Dartford Living March 2023

HELEN GEORGE INTERVIEW - PAGES 6 to 9

ELLENOR REVEALS PLANS FOR NEW WELLBEING WING - PAGE 24

SHARING KINDNESS AROUND THE WORLD FROM DARTFORD - PAGES 44 & 45

Helen George Interview

Doorstep Criminals

Healthy

Oh Vienna

Parish Paupers & Mystery at the Manor

Why Dental Checkups are so important

Travel Spotlight

ellenor reveals plans for new wellbeing

centre

Life Under the Stairs

Walking with the Darts

Communicating with people living with Dementia

Auto News

Sport

Sleep

Sharing kindness around the World from Dartford

DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE

Dear Dartford Living Readers,

Welcome to our special 201st edition of the magazine - we hope you like it!

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

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

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

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

Take care, Vijay

Editor -

Living

the rest of the fantastic Dartford Living volunteer team)

HELEN GEORGE INTERVIEW

The King and I is the most sumptuous musical of them all. One of the great classic musicals from the “golden age” of Broadway musicals with one of the finest scores ever written including Shall We Dance and Getting to Know You.

It opens on the deck of a ship as it snakes up river at dusk, heading for a glimmering royal palace in 19th-century Siam. No production of the timeless classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein has managed to lay on a feast for the eyes quite like the one now touring the UK, following its record-breaking runs at the London Palladium and on Broadway and with an internationally renowned creative team headed by Bartlett Sher (My Fair Lady / To Kill a Mockingbird / South Pacific).

As it journeys around the World, audiences will be able to see for themselves what critics in New York and London all agree is a definitive version. “I doubt I’ll see a better production in my lifetime” said the Wall Street Journal when it opened at the Lincoln Center in 2015. “Breathtaking. Exquisite. Remarkable” agreed the New York Times. After winning four Tony

Awards, it first arrived on these shores in 2018 to another chorus of cheers. The Daily Mail “left the London Palladium on a bright cloud of music”. “Looks and sounds ravishing,“ said the Daily Telegraph, while the Financial Times found it “simply spellbinding”.

The powerful spectacle staged by the acclaimed multi Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (To Kill a Mockingbird, My Fair Lady, South Pacific) now welcomes two new stars to lead roles famously occupied by many before them. Helen George, star of Call The Midwife, returns to the stage after many years to play Anna Leonowens, a widow from Victorian England who has travelled to Bangkok to teach English to the King’s many children.

“I’d been wanting to do a musical for a while,” she says, “and I was waiting for the right one to come along and just couldn’t say no. It’s just such a classical musical theatre part.” Though better known for bringing babies into the world on TV, her first job after drama college was in the ensemble of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White in 2004. She has since sung at the BBC’s VE Day 75th anniversary commemoration and on the cast album of Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella.

As for dancing, she took the dancefloor by storm on Strictly in 2015, so she won’t have any trouble with “Shall We Dance?”. In the show’s climactic song, Anna and the King dance a sweeping polka that is an ecstatic meeting of minds, hearts and, most of all, feet.

“When we do this incredible dance I wear this incredible dress,” she says. “I’m as big as a house. In the rehearsal room everybody has had to get out of the way. I lift up the skirt and drag scripts and tea cups with me along the way. It weighs ten pounds and it’s uncomfortable but this was the life of a Victorian woman.”

The role of the strutting, domineering King of Siam will always carry a trace memory of Yul Brynner, who clung to it tenaciously for 34 years

and 4,600 performances. However, returning to the role is Broadway star Darren Lee, who has himself made the role his own since he first played it there in 2016. “I started my career primarily as a dancer so early on it was not on my radar,” says Lee “but growing up as an Asian American performer you know that there is this role, and it sits within the top five to ten shows of classic musicals.”

It also represents a wonderful opportunity to see a parade of talented young performers dressed to the nines in beautiful costumes. The King’s large brood of cute children is played on this tour by eighteen actors ranging in age from 13 down to only seven.

The story of a young English widow who takes a job teaching the children of the King of Siam is one of the big five from composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Most will know it from the 1956 film which won five Oscars. And yet it’s in a theatre that The King and I really needs to be seen.

The King and I is a multi-generational musical, and generations of families come together to see it. That means there is a new generation who, like Helen George, won’t realise much loved songs such as “I Whistle a Happy Tune” and “Getting to Know You” belong to The King and I,. “I went to see the show when I was seven or eight when I was growing up in Birmingham,” she says. “I haven’t gone back and watched the film because I need to find Anna myself, and

I hadn’t realised how many songs she sings. I knew them but I hadn’t quite figured they were all together in this show.”

