November Dartford Living by Dartford Living

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NOVEMBER 2014 Issue 101

gfield • Northfleet • Swanley • Wilmi esend • Greenhithe • Lon ngton

Boyzone’s Shane Lynch IN Gravesend’s biggest ever panto! See Page 18

What’s Inside... WIN AN

iPAD MINI Competition: WHEN YOU BOOK ONLINE WIN an iPad Mini! See Page 14 At Practical Car & Van Rental we believe practical people deserve practical things which is why we are giving away an iPad Mini to six lucky customers who book an online rental this winter.* It pays to be...

www.practical.co.uk

Community Speed Watch See Page 24

Residents Urged to Donate Blood See Page 33

Plus Plus AAll llyour yourregular regularfeatures, features,

puzzles, puzzles,events, events,information information and andmuch, much,much muchmore! more!

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DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE Providing a full service to Dartford Small Businesses

Dear Readers,

A big November hello from ever yone

packed with lots of local information

can - use them or lose them!

“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 2

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

at Dartford Living! As usual this mon

and local businesses. Please support

th’s edition is jam as many as you

Don’t forget that we run Dartford Livin g 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 artic le for the magazine. If writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliv er 100 or so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the mag azine 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 vario us drop off points. These include Dartford Foot ball Club, numerous local libraries, Darent Valley Hospital, What If... and Stephen Oliv er Art Galleries, numerous health cent res and various locations at Bluewater inclu ding Coffee Republic. The ‘Previous Editions’ section of the Dartford Living website (www.dartfor dliving.com) also includes electronic versions of Dartford Living magazine. Addition ally, 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 elect ronic copy of Dartford Living! Nearly 400 0 local people already do this!

Until next time, Vijay

(and Annie, Bhavesh, Dhiren, Elaine, Joanne, Ken, Mark, Nickki, Peter, Richey, Samantha, David and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

Dartford Living, PO Box 283, Dartford, Kent, DA1 9BW Tel: 01322 507817 Advertising & Editorial - Contact Vijay: editor@dartfordliving.com Sales and Design - Contact Samantha: sales@dartfordliving.com www.dartfordliving.com Add us on Follow us on

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Dartford Living and its owners cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services that appear in any Dartford Living publication or media.

DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE Providing a full service to Dartford Small Businesses

Dear Readers,

A big November hello from ever yone

packed with lots of local information

can - use them or lose them!

“A Hand Holding Service” Established 35 years

Tel: 01322 278188

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

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

at Dartford Living! As usual this mon

and local businesses. Please support

th’s edition is jam as many as you

Until next time, Vijay

(and Annie, Bhavesh, Dhiren, Elaine, Joanne, Ken, Mark, Nickki, Peter, Richey, Samantha, David and the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

www.facebook.com/DartfordLiving @dartfordliving

Index of Advertisers and Information Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Dartford Living Magazine

Advertisers Accountants, FINANCe & Legal Conradi Morrison & Co..................2 Lynton & Co...................................5 Builders, Decorators Roofing, Kitchens & Windows 4k Building Services....................39 A Baines & Son Roofing................26 Claremont Decorative Services.......36 John Hargreaves Building & Home Improvment........................31 P Clark........................................33 Steve Cook - Double Glazing.........16 cleaning/DRY CLEANERS Oven Clean................................17 Cosmetic, Beauty & Health Dia Wipes...................................15 Lipo Angel Treatments...................35. Lesley Charles Hairdresser.............29

Education Kip McGrath................................17 Electricians AES Electricians..............................4 EsTATE AGENTS GPS Lettings.................................15 Wisdom Estates............................24 FASHION Ahadi Fashion..............................25 Garages & Vehicle Services Shenley Road Garage...................36 Home Help and SUPPORT Sue - Home Help............................4 Jewellers Bradleys......................................26 LOCKSMITHS/HOME Security Dartford Locksmith........................31

Music/Dance & SPORTS/Fitness Dartford Bootcamps........................4 Monkey Music...............................7 Signalong Baby Sign....................11 Opticians Linklater Opticians........................37 Picture Framing Craft Frames................................36 Plasterers Craig Baker.................................26 PLumbers/Bathrooms/TILING A.B Services................................17 Nightingale Bathrooms..................23 T Broadbent.................................25 Van Services & Removals F.D Transport................................32 Practical Car and Van Rental.........14

ARTICLES & LOCAL INFOrmation

General Home Help

LOSE WEIGHT

Local retired lady available for small errands, shopping,

Want to be a Size Smaller by Christmas?

gardening, cleaning, dog walking, general help with any

The most effective way to lose weight and improve health and fitness levels

small jobs around the house.

Reliable, friendly, trustworthy References available

Call Sue: 07758 091177

One-to-One & small group Personal Training

Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com Or call Mark on 07841 848 404

www.DartfordBootcamps.com 4

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Astro Stars.......................................................................... 37 Automotive News................................................................. 30 Woodville Theatre Shows..................................................18-19 Book Review........................................................................ 28 Can you handle the cube?.................................................... 23 Change to how you vote article............................................. 29 Community Speed Watch...................................................... 24 Contact Dartford Living........................................................... 3 Dartford Football Club......................................................... 34 Dartford Warbler Results....................................................... 34 Editor’s Letter......................................................................... 3 Fire Safety Article................................................................. 22 Fitness Article...................................................................... 34 Five WOW Facts................................................................. 38 Gardening Tips.................................................................... 28 Gareth Johnson, MP............................................................. 13 It’s Your Letters..................................................................... 21 Local dad in Tough Mudder Challenge................................... 25 Mayor of Dartford urges residents to give blood...................... 32 Outdoor cinema a huge success............................................ 31 Orchard Theatre Competition................................................ 33 Peter Pan at the Orchard Theatre........................................... 20 Round Table Dartford...................................................... 7 & 27 School Life: The Perspective of an Insider................................ 39 Sporting Comment............................................................... 16 Sudoku............................................................................... 30 Sudoku Solution................................................................... 38 The Brent Primary School Celebrations................................... 12 Tips for Small Businesses....................................................... 22 Useful Numbers................................................................... 38 Where To Go Locally.........................................................6 -13 Win an iPad Mini................................................................ 14

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

Index of Advertisers and Information Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Dartford Living Magazine

ARTICLES & LOCAL INFOrmation

General Home Help

LOSE WEIGHT

Local retired lady available for small errands, shopping,

Want to be a Size Smaller by Christmas?

gardening, cleaning, dog walking, general help with any

The most effective way to lose weight and improve health and fitness levels

small jobs around the house.

Reliable, friendly, trustworthy References available

Call Sue: 07758 091177

One-to-One & small group Personal Training

Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com Or call Mark on 07841 848 404

www.DartfordBootcamps.com 4

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

Where to go locally... Mondays

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time)

1:15pm - 2:30pm. Brent Methodist Church, St Vincents Road, Dartford. 01322 291092. 9:15am - 11:00am. St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. Contact Julie on for 2-5 year olds. St Mary’s activities creative Messy Makers:10am-11am, and 3.45pm-4.45pm - an hour of messy play and email messymakers@gmail.com. or 150593 07851 child. per £3.50 Greenhithe. Road, London Hall, Church Greenhithe

Tuesdays

Contact Catherine on 01322 220036. Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Crossroad, Dartford. John Atkins: 01322 272649. drinks. and snacks all including family per £2 Dartford, Hill, East Church, Little Fishes: 12 - 2pm, Net 288434 for further information. 9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) the children For pre school children up to 4 years Sticky Fingers, 9.30-11.30 am £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time forwww.stmarygreenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see

Wednesdays

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322)

288434 for further information.

Thursdays

details. The Vineyard Centre, 24 Market St, Dartford. Contact Jane on 07956 430244 for further Crayford. Road, Manor Hall, Church Paulinus St 9:30 - 11:30am. 3 years, 10-11.30am. Springfield Lodge Day Nursery DARTFORD Fun Playtime sessions, 0 01322 228154 a chance to meet other families and make new friends, no need to book, just turn up! TEL:

Fridays

adult 9.30-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per greenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmary 01322 380322 jeannehoadley@yahoo.co.uk 9.30-11.30 Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne

Saturdays

includes 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 greenhithe.com St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall, London Road Greenhithe. Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmary

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. MondayS 10:30am - 11:00am & Friday 2:15pm - 2:45pm at Dartford Library - Baby Bounce & Rhyme Time Tuesdays 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/TIM E ON THURSDAYS Tuesdays 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.

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

toddler group Springfield Lodge Dartford Children

aged from three months - four years can be brought along to Springfield Lodge Day Nursery , Powder Mill Lane. The free session will run ever y Thursday morning from 9.45 am – 11am. Giving parents or carers the opportunity to meet others, mak e friends and chat, whilst the children can enjoy some great fun and play time with a variety of age-specific activities on offer each week. Water, juic e, fruit and biscuits will be availabl e for a small donation to char ity.

