FREE February 2018 - Issue 140
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE
Don’t wing it Syn it! p8-9 Mummy on the Mend p21 Fire and Ice Challenge p29 What’s on Locally Guide p46-56 Re-opening of The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel on 7th February 2018 This glorious landmark has undergone an extensive refurbishment and phase 1 is almost complete. Photo by Janice Blake
“We invite everyone to join us on the 7th to discover the refurbished bar designed around the rich history of Dartford. With twenty-four stylish bedrooms packed with character one of the UK’s oldest coaching inns has just got even better!” To find out more please contact us on 01322 224415, email royalvictoria@southcoastinns.co.uk or visit www.southcoastinns.co.uk
By the community, for the community
www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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ired be inspwith Slimming World MONDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sue 07507 599691
WEDNESDAYS VCD Sports Club, Old Road Crayford, DA1 4DN 10:00am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Liz 07900 213548
British Legion Hall Devon Road, South Darenth, DA4 9AA 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm June 07957 902767
Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 9:30am Gillian 07957 135737
Fleetdown Community Centre Swaledale Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6JZ 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401
The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 5:30pm and 7:30pm Caroline 07776 181413
Church Centre, 112 Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, Kent DA10 0JZ 7:30pm Lisa 07986 030199
Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 3.30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm Jo 07800 797030
New group opening on 01/01/2018 Dartford Social Club, Lowfield Street, DA1 1HP Monday 7.30pm Kate 07590995948
Albany Hotel 13 Steynton Avenue Bexley, DA 3HN 5.30pm and 7.30pm Del 07975 541082
TUESDAYS Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 10:00 am Paula 07891 424401
THURSDAYS The Howard Venue (formerly South East Dance Studios) 39 Egerton Avenue, Hextable, BR8 7LG 9:30am Caroline 07776 181413
Glentworth Ex Service Club 154 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JB 5:30pm and 7:30pm Gillian 07957 135737
Temple Hill Community Centre Temple Hill Square, Dartford, DA1 5HY 09:30am Jo 07800 797030 St Anselm’s Parish Centre 89 West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HJ 5:00pm and 7:00pm Gillian 07957 135737 Greenhithe & Swanscombe British Legion Club London Road, Greenhithe, DA9 9EJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm Paula 07891 424401 Baldwyns Baptist Church Dartford Road, Bexley DA5 2AY 5.30pm and 7.30pm Del 07975 541082 FRIDAYS Lesley Close Bourne Road , Bexley DA5 1LX 9am Del 07975 541082 SATURDAYS Amar Hall East Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RX 9:00am Sarah 07739 027161 Christ Church Centre Kingswood Avenue, Swanley, BR8 8AN 8:00am and 10:00am Kelli 07931 085668
slimmingworld.co.uk
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0344 897 8000
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WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF
DARTFORD LIVING
BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY Dear Readers, Welcome to the February magazine. As usual it’s jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - use them or lose them! In case you weren’t aware, we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. It’s the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Please get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well! If you don’t always receive a copy directly through your door, you can pick up a copy from various drop off points including Dartford FC, local libraries, Fairfield Leisure Centre, The Priory Shopping Centre, Stephen Oliver Art Gallery, health centres and local Barclays branches. Additionally, if you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our e-newsletter and you will join 6,000 others who receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Until next time, Vijay - Editor, Dartford Living (and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)
Check out our website for even more local news and articles
www.dartfordliving.com
YOUR NEXT DEADLINE IS 12TH FEBRUARY
We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £30 per 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
Magazine/ Website Design and Sales
CONTENTS
5........................Dartford News 8-9....................Don’t wing it Syn it! 11......................Bip Bop Blog 12......................Local News 14......................Life Under the Stairs 18-19................Travel Spotlight 21......................Mummy on the Mend 24......................Valley to Paris 25......................CAP Money Matters 28......................The Kentones 29......................Fire and Ice Challenge 32......................Sports News 34......................Team HARD Pink hat competition 36......................Dartford District Schools FA 37......................Darts News 38......................Local Sports Clubs 41......................Fitness 44......................Theatre Roundup 46......................Car News 48-56................Where to go locally 57......................Useful Numbers 58......................Advertising Index
Dartford Living does not certify, endorse or verify the contents of any communication within the magazine/our online presence or make warranty of any kind, express or implied, with regard to the information contained therein. Dartford Living and its owners cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services that appear in any Dartford Living publication or media outlet. Dartford Living is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk 3
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NEWS
SAM WINSTON RETURNS TO THE MICK JAGGER CENTRE
Local Indy Folk Pop artist showcases at the Mick Jagger Centre this March! Sam Winston hopes to bring some hope in the dark when he returns to The Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford on the 10th March 2018 - after last year’s sell-out performance! - with his special brand of ‘Independent Folk Pop’ .
We love to hear from groups, organisations and individuals about what’s happening locally. Include a photo if you can. Email your stories to editor@dartfordliving.com
There will be brand new music on the night as well as old favourites from the album! Sam is quite the entertainer and if you haven’t already checked out his amazing sounds then we don’t think you will be disappointed. You can get your ticket for this amazing event by clicking the link at http://samwinstonmusic.com/gigs/ - tickets are just £7.50, with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm show. By Mich Ruby photo credits: MichpixLondon
Sam, a former schoolteacher, 29 of Bexley, produces and records in his own studio. He studied piano from the age of 6 and has taught himself to play the acoustic, electric & bass guitars, the mandolin, ukulele, kalimba & many other percussion instruments since. He brings smooth harmonies & great melodies, with his latest album The Fire & The Icicle already gaining him a lot of attention & a growing fan-base! (the album is definitely my ‘guilty pleasure’) and has recently released an amazing video for the track Reach You produced by Jake Wynne. Other great tracks off of this album include Silhouette & Cherry Sweet. Sam’s vocals have been used by award-winners, by TV composers, and by Boy George who he supported previously on a tour of Amsterdam. www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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Apex Law are excited to announce the opening of their new offices in Dartford. Our Dartford office is in a very convenient position with free visitor parking and close to the station. It is run by Pam Downes a well known local Lawyer with an experienced team. Pam deals with all aspects of Residential Conveyancing plus Private Client issues such as Lasting Powers of Attorney’s, Court of Protection Applications, Wills, Probate, Compromise Agreements and she is a specialist in Equity Release matters. Apex Law has case handlers located throughout the South of England and further afield who are all highly experienced in their fields of law including commercial property, Wills, Family Law, Residential Conveyancing and Private Client. In this highly technological world, expensive office premises can only drive up costs and at Apex Law LLP we are passionate about offering the highest level of service but at a price you can afford, because many of our Lawyers are self-employed they are frequently able to offer more flexible hours to suit you. We have Lawyers fluent in French, Chinese and Malay. We also have strategic alliances with Spanish Lawyers. At our offices we offer a friendly comfortable environment in which you can relax whilst dealing with your legal issues. We provide a cost effective local, national and international service in most areas of law and if we have no specialist in regard to any matters in which you require advice, we have arrangements with other firms of solicitors to whom we can refer you with confidence. Our offices are located at: 3 The Pantiles
Unit 32
1st Floor
Bexleyheath
Basepoint Business Park
87 Rainham High Street
DA7 5HH
Victoria Road, Dartford
Rainham, Kent
01322441442
DA1 5FS
ME8 7HS
info@apexlaw.co.uk
01322283854
01634233331
pam@apexlaw.co.uk
rainham@apexlaw.co.uk
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Let GPS navigate the way to your new home www.gpslettings.co.uk
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. Keep Dia-wipes handy so your blood glucose testing does not slow you down: · School · Office · Car · Beach · Sports · Many more! 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 www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR WEIGHT LOSS DREAMS - DON’T WING IT SYN IT! by Kate Carney
Fast forward to November 2016 and Kate was 5 stone lighter! Today Kate weighs 8 stone 6! A total loss of 5 stone 8lb, that’s a 40% total loss! Shes almost half the person she used to be and feels great. She has tonnes of energy so can keep up with her now almost 4 year old and her 2 year old. Kate has noticed that her skin is healthier and so is her hair. Kate now shops for size 8 clothes, is so much more active now than she used to be because she has the energy to be so. How did Kate achieve this? Did she hit the gym for hours every day? No! Did she follow some radical fad starvation type diet? No! Kate lost over 5 and half stone by eating Burgers and Chips, full cooked breakfasts, Curries, Pizza and Chocolate! How does that even work?
