Dartford Living May 2015

Dartford Living

www.dartfordliving.com May 2015 - Issue 107

The Willow Tree Private Health & Aesthetic Clinic Wilmington.

01322280414

Summer special offers: 3D Lipo body sculpturing/Fat removal 3 sessions £250, 6 sessions £500 Excessive Sweating treatments From £350 Automated Micro Needling with latest Technology One Session £140, 3 Sessions £370

What’s Inside...

Eagle Heights

Local Business: Ahadi Fashion

Charity Focus: Plus - All your regular Ellenor features, puzzles, events,

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Page 36

information and much, much more in our new 48 page issue.

DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE PROVIDING A FULL SERVICE TO DARTFORD SMALL BUSINESSES

“A Hand Holding Service” Established 35 years

COMPANY FORMATION Save tax by forming a private company from as little as £45 + registration fee + VAT. www.companyregistration.org ACCOMMODATION ADDRESS Have a virtual office accommodation address facility for as little as £40.00 per month. www.accommodation-address.com RENT AN OFFICE 24/7 Offices available to rent from as little as £38.00 per week with parking. www.accommodation-address.com

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

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

Tel: 01322 278188

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

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Editor’s Letter

Dear Readers, A big May hello from everyone at Dartford Living! We hope you enjoy this month’s expanded magazine, with more pages than ever before. As usual this month’s edition is jam packed with lots of local information and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - “use them or lose them!”

Don’t forget that we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of the local community FOR the local community. Dartford Living is YOUR magazine, the only independently run magazine serving the local area with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Feel free to get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the magazine and get a little exercise as well!

We deliver to thousands of homes and businesses in the local area, however if you don’t receive a copy directly through your door, you can pick up a copy from various drop off points. These include Dartford Football Club, numerous local libraries, Darent Valley Hospital, What If... and Stephen Oliver Art Galleries, numerous health centres and various locations at Bluewater including Coffee Republic.

The ‘Previous Editions’ section of the Dartford Living website (www. dartfordliving.com) also includes electronic versions of Dartford Living magazine. Additionally, if you email editor@dartfordliving.com we will add you to our newsletter email mailing list and contact you just once a month with an electronic copy of Dartford Living!

Over 4,000 local people already do this!

Until next time, Vijay (and Annie, Bhavesh, David, Dhiren, Elaine, Joanne, Ken, Kelly, Mark, Nickki, Peter, Richey and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

Advertising

We offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £26 per month. The advertising deadline for the next issue is 10th April All enquiries David Shafford Magazine/ Website design and Sales sales@dartfordliving.com

Contents 6-13................................................. What’s on 14............................................ Useful numbers 18-19...........................................Eagle Heights 20...............................................Ahadi Fashion 21......................................... Willow Tree Clinic 22..............................................Dartford Walks 23............................................Easter Egg Hunt 24-25.......................................Dartford Project 28....................................Dartford Music Scene 30..................................................Local Crafts 32 ................................................Micromakers 36.........................................ellenor 37........................................ Banish The Blues 37........................................Air Ambulance Visit 38....................................................Auto News 39...............................Tips for a small business 40..............................................Sudoku 41..............................................Gardening Tips 42................................................Sports News 43.........................................Sporting Comment 44...............................Local Theatre production 45.................................................Competition

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

Dartford Living

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Lose Weight and Get Fit Class Times

Location Acacia Hall High Street Dartford

Mon Tue Wed Thur Sat Sun

1930 0930 1845 1015 0900 1015

First class FREE with this ad!

Just cut it out and bring it with you.

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Please Pleasemention mentionDartford DartfordLiving Livingwhen whencontacting contactingour ouradvertisers advertisers

Index of Advertisers ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGAL Conradi Morrison & Co .....................................................2 Lynton & Co ........................................................................5

Dartford Legal .................................................................19 LOCAL ATTRACTION Eagle Heights...........................................................48

BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, KITCHENS & WINDOWS 4k Building Services.........................................................47 A Baines & Son Roofing.....................................................34 Claremont Decorative Services.. .................................46 John Hargreaves Building.................................................. 22 P Clark.. ................................................................38 Steve Cook - Double Glazing................................................16 SJC Fencing ......................................................................19 MSB Conversions ..............................................................26

LOGISTICS FD TRANSPORT ...........................................................47

CLEANING/DRY CLEANERS EcoCleen ...........................................................................27

NURSERY Dimples....................................................................... 37

COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTH Dia Wipes.. ............................................................17 Frenchy’s .........................................................................35

OPTICIANS Linklater Opticians.............................................................16

EDUCATION Kip McGrath.....................................................................29 ENTERTAINMENT VENUE Woodlands...................................................................35

MUSIC/DANCE & SPORTS/FITNESS Dartford Bootcamps............................................................4 Dartford Wing Chung .........................................................43 Hatha Yoga .......................................................................28 Peaches Personal Training .....................................................4 Monkey Music.. ..........................................................7 Roundel Recording Studio ...................................................26

PICTURE FRAMING Craft Frames.. ...........................................................39 PLASTERERS Craig Baker...................................................................34

ELECTRICIANS AES Electricians...............................................................4 ESTATE AGENTS GPS Lettings....................................................................17 Wisdom Estates..............................................................33 FASHION Ahadi Fashion..............................................................33 GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICES Shenley Road Garage..........................................................39 Chipsaway................................................................37 E C Bate ...........................................................................29 GARDENING SERVICES Karen Howell ................................................................26 Hawley Garden Centre .......................................................41 JEWELLERY Bradleys............................................................................34 LOCKSMITHS/HOME SECURITY Dartford Locksmith.............................................................39 LEGAL SERVICES in advertising?

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

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time) Mondays 1:15pm - 2:30pm. Brent Methodist Church, St Vincents Road, Dartford.

9:15am - 11:00am. St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. Contact Julie on 01322 291092.

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

Tuesdays Catherine on 01322 220036.

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

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

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

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 Thursdays The Vineyard Centre, 24 Market St, Dartford. Contact Jane on 07956 430244 for further details.

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

- facebook.com/ToeRags 9.30-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags 1-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers Fridays 9.30-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult reenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmaryg - facebook.com/ToeRags Walkers Non £1 9.30-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child jeannehoadley@yahoo.co.uk 380322 01322 Jeanne Greenhithe.

9.30-11.30 Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, 1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child Saturdays

healthy snack time for the children.

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

Road London Hall, Church St Mary Greenhithe

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

MONDAYS Jo Jingles Music and Movement classes, Holy Trinity Church Hall, High Street, Dartford.

Booking needed - phone Gill on 07525 865030. Other days/venues available.

MONDAY S 10:30am - 11:00am & Friday 2:15pm - 2:45pm at Dartford Library - Baby Bounce & Rhyme Time TUESDAY S 2 sessions, from 9.30-10.30am and 10:45 - 11:45am in Fleetdown FC Hall; Heath Lane, Dartford. Contact Judi: 07970 730736. ALSO RUN SAME PLACE/TI ME ON THURSDAYS TUESDAY S 10.30m - 11.00am (term time only) at Fleetdown Library - Baby Bounce and Rhyme session. Tel: 08458 247 247.

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

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

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

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

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MUSIC UMBRELLA

Classes for under-fives teaching the basic elements of music through whole body movement, using the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods. With action songs and games, using percussion instruments and props like hoops, balls and soft toys, the children develop musical, physical and social awareness, concentration, co-ordination and confidence - and have lots of fun! Becket Sports Centre, Thursdays during term time : babies 9-9.40am; toddlers 9.40-10.20am; 3&4 years 10.20-11am Contact Myrtle : 07763 378451 Email : myrtlebm@hotmail.co.uk

DARTF ORD LADIE S PROBU S 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

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.

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES Every 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.

AND LEARN KICK BOXING KARATE!

th Kent’s Come and Join one of Nor Martial ul essf succ t mos and fastest tion, Arts clubs. For more informa just or 104 513 03 079 on call Saj ions come along to one of our sess t mos the h Wit fun! the in and join ’ll reasonable fees around, you rdable find that training can be affo our too! For all details please visit website www.northkentkarate.com

...local events, clubs & groups

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

Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 590515

Dartford Orienteering Club

For more details see www.dfok.co.uk Dartford Bellringers Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Wednesdays 8.00-9.30p.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

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

Dartford Gymnastics

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

Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great coaches and high standards.

We do lots of competitions and we do not close through the holidays!