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

Where to go locally... Mondays

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time)

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322)

288434 for further information.

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

Little Bright Sparks

a b c

toddler group Springfield Lodge Dartford Children

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

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.

LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

th Come and Join one of Nor Kent’s fastest and most s. successful Martial Arts club Saj For more information, call e on 07903 513104 or just com along to one of our sessions and join in the fun! With the most reasonable fees around, be you’ll find that training can ils affordable too! For all deta please visit our website www.northkentkarate.com

Erith Youth Rugby

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

LATE NIGHT CHEMISTS

...local events, clubs & groups Little Tigers - Karate for 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.

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

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

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/WestKent-Book-Club/

The Dartford Chess Club

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

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

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 Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors.1st session free www.dartfordjujitsu.co.uk

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club

Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club

Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on

Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park site, managed by the Club. Members subscribing annually to play the course have formed themselves into a small golf club:- PRINCES PARK

GOLF CLUB. Contact: Mr. Pat Coleman, Secretary 01322 863730. email: pat.coleman@ dartford.gov.uk

The Ashes Badminton Club

Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.

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.

YOGA BELLIES

YogaBellies prenatal yoga classes at the Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford. Tuesday evenings 7-8.15pm. For more information please contact lianne@ yogabellies.co.uk 07530281704 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 Branch free micro chipping

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

LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

Erith Youth Rugby

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

LATE NIGHT CHEMISTS

...local events, clubs & groups Little Tigers - Karate for 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

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.

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

Dartford Gymnastics

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

The Dartford Chess Club

ALL DIRECTIONS

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 Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors.1st session free www.dartfordjujitsu.co.uk

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club

Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club

Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on

Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park site, managed by the Club. Members subscribing annually to play the course have formed themselves into a small golf club:- PRINCES PARK

GOLF CLUB. Contact: Mr. Pat Coleman, Secretary 01322 863730. email: pat.coleman@ dartford.gov.uk

The Ashes Badminton Club

Mondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.

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.

YOGA BELLIES

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

Where to go locally... Play Golf - Make new friends?

Why not join a new golf society in Dartford Suitable for mid -high handicappers - very informal, new players welcome Play at local clubs in Kent

Contact Gary on TEL: 07850 376818

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

Gravesend Historical Tours No need to book just turn up.

Sunday 2nd November 2014: Guided historical tour of Greenhithe and Ingress Park Meet: 2.30pm on corner of Station Road and High Street, Greenhithe. £3 a head. Guide: Christoph Bull 0770 2287147.

DE-STRESSING

for Mind, Body and Soul Relaxation Workshops/Sessions

Mindfulness/Meditation, CBT, EFT Now also holding group sessions for nerves, driving tests/interviews etc. www.janetslifeoachingvpweb.co.uk tel:01322311415/07837413229 jtmason@googlemail.com

...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.

Monkey Music!

More than 10,000 babies and children regu larly attend classes at Monkey Music and you can book your FREE class now. Join us at: - Alba ny Park Baptist Church, Bexley (Tuesday morn ings) - Baptist Church, Eynsford (Thursday morn ings) - Spital Street Methodist Church, Dartford (Friday mornings). Fun, age-specific, classes for child ren (3mths - 4 years). To book call: 01322 8620 21 or Email: bexley.dartford@monkeymusic.co.uk .

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

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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 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

PAVILION PLAYERS

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

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 rs: Mon 2.00pm - 6.00pm, Tue 9.00am - 1.00pm, Thurs 2.00pm - 6.00pm, Fri 9.00am -1.00pm, Sat 10.00am - 2.00pm Temple Hill Library Opening Hou rs: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm, closed Wed & open Sat 10.00am - 2.00pm

Dartford Ladies Probus Club

A group of retired ladies meet locally for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of each month, paying £13 each. 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

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

Where to go locally... Play Golf - Make new friends?

Why not join a new golf society in Dartford Suitable for mid -high handicappers - very informal, new players welcome Play at local clubs in Kent

Contact Gary on TEL: 07850 376818

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

Gravesend Historical Tours No need to book just turn up.

Sunday 2nd November 2014: Guided historical tour of Greenhithe and Ingress Park Meet: 2.30pm on corner of Station Road and High Street, Greenhithe. £3 a head. Guide: Christoph Bull 0770 2287147.

DE-STRESSING

for Mind, Body and Soul Relaxation Workshops/Sessions

Mindfulness/Meditation, CBT, EFT Now also holding group sessions for nerves, driving tests/interviews etc. www.janetslifeoachingvpweb.co.uk tel:01322311415/07837413229 jtmason@googlemail.com

...local events, clubs & groups

The National Women’s Register

Crayford Town Archive

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.

Monkey Music!

Dartford Art Group

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

MUSIC UMBRELLA

PAVILION PLAYERS

Local Libraries

Dartford Ladies Probus Club

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

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

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

...local events, clubs & groups

Scrappy Days! A scrapbooking group

is being held at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Road, Dartford, DA2 7RB on the 2nd Sunday of the month between 2pm and 6:30pm. It costs £6 which includes refreshments, nibbles and the use of a cricut (cutting machine for those that don’t know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on 07910 488428 or email scrappydays@hotmail.co.uk

NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP Dartford & Gravesham Branch Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 10-12pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

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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 the 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

Guided historical tour of Greenhithe and Ingress Park Sunday 2nd November 2014 Meet: 2.30pm on corner of Station Road and High Street, Greenhithe. £3 a head no need to book just turn up. Guide: Christoph Bull 0770 2287147.

Dartford 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 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 Morris

office@brent.kent.sch.uk

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates: Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm - Appointment required) • Friday 21st November (4.00 pm to 6.00 pm) • Friday 7th November • Friday 5th December

Open Surgery (No appointment necessary) • Saturday 22nd November, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm, Sainsbury’s Dartford, DA1 2HL • Monday 1st December, 11.00 am – 12.00 pm, Christ Church, DA1 3ET • Friday 12th December, 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm, Mick Jagger Centre, DA1 2JZ If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment based surgeries in the future, please email him: gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7047

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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.come

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

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Where to go locally... Toni Mount History Classes

Guitars in the Shadows – join in music by the Shadows to 60s to Rock n Roll

...local events, clubs & groups

Scrappy Days! A scrapbooking group

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page? If so email your suggestions to editor@dartfordliving.com

Dartford & District Stamp Club

Hold regular meetings in The Meeting Place, The Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford. Details from Steve Alpe 01322 284491 or email steve_alpe@hotmail.com

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS

Dartford 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 Floral Club

West Hill Morris

office@brent.kent.sch.uk

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

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

Competition: WIN AN iPad Mini! A big Well Done to Tina, Dave and Simon from PRACTICAL CAR AND VAN RENTAL DARTFORD, along with Rhiannon, Debbie, Andrew, Carley and Lindsey for completing the 54 mile London to Brighton bike ride in September.

They have raised in excess of £2600 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children who support over 800 children and young people offering respite and end of life care in their hospices. This vital service is offered free of charge to all of the families but costs over £9m every year with only a small amount coming from the NHS and statutory funding. PRACTICAL CAR AND VAN RENTAL are currently giving away an iPad mini to six lucky customers who book an online rental this winter. Why? Because we think you deserve a little treat for choosing Practical. To be eligible for this prize, all you need to do is use our no-nonsense three-step online booking system to hire any vehicle with the rental starting between November 1 and December 1, 2014. We’ll automatically enter your name into a prize draw and announce the winners on December 8. To find out more or book a vehicle, visit www. practical.co.uk today, call us on 01322 294800 or call in and see us at 18 The Brent, Dartford, DA1 1YN

WIN AN iPAD MINI WHEN YOU BOOK ONLINE At Practical Car & Van Rental we believe practical people deserve practical things which is why we are giving away an iPad Mini to six lucky customers who book an online rental this winter.* It pays to be...

www.practical.co.uk * To be eligible for this prize, all you need to do is use our no-nonsense three-step online booking system to hire any vehicle with the rental starting between October 1 and December 1, 2014. We’ll automatically enter your name into a prize draw and announce the winners on December 8.

Dia Wipes are an essential part of your blood testing routine. Suitable for anyone who has Type 1 Diabetes, or those with Type 2 Diabetes who need to test their blood. Keep Dia-wipes handy so your blood glucose testing does not slow you down: · School · Office · Car · Beach · Sports · Many more! Each finger wipe measures 45mm x 70mm. Does not contain alcohol, fragrance or any product or chemical that will interfere with your blood glucose result. 25 wipes in each resealable pack. RRP £1.49 per pack

Available to order from leading insulin pump pouch and diabetic asseccory supplier: Funky Pumpers www.funkypumpers.com or www.dia-wipe.com 14

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

11 15

Available to order from leading insulin pump pouch and diabetic asseccory supplier: Funky Pumpers www.funkypumpers.com or www.dia-wipe.com 14

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

11 15

Bav’s Sporting Comment Who needs friends when you are looking to sell copies of an autobiography? You have to hand it to Roy Keane, he has done his best to steal a few headlines from Kevin Pietersen after the two most controversial sports books of the year appeared in the shops on the same day recently. You assume they don’t need to earn more money after very successful careers, although both books are already selling in thousands, with Keane nudging just in front of the former England cricketer. I get the feeling this is not about money….