Kate is a 30 year old working Mum of two. For Kate it seems only a short time ago back in March 2016 when after trying to chase her then 2 year old around the park she stepped on her bathroom scales to see a number that scared her into action. She was 14 stone! At a little over 5ft 3 she was very overweight and also very unfit. Kate had had enough of not being able to play with her son, getting worn out walking up the stairs and not being able to wear nice clothes but covering up in baggy jeans and hoodies as much as you can when you are a size 20 anyway. She wanted to change but how? 8
Well back in April 2016 Kate decided to join her local Slimming World group with one aim - to lose weight without having to forfeit the food that she loved. ‘Let me assure you when I say I love my food!’ says Kate. Before her first group she was nervous, she wasn’t sure how she was going to treated. Would there be an audience of people judging her? Would her weight be displayed in lights for everyone to see and ridicule? Would she be singled out as the new member and named and shamed? A big fat resounding No! ‘My fears were totally unfounded, I was welcomed with a smile and encouragement and made to feel completely at ease. I had my then 3 month old daughter with me which wasn’t a problem at all, I was assured she was welcome in group. There was no judgement or ridicule, just great support and guidance.’ At Slimming World your actual weight is never mentioned just weight change or overall loss to date there is no naming and shaming and Kate has even made some lovely new friends. Kate has learnt to make small changes
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and won her groups ‘Miss Slinky’ for 2016. To know that not only was she achieving great things for herself and feeling confident for the first time in years but she was supporting and inspiring others to do the same. Kate is now more active than she have been in years, this was a gradual change as the weight dropped off her ‘body magic’ increased nothing strenuous like hitting the gym all baby steps that have led her to the happier, healthier, fitter person that she is today! ‘I’ve had my ‘off days’ life happens and I enjoy those rare special occasions where the food is not always under my control but careful planning beforehand the faith that I can 100% optimise the rest of my food and not feel guilty.’ ‘I thank my lucky stars every day that I found Slimming World!’
to her eating habits enabling her to lose weight without missing out on foods she really enjoys and certainly never going hungry.
Kate will be opened her own group on Monday 1st of January at Dartford Social Club for details call 07590 995948
‘I learnt about filling up on ‘Free Foods’ to guarantee that I was never hungry, being able to enjoy the variety of guilt free food was so reassuring. I knew this was something that I could embrace and not feel like I was missing out at all. In my first group I was given the opportunity to set my own target weight, the weight I dreamed to be at and when I said I wanted to lose 5 and a half stone my consultant didn’t blink or scoff she just said ‘That’s great you can do that, I’ll help you get there’ and wrote it down. Everything was in my control! That felt great!’ Kate went home and started planning meals and adjusting favorites to make them Slimming World as well as family friendly. One of the many beauties of Slimming World, says Kate, is that its food that everyone can eat and enjoy - the whole family can eat the same meals and and enjoy them because they are made up of delicious, satisfying, real food. Over the following months the weight dropped off and would you believe in November 2016 Kate was nominated www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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BIP BOP BLOG by Charlotte Wise
Hi everyone!
Thank you Dave and Vijay for letting me write again! 2018 is now in full swing and I’ve grabbed it with both hands and reinvested in my baby and children’s gift business. It’s a huge risk and I won’t lie, I’m a little anxious, especially as Little Man depends on me, but as they say, you need to speculate to accumulate and all that! Flick through the pages to find my new logo on one of the adverts! It’s all change!
It took us 2 seconds to get out of the car and we freely walked to the cafe. No buggy, no tantruming toddler refusing to walk. I think the walking time was about 10 seconds including crossing the road. Pure bliss!
So aside from mummying, working (and worrying), the Hubby and I went on a little day date and I thought I would share given this is the February Valentine’s Issue. I dropped Little Man off at nursery in the morning and for the first time I didn’t feel guilty but excited! Hubby and I were going for breakfast! A rare treat as I don’t usually get a chance to eat until lunchtime! We sat down, held hands across the table in that greasy spoon and my diet went out the window. I ordered what I wanted with a ‘sod it I’m on holiday’ attitude because I knew I would be able to finish the whole meal at a hot temperature in peace and appreciate every bite! For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t working on the business, I wasn’t being mum (even though I was still clinging to my phone in case nursery called), but I was on a date with my husband. It was wonderful! And just for those couple of hours, I felt like I had fallen in love with him all over again - in our local cafe, over a hot cuppa and a fry up! So to all the mums out there - make sure you and your significant other get a chance for some time together this month. You’ve earned it and most definitely deserve it! Now I don’t think I can put it into words just how excited I was to frequent our local cafe! I mean seriously, you would think I was off on a night out! I straightened my hair, put some makeup on and looked like the old me. Not half made up, flat boot wearing, tired mum me. Instead, I was able to quite literally let my hair down! On the way there in the car, we sang along to the songs we wanted to listen to… loudly…without a peep of ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ to be heard!
Happy Valentines! Charlotte x www.BipBopShop.com Follow me Facebook/Instagram @bbshopity Twitter @BipBopMum
www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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LOCAL NEWS by Dartford Living
SUMMER ART EXHIBITION ENTRIES Dartford Borough Council have announced the return of the Summer Exhibition and would like to invite local artists to submit their entries. Call for entries poster 2018The Summer Exhibition aims to showcase and celebrate the work of the Borough’s exceptional range of talented and diverse local artists. There’s no strict theme to keep to this year. Whatever your style of art and whether you’re a professional or amateur artist, this is an open exhibition where everyone is welcome to submit an entry of their best pieces of work. More info can be found on the Dartford Living Website www.dartfordliving.com For local news make sure to check out the Dartford Living website and social media pages. SLEEP ROUGH SO OTHERS DON’T HAVE TO YMCA Dartford will be running Sleep Easy in Dartford’s Central Park on Friday 16 March. Sign up at http://bit.ly/ SleepEasyDartford or contact sleepeasy@ymcatg.org for more information. Join in, spend a night out and help us beat youth homelessness.
Bring your friends and join the team in Dartford’s Central Park. YMCA Dartford will provide the box, you provide the sleeping bag! Will your box have The Box Factor? You’ll have an opportunity to customise your box on arrival before the grand judging ceremony… prizes available for the most creative. With hot drinks and snacks throughout the night, we will finish with breakfast rolls in our café at the YMCA on Overy Street before departure around 7am… can you make it through the night? Every year YMCA provide beds for around 500 young people at risk of homelessness across the Thames Gateway – 56 of these are in Dartford. By sleeping out for just one night you will raise awareness of this growing problem
across our region as well as raising vital funds that will mean we can reach even more vulnerable people. 12
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Useful Numbers Regency Roofing & Property Services All aspects of roofing undertaken from small repairs to re-roofs, UPVC Fascias, Soffits and Gutters. Fully Insured and all work guaranteed. 01322 914340 | 07391 905052
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LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS
by Jane Stevenson THE CHICKS HAVE FLOWN I seem to be starting this year in the same vein as last, in that it is a slightly subdued time.
The reason for this is that my Offspring have now both flown the nest! It’s not the first time either, as Eldest lived in Gravesend for two years, while Youngest took on Canterbury and embraced university life for three years: but they both came home again. Eldest was renting and that alone gave her leaving a temporary feel. She often popped in and we visited her rather lovely house as well. She was near. Youngest also arrived home, sometimes quite unexpectedly, and usually with a bag of washing. It didn’t matter. I loved the impulsiveness of their visits and the pleasure at seeing them both. Now, Eldest has joined the mortgage paying world and left to live in her own home. Youngest took flight late last year and moved across country to Bristol, unable to even begin to afford the rents in Dartford, let alone buy a place. I always thought I’d breathe a sigh of relief when they went. I joked with friends that I’d move away and not give them a forwarding address. I wasn’t going to join the ranks of ‘sad mummies’ bereft of a parental role, resigned to watching daytime TV and weeping silently into a tissue, my life over. I was going to Do Things. It wasn’t always fun and games. Our house isn’t large and four adults all vying for the bathroom, TV and kitchen space it sometimes became a war zone. Now, it’s quiet, there’s room to swing cats and the shopping bill has halved. And I don’t like it! However, they are happy, excited at their changes and looking forward to life. How can I possibly resent that? Once I’ve come to terms with the practical side of a smaller household, I will go forward myself, writing, reading, gardening and lunching with the ladies. If I’m honest, we’re all winners. 14
I LOVE TO GO A WANDERING Well I do, but not too far afield. I have a fear of flying. Not the actual flight itself, but the fact that the plane might crash. It is illogical and rather limiting in that I’ve never visited certain places I long to see: Hawaii, Thailand, Japan and Goa to name a few. I used to be OK with air travel, and have flown to the USA and Malta in the past. Now, even a short haul to Spain requires mental preparation and enough Rescue Remedy to sink the Titanic. Many of my friends are seasoned travellers. One has taken a couple of years out to see the world, and her pictures of Vietnam, Cuba, Australia and so many other places are a delight. Another one is flying home from Australia as I write – this is her third trip inside a year to this far flung outpost. Others have been to Mexico, Mauritius, Mongolia and South Africa within the past twelve months. I’m not sure if I envy them or not. I have no idea why I suddenly developed such a fear. I’ve always reasoned that if I was on a ship and it sank, I can swim. Now that is illogical. I have discovered delights nearer to home. Maybe not as exotic but still offering the peace and quiet I like. Norfolk, with its wide expanses of countryside and beaches, Devon, pretty much the same, just a different direction, and the Isle of Wight. On my doorstep, so to speak are the lovely river walks around Greenhithe and Gravesend, the quirky area of Rochester High Street and Chatham Dockyard. Not a holiday destination of course, but a great place for a day out. Now we have embraced the international culture of sidewalk cafes, even grabbing a coffee and cake with a friend assumes somewhat of a glamorous edge. This year I’m going to consider another foray into large metal tubes that fly. I have a significant birthday coming up, and thought a few days on the Costa Blanca rather than the Costa Coffee would be a nice change. We’ll see. Have a good month all.
