Dartford Living September 2016

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September 2016 - Issue 123

Bluewater wins Green Flag award for its beautiful parkland p30 WHAT’S INSIDE...

Autism Awareness Locally Page 24

You Can Fly Theatre Company Page 32

Lucy O’Byrne Interview Page 34

Plus - All your regular

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

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

DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE PROVIDING A FULL SERVICE TO DARTFORD SMALL BUSINESSES

“A Hand Holding Service” Established 35 years

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

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

Tel: 01322 278188

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

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Welcome to your

DARTFORD LIVING Magazine

Dear Readers,

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

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

Feel free to get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

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

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

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

www.dartfordliving.com

Contents 6-14....................... .................... What’s on 15...................................... Useful numbers 24-25.............................Autism Awareness 25..................................Yellow Box Petition 30.................Bluewater Nature Trail Award 30............................New Dementia Centre 32..................You can fly Theatre Company 34...........................Lucy O’Byrne Interview 36...............................Life Under the Stairs 42............................Valley Hospital Charity 43.................Kent Association for the Blind 44..............................................Auto News 45...............................................Gardening 46.....................................................Fitness 47...............................Small Business News 49..................................Sporting Comment 54.................Orchard Theatre Competition 53....................................Theatre Roundup 55...............Orchard Theatre Business Club

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Advertisers Index

Directory of Local Businesses advertising in Dartford Living

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Conradi Morrison & Co ...............................................2 Buss Murton .............................................................. 39 GF+CO...........................................................37 Lynton & Co ................................................................5 Smith Kiew Partners......................................................18 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, KITCHENS & WINDOWS A Baines & Son Roofing................................................32 Claremont Decorative Services..................................54 McIntyre Clarke Limited..............................................37 Steve Cook - Double Glazing.......................................33 CHILDCARE Dimples.. ...........................................................56 CHURCHES Crossways Community Church....................................38 COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTH Dia Wipes................................................................17 CLEANING JJ Renovations..............................................................20 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ...........................................29 DOG GROOMING Carries Cruffty Cuts......................................................14 EDUCATION Kip McGrath.. ...................................................33 The Leigh UTC .............................................................26 ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians.. ....................................................4 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS GPS Lettings............................................................17 Fox Estates ..................................................................35 Virotti...........................................................26 Wisdom Estates...........................................................21 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Shenley Road Garage...................................................40 GARDENING SERVICES Hawley Garden Centre................................................14 HAIRDRESSERS Sylvia’s Hair Salon........................................................35 HEALTHCARE Cameleon Care...........................................................14 HOTELS Campanile...................................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys..................................................................32 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ...................................................41 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Worried about your childs weight?.............................38

Dartford Bootcamps.. ..........................................4 Monkey Music............................................................7 Why Weight?...............................................................22 Vibe...............................................................21 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.. ...............................................39 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames.............................................................40 PUB, RESURANT, TAKE AWAY The Parade Fish Bar ....................................................18 SANDWICH BAR Sally Sues....................................................................24 SPORTS Fairfield Leisure Centre................................................16 THEATRE Annie get your Gun (DAODS)................................52 Orchard Theatre Business Club..............................55 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing .....................................................54 WEBSITE DESIGN/ DESIGNERS/ GRAPHICS AK Creative ............................................................54

in advertising?

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Where to go locally...

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time) Mondays 9:15am - 11:00am. St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. Contact Julie on 01322 291092.

St Mary’s Greenhithe Church Hall, Messy Makers:10.15am-11.15am - an hour of messy play and creative activities for 2-5 year olds. at messymakers@gmail.com or call London Road, Greenhithe. £4.50 per child. For further information and to book, please emailus 07851 150593.

Tuesdays Catherine on 01322 220036.

Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact and drinks. John 01322 272649.

Little Fishes: 12 - 2pm, Net Church,, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £3 per family including all snacks information. further for 288434 (01322) on us call Please Dartford.

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

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 term, £5 weekly dependent on 6-weekly 1pm-2pm - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ t - £30 for Kent “Happi-Mess Facebook on us find or il.com kent@hotma availability, paid in advance - happi-messThursdays The Vineyard Centre, 24 Market St, Dartford. Contact Jane on 07956 430244 for further details.

9:30 - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford.

- facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers Fridays 9.30-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult reenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmaryg - facebook.com/ToeRags Walkers Non £1 Child per £3 Dartford centre, education Adult Group Toddler Toerags 9.30-11am jeannehoadley@yahoo.co.uk 380322 01322 9.30-11.30 Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child Saturdays

healthy snack time for the children.

Daddy and Me 9.30.-11.30am A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes reenhithe.com www.stmaryg see or 382031 01322 Contact Greenhithe.

Road London St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall,

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah

07891 545965 sarah.h@hartbeeps.com

Parent and Baby Sing and Sign classes Learn baby signing the fun way!

Help your baby to communicate before speech, using music and play with weekly themes, instruments, and physical fun.

Dartford, Bexley, Greenhithe, coming soon to New Ash Green and other areas.

T: 07958 455699 E: jenettehawkes@outlook.com W: www.singandsign.com

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

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

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

Dartford Ostomy Group Support (DOGS) meet

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

ALL DIRECTIONS

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

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK

For people with Parkinsons and their carers.

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

Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes. Contact Pamela Childs 0208 303 8971

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES

at Dance Union, Greenhithe.

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

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

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

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

20s 30s Dartford Bexleyheath surrounding areas social group more information visit: www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford-Bexleyheath-surroundingareas-social-group/

DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

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

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

Dartford Quilters meet on the 2nd Saturday of each

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

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

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

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

COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB

meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month at Sutton at Hone Village Hall. 1.30pm until 4.30pm. £2.00 per afternoon. £10.00 yearly fee.

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

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

Dartford Floral Club

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

The Dartford Chess Club

WEST HILL MORRIS

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

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

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

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES

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

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

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

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

SCRAPPY DAYS! A SCRAPBOOKING GROUP

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

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

PAVILION PLAYERS

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

Everyone welcome!

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

Haven (LGBT) Social Group.

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

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

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TALK TIME

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

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

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

North West Kent Family History Society

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

Dartford Art Group

We meet every Thursday evening from 7.309.30pm.

We meet at the What if...? Gallery 67-69 High Street Dartford DA1 1DJ. The cost to belong is £40 per annum. For further enquiries please email ruthghoward@aol.com or ring 07940 836672

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Mummy On The Mend

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

The Rotary Club of the North Downs

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

The National Women’s Register

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

NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP

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

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

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

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

DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUB

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

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

For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

MALE? AGED 18 - 44?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crayford and District Probus Club

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

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

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING

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

Erith Youth Rugby

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

Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 590515

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

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

Hartley Swimclub at White Oak Pool, Swanley

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

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

Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one Thursday.

LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

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

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

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

Call Saj on 07903 513104

Dartford Gymnastics

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

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

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

Learn Karate

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

YOGA WITH EMMA

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

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

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

Dartford Orienteering Club

For more details see www.dfok.co.uk

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

The session runs from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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

Further details please telephone: John Jones 01322 272953

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Useful Numbers Where to go locally...

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

For Pregnancy and Birth

Prenatal yoga Baby massage Mum and baby yoga Breathe, bond relax

lianne@yogabellies.co.uk 07530 281704

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

www.tennis-tots.co.uk/ northwestkent

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Dartford Living

13

Crufty Cuts

Recruiting Community Support Workers.

Mobile Dog Grooming

Full training will be given.

Full, Part time & flexible hours to suit.

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Dartford’s Health Walks Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates:

DA9 9STpm (4.00 pm 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Bluewater, DA9Bluewater, 9ST (4.00 toto7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 4 September FridayFriday 4th2September October Friday 2nd October Friday 6 November December FridayFriday 6th4 November Friday 4th December Open Surgery (No appointment necessary) th

nd

th

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Saturday 18th July – all day, Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford

Open Surgery (No appointment necessary)

If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment based surgeries in the future, please contact him at gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7047.

If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment based surgeries in the future, please contact him at gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7047.

14

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

weekly!

Health walks are free and led by trained volunteer walk leaders Short social walks that last around an hour No need to book - just turn up Any age and ability welcome Great for people getting little or no exercise, recovering or suffering from an illness or lacking in confidence • Dress for the weather including comfortable footwear

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

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Useful Numbers KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/Powercuts Helpline 0800 0280247 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darenth Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartfordf East Health Centre 01322 421480 Dartford West Health Centre 01322 222998 Boots Chemist Bluewater 01322 624780 (Late Night) ASDA Greenhithe Chemist 01322 374100 (Late Night) The National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1513 100 West Kent NHS helpline 0800 0 850850 TRAVEL Heathrow Airport Enquires 08700 000123 Gatwick Airport Enquires 08700 002468 National Rail Enquires 08456 484950 Highways England Info Line 0300 123 5000

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 HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014 Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697 555 Citizens Advice Bureau: 01322 472 979 Debt Councilling (CAP) 0800 328 0006 Information About Drugs - FRANK: 0800 776600 Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162 Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624 Local Breastfeeding Counsellors Judianne/Paula 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000 247 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720 Samaritans: 0208 301 1010 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250

Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors www. dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- PRINCES PARK GOLF CLUB. Contact: Mr. Pat Coleman, Secretary 01322 863730. email: pat.coleman@dartford.gov.uk The Ashes Badminton Club Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30.

Jacqui 07764 182854.

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

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11 15 15

Eat, sleep and gym.

Gym membership

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a month

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A one-off admin fee applies to all memberships. Terms and conditions apply.

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

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

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

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

Dartford Living

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

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CYCLE 2017

VALLEY to

PARIS

LAUNCH EVENT | 27 September 2016 | 7:30pm - 9:00pm Join our fully supported 5 day cycle ride from Darent Valley Hospital to Paris. Clocking up over 250 miles in 4 days, you’ll enjoy a celebration meal in Paris, then a day to explore the French Capital before returning to Ebbsfleet Intl', where you’ll be reunited with your bike.

20 – 24th September 2017 To reserve a place at our launch event call 01322 428256 email dgn-tr.fundraising@nhs.net Lecture Hall, Philip Farrant Centre, Level 1, Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 8DA FREE PARKING

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

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Dartford Living

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DARTFORD LIVING MEETS....... BY KELLY GOLDSWORTHY Nick has lived in Dartford for the last 23 years with his wife and two daughters. Nick explained ‘As our younger daughter starts university in the autumn, we will be on our own again for the first time in 20 years! At least until Christmas that is!’

Nick told us why he has stayed in Dartford: ‘What I like about Dartford is that it is still a recognisable town with its own identity, centre and surrounding countryside. It’s close to London without just feeling like another section of the sprawl.

I also like the way that, through our children’s schools, my wife’s workplace [first Wellcome, as I still insist on calling it, and then the boys’ Grammar School], through pubs, sports clubs and other groups, we have been able to become connected with a wide network of people. It’s also clear that there are lots of people, both locally born and ‘incomers’ like me, who really care about Dartford and are prepared to do something about that. When I walk around Dartford I feel that I belong, as much as I do when I’m indoors at home... I feel really at home here.’

Nick runs a company called SoShall teaching mindfullness.

‘I teach ‘mindfulness’ to people - mainly in groups in the workplace, emphasising how it can help people to be effective at work as well as healthy - but I also like to teach groups of local people when I can... just from a wellbeing point of view. Mindfulness is much better known now than it was when I first got into this. The modern version was created in the US by someone who wanted to help people with terminal illnesses and chronic pain - without them having to take even more medication. Its roots go back thousands of years to practices like Buddhism and yoga, but mindfulness has been made more ‘secular’ so that it is accessible to everyone. We teach people how to sit quietly, in a kind of meditation, so that they become aware of what’s happening in their mind and body. They become skilled in calming this down, becoming more of an observer of their emotions and mental habits - then there’s a chance of behaving differently the next time something annoying or stressful happens.

Nick also volunteers as Treasurer of Dartford Arts Network (DAN). He explained ‘this is a group of about 20 local artists, but growing quickly now, who got together just to network (like it says in the name), to support each other and to see if there were projects they could do together... particularly if these could help Dartford as a community,

as a market town, or as a place associated with creativity and fun.

I’m not an artist! I often joke that I’m the resident philistine. So I get involved in the admin, project management, the money and in liaising with Dartford Council over projects. The most visible thing we have done is the project in Lowfield Street - but this was much bigger than we intended to take on as a new organisation.

The intention was, apart from adding a bit of colour, to give local people a feel that they had some control over how that part of town looked, after so many years of being dispossessed. A lot had to happen behind the scenes before we could get down there and put something up - I think I counted 20 months. But the group is an amazing collection of people, not just in their artistic ability but the way they have turned their hands to all kinds of new skills and challenges. I think everyone has grown and learned as a result, and now have the appetite for even bigger things.

I only came into contact with the people who formed DAN because, a few years ago, I started something called a “tweetup” in Dartford. The idea is that people who encounter each other on Twitter, and more generally on social media, have an interest in common and live fairly near to each other... can organise a face to face meet-up.

I’d noticed that there were a lot of people on Twitter who cared about Dartford - some knew each other, but not everyone knew everyone else. So I started scheduling these monthly meets in the Royal Oak, via Twitter. I met lots of people that way who are involved in all kinds of local groups and activities. I have let it lapse for a while - I was particularly busy with DAN and we now have Dartford Living Live too. But I think there’s still room for a network of networkers in Dartford, to allow the different groups to meet very informally and find new common causes and projects... whilst enjoying a beer and a laugh! I’ll be starting this up again soon.’