Upcoming events in NOVEMBER:

2: F1: US Grand Prix, Austin. 4: Horse Racing: Melbourne Cup 4-6: Football: Champions League and Europa League group stage matches 8: Rugby Union: England v New Zealand, Ireland v Keane’s big selling point is his scrap with Sir Alex Ferguson, from South Africa, Scotland v whom he famously parted on bitter terms after 12 years of enormous Argentina, Wales v Australia success at Old Trafford and who he claims fed deliberate lies to the 9: F1: Brazilian Grand Prix, media in order to discredit him. Indeed, he admitted that his first book, Sao Paolo might have been as much as he wanted to say about his career had not 10-17: Tennis: ATP World Ferguson attacked him in the former Manchester United manager’s Finals, London 15: Rugby Union: England v own autobiography last year. He specifically accused Ferguson South Africa, Scotland v New of rounding on the very players who had brought him wealth and Zealand, Wales v Fiji enhanced his fame. 15: Football: Euro 2016 Pietersen says he wrote his book to get across his side of the story qualifier: England v Slovenia following years of ‘character assassinations’. Then the former England 18: Football: friendly cricket star goes on to accuse Matt Prior of ‘double standards’ and international: Scotland v Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1 27/1/14 12:15 Page 1 ‘back-stabbing’ while also making allegations of bullying in the camp. England

22: Rugby Union: England v Samoa, Ireland v Australia, Scotland v Tonga, Wales v New Zealand 23: F1: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina 25-27: Football: Champions League and Europa League group stage matches 26: Cricket: Sri Lanka v England 1st ODI 29: Rugby Union: England v Australia, Wales v South Africa 25- 7 Nov: Snooker: UK Championship 26: Cricket: Sri Lanka v England 2nd ODI

STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

NO FEE! UT L-O L A ! C VAT NO

Most common problems that arise with double glazing can be solved quickly and cost effectively:

Mob: 07747 015223 Tel: 01322 412791 45 Knole Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 3JN. E-mail: steve.cook3@ntlworld.com

• Misted, cracked or broken glass • Drafts, leaks & condensation • Sticking, loose or broken handles • Window/doors not opening, closing • Patio doors not running smoothly • Cat flap & letterbox fitting/replacement • Lock and key replacement

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Upcoming events in NOVEMBER:

STEVE COOK DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING, REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

NO FEE! UT L-O L A ! C VAT NO

Most common problems that arise with double glazing can be solved quickly and cost effectively:

Mob: 07747 015223 Tel: 01322 412791 45 Knole Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 3JN. E-mail: steve.cook3@ntlworld.com

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

A.B. A.B. Services Floor and wall tiling spec Services

A.B. – We specialise in kitchens, Services A.B. bathrooms, cloakrooms, Floor and wall tiling specialist etc A.B.

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– We specialise in kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms, etc – No job too small – Call for a free no obligation quote – Great rates available – All local areas covered – We specialise in

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Boyzone’s Shane Lynch IN Gravesend’s biggest ever panto this Christmas!

Boyzone’s Shane Lynch will star as the wicked Abanazar in Gravesend’s biggest ever panto this Christmas! And not only that, he’ll be joined by EastEnders’ most lovable villain, Jamie Foreman, who played Derek Branning in the soap, and Ben Ofoedu from 90’s group Phatt’s and Small. As part of Boyzone, Shane Lynch has sold 25 million records around the world, including 18 UK top ten hits, and, following their 20th Anniversary area tour and the release of their new album ‘Dublin To Detroit’ coming in November 2014, Boyzone shows no signs of letting up. However, whenever he can, Shane loves to take time out for panto, and said “Travelling around the world for most of the year is not as exciting as it seems, and to be able to work in one place, with one cast, on one show, for a month over Christmas, is a pleasure for me. I love panto, and recently I discovered I love playing the baddie!” “I live quite locally so I’ll be able to have Christmas at home with the kids, and I’ve done Aladdin before for the same company, so I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage with Ant and Rob again”. Shane last played Abanazar in panto, in Sevenoaks in 2012-13. In that show, local entertainer Ant Payne played Aladdin’s brother Wishee Washee, and Robert Pearce played the panto dame Widow Twankey. Shane will be reunited with the pair for this year’s show.

What four things do most pre-school children want to do at Christmas? • Meet Santa • Get presents. • Have lots of fun. • Sing songs. At last a show for the 2 – 6 yr olds that does everything children want to do at Christmas, written by BAFTA Award-winning writer Iain Lauchlan. Santa’s Dizzy Day is a fun packed experience for the young audience which will make them laugh, encourage them to sing their favourite songs and ask them to help Santa out of a tricky situation. The show will also give children an opportunity to give their letter to Santa in person. Specially designed paper for the letter will be available on the day or can be downloaded from

www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/santasdizzyday.aspx PLUS: As an added treat, all of the children will get to meet Santa and get a gift from him. It is an unmissable treat for all children up to the age of 6 years and will ensure that the festive season gets underway with an unforgettable Christmas experience. Running time approximately 35 minutes followed by a meet and greet with Santa.

“You never quite know what’s going to happen in panto, especially with Ant and Rob working with you. Last time I did Aladdin for the producers, I was so impressed by the production values, the cast, the music. Obviously I’m used to massive shows and high standards on the Boyzone arena tours, so when I found a company who work to the same level as I do, I wanted to stick with them. Gravesend is not going to know what hit them!” For Jamie Foreman, who was best known as a film actor before he joined EastEnders, Aladdin will be his first panto. He said “I’ve done plenty of theatre, and love working with a live audience, but most of my career has been in front of a camera. Obviously I’ve seen panto’s, and love taking the family, but this Christmas will be a whole new challenge for me. I can’t wait!” Ben Ofoedu, best known for his Phatt’s and Small hit ‘Got To Turn Around’, will also be giving his panto debut in Gravesend. He said “Shane Lynch and I have been friends for years, and I’ve seen him in panto a few times. He always talks about how much fun they are, so when he offered to recommend me to the producers, I thought, why not give it a go? I can’t wait to get started, me and Shane are already practicing our lines together!” Aladdin is at the Woodville Gravesend from 13 December 2014 to 4 January 2015. For more details visit www. gravesendpanto.com.

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Boyzone’s Shane Lynch IN Gravesend’s biggest ever panto this Christmas!

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

All Aboard for the Launch of Peter Pan, Dartford’s Swashbuckling Panto!

De ar Da rt fo rd Liv in g Re

aders,

For those of you that regu larly go fishing at Brooklan ds Lake over near Homeba Dartford Park or those that se close to walk their dogs there, then you would be aware of the Crayford Sea Cadets Unit Dartford & also known as TS Anson ( TS meaning training ship in ages from 10-18 boys ) the cadets range and girls from all walks of life and ethnicity. What you about is the history of this might not know unit. Since 1942 when this unit was formed during the World War 2 that it and dark days of its volunteer staff and volu ntee r offic ers in its 72 year history. Man have trained thousands of y of these cadets young men cadets and women from the local area join the Navy and many saw active service and fulfil went on to led a working lifetime of our nation. Many cadets exem plar y service to went in to private sector care ers and still do to this day life changing skills learnt taking with them from their experiences and comradeship whilst being unit. a Sea Cadet at our Our cadets train in all man ner of things including, row ing, sailing, kayaking,firs saving skills, swimming, mou t aid and life ntaineering, as well as drill ing and marching as they local as well as national even take part in ts and parades such as Rem emb rance Sunday and Trafalga celebrations. Our cadets play instruments in our ban r day d and some cadets perform duti being Mayor of Dartford es such as Cadets and provide escort service to the Mayor and Our cadets are proud to som e civic functions. provide a flag lowering hon our guard and last post salu of local ex servicemen and te at the funerals women. Our unit/corps which has some 37 cadets and over a dozen hardworking and from the Chairman and Com loyal staff members mittee members to its Com manding Officer and othe admin staff are all without r staff ranks and exception volunteers and give up at and train the cadets as well least two nights a week to support as many weekends at the unit or away on exercises at othe Navy or Army bases. r units or We are always open for new cadets to come along and join us on Tuesdays and unit at Brooklands Lake Dar Thursdays at the tford from 7 pm to 9.15 pm. Sadly our unit receives no funding from Government or the navy or local authority our day to day running cost as such towards . Our reserve funds are alm ost depleted now and we business’s to help support are asking local us. We are hoping to rais e £5k to fill the shortfall in need to keep going another our finances that we year. If not we dread the thought that our unit whic charity number 302726 h is a registered may have to close next year and the borough will be losing valued and historic landmar a much k and service to future gen erations of youth from Dar and Wilmington. tford, Crayford You the public can help by holding events to raise fund s for us or by simply send donation to Dartford & Cra ing us your yford Sea Cadets Unit via our Treasurer Mr. M Pickerin Main Road, Longfield, Ken g at Riverley, 40 t DA3 7QZ. We are also hoping that local business sponsor us for the future. ’s will adopt us and Our cadets and staff mem bers are alwa and lay on a demonstratio ys willing to attend any even n of marching. t Our website details are www .sea-cadets.org/dartfordcr ayford We can also be found on Facebook at https://www .facebook.com/DartfordSCC Th an k yo

It’s Y our Letter s! Have y ou

got someth i n g to sa about a local is y sue? See pa g e 3 fo details of how r to contact us. The cast of Peter Pan, The Orchard Theatre’s pantomime, took part in a nautical press launch recently at the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Panto stars on board for the event were Craig Revel Horwood (Captain Hook) and Paul Burling (Smee) along with Andy Owens (Peter Pan) and Tabitha Camburn (Tinkerbell).

year,” Craig added.