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Chris Fox FNAEA
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Chris with Lucy Alexander and Martel Maxwell from the BBC’s Homes Under the Hammer www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT - MEXICO by Tim Harden
TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT - MEXICO Mexico has so much to offer the adventurous traveller – an abundance of beautiful beaches along Caribbean and Pacific coasts; some of best colonial architecture; massive ancient ruins and some world-class cuisine. With more flight options between the UK and Mexico than ever, and new tours, hotels and cruises entering the market, there is more choice for your holiday than ever before.
in association with
jostle with markets, museums and murals. 4. Beaches: Mexico is blessed with abundant beaches. In the north, from Los Cabo the Pacific coast runs the length of the country. In the south, on the Caribbean side, hot spots include Cancún and Riviera Maya. 5. Wildlife viewing: Mexico is the sanctuary of the Monarch butterfly during the winter and 600 million of them annually descend on Michoacán. It was spectacularly featured on ‘Mexico: Earth’s abundance of life’, recently shown on the BBC. 6. Royal ruins: To get up close and personal with Mexico’s ancient heritage, head south for Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula and in Chiapas. The centre is home to Aztec sites, while Oaxaca and Veracruz offer Zapotec and Totonac heritage. 7. Party the Mexico way: Every village has its own saint, so Mexico is not short of festivals. The ‘big ones’ include Easter/Holy Week, Day of the Virgin Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, and Day of the Dead, which featured at the start of Bond’s latest outing ‘Spectre’. 8. Local brews: Tequila is the national tipple but you really should try Baja California’s excellent wines and mezcal from Oaxaca. 9. Natural wonders: Mexico has 67 protected areas, covering everything from volcanoes to deserts. Even mega-metropolis Mexico City has national parks. 10. Mexican market marvels: To experience the colourful culture of Mexico head to the local markets, selling fruit, vegetables and local handicrafts. What’s new Sights: Ichkabal Mayan, a newly-discovered archaeological site in southern Quintana Roo, should finally open in 2018. Larger than Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, which are both known for their vastness.
10 reasons to visit Mexico 1. Tasty tacos: Mexican cuisine was put on UNESCO’s heritage list in 2010, and is famous for good reason. Tuck into traditional tacos, tortas, tamales and much more. 2. Magical villages: The ‘pueblos mágicos’ programme was started in 2001 and highlights villages of particular cultural or historical significance across Mexico. With 111 of them, you’re spoilt for choice. 3. The big city: The vastness that is Mexico City is hard to beat for sheer variety: history, culture and cuisine 18
Events: Mexico City is the World Design Capital in 2018. Tour operators: Kuoni has added two new resorts in its 2017/18 brochure: Dreams Playa Mujeres near Cancún and Hotel Xcaret on the Riviera Maya. Journey Latin America has launched a cruise itinerary in Baja California. Travel 2 has added Hotel Xcaret to its 2018 packages, and Gold Medal has added UNICO 20°87 Hotel Riviera Maya to its 2018 options. Hotels: Next year sees the opening of several new hotels in Los Cabos (Los Cabos Airport is also gearing up to opening a new terminal in 2018), including Four Seasons, Park Hyatt and Starwood. Palladium Hotel Group is opening a five-star development on Costa
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Mujeres, north of Cancún, next autumn.
What to book Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in the Riviera Maya resort is part of Thomas Cook’s Aquamania range and a 14 night stay in March starts from £1460 per person on an all-inclusive basis. Fill your days with 80 different activities, many eco-friendly or Mayan culture focused. If you just want to sit back and relax, there’s an adultonly section with its own beach, clubhouse and pool. Cox & Kings’ 12-night Highlights of Mexico tour is
from £2,695pp, including flights to Mexico City and returning from Cancún, accommodation, breakfasts, transfers and guide. Explore magnificent pyramids and temples, colourful colonial cities with their indigenous influences, and the natural beauty of valleys, canyons, waterfalls and tropical rainforests.
Tim Harden is the Manager of Harden Holidays, Dartford’s local travel agent, now open in the town centre. Call - 0800 023 8974 E-mail - tim@hardenholidays.co.uk Website: www.hardenholidays.co.uk Visit us at: Unit 1B Henley House, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1AS
(Opposite Prospect Place & Costa, next to Subway)
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why weight...? This 12 week programme includes: • Weekly weight and waist check • Gentle exercise classes • Healthy eating advice • Ongoing personal Support
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RAMME 12 WEEK PROG
Monday Peppercorns Orchard Street Dartford DA1 2DF Monday 8th Jan 2018 to 26th March 2018 1.15pm-2.45pm
Wednesday Peppercorns Orchard Street Dartford DA1 2DF Wednesday 10th Jan 2018 to 28th March 2018 6.30pm-8.00pm
Fairfield Leisure Centre Lowfield St, Dartford DA1 1LH 01322 421166 Monday 8th Jan 2018 to 26th March 2018 11am-12 noon
Thursday Stone Pavilion Hayes Road Greenhithe DA9 9DS 01322 384400 Thursday 11th Jan 2018 to 29th March 2018 10.30-12.30
y... a d o t n la p ? ... T H IG Y WE Sign up for the WH e tools to h t u o y e iv g l il w d It’s FREE an ctively* effe re o m t h ig e w r u o y Swanscombe &Greenhith Town Hall Grove Road manage
Tuesday Fairfield Leisure Centre Lowfield St, Dartford DA1 1LH 01322 421166 Tuesday 9th Jan 2018 to 27th March 2018 6.30 pm -7.30pm
Swanscombe DA10 0GA Thursday 11th Jan 2018 to 29th March 2018 6.00-8pm
For more information and to book your place call 01732 227000 * for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 28
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MUMMY ON THE MEND by Rachel Devine
New Year’s resolutions So we are now two months into the New Year. Every year I make a new year’s resolution to be healthier, fitter, eat better and what not. I normally keep these for a few months then give up. However this year’s one is too be happier. I’ve spent too many years feeling ‘down’, ‘blue’ ‘lonely’, etc. You see after I gave birth to my 2nd child I suffered terribly with postnatal depression. I did also have prenatal depression. I felt so lonely, isolated and scared and it’s a place I never want to be again. So this year I’ve promised myself, and my children, I will do everything in my power to be happier which will then surely result in good health? Christmas is always a stressful time for many, as is January, as our pay day is often further away. Returning back to work can cause most people more stress than is needed. I can actually say that I am looking forward to returning back to work and think this is something to help towards my own happiness, as for once I am doing something for myself and not the family, the kids or anyone but me. I’m doing something I love and have always loved. I get to
Lullingstone Castle and the World Garden Events
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spend the majority of the day out of the house. Having to be around other adults helps, being with people who understand when I’m upset because one of the kids didn’t eat their breakfast, etc. Happiness is the key to good health - I am sure of it. The happier we are the healthier we feel. I know when we are depressed or low that happiness can seem far away but I can honestly tell you that it isn’t. I thought when I was ill that I would never be the same woman, and in a way I’m not, as I’m stronger now than I have ever been. I am more understanding and more approachable. It does take time as things won’t improve overnight, but with the right support and help you can and will get better. Let’s make my resolution ours and let’s get happier together! Rachel Devine – Founder of Mummy on the Mend
EVENTS 5PM RIL -11AM – 1ST & 2ND AP 31ST MARCHuiz EasterEgg Q - 5PM MAY - 11AM 27TH & 28TH kend ee W l Medieva 5PM* – 12 NOON 17TH JUNE den Scheme ar G l Nationa 11AM - 5PM & 1ST JULY 30TH JUNE lly Fire Engine Ra - 5PM UST - 11AM & 27TH AUG 25TH, 26TH rs Weekend Plant Hunte – 11AM - 5PM SEPTEMBER 15TH & 16THebration Weekend Mexican Cel ON - 7PM BER - 12 NO 28TH OCTO ving Event Pumpkin Car Halloween &
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Wills LPAs Probate Trusts Home visits available for Will Instructions Fully insured - 2 million pounds PI Insurance Reasonable fees Member of IPW and regulated by Trading Standards Institute Website: www.smnwillwriting services.com Email: susan.norris@ smnwillwritingservices.com Tel: 01322 291379
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STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION
NO FEE! UT L-O ! CAL VAT NO
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OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE Most common problems that arise with double glazing can be solved quickly and cost effectively:
• Misted, cracked or broken glass • Drafts, leaks & condensation • Sticking, loose or broken handles • Window/doors not opening, closing • Patio doors not running smoothly • Cat flap & letterbox fitting/replacement • Lock and key replacement
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PARIS
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MONEY ADVICE