Follow Dartford Arts Network www.facebook.com/dartfordartsnetwork Follow Nick on Twitter @grimbold

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23 23

Health Focus

Autisum Awareness Locally - By Mandy Garford

I am a Teacher, a Labour Parish Councillor, and I also have another title...I am a ‘Special Needs Mum’. That one took a while to get my head around. Don’t get me wrong, I love my children very much, but it just wasn’t what I was expecting! I have 3 children with autism at various points on the spectrum. In my teaching I had specialised with children with additional needs and challenging behaviour so it should be easy, right?

According to the National Autistic Society ‘Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them...Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.’ Autism is more common than you might think and affects more than 1 in 100 people.

Autistic children will often have trouble sleeping which very often means that the parent will be tired and running on caffeine...or maybe that’s just me! In this state of mumbie (that’s mum and zombie), taking any child out might be challenging, but particularly so for a Special Needs Parent.

So let me run you through how a trip to Dartford would have gone a few years ago. It may take a couple of hours to get ready, as my children are touch sensitive which means that certain clothes hurt...and not necessarily the same ones as yesterday. They can not cope with the rain so this is a dry day scenario only. They are anxious about where we are going, how we will get there, where we will park...they like routine so any change causes utter panic...but eventually we arrive. My car is parked on the top floor of the Orchard car park. It is usually quieter up there, and the children are contained in the lifts up and down. Children with autism can find noise, light, sounds all overwhelming. The stress of this can cause flapping, rocking and challenging behaviour. It’s sadly the judgemental looks and comments that mean it is often easier to just stay indoors.

The children sometimes wear ear defenders and we would only attempt at a quieter time of day, but even so they

24

can struggle with the flow of people. We have talked through where we are going to lesson any anxiety but there are still things we can not do. Unable to go into a popular shop because the fans by the doors are too noisy, we opt for a quieter shop. A shop with easy pathways and with things kept tidy and in rows. Sometimes just the visual stimuli of having too many things to look at can be too much for an autistic child. When something unexpected happens, maybe a loud noise or someone brushing past...I know immediately what is about to happen. One of my children screams, another cries and one will try to run. Of cause the unexpected does happen in life and there is nothing we can do about that but my children are still learning, and still trying to cope with the ordinary that you or I take for granted.

Exhausted from a half hour of attempting to second guess every movement and noise, and trying to keep all three children from wandering in different directions we might attempt to to get a familiar drink or snack. I am very aware of the queue behind me in the shop but even though we knew what we wanted, if the packaging looks different or it is served in a different way, my child is not being fussy, they just can not cope with that change today. We tend not to go into cafes because it can be extremely difficult for the children to sit still...though we do try once in a while. They are not being impatient or naughty, they are struggling with anxieties, noises around them and hyper activity.

The visit to the toilets are next...I know that we need to go into the disabled toilet...but autism is invisible and we look like a normal-ish family, so I just know the looks we will get. Once inside the noise of the hand dryer absolutely terrifies my daughter..its just too loud..so public toilets are just very tricky.

Finally back to the car. This can be a challenge in itself if they are already overwhelmed or perhaps they haven’t completed the task that they set out to do or see. I may have to wait a while for one of them to come to terms with leaving while another is more than ready to go...and then we can see that challenging behaviour again. You would think I would be used to the comments ‘such naughty

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

children’ or ‘just needs a smack’...and most days I can ignore it. Just every now and again it does get to you.

My children are progressing every day. In fact, their progress has been amazing! But I have learnt a lot too.

I appreciate the smaller things, the kind words, the helpful shopkeeper, the cashier who understood that I needed more time to deal with the children... Many of you have been that person! I want you to know that it is appreciated. If you would like to help more, please make others aware; please share that autism is invisible, but the challenges are real.

Next month we will feature a follow up article looking at how Dartford can become an autism friendly town. What it is currently doing and how it can improve.

RIGHT: Mandy’s daughter’s autism awareness teddy (who gets to wear ear defenders as well)

Yellow Box Petition ‘Whilst it seems lately that a day doesn’t pass without problems on the roads in Dartford, two local ladies have taken to social media and the streets of Dartford to actively campaign to make a difference. Vanessa and Barbara know first-hand how frustrating these regular issues are as they are frequently trapped in their cul-de-sac by the queues. When they are not talking to commuters in these traffic jams about the online petition, they are walking around the streets of Dartford delivering leaflets with the same message.

Whilst in London yellow boxes on junctions are enforceable, outside of London they are not, and this is what they are campaigning to get changed. The online petition to ‘change legislation to enforce yellow box junctions around the Dartford Tunnel’ would allow for the enforcement of

yellow box junctions on the A206 approach to the Dartford Tunnels, J1A &1B of the M25 via local authority powers.

This will improve traffic flow in Dartford and surrounding areas when incidents and heavy congestion occur. More names are needed for the government to respond to this petition and time is running out. This is where readers of Dartford Living can make a difference.

Please go online and google ‘Yellow Box Petition Dartford’ and sign today to add your support before 10th September 2016.’

Thanks very much Vanessa and Barbara

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23 25

Are you currently in Year 9 or 11?

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The Leigh UTC, Brunel Way Discover everything The Leigh UTC has to offer and start an incredible journey in computer sciences and engineering.

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The Leigh UTC Brunel Way, The Bridge, Dartford, Kent DA1 5TF (for sat nav purposes use DA1 5FW)

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Stanhill Farm Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent DA2 7HD Tel: 01322 669711

Pick Your Own Strawberries (and more!)

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Sunday & Bank Holidays 10.30am to 4.00pm (Last entry 3.00pm)

Stanhill Farm Stanhill Maize Maze

Birchwood Road Wilmington, Dartford, Kent. DA2 7HD

01322 669711 info@stanhillfarm.co.uk

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

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

dartford’s markets

dartford parkrun

farmers’ market

Dartford’s parkrun and junior parkrun are hugely popular and welcome new runners of all ages and abilities, plus volunteers to help marshal the events.

Thursdays & Saturdays in Dartford High Street Dartford’s Markets are held twice a week and offer a great selection of products from fresh fruit & veg to clothes and accessories, all at value for money prices!

Enjoy live entertainment at One Bell Corner too!

Third Friday of every month, 10am-2pm in Dartford High Street Visit the Farmers’ Market every month for delicious fresh local produce, direct from the farmers, producers and growers.

Dartford parkrun, Saturdays at 9am & junior parkrun, Sundays at 9am in Central Park Now that summer’s drawing to a close, Central Park is still busy, especially with people who love to run!

See www.parkrun.org.uk/dartford and www.parkrun.org.uk/dartford-juniors for more info and to get involved.

Make sure you don’t miss a single thing that’s happening in our community – visit the We Love Dartford Twitter and Instagram pages and join the followers already enjoying some great offers, news and community information.