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

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LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR

Erith Youth Rugby

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

Call Saj on 07903 513104

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS UK For people with Parkinsons and their carers.

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

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

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.

Dartford & District Stamp Club Hold regular meetings in The Meeting Place, The Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford.

Details from Steve Alpe 01322 284491 or email steve_alpe@hotmail.com

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS

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

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

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 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

If so, email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com The West Kent Book Club meets once a month on Saturday mornings at Dartford Library. For more information, please call 07860 963333 or find us at www.meetup. com/West-Kent-BookClub/

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

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

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

WEST HILL MOR RIS

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

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

Crayford Women’s Institute 1st Thursday of every month at 1.45pm.

Baker Trust Hall. Maxim Road, Crayford (near Sainsburys). Contact Secretary, Jean Monk 01322 557142

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES at Dance Union, Greenhithe.

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

Age UK, Crayford library Pop in Parlour coffee morning every Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1 The North West Kent Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association meets at 8pm on the 4th Wednesday evening of each month in the Pop-In Parlour, Mill Road, Northumberland Heath, Erith. The meetings last about 2 hours and the group often have a speaker on a variety of subjects, followed by tea and biscuits and general chat. For more information contact Eileen on 01322 228169.

Dartford 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 RSPCA KENT, NORTH WEST BRANC H FREE MICRO CHIPP ING

RSPCA Kent, North West Branch, offers free micro chippings for all domestic animals at its clinic at 37 Gordon Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2LX on the 1st Saturday in each month, 10am to 12.30pm. The service is free but donations are appreciated. For more information please visit www.rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk.

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSES

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

YOGA WITH EMMA

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

BABY SENSORY CLASSES Baby Sensory classes are designed to support your baby’s development in their first year, along with having lots of fun!

Sessions run on Tuesdays in Dartford - 9.40am & 10.50am 6 months to walking, 11.55am & 1pm birth to 6 months. Please prebook your place to avoid disappointment. Call Sarah on 07786 448701 or go on to www.babysensory.co.uk to book your free taster session.

RELAXATION An Introduction to many different types of alternative therapies for the Mind.

Can help with: Insomnia, depression, stress and anxiety, nerves, pain and much more

Contact Janet at jtmason22@googlemail.com or 01322 311415 / 07837 413229 for more information visit www.janetslifecoaching.vpweb.co.uk

...local events, clubs & groups The National Women’s Register

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

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.

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

Coach Martin - 07944 730634.

All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

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.

North West Kent Family History Society

The Dartford Branch meet at the Technology College, Heath Lane, For more information see www.nwkfhs.org.uk

DART FORD LIONS CLUB

1st Tuesday of every month Dartford Conservative Club Spital Street, Dartford DA1 2DT. Meeting start at 20:00.

Further details call Cathy 01322 618640

Dartford Art Group

We meet every Thursday evening from 7.30-9.30pm.

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

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The Rendezvous Club (50+)

Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm Location: The Pop in Parlour, Graham Road, Bexleyheath DA6 7EG we enjoy a Description: We are a friendly social group open to anyone over fifty. As a social group number of activities including bingo, a Beatle drive, quizzes, to name but a few.

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

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

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

The Entertainers are coming!

Eynsford Bellegrove XI Vs

The Lashings All-Stars

Superb corporate packages available!

Eynsford CC Common Meadow Riverside Eynsford Kent DA4 0HE

COURTNEY WALSH GORDON GREENIDGE DEVON MALCOLM HERSCHELLE GIBBS And many more!* email eynsfordbellegrovexl@outlook.com or call 07775 888933 for all info *Line-up may be subject to last-minute changes

PAVI LION PLAY ERS

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!

SING AND SIGN MUSIC CLASSES NEW Babes (0- 7 )months, stage 1 8-13 months and Stage 2 14 - 26 months Fridays and Saturdays- Dartford High Street 9.40am - 12.30pm Contact Jenettehawkes@outlook.com 07958455699

Haven (LGBT) Social Group.

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

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

Sunday August 23rd 2015 - Plays starts 3pm

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

Dartford Living

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Where to go locally...

...local events, clubs & groups

TEL: 01689 867358

COMING SOON YOUTH CLUB ON COMMUNITY BUS IN GUNN ROAD, SWANSCOMBE 7PM-9PM 16TH JANUARY 20TH FEBRUARY 20TH MARCH 17TH APRIL 15TH MAY 19TH JUNE

Wii, Playstation, Arts/Crafts and plenty more activities...come along!

SCRA PPY DAYS! A SCRA PBOO KING GROU P

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

NHS RET IRE MEN T FEL LOW SHI

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

For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

The Players Crayford 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.

Free summer concerts set to return to Bandstand

Leader of Dartford Council, Jeremy Kite, has revealed details of an extended season of free summer concerts at the Bandstand in Central Park starting on Sunday 10 May 2015.

The season kicks off with a special concert to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day featuring Dartford Concert Band who will perform music with a special Second World War theme.

Concerts take place every Sunday (except the Festival weekend) throughout the summer from 2pm until around 4pm. www.dartford.gov.uk/events

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Useful Numbers

DART FORD U3A (UNI VERS ITY OF THE THIR D 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 01474709068 or visit our website.

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

Little Bright Sparks

Fun phonics, literacy and numeracy classes for 2-4 year olds. Classes held on Weds in East Malling and Thurs in West Kingsdown £5.50 per class 07768 447657 for more info www.facebook.com/littlebrightsparks http://www.babysign.org.uk/

a b c +=

COLUMBINE CHINA PAIN

TERS CLUB

meets on the 1st and 3rd Thu rsday each month at Sutton at Hone Village Hall . 1.30pm until 4.30pm. £2.0 0 per afternoon. £10.00 yearly fee.

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

Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 0147 4 707357.

LOCAL DOG TRAINING SCHOOL

Established for 36years - No Expensive courses Puppies from 3months - Older dogs any age.

Tel. Barbara for more details 01322 663956

Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets based at Brooklands Lake Dartford, next to Homebase on Princes Road. We parade every Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm9.15pm and is open to new recruits, junior cadets aged 10-12 and Sea Cadets aged 12-18. email dartfordscc@gmail.com for more details.

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

Dartford Living

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Useful Information 24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014 Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697 555 Citizens Advice Bureau: 01322 224686 Crimestoppers: 0800 555111 Darent Valley Hospital: 01322 428100 Dartford Borough Council: 01322 343434 Dartford Police Station (non urgent crime): 01622 690690 EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/Powercuts Helpline: 0800 028 0247 Gareth Johnson MP 020 7219 7047 Gatwick Airport Enquiries: 08700 002468 Heathrow Airport Enquiries: 08700 000123 Information About Drugs - FRANK: 0800 776600 Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162 Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624

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Local Sports Clubs Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.bexleyrfc.co.uk Dartford Ladies Hockey Club Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250 Dartford Ju Jitsu Club Mondays, Dartford Girls

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Local Breastfeeding Counsellors Judianne/Paula: 01322 224072 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour): 0808 2000 247 National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999 National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 NHS Direct: 111 (free of charge from landline or mobile NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 Report a non-urgent crime: Dial 101 or go online www.reportacrime.kent.police.uk RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline: 01322 286720 Samaritans: 08457 909090 Thames Water Leak Line: 0800 714614 The National Pandemic Flu Service: 0800 1 513 100

Local Libraries

Dartford Library Opening Hours:

Mon to Wed 8.30am - 6.00pm, Thurs 8.30am

- 8.00pm, Fri

8.30am - 6.00pm, Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm

Ashen Drive Library Opening Hou

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Mon 2.00pm - 6.00pm, Tue 9.00am - 1.00p

- 6.00pm, Fri 9.00am -1.00pm, Sat 10.00am - 2.00pm

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Temple Hill Library Opening Hou

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closed Wed & open Sat 10.00am - 2.00pm

LATE NIGHT CHEMISTS BOOTS BLUEWATER: 01322 624780 OPEN MON-SAT 9am TILL MIDNIGHT. SUN 11am TILL 5pm ASDA GREENHITHE: 01322 374100 OPEN MON-SAT 8.30am TILL 10pm.

SUN 11am TILL 5pm

West Kent NHS Helpline: 0800 0 850850

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Coleman, Secretary 01322 Grammar School, Shepherds Bowling Club 863730. email: pat.coleman@ 01322 274111.

Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, dartford.gov.uk VCD Table Tennis Club 8.00-10.00 Seniors.1st The Ashes Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312. session free Badminton Club ‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par www.dartfordjujitsu.co.uk Mondays, Dartford Technology 3 golf course on Dartford Dartford Sharks College, Heath Lane. 7.30Football Club’s Princes Park Basketball Club 9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854. site, managed by the Club.

Tim Dickson - 07855 Dartford Valley RFC - http:// Members subscribing annually 692527. www.pitchero.com/clubs/ to play the course have formed Dartford Volleyball Club darenthvalleyrfc/ themselves into a small Graham - 01322 275290 or golf club:- PRINCES PARK 07984 106134.

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DARTFORDARTSNETWORK presents: Dartford Concert Band Vocalise Singing group Wadard Morris Men Richard Slater Charicatures Maypole Dancers Dartford Art Group: Painting in the Park What if…Gallery Kid’s Crafts Maypole School Liz Burville Performing Arts

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17

Featured

Eagle Heights - Interview with owner Alan Ames by David Shafford

Eagle Heights is one of the UK’s largest Bird of Prey Centres, currently we have a collection of approximately 150 raptors. This includes over 50 species, many of which are now breeding at the centre or can be seen flying in our daily demonstrations. Dartford Living went along to the centre to speak to the founder of the centre, Alan Ames, about why he originally set up the centre, the struggles that the centre is facing and hopes for the future.

Firstly breeding generates income that helps to keep the centre running. Secondly it is about sustainability. The more different species there are in captivity the greater the cushion if things get worse, so once the world sorts itself out the species can be reintroduced.

Currently the birds that are being bred are not released due to there being too much bureaucracy and red tape.

Conservation is obviously a high priority for you. How do you educate the public on conservation issues?

How long has the centre been running?

It has been open for 19 years.

I regulary take birds into schools and other organisations.

This is the platform to get the message across.

You can’t be too in depth but you can give them enough to get them interested. I am always happy to talk to people in more detail at the centre. I have been doing the talks for 25 years now.

Do you feel it is harder to get people interested in conservation issues?

Why did you set the centre up?

It was something that I really wanted to do. It was a bit self indulgent at first but then I realised there was so much that could be achieved. You can really make a difference. It is amazing how little people know about the natural world and with our place in Africa as well, there is so much we can do.

There are too many restrictions now in the UK to really make a difference. We have managed to achieve as much in 1 year in Gambia that we have achieve in the last 10 years in the UK. In the Gambia we are in the process of changing their eco tourism. All their wildlife has disappeared, the vultures eat dogs, cats, goats etc. instead of their usual prey.

How many different species do you have here?

30 different species of bird including a pair of Martial Eagles that are now breeding, which is an impressive feat.

Why do you think it is necessary to breed the birds and are you able to release them back into the wild?

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It is amazing to see how many people are actually interested in these issues. The problem is that it is very hard for an individual to make a difference due to the way the world is and it is only going to get worse.

Getting back to the centre. The public just see the birds and animals but what goes on behind the scenes to keep the centre running?

It is certainly not glamourous. It is more a way of life.

Cleaning equipement, feeding the animals/birds and caring for them. It is a struggle a 7 day a week job. The staff all work late for no extra money (thier own choice) The majority of birds are flown everyday, only the breeding birds, in the averies, are not flown. We also take some of the birds to schools etc,

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Do you get any funding to help with these expenses?

No nothing at all. We are extremely grateful for all the donations that members of the public have been sending in.

This has helped us through the last few months where there was a real possibility that the centre would have to close.

If our readers would like to donate how would they go about this?

now use Kayla). The plan was, as a pre match warm up, to fly the Eagle up and down the pitch. It was such a hit with the fans we were asked back and have been there ever since.

We now get their 1 hour before hand so fans can come and meet Kayla and have their picture taken with her.

A number of our other animals have featured in movies and on album covers. Kayla was also on the Kings of Leon album cover , Alaska, the other Bald Eagle was in Clash of the Titans, the Cheetahs (that are now in our park in the Gambia) were in The Councillor. We also provided birds for the film Exodus.

We welcome any donations. If they go to our website - www. eagleheights.co.uk and all the details are on there or just visiting the centre helps as the entrance fee goes towards running the centre.

One of the birds - Kayla - is well known to the Crystal Palace fans. How do you become involved with the football club?

It was 2010 and Crystal Palace were just about to go into administration. It was the last match v West Bromwich Albion.

The club wanted to give the fans a lift so got in touch and asked us to bring down a couple of Eagles. We took Kayla and Alaska.

Kayla was chilled, Alaska tried to kill me! (so we just used and

All images by Sharpshooter www.facebook.com/photographybysharpshooter

Dartford Legal Services Ltd Commercial & Residential Conveyancing Probate & Wills Commissioner for Oaths Reasonable fixed fees

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Featured Local Businesses

The Red Carpet Prom night by Ahadi Fashion

As the spring break wraps up and short family holidays come to an end, the prom fever steadily creeps in. Love it or hate it, but the prom night has become a highlight in the life of every final-year girl.

also a variety of other details to choose from such as elasticated back, corset back, plain gowns or sparkle details etc.

To help you seamlessly manage events leading up to this night, we want to share with you some important tips that will help you to get ready and set for the biggest night of your school Calendar. These tips will no doubt save you much needed time and allow you to concentrate on the other pressing issues.

Most popular prom dresses come in one of four styles. Classic ball-gown (full length), tea length prom dresses, Short prom dresses (above the knee) and asymmetric hem (including highlow and waterfall) prom dresses.

You are never late to start shopping for your prom dress. However unless it is carefully planned and executed, the experience can be overwhelming for the Prom beauties, their Mums, BFF’s and the poor blokes dragged along to all shopping trips. This is the reason why we have come to your rescue in your quest for your dream dress.

As a prerequisite before you set out on your shopping trip, work out your budget for the full prom ensemble. This ensures you don’t waste time visiting boutiques whose price tags are outside you affordability range, and subsequently helps you to avoid the frustrations that come with it. This also allows you from the onset to determine different options that are available at your budget.

It is important to bear in mind that once you have settled on the dress of your choice, you go through a similar process to get your prom shoes, evening bag and all other accessories that go with the day, be it a tiara, a necklace, earrings or a bracelet.

There’s also need to include in your budget a provision for the cost of hair, make-up, and the crown jewel of getting a Limo ride.

The Limo cost need not be exorbitant as it can be split with your girlfriends allowing you to experience an all BFF’s Limo-ride to your prom event. Lastly, keep in mind you will need spare cash on you for the D-day to pay for amongst other things, drinks.

The popularity of slender silhouette full length dresses (largely inspired by red carpet glamour) has been on the rise this year, so keep in mind you may see more of these style currently on display.

Think also about the fabric of the dress that you want to go for. The fabric of choice this season has been soft chiffon, but there are so many other options available. The fabric used on a dress will have an impact on the cost of that dress and it will also influence other aspects such as the under-lining of the dress. So avoid taking the bait of “price- tag hopping”, where you select dresses purely based on price tags before settling on which fabric works well for your silhouette.

The colour of choice is probably the easiest part when shopping for your dress. Most colour favourites this year remain to be romantic reds, classic blacks and royal blues. However there is a great interest in jewel tones such as sapphire blue and pretty pastel colours such as lime green. Most of these jewel tones and pretty pastels are the hues of choice for the girls who desire to stand out and are bold enough not to conform to the safe colour zones.

For a great selection of prom dresses within budget and all under £99.99, kindly visit us at Ahadi, Unit 16 the Orchards Shopping Centre in Dartford.

As you get along with shopping, it’s worthwhile to keep a journal of all these costs so that you avoid overspending on some items and running out of cash for other small but important bits.

We take personal pride and keep a record of each gown sold to all of our prom beauties to ensure that you won’t have the awkward same-dress-syndrome on your prom night.

All in all avoid the last minute rush (which may cause you a meltdown when you realise that the whole process doesn’t turn out to be as easy as you had initially imagined).

Website: www.ahadi-fashion.co.uk Facebook: Ahadi Fashion Dartford Twitter: Ahadi Fashion Blog: http://galsandbags.blogspot.co.uk Email: info@ahadifashion.co.uk Tel. +44(0) 1322 319 019

After you’ve come up with a list of all the items that you require for your prom night, the next big box to tick is the style of dress that fascinates you the most. The style will cover such details as length of the dress (full, tea or short), neckline detail (boob-tube, halter-necks or strappy, which can be thin or thick). There are

2020

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THE WILLOW TREE CLINIC - WILMINGTON The Willow Tree Private Health & Aesthetic Clinic are based in the heart of Wilmington. We are proud to be the winners of WhatClinic 2015 best customer care awards and have been accredited by the C.Q.C. We are Save Face accredited.