WEBSITE: www.capuk.org TELEPHONE: 0800 328 0006
by CAP
FIVE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS A DEBT FREE LIFE
Every year, there’s pressure to start the New Year well, making resolutions that you really intend to keep. It’s also the case that each year, our resolutions often fail before January is over, perhaps because they were unachievable in the first place. Don’t worry if your resolutions haven’t made it past the first month though – it’s never too late to make a change. One thing we’d strongly recommend focusing on in 2018 is getting a handle on any debts you may have. Manageable debt can quickly turn into unmanageable debt, so don’t wait until it gets out of hand to do something about it. Here are five easy steps you can take right now towards sorting out your debt. 1) Start by digging out all your financial paperwork – that’s bills, bank statements, wage slips, benefits letters and statements for your debts. Make a list of all the money you have coming in, how much you spend on everyday living (food, transport, clothes etc.) each week or month, and how much you owe to creditors. There are tools to help you do this online – just search ‘budget planner’. For more comprehensive guidance, sign up for a free budgeting course at capmoneycourse.org. 2) It may be that you have more money going out than coming in, in which case you’ll need to make your budget ‘balance’. This can be hard work, but it’s essential if you’re serious about getting out of debt. Look at some areas where you can cut down or cut out altogether; for example, could you switch to a pay-as-you-go phone tariff or ask friends and family to look after your pets temporarily? Make sure you’ve prioritised important living costs such as food, heating and other essentials, and that you have enough left to start paying off your debts.
3) It’s time to take a deep breathe and call your creditors. Tell them how much you can afford to pay, how you’re going to pay it, and when you can make your first payment. Hopefully they’ll be receptive, but if a creditor threatens you with court action or eviction, you may need to be flexible and increase the offer, although this will mean that you’ll have to offer other creditors less. 4) Now that you’ve offered payments to your creditors, it’s important that you stay true to your word and make the payments. You should do this even if the creditor hasn’t agreed to the amounts you’ve offered. The easiest way to make sure you don’t fall behind with your debt payments is to set up three bank accounts: one for paying bills and debts, a cash account for your living expenses, and another for savings. 5) Stick to the budget you created in step two. If you overspend in an area, you may not have enough money to pay your creditors. This will slow down the process of becoming debt free, or prevent it altogether. Prioritise bills such as rent and Council Tax and make sure these are paid on time, as there could be serious consequences otherwise. Crucially, don’t take out any more credit. You’re now living on a budget and are hopefully putting money aside for savings so there’s no need to borrow any more. Cut up those credit cards and throw all loan offers away! We hope these tips will help you to feel more in control of your finances and start you on your journey to becoming debt free. If you’re really struggling with any of the steps, you may need to seek help from a professional debt counselling organisation. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) helps over 2,500 people to become debt free every year and offers a unique combination of practical and emotional support throughout the journey. Find out more at capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006 free of charge to book an appointment with a trained local debt coach.
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Reynolds Beauty Sixth Form New from September 2018
Open Days Tues 10th April 9.30am-11.30am Mon 14th May 4.00pm - 6.00pm • College course for 16 - 18 year olds • Full time fully funded course • Term Time Only • NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy with progression to Level 3 Email kelly@reynoldsgroup.co.uk or call 01322 275807 to enrol www.reynoldsbeautytherapy.co.uk
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THE KENTONES By Colin Couves
THE KENTONES (Bromley Barbershop Harmony Club) Bromley Barbershop Harmony Club (aka The KENTONES) was formed in 1975, and has been going strong ever since. The Club is one of 60 registered with the British Association of Barbershop Singers (affectionately known as BABS) and is the largest in the South East. It currently comprises some 50 members in a wide age range, who all share the enjoyment of singing, as well as the genuine camaraderie engendered by belonging to such a group. The barbershop style consists of four-part a cappella (i.e. unaccompanied) singing, the melody usually being sung by the lead section, accompanied by the three harmony parts - tenor, baritone and bass. The genre’s precise origins are somewhat obscure and subject to various theories. (There are even references to “barber singing” in Samuel Pepys’ diaries.) However, it is generally acknowledged that the style is rooted in American music culture and was revived in the late 1930’s, thanks to one Owen C Cash, a tax lawyer (!) from Tulsa, Oklahoma, although it has now spread far beyond the USA and is now popular in many European countries and in Australasia. The KENTONES perform for both public and private events at a wide variety of venues, as well as in competition (principally at the annual BABS Convention), and were particularly proud to win the highly prestigious title of Top Choir Kent in Canterbury in 2016. 28
The Club also raises considerable sums for various charities (over £11,000 in the last 5 years, of which over £3,000 was for the Chartwell Cancer Trust) which adds a real sense of satisfaction to performing. We are always keen to recruit new members, and to this end we are currently offering the opportunity of a FREE 6-WEEK SINGING COURSE to any men who feel this might be just what they’ve been looking for - a great chance to try a new experience and make new friends. This could be your first step towards a taste of “showbiz”. In a few months, you could be performing on stage smartly attired in a natty uniform and impressing your relatives! Don’t be put off if you can’t read music - only a few of our current members can, and you will be provided with teach CD’s, and coached by experts. As long as you can sing in tune we can do the rest. The Course will commence at 6.45pm on Thursday 15th February at St Paul’s Church Hall, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 8JE. To reserve your place please contact:Colin Couves on 07972 087472 : e-mail colin.couves@ ntlworld.com.
www.thekentones.org
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Registered Charity No. 1094386
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FIRE AND ICE CHALLENGE FOR ELLENOR by ellenor
FIRE AND ICE: DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE ON THE FIRE AND ICE CHALLENGE? Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells - 16/02/2018 CHILLI DIP: St Julians Club, Sevenoaks - 17/02/2018 Are you feeling brave? Could you walk over hot coals and leap into freezing waters to support a good cause? Then hurry because places are limited to take part in this amazing challenge. Following the great success of both our Fire Walk and Chilli Dip over the last seven years, ellenor will be creating the ultimate temperature challenge; “Fire and Ice”, a double event to raise vital funds to support families facing terminal illness in Kent and London. Join us on Friday 16 February where things will be getting hot hot hot at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells, and then be brrrrave and leap into the freezing waters of St Julian’s Club in Sevenoaks on Saturday 17 February.. Emma Bowles, Events Fundraiser said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Fire and Ice Challenge, following the great success of our Fire Walk and Chilli Dip events. This year we are extremely excited to be taking the Fire Walk to a brand new venue – Royal Victoria Place – and we are thrilled to be returning to St Julians Place for another chilly dip. The Fire Walk and Chilli Dip have both raised an incredible £26,000 for families facing terminal illness over the last 7 years, and we hope 2018 will be our biggest yet!” You will receive full training and a safety talk before both
the Chilli Dip and the Fire Walk which will take place approx. 15 minutes before the walk/ dip. Fire walkers will receive refreshments and all chilli-dippers will receive a warm bowl of chilli after the event. Registration costs £15 for each event or £20 if you sign up for both. To find out more information check out our website ellenor.org/events or contact 01474 320 007 Established in 1994 and serving the West Kent community, ellenor is the first children’s hospice at home service in the UK and the only charity in Kent to provide children’s hospice in the home, with one nurse caring for 15 seriously ill children. All care is provided to patients aged 0 – 16 years, free of charge to their families facing terminal illness – around the clock for children at the end of life - enabling them to make the most of the time they have. We do this by supporting all types of needs within the sanctuary of their own home assisting with all the concerned and involved parties. Demand for our services is growing and as a charity and not part of the NHS, ellenor is hugely dependent on the generosity of the local community to be able to offer this care.
