Dartford Living September 2023

Dear Dartford Living Readers,

Welcome to our September issue of the magazine - we hope you like it!

We continue to live in challenging times, but as usual the magazine is jam-packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! Like never before, your community needs you.

In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community for the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local

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

If you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter mailing list and you will join over 50,000 local people who read the magazine and/or follow us on social media each

Take care, Vijay

Editor - Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

Cover Photo - The Glitter Twins (Andy

CELEBRATING OUR ROLLING STONES - DARTFORD UNVEILS THE GLIMMER TWINS SCULPTURE

“I’d like to thank Bellway London for funding this fantastic sculpture, and of course Amy Goodman, who has created an eye-catching celebration of Dartford’s modern history. Amy has contributed to the character of our town and created a landmark that will last for generations. Thank you Amy.” Sculptor Amy Goodman said: “This has been a really unexpected dream commission. To get the opportunity to sculpt these icons whose music I absolutely love has been overwhelming, mind blowing and emotional.

A celebration of Dartford’s own rock legends is now a permanent fixture in the town’s High Street. On Wednesday, August 9, Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite MBE joined sculptor Amy Goodman and Keith Richards’ family to unveil The Glimmer Twins to guests and the public at One Bell Corner. The work depicting Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards mid-performance was paid for through a public art contribution by Bellway London’s Copperhouse Green development on Lowfield Street.

Together the frontman and guitarist of The Rolling Stones went on to take the world by storm after reuniting at Dartford Railway Station in 1961. They have had number one albums in every single decade since, featuring huge hits including Satisfaction, Gimme Shelter, Sympathy for the Devil and Paint it Black.

Dartford Borough Council commissioned statues of The Rolling Stones legends in 2022 and sculptor Amy Goodman has immortalised them in her work, The Glimmer Twins.

Councillor Kite said: “Wherever they are in the world, it’s clear that Sir Mick and Keith never forget their origins. They have been amazingly supportive to young people’s music projects in Dartford and have proudly worn their Straight Outta Dartford t-shirts in front of tens of thousands.

“We want to inspire a new generation of creative young people to be themselves and achieve things. Hopefully the story of Dartford’s own two Rolling Stones will be an inspiration.

“Playing their music, surrounding myself with their material while I sculpted them helped a lot and I just wanted to create the best, most dynamic piece I could.”

Jamie MacArthur, Regional Planning Director for Bellway London, said: “It is with great pride that we watch The Glimmer Twins statue unveiled. Dartford is a unique and thriving town, a place deserving of something as special as this bespoke public artwork.

Aiding in regeneration, including improvements to open spaces, is the focal point of our work within the community. Whether we are building new, energy-efficient homes to meet local housing need – like at Copperhouse Green – or providing funding to support local causes, we are aiming to make a positive contribution to the area.”

Photos - Andy Barnes Photography/Dartford Borough Council

DARTFORD HISTORICAL WALK - THE PRINCESS, THE PRIORESS AND THE PUNJABIS

By Jacqui Thomas

Have you ever wondered about the history behind the town that we live in? Well if you have, then there may just be the perfect opportunity for you to find out more.

On Wednesday 4th October, Christoph Bull - Historical Advisor of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Council is leading a historical, cultural walk of Dartford that will most certainly enlighten you. The walk entitled ‘The Princess, The Prioress and the Punjabis’ will begin at 11am outside Holy Trinity Church on Dartford High Street, taking in many places of historical significance and concluding at the Dartford Gurdwara at roughly 1pm, with a Langar, a Sikh blessed lunch.

about and to know Dartford’s history is to love it. Christoph has done this walk many times on a personal level, but he wanted to open it up to the local community. Christoph is more than qualified to lead this unique experience. He was born in Dartford and attended North West Kent College. Christoph then worked as Reference Librarian and later Local Studies Specialist at Dartford Library between 1988 and 1998. Then became District Manager from 2009 and 2013. Christoph is also a guide at Cobham Hall. He is extremely knowledgeable, so you will be guaranteed a very informative experience.

Prior to speaking to Christoph, I had no idea that Dartford had such rich history. Christoph speaks enthusiastically and passionately about Dartford and promises that as well as taking in places of historical significance, you will also be introduced to some significant characters in Dartford’s history including Anne of Cleeves, Wat Tyler, who Christoph, himself, describes as the ‘Kentish Robin Hood’ The Reverend Vavasor Powell and Stan Atkin, who was the Borough Librarian from 1945-1974.

Christoph explained that the purpose of the tour is to promote Dartford’s sense of its own importance as a town. Christoph added that residents will be given a flavour of Dartford’s rich history, and that he also wanted to offer Non-Sikhs the opportunity to visit Dartford Gurdwara – most of who would never have set foot in it before. Christoph added that it is about pushing Dartford as a destination, which is something that he feels very strongly

Dartford is a diverse community and this unique experience is the ideal opportunity to celebrate this.

Christoph has requested that in order to gain an idea of numbers, if you wish to attend this experience, could send him a text message confirming your name/s and how many people in your group. On the day you will be charged £10 per person for the tour including a donation to the Gurdwara. Not forgetting that the Gurdwara is providing a delicious lunch at the tours conclusion, this will be a great experience for all who choose to be involved.

*If you wish to partake in the Gurdwara portion of the tour you will be required to remove your footwear and also cover your head with a head scarf.

*To register you interest please send Christoph a message on 07702 287147

Do you read about tax changes and wonder how this applies to me or my business? Do you wonder if there are ways to optimise my tax position? Do you think tax is too complicated?

If this is you, Boat&Co can certainly assist and be your trusted tax adviser.

Boat&Co is a tax consultancy that specialises in providing UK and International Tax consulting to individuals and businesses.

Tax Services include:

 Corporate Tax Planning, Restructuring and Transaction Advisory

 UK and EU VAT Planning and Advisory

 UK R&D Tax Credit Reviews

 Mergers & Acquisitions Tax Due Diligence

 Employment Tax and Mobility Advisory

 Withholding Tax Advisory

 Mandatory Information Reporting Consulting

 And much more…

If you need any tax services please send an email to: enquiries@bncotax.com

Check out our website at www.bncotax.com

GROWING COMMUNITY SUMMER/AUTUMN UPDATE 2023

Healthy Living Centre Dartford is working to develop a thriving food growing network across the borough, connecting with schools, community groups and passionate growers to encourage a relationship with where our food comes from. Utilising unused space to grow food, we aim to promote community cohesion through enjoyment of food – growing, cooking and eating – and providing opportunities for community action to encourage biodiversity, share skills, knowledge and resources, access to fresh food and healthy exercise in the outdoors.