The cast were joined by the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, who posed for photos with the cast on board the spectacular HMS Gannet, a sloop of the Victorian Royal Navy built in Medway in 1878.

Jonathan Kiley, executive producer of Peter Pan said “We are absolutely delighted to have Craig Revel Horwood starring in Kent’s biggest pantomime. Craig is a first-rate actor, dancer and singer, as Dartford audiences know. We’re also excited to be joined by the comedy genius of Paul Burling and Dawson Chance, who will add yet more family-friendly comedy to our swashbuckling adventure”.

Craig Revel Horwood, who last week returned to the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing, previously starred in The Orchard Theatre’s 2011 pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This year Craig will play the dastardly villain Captain Hook in a production once again staged by the world’s largest pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment.

Craig will star alongside comedy impressionist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Paul Burling, and ventriloquist Dawson Chance with the loveable ‘Willy’.

“After five pantomime seasons in the role of the Wicked Queen and terrifying poor Snow White, I’m delighted to set my sights on Neverland in pursuit of Peter Pan,” says Craig.

Peter Pan follows The Orchard Theatre’s most recent record-breaking pantomime, Cinderella, which starred Bradley Walsh. Theatre Director, Chris Glover, explains: “Cinderella was a huge success for The Orchard Theatre with 94% of all seats sold during the run. We have been inundated with positive messages from customers who had a great time, and many immediately booked for this year!”

“I had such a great time in the production of Snow White at The Orchard Theatre three years ago and I am thrilled to be returning for another Christmas season this

To book your seats for this year’s strictly sensational show visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.

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u & Re ga rds, Ste ph en We st Da rtf ord & Cr ay ford Se a Cade ts Un it

We really need your help please donate to Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets you can do so easily by texting ANSN01 plus an amou nt (£1, £2, £5 or £10) to 70070 (i.e. to donate £10 text ANSN01 £10” to 70070). Plus you can add Gift Aid to your donation by following the instructions in the reply message; this enables the taxman to give an additional 25% on top of your donation at no cost to you.

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

All Aboard for the Launch of Peter Pan, Dartford’s Swashbuckling Panto!

De ar Da rt fo rd Liv in g Re

aders,

It’s Y our Letter s! Have y ou

year,” Craig added.

Craig will star alongside comedy impressionist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Paul Burling, and ventriloquist Dawson Chance with the loveable ‘Willy’.

“After five pantomime seasons in the role of the Wicked Queen and terrifying poor Snow White, I’m delighted to set my sights on Neverland in pursuit of Peter Pan,” says Craig.

“I had such a great time in the production of Snow White at The Orchard Theatre three years ago and I am thrilled to be returning for another Christmas season this

To book your seats for this year’s strictly sensational show visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

u & Re ga rds, Ste ph en We st Da rtf ord & Cr ay ford Se a Cade ts Un it

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

• FIRE SAFETY • FIRE SAFETY • FIRE SAFETY

Dartford Boiler Incident Prompts Seasonal Reminder from Fire Crews With cooler weather ahead, Dartford firefighters are reminding us that now is the time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep our homes running as smoothly and safely as possible. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), Head of Community Safety, Lee Rose, said: “The weather can change quickly and as the cooler evenings set in, many of us will be thinking of switching on the heating or lighting an open fire, so why not take the opportunity to make sure your boiler has been serviced and/or your chimney cleaned and inspected by professionals, so that you will be safely prepared.” The advice follows an incident Dartford crews attended at a property in Great Queen Street recently involving a faulty boiler. The occupants, a couple who had been out for the day, called the fire service when they returned in the early hours of the morning and smelled smoke in their home. Fire crews investigated and discovered scorch marks in the cupboard housing the central heating boiler and evidence of a large build of steam in the cupboard housing the expansion tank.

Crew Manager Gary Miller said: “It appears that a small fire had burnt itself out so we isolated the gas and electricity to the boiler to make it safe until it could be inspected by a Gas Safe engineer. The couple had a lucky escape as this incident could have been far more serious, but it highlights the need for residents to ensure boilers are serviced regularly.” He added: “Also, before you use your chimney this year, make sure it is swept. Whatever fuel you burn it is important that the chimney is kept clean and that you do not allow soot or ash to build up.” For further advice on fire safety visit www.3breaths.info or contact the KFRS community safety team on 0800 923 7000.

Offshore Income

Tips for small businesses

The Yoga Cube is a new type of studio and is the brainchild of Adrian Gains. Original soundtracks have been created by international ambient DJs. Four full screen video walls create the perfect environment to escape the stresses of modern life. The perfect space to meditate, relax and practice yoga.

The inspiration behind The Yoga Cube was to create a multimedia space where groups of people can meditate and take part in yoga. Imagine being in a rain-forest, on a beach or in the mountains. The cube is a space that can simulate these environments. So, even though you you are in Dartford, you can experience the sights and sounds of anywhere in the world. The perfect environment to get away from it all. The cube can take groups of up to 25 students. Inside, each of the four walls is a full size video screen, driven from four projectors in a black-out space. A five speaker surround sound system provides the soundtrack. A typical lesson would last 1hr 15mins and the audio-visual elements can be tailored according to the teacher, the students and the type of yoga. This is an original, innovative concept - a true multimedia

experience - and has generated lots of interest from musicians and DJs from around the world who have created original music specifically for The Yoga Cube. They are working very closely with local yoga teachers so that the music and visuals enhance the class. Yoga Moksha, one of the local yoga groups, are extremely excited about this venture and invite Dartford Living readers to go along to one of their classes and let them know what you think. It is a new approach and they want it to really inspire! Where: The Yoga Cube (Lok’n’Store, Optima Park, Dartford DA1 4QX, near Slade Green Station) When: Wednesday: 11am until 12.15pm, Friday: 12pm until 1.15pm and 1.45pm until 3pm Check out www.theyogacube.co.uk or www.yogamoksha. co.uk for more details and to book your mat-space!

Each month Paul Conradi, Chartered Accountant at Conradi Morrison & Co, will be giving us his professional advice for small businesses.. Individuals who fail to declare offshore income could now face criminal charges even if they had no intention of avoiding tax. The new HMRC policy could make criminals of those ignorant of the tax law, or those who forgot about assets they have offshore. In the March Budget, George Osborne announced his intention to make offshore tax evasion a criminal offence. As a result of this, HMRC are now launching a consultation on the new rules, with detailed proposals expected in the Autumn Statement. Taxpayers who evade tax can already be subject to a criminal charge, but the prosecution must prove intent. Therefore, most investigations into tax payers are

Can You Handle The Cube?

settled without civil penalties. The Government has now proposed a new strict liability offence of failing to declare offshore income. The HMRC therefore would no longer have to prove deliberate tax evasion. Consequently, it is very important that tax payers ensure that all offshore income is declared. As your local Accountant, I will be very glad to meet you and discuss the possibility of tax planning in your business. For more information, please see page 2 of this month’s Dartford Living and feel free to call on 01322 278188 to arrange a free meeting.

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• FIRE SAFETY • FIRE SAFETY • FIRE SAFETY

Offshore Income

Tips for small businesses

Can You Handle The Cube?

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Proudly...

... achieving

99.3% of asking prices or higher!

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Results speak for themselves...

...Our

Property Valuation

Address

Viewings Offers

Canterbury Court 11 Rowan Road

Manor Road

Crumpsall Street

Oaklands Road

Elm Road

Baker Crescent

Wheatly Close

Maybury Avenue

Horsham Road

Oaklands Close

% of Asking Price Achieved

105.1%

103.2%

(Open House)

102.1%

(Open House)

110.4%

100.7%

(Open House)

100%

99.3%

100%

100.4%

100%

102%

Christmas Dresses ‘Your ...