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#gettingresults
Managed by Places for People Leisure Ltd for Dartford Borough Council.
“Getting results.� Pay joining fee and get your first month FREE Offer available 1st to 21st February 2018
www.placesforpeopleleisure.org
Fairfield Leisure 01322 421166
Contact our membership team for full details
Whatever place you're 30 Please mention Dartford Livinginto when contacting our advertisers
Terms and conditions apply. Offer available on all memberships.
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! E R O L A G S N I A G BAR
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SPORTS NEWS Bav’s Sporting Comment
The Ashes have been won, Australia have lifted the urn in Sydney and England have once again had a miserable trip down under. Australia’s 4-0 Ashes victory was a fair result, and that should not be forgotten… well done to them. However, those people leading English cricket must ensure the team is better prepared for such challenges in the future. It was the same result last winter after England had been beaten 4-0 in India – with our batsmen suffering at the hands of the home side’s spinners. People shrugged their shoulders… and we moved on. That should not happen this time. Lessons must be learned. We simply cannot go on with a pattern where teams go away and get hammered and then sweep things under the carpet once they get back home and begin winning again in conditions that suit them.
Dartford’s Health Walks Healthy Living Centre - Mondays 10.00am Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am Greenhithe - Wednesdays 11.30am Central Park - Thursdays 10.30am 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
UPCOMING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY INCLUDE: 2-4: Tennis - Davis Cup World Group - Spain v Great Britain 3: Rugby union - Six Nations - Wales v Scotland, France v Ireland 4: Rugby union - Six Nations - Italy v England; Women’s Six Nations - Italy v England 4: American football - Super Bowl LII, Minneapolis, Minnesota
FIRST SESSION
DARTFORD BOOTCAMPS
9-25: Winter sport - Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang, South Korea
Outdoor Bootcamp classes Bootcamp Strength Sessions Animal Flow (indoors)
10: Rugby union - Six Nations - Ireland v Italy, England v Wales; 13-14: Football - Champions League last 16 first legs 17: Boxing - World Boxing Super Series semi-final: George Groves v Chris Eubank Jr, Manchester Arena 20-21: Football - Champions League last 16 second legs
Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching also available.
24: Rugby union - Six Nations - Ireland v Wales, Scotland v England 25: Football - EFL Cup final, Wembley
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TEAM HARD PINK HAT COMPETITION AND BTCC NEWS by Team HARD
WHERE IN THE WORLD
Team HARD jacket (2019) To enter visit: www.team-hard.com/where-in-the-world/ To purchase a hat visit: shop.team-hard.com/product/ bobble-hat/ HILL AND CAINE SIGN FOR TEAM HARD Team HARD has confirmed the signing of former British GT Champion Michael Caine as the final piece of its 2018 jigsaw puzzle. He takes the last of four seats in the stable ahead of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and will once again adorn #44.
To join in the fun and have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes: Hot laps in the teams VW Golf race cars at Brands Hatch. BTCC VIP hospitality Team HARD jacket To enter, all you have to do is take a photograph of you wearing one of the team’s now, well known pink pom pom beanies from somewhere in the world during 2018. It can be anything from a far out place, exotic resort, strange or weird and wonderful location or just somewhere that is special to you. Send us your photograph and a write up about where you are. The best photographs as chosen by the judges, will win one of the following: Hot laps in the teams VW Golf race cars at Brands Hatch. The winner will spend half a day at one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, Brands Hatch and get 2 sessions of hot laps in one of the teams VW Golf Racing cars BTCC VIP hospitality The winner will receive an invite to spend the day with the team at one of its 2019 BTCC race days (subject to availability) The prize includes: Circuit entry Breakfast Lunch Garage tour Driver’s Q&A 34
The team have also re-signed Jake Hill, Team Principal Tony Gilham believes the experience offered up by Caine is the final ingredient required and is optimistic that it’s yet another positive step forward for the Kent outfit. “When I took the call from the guys at Pioneer Race Events mid-December and spoke to Tony (Gilham), I thought Christmas really had come early for the Caine household,” said Caine. “It wasn’t just about the drive, it had to be a seat that would be competitive. I feel that the team has built on consecutive positive campaigns and is now in the right place to be a challenger, with a competitive package in the Volkswagen CC, and the right resources to be a presence in the 2018 championship. “I cannot wait to get to work with the team and help to transition from potential to delivering. Roll on Round 1 at Brands Hatch.” “I’ve known Michael (Caine) since racing in Porsche Carrera Cup GB and we used his talents briefly in 2016 in the Avensis,” started Gilham. “We have been working with him and his partners to bring a season-long challenge together. “I feel confident in saying that with Michael’s quality and the backing of the Insightful Technology and Pioneer Race Events, we have the ability to challenge right at the top in 2018. “I know for a fact that in Michael, we have a driver who has been looking for a real shot at the BTCC for many years. “His motivation and ability will fuel the team’s progression and make us one to watch this season.”
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Spring Ball Black Tie
Friday 23rd March 2018 6:30pm to Midnight Raising Funds for
The Openwork Foundation part of ZCT. Charity Number 266983
Demelza and The Maypole Project The Openwork Foundation
Tickets £35 or £350 for a Table of 10 3 Course Meal, Live Music, Magician, Roulette Table, Raffle, Photo Boothe, Charity Aution & an art Exhibition by local Artist Dartford Football Club, Princes Park, Dartford DA1 1RT Contact Brian for further info brian@downtonandali.co.uk - 07956 217 716
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DARTFORD DISTRICT SCHOOLS FA By Darren Phillips
Two wins and a draw this weekend. The boys Premiership team qualifies for the quarter final stages, the girls drew 3-3 with top of the league and boys Championship team win Cup Semi Final 4-1 against BSA. The final is on Saturday 18th March @ Maidstone United. Premiership Dartford Schools FA 3 vs BSA 2 Goals Finley Avery 2, Scott Nicklin Team; Harvey Syrett (Gateway), Brandon Barrance (Gateway) Charlie Bygrave (Gateway), Finley Avery (Gateway) Scott Nicklin (Oakfield), Harvey Jackson (Oakfield) Shane Nti (Holy Trinity), Billy Spice (Fleetdown) Frank Marriner (Joydens Wood), Oliver Edwards (Stone St Mary’s), Toby Clarke (Maypole)
Team Ruby Daniel (Holy Trinity), Libby Gates (St Anselms) Mia Collins (Sedleys), Neriah Rei Acosta (Gateway) Missi Watts (Joydens Wood), Lily Bonello (Joydens Wood) Roseanna White (Joydens Wood), Lacey Hergest (Wentworth) Isobel Young (Dartford Bridge), Harley Goddard (Oakfield) Juliette Blyghton (West Hill), Evie Northwood (Brent) Championship Cup Semi Final Dartford Schools 4 vs BSA 1 Goals - Jarvis Stockford 2, Samson Idehen, Mason Wiggett Team Reece Demarzo (Maypole), Jake Pester (Hextable), Frank Marriner (Joydens Wood), Oliver Edwards (Stone St Mary’s), Max Scrivener (Wentworth), George Russell (West Hill) Jarvis Stockford (West Hill), Jack Martin (Maypole) Jake Bridle (Stone St Mary’s), Mason Wiggett (Oakfield) Liam Stephens (Darenth), Samson Idehen (Joydens Wood) Fin Champion (Sutton at Hone)
Girls Super League Dartford Schools 3 vs Medway 3 Goals; Missi Watts, Harley Goddard, Mia Collins 36
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DARTS NEWS By David Shafford
WALKING FOOTBALL AT PRINCES PARK
We are starting Walking Football here at Princes Park. Sessions will be starting for the over 50’s on Monday 29th January From 10am-11am Location: 6 a side pitch at Dartford Football Club, Princes Park, DA1 1RT. Walking Football is a slower-paced version of regular association Football aimed at the mature aged participant. It is designed to keep the individual active and get back into football for people who may have stopped playing regular football perhaps due to injury or other reason. Walking Football is a non-contact sport and penalises anyone that runs, jogs or sprints with the football with a free-kick aware to the opposition. As the name suggests it is walking only, with over-head height restrictions and indirect free-kicks ensuring much like 5-a-side football. The idea is that you can play football without the fear / threat of pain, discomfort or industry.