Having 30 years experience within this field we are able to offer a fully professional and confidential service at all times. We are unique as we are the only clinic to offer a full range of Health, Aesthetic & Advanced anti-ageing treatments. We specialise in Anti-ageing and have the latest technology from Radio Frequency for Skin Tightening to Cryolipolysis for Fat Freezing, Treatment for Hair loss & Thinning procedures, Dermal Fillers for Wrinkle/Line correction and Wrinkle Relaxing injections.

Our experienced highly qualified team are here to help you with your enquiries. We offer FREE consultations and are open to both Men & Women. The Clinic is situated in a luxurious setting and has easy access and free parking.

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21 21

Local News

Dartford Health Walks receieved national accreditation for quality health walks

Dartford Health Walks has been officially recognised by Walking for Health and awarded national accreditation for its local walking scheme.

The accreditation endorses the quality of experience and support that walkers can expect when taking part in one of the scheme’s three weekly walks.

Walking for Health, run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, is a nationwide movement dedicated to improving the nation’s health through walking and has recently improved its accreditation criteria.

The robust new requirements are designed to give new walkers added confidence that Dartford Health Walks, co-ordinated by Dartford Borough Council, can support them to get active and stay active.

Accredited Walking for Health walks are free, short and friendly, and close to where you live. Walkers with Walking for Health know that they are in safe hands with each walk led by a fully trained walk leader.

Anna Card, Scheme Coordinator said: “We’re delighted our short walks have been accredited by Walking for Health. Our volunteer walk leaders’ help all sorts of people to enjoy the many health benefits that regular walking brings, providing support every step of the way.

“Our walkers have a great deal of fun, making new friends and getting

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to know their local area. Many of us know we should be more active, so why not join in and let us welcome you along to our next walk.”

Walking counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity people should be doing each week.

Only 61% of adults in England are currently meeting this recommendation, but walking offers a free and simple solution.

Dartford Health Walks runs walks that are no longer than 90 minutes in length, with at least one walk of less than 30 minutes every month. By keeping walks short, new walkers and those with long term health conditions will feel more confident getting started.

Local walks include: • Darenth Country Park Walk - Tuesdays, 10.30am (Weekly).

Starting and finishing at Darent Valley Hospital reception area, • Dartford Central Park Walk - Thursdays, 11.30am (Weekly). Starting and finishing at the War Memorial outside Central Park, Dartford.

• Swanscombe Walk - Fridays, 10.30am (Weekly). Starting and finishing outside the Old Fire Station, Church Street, Swanscombe For more information about these walks please visit www.dartford. gov.uk/walks or contact the Scheme Co-ordinator on 01322 343067.

Dartford Easter Egg Hunt On Saturday 4th April 2015 over a thousand people attended the first annual Dartford Egg Hunt in Central Park which was organised by the Dartford Round Table (DRT). The event was labelled The BEST Egg Hunt In Town and it certainly lived up to that, with the Mayor of Dartford officially opening the event, 500 eggs given out to little eggsplorers and stalls and animals entertaining the whole family.

The idea was simple, special tokens of different colours were scattered across the park and the little eggsplorers had to collect six different colours in their collecting pots which when all six coloured tokens were found could be eggchanged for a chocolate egg.

Sainsbury’s Dartford & Crayford supported the event and provided the eggs, numerous stalls including, to name but a few, a fun family games stall run by Wisdom Estates, laughters and leaps provided by Kangoo Jumps and its not a community event without animals which came in the form of pony rides

Bach to Baby on your doorstep Bach to Baby, the critically acclaimed London-based classical concert series for babies, children and parents, arrived in North Kent last month, with Dartford hosting the launch concert on April 22nd! The concert, performed by the Thorne Trio, was a great success with mums and grandparents and their kids all experiencing the best that Bach to Baby offers.

Bach to Baby believes children can enjoy exceptional live classical music from their very earliest moments. So Dartford families can continue to expect outstanding musicians from the UK’s top concert stages performing for them every month..

Rochester-based bassoonist and mum of two young boys, Alexandra Callanan is thrilled to have brought the series to the area. Alex has performed with many of Britain’s best orchestras including BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony and Welsh National Opera. As part of The Thorne Trio, Alex is heard up and down the country in recital and education workshops.

Alex said, “Music plays an important role in the development of children’s imagination, memory, cognitive skills and musicality.

So I believe quality live music should be available to all, including the babies and young children of North Kent!”Miaomiao Yu,

from Causway Pony Parties and Reptile Events for the not so squeamish.

Dartford Round Table Chairman Pete Holmes said: “Dartford is such a great Town and the guys at DRT wanted to give something back to the community. We are so pleased with how the event went and look forward to next years Egg Hunt which will hopefully be even bigger with further support from local businesses and organisations. I hope more guys 18 to 45 will get involved with us see how in Round Table, Ordinary Guys Do Extraordinary Things.

Life doesn’t have a remote control,. sometimes you have to get up off the sofa and change it yourself, so if you like FUN, COMMUNITY, BEER & RANDOMNESS then you will LOVE DRT!” All money raised from the Egg Hunt will go back to supporting worthy causes, 20% will go to support Round Tables national charity, Round Tables Childrens Wish and the rest will be given back locally. Look out for the guys in orange t-shirts from DRT. www.dartfordroundtable.co.uk an award-winning pianist and Professor of Piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, founded Bach to Baby in 2011 after becoming frustrated at not being able to take her children to the sort of quality classical concerts that she enjoyed as a professional musician.

Bach to Baby now presents monthly concerts in 30 venues across London, Kent, Surrey and Thames Valley. “It’s about Mozart and Bach, feeding and crying, and dancing to music - all of it. We haven’t made it through a concert without at least one nappy change. That’s the way it should be.” Miaomiao said, adding that it felt like the right time to bring the series to new areas.

Dartford concerts run at Christ Church, Cross Road, DA1 3ET from 10.30am to 11.30am on a Wednesday morning once a month with a half hour pre-concert ‘coffee mingle’ offering much needed caffeine, calories and company for mums and dads.

The second concert of the series will be on the 20th May and features the beautiful ‘Hasselmans’ Harp.’

For more information on tickets and venues, visit www.bachtobaby.com/ northkent

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Dartford Project - by Anthony Jones This part of the journey of my life has led me to coming to live in Dartford and I’m pleased about that. When I’m in town shopping at the market or going about my business, I gain a better feeling of what Dartford is about and I see history through the architecture and blue plaques recalling notable residents, lovely open spaces like Central Park (the charming Cafe-In-The-Park) and the young people, from different backgrounds, each bringing the energy of youth and the values and qualities of their cultures. It’s a good combination. This might sound like a romantic interpretation but there’s nothing wrong with that, from dreams good can happen.

It’s certainly true that not everything is wonderful but I’m convinced that in the background, good, if not great things are happening.

My aim as a photographer is to show good, as the old pun goes, turn negative into positive. Thanks to the previous Mayor, Avtar Sandhu, (whose family history is a reflection of the story of new Britons and Dartford) and his office, I have been able to meet some fascinating people, those individuals who in the background make Dartford what it is.

Some of those people include Dr Mike Will, the curator at the Dartford Museum who quietly works to preserve and recount the history of the town. Tim McArdle is co - founder of UKindo,

a charity helping children in the UK and India but, more importantly providing localised provisions in Dartford. Sporting endeavours are often a focus for the community, bringing people together for a common good cause, Tony Durey, President of Dartford Harriers Athletic Club and Peter Holmes , a Construction Manager but in his spare time he is the chairman of the Dartford Round Table. The members of the Round Table describe themselves as ‘Ordinary Guys Doing Extraordinary Things’. Find out more about them at www.dartfordroundtable. co.uk, are other people I had the pleasure to meet and photograph. At the moment I am working in a project to bring these people the attention they deserve. We all know someone, they might run a Saturday school to help your children improve their education, the shop owner who does that bit extra to help, the carer who makes your elderly parents day more comfortable, they might even be someone in your family, maybe you (don’t be shy), I’d like to hear about them and take their photograph.