For All Your General Plumbing Needs including: New Central Heating Systems System Upgrades Boiler Changes Cylinders & Unvented Tanks Bathroom Suites

... Move’

1% Selling Fees

01322 272 144 www.Wisdom-Estates.co.uk

Community Speed Watch

Plumbing & Heating

Professional Service, over 35 years experience

The results are based on a selection of both completed & sold stc property data, & are correct at time of printing.

A group of residents from Stone and Ingress Park, Greenhithe, have been giving up their spare time to make local roads safer as part of Dartford’s Community Speed Watch (CSW). The volunteer group, formed by Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Councillor Peter Harris, are just a few of the 850 people that have been trained across Kent to observe and record vehicles travelling too fast in areas with a 30 or 40mph limit. In their first week of activity the Ingress Park and Stone group recorded 88 vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit. The group are supported by Dartford Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and Kent Police, including PC Robert Payne from the Dartford Community Policing Team. Councillor Harris, said, “It’s great to be involved in this scheme which helps to make roads safer in our community for both pedestrians and other road users.” Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, added, “I am delighted that our Community Safety Team are able to help this group of residents in such a worthwhile activity. It makes a real difference to safety on their streets.” Inspector Gary Woodward, head of the Dartford Community Safety Unit, said, “Enforcing speed limits is one of a range of responsibilities we have to our communities. Speed Watch is a great example of Kent Police and Dartford Borough Council working to empower our community in partnership and raise awareness of this important issue.” Kent Police are responsible for overseeing the CSW scheme and providing training to volunteers, as well as assessing the

T. Broadbent

safety of roadside locations used by CSW groups. Once trained, volunteers operate a large LED sign which displays the speed of vehicles travelling past. If a vehicle is observed travelling above set thresholds in 30 and 40mph limit areas the details are recorded and sent to the CSW support team at Kent Police. If a vehicle is observed speeding on two or more occasions, or at 50% over the limit, the registered keeper receives a warning letter and speed awareness advice from Kent Police. Detection by CSW will never result in penalty points or a fine, and the aim of the scheme is to improve safety by making drivers more aware of their speed. If data collected by CSW shows that a location has a persistent problem with speeding vehicles Kent Police may deploy enforcement resources to the area in the future. Across Kent there are currently around 70 schemes in operation. Speed Watch volunteers reported a combined total of 20,118 observations of speeding vehicles in 2012 and 2013. These generated 1,962 advisory letters (9.8% of detections). To find out more about Community Speed Watch in Dartford and get involved, please contact Dartford Borough Council’s Community Safety Unit by email at community.safety@dartford. gov.uk or call 01322 343000.

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Call now for a free quote 07973 705 165 Ahadi Fashion 16 Orchards Centre, Dartford | Tel: 01322 319 019 | Facebook: Ahadi Fashion sales@ahadifashion.co.uk | www.ahadi-fashion.co.uk

T. Broadbent Plumbing & Heating Gas Safe Registered Engineer

Local dad in Tough Mudder challenge in memory of young daughter A BEREAVED dad and friends have taken on a gruelling Tough Mudder challenge to raise funds for the local charity that cared for his young daughter. Little Layla McCarthy from New Ash Green was just four years old when she sadly died on August 29 after a two year battle with leukaemia. Soon after her diagnosis chYps, the children and young people’s service of EllenorLions Hospices, stepped in to give Layla and her family the care and support they desperately needed.Keen to help other families, Rudi and his friends rallied around and are took part in the gruelling 12mile obstacle course in Hampshire on Saturday 25 October to raise vital funds for chYps so it can provide care to other seriously ill babies, children and young people. Rudi, who has two other daughters Libby, 7, and five-month-old Amber: “When Layla was diagnosed in 2012 chYps Palliative Care Nurse Specialist Nurse Kay came into our lives, giving Layla vital treatment in the privacy and security of our own home. Kay soon became part of our family and was by our side from the beginning to the end; nothing was ever too much for her. The team have supported us as a family and without them things would have been much harder.

team had already nearly raised £1500. They hope people’s generosity will continue in the knowledge that chYps must raise around £1.5million every year to be able to reach out to the 200 children under its care. This includes Layla’s older sister Libby who will continue to receive vital bereavement support and care. Rudi added: “chYps ensured Libby wasn’t forgotten. She had to grow up fast but chYps ensured she could still be a ‘normal child’ by inviting her along to fun days and other support groups. At one point we thought we were through the worse but then the cancer returned in January this year. Even though our beautiful Layla has gone we know chYps will continue to support our family and for that we are very grateful.” To sponsor the team please visit www.justgiving.com/ toughmudderforlayla/

“chYps provide such vital care for children and all over West Kent and Bexley and we hope to raise as much as we can for them so they can help other families who need help.” Within four days of setting up their online fundraising page, the

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

Proudly...

... achieving

99.3% of asking prices or higher!

FREE

Results speak for themselves...

...Our

Property Valuation

Address

Viewings Offers

Canterbury Court 11 Rowan Road

Manor Road

Crumpsall Street

Oaklands Road

Elm Road

Baker Crescent

Wheatly Close

Maybury Avenue

Horsham Road

Oaklands Close

% of Asking Price Achieved

105.1%

103.2%

(Open House)

102.1%

(Open House)

110.4%

100.7%

(Open House)

100%

99.3%

100%

100.4%

100%

102%

Christmas Dresses ‘Your ...

For All Your General Plumbing Needs including: New Central Heating Systems System Upgrades Boiler Changes Cylinders & Unvented Tanks Bathroom Suites

... Move’

1% Selling Fees

01322 272 144 www.Wisdom-Estates.co.uk

Community Speed Watch

Plumbing & Heating

Professional Service, over 35 years experience

The results are based on a selection of both completed & sold stc property data, & are correct at time of printing.

T. Broadbent

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Call now for a free quote 07973 705 165 Ahadi Fashion 16 Orchards Centre, Dartford | Tel: 01322 319 019 | Facebook: Ahadi Fashion sales@ahadifashion.co.uk | www.ahadi-fashion.co.uk

T. Broadbent Plumbing & Heating Gas Safe Registered Engineer

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

C B

Craig Baker

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

Mobile: 07930 969 903 Home: 01322 220341

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

60 Hythe Street Dartford DA1 1BX Tel: 01322 278535

148 Broadway Bexleyheath DA6 7DW Tel: 020 8298 1710

(Opposite Greek Taverna)

FORGET THE REST WE PAY THE BEST!

So who are Dartford Round Table?

Competitive Rates!

Established 1977

We Offer On All Unwanted Gold, Stone Set Jewellery and Quality Watches • No Obligation Quotes • Over 18’s - I.D Required WE WILL BEAT ANY GENUINE OFFER GUARANTEED

(Opposite Primark)

• Manufacturing Jewellers • In-House Jewellery Repairs

(Same day wherever possible)

• Watch Batteries Fitted - All Types • While You Wait Service (wherever possible) • Wide Range of New and Previously Owned Jewellery • In House Jewellery Valuations

Web: www.bradleysjewellers.co.uk Email: bradleysjewellers@yahoo.co.uk

Jewellery 20% &allrepairs with

OFF

this advert *

* The 20% discount may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or special offer

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Round Table is one of the world’s largest mens only voluntary clubs They offer all 18-45 year old guys the chance to have many great experiences with ‘old friends you have just met’, trying new activities and supporting the local community. There are NO secret handshakes there, no meeting with robes & rituals and definitely no pretence. We’re a club of like minded guys who are looking to do more in life. ‘Normal’ things mixed with random nights like tractor racing, scavenger hunts, rock climbing, to the typical variety of crazy golf, poker, water polo mixed with the organising of community events, raising money for a charitable cause or simply getting together for a fun night over a few drinks. As long as we’re having fun and making a difference we’re up for it.