Our partners include Dartford Science and Technology College, The Galaxy Trust, Wentworth Primary School, Our Lady’s Catholic School, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Friends of the Earth, Spirit’s Rest, Big Barn and Planet Dartford. If you are interested in finding out more, or joining our volunteer team, contacts us on growingcommunity@hlcdartford.org.uk or call 01322 311265. Dartford Growing Community can also be found on Facebook.

An update on the Community Garden! I thought I would add an update on the Community Garden for Summer, we have worked really hard to get it looking lovely for all our visitors, so we are proud to be able to show it off to you.

DSTC Community Day

In July, we hosted a group of students from Dartford Science and Technology College for their Community Volunteer Day. Despite the rain, the ladies worked really hard and were a

The Herb Garden

Flower Power!

The New Plot Harvest time

great help, they helped to dig over an unused plot ready for growing in, emptied and moved the contents of one of the compost piles and helped to move a large pile of wood that will be used for woodworking projects.

Dartford’s Big Day Out

HLCD and The Growing Community took part in Dartford’s Big Day Out, we had two tables, one for advertising the many events we run at the community centres and one for growing. I made up over 100 packets of seeds harvested from the Poppies grown at the Community Garden and 150 packets were given out to those from the local community. We also enlisted the help of over 100 children to sow 100 French Bean seeds on the day, they were then given to them as a gift to take home and grow on themselves.

We Are Temple Hill (photo to the right)

At the beginning of August HLCD held a community event on Temple Hill Square, with many activities for local families to take part in. Growing community attended and sowed seeds, took cuttings and shared other propagation methods with those attending.

Gardening Club Visits Spirits Rest Animal Sanctuary

In August Gardening Club were asked to go down

to help Chris at Spirits Rest, she had a group of 80 inner city children coming for a day out at the sanctuary, to learn about animal welfare. She asked if we could work with groups of them to dig a wildlife pond and to help educate the children on the importance of looking after our wildlife.

We would really like to grow our volunteer team – we know there are many people in Dartford who support environmental and food growing projects. If you have some time to spare, how about joining us to get Dartford growing?

“To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul”. – Alfred Austin

DARTFORD ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM (DART)

By Ciara O’Hare

The third of Dartford Animal Rescue’s new regular monthly feature - A chicken, cockerel, and chick abandoned at a petrol station!

We receive multiple calls and messages a day - especially at this time of year - but here’s a highlight and overview of August 2023:

Despite the majority of our cases being wildlife, we are animal allies to all species. Sadly this monthe we’ve had a remarkable number of messages and calls for abandoned domestic animals. We’re going to be sharing the story of Regal, Caliente and Ember - a chicken family.

After we received a rather urgent evening message saying “chicken and baby at ----- petrol station, come quick” we threw the necessary gear in one of our volunteer’s cars and head off to the location. Painfully aware that it would be getting dark shortly we began the mission of trying to catch Regal the cockerel, Caliente the feisty chicken and Ember the big baby chick. Regal wasn’t far off the ground so I managed to catch him within minutes of arrival. Caliente and Ember were on a low branch up a tree which as you can imagine made this rescue much more difficult. But myself, my sister Rosie, and my brother-notin-law Calum began devising a plan as the light continued to disappear.

We were warned by the person that had reached out to us that both of these birds could fly. Our net would not get through the branches quicker than they would be able to disappear and the tree was right against a fence. A fence we thought

would lead to the garden of the neighbour of the petrol station that we had already spoken to. So I quickly hoped up the fence and after some guidance from Rosie as I could no longer see, I reached up and grabbed little Ember from the tree. Just mum, Caliente, to go. Caliente jumped out of the tree over the fence so I carried on over and quickly realised I was now in some kind of depo that I definitely shouldn’t be in and not the neighbour’s garden at all. Oooops. Calum followed me over with the net to try and find Caliente as soon as possible, hoping our high vis vests with “DART Animal Rescue Volunteer” on the back and the rogue chicken would explain our reason for being there if we needed to.

After a minute or so I spotted a CCTV camera that I approached and showed the back of my high vis, to identify myself to anyone watching us chase a chicken around their depo. It turned out to be a good thing too as about 30seconds later I set of the security alarm and within a few minutes of that security appeared. Fortunately, Calum managed an amazing catch with the net for our cheeky chicken while I attempted to explain why we were there. This explanation was made much easier by Calum’s amazing (and perfectly timed) rescue of Caliente. Thank you to the company for being so understanding of the situation.

Regal, Caliente and Ember were then taken to our friends at The Retreat Animal Sanctuary to start their new lives, loved and appreciated for the strong-willed individuals they all are. Good luck babies!

To donate to our work please go to paypal.me/ dartfordanimalrescue. Thank you!

MUSIC IS THE SOUNDTRACK TO OUR LIVES

By Cllr Kelly Grehan

It’s always there. Whether it be the nursery rhymes we know from infancy, the hymns we learnt at school, the song that was playing at our first dance at a disco, and the songs we associate with certain holidays, people or places.

We all know, from experience that music can change our mood, and in recent times there has been a growing body of research about the benefits of music on mental health, including evidence that that people who spent 30 minutes or more each day during the pandemic on arts activities such as listening to music had lower reported rates of depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction.

There, is now a growing body of evidence base supporting the benefits of music for people living with dementia, demonstrating its impact and value.

Last year I found a group of musicians who were happy to play to residents in the now sadly closed care home, Gardinia House. It was astonishing to watch people who were curled up in their chairs, suddenly uncurl and start tapping their feet or nodding along. It was clear the music untapped something in people, who were very much in their own world.

My own grandmother, Jean Goldsworthy, died a few weeks ago, after having battled dementia for a number of years. We were lucky that

it was a slow process and she only seemed to stop recognising us in her final months, although I am pleased to say she knew my grandfather, her husband of 68 years right until the end.

Her final weeks were spent in a care home, and by this point she had really stopped talking very much and seemed to have little awareness. Then I put on her and my grandad’s favourite song, If I Loved You, from Carousel. Her previous silence was replaced by her singing along. She seemed transformed to another place. After that I played all her old favourites – Matt Monroe, Vera Lynn, Frank Sinatra and the result was the same.

You can imagine, how we all cried to see her so content. A few days later my grandmother entered a coma and then died aged 91. She had a long, good life and the time we spent singing around the bed in her last days gives us a very previous memory to look back on.

Dementia is a scary illness, and one its very hard to know how to live with as a relative. I wanted to share our experience of using music to help us through it in the hope the information helps other families too.