Supported by

Brownies and Rainbows go exploring at Bluewater’s new Nature Trail

A group of Kent West County Brownies and Rainbows were out in force at Bluewater’s new Nature Trail which was officially awarded an impressive Green Flag status for its beautiful parkland, which spans 50 acres. This is the first time a shopping centre has won this award.

To celebrate the award, Bluewater hosted an array of Environmental Day activities, including; pond life displays, leaf and bark art, face painting and balloon modelling, owl & hawk displays and more. The parkland is among only 1,686 parks and green spaces nationwide that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award.

Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s General Manager said“We are extremely proud of the exceptional parks and lakes here at Bluewater and are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a prestigious Green Flag. The award is a testament to the efforts of everyone here who works so hard to achieve the high environmental standards expected from the scheme.”

Pictured L-R: Sophie Jackson (8), Hollie Fielding (6), Hannah Seager (8), Isobelle Funnell (8), Brooke White (8), Lucy Cole (8), Georgia Jackson (6), Millie Bollas (8), Grace Sweetland (7) - from the 1st and 2nd Riverview Brownies and 1st Riverview Rainbows, part of the Kent West County of Girlguiding

Visitors can pick up a nature trail leaflet and follow the footprints from outside Zizzi to discover the picturesque Green Flag surroundings - the perfect setting for a family picnic. Plus, when children complete the trail and hand the sheet at the Red Concierge Desk (close to John Lewis), they’ll receive a special gift from the Nature Trail team.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services new Safeharbour hub which prevent people from accessing services which can allow people to live well with dementia.

In March 2016 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS) signed the lease on the old AgeUK building in Coldharbour Road Northfleet, next to the library and set about the refurbishment of the interior to create new spaces.

At the heart of the building will be a community café which will be called Safeharbour – nodding towards Gravesend as a heritage port and also giving thoughts of a quiet place where you can moor your boat safely.

Working with partners we aim to break down barriers

30

We will have softer services such as chiropody, optician, manicurist and advice based services and volunteer opportunities.

The café will be a facility for the whole community and the aim is to have day and evening activities and experiences.

If there is anyone who has a hobby that they would like to share with people please get in touch with joanne. wood@alz-dem.org.

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11 31 15

You can Fly Theatre Company

In early 2012 Lisa Scudder and Rachel Shacklock had an idea, to set up a not for profit theatre company for children and young people aged 3 – 18 that would offer affordable theatre to the local community with a lot of fun thrown in! Ideal for those who love to sing, dance, act, play instruments and laugh, this theatre company would aim to teach various performing arts skills, take part in interesting and enjoyable workshops, and perform in an annual show in a professional theatre whilst keeping a heavy focus on nurturing each member’s level of confidence, self esteem and social and emotional skills.

Come February You Can Fly Theatre Company C.I.C. was founded and formed and 13 excited children arrived at the Miskin Theatre in North Kent College to embark on an ‘awfully big adventure’. 5 years later, with its mission statement unchanged and intact, the company has grown from strength to strength including the amount of students; 13 is now a healthy 54 all studying in one or more of the following classes: Drama: For young people in school years 8 – 13, every Tuesday 6pm – 7:30pm Musical Theatre: For young people in school years 2 – 7, every Wednesday 6pm – 7:30pm You Can Sing: For young people in school years 2 – 13, every Thursday 6pm – 7pm Pixie Performers: For children aged 3 – 6 years old, every Saturday 11am – 12pm Singing Lessons: For anyone aged 7+, on a day and time to suit you.

Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons: For anyone aged 7+, on a day and time to suit you.

Drum Lessons: For anyone aged 7+, on a day and time to suit you.

Workshops & Festivals: Available to any group or organisation, designed to suit your requirements.

The past 5 years have absolutely flown by during which time a lot of fun and adventurous things have happened! Each year a full scale musical has been staged at the Miskin Theatre including Pinafore Pirates, The Aristocats, Bugsy Malone, Peter Pan and Alice the Musical not to mention quite a few exciting pieces written in house performed by our Pixie Performers and Drama Group. On top of all this we have enjoyed performing at numerous community events and festivals throughout the years as well as delivering workshops to community groups, youth clubs, Beavers, Brownies, Scouts, and Schools around the UK. Here’s what some of our amazing members feel about You Can Fly: ‘I have a great time at ‘You Can Fly’ - the teachers and pupils are the best!’ – Emma & Daisy Mitchell, YCF members since 2012.

‘My daughter is 8 and absolutely loves YCF drama classes, she always has a smile on her face after her lessons and it has given her a lot more confidence.’ – Claire Legg, parent to Holly member YCF member since 2015.

We think 5 successful years is something to be proud of and worth celebrating! Therefore we are planning ‘5 fun things for 5 fun years!’

1.

October 2016: Quiz Night – a fun night to raise money as well as having the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes!

2.

December 2016: A Celebration of 5 Years of YCF – a glamorous evening to reminisce and enjoy the past 5 years of YCF. 3.

February 2017: 5th Birthday Party – a silly, fun, bonkers birthday party for all our members.

4.

19th April 2017: A group theatre trip to see Aladdin in the West End – this invitation is open to parents too!

And finally the big finale.........

5.

July 2017: The Wizard of Oz – All groups will come together to perform a full scale production of the wellloved classic musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ We want as many community members as possible to celebrate our anniversary with us so why not check out www. youcanflytheatre.co.uk and see how you can get involved? We are currently accepting new members across all classes and certain discounts are available, to secure your place please email us on: info@youcanflytheate.co.uk.

If we believe in our members and tell them so with encouragement, positive words and a lot of fun thrown in, it’s amazing what they can do – just a bit of faith, trust (and a sprinkling of fairy dust) and your child could truly fly!

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JOIN US FOR AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE!

You Can Fly Theatre Company is a non-profit community interest theatre company for children and young people aged 3-18 years based in North West Kent offering affordable theatre to the local community.

We offer a variety of classes and workshops to meet different ages and interests, we help children grow in confidence and self esteem and we’ve seen first hand how theatre can change a child’s perception of themselves.

If we believe in them and encourage them with positive words and a lot of fun thrown in, it’s amazing what they can do - just a bit of faith, trust (and a sprinkling of fairy dust), and your child could truly fly!

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PIXIE PERFORMERS A fun filled hour of singing, dancing and imaginitive play for little pixies ages 3-5 years.

Saturdays 11am - 12pm

Guitar, Bass Guitar and Drum Lessons are available at a time to suit you in the comfort of your own home, all abilities welcome whether you are a complete beginner or have been playing for a while and just want to brush up on a few things. Available ages 7+

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Learn a variety of performance skills including acting, singing and dancing, you will also rehearse and be in a full-scale musical.

In drama you will also be introduced to physical theatre, clowning, choreography, improvisation and devising, all leading to a full-scale production.