Pete Holmes contacted Round Table in January this year so we have interviewed one of the newest guys in the newest Table to see how they are getting on and to spread the word in the Dartford community. Pete, why did you contact Round Table? I’m a Northerner who has lived down South for four years. I needed to improve my social life so I searched the internet and found Round Table. Despite them being all over the world, I had not heard of them before. I found that they were new to Dartford so the timing was great. What happened when you contacted them? I got a prompt response from their National office followed by a phone call from a local Tabler, a guy called Studley. During the phone call with Studley we chatted casually about Round Table and the fun and random opportunities available. I immediately felt comfortable and we even had lots of banter and laughs as apparently I have accent! After the 30mins conversation I knew I had done the right thing by contacting them and was now looking forward to the following Monday and meeting the guys in person. So you went to a meeting. What was it and what was it like? Bizarre! Something I now understand to be a ‘real Tabling sort of night’ and a LOT of fun. The ‘Whacky Games Night’ involved making paper airplanes to hit a spot on the wall, a ‘What I did last summer’ drawing competition, coin football to knock lollies off the table, an arm wrestle, spinning a coin onto a spot on the table and much, much more. I was amazed at how well everyone in the room got on and even more amazed when I learned that some people had only just met each other. It was just like one big club and we will even pick you up for your first attendance. Was it expensive? Not at all. It was free to me and I was even bought a pint. I think everyone else paid just £5. It was a minimal outlay for attendees and I now know that this money was towards helping the developing club. What has happened since? Well the new Dartford Round Table was having its official Charter Night launch at the end of March so I pitched in and helped with organising that. It really was an amazing experience working with other new guys to build a club. The Charter was unbelievable! We had many Tablers attending from all over the

country and even one from Sweden. After the Charter we had the first AGM just 9 days later. We had a new Chairman and we all felt a part of something special. We are continuing to grow and looking for like minded blokes to come see what we are about by attending one of our Monday nights out. What role did you take on? I am pleased to say that I am the Vice-Chairman of Dartford Round Table. So what have you done Mr Vice-Chairman? Round Table is absolutely NOT political or religious but to help raise the profile of the new Table I contacted the Mayor of Dartford. He is an outgoing community minded person, to be honest a perfect Tabler if not for being over 45. I’m delighted to say that I am now a personal friend of the Mayor. Together we now promote and attend various community events which usually consist of randomness, beer & much fun. It’s great that, as a new Round Table, individuals are coming together and we are all working for the club. I’ve picked up the name ‘Super Pete’ as I am told, I pretty much do every task I am set. I am a construction manager so I have to organise things at a fast pace. I guess I bring that into my Table life too. We’re so lucky to have a great mix early on. I have been able to get my employer (Willmott Dixon Housing) involved in Table by them donating materials totalling £250 for our upcoming events. What about Charity collections? What about them? Round Table is NOT about Charity, it’s about Community! Get this mentality right and you’ll have strong Table. Dartford Round Table are spending their first year building links with community clubs, businesses/associations with a community mentality as well as community minded organisations, people and others such as Councillors and our local MP. These are the people that can really drive our membership. These are the ‘likeminded’ people that Round Table seeks to become a Tabler and then benefit like I do. As for charity collecting. I appreciate that it is a good thing to do and the planning of it bonds the Table but we do not feel it is the priority. I am sure that the giving part also gives us, as people a great feeling - I’m looking forward to that part. I’m pleased to announce our first minded family event. Starting on April 4th 2015 Dartford Round Table will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt every year. We are pleased to say that Dartford Council have offered us the use of central park for free as they are supportive of our community approach.. Watch this space, and our website, for further news on the event and I hope to see you all on Easter Saturday in Central park. Full details of Dartford Round Table can be found on · www.dartfordroundTable.co.uk

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

C B

Craig Baker

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

Mobile: 07930 969 903 Home: 01322 220341

TEL: 01322 271693 MOBILE: 07971 792463

60 Hythe Street Dartford DA1 1BX Tel: 01322 278535

148 Broadway Bexleyheath DA6 7DW Tel: 020 8298 1710

(Opposite Greek Taverna)

FORGET THE REST WE PAY THE BEST!

So who are Dartford Round Table?

Competitive Rates!

Established 1977

We Offer On All Unwanted Gold, Stone Set Jewellery and Quality Watches • No Obligation Quotes • Over 18’s - I.D Required WE WILL BEAT ANY GENUINE OFFER GUARANTEED

(Opposite Primark)

• Manufacturing Jewellers • In-House Jewellery Repairs

(Same day wherever possible)

• Watch Batteries Fitted - All Types • While You Wait Service (wherever possible) • Wide Range of New and Previously Owned Jewellery • In House Jewellery Valuations

Web: www.bradleysjewellers.co.uk Email: bradleysjewellers@yahoo.co.uk

Jewellery 20% &allrepairs with

OFF

this advert *

* The 20% discount may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or special offer

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

Gardening Tips for November

Tips provided by Dobbies Garden World.

Ever darkening days, wet and stormy weather, trees shedding their remaining leaves ... but even now there is an array of colour. Flowers

• Conditions on mild days are still ideal for planting: • Later flowering spring bulbs such as Lilies and Tulips • Bare-root or root balled trees, shrubs and Roses • New hedges i.e. Beech, Hawthorn, Privet, Laurel • Dig up and divide established plants which are now overcrowded and re-plant • Pansies, primulas and other winter/ spring bedding plants • Prune back Roses and tidy up deciduous shrubs. Both may need a further prune in February/March

Vegetables

• Dig over vacant ground and work in well rotted manure or compost • Order seed catalogues • Protect cauliflower curds by bending a few leaves over • If storing vegetables make sure that they are well spaced and dry • Leeks and parsnips may be left in the ground until required for use

Greenhouse

• Water carefully to avoid leaf splash • Control pests and diseases encouraged by warm, damp conditions • Ventilate when possible to improve air circulation and control humidity

• Grow plants such as Chrysanthemums, Cyclamen, Azaleas, Poinsettias to provide colour in the house • Make sure heating system is working efficiently as it will be required more and more as winter continues

General Tasks

• Continue to rake up leaves from beds, borders and out of the pond, and stack them to compost • Provide food and water for birds • Protect tender plants which cannot be moved by insulating them with straw, bracken etc. • Drain stone fountains etc.

Read. Relax. Review It’s a Knockout: The World Champions Boxing Quiz Book Guinness World Records’ boxing consultant, Ralph Oates, delivers another knockout punch with his most recent compilation of boxing trivia. The latest in a long line of successful and insightful boxing books from former amateur boxer Ralph, The World Champions Boxing Quiz Book provides ringside seats for a thousand questions covering the careers of over fifty world champion boxers, including Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calzaghe and Frank Bruno. Regarded as the leading compiler of boxing quiz books in the country, Ralph’s love of boxing began in his school years. Unable to continue in the sport due to poor eyesight, Ralph instead became an avid fan. Drawing from a life of interest in the sport, years writing articles and quizzes for The British Boxing Board of Control, and publishing numerous boxing reference books, Ralph provides a unique and enticing challenge that will test and delight anyone with an interest in boxing.

He said: “My books have always been meticulously researched. This time around we have gone the extra mile to provide the best possible book for all fans of the noble sport. If you have a genuine interest in boxing this book is definitely for you.” The World Champions Boxing Quiz Book covers decades of boxing world champions, taking in everything from title fights to referees, to entertain, educate and test to see who can go the distance. Some of these questions you will feel sure of, others will make you question what you thought you knew about boxing – making this a must have for both the casual fan and the most diehard of supporters. Former WBC World, British and European lightweight champion, and one of Ralph’s favourite boxers, Jim Watt MBE, is one of the boxers selected for the book. He also provides the prologue. Jim said: “This book is essential for all boxing fans. The younger ones, who are perhaps new to the sport, will find it educational, while the seasoned fan will find it an excellent reference guide. The book can be purchased from www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

Would you like to review a book for Dartford Living? If so, get in touch, editor@dartfordliving.com 28

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Changes to How You Register to Vote The Electoral registration system has changed During the summer, all Dartford residents will have received a letter through the post telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years. The letter explained that a new, more secure, system of Individual Electoral Registration has been introduced nationally to replace the old Victorian system where the “head of household” registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves. Many residents have been transferred automatically to the new electoral register, where the information held by the Council matched records held by the Government, and do not need to take any further action. However where it has not been possible to match records held by the Government, people will need to take action to remain on the Register of Electors or to register for the first time. This can now be done quickly and easily online at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote.

Dartford’s Electoral Services Manager said, “Most Dartford residents have received a letter which explained the changes to the electoral registration system and that they did not need to take any further action. However, some residents could not be automatically transferred, and they will need to provide some additional information. The letter sent to them explained what they need to do.” Reminders are in the process of being sent and the Council’s Canvassers are now calling at properties who have failed to respond to earlier letters. To reduce costs residents are urged to respond to these letters as soon as possible. Failure to respond could mean that you are removed from the Register of Electors or that you will lose your right to vote by post from December onwards. If you have received a letter inviting you to register, or receive a reminder, please act now to ensure that you can vote in future elections.

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

Gardening Tips for November

Tips provided by Dobbies Garden World.

Ever darkening days, wet and stormy weather, trees shedding their remaining leaves ... but even now there is an array of colour. Flowers

Vegetables

Greenhouse

• Water carefully to avoid leaf splash • Control pests and diseases encouraged by warm, damp conditions • Ventilate when possible to improve air circulation and control humidity

General Tasks

Would you like to review a book for Dartford Living? If so, get in touch, editor@dartfordliving.com 28

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

Dhiren’s Automotive News In this edition we’ll look at new face lifted models, from three manufacturers in the Far East, which will go on sale late 2014 and in 2015.