FARMSTEADS, FLOUR AND FIGHTS: WALK THROUGH HISTORY IN HORTON KIRBY

By Clair Humphries

It’s easy to bypass Horton Kirby. Often lumped together with its neighbour, South Darenth, this small village can seem unremarkable and is (I think) unfairly overlooked. Locals will already be familiar with its well-loved pubs and the Environmental Education Centre has schooled numerous children in science and nature activities, proving there’s plenty going on in this quiet corner of North Kent. It also has a rich history which is well worth exploring – so why not follow me, under the viaduct arches and beyond, as we walk through Horton Kirby’s colourful past…

Did You Know?

Its Old English name derives from the words ‘horu’ and ‘tun’ meaning ‘dirty farmstead!’

Roman settlements have been discovered all along the Darent Valley, including evidence of a villa and granary at Horton Kirby. Among the excavation finds were pieces of pottery and

tessellated tiles from the floor of the villa. By Saxon times, there appears to have been quite an extensive burial ground in the area and ‘horu tun’ had become condensed to ‘Hortone.’ ‘Kirby’ was added later, most likely attributed to the de Kirkebys, a distinguished Kent family recorded from the 13th century as owning land around the Darent Valley, between Horton and Eynsford.

The Parish church, St Mary the Virgin, has been around for a while too – parts of it date back to 1190 but there have been several additions over the centuries. Now grade two listed, it was significantly rebuilt in the 14th century and again in the 1800s, when new bells were added to its original three. Edward Hasted writes of five bells in his work ‘The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent’ published in the 18th century, as well as listing its monuments and inscriptions to local prominent families.

HORTON KIRBY

By the Tudor period there were two distinctive houses in Horton Kirby: Franks Hall and Reynolds Place. Owned by the Bathurst family, Franks Halls originates from 1591 and was later used as a maternity home during the Second World War – parts of the gallery were destroyed when it was struck by a wartime incendiary device. Reynolds Place (now grade two listed) has also undergone various renovations over the years but its Tudor stone fireplaces and stained glass windows remain.

Quick Quiz:

Which dodgy 19th century characters regularly stopped in Horton Kirby?

a) Rum smugglers

b) Drug smugglers

c) Diamond smugglers

The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th century brought prosperity to Horton Kirby as its flour mill partnered with the neighbouring South Darenth mill. The tiny village began to grow from a handful of farmland cottages and a small forge, as more worker’s cottages were built, particularly in ‘the Street.’ In 1820, John Hall constructed a new paper mill on the site of an existing corn mill. The mill expanded throughout the 19th century, with various extensions added and in its heyday employed around four hundred people.

Fun Fact!

The ‘Fighting Cocks’ pub was named because its landlord regularly hosted live cock fights!

You can’t miss another local landmark: the impressive railway viaduct, visible for miles around. Built in 1858, when the East Kent Railway extended its route between Strood and Bromley, its ten arches even survived the Luftwaffe when an incendiary device narrowly missed the railway line in 1941. Sadly, the Horton Kirby paper mill closed in 2003, although its chimney remains and is currently grade two listed.

There’s no escaping Horton Kirby’s history on a walk through the village – especially as its imposing viaduct and chimney dominate every view! The mill has been re-developed in recent years and its historic pubs are still very much at the centre of local life. You might not meet any smugglers these days (or fighting birds!) but there are still plenty of opportunities to order a glass of rum and enjoy some traditional Kentish hospitality on route..!

Clair Humphries is a Script Consultant for ATS Heritage.

www.clairhumphries.com

Twitter: @clairhumphries

Instagram: clair_humphries

The answer is a) – which might explain why such a small village has so many pubs!

HORTON KIRBY

THE ROSE & CROWN – A BEATING HEART OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

By Garry Turner & Erica Semerdzhiev

• Gary and Kevin Peet from the Tackle Box on Watling St who donated a couple of rods (they proved very popular and raised a few hundred pound themselves)

• Sally Sue’s Cafe donated a lunch experience

• Head First in Dartford

• Fire Fly donated some Axe throwing

• Lacie Henning from Strawberry Scents

• Not forgetting some strange driving school named “Do it with Dave” donated 5 driving lessons (that might of been me)

As well as these guys, our locals were brilliant (Andrea and Dave who made a fab hamper and also several cocktails and glasses prizes), unfortunately too many to mention donating lots of little prizes, bottles etc. Even cheap haircuts on one afternoon at the pub supplied by Lucy who also works here. All the staff worked very hard in organising and chasing donations.

Garry: Well done again, it’s just truly awesome to witness such community focused leadership. What was the net result of your fundraiser?

Recently the owners and patrons of The Rose & Crown pub on West Hill held a fundraiser to raise money to buy a defibrillator for the pub.

The following is a short overview of a conversation between Co-owner of The Rose & Crown Dave and West Hill Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Garry:

Garry: Dave, why did you set up the fundraiser?

Dave: There was no particular reason for doing this other than it was a good thing to do for the community

Garry: That’s fantastic. Who got involved with the fundraiser and what types of products and experiences made up your fundraiser?

Dave: As well as all the staff and locals who got involved, a few local businesses donated prizes and those included:

Dave: In total, we raised a little under £1500 so after paying for the defibrillator we round it up and donated the extra £650 to the British Heart Foundation.

We now have the defibrillator installed in the pub. We wanted to speak with you so that you and West Hill Neighbourhood Watch could make the wider West Hill community aware that we have it. Hopefully we never have to use it, but it is there for all the local community to use.

Finally, we have registered it with the London Ambulance service.

You can find out more about what is happening at The Rose & Crown at their Facebook page facebook.com/rose.a.crown.16 and you can sign up to West Hill Neighbourhood Watch at mycommunityvoicekent.co.uk selecting any one or all of the three of the connected schemes.

TUPPENCE HOUSE, BRICKFIELD FARM, MAIN ROAD, LONGFIELD, DA3 7PJ 01474 705 237

YOUR INDEPENDANT HEALTHCARE CENTRE

We are a team of multidisciplinary professionals, passionate to offer a high quality and wide range of services, aiming to enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of our community We offer both home-based services and Clinical services

Home based Therapy support for Hospital

Discharge and Hospital Admission Avoidance

MEDICAL

Private GP

Orthopaedics

Pain Management X-ray guided

Spinal Injections

Ultrasound Guided Injections

Rheumatology

DIAGNOSTICS

Blood Tests

Ultrasound Diagnostics

Health and Lifestyle MOT Screening

EXERCISE CLASSES

Pilates

Yoga

Stretch, Strengthen and Relax/Rehab

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Neck/shoulder pain

Neurological Physiotherapy

Post surgery Rehab

Reduced Mobility

Repeated Stress Injuries

Shockwave therapy give space

Sports Injuries

Vestibular Rehabilitation

We support patients with the process of discharge from hospital whether they are going to their own home, a nursing home or community step down facility

WELL-BEING

Acupuncture

Allergy Testing

Audiology, Ear Wax Removal

Ayurveda clinic

Chiropody/Podiatry

Counselling/Psychotherapy

Cranio-sacral therapy

Dietitian

Holistic Massage therapy

Hypnotherapy

Indian Head Massage

Osteopathy

Reiki

Mon-Thu 9am-8pm | Fri & Sat 9am-5pm

Travel SpotlightAmazing Thailand

by Harden Holidays

A country that is all-at-once tropical, tranquil and thrilling, the Thailand experience is truly energising. Roaming from rainforests to animated cities –bursting with colours, scents and sounds – you’ll explore the exotic and the enchanting in Thailand. Including city havens and island hotspots, we know this magnificent country and can create amazing itineraries for you to make the most of your time there.