Opposite page - starting top left and going clockwise: Mike Still (curator, Dartford Museum), Avtar Sandhu MBE (councillor and Mayor of Dartford), Tim McArdle (cofounder, UKindo), Tony Durey (President, Dartford Harriers). This page - Peter Holmes (Chairman, Dartford Round Table). Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford

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Dartford Living

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27

Local News

Dartford’s Rich Musical Heritage By local resident Roger Cotton

Walking around Dartford now,you could be forgiven for thinking nothing much ever happened here, especially in the music scene, but you would be wrong. We all know that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards came from here. But there were many others.

Back in the sixties, Dartford was a hot bed of musical activity and talent, producing bands right up there with the best. We even had the Great Vox factory here, making equipment that actually powered rock ‘n’ roll around the world. There was something on every night of the week. The ‘Gateway Club’, The Railway Tavern, The Cricketers, where my Dad played with his jazz band every Thursday, ‘ The Granada’, ‘The Century’ and the Great Scala Ballroom, (since known as Zens and Air & Breathe) where I was lucky enough to have my group, The ‘Clockwork Oranges’ which became a hub of musical activity in the South, there were many more places just outside the town, The Black Prince, The Bull at Birchwood, Barnhurst Community Centre, the YMCA, and many others, where gigs were put on every week.

Big stars used to play some of these venues, but we also had our own crop of great bands, Bern Elliot and the Fennmen went into the charts with ‘Money’, Erky Grant toured with the Beatles, Sounds Incorporated, did the same. Crispin St Peters,

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had many international hits.

When the High Street was a ‘street’, ‘ton up’ boys would roar through the town, stopping at the ‘Carousel’ coffee bar on East Hill, where the chip shop is now, and then tear off into the night, up to The Princes Hotel, where more bands would be playing. The ‘Pretty Things’ started in the Railway Tavern, and people like, Billy Fury, The Hollies, Mersey Beats, Georgy Fame, Joe Brown, Jonny Kidd and The Pirates, and even The ‘Shadows’ would be appearing in the town. There were many great bands from around here, playing almost every night.

It’s a little known fact that Dartford had more pubs in a square mile that any other town in the country, and most of them had something on at night. We still have ‘The Orchard’, which is a relatively new addition, The last time I played the Orchard Theatre, was with Peter Green and John Mayall, who also put in appearances back in the day at the ‘Black Prince Jazz Club’. in Bexley. Also a huge number of top bands played the Crayford Town Hall, now flats, how sad!

So as you walk around Dartford now, cast you mind back to a time when we had more venues, pubs, clubs, and dance halls, than you can imagine, and this joint was ‘Jumpin’.

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29

Local Crafts

Stick and Stitch

Stick and Stitch came to be after Allison (Stitch) made her sisters and brothers-in-law novelty aprons for Christmas 2012. She not only made Maids and Butlers (our best sellers) she also made 2 special aprons for the hosts in the form of Wonder Woman (another best seller) and Superman – these gifts went down a treat.

Tracey (Stick) had been busy herself making greetings cards and special personalised photo albums.

We put our heads together and, even though we both work full time in very busy jobs, decided that we would like to continue with our crafting and Stick & Stitch were born. We attended our very first craft fair at Woolwich Barracks for Armed Forces Day in June 2013 and had a fantastic day. We have always been ‘Crafty’ and had previously been involved in making dried flower arrangements and Christmas decorations many years ago, selling to family and friends and at local Boot Fairs.

customer makes a positive comment on our crafts. We have return customers time and time again and these orders, along with our very loyal family and friends orders, keep us very busy.

We have decided for 2015 to make a variety of ‘Work & Play’ aprons and cards to be displayed alongside our usual designs.

Currently we have a Facebook page – On this we list events that we will be attending and also, from time to time, upload new photographs. We are very happy to accept orders via Facebook/stickandstitch.

Allison chooses her fabrics depending on what character she is making and prefers to use cottons which are easily washed and non-flammable. She takes her ideas from ‘What’s New’ or will come up with a design based upon a fabric she has taken a liking to, ie, the Retro fabric she liked became a ‘1950’s Diner’ apron She has also dabbled in creating kids aprons in the form of Disney’s Frozen and Snow White. We can make up designs as requested by customers to suit the interests of the recipient.

We love attending local, and some not so local, Craft Fairs such as Thrifty’s (Bexley) and Gingham Goose (Hayes) these are 2 of our favourites. It’s always such a huge buzz to us both when a

The article provided by Getthrifthy crafts fairs, who organise craft fairs in Kent. For more information visit thier Facebook page www.facebook.com/ thriftyfairs

30

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Dartford Living

31

Kids Zone

Max's Makerspace

By MicroHackers - A Dartford Edtech Startup

Intruder Alarm Materials: • 1 x 9V Battery • 1 x 9V Battery snap connector • 1 x 9V Buzzer • 1 x Clothes peg • 1 x Sheet of tin foil • 1 x Piece of string • 2 x Lengths of wire • 1 x Playing card

32

Tools and equipment: • Scissors • Sellotape • Nail clippers

Instructions: 1. Strip the ends of the snap connector, the buzzer, and the two lengths of wire, with a pair of nail clippers.

2. Tear off two strips of tin foil and wrap them around the prongs of a sprung clothes peg.

3. Tape one end of each length of wire to the tin foil patches on the clothes peg.

4. Twist the end of the red wire on the buzzer to the end of one clothes peg wire.

5. Twist the end of the red wire on the snap connector to the end of the other clothes peg wire.

6. Twist the ends of the black wires on the buzzer and the snap connector together.

7. Tape a piece of string to the playing card.

8. Clip the playing card in the clothes peg.

9. Tape the clothes peg to the wall beside your door.

10. Tape the end of the string to your door.

11. Connect the 9V battery to the snap connector.

12. When an intruder opens your door the card will be pulled out of the peg and the buzzer will sound.

www.microhackers.co.uk max@microhackers.co.uk

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33 25

C B

Craig Baker

Plastering, Rendering & Screeding Specialist • FREE ESTIMATES • 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Mobile: 07930 969 903 Home: 01322 220341

3426

Competitive Rates!

A BAINES & SON ROOFING • New Roofs • Repairs • Tiles • Slates • Flat Roofs • All Lead Work • UPVC Fascias & Soffits • All Guttering • All Work Guaranteed • Insurance Work Undertaken

TEL: 01322 271693 MOBILE: 07971 792463

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35 27

Charity Focus

Each month we will be featuring a local charity. If you represent a charity and would like to be featured please email charity@dartfordliving.com New name to help build vital Kent charity A Kent charity, which has provided care to families facing terminal illness for 30 years, is embarking on the next stage of its important journey.From Tuesday 7 April, EllenorLions Hospices and its children and young people service, chYps, will be known as ellenor.

Serving a community of 1 million across North and West Kent and Bexley, ellenor is the only charity in the county to provide hospice care for seriously ill people of all ages - whether a newborn baby, child, teenager, adult, or elderly person in the final moments of their life.

With demand for services rapidly increasing, operating under one name is crucial to enable the charity to raise funds to provide vital 24/7 care to local families, as Rachel

Holweger, Director of Fundraising at ellenor, explains: “Raising income is becoming increasingly difficult when we are faced with such a competitive fundraising arena, and we’ve found that the confusion around our existing service in the community is becoming greater.

“It’s essential that we strengthen our focus now to ensure we can continue to raise enough money to be able to provide care to more people who need our help.”

An important part of ellenor’s work is caring for over 150 children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in the comfort of their own home and providing consistency of support for teenagers who later require care as adults.

Mum Liz Green, whose baby daughter Mia is under the care of ellenor, said: “Nothing can prepare you for having a life-limited child. Mia has brain damage caused by a bleed on the brain and in her first few days of life we faced saying goodbye to our daughter.

“Now with the 24/7 help and support of ellenor we can care for her at home. We could be blessed with five to 15 years with our precious daughter and every year we reach will be a milestone.

I feel safe knowing ellenor will be by our side throughout.”

Each year ellenor provides pain and symptom relief and end-of-life

3628

care to around 1500 adults in their place of choice, whether their own home, at the charity’s Hospice in Gravesend or in local care homes.

The charity also supports families throughout a loved one’s

illness and after they have died, by offering emotional, bereavement and spiritual care and financial advice. ellenor’s Chief Executive Claire Cardy, said: “We are proud to offer the best care and support to families facing terminal illness in Kent. As a charity, not part of the NHS, we are reliant on the generosity of our local community to be able to provide this vital hospice care free of charge to families. Now, more than ever, we hope individuals, clubs, groups and businesses will continue to show their support to ellenor, their local charity.”