of the table clash with Havant and Waterlooville was a tight affair but Dartford came out 1-0 victors to open up, at the time of writing, a 3 point lead over Hampton and Richmond Borough. There are only 7 home games left this season, and with Dartford in with a real chance of promotion, why don’t you pop down to Princes Park and #supportyourlocalteam Photos by WB Photographic
Interested? Then contact Mr Trevor Wood on 07917385314 or just turn up and play on Monday. STILL SITTING PRETTY AT THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE
FEBRUARY FIXTURES
TRURO CITY
info@dartfordfc.com | 01322 299990 Princes Park, Grassbanks, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RT,
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c.c t fo rd f ar
ADMISSION PRICES: Adult – £14.00 Concession (65+) – £7.00 Youth (13-17) – £5.00 Junior (5-12) – £2.00 Under 5s – FREE
om
SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY, 3PM
w. d
www.dartfordfc.com
CHELMSFORD CITY
SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY, 3PM
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As the season passes half way Dartford are still top of the National League South but the chasing pack are not far behind. After two great victories over, local rivals, Welling United over the festive period Dartford slipped up with a 1-1 draw away to Concord Rangers. The top
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LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS By Brian Downton
DARTFORD PARKRUN Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants get a time a position emailed and texted after the event. To register go to www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode. Every Sunday Morning in the Park there is a Junior parkrun over 2k – registration is the same. SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD Seeds is a long established cycling Club in Dartford and we share our headquarters at Hesketh with Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for most abilities and have a social ride most Saturday mornings. For info on joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK TRIATHLON CLUB We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 times per week at White oak pool in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then please visit our website www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri.co.uk DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR teams compete in the Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities. dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/node/440 DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS CLUB Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance your Athletics then please visit our website www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park, and can provide access to a state of the art running track (relaid in 2015) and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual memberships). Refreshments and changing facilities are also available. For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities. This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk 38
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IRONING SERVICE Fed up of always having a mountain of ironing to do? Let me help you. I offer an ironing service with free collection and delivery to your door. Weekly, fortnightly or one off collections
Historical Military Themed Tours for Clubs, Groups and Societies Legacy offers a range of military themed tours from a day trip to the scene of the Battle of Hastings, to bespoke tours to the WWI and WWII battlegrounds of Belgium and France from as little as £39 per person. • Luxury Coach Travel • Local Collection Points
£2 per lb in weight (no hidden extras)
Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 3rd March Friday 21st April Friday 19th May Friday 9th June Friday 28th July Friday 8th September
Contact Lesley 07595986317
• The Services of an Expert Battlefield Tour Guide • Channel Tunnel Crossings (where applicable)
For further details please contact Steve Hookins
• Accommodation (B&B basis) (where applicable)
Legacy Historical Services Ltd Room 9, 145 Nathan Way, Thamesmead SE28 0AB Telephone: 0208 311 5309 Mobile: 07783 021508
Fully insured and DBS checked
Email: legacy@lewiscoaches.co.uk
Helping people with their ironing since Open Surgery – (no appointment necessary) Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford – Saturday 15 July 1998
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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.
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FITNESS: REVIEWING YOUR GOALS AND TRACKING PROGRESS By Mark Broadbent If you want to change your body and health, you need to make changes. It’s as simple as that. You won’t get different results by doing the same things. Many of you will have set yourself some goals/targets for 2018 for your New Year’s Resolutions, and that’s great, but simply having a goal isn’t going to get you there. You see, if I decide to “lose 3 stone” I set myself up for failure, because I either lose 3 stone or I don’t; and until I hit that magical 3 stone marker, I’ve failed – at least, that’s how most peoples’ minds work. The key is to measure, and celebrate, progress. If your goal it to lose 3 stone by March and you only lose 1 stone, then you have succeeded! You might not have reached your 3 stone goal, but you’ve lost a stone! That’s PROGRESS, and it’s fantastic! Don’t get disheartened because you haven’t reached an unrealistic (or even a realistic) goal, as long as you’re making progress, you’re doing great – keep going. As far as your goals are concerned – think about what you want to achieve. This might be a goal weight, or a clothes size, a waist measurement, body fat percentage, or a fitness related goal like 10 full push-ups or run 5k without stopping. Whatever it is, have a think about what you want and set your mind to it. This is your desired outcome. This is where most people stop. They might have an idea of what they might need to do to get there (diet, exercise, take a magic pill or only consume food that comes in powder form!!) but following this plan is tough and unrewarding until you see the results you want. What you need to do is set your goals as something you have control over. You want to lose 3 stone, but do you have control over that? No. You have control over what you eat and what exercise you do. These may lead to your outcome goal, but you don’t know that. Your fitness regime might be insufficient to lead to the amount of weight you want to lose in your set timeframe – YOU DON’T HAVE CONTROL OVER THE OUTCOME, only the actions you take towards that outcome. By setting behaviour goals instead of outcome goals, you can celebrate every workout as a success. Every healthy option you choose and every sweet you decline. These are goals you actually have control over – workout 3 times a week; eat a healthy breakfast every day; don’t snack on junk… etc. etc.
By setting these as your goals, you have control. You can choose with every decision whether to move towards, or away from your outcome goal. As far as knowing if you’re doing the right things goes – monitor your progress. Take measurements and photos and track your progress in whatever way you need to (if your goal is the 5k run, monitor how far you can go now and keep re-assessing). Track whatever it is you need to track to see if you’re progressing towards the desired outcome. If you’re not progressing, you need to check in and see if you’re succeeding with your behaviour goals, consistently. If you are, you may be doing the wrong thing. If you aren’t – why not? • Set your outcome goals as your end result, but don’t focus on them. • Work out what you need to do to get to that desired outcome, and set these as your behaviour goals. The ones you have control over. • Measure where you are now, and re-test intermittently to see if what you’re doing is working. - If you’re making progress – great! Keep going. - If you’re not making progress – first make sure you’re achieving your behaviour goals. Second (if you are doing the goal behaviours) check that those are the right things you need to be doing. Setting the right goals, focussing on the right things (behaviours, not outcomes), and monitoring progress are key to getting the results you want. Don’t be disheartened because you’re not at the end yet – as long as you’re on your way! If you need more help, go to www.DartfordBootcamps. com to find out more about Personal Training, Nutrition coaching and Fitness classes in Dartford. See you there!
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Online Baby & Children’s Gift Shop Support a Local Mum’s Startup Business! We’re Now Award Winning! www.BipBopShop.com Save up to 50% off in our SALE! Email charlotte@BipBopShop.com
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THEATRE ROUNDUP By Liz Dyer
2018 kicked off in style at the Orchard last month, with the return of New Jersey Nights and the Moscow City Ballet, the legendary story of Cilla, and Tom Chambers doing what he does best (dancing and being charming, basically). So what’s next? First, another return visit - this time from the daredevils at Cirque Berserk (31st January-3rd February). Now in its fifth year, this spectacular show will make you gasp, cheer and quite possibly hide your eyes in terror as its troupe of jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists and more take to the stage. And who can forget the motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’, which really does have to be seen to be believed (though you still might not believe it even then). For something a bit less scary, and - more importantly to keep the kids occupied this half term, look out for the premiere of David Walliams’ Awful Auntie (7th-11th). Based on the book of the same name, it’s a story of frights, fights and friendship from the award-winning team that brought us Gangsta Granny, and sounds like one not to be missed for the young, and the young at heart. Last month we had Cilla; this month it’s the turn of another legend. This is Elvis (19th-24th), starring internationally renowned Steve Michaels as the man himself, celebrates 50 years since ‘The ’68 Comeback Special’, a live TV performance that firmly established Elvis as the King of
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Rock ’n’ Roll. It’s also, obviously, a great opportunity to enjoy all the hits - and the moves - of an unforgettable star. Of course, there’s also the usual great selection of comedy - Ed Byrne (17th), Milton Jones (18th), Stewart Lee (25th) - and music - The Adele Songbook (4th), The Classic Rock Show (12th), The Rolling Stones Story (15th) - to name a few. Check out the Orchard website at orchardtheatre. co.uk to see the full line-up for the month. If you’re looking for something a little different, I recommend checking out Joe Sellman-Leava’s solo show Monster, which is at the Woodville Studio Theatre in Gravesend for one night only on the 8th. His last show, Labels, was a thought-provoking and surprisingly funny personal reflection on race and attitudes towards immigration; in Monster, he turns his attention to violence and masculinity. The show is only an hour long, so do check it out if you can. And finally… it was announced last month that the Take That musical, The Band, will be coming to Dartford in 2019 after Gary Barlow and co added some extra dates. If you can’t wait that long get yourself down to Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, where the show will run for two weeks from 20th February to 3rd March. And then come back (for good) and see it again in Dartford next year, obviously. For regional and London theatre reviews, check out theblogoftheatrethings.com.