From energetic Bangkok to the emerald waters of the coast, Thailand is a feast for all your senses. Wherever you decide to travel, your experience will be full of discovery. The landscape of northern Thailand is one of enchanting mountains studded with paddy fields and ornate Buddhist temples. To the south are beaches imbued with all the tropical trimmings, hubs of gastronomic innovation, and islands that look like they have been created by illustrators. In the middle is Bangkok – Thailand’s beating heart.

Even if you’re planning on a Thai coastal adventure, the magnetism of Bangkok is often too strong, with many people spending at least a few days there. From the buzz of life at the floating markets, to the palaces and temples that soar above the city, every corner of Bangkok has its own personality. The common thread is high energy, and you’ll soak this up no matter where your journey in the city takes you.

For a totally different take on city life in Thailand, it’s worth travelling to Chiang Mai in the far north of the country. This is where you’ll experience far reaching views and the tranquillity of grand temples scattered across this mountain city. Shop in bustling markets, get involved in the spirited nightlife, or hike and kayak in the tremendous local landscape. From north to south, Thailand’s personality shows a new side, where otherworldly limestone karsts and white sandy beaches offer a different kind of energy. The coastline and islands including Phuket, Phang Nga and Koh Samui are all about postcard-perfect beach life, adventures on the water and jungle exploration. On land, visit elephant sanctuaries, shop for fashion and crafts, and take in the majesty of Buddhist art. On the water, go diving, try your hand at an array of water sports, and embark on a magnificent sunset cruise.

If you didn’t already know it, there’s a reason that Thai food is famous the world over. Thai cuisine is all about fresh, aromatic and confident flavours – and you’ll discover it at its very best on your travels. Grilled meats, succulent seafood and locally grown vegetables served with Thai flair will delight your taste buds time and again. In Thailand, you’ll come across market and street stalls, noodle and rice shacks, and fine dining establishments in Bangkok and the resorts. Wherever you eat, expect flavours that make your taste buds sing and your mind look forward to the next meal! Embarking on a Thai cooking class might just be the best souvenir you can bring home with you. When to visit - Thailand’s climate experiences a hot season (March to May), a rainy season (May to October) and a cool dry season (November to March). These seasons are felt more acutely in the north of the country, but much less so in the south, where temperatures also remain warm for much of the year. As a result, Thailand is a place that can be enjoyed all year round.

Here are the top 7 most visited attractions in Thailand:

1 Grand Palace - Bangkok’s glittering Grand Palace is one of the most popular attractions in the Thai capital. Built in 1782, this sprawling 54- acre (21.8-hectare) complex served as the royal court and administrative seat of Thailand for 150 years. Today, while it continues to host royal Thai functions, the palace also impresses swathes of visitors with its intricate golden-spired architecture and cultural history.

2. Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi) - From the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, the jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically, giving way to white-sand beaches and lush green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, collectively known as Koh Phi Phi or Ko Phi Phi, surrounded by turquoise waters and colourful marine life.

3. Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) - Easily one of Bangkok’s most visually striking landmarks, the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) towers over the Chao Phraya River. Its colourfully decorated spires are the star features—the temple’s central prang stands 260 feet (79 meters) tall and is intricately decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain.

4. Doi Inthanon National Park - Rising 8,415 feet (2,565 meters) above sea level, Mt. Doi Inthanon, situated in the centre of Doi Inthanon National Park, is Thailand’s tallest mountain. While many

visitors strive to see the views from its summit, the surrounding forests, waterfalls, stupas—domeshaped Buddhist shrines—and trails are just as impressive.

5. Ang Thong National Marine Park - The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong) in southern Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometres). These limestone pinnacles harbour secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.

6. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Few markets couple ephemeral wares—fresh fruits, fish, foods, and colorful flower bouquets—with culture, chaos, and tradition like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. One of the largest and last remaining floating markets in Thailand, this authentic market has entranced travellers and photographers the world over with its vivid scenes of vendors offering goods from long-tailed boats on the sleepy green Damnoen Saduak canal.

7. Maya Bay (Phi Phi islands) - The stunning Maya Bay (Maya Beach) became a major tourist attraction after the 2000 film, The Beach, was filmed here. It’s situated within Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, off the coasts of both Krabi and Phuket on the mainland, and is distinguished by its beautiful white-sand beach sheltered by limestone cliffs on three sides. There are in fact several beaches here, but most are small and some only exist at low tide. The main beach, where most boats drop passengers just offshore, is a 200-meter long strip of silky white sand. It’s surrounded by clear waters filled with colourful coral and an abundance of exotic fish, making it an absolute haven for snorkelers. Walking inland is also a treat, with a path that winds through lush greenery and reveals some simply spectacular scenery. It’s true that Maya Bay’s popularity has taken a certain degree of the shine from this once little-heard of slice of paradise. It just reopened for tourists in 2022 after being closed by the Thai government for almost four years, so now is a great time to visit the Koh Phi Phi islands!

For some amazing itineraries in Thailand contact the Harden Holidays team today.

You can find a Dartford Living magazine stand outside Harden Holidays. Pick up your copy of the magazine now!

ENRICH LIVES THROUGH COMPASSION AND CONNECTION: VOLUNTEER WITH EVERGREEN CARE UK

Are you ready to make a profound difference in the lives of the elderly in the Dartford area? Step into the heartwarming world of Evergreen Care, where acts of kindness transform lives. Join us as a volunteer and become a beacon of support and friendship for those in need.

The Joy of Befriending: Lifelong Connections

When Sheila learned about our service in September 2022 and met her befriender, Liz, their bond was instantaneous. Over cups of tea and heartfelt chats at Sheila's home their friendship blossomed.

For Sheila, Evergreen's befriending service became a lifeline. Without any family to rely on, Liz's visits became the highlight of her days. Eagerly anticipating the sight of Liz's red car, Sheila felt her heart fill with joy at the prospect of their time together.