To find out how you can support ellenor, please visit www. ellenor.org or call the Fundraising team on 01322 626504.

Keep ellenor in your timeline on Facebook/ ellenorcharity and twitter @ellenorcharity For patient help and information, please call 01474 32007.

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Rotary Club visits Kent Air Ambulance

Local Lions Club reaffirm thier support for ellenor

Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Dartford paid a flying visit to Marden to visit the Kent Air Ambulance HQ to present a cheque for £1,000 which had been collected during the Club's Christmas Collections. We were fortunate enough to get a close look at the helicopter which was on stand-by as we arrived and we watched it take off when it had to go off on its next assignment. This is a charity that needs our support but we all hope we won't ever need to use it personally

Lion Mike Parker said: “Local Lions Club members feel immensely proud of the part we played in the organisation’s history by building the Lions Hospice, over 30 years ago, and we are pleased that the building is being renamed toreflect this important contribution.

“We recognise the need for continued development and appreciate the difficulties with fundraising in the current economicclimate. The delivery of care is paramount. We therefore support the ellenor management team in their efforts to ensure that this valued charity is best placed to continue raising the money needed to provide care in our community now and in the future.”

Dimples Day Nursery, Green Street Green Road, Darenth, Kent, DA2 7HT

TEL: 01322 285885 Email: enquiries@dimplesnursery.co.uk website: www.dimplesnursery.co.uk

If you’re inspirational, passionate, caring and love the outdoors you may be just what we are looking for. To join our large, busy, outstanding children’s day nursery in Darenth please email your CV. Vacancies: - Nursery Nurse F/T 40 hrs p/w Level 3 or above - PT Lunchtime assistant 15 hrs p/w - End of Day Assistant 11.25 hrs p/w - Apprenticeship - Holiday Club Play Worker

Full details of all vacancies can be found on our website. www.dimplesnursery.co.uk.

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37 29

Business and Dhiren’s Automotive News Automotive In this edition we’ll look at few of the new models for 2015

2015 Jaguar XF revealed – This is the all new Jaguar XF which is the larger sibling to the XE. it will use lighter material compared to the existing making it weigh 190g less leading to an improved fuel economy and CO2 emission figures. The new XF shares the electric power assisted steering setup from the XE and F-Type and will be slightly shorter than the existing car. At launch the engine offering will be a 2.0-litre diesel delivering 161bhpm, emitting just 104g/km of CO2. Jaguar says this is the lowest CO2 figure in this class for any non-hybrid vehicle. Also on offer will be the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel. At the top of the diesel range is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, which offers 296bhp.

The only petrol option which Jaguar has revealed details about is a supercharged V6, which develops 375bhp. It will go on sale this autumn with prices starting at £32,300.

autonomous braking system that prevents further collisions after an accident.

Keyless entry and start are available, as are massage seats. Full pricing will be released closer to its launch date this summer, but it could be priced similarly to the current Alhambra which costs from £25,630 to £32,420.

2016 Volkswagen Touran revealed – Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new version of its Touran MPV. Externally, the Touran now looks considerably sharper, taking design cues from both the new Passat and the Golf SV. The interior is also completely new, adopting a more premium feel while maximising the available interior space. Much of that extra space comes from the new Touran being around 12cm longer overall than the car it replaces, with 11cm of that lengthening the wheelbase. Practicality and safety are high up on the agenda. Inside, Volkswagen has developed a completely new folding seat arrangement that facilitates a flat floor when the seats are stowed. The new model is available in both five- and 2015 Seat Alhambra –This is the facelifted version of Seat’s MPVwith seven-seat versions and Volkswagen claims the former has the biggest subtle cosmetic changes, which include a fresh grille design, new wheel luggage compartment in the class. There are two petrol and three diesel designs and new LED rear lights. There are three engines available: a 2.0-litre engines available in UK, all of which are claimed to be significantly more diesel engine with two power outputs and a 148bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine. economical than the models they replace.

The 2.0 TDI will be offered with 148bhp and 182bhp power outputs, and the The petrol engines are 1.2-litre TSI turbo lower powered version has a claimed fuel economy of 57.6mpg and CO2 & 1.4-litre 150bhp and diesel engines 1.6 emissions of 130g/km. Seat’s DSG gearbox TDI 110bhp & 2.0-litre 150bhp + 190bhp. will be available with all engines. The Alhambra The new Touran will be available to order by 30 mentionsystem Dartfordsummer Living2015 when our in withcontacting the first UK deliveries comes with a blindPlease spot monitoring and adaptive chassis control as well as an November 2015. No prices relaessed yet.

P. CLARK

GENERAL BUILDERS (EST. 1976)

All enquiries contact Paul:

Tel: 01322 270951 Mob: 07985 457432 Email: paclark26@aol.com • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Flat Felt Roofing • Carpentry • Guttering • Decorating • Tiled Roofing • Plumbing • Boiler Servicing • Fencing • Block Driveways • Brickwork • Plastering • Electrical Installations • Extensions & Loft Conversions Project Managed

Fully Qualified Tradesmen Electrical NICEIC Registered Plumbing Gas Safe Registered

Tips for small businesses

Each month Paul Conradi, Chartered Accountant at Conradi Morrison & Co, will be giving us his professional advice for small

businesses..

Budget 2015

As is normal with newspapers, the item which was headlined for The Budget was “A penny deduction in tax on a pint of beer,” which would mean that you would have to drink 100 pints to save £1 even if the retailer reduced the price, which many did not do!

For the Scottish vote, there was a 2% cut in excise duty on Scottish whisky, whilst all other duty on spirits and wine was frozen. Most people were relieved that petrol duty was not increased and in fact was frozen, with the planned increase in September being cancelled.

In respect of the tax year 2015/16, the higher rate income tax threshold was increased to £31,785.

The rent-a-room tax relief which was introduced many years ago and has never been increased still remains at £4,250.

Before The Budget there were a number of details in respect of revising and changing the rules on personal pensions. I will not go into this in great detail as I will deal with this in a later article. However during The Budget, the Chancellor announced the lifetime allowance for pension saving would be reduced from £1.25 million to £1 million from April 2016.

He also stated that in future, pensioners would be able to trade in their annuities for cash with a 55% tax charge abolished.

However, he did not give any further details on the same.

The main announcement in The Budget was that the annual tax return would be abolished and would be replaced by a digital account. However, on reading the details, this will not incur much of a change apart from the fact that you will be able to file your tax return online gradually and certain figures will appear automatically on your tax return eg bank interest and your salary.

There will also be a new personal savings allowance of the first £1000 interest on savings income which will be tax free for basic rate tax payers and a £500 allowance for 40% tax payers. From the tax year 2016/17, tax on interest will no longer be deducted at source.

As your local Accountant, I would be very glad to meet you and discuss the possibility of tax planning in your business. For more information, please see page two of this month’s Dartford Living and feel free to call me on 01322 278188 to arrange a meeting without charge.

Shenley Road Garage

01322 229887

SAME DAY MOTs (Booking not always necessary)

• Tyres • Exhausts • Clutches • Timing Belt Changes • Petrol & Diesel Cars & Vans Welcome

Garages you can trust. Be assured that every garage listed performs services to a strict standard and will always have your best interests at heart.

We have a wide range of cars for sale on our website:

www.shenleygarage.co.uk

Coffee break

SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s Grid n°1832591621 medium all there is to it!

8

9 2

9 7 8 1 4 5 8 2 4 1 2 3 4 9 5 8 4 3 3 9 1 (Solution on page 46)

Breakfast

Make your own free printable sudoku at www.PrintMySudoku.com

F I T N E S S

We have all the free sudokus you need! 400 new sudokus every week.

The key to any good diet is starting your day with the right foods.After a night of fasting, your body is in fat-burning mode from the get-go, it requires good nutrition and something that isn’t going to spike insulin levels and switch you to fat-storage mode.The typical western breakfast tends to be toast, cereal, or something along those lines.Carb-heavy meals will raise blood sugar and consequently insulin levels, meaning a hormonal shift into “storage” mode. You’ll then get the dip in blood sugar that typically follows sugary meals along with a dip in energy. At this point your body is literally telling you to go eat more sugar (it’s not just a greed thing!) and the cycle continues with energy highs and lows, and cravings for more sugary foods and junk.