Tuesdays 6pm - 7.30pm For young people in school years 8-13

Wednesdays 6pm - 7.30pm For children in school years 2-7

WORKSHOPS We can offer workshops specialising in singing, dance, acting, music or all of them together!

We can create a workshop to meet your specific needs whether that’s covering part of the curriculum, working towards a badge, assisting in staging a production or just for a bit of fun and variety.

Contact us today to create your tailor made workshop!

All our classes take place at the Miskin Theatre Miskin Theatre, North West Kent College Oakfield Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JT

T 07508 598592 E info@youcanflytheatre.co.uk W www.youcanflytheatre.co.uk

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Entertainment News

Dartford Living Interview: Lucy O’Byrne

By Kelly Goldsworthy

Lucy O’Byrne, a trained soprano, shot to fame when she was runner up in TV show The Voice in 2015. Since then she has released an album and is currently touring as Maria in The Sound of Music. Kelly caught up with her....

How did you get into musical theatre?

I didn’t need a route so much as I was born into it! My dad is an actor and singer and my mum is an actress and dancer. They set up a stage school for my sister and me and our friends which grew and now they have their own studios. When I was growing up I never thought of singing as something I would try - it was just part of my life, something I learnt like walking and talking. The funny thing is my family have always been nicknamed the Von Trapps so it is especially great Sound of Music has come along.

What are your memories of The Voice?

It was amazing. I don’t have a single bad memory, it was a really special thing to be part of. I’ve still got a photo of me singing with Will.i.am as my phone wallpaper. I look at it and think ‘did that really happen?’ I learnt so much. It was an incredible opportunity and was a great platform for meeting people, working with people and making new friends. I am very grateful.

Tell us about your album.

My album was called The Debut. It was an incredible experience: something I never expected to do. I entered the Voice hoping to get some experience that would lead me towards a musical theatre career and then I was signed by Island Records.

What has the tour been like so far?

The show is 60 years old and the film came out 51 years ago so it is a big part of people’s lives, and a special thing to be a part of. Everyone comes knowing the songs and it means so much to people. The audience are on your side from the beginning which is great.

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What is it like to play Maria?

Playing Maria is wonderful. She is so positive, such a force of love on the children and the Captain that it is hard to play her without that seeping into you and your own life. Suddenly all your problems don’t seem that big. It’s a lovely cast and a hopeful show and a wonderful experience. It’s a tough schedule with a lot of travelling but it’s hard to get down because it is such a brilliant thing to be part of.

What other roles would you like to play?

Wow, there are so many but it is hard to imagine anything topping Maria Von Trapp. It is such a beautiful part, so beautifully written, I feel so lucky. When the show ends I’m doing some solo gigs so there is lots to look forward to.

You can see Lucy in Sound of Music from Tuesday 27 September – Saturday 1 October at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. Visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk to book tickets!

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Life Under The Stairs by Jane Stevenson

Local News KILL BILL – VOL 1

I’d used in error. I still had no idea what was going on.

Meanwhile the lovely people at the vet’s said to come down as soon as possible, and be prepared to have Will go under anasthetic.

My daughter, who works with animals, later told me that dog flea treatment is toxic to cats (also confirmed by the vet) causing fitting if it gets in the bloodstream.

I had no idea of this and I was so upset to think I could have killed Will.

I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly responsible pet owner. I have five cats of assorted backgrounds, and Eldest Offspring has a dog. I love them all to bits, and take their care very seriously. It’s not as if they can turn around and moan when things are not right. So, during the humid sunny weather I ensure they have plenty of shade to lie in, water bowls around the garden and of course I flea them.

I’m also quite a busy lady, often doing more than one thing at once. So I confess to being a little off focus a couple of weeks ago, when trying to put flea treatment on the cats. Four of them were fine; a heavy sigh and a stoic response when I squeezed the treatment over them.

Will however, wasn’t having any of it and thereby hangs the problem.

Having successfully avoided me most of the day, he eventually sauntered in for dinner and threw himself on his cushion. Turning down the heat under some pasta and switching off the tap, I grabbed the flea treatment and dived into the conservatory ripping open the tube before liberally smothering Will over his neck. He took off in alarm, I sighed with relief and went back to the kitchen.

I do remember thinking the manufacturer had changed the colour of the tube, but it didn’t ring any alarm bells.

Had I had my thinking hat on, the picture of a dog on the box might have jogged my thoughts!

Will was lucky, thanks to the knowledge and practical help from Eldest Offspring. The vet was pleasantly surprised that the cat had been bathed – if you’ve ever tried to bathe a cat you’ll know why they are usually sedated.

So this is a serious plea to all of you who run a multi animal household. Keep the flea treatments, wormers etc separate and make sure you use the right type. Mine was a genuine mistake, the action carried out hurriedly and no attention paid to what I was using. I wouldn't want anyone to have to wait with their cat, in an isolated room, in case he fitted and needed emergency treatment.

It is awful and very upsetting.

Thanks to my lovely, practical Eldest Offspring I’ve learned a serious lesson. Thankfully Will seems to have forgiven me, and we are back to sharing my morning toast.

At the same time my Eldest Offspring arrived home from work, and eyeing up the empty tube asked why I’d treated the dog. I explained I hadn’t, but had finally managed treat all the cats. Eldest Offspring went very quiet. She asked me where Will was and told me to call the vet – immediately. She went outside and found him sitting on the drive, somewhat groggy. Within seconds Will was whisked up and put in the shower where my daughter shampooed and rinsed off the dog treatment

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27 41

Charity Focus

Each month we will be featuring a local charity. If you represent a charity and would like to be featured please email charity@dartfordliving.com

Valley Hospital Charity (previously known as Darent Valley Hospital Charitable Fund) supports the work of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. Serving a community of over 340,000, the Trust also manages services out of Queen Mary’s in Sidcup, Erith and District Hospital, and Elm Court (Priory Mews), as well as Darent Valley Hospital.

With a reduced NHS budget, the hospital is reliant more than ever on its charitable funds to be able to introduce new state-of- the art technologies, to deliver groundbreaking procedures to improve patient care. Thanks to kind donations and support from patients, their families, and the community we have been able to fund research and educational opportunities to ensure we continually attract and develop the best staff, offer the best available treatments at your local hospital, and provide the little extras that can mean so much to a patient, such as a daily newspaper, or a toothbrush and toothpaste.

We have a number of special funds which attract support.

Our Little Buds Fund supports the special care of babies from conception to cot. Items purchased range from specialist ultrasound equipment to monitor babies in the womb, life supporting incubators to help babies born prematurely, to small gifts for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day when their babies are in hospital over this time.

Our Lollipop Fund supports our paediatric services at the hospital. Most recently we have successfully fundraised for an interactive sensory Magic Carpet to help rehabilitate children. It is operated by motion, and can even detect eye movement for children with severe disabilities. We are looking to increase our number of high dependency beds, to improve our ability to treat a range of illnesses and severity, without the need to transfer patients to hospitals further away.