Discover Elderberries Cafe: A Welcoming Community

Sheila's journey with Evergreen began when she stumbled upon a leaflet. She found herself

in Elderberries, where she was embraced by the kindness of our volunteers and guests. It didn't take long for her to become a cherished regular, forging unexpected connections.

Your Invitation to Make a Difference

Sheila and Liz's story showcases the profound impact you can have as a volunteer. Brighten the lives of the elderly in your community and foster enduring friendships. Lend a hand at Elderberries Cafes or become a befriender, offering genuine care and understanding. Step into the world of Evergreen Care today, where compassion knows no bounds, and together, we'll create a community where everyone feels valued and loved. Make the decision that will touch lives and inspire others to do the same.

Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.

To volunteer with Evergreen Care UK today, contact julia@evergreencareuk.org

often wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn’t come to Evergreen, I’m just so lucky”

COMPETITION

DAODS - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

WED 11 - SAT 14 OCTOBER 2023

Win tickets for a family of 4 to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Take a fantasmagorical musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious”. Eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, sets about restoring an old race car with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car is magic and has the ability to float and take flight. When the evil Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria desires the magic car for himself, the family joins forces with Truly and Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and his villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

What famous spy stories did Chitty Chitty Bang Bang creator Ian Fleming, write? a) James Bond b) Jack Reacher c) Mission Impossible

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

RULES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone or email by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 7.. All entries will be added to the Dartford Living mailing list to receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Please state when you enter the competition if you don’t wish to be added

www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

Dartford has acknowledged the Glimmer Twins at last! Mick and Keith are forever prancing about One Bell Corner, after a lifetime of touring, bad behaviour, broken hearts and some extremely fine songs.

They are for many the ultimate song writing partnership; whereas Lennon and McCartney, while credited together, would sometimes write alone, the Stones rarely did. Keith was the craftsman behind the music, while Mick wrote the lyrics.

Along with the Beatles, The Rolling Stones were the mouthpiece for a musical generation learning about blues, pop and rock and roll. Fans were equally divided about who was the best band.

Let me nail my colours straight away. I wasn’t a big fan of either. The Beatles were too pretty, too pop culture. The Stones were dirtier, more passionate and a wee bit scary! Some opinion concludes that based on individual merits, neither Mick nor Keith is outstanding in their field.

Mick is an average singer – but he is an outstanding showman for the genre. Who can forget the pouting, strutting, athletic frontman, belting out ‘Gimme Shelter’, ‘Satisfaction’ or ‘Brown Sugar’? Jagger acted these songs, turning them into showcase performances. I’ve read that these days he tours with an army of nutritionists and personal trainers to keep himself in tiptop condition for their shows. Good for him. Were that more octogenarians that were careful with their health.

Keith is not the most technical, or fastest guitarist, however he has an intrinsic feel for music and is at home playing lead or rhythm guitar, as well as being a respected acoustic guitar player. Also, let’s not forget his turn as Jack Sparrow’s father in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films. A bit of typecasting if there ever was! He is also a great reader, with an interest in history. Could always become a teacher if the music career ceases then!

I must confess to preferring Keith. Some of the current memes about him, are laugh out loud funny, referencing his age, and lifestyle. He comes across as the more approachable of the two. I also discovered that with Mick, he attended the same schools as I did; Wentworth Primary School and Dartford Technical School (not the girls – imagine the havoc that would have caused!). Mind you, I’m not sure either establishment would use them as role models for students!

The combined talents of these two gentlemen are what has made the Rolling Stones the most successful rock group ever. I’m still not their greatest fan, although there are a few tracks downloaded on my laptop, and I have a huge amount of respect for Charlie Watts’s drumming.

Mick is now eighty years old, and alongside his partner in music, both are still working and perfecting the art of ageing disgracefully. Long may they continue.

HERE COMES SUMMER?

I end with an observation this month. Whatever happened to summer?

We have had the odd blazing day now and then, but this does not constitute a summer season. Families holidaying here on the island are struggling to keep children entertained; beaches are almost empty. Many scheduled outdoor activities are cancelled and nearly everyone is wearing a jumper against the wind! It is supposed to get better next week. I’ll reserve judgement on that. Even my friend, a lady not given to panic buying, has started her Christmas shopping! Take care people

Friday 22nd September

6.30pm – late Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham

Tickets: £60pp/£540 per table of 10 Book here: www.jumblebee.co.uk/holgsilveranniversaryball

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

NEW PATIENT OFFER: Free Child Examination (worth £50) with every New Adult Patient Exam (£75)

We also offer:

• Special Interest Dentistry: Endodontics

• Cosmetic Dentistry: Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Smile Makeovers

• Denplan Membership options and interest free finance to help spread costs

• Saturday Appointments

Call 01322 223 927 or email info@drdc.co.uk for more information

DARTFORD AND GRAVESHAM NHS TRUST AND HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE DARTFORD

OFFICIALLY OPEN COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT AT DARENT VALLEY HOSPITAL

local community grows.

With the weather on side, volunteers brought along their family members and children to help, which certainly helped to enhance a sense of community and inclusivity.

On Saturday 19 August, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT), in collaboration with Healthy Living Centre Dartford, opened a community allotment space at Darent Valley Hospital.

The project will encourage green-fingered, volunteer members of staff, patients and local residents to nurture allotments that will eventually supply produce for a range of healthy eating and health promotion schemes within the hospital and beyond.

The event saw the Trust’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alexandra Bode-Tunji, welcome approximately 20 volunteers from the hospital and Healthy Living Centre Dartford, and cut the ribbon to officially launch the project.

The Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Rosanna Currans and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andy Lloyd, Mrs Lloyd, and the Chief Officer of Healthy Living Centre Dartford, Sharon Phillips were also in attendance to celebrate the launch and witness the ground being broken.

The Deputy Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Andy Lloyd took this opportunity to share that he was only the second patient to be admitted and the first to have surgery at Darent Valley Hospital. Despite being an adult inpatient, Cllr Lloyd was given a children’s certificate for being a brave boy – something he has kept to this very day to remind him of his time at the hospital. The anecdote demonstrated the strong ties between the hospital and the local community, and how this project is a wonderful initiative to nurture this.

Following the grand opening, volunteers got to work to prepare the allotment space behind the Children’s Resource Centre (CRC). Three beds were dug out ready to plant fruit and vegetables in the autumn in the hope that the first crops will be ready to harvest by spring/summer 2024. The Trust also hopes to expand the amount of beds as interest from hospital staff and the

Speaking at the event, Sharon Phillips, Chief Officer at Healthy Living Centre Dartford, said: “I am absolutely delighted to add Darent Valley Hospital to our ‘Growing Community’ network. This is the culmination of around 5 years’ work in trying to develop a food network. The Healthy Living Centre is all about food and healththat’s cooking, growing, eating and enjoying. Our partnership now consists of representatives from Dartford Borough Council, Bluewater and our core partners that we have been working with for the past few years are local schools. I am really excited that years of hard work are now paying off and here’s to the future.”