2015 Mazda2 – the new Mazda 2, which should prove fuel-efficient, is a rival to the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. The 2 gets Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies, which are designed to match the fuel efficiency of small turbocharged engines or even hybrid systems without the complexity or expense. This new version will only be a little longer and wider. There will be four engines offered in the UK, with three petrols and one diesel; all 1.5 litre (74- to 113bhp for petrol). The 1.5 diesel, meanwhile, will be the most efficient model. The entry-level editions are expected to start at around £11,000 and go on sale at the end of 2014. 2015 Toyota Prius+ MPV – The Toyota Prius+ MPV has been tweaked for 2015, with refreshed styling, more equipment and new colour choices. On the outside, the seven-seat MPV takes inspiration from the

facelifted Toyota Yaris and new Toyota Aygo, with a bold black grille and redesigned headlights. Inside, there’s a new dark silver metallic finish for the buttons and switches, and splashes of chrome on the door handles and air vents. It’s not yet clear which models will feature the above equipment, or how much each will cost. These details will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date early next year. However, its expected a slight increase on the outgoing model, which starts from £26,145. 2015 Honda Jazz – Honda has revealed the new Jazz at the Paris motor show, as a protoype but it appears to be almost production ready. The new Jazz dimensions have grown a little over the current car. Powering the new Jazz will be a 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which can be coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. A hybrid version, using a 1.5-litre engine in conjunction with an electric motor to develop a combined 133bhp. The ‘Magic Seats’ seen in other Honda models are fitted. They can be folded forwards to increase storage space. The car will go on sale next summer with the hybrid version engine expected to follow later in 2015.

SUDOKU

www.DartfordBootcamps.co.uk

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 all there is to it!

JOHN HARGREAVES Building & Home Improvement Services Wide range of building & home improvement services for the interior & exterior of your property.

• Brickwork • Carpentry •Painting • Decorating • Fencing • Decking • Patios • Tiling • General maintenance Friendly, reliable, local service. 30+ years of experience working in the construction industry. No job is too small.

CALL TODAY! 07957 195272 OR 01322 220562 After 6pm.

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

Outdoor cinema nights a huge success! Council Leader delighted to have a ‘blockbuster’ on his hands after huge success of Council’s first outdoor cinema nights. Dartford’s first outdoor cinema nights in Central Park were a huge success with more than 1,200 people turning up to watch classic movies Grease and Top Gun. Free tickets for the two showings were snapped up within hours causing Council bosses to relocate the huge outdoor screen to accommodate more cinema fans.

Park and Indiana Jones!” Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said, “To say I’m thrilled with the response is an understatement. Both screenings were hugely popular and there was a lovely friendly atmosphere the whole evening. It’s clear we are on to a winner and I’m happy to confirm that there will be more outdoor movie nights next year. I love being able to make these events free for Dartford residents and it’s yet another great milestone for our beautiful Central Park. People were telling us how much they love the way the park looks.”

Warm late-summer weather saw huge audiences bring picnics and deck chairs to Central Park and the Council says feedback to the movies has been fantastic. Cinema-goer Emma Clifford from Dartford said, “The outdoor cinema is a great idea and it’s nice that we are able to bring in our own food and drinks. How about ET or Back to the Future?”

(Solution on page 38)

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Shaun Gale from Dartford added, “It’s a brilliant idea. I’d love to see more old classic films and the kind of films they show on the TV at Christmas – like Jurassic

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

Dhiren’s Automotive News In this edition we’ll look at new face lifted models, from three manufacturers in the Far East, which will go on sale late 2014 and in 2015.

SUDOKU

www.DartfordBootcamps.co.uk

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 all there is to it!

JOHN HARGREAVES Building & Home Improvement Services Wide range of building & home improvement services for the interior & exterior of your property.

CALL TODAY! 07957 195272 OR 01322 220562 After 6pm.

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

(Solution on page 38)

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Shaun Gale from Dartford added, “It’s a brilliant idea. I’d love to see more old classic films and the kind of films they show on the TV at Christmas – like Jurassic

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

Mayor of Dartford Urges Residents to Donate Blood The Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, is urging residents to take the time to donate blood. The Mayor gave blood for the first time in September at St Anselm’s Church Hall in West Hill. He said, “The staff from the NHS Blood Team were great - everyone was really friendly and reassuring and explained each step of the process. Giving blood didn’t hurt at all and I’d encourage everyone who can donate to make an appointment.”

residents from these communities to step forward and donate.

Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To register and book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk.

01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

PETER PAN - THE SWASHBUCKLING PANTOMIME ADVENTURE! Saturday 3rd Jan 2015

Following sold out performances for this year’s panto, Craig Revel Horwood will star as Captain Hook in the swashbuckling family pantomime adventure, Peter Pan! Craig is joined by Television personality and impressionist Paul Burling and comedy ventriloquist Dawson Chance with the lovable Willy. Running between Fri 12 December and Sat 3 Jan, Peter Pan will feature all the usual dazzling sets, sparkling costumes, an abundance of comedy and stunning special effects.

Which of the following celebrities will star in the panto? A) Craig Revel Horwood B) Bruce Forsyth C) Tess Daly D) Len Goodman

Only four per cent of the country’s eligible population are active blood donors. Of these, only 0.6% of donors come from a Black, African and Caribbean background and 2.1% are Asian. The Mayor would especially like Dartford

Please send your answer, name and telephone number (by 20th NOVEMBER) to:

orchardcompetition@dartfordliving.com or Nov Orchard Theatre Competition, Dartford Living, PO Box 283, Dartford, Kent, DA1 9BW 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.

OCTOBER’S competition winner: Saffron Powell Brown, Wilmington

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

P. Clark

GENERAL BUILDERS (EST. 1976)

All enquiries contact Paul:

Tel: 01322 270951 Mob: 07985 457432 Email: paclark26@aol.com

• FREE ESTIMATES

F.D. TRANSPORT

• ALL GOODS FULLY INSURED • HAULAGE, PARCEL SERVICE, SINGLE ITEMS 32

Ticket Office

Dartford Living and The Orchard have teamed up to offer 4 tickets for a family (must include one adult and one child) to the show on Friday 12 December. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just answer the following question...

NHSBT collects 1.8 million units of blood each year from over 23,000 blood donation sessions in more than 3,000 venues. The team needs 7,000 people to attend a session each day to make sure they can meet the needs of patients.

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

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residents from these communities to step forward and donate.

01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

PETER PAN - THE SWASHBUCKLING PANTOMIME ADVENTURE! Saturday 3rd Jan 2015

Which of the following celebrities will star in the panto? A) Craig Revel Horwood B) Bruce Forsyth C) Tess Daly D) Len Goodman

Please send your answer, name and telephone number (by 20th NOVEMBER) to:

OCTOBER’S competition winner: Saffron Powell Brown, Wilmington

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

P. Clark

GENERAL BUILDERS (EST. 1976)

All enquiries contact Paul:

Tel: 01322 270951 Mob: 07985 457432 Email: paclark26@aol.com

• FREE ESTIMATES

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What to do BEFORE you cut calories

F I T N E S S

For most people trying to lose weight, the first “action” they take is to eat less. “Cut calories and you’ll lose weight” tends to be the mantra that’s pushed on us day in, day out. But...

In all the years I’ve been working with people, helping them to lose weight, very few people actually eat excessively. For the most part, people just eat the wrong things, at the wrong times. Through no fault of our own we’ve been led to believe how much you eat is all that counts (eat less, move more). In fact, many people don’t eat enough; causing them to gain weight easily at the slightest “slip-up” or holiday. Here’s a quick heads up – cutting calories should be the LAST thing you do in your weight loss efforts. From a calorie perspective, yes, you DO need to burn more than you eat (that’s simple maths), but it’s not as clean cut as that. Start not by consuming less, but by burning more – tip the balance from the other end. Get more active, start exercising. The benefits of exercise are endless, but not

least, you don’t have to starve and deprive yourself! For most people, this is a dramatic enough change to start seeing fat loss results. Give it a few weeks, and when the weight loss begins to slow down, look at what you’re eating. Make the switch from sugary, carbohydrate dense foods, to fresh, wholesome, real foods. Whilst maintaining calories (still not cutting calories here!).

The Party Season is nearly here..... Get in that little black dress!

This again should bring results. If/when your results start to slow again, and you’re not quite where you want to be, take a look at your training. Could you do more? Are you doing too much? Are you working hard enough? Are you doing the right things? This is where a good trainer can help. They’ll tell you how much you need to be doing, and more importantly, what you should be doing (for most people, especially women, the treadmill, cross-trainer, stationary bike, spin etc. are NOT the way to go!) Beyond this there are still many things you can, and should do before cutting calories. Try these first few steps and see how you get on.

• Immediate results • Safe and painless • No side effects • Non-invasive fat reduction, body shaping and face lifting • Suitable for all skin types • Long lasting results

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.