Our Cancer Fighting Fund has helped us purchase equipment to detect, diagnose

42 28

and treat cancer sooner. Thanks to charitable funds we have been able to purchase Pill Cams which are small cameras which can be swallowed, and give a clear visual image of the digestive pathway, and introduce cryosurgery to freeze and kill cancerous tumours of the kidney and prostate.

On Sunday 10 th July 2016 we held our annual Stride4Life sponsored walk and Funday. Joan Warwick MBE, organised the initial event as a thank you for the care given to her husband John during his 7 month battle with bowel cancer.

Raising a little over £5,000 in 2003, now in its 13 th year, the annual fundraiser and associated events raise over £20,000 for the Cancer Fighting Fund each year; a lasting tribute to John Warwick’s memory.

New for 2017 is Ride4Life, a fully supported 5 day bike ride from the grounds of Darent Valley Hospital, to Paris.

Aiming to raise over £50,000 for our Cancer Fighting Fund, the launch event and information evening will be held at the hospital on 27 th September 2016, a year before the ride. If you are a keen cyclist and would like to find out more, or are interested in helping us promote or could sponsor the event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact: Sally George Head of Fundraising and Voluntary Services Fundraising and Voluntary Services Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road Dartford,DA2 8DA Tel: 01322 428256 Email: dgn-tr.fundraising@nhs.net

Livingwhen when contacting contacting our our advertisers advertisers Please mention Dartford Living

Kent Association for the Blind is a local charity supporting visually impaired people and those with dual sensory loss. Our clients are people of all ages, from a variety of backgrounds and we tailor our services to suit their needs. Our dedica¬¬ted team of staff offer a range of training and advice to those with sight loss to enable them to live independent lives.

Alongside our fully qualified staff are hundreds of volunteers who support our work. They are an invaluable part of our team and assist with a variety of roles including: running social clubs, driving clients to and from appointments, training them in how to use computers, visiting them in their own home, recording our digital talking news, taking part in fundraising events and many more…

At the moment we are in urgent need of befrienders in the Dartford area – can you help?

Our befrienders are instrumental in helping some of our more isolated clients keep in touch with society around them creating a greater sense of wellbeing. Mobility issues might make it difficult to get out and about and meet new people but a KAB befriender provides valuable company

FREE VOLUNTEER TRAINING Home-Start are recruiting new volunteer parents – of any age, background, culture or gender – to attend a free 40-hour course of preparation beginning Thursday 6th October 10.00 – 2.00 at their Dartford base on Temple Hill Square DA1 5HZ Subjects covered include ADDICTION, DEPRESSION, LISTENING SKILLS, LOSS, PARENTING SKILLS, LEARNING THROUGH PLAY, CHILD PROTECTION, SPECIAL NEEDS Following training (plus CRB checks/references) individual volunteers will be ‘matched’ with isolated, vulnerable local families with pre-school children – to home visit for 2-3 hours per week, offering emotional and/or practical parent-to-parent support.

Travel expenses are paid – and ongoing supervision / training provided

CALL 01322 225 100 for details or email homestartnwkent@btconnect.com

and friendship. Some of our befrienders take clients out, others just share a pot of tea and a chat.

Whilst our befrienders are an important element in the lives of the individuals they help, they themselves also find a great sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in giving their time to help others.

If you have a few hours you can spare weekly or fortnightly, do please get in touch with our volunteer co-ordinator Jo Wilkinson by calling 01622 691357 or emailing jo.wilkinson@ kab.org.uk . Full training for this role will be provided.

You will be making a real difference to the lives of visually impaired people in your local area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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29 43

Automotive

Dhiren’s Automotive News

In this month’s article we’ll bring you a new model and upgrades from Far East manufacturers expected at the end of this/start of next year.

2017 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a family hatchback that is currently in its ninth generation. With the launch of this new 10th-generation model it is trying to resolve old issues such as restricted rear visibility, poor engine refinement and tight head room. The five-door hatchback version of the Civic has been designed specifically with Europe in mind. It’s built at Honda’s factory in Swindon, and from there it will be exported all over the world. The new Civic is wider, lower and longer than the car it replaces, which should translate to more space inside. The new Honda Civic will come with three engines, the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol motor, the equivalent of the current 1.4 petrol, a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.6-litre diesel. It’s been hinted there may be a hybrid version in the future.

It is expected that the interior will be very similar to the current saloon and coupé models. There’s likely to be a large central infotainment screen, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration - allowing you to control many of your smartphone’s functions via the car. It will go on sale from early 2017 and expected to be priced from £16,470.

2017 Nissan Micra The new Micra is expected to be sportier, more radical design than the current model. The Micra will be longer, wider and lower than at present, with sleek headlights, a

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familiar V-shaped grille design and angular air vents on the bumper all giving it a much more purposeful look from the front. The Micra’s younger target audience means it’s likely to come in a variety of colours, and could even be offered with some MINI-style customisation options, as well as a wide choice of exterior colours and interior trims.

A new infotainment system with smartphone connectivity is also key to helping it compete for supermini buyers’ attention. A number of Nissan safety features are likely to appear on the car, too, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and traffic-sign recognition.

The engine line up is likely to be a small 1.0-litre threecylinder turbo petrols, a 1.5-litre diesel and a sporty 1.6 petrol turbo engine. The Nissan is set to launch in the UK at the start of 2017, with prices to rise over the current car, with the newcomer set to start from around £10,000 for an entry-level version.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

There is only limited information on the updated look but we can see a significantly restyled front end for the S-Cross, featuring a more prominent chrome grille that’s been moved further up the bonnet. The headlamps have also been completely redesigned and the bonnet itself gains pronounced lines moving down towards the grille.

The interior is said to offer “further refined interior quality for a stronger yet more sophisticated character of an SUV”.

The facelifted crossover will feature both 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet direct-injection turbo petrol engines, replacing the old 1.6-litre unit. The familiar 1.6-litre diesel will launch soon after. It is due to be launched at the Paris Motor show this October when further information will become available.

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Gardening

Gardening Hints and Tips September Protect fruit trees Now’s the time to apply grease bands around the trunks of fruit trees to prevent damage later on from wingless winter moths. Carefully rubbing off any loose bark will remove hiding places for other pests. To kill over-wintering pest eggs use Growing Success Winter Wash when all the leaves have dropped. Spray peaches and nectarines to help protect against peach leaf curl Finally, always pick up all fallen diseased leaves and destroy them.

September tidy up September is a great time to make the most of your garden while the good weather lasts. Add extra supports to plants that have grown well during the summer, keep treating for pests and slugs – they don’t need to get any fatter! And it’s a great time to clean your paths and patios.

Use path weed killers to clear pesky weeds and specialist patio cleaning tools and products to clear moss and green algae.

