINTERS Darenth Print and Design

RESTAURANTS, CAFES, FOOD OUTLETS Efes

HOME IMPROVEMENTS The Double Glazing Repair Man Access for Lofts Apex Property Maintenace Claremont Decorative Services

CLEANING SERVICES Oven Clean

RELIGIOUS SERVICES St Albans & St Edmunds Church Groups

COUNCIL SERVICES Dartford Borough Council

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT Gareth Johnson

ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS Fox Estates Wisdom Estates

FLORISTS Dartford Florist

GARAGES/VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage

CARE PROVIDERS Home Instead

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Parkinsons UK Ruby Lox- Hairdressing Dartford Road Dental

4 11 19 55

30 FARM SHOPS Wilmington Village Market

EDUCATION Pauline Quirk Academy Katie B Kids Dartford Primary Academy Baby/Toddler Sense My Bluewater Tutor Little Learners

CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS Valley Park Radio New Life Christian Community Foodbank RSPCA

13 19

6 LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT Orchard Theatre FC Academy YDMA Karate Paul Page Gold Academy Bexley Park Sports & Social Club White Oak Indoor Bowls Dartford Football Club

60 TRAVEL Harden Holidays

27 45 43 RETAIL The Bed Post Craft Frames Bradleys Jewellers

Gareth Johnson MP: “Her Majesty The Queen will never be forgotten”.

OCTOBER 2022 ISSUE 196 FREE

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE

VOLUNTEER WITH HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE DARTFORD - PAGE 8 & 9 DARTFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - PAGE 17 CHRISTMAS FUN AT BLUEWATER - PAGE 32 & 33

www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk 1

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LOCAL AND NATIONAL

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

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 Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- Contact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds

Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www. dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Valley RFC - www.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/ USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS Dartford Living Dartford Together Dartford Living Community Group

Mortgages

Call Brian Downton, Dartford’s Protection Champion for:

Mortgages – with our many years of experience, our professional mortgage consultants can help you find the right mortgage to suit your needs. First time buyers – we can help you as first time buyers to navigate your way through purchasing your first home. This can be a worrying and confusing time, but with our help, you can be confident you’re in safe hands. Moving home – we can help you find your next mortgage when moving home and ensure you get the right mortgage for your needs. Capital release - if you have equity in your current home, you may be able to release some capital for home improvements or debt consolidation. There are various methods of raising capital and we can guide you through the process. Buy to Let – if you are considering investing in the property market as a way to generate income, we can advise on the best way to proceed and also, the lender’s criteria. Help to Buy – if you are eligible for the ‘help to buy’ government initiative, we can help guide you through the process and explain what your commitments are. Think carefully before securing other debts against your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.