DFCSA Warbler Draw Results Lose up to n less than a 2 inches in iet on earth hour... No d at! can do th

DFCSA Warbler Draw Results for Sept 1st prize - £200 - 030 - Steve Irving 2nd prize - £100 - 271 - Bob Blair 3rd prize - £50 - 116 - John Woodhead 4th prize - £50 - 154 - Jonathan Stringer 5th prize - £50 - 159- Chris Shippam 6th prize - £50 - 122 - Wesley Bass Congratulations to all the winners. If you are not a member why not join today for just £5 per month - for details and application form visit the official Dartford FC website: http://www.dartfordfconline.com/site/?q=pages/ dfcsa-warbler-club.

quiz night

1st Sunday in the month Park Suite, Princes Park @ 7:30pm Teams of up to 10 players (£12 per team). Licenced Bar For more information please e-mail dfcsa@aol.com

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

FA Cup - 1st Round Proper 8th Nov, 3:00pm TO BE CONFIRMED Welling United 11th Nov, 7:45pm Southport 15th Nov, 3:00pm Chester 25th Nov, 7:45pm

Real Clients, Real results!

ONLY £IO4N5 !! PER SESS

DERS OFFER! LIMITED REA .

rt with this adve ) (Normally £65

Telephone: 07877 347764 www.frenchysbeauty.com Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

What to do BEFORE you cut calories

F I T N E S S

The Party Season is nearly here..... Get in that little black dress!

• Immediate results • Safe and painless • No side effects • Non-invasive fat reduction, body shaping and face lifting • Suitable for all skin types • Long lasting results

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.

DFCSA Warbler Draw Results Lose up to n less than a 2 inches in iet on earth hour... No d at! can do th

quiz night

1st Sunday in the month Park Suite, Princes Park @ 7:30pm Teams of up to 10 players (£12 per team). Licenced Bar For more information please e-mail dfcsa@aol.com

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

FA Cup - 1st Round Proper 8th Nov, 3:00pm TO BE CONFIRMED Welling United 11th Nov, 7:45pm Southport 15th Nov, 3:00pm Chester 25th Nov, 7:45pm

Real Clients, Real results!

ONLY £IO4N5 !! PER SESS

DERS OFFER! LIMITED REA .

rt with this adve ) (Normally £65

Telephone: 07877 347764 www.frenchysbeauty.com Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

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

Astro Stars

By Sandy Davies www.facebook.com/astrodegrees

Aries

Virgo

Aquarius

“Blow the cobwebs” out of your mind by expanding your horizons. Best days: 2nd, 11th, 20th, 25th, 27th,

Communications will be obsessive and you push until you have all the facts! Best days: 16th, 26th

Restlessness will drive you to break out of your rut and make changes. Best days for romance: 27th,

Taurus

Libra

Pisces

An international venture may take off. Best days: 2nd, 11th, 20th, 27th,

You may make money and you will spend it just as quick. Best days: 2nd, 13th, 27th

Your mind turns to the bigger “picture”. Best days: 2nd, 12th,

Gemini

Great time to bring forward any ideas you have connected to your work. Best days: 12th, 16th, 20th, 26th,

Scorpio

Cancer

People flock around you “like bees to the honey”, it’s a whirlwind of socialising. Best days: 4th, 12th, 13th, 26th,

Not the time to make new friends, you want to feel comfortable with the “tried and tested”. Best days: 2nd, 16th, 20th,

Have a style re-vamp or splash the cash on yourself. Best days: 9th, 29th

Sagittarius

Leo

Capricorn

Making decisions concerning the home, doesn’t go down to well with others! Best days for romance: 23rd,

You discuss long range goals with friends and may realise you want different things. Best days: 2nd, 4th, 18th, 26th,

Using your birth time and not just your Sun sign, to predict forthcoming events which are unique to you! Order a 3 month, 6 month or 12 month report from £20.00 contact me on 07966 307360 Email: astrodegrees@ btinternet.com

Partners: Mike Perry and John Petherick

Shenley Road Garage

01322 229887

SAME DAY MOTs (Booking not always necessary)

• Tyres • Exhausts • Clutches • Timing Belt Changes • Petrol & Diesel Cars & Vans Welcome the Good Garage Scheme  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 36

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Established for over 70 years

When did When didyou you last last have haveyour your checked? eyeseyes checked? Linklaters has an extensive range of over 400 styles of glasses to choose from. Bespoke spectacles at sensible prices.

Tel: 01322 223113

22 Lowfield Street (next to Barclays Bank), Dartford Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

CAN WE HELP YOU? Please call Mike or John on: Tel 01322 406439 / 01322 525708 Mobile: 07742 085333 Email: mikeperry5001@aol.com

Astro Stars

By Sandy Davies www.facebook.com/astrodegrees

Aries

Virgo

Aquarius

“Blow the cobwebs” out of your mind by expanding your horizons. Best days: 2nd, 11th, 20th, 25th, 27th,

Communications will be obsessive and you push until you have all the facts! Best days: 16th, 26th

Restlessness will drive you to break out of your rut and make changes. Best days for romance: 27th,

Taurus

Libra

Pisces

An international venture may take off. Best days: 2nd, 11th, 20th, 27th,

You may make money and you will spend it just as quick. Best days: 2nd, 13th, 27th

Your mind turns to the bigger “picture”. Best days: 2nd, 12th,

Gemini

Great time to bring forward any ideas you have connected to your work. Best days: 12th, 16th, 20th, 26th,

Scorpio

Cancer

People flock around you “like bees to the honey”, it’s a whirlwind of socialising. Best days: 4th, 12th, 13th, 26th,

Not the time to make new friends, you want to feel comfortable with the “tried and tested”. Best days: 2nd, 16th, 20th,

Have a style re-vamp or splash the cash on yourself. Best days: 9th, 29th

Sagittarius

Leo

Capricorn

Making decisions concerning the home, doesn’t go down to well with others! Best days for romance: 23rd,

You discuss long range goals with friends and may realise you want different things. Best days: 2nd, 4th, 18th, 26th,

Partners: Mike Perry and John Petherick

Shenley Road Garage

01322 229887

SAME DAY MOTs (Booking not always necessary)

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

www.shenleygarage.co.uk 36

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Established for over 70 years

When did When didyou you last last have haveyour your checked? eyeseyes checked? Linklaters has an extensive range of over 400 styles of glasses to choose from. Bespoke spectacles at sensible prices.

Tel: 01322 223113

22 Lowfield Street (next to Barclays Bank), Dartford Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com

Five WOW Facts!

Follow me on twitter - ebb_emily

SUDOKU Solution

Each month Vinayak Jain will wow us with 5 facts about somewhere or something amazing in the world. This month it’s… Petra Petra is a spectacular archaeological site in the Southern Jordanian governorate of Ma’an.

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It is an amazing specimen of stone-cut architecture as well as a water conduit system. Established in 312 BC, it is one of the oldest metropolises in the world. Petra is famous for its 800 individual monuments that includes tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, & colonnaded streets, that were carved from kaleidoscopic sandstone. Among the most popular monuments is the 2,100-pound sandstone bust of Dushara, Petra’s primary male deity. The Bedouin of the Arabian Desert have destroyed some of the most priceless carvings on the Treasury’s walls (another popular site in Petra) as they used them as target for their shooting practice. Also, most of the structures have been weakened by salt that is blown from the dead sea which crystallizes on the building’s columns. Petra is a hidden gem that will take you through the history of Middle East like no other place & give you more than a glimpse of how influential the region was.

School Life:

The Perspective of an Insider Cyber bullying Young people can’t escape any form of bullying anymore, with the internet at home or using their phones. Cyber bullying can be described as any form of bullying that incorporates the use of technology.

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

£ 12 adults Dartford £6 concessions Living £ 2 children

When dealing with cyber bullying in my school, normally what they write isn’t what they would ever say to someone face to face. A computer/phone makes people feel they are invincible and they can say what they want, without realising how it is affecting the person on the receiving end. Rarely have I come across cyber bullying where we don’t know who has written the offensive material. I almost jump for joy when the victim

has saved all the abuse and we have the evidence to do something about it. No one can dispute it, as it is in black and white. There is not a specific law which makes cyber bullying illegal but it can be considered a criminal offence under several different acts including Protection from Harassment Act (1997), Malicious Communications Act (1988), Communications Act (2003) Obscene Publications Act (1959) and Computer Misuse Act (1990). In some instances, I have involved the school Police Liaison Officer to give the bully a warning about what could happen if it continues. A problem I have encountered, is when something has happened between two students and then one of them puts up a ‘Facebook status’, which is aimed for the other student but it’s done where no names are mentioned. But everyone ‘Likes’ it and makes comments. Just remember to keep a record of everything before the other person has a chance to delete it. Some students write such horrible things, post it for ten minutes and then delete, with the intention to hurt that person and to avoid getting caught. A useful website: http://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/

✆ Useful Numbers 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 38

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 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 West Kent NHS Helpline: 0800 0 850850

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

Five WOW Facts!

Follow me on twitter - ebb_emily

SUDOKU Solution

1 2 3 4

School Life:

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

£ 12 adults Dartford £6 concessions Living £ 2 children

Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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