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COMPETITION
Tango Moderno is the irresistible hot new stage spectacular from tango superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace. Tango is the rhythm of the city, the heat of the streets and the pulse of life, intoxicating the world with its incredible passion and intensity. Tue 20 - Sat 24 March | 2:30pm, 7:30pm Find out more here: orchardtheatreo.uk | Ticket Office: 01322 220000 We have teamed up with The Orchard Theatre to offer a pair of tickets to Tango Moderno. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just answer the following question... What country did the Tango originate? Is it: a) Argentina b) Spain c) Italy d) Brazil Closing date 15th February
RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 6. Unless you advise otherwise we can use your email to send you promotional material from Dartford Living.
NEW SATURDAY OPPORTUNITY
Come and volunteer in the countryside and the community! Do you enjoy keeping physically and mentally well outdoors?
If you are interested, why not take a look at our website: www.nwkcp.org or give us a call: 01322 621 239
Would you like to improve the community’s green spaces for people and wildlife? This new weekend opportunity is new for Spring 2018
If you prefer email: Meet our friendly team and sara.spellman@kent.gov come and see what we are .uk all about! www.dartfordlivinglive.co.uk - www.dartfordliving.com - www.dartfordbusinessdirectory.co.uk
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CAR NEWS - FEBRUARY 2018 By Dhiren Ganesh
In this month’s article we’ll bring you some new model versions available in 2018...
2018 Mini Hatchback – The Mini hatchback is one of the favourite small cars and the 2018 model has subtle changes been made to differentiate this updated model. Most obvious are the new standard-fit LED lights at the front and rear and also design options– including decorative graphics and alloy wheels. Most engines remain the same with the 1.2-litre petrol in the Mini One being replaced with a new three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol. There’s the existing 1.5 and 2.0 litre petrols to choose from in the Cooper and Cooper S respectively. Standard equipment on the Mini hatchback and convertible range now includes a multi-function steering wheel, plus a 6.5in colour infotainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Mini’s popular Pepper and Chili option packs also get extra kit, with the Pepper Pack featuring 15in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, climate control and rear parking sensors. Prices are expected to start around £15,000 and will be on sale from March 2018.
2018 Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI – Skoda’s new SUV is available with a compact 1.0-litre petrol engine, a clean and frugal 46
SUV option. With diesel sales on a downward slope, manufacturers have focused on the development of smaller, turbocharged petrol engine such as Skoda. With a peak output of 113bhp at 5000rpm, the Karoq’s little three-cylinder manages to match the equivalent 1.6 TDI diesel. The 1.0 engine is more than up to the task, as with the majority of small-capacity turbocharged engines, there’s a slight hesitation as you wait for the turbocharger to limber up. But once the revs are beyond 2000rpm, the engine’s power delivery is progressive and reasonably strong. If you have a large family or frequently carry heavy loads, the 148bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol is worth considering. As standard, the Karoq comes with plenty of equipment, including privacy glass, electric front and rear windows, cruise control and dual-zone climate control. You also get an excellent 8.0in infotainment touchscreen that looks distinctly upmarket and is clear and intuitive to use. Priced from £20,875 it is availabe now to purchase.
2018 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – this is the updated version of the model which launched in 2014. Styling updates for the Active Tourer are light, and focus around new front and rear bumpers, a larger grille, new air intakes and new LED foglights. Buyers are able to choose from 13 colours, plus a number of new alloy wheel designs. As standard, every Active or Gran Tourer model comes with a 6.5in screen running the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. The screen can also be upgraded in size to 8.8in, and can incorporate connected services including real-time traffic information, wireless charging for your mobile phone and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. The 2 Series’ current engine range is carried over, with minor improvements for fuel economy and performance. The petrol range consists of the 218i (138bhp) and the 220i (189bhp), while the diesel options start with the 216d (114bhp) and the more powerful 218d and 220d options. Prices start from £24,905 and is available from March 2018.
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Free! Come and Sing Course Course runs every Thursday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm 15th Feb to 22nd Mar 2018
DON’T MISS OUT CALL TODAY!
You will learn within a group, which makes it easier and less daunting.
New to Singing? There are many men who would love to sing. Most never get around to it, don’t have the opportunity or maybe are too self-conscious to give it a go.
Contact Colin Couves
07972 087472 or Email
colin.couves@ntlworld.com The simple fact is that just about everyone can sing. This free course will help you to discover your voice and gain confidence. What’s been said about Come and Sing I really didn’t think I could sing, they’ve Also, there’s no need to worry about proved me wrong! ” reading music, the simple teaching methods I can’t thank the tutors enough, they put will help you to learn a song quickly. me totally at ease.” Have you Sung Before? I’ve sung before but this made me realise how important it is to sing correctly.” Maybe it’s a few years since you have sung, I was very nervous, but learning as part if so, this course is the perfect way to ease of a group really helped me.” your vocal cords back into action.
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If you are a regular singer you may find the course useful to learn different voice parts, in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Act now - It’s Free!
We are expecting many applicants for this vocal course, so register your interest now!
The Come and Sing course is sponsored by The Kentones Chorus and supported by Harmony Foundation.
www.thekentones.co.uk
TIME TO S I N G
Harmony Foundation is the charity name of The British Association of Barbershop Singers. Registered Charity No: 1080930 Registered Office: 6 Corunna Court, Corunna Road, Warwick CV34 5HQ
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HARMONY
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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Parent and Toddler Groups - Term Time Only
MONDAYS 9:15am - 11:00am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.00 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Toast 20p per slice Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 01322 291092. TUESDAYS Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036. 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information. 9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com WEDNESDAYS 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information. 10am -12pm - Little Angels Net Church, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £3 per family including all snacks and drinks. John 01322 272649. 12:45pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ £2.50 per Adult THURSDAYS 9:30am - 11:30am. St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford. 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ ToeRags 1pm-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags FRIDAYS 9.30am-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com 9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30am-11.30am Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@yahoo.co.uk 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child SATURDAYS 9.30am-11.30am Daddy and Me - A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www. stmarygreenhithe.com
Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions at Dartford Libraries - Monday Friday Thursday Story Time Fleetdown - Tuesday Greenhithe - Thursday - Thursday Longfield Summerhouse - Tuesday Sutton-at-Hone -Monday. Temple Hill - Thursday Dartford
10:30am - 11am 2:15pm – 2:45pm 10:30pm -11:00am 10:30am -11am 2.15pm – 2.45pm 10:45am -11:15am 10:30am – 11am 2pm – 2:30pm 10.30am -11am
a b c +=
LITTLE BRIGHT SPARKS Fun phonics, literacy and numeracy classes for 2-4 year olds. Held in West Kingsdown on Tuesdays at 1.15 and Wednesdays at 12.12 £6.95 per class one to one tuition also available for 2-7 year olds. 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
Come along and join in the fun! Term time only For more information please call 03000 41 31 31 48 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers
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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Groups and Clubs
THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION meets at 8pm on the 4th Wednesday evening of each month in the PopIn 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.