Spring bedding Plug any gaps in the garden with spring bedding plants. Chose from wallflowers, bellis daisies, forget-me-not, winter-flowering pansies, violas, hardy primulas and polyanthus. And remember to add some spring-flowering bulbs too.

Summer bedding For a splash of early summer colour next year, sow Californian poppies, annual poppies, godetia, larkspurs and a number of other hardy annuals now. Simply sow them where you want them to flower in soil that has been improved with compost or composted bark.

Autumn planting Autumn is nature’s natural time for planting.

We have a wide range of hardy trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, roses and climbers in

stock. Dig in plenty of compost, composted bark, tree & shrub planting compost or other bulky soil improvers, and add a slow release fertiliser, such as bonemeal, or controlled-release fertiliser to the soil to improve root growth and fast establishment. Make sure all plants are well watered before and after planting.

Autumn lawn care Liven up your lawn by removing the build up of dead grass, moss and other debris with a spring tine rake or powered scarifier. Then aerate the soil with a hollow-tine aerator or garden fork and add a lawn top dressing. Then apply a granular autumn lawn feed or, feed, weed and mosskiller.

Finally re-seed any gaps with the correct lawn seed mix.

Buy autumn planting bulbs You can’t beat spring-flowering bulbs for a splash of colour and now’s the time to plant them. Buy early to ensure the best choices from our extensive range – there’s something for everyone. To get the best from your bulbs, plant with compost, well-rotted manure or composted bark and a slow-release or controlled-release fertiliser and remember to label the planting position, so you know where they are.

Composting Don’t throw away your spent bedding plants, kitchen waste and other plant material – turn them into valuable compost for improving your soil and mulching your beds and borders. Even those fallen tree leaves can be turned into leafmould. Makinggood compost and leafmould is easy with our wide range of compost bins, compost and leafmould accelerators, leaf rakes and collectors.

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Fitness Eating Heathily whilst on holiday or out for dinner Many people struggle to stick to healthy eating when they go out or go on holiday; partly due to a lack of knowledge (and possibly fewer choices), but also maybe because people have the “screw it, I’m on holiday” attitude.

If you know what to look for though, eating healthily when you’re out isn’t as difficult as you think. You just need to go for the “best” option available. Even if they don’t have what you think is ideal, the best option is going to be, obviously, your best option!

Pick your protein first – look for steak, fish, or whichever protein source you fancy, that’s the main part of your meal that you want to make sure you have. You can always order a steak or a chicken breast etc.

Secondly, look at the sides. Most “dishes” will be set on the menu, but you’re paying, you can choose what you want with it! Change the sides to better options. Swap chips for potatoes or salad. Ask for veg instead of rice/potatoes.

it for a healthy alternative and some extra flavour.

There is ALWAYS a healthy, or at least a healthier option.

But what about when you’re out and about and not eating in a restaurant?

I’ve faced it before – out in town and the only option seems to be fast food restaurants… Well, there’s also normally a supermarket nearby too. Try to avoid the sandwich/meal deal option, and go for a salad, and again, add some protein to it – a pack of chicken, ham, prawns or even cheese.

If you plan ahead and know where you can eat, or if there’s not a good option, take something with you, you have no need to “break your diet” or blow out the day. If you get stuck and there really is no other option, just eat what’s available and don’t feel guilty about it, but don’t make a habit of it.

If it happens regularly there’s definitely something you can do to avoid it! As a fall back option, I usually carry a tin of mackerel and a packet of trail mix (nuts and seeds) in my bag with me – then if I get stuck, I have something to eat and can avoid the unhealthy options.

Just think about what you’re ordering, change it if necessary, and plan ahead. Check out menus before you go to restaurants, seek out the better options, and carry a healthy snack with you for if you get stuck.

Basically, build your own meal by changing the set dish. Meat and vegetables is perfect. If the dish comes with a sauce, ask for it without sauce, or a pot of the sauce on the side (so you eat less of it).

You can choose what you want to eat. If the meal has meat, vegetables and chips, just ask for no chips or extra veg/salad.

A salad is always a great option, then just ask for some extra protein (chicken/Prawns/etc.) to be added if it doesn’t have a good protein source in it already. You can also ask for no dressing – maybe just a drizzle of Olive Oil and a lemon to squeeze over

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Do this and you’ll have no problem with eating out or going on holiday. And if you want more help with your eating habits, check out my Online Nutrition Coaching program which will teach you how to eat for your body, and help you tackle problems like this no matter where you are. Just go to www.

DartfordBootcamps.com/Nutrition-Coaching!

By Mark Broadbent, Master Personal Trainer & Instructor at Dartford Bootcamps. Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com for information on Personal Training, Nutrition coaching or Bootcamp Fitness classes. - MarkOneFitness.blogspot. comAnd follow us on Facebook and Twitter (do it now……) for extra tips, advice and motivation.

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Small Business

Inhertitance Tax Each month Paul Conradi, Chartered Accountant from Conradi Morrison & Co will be giving us his professional advice for small businesses.

The Government released figures recently, showing that 19,277 estates were hit by Inheritance Tax in 2013/2014.

This is an increase from 17,917 the previous year, 2013/2013.

Inheritance Tax is currently 40% payable on estates of £325,000 and it has been frozen at that level since 2009. A new additional allowance of £100,000 will be available from 2017/2018 increasing to £175,000 in by 2020/2021. This will apply only to a family home or a married couple with children.

This means that married couples with substantial property will eventually be able to pass on up to £1 million to their children free of IHT whilst singles, childless couples and those who do not own property will be left stuck on the existing threshold of £325,000.

As a result, increasingly more people on death will be required to pay Inheritance Tax on their estate. It is therefore very important to take steps to minimise the amount of tax due.

The first important step should be to make a Will.

You should also use your gift allowances. You can make an IHT-free gift each year to anyone providing that the total amount does not exceed £3,000. You can also make small gifts of up to £250 to as many people as you want. You can make IHT-free wedding gifts of up to £5,000 to your child who is getting married and of up to £2,500 to your grandchild.

Anyone else can make a wedding gift of up to £1,000.

Most people do not understand that you can make regular gifts of any amount from income, which is Inheritance Tax free as long as the gifts are made regularly from your income and not capital and do not reduce your standard of living.

You can also make use of the ‘seven year rule’ which enables you to give unlimited amounts of funds or assets to anyone and the gifts known as a potentially exempt transfer would be free of any IHT provided that you survive for seven years after making the gift. If you die within seven years then there may be a tax bill for the person receiving the funds.

There are also certain assets which are exempt from Inheritance Tax which include unlisted businesses which would cover most small businesses also small companies which are listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). It is therefore an advantage regarding Inheritance Tax to retain your family business as long as possible.

There is an advantage of retaining your pension pot as long as you can and not withdrawing from it. Also, if you die before the age of 75 there will be no IHT and no income tax when the recipient starts to withdraw the money from the funds.