The key here for fat loss is to keep carbs/sugars to an absolute minimum at breakfast and ensure you’re getting adequate protein and fat. This will prevent the insulin spikes and give you more steady energy levels, less sugar cravings, and

less hunger and snacking before lunch.An ideal breakfast would be meat and nuts. Changing the sources daily (i.e. beef and cashews one day, chicken and brazils another etc…)

Although this is great for fat loss, it’s also applicable to anyone wanting to build muscle, just adjust the portion sizes.

Obviously if you have medical conditions or perhaps if you’re an endurance athlete you may need to alter this slightly, but for the general population this is a great rule to live by for health and body composition.

If you need more help, visit www.DartfordBootcamps. com for information on Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching, and Bootcamp classes.

By Mark Broadbent, Master Personal Trainer & Instructor at Dartford Bootcamps.

Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com for information on Personal Training, Nutrition coaching or Bootcamp Fitness classes. - MarkOneFitness.blogspot.com 32

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Gardening

Gardening Hints and Tips - May in association with Plant of the Month Pelargonium

Roses Roses will fill your garden with flower power and we have plenty of quality potted roses in stock. Roses need plenty of feeding if they’re to produce dramatic displays, so give them a diet of granular rose fertiliser. A feed now, and then again in mid-July will bring out a profusion of perfect blooms. Remember to check regularly for pests, blackspot and other diseases and spray if necessary with a recommended insecticide and/or a fungicide.

Garden Health Check Keep your spring bedding displays – including bulbs – flowering well by feeding weekly with a high potash liquid fertiliser. And remember to deadhead – that is removing the faded flowers and developing seed heads – and you’ll be rewarded with a further flush of flowers or an extended display. Many border plants will need support and tying

in to prevent them from being damaged and flopping all over the garden. Make sure the supports are in place early as it can be difficult to do when they’re in full growth.

Lawncare Your lawn should be growing fast this month so you will need to cut it regularly – once or twice a week – to keep it looking good. Now’s also a good time to feed the grass for a lush, healthy lawn, so check out our range of lawn fertilisers. Weeds and even moss may also be growing strongly this month, so take action to keep them under control with a lawn feed, weed and mosskiller. Then re-seed any gaps with lawn seed.

Plant Up Tomatoes Now’s the time to plant out greenhouse tomatoes for a bumper crop; and we have a good selection of plants in stock. You’ll need something to grow them in – such as growing-bags, 10 inch pots or growing rings filled with potting compost. If you find that growing-bags dry out too quickly – and the bottom of the fruit turns black – then cut the bags in half widthways, stand them on end and put one plant in each half. And don’t forget you’ll need to regularly water, feed and support the plants.

1000’s of Home Grown Bedding plants, Basket plants, Vegetable plants and Herbs plants

* Large range of standard & purpose made models * Full range of site services including erecting, base laying site levelling * Free Site Survey in most areas

A superb furniture collection designed by Katie Blake Here at Hawley Garden Centre

Hawley Garden Centre, Hawley Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7RB Interested advertising?

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33

Local Sports News

Dartford Valley Youth Rugby Fun day - 127 kids! 350 people! Now that’s what we call a community event!

Last Sunday saw the launch of the brand new Dartford Valley Rugby Club’s Youth Squad. It was celebrated with a fun day at the Leigh Academy where 127 kids pre-registered for the event and received a great welcome pack and sponsored t-shirt. The event was attended by over 350 people and, by all accounts, fun was had by all!

Ages ranged from 3-16 years old and activities were all based on fun & enjoyment - The ‘Bash-a-Bag’ activity zone proved particularly popular with even the 3-year old’s managing to knock over the men’s rugby team holding tackle pads (see photo of Danny Clive in mid-flight!). Another area that attracted a lot of children was the obstacle course ‘The Gauntlet’ where the kids were timed negotiating a course with lots of surprises! (see photo).

Dartford Valley RFC has ambitious plans for the next 12 months and will be launching it’s Women’s Team and Wheelchair Team later in the Year. Anyone interested in being involved in any of the squads will be made very welcome and should contact the club via the Facebook page (search Dartford Valley Rugby Club) or via email to secretary@dvrfc.com.

Luke Stickings, the Head of Youth Rugby explains why are they offering youth rugby? “As the only Rugby club in Dartford, Dartford Valley RFC is embarking on an ambitious journey to become a fully inclusive community club for the town. The first step of this journey is to create a professional and well organised Youth Section that caters for all ages of boys & girls (3-16). The 15-strong coaching team has been preparing for the launch day for the past 6 months completing coaching, first aid and safeguarding courses as well as attracting high profile sponsors to financially support the new chapter in the club’s history and preparing new fantastic kit for the kids. Once the Youth rugby has been established, the club will then proudly focus on ladies rugby and wheelchair rugby.

The club has been overwhelmed by the reaction of the Dartford community since it announced it was planning the Youth launch and is determined to satisfy the evident demand for youth sport in Dartford with a professional and structured Youth offering.”

Respect, Discipline, Fun, Sportsmanship - and believes that Rugby offers all of these qualities. Above all, the coaching team wants children to leave training sessions tired, smiling and wanting more! This is achieved by activities that develop technique and fitness, but with a focus on fun and teamwork with core respect & discipline that only rugby delivers. (see active picture - any) John Davis-Ashdown, the club President explains what the club is doing for charity: We are raising money throughout the summer for ellenor and british legion - 50% of all money raised on the day from registrations (£2.50/child) plus raffles, etc - should exceed more than £750 raised on the launch day. After this, for normal training every sunday, £3/child will be requested per session - meaning a revenue stream of approx £150/week (based on 100 children) for our chosen charities ... community work in action! (see picture of kids with ellenor) James Aitkenhead, the club Chairman explains who are the club’s main sponsors: We have been supported by a number of very generous sponsors throughout the planning/preparing/ organisational phases of the project. They range from small local companies (EMD / Wynne Electrical / Londis) whose owners are friends of the club, to large, high profile companies (Bluewater) who have recognised the ambitions of the club and contributed accordingly. Lastly, but by no means least, DBC has supported our launch through the ‘Salute to Youth’ fund. Simply put, it would not have been possible without them and we are very grateful for their ongoing support. (see photo of kids in kit with bluewater shirts) Rugby Training is every Sunday morning at 10am - please see the Facebook page for all the information, register, come along and join in the fun!

Gavin Drummond, the club head of Media & Marketing explain why the activities should be fun? The club has the moto - Teamwork,

42

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Bav’s Sporting Comment Richie Benaud, who has died aged 84, will be remembered as one of cricket’s finest commentators. His legacy extends far beyond the microphone. He was also an exceptional all-round cricketer and one of Australia’s finest captains.

doesn’t know!” – on Shane Warne’s Ball of the Century in 1993.

“Put your brain into gear and if you can add to what’s on the screen then do it, otherwise shut up” – on what to say and, more importantly, what not to say behind the microphone.

Benaud blended thoughtful leg spin bowling with lower-order batting aggression. In 1958 he became Australia’s Test captain until his retirement in 1964. He became the first player to reach 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in Test cricket, arriving at that milestone in 1963. Richie Benaud, possibly next to Sir Don Bradman, has been one of the greatest cricketing personalities as player, researcher, writer, critic, author, organiser, adviser and student of the game.

Round– subtly “There was a slight interruption there for athletics” 13th Dec, 3.00pm referring to a streaker.

(TBC)

FA Trophy 1st

In more recent years, he was known as one of the best and well respected commentators of the game. Here are a few of the late cricket legend’s most well-known sayings:

Upcoming events in May include: Braintree

26th Dec, TBCpm 1-5: Cricket - West Indies v England third Test, Barbados 9: Athletics - start of Diamond League season in Doha 10: F1 - Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona 21-24: Golf - PGA Championship, Wentworth 21-25: Cricket - England v New Zealand first Test, Lord’s 24: F1 - Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo 24: Football - final round of Premier League fixtures 25: Football - Championship play-off final, Wembley 25-7 June: Tennis - French Open, Roland Garros, Paris 30: Football - FA Cup final, Wembley 30-31: Triathlon - World Series, London

“Gatting has absolutely no idea what has happened to it ... he still Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Dartford Living 43

It’s a long, long way to Tipperary from Flanders Fields Created in the centenary year of the outbreak of hostilities in 1914, It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary from Flanders Fields makes a new contribution to the reawakening of interest in the First World War and its consequences for so many people. The commemorative revue has toured across Kent and been performed in the Jermyn Street Theatre in the West End, to enthusiastic and very responsive audiences. Entertaining, provocative and full of surprises, the show has a special focus on the way women were changed by and involved in the war. Their lives are commemorated in words and songs, familiar and unfamiliar.