DGT’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alexandra Bode-Tunji said: “We are delighted by the remarkable launch of our collaborative community allotment project. It was so inspiring to see our volunteers and their families take the time to come together and create this space. I am confident that this endeavour will sow the seeds of a strong bond between our hospital and the local community we serve, and foster a healthier and happier future for all.”

All the equipment used has been supplied by charity partners and sponsors. The Trust would like to thank Medirest who provided refreshments for the volunteers at the launch event, AP Construction who have generously funded the wooden tool store, and Bluewater Shopping Centre who will be donating a variety of second hand tools and gardening supplies. Now that the space is ready, hospital staff and the local community will be regularly invited to tend to the allotments. Staff are being encouraged to become ‘Green Champions’ to help with the planting, upkeep and harvesting of the plots.

The Trust would like to thank everyone involved in the creation and launch of this project and looks forward to seeing the fruits of the initiative’s labour.

Should any members of the community be interested in volunteering or if any local businesses are interested in sponsoring any elements of the project, please contact Moira Mitchell, Head of Engagement, Experience and Inclusion at moira.mitchell4@nhs.net

Set s a i l fo r

DARTFORD business AWARDS

Is yours a winning business?

Visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk/awards to apply now

Or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk to find out more

The Dartford Business Awards are now officially open for 2023

With several categories available, the awards are all free to enter and designed to cater for every size of business, from the smallest to the largest in the Borough.

Entrants must be based in the Dartford Borough Council rates areas, and must have been trading for a full year to January 1st, 2023.

To enter your business, visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co and apply before Monday 11th September.

WALKING WITH THE DARTS

by Chris Palmer

Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.

Well, the 2023-24 National League South is well and truly underway. At the time of writing, the Darts are slowly spluttering into life and have registered two points from their opening three games.

However, those two points don’t tell the full story of the 270+ minutes played on the pitch. The two games at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park saw Alan Dowson’s side dominate in large quantities, only to be eventually held to draws by both Bath City and Hampton & Richmond Borough. Meanwhile, a slow start at Weymouth was punished by an early goal in a game where the visitors were unlucky to not have equalised or even taken all three points.

Results aside, the rebuilt Dartford squad is showing plenty of promise, so fans should be encouraged because more goals and victories are just around the corner. There’s an awful long way to go, 43 games in fact, so doom and gloom mongers should just quietly go away, as the team needs everyone’s support.

At the start of the season, winger Luke Coulson was named as Tom Bonner’s successor as Captain of the side. The experienced player marked the occasion with two superb goals against Bath City on opening day, and is proving without a doubt what a natural leader he is, both on and off the pitch.

As far as the Dartford FC Women’s team is concerned, their pre-season preparations were completed with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of London Seaward FC at the weekend (Sunday

Men’s team photos by Carol White-Griffiths, Women’s` team photos: Taur Everard

13th of August). On the same day, the Dartford FC Women’s Development Team smashed six past Bowers & Pitsea Ladies FC in their final pre-season friendly.

Connor Dymond’s side will be hoping to rewrite the history books once again, as they start their FA Cup campaign away at Ashford United Ladies in the competition’s Second Qualifying Round. The game will take place on the 1st of October, so please keep an eye on the Dartford FC Women’s social media platforms for further information.

Having secured the signatures of both Lizzie Adams and Charlie Torry for the season ahead already, the Dartford FC Women were delighted to announce that the following players have now also been retained (at the time of writing): Jade Charlton, Shauni Griffiths, Nicha Dyett, Paris Smith,

Emily Vaughan, Jo Woodgates, Georgie Davis, Megan McKeeg, Emily Read, Shannon Dunham, Amy Reader, Milly Penfold, Adele Pearce, and Alicia Adams.

Additionally, Connor Dymond has dipped into the transfer market and has secured the services of defenders Chana Hinds, Hannah Thomas, Shannon Wason, and Kaylee Shurety. They’re joined by striker Gemma Shepherd, as well as midfielders Gabby Howell, Emily Woodhouse, Elise Killick, and Molly Hawkins.

Finally, the London & South-East Regional Women’s Premier League begins this weekend, whereby Lizzie Adams and Co will kick-off their campaign against Dulwich Hamlet FC Women on Sunday the 20th. Be sure to attend and show the team your support, as they intend to challenge for title honours and promotion.

As always, thank you for your continued support and thanks for reading.

TIPS FOR REDUCING STRESS

By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford.

Ageing brings about new challenges such as health, finances, and dealing with change that can cause stress to build in older adults. The current events all around us just add to our feelings of stress and anxiety – no matter what age. Stress is a normal part of everyday life and there’s no escaping it, but there are some ways to deal with it that are healthier and more beneficial than others.

In this edition of Senior Snippets, we will be sharing some tips on how to manage stress. Everybody copes with stress differently, and it is important for those feeling stressed or anxious to find healthy ways to cope with the negative and potentially harmful feelings they are experiencing.

Participate in social and community activities. Social interaction and a sense of giving to your community enhance self-esteem and reduce stress. Older adults need to spend time with family or friends for a few hours each day to really see the benefits. Joining a lunch club or community group is a great way to stay connected. It also helps to prevent loneliness and isolation.

Take care of yourself. Get regular exercise, eat nourishing food, and maintain a healthy weight. Stay focused on positive things. Avoid negative self-talk such as “I can’t do that” or “I’m too old.” When your self-talk is negative, you will feel more stress. Instead of thinking what you can’t do, remember what you can do.

Participate in activities you enjoy. Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Take up ballroom dancing? Mentor a child? Volunteer for a local charity? Now is the time! (And activities like these will also help your brain.)

Read. Reading is a tried-and-true way for seniors to relieve the stress in their lives. It is a technique used to escape from the stress of life without ever leaving home. Studies show that reading reduces the heart rate and releases tension in the muscles. Reading at least 30 minutes a day, or even listening to audio books, can have a significant impact on the reduction of stress.

Make a list of the important things you need to handle each day. Try to follow the list so you feel organized and on top of things. You will get a feeling of accomplishment as you make your way through the list.

It is important to remember that we do have control over the stress and choices we make in our lives. It sometimes takes a little practice and effort to put some of these techniques into play in your life. But once you do so, you may be pleasantly surprised at the positive benefits you’ll receive.

If you have an ongoing problem with stress and worry that prevents you from enjoying life, and you feel that you cannot control these feelings, help is available.