If death occurs at age 75 years or over, there will be no IHT to pay but the recipient will be taxed at the highest marginal rate when drawing an income.

Finally also remember when making your Will that bequest charities and political parties are exempt from Inheritance Tax. You can also cut the IHT rate the state receives from 40% to 36% if you leave at least 10% of your net estate to a charity.

Nobody wishes to die but anybody with children should consider the effect of their death for tax.

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

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

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Local Sports News

LAST HOME MATCH OF THE SEASON AT HESKETH PARK 3RD SEPT - 12PM START- DARTFORD 1ST XI V HARTLEY C.C

PLAY RUGBY! ALL WELCOME! WHO?

Everyone!

Boys & Girls Men & Ladies Aged 3-85!!

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LOCATION

Leigh Academy Green St Green Rd Dartford DA1 1QE

Dartford Rugby

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WHEN? Men/Ladies: Tues/Thurs - 6-8pm Youth Academy: Sunday 10am Vipers Wheelchair: Wed 6-8pm / Sun 10-12am

Dartford Valley RFC

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

Bav’s Sporting Comment It was a pretty impressive medals haul at the Rio 2016 Olympics for Team GB. ‘Super Saturday’ from London 2012 Olympics, become Super Sunday in Rio 2016 after a stonking day, with Team GB ending the day in second place in the medals table, nabbing five more gold medals and three silvers.

Two of the five golds, belonging to Britain’s best ever gymnast, Max Whitlock, who triumphed on the floor and the pommel. On the cycling track Kenny, the reigning Olympic sprint champion beat teammate Callum Skinner to add another gold. Justin Rose claimed our first ever gold medal in the golf. Murray capped off a golden day for Britain by defeating Juan Martin del Potro to claim his second Olympic gold, while sailor Scott’s victory in the men’s finn was guaranteed on Sunday (in addition to the five other golds).

Britain won six golds on Super Saturday at London 2012 - however, the five golds (plus one other guaranteed) on Rio’s Super Sunday, along with a bagful of silver and bronze achievements made it the most successful single day in the post-war era.

Upcoming events in sEPTEMBER include: 2: Horse racing Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 6-8: Football World Cup qualifying 7-9: Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka 15: Horse racing British Champions Day, Ascot 21-23: Formula 1 USA Grand Prix, Austin 28-30: Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City

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Dear Dartford Living, We have had lovely weather for growing flowers but in many areas the beauty is lost with litter scattered along the roadsides. I am concerned about the littering and fly-tipping that spoils our communities. I organised a community litter pick recently and I’m sure there will be another one soon. It’s up to all of us to help. Whist we have issues with littering, on a larger scale we also have fly-tipping. This is where large amounts of rubbish is offloaded to a usually quiet area. In May new legislation was passed that saw Dartford able to issue £400 fines to those caught dumping large amounts of rubbish. Since this has been introduced there have been two £400 fines issued, with 29 prosecutions from the 108 cases that have been reported in that time. The larger Fixed Penalty Notice is there to act as a deterrent to any fly-tippers, however, is it enough?

As a Labour Parish Councillor I would like to see more done. We all know the regular hot-spots…often a country road, or an out of sight lay-by. These areas are notoriously difficult to monitor and difficult to issue a (Fixed Penalty Notice) FPN…but it’s not impossible.

So, what could be done? These areas are easier for criminal activity because they are less visible. To me, it would seem to be a good idea to increase the visibility in these areas with lighting that is left on, and vegetation trimmed so that no one can hide round a bush while offloading anything. In principle too, if an area looks well maintained it is less likely to be used as a dumping ground.

A deterrent is only a deterrent if people know about it. I didn't know about the increased fine…although I don't go around fly-tipping, but are those that do aware? Perhaps increased signage and warnings would help to compliment the increased FPN and act as a further deterrent.

Dartford has CCTV in some areas and this could be improved and used to it’s full potential to help identify the perpetrators. Evidence is essential to prosecute, and whilst I am sure it has been useful, I am not convinced it is being used to it’s full potential.

You can help too! Anyone can report flytipping. Dartford Borough Council have made it easy to report large amounts that have been dumped with an online service on their website. I would encourage communities to stay vigilant and also report fly-tipping in progress as it is anti-social behaviour. Together it is possible to fight against fly-tipping and keep this kind of behaviour out of our towns and communities.

Cllr Mandy Garford, Labour Parish Councillor for Stone Village Interestedinin advertising?

01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Interested advertising?

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August/ September Theatre Roundup

by Liz Dyer

There’s no doubt that Dartford’s theatrical highlight of the summer was the Summer Youth Project’s fantastic production of Bugsy Malone, which saw 100 local youngsters aged 9-19 take to the stage and perform for friends, family and the general public. After just two weeks of rehearsal, it’s fair to say the show was a resounding triumph, and we already can’t wait to see what SYP has in store for us next year.

September brings with it the launch of the Orchard’s exciting new season, kicking off with Dirty Dancing from 1st-10th September. This show really needs no introduction; if you love the movie, you’ll love the musical – so get ready to sing, dance, scream and generally have the time of your life. Bonus points if you’re also carrying a watermelon.

That’s followed by Rehearsal for Murder (19th-24th), a tense thriller from the writers of Murder, She Wrote and Columbo. The cast includes a host of TV favourites including Alex Ferns, Susie Amy and Ben Nealon – but which of them is the killer…?

And bringing the month to a close is The Sound of Music (27th September-1st October), starring Lucy O’Byrne, who was runner-up on The Voice in 2015. She’s joined by former Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel as Captain von Trapp in this new revival of one of the world’s favourite musicals.

With music from Jane McDonald (11th), comedy from Sean Lock (14th), thrills from the Chinese State Circus (12th)

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Local Entertainment News and family fun from Stick Man (13th), there’s loads to look forward to in Dartford this month, so don’t miss out!

The Orchard isn’t the only theatre with a new season to shout about, though. If you missed New Jersey Nights in Dartford at the start of the year, there’s another chance to celebrate the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley (6th-10th).

And Bromley also plays host to the original (and best) romantic comedy, Pride and Prejudice (21st-24th). Yes that’s right, following a sell-out run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2013, Mr Darcy is back...

Meanwhile the Marlowe in Canterbury welcomes another play that needs no introduction: The Shawshank Redemption. Based on Stephen King’s novella and best known for the 1994 movie adaptation, this inspiring story of friendship and hope against all the odds stars Paul Nicholls, Ben Onwukwe and Jack Ellis and runs from 12th-17th September.

We’re really spoilt for great theatre here in Dartford, so let’s make the most of it and get those tickets booked before they go!

And don’t forget to vote for our lovely local, the Orchard, for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2016! Visit uktheatre.org/vote/ for all the details.

For regional and London theatre reviews check out theblogoftheatrethings.com.

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