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. THE GARDENING CLUB SUTTON AT HONE Monthly meetings, Visits to Gardens, Annual Garden Show and much more. For more information or to become a member please ring 01322 863556. 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 JUST FOR GROWN UPS GROUP of each month, at Pincott Hall, 2-4pm. Dartford: 2nd We are a small friendly group who meet at the Meeting Place Thursday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7.30-9.30pm. in the Orchards Shopping Centre on the first Tuesday of the Information support workers available, guest speakers and month. Join us any time between 11am and 1pm for a social quizzes. chat, coffee and biscuits or a fun quiz. For more information Contact Wendy Leach. Tel: 02083065973 contact mikeansell.dt@hotmail.co.uk MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, DA2 7EG Our Club presents a programme of workshops and Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm. Fun, social class demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere. learning routines from differing genres to popular music We meet on the last Thursday of each month except providing exercise for body and brain. No dance experience December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 or partners necessary. Contact Kay 01322 276528 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome, entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone BEXLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for Meetings first and third Friday of the month at Freemantle people to be creative, make friends. Hall, Bexley village, 7:30 for 7:45 start. Covering stamps For further information please phone 01474 353405 or and postal history, meetings offer displays, auctions, email landaclatworthy@btinternet.com competitions, and convivial atmosphere. More information on www.bexleyps.org.uk 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 50
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DARTFORD BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm at Wilmington Christian Fellowship Church Hall, Broad Lane, Wilmington DA2 7AQ. We are seeking new members at all levels to play Duplicate Bridge -cost £2 per session. Enquiries: contact John Davies on 01474 832221 or e-mail carolandjohnd@tiscali.co.uk 20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP more information visit: www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Dartford-Bexleyheathsurrounding-areas-social-group/ DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE) meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 2pm, For information about meetings and interest groups call 01474-709068 or visit our website. THE DARTFORD STROKE GROUP This group meets Monday afternoons at the YMCA Roundhouse, Overy Street, Dartford for a chat in a relaxing atmosphere, chair-based excise sessions, stroke leaflets and magazines, informal workshops, special art or games sessions and outings. It is aimed at Stroke Survivors, their carers, family and friends. Please contact Theo Hodges on Theo.Hodges@gmail. com or phone/text Theo on 078 755 68296 for more details and current dates of our events and meetings 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 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 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-Book-Club/ THE DARTFORD CHESS CLUB 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. £3.00 per afternoon (to include a raffle ticket and tea/ coffee) £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, You will be very welcome. Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357. WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail alisondukes@btinternet.com
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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Groups and Clubs
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 DSTC ALUMNI 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!! 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. 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. TALK TIME TUESDAY 2.00 - 3.00PM (TERM TIME ONLY) Fleetdown Library Everybody welcome, join us for a friendly chat and light refreshments. HAVEN (LGBT) SOCIAL GROUP. London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe Place to Meet.
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For more information please contact 01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - havenx35@gmail.com 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! 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 WILMINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE is a friendly group who meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington. For more information on our activities please call Ann Hambridge on 01322 228082 Erith Model Railway Society has been in existence for over 50 years and has well over 50 active members. As the club continues to grow new members are always welcome.
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The club meets on Wednesday evenings from around 7.00pm until around 9.30pm at our new clubrooms in Invicta House (aka Belvedere Workingmen’s Club), 66 Gilbert Road, Belvedere DA17 5DA. DARTFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP,[ DARTARA,] We are a group that meets on second Thursday once a month 2 - 4pm at Fleetdown community centre. At the meeting we have a guest entertainer or speaker, we also organise holidays and day trips out as well as activities including theatre trips, curling, short mat bowls, indoor games, coffee and cake afternoons and an art group. Just turn up on the day or phone Maureen Dixon-Jones 01322 383337 or Glenys Theobald 01322 273108 for more information 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 01603406767 and ask about the Dartford group. HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP 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 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. FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI 2nd Tuesday of every month, Dartford Girls’ Grammar School, 7.30pm. Contact Judith on 01322 278703 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 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 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 THE ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD We meet at lunchtime at The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays. Time 12.45 for 1 pm For further details phone: 07706 103706 THE RENDEZVOUS CLUB (50+) Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm Location: Close to Bexleyheath Town Centre Description: We are a (non-profit making) friendly social group open to anyone over fifty. We enjoy socialising, making new friends and activities including Quizzes, Meals Out, Trips to the Theatre, Cinema, Coach Trips, Gentle Walks and Short Breaks Away. Admission: Subs £2.50 per week. Annual membership £6 If you would like to join us or require further information please telephone: Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414
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WHERE TO GO LOCALLY Sport
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 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 www.dartfordgymnastics.co.uk for full details or contact Linda on 01322 409312 or email dartfordgymclub@yahoo.co.uk LEARN KARATE Learn karate with Yamato Damashii – for adults & children Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free. For more info, visit www.ydma.club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts. YOGA WITH EMMA Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30am-10:30am At Europa Gymnastics Centre Mondays 7.30pm to 8.30pm and 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 54
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. Tuesday Morning Yoga Class at Sutton Court, SuttonAt-Hone The class is from 9.30am to 11am and is a mixed ability class - beginners are always welcome. More information is available at www.yoga-vitality.com or please contact Lesley at lesley@yoga-vitality.com or 07531 140646 DARTFORD JU JITSU CLUB Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio. We have an adult class 8-10pm too. We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members. DARTFORD ORIENTEERING CLUB For more details see www.dfok.co.uk HOP LIKE IT’S HOT A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stabilty, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person.
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THE HIGHLY STRUNG BADMINTON CLUB, a friendly, all ages (must be over 18years old) & all abilities(sorry no beginners) Thursdays at 745-945pm,at the Dartford Girls Grammar School sports hall Shepherds Lane,Dartford,Kent,DA1 2NT For further information email Stephanie.thredgle@btinternet.com
Hall available for regular weekly hire Mon-Fri mornings (max 8am-1.45pm) Cost dependant upon requirement Storage/play area can be included Leyton Cross Social Club, Wilmington
This group was set up after the founder suffered with PND herself and on trying to find support groups noticed there wasn’t any in KENT, We now support mums from all over the world online, in person or at groups. We pride ourselves on being there so no one feels alone or scared when dealing with PND. Groups held every Friday 12-2pm at St Mary’s church hall Greenhithe Kent. Groups are set up in a playgroup style with activities for children of all ages and adults. Free to attend and refreshments/snacks supplied by Mummy on the Mend. Staff are available to talk with should you feel you need extra support. We are also able to help refer parents onto other services if needed. Staff are DBS checked, Frist aid trained and have training in mental health problems. This is a friendly relaxed group for families to meet others in the same situation as them. Our focus is on mental health however anyone is able to attend.
Find us on:
Tel:07742101056
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The Brent Playgroup meet Monday to Friday 9.15am to 12.15pm Term time only. For enquiries please contact: Mobile: 07989073866 Tel 01322 271738 (between 8 and 12:30) email: thebrentplaygroup@gmail.com or call in at any time. Registered for Free for Two Children The Brent Methodist Church Hall PostCode DA1 1XF
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USEFUL NUMBERS Local and National
KEY NUMBERS Police 01622 690690 NON EMERGENCY ONLY Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125 Dartford Borough Council 01322 343434 Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/Powercuts Helpline 105 Flooding 03459881180 Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41 Social Services 03000 41 41 41 Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames) HEALTH Darent Valley Hospital 01322 428100 Dartford East Health Centre 01322 421480 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 HELPLINES 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline:
0800 500 3014 Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697 555 Citizens Advice Bureau: 01322 472 979 Debt Councilling (CAP) 0800 328 0006 Information About Drugs FRANK: 0800 776600 Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162 Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624 Local Breastfeeding Counsellors Judianne/Paula 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000 247 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720 Samaritans: 116 123 LOCAL MP Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047 LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/ Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds
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
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- Contact: 01322 299990 www.dartfordfc.com 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 Dartford Living Dartford Today and Tomorrow Dartford Remembered Dartford Gossip Dartford Living Community Group
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ADVERTISERS INDEX
Directory of Local Businesses advertising in Dartford Living ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Buss Murton ...................................................................... 40 Downton Ali Associates.....................................................59 GF + Co...............................................................................41 BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS & WINDOWS Dream Doors......................................................................10 GPM Designs.......................................................................17 Nightingale Bathrooms......................................................22 Regency Roofing.................................................................13 Steve Cook - Double Glazing..............................................23 CHARITY Beams.................................................................................27 CHILDREN Bippity Boppity Shoppity..............................................43 Hartbeeps......................................................................49 Monkey Music................................................................55 COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTH Dia Wipes...............................................................................7 COUNCIL Dartford Borough Council ................................................31 ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians....................................................................4 ESTATE/ LETTING AGENTS GPS Lettings.........................................................................7 Fox Estates ........................................................................15 Wisdom Estates..................................................................39 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Orchard Garage..................................................................60 Shenley Road Garage..........................................................45 HOTELS Campanile.............................................................................4 JEWELLERY Bradleys...............................................................................23 LAW Apex Law...............................................................................6 LOGISTICS/ REMOVALS FD TRANSPORT ...........................................................42 NURSERY The Brent Playgroup......................................................56 MEDICAL AND HEALTH 58
Ifield Therepy.................................................................29 MUSIC/DANCE & FITNESS Blondie’s Fitness...................................................................4 Dartford Bootcamps...........................................................32 Fairfield Leisure Centre......................................................30 MJ Motivation and Fitness.................................................39 The Kentones......................................................................47 Why Weight?.......................................................................20 Worried about your childs weight?....................................21 Vibe.....................................................................................28 OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.............................................................40 PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames........................................................................42 SECURITY Excel Security Systems......................................................13 SPORTS Fairfield Leisure Centre......................................................37 WILL WRITING SMN Will Writing ...........................................................22
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