If you would like to speak to someone at Home Instead, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We also welcome any suggestions for future topics from you all. All you have to do is write to me at c.uppenkamp@dartford.homeinstead.co.uk or by post to Home Instead Dartford, St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Erith, DA8 1AT.

In this month’s article we look at new electric vehicles coming on sale this year and next.

By Dhiren Ganesh

one has been unveiled 72 years after the original which retains the rugged looks but also very different with cutting-edge technology to keep the off-road drive possible. It will be available with a five or seven seater option with more boot space for families. From 2025, the Land Cruiser will be available with mild-hybrid engine tech, but for now it will be sold with a 201bhp 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine teamed with an eightspeed automatic gearbox. It will give you the best of off-road and comfort on the motorway experience. Prices are not yet available but it will go on sale at the end of 2023.

2024

Santa Fe - New Hyundai Santa Fe 7-seater adopts a bold new look, and offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options. It is boxier than in older versions and offer a 7-seat option. The shape also means there will be more room in the second and third rows for passengers. On the inside, the dashboard is dominated by a giant curved display that houses two 12.3in screens: one for instrumentation and another for the infotainment system. There’s a good mixture of leather, wood and metal effect finishes that give the car a high-quality feel. Buyers will be given a choice of two engines: a 226bhp 1.6-litre conventional hybrid or a 261bhp plug-in hybrid. On sale early next year prices will be announced closer to the time but could start around £48,000.

2023 Vauxhall Experimental – New Vauxhall

Experimental concept car previews the frontend design and interior technology of the brand’s future cars. This Vauxhall Astra-sized electric coupé SUV isn’t ever going to see the inside of a showroom. Yet it’s no pointless flight of fancy, either; not only does it preview design elements that will find their way onto the brand’s next generation of cars, it has one that’s guaranteed to feature on future models from rival manufacturers, too. Exterior lighting is a significant change, with its thin horizontal and vertical strips of LEDs – which run almost the full width of the car. On the interior, there’s a huge head-up display that can project key information the full width of the windscreen, and every display screen has been replaced by holographic interfaces.

Hyundai

OUR FIRST YEAR IN DARTFORD

By Carita Osteen-Ejiasa

In August 5, 2022 we moved to Dartford, so we are one year in this town we have come to call home. Living in Dartford for the past year has been an incredible experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with open arms by our neighbours and the local community. The town is well centralised with major amenities within 2 miles, making it easy to find everything we need close by.

The local schools in Kent County were extremely welcoming and our children settled in quickly. Within two months of the new school year, they were already making new friends and enjoying their classes. They have also settled into their chosen clubs, both recreational and academic, which are available all around Dartford.

One of our favourite places in Dartford is the Buccaneer Bay. The transformation from the regular park it was when we first moved in to the breath-taking Pirates Themed park it has become is truly amazing. The park is a great place for families to spend time together and our children love it.

The Thursday and Saturday market is another highlight of the town. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and try out different foods. The community spirit is truly alive here, with vendors coming from around the UK to share their products.

We’ve been lucky to experience a variety of shows on the high street, from magic shows to serenading musicians. It’s always exciting to see what’s happening on the street, and it’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Our neighbours have been wonderfully cooperative and have made us feel welcome in our new home. They are always willing to help us out, whether it’s receiving bulky mails when we’re not at home or giving us information when we need it.

Recently, there has been a community security approach by Kent Police that makes us feel even more secure and confident in our environment. It’s great to see the community come together

to ensure everyone’s safety.

As an expert in international student recruitment and immigration advising, you have fit in seamlessly into the community. It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve been able to help international students with admissions to the University of Kent. Your contribution to the community is invaluable, and it’s great to see how you’ve made a positive impact on the lives of those around you.

Dartford has a lot to offer in terms of recreational and academic clubs for children of all ages. It’s great to see them pursuing their interests and getting involved in the community. The town offers the perfect balance of work, family, and social life. We highly recommend living in Dartford to anyone looking for a friendly and welcoming community.

One of the best things about living in Dartford is the easy access to London. The train station is conveniently located in the town centre and it’s only a 35-minute train journey to London Bridge. This makes it easy to commute to London for work or to enjoy a day out in the city.

Overall, we have thoroughly enjoyed our time living in Dartford. The community spirit, variety of amenities, and easy access to London make it the perfect place to live. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new place to call home.

by Bhavesh Ganesh

I was upset England lost to Spain in the Women’s Football World Cup final, I’m also very happy for the players and the game.

When England return from Australia and the dust settles they will look ahead to what is coming up next. A first Women’s Nations League competition, Olympic Games qualification and the defence of their European crown are all things to look forward to in the calendar for the next two years.

But off the pitch there remain several talking points, including discussions over player bonus payments and a potential renewal of manager Sarina Wiegman’s contract.

All those points will be placed to the back of their minds when several of the Lionesses are back in action in the Women’s Super League, which kicks off again on 1 October. The impact of their success at Euro 2022 led to record viewing figures and attendances across the 2022-23 domestic season. Having reached the final again in Australia, just months before a long-

awaited takeover of the WSL, a new broadcast deal is set to be negotiated which could bring further, significant revenue to the women’s game.

By Maria Kingsford

Sporting events in September include:

8 September-28 October: Rugby Union - Men’s World Cup, France

12 September: Football - 150th anniversary match: Scotland v England, Hampden Park

22-24 September: Golf - Solheim Cup, Finca Cortesin, Malaga, Spain

29 September-1 October: Golf - Ryder Cup, Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome

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

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

Rock Painting in Dartford

cal people from Dartford Painted Rocks on Facebook have been busy this month painting hidin hanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and lery lo

e are some great photos of their painted rocks

UROLOGY AWARENESS MONTH

By Dr Julie Taylor

Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate and the male reproductive system.

Kidneys

The kidneys sit just below the ribs in the middle of the back. They play an important role in removing excess water and waste from the blood, which passes out as urine, and ensuring your blood pressure remains stable. Did you know the kidneys also produce hormones that make bones stronger and form red blood cells?

Chronic kidney disease is when your kidneys stop working as effectively. This can happen slowly over time and be as a result of age, raised blood pressure or conditions such as diabetes. You may find this written on your medical records. It is important for us to know this as some medications may need to be avoided or given at a different dose, and we usually just monitor this with blood tests. If your kidney function drops too low, we may refer you to a kidney doctor.

Anyone who has had kidney stones will tell you the pain is worse than child birth. The most common cause is not drinking enough but not everyone is susceptible to getting them. Sometimes they pass on their own, but urology doctors can use ultrasound waves to break them down or can remove them.