American Broadway rubs shoulders with English stiff upper lip; Victorian sentimentality meets ragtime. Poems and letters give us an insight into the experience of war for soldiers, nurses, entertainers, factory workers and mothers. Taking the audience on a journey from the innocence of 1914 to the terrifying implications of Haig’s ‘backs to the wall’ order of 1918, we see war at its most brutal, ironic and poignant. Katapult Theatre Company are bringing It’s a long, long way to Tipperary from Flanders’ Fields to St Alban’s Church, Dartford as part of their continuing tour of the South East. The company was formed in 2010 by a group of Kent based professional actors with the aim of bringing new and original work to audiences across the county and beyond. The piece is just under two hours long with an interval and is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.

It’s a long, long way to Tipperary from Flanders Fields

Performance details Venue: St Alban’s Church, D a r t f o r d , K e n t D A 1 1 T F. Date/time: Saturday 30th May 2015 at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £12 will be available on the door or through www.wegottickets.com.

‘Some were patriots, some nutcases.

Some brave beyond comprehension, most terrified. Sometimes they laughed and sang at their work. Sometimes they shivered and trembled and wept.

Mostly they just got on with the job.’

For more information on the compan y and previous productions please see the website www.katapultproductions.co.uk.

A Great War Revue

Sat 30th May St Alban’s Church St Alban’s Rd Dartford Kent DA1 1TF 7.30pm Tickets £12 Available from

www.wegottickets.com

Or on the door.

Katapultproductions.co.uk

Astro Stars

By Sandy Davies

A Lunar Eclipse occurring 4th April can last up to 3 months

www.facebook.com/astrodegrees

ARIES VIRGO CAPRICORN 17th , your “soul mate” he/she might just be 16th, you may fall in love with someone or 18th to 1st June, you are busy, but still find around the corner. something that is unusual, and quirky. time to socialise.

Best days: 2nd, 17th Best days: 2nd, 6th, 8th, 16th, 22nd, 27th, Best days: 6th, 18th, Days to watch out for: 15th, 22nd, Days to watch out for: 3rd, 9th, 15th, Days to watch out for: 3rd, 10th, 15th, 21st, 22nd TAURUS LIBRA AQUARIUS 4th to 17th, you may cross an important 18th to 1st June, your resources come under threshold with your relationship. scrutiny but the good news is you may 17th, your “soul mate” he/she might just be receive a financial windfall. around the corner.

Best days: 6th, 16th, Best days: 6th, 8th, 16th, 22nd, Best days: 17th, 30th, 31st, Days to watch out for: 4th, 10th, 22nd, Days to watch out for: 10th, 15th, Days to watch out for: 25th, GEMINI SCORPIO PISCES 30th, you are ready to throw yourself into all activities.

4th to 17th, you have the chance to start 16th, you could meet someone new and this afresh and change anything you are not is a great time to turn a creative hobby into Best days: 22nd, 28th, 30th, personally happy with. a business.

Days to watch out for: 3rd, 9th, 15th, 23rd, Best days: 6th, Best days: 16th, CANCER Days to watch out for: 18th, 21st, 22nd, Days to watch out for: 9th, 26th, 29th, 31st, 4th to 17th, if you have children a great opportunity to show off their talents is possible.

SAGITTARIUS Best days: 2nd, 16th, 31st , you’re in the mood for adventure, wanting to see more of the world.

Days to watch out for: 10th, 22nd, Using your birth time and not just your Sun sign, to predict forthcoming events which are LEO unique to you! Order a 3 month, 6 month or Best days: 2nd, 16th 6th, this is a good time to build your 12 month report from £20.00 contact me on skills, get organized, and to attend to your Days to watch out for: 3rd, 4th 10th, 15th, 07966 307360 Email: astrodegrees@btinternet. wellbeing.

21st com Best days: 2nd, 6th, 36 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Days to watch out for: 4th, 21st

N O I T I T E P OM

C

Ticket Office

01322 220000

or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

GODSPELL LIVE IN CONCERT FRI 29 & SAT 30 MAY 2015 GODSPELL, THE LEGENDARY ROCK MUSICAL FROM STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, THE GRAMMY AND ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER OF WICKED, IS BACK! FOLLOWING THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SELL-OUT SUCCESS IN LONDON’S WEST END, THE SHOW IS RETURNING TO THE UK IN A ONE-OF-A-KIND PRODUCTION, WITH A BRAND NEW, MODERN DAY ROCK SCORE THAT FEATURES LIGHT OF THE WORLD, ALL GOOD GIFTS AND DAY BY DAY. THIS TIMELESS TALE OF FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY AND LOVE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF COUNTLESS THEATREGOERS ALL OVER THE WORLD - NOW YOU CAN JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION AS A SPECTACULAR ENSEMBLE STIR YOUR SOUL, RAISE YOUR SPIRIT AND LIFT YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR SEAT. DARTFORD LIVING AND THE ORCHARD HAVE TEAMED UP TO OFFER 2 TICKET TO THE SHOW. TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS FANTASTIC PRIZE JUST ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION...

GODSPELL IS A MUSICAL BASED MAINLY AROUND WHICH GENRE OF MUSIC? A) ROCK B) COUNTRY C) JAZZ D) POP

Please send your entries to Orchard Theatre Competition, Dartford Living, PO Box 283, Dartford, Kent, DA1 9BW or email comp@dartfordliving.com by the 10th May “Supporting Trevithick’s Industrial Dartford : See you in the park Saturday 9th May” “Supporting Trevithick’s Industrial Dartford : See you in the park Saturday 9th May” 2015 RULES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered. 4. Proof of posting will not be regarded as proof of delivery. 5. Winners will be notified by telephone, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 6. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 7. Closing date for the competition is stated above.

MARCH’S COMPETITION WINNER: CLIVE BILBY

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

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DARTFORD LOCKSMITH • All Locks Opened, Repaired or Replaced • UPVC, Timber or Metal Door Locks • Insurance Upgrades to BS3621 • Residential & Commercial • Local Rates For Local People

Tel: 01322 552363 or 07966 136605

SUDOKU Solution

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Kick off times & further information can be found at www.dartfordfc.co.uk

£ 12 adults £6 concessions £ 2 children

CLAREMONT DECORATIVE SERVICES • ALL TYPES OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DECORATING • AROUND THE HOUSE MAINTENANCE JOBS • FREE ESTIMATES • REFERENCES AVAILABLE • RELIABLE, INEXPENSIVE AND QUALITY WORK BY LOCAL TRADESMEN

CAN WE HELP YOU?

Please call Mike or John on: Tel 01322 406439 / 01322 525708 Mobile: 07742 085333 Email: mikeperry5001@aol.com Partners: Mike Perry and John Petherick

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Please mention Dartford Living contacting our advertisers Please mention Dartford Living whenwhen contacting our advertisers

F.D. TRANSPORT “FULWICH VILLA” 100 FULWICH ROAD, DARTFORD KENT TEL: 01322 292323 MOBILE: 07831 448552

• FREE ESTIMATES • ALL REMOVALS UNDERTAKEN • ALL GOODS FULLY INSURED

F.D. TRANSPOR T

• HAULAGE, PARCEL SERVICE, SINGLE ITEMS

Interested in advertising?

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

Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

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Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation

Open daily 10:30 - 17:00

Daily Flying Displays Eagle Heights is one of the UK’s largest Bird of Prey Centres, currently we have a collection of approximately 150 raptors. This includes over 50 species, many of which are now breeding at the centre or can be seen flying in our daily demonstrations.

Eagle Heights is situated in the stunning Village of Eynsford overlooking the idyllic views of the valley and the rolling hills of the countryside. These beautiful views can be seen from the Tearooms where you can admire them with a warm pot of Tea! We are fully accessible to the disabled and welcome all group types and sizes. We offer Falconry Experience Days, Animals Experience Days, Animal adoptions and more! All of which make fantastic gifts!

Please see the Experiences section for full details!

GENERAL ADMISSION Adult: £7.95 Student*: £5.95 Disabled**: £5.95 Carer***: £5.95 Senior Citizen: £5.95 Child(4-14): £4.95 Admission prices includes displays. *Students must produce a valid in date ID card. **Please note verification of disability or carer status will be required to qualify for the concessionary rate.

E.g Blue Badge, letter etc.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, ,Kent, DA4 0JB