Bladder

Your bladder is a balloon like organ that stores urine until you are ready to pass it. The nerves of the bladder senses when it is full and sends a message to the brain. When it is time to go, the brain tells the sphincter (muscle at the base of the bladder) to relax and the muscle inside the bladder to squeeze to push urine out.

Incontinence occurs when you have less control over when you pass urine. This is more common in women than men, and affects one in five women

over 40 years. It can be embarrassing and affect confidence. Sometimes this happens because your bladder muscle squeezes when you don’t want it to (urge incontinence or overactive bladder). Sometimes it can happen when you cough or laugh or jump on a bouncy castle (stress incontinence). It can also happen when you don’t completely empty your bladder and the urine overflows, usually due to an enlarged prostate. Reducing caffeine and alcohol, avoiding constipation and practicing pelvic floor exercises can help. Your GP can help to identify the type of incontinence and advise on appropriate treatment.

Prostate

The prostate sits below the bladder and the urethra (tube that takes urine out of the bladder when you pee) runs through it. Only men have prostates and its main function is producing seminal fluid to mix with sperm during sexual intercourse. The prostate gets bigger as you get older. About 40% of men over 60 years develop symptoms such as urinary frequency (including getting up at night - nocturia), urgency, problems starting to urinate (may have to strain to get started), a weak stream and passing urine slowly. See your GP if you have these symptoms. Sometimes tablets can help but your GP may refer you to see a specialist if needed.

Urological cancers

Please see your GP if you have the following symptoms:

• blood in your urine

• blood when you ejaculate

• recurrent urine infections

• a lump in your abdomen or testes

• sores/lumps on the penis

• pain in your stomach, groin or side that isn’t going away

If you get symptoms of an enlarged prostate, see a doctor to rule out prostate cancer. Bone pain or unexpected weight loss should never be ignored.

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

GARTER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

perspective whilst capturing moments as they unfold. I have been very privileged to have had my work published in various wedding magazines including ‘Your Kent Wedding magazine’ and I received several awards since launching Garter Wedding Photography.

I am very fortunate that I travel throughout the UK and abroad, however I have always dreamt of having my own studio space and at the start of this year I completed my custom built studio at home. From here I have the option to photograph existing and new clients from in and around the Dartford, Kent area as well as London.

From a young age I loved Art and photography and at the age of 15 I received my first film camera. As I am originally from Northern Ireland and growing up near the country side I photographed a lot of landscapes and nature. At 16 I photographed my first wedding and I realised I loved photographing portraits and capturing people and their personalities through photography.

After studying fine art and a degree in fashion with photography I moved to London in 2008 to gain experience within the industry. Having assisted a wide range for photographers for two years throughout different genres including some charities, I then I set up my photography business photographing commercial menswear, beauty, portraits, and product, which I continue to shoot.

In 2012 I established Garter Wedding Photography. I see my photography style as natural and unobtrusive and I like to implement my fashion photography degree within my work to try to bring a unique artistic

Although Garter Wedding Photography was initially set up for just Weddings over the years I expanded into photographing family and kids portraits, events and engagement photoshoots alongside a wide range of other photography. When photographing families and kids I offer a choice of a studio photoshoot or an at home lifestyle shoot as I know children can feel more at ease at home in their own environment.

I have a range of packages available for a range of photoshoots so please feel free to get in touch for more information and bookings. Thank you

alison@garterweddingphotography.com 07731879052

www.garterweddingphotography.com

QUICK AND EASY BANANA LOAF

By Debbie Dickinson

We’ve all had those times when our bananas are getting a bit too ripe to eat – so here’s a quick and easy recipe to use them up in a delicious loaf.

As usual you can add extra treats to the recipe – chocolate chips or blueberries are amazing additions! Or leave the loaf plain for a banana delight!

You will need:

100g Margarine

100g Sugar – whatever type of sugar you have is fine

2 Eggs

2 Bananas

225g Self Raising Flour Optional – Handful of Blueberries or Chocolate Chips

You will also need a loaf tin.

What to do:

In a small bowl mash the Bananas with a fork.

Crack the Eggs into another small bowl and beat gently.

Cream the Margarine and Sugar together in a large bowl until pale and smooth. Add the beaten Egg and mix until combined. Stir in the Bananas.

Fold in the Flour gradually. If using, add the Blueberries or Chocolate Chips.

Grease your loaf tin with a bit of margarine – you can add a strip of baking paper if you like..

Tip the mix into the tin and level off a little with a spoon.

Bake at 175° Fan (185°) for 30 minutes.

When baked, remove from oven and allow to cool, then cut into slices.

Enjoy! xxx

ADVERTISERS INDEX

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ACCOUNTS, BUSINESS, FINANCE AND LEGAL

Boat & Co

Downton & Ali Associates

Summit Wealth

CARE PROVIDERS

Evergreen Care

Home Instead

CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS

Dartford Foodbank

ellenor

New Life Christian Community Foodbank

COUNCIL SERVICES / MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Gareth Johnson MP

EDUCATION

My Bluewater Tutor

The Kent Foundation

ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS

Fox Estates

FLORISTS

Dartford Florist

GARAGES/VEHICLE SERVICES

Orchard Garage

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Dartford Council Walk and Talk

Dartford Road Dental Centre

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

A Baines

Agiri Property

Double Glazing Repair Man

GWS Plumbing and Bathrooms

Steve Cook

LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT/THINGS TO DO

Bexley Park Comedy

Buccaneer Bay

Dartford Social Club

The Mick Jagger Centre

Orchard Theatre

Yamato Damashii

PARENT AND TODDLER

Baby Sign

Baby Sensory

Little Learners

Music Maestros

PRINTERS

Darenth Print and Design

RESTAURANTS, CAFES, FOOD OUTLETS

Efes Turkish Restaurant

RETAIL

Bradleys Jewellers

Craft Frames

THINKING OF ADVERTISING?

We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £37.50 for a month. We don’t just take your money and add you to the magazine. We want to work with you to promote your businesses as much as we can using our website and social media channels for maximum exposure. We can also provide advertising options solely online on your website and/ or social media channels. We feel we have every base covered.

To book in an advert call 01322 507817 or email sales@dartfordliving.com David Shafford

YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS: 15TH SEPT 23

Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups

Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)

Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)

Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Tuesdays 12.30pm

Greenhithe - Wednesdays 10.30am (St Mary’s Church)

Stone Pavilion Walk - Thursdays 9:30am

Central Park - Thursdays 11.30am (War Memorial)

Swanscombe - Fridays 10.00am

Swanscombe Castle Hill - Sundays 9.00am (Castle Hill Community Centre)

• 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

For more details including starting points please contact the One You Kent team call 01322 343067 or email oneyou@dartford.gov.uk

• 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