It’s an oddity of The King and I that the musical duties are shared out far from equally. Anna, the “I” of the title, gets most of the best tunes. The King has just one number on his own. Composed with Brynner’s limited singing abilities in mind, “A Puzzlement” is a highspeed patter song in which an absolute monarch puzzles how to reconcile tradition and modernity. Darren Lee compares it to the songs written for Henry Higgins to deliver in My Fair Lady.

“The show was crafted to maximise that person’s acting ability without exposing him too much as a singer,” he says. “‘A Puzzlement’ does not melodically do a lot so you have to be able to deliver it like a monologue. But it allows you to express a large range of emotion.”

The reason he’s singing it goes to the heart of The King and I, and explains its continuing relevance. Siam, which became known as Thailand only two years before the musical’s premiere, was surrounded in the 19th century by countries which were colonised by Britain or France.

“The King brings Anna to teach his children English because he’s concerned that being a tiny country it is very easily swallowed up by other countries,” says Darren Lee. “I would

argue that it’s completely current,” agrees Helen George. “What’s so brilliant about this progressive king is he is passionate about educating his daughters.”

The woman he chooses to teach his children is based on an intriguing figure from the midVictorian era. The real Anna Leonowens kept a diary of her time in Siam in the 1860s. It was published in 1870 and remains a fascinating snapshot of a hidden world emerging into the light. Three quarters of a century later, the novelist Margaret Landon fell on the journal as a rich source for a heavily fictionalised reimagination of her story entitled Anna and the King of Siam. That was instantly snapped up by Hollywood producer Darryl F. Zanuck and filmed with Rex Harrison.

Then Rodgers and Hammerstein decided to make it into a musical. A story about Siamese royalty might have seemed unusual for a duo

whose shows were all about Americans. But in South Pacific, their most recent hit, they had tackled the issue of racism head on. The King and I was also about promoting harmony between cultures.

This is most apparent in the show-within-ashow in the second half. To impress visiting diplomats with Siam’s project to modernise, the king commands Anna to stage a version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the book by Harriet Beecher Stowe which in the 1860s was a very current commentary on slavery. It doubles as a wonderful opportunity for dazzling spectacle, courtesy of Jerome Robins’ astounding original choreography (restaged by Christopher Gattelli), set designer Michael Yeargan and costume designer Catherine Zuber.

In Anna and the King, we see two worlds collide not just geographically and culturally but also of course in terms of gender and wealth. He is the magnificent one and she the servant. But through compromise on both sides comes genuine respect and love. The critical acclaim for Bartlett Sher’s Production is phenomenal –a captivating, sumptuous revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production that reminds us that human nature is timeless.

With a stunning score, given the full velvet touch by a sublime orchestra, exquisite costumes, a stellar cast that discovers dark, rich, exotic layers through incredible storytelling and the most charming and endearing group of young children performers, you have the ultimate classical musical theatre show. It’s rare to feel such warmth and delight about a production but The King And I delivers that and so much more in abundance.

Production photos are of a previous cast

DOORSTEP CRIMINALS: DON’T GET SCAMMED THIS SPRING

Kent County Council’s Trading Standards

Checked scheme supports local residents by matching them with reputable local businesses.

Spring is just around the corner. Many of us are likely to be thinking about carrying out home or garden improvement work. Or, finally getting round to fixing things that we’ve been putting off during the long winter months.

This is also the time of year that rogue and criminal traders redouble their efforts to take advantage of homeowners seeking to improve their living space. They come with bogus offers of guttering and roofing repairs, or work on driveways and gardens.

This year, with household budgets under pressure for everyone, many are likely to be tempted by superficial bargains, which could end up costing dearly. It is all too common for doorstep criminals to promise the earth and fail to deliver. They leave a trail of unfinished or substandard work in their wake, with inflating

prices as a project progresses far beyond what was originally agreed.

‘Adam’ was approached by a stranger outside his home who told him that the coving on his roof needed urgent attention. What started as a friendly conversation about a relatively small issue ended with £18,000 spent on unnecessary work. When the criminal trader asked for even more money, Adam called in Trading Standards. He’s had sleepless nights ever since and was worried about leaving his home for a period in case the criminals returned. And unfortunately, he has been unable to get any of his money back. Adam says:

“The house is now a reminder of what happened to me. Now, I would go to Trading Standards

Checked and ask them. The main thing is –doorstepping – do not trust anyone, even if you think you’re going to get a good job. Don’t trust them.”

Everyone is vulnerable to falling for criminal

traders at one time or another, regardless of age or personal circumstances. The most powerful form of defence against these criminals, for you, your family and your neighbours, is to be informed and be vigilant. And always be prepared to say no. Never agree to having work carried out by cold-callers or sign up to high-pressure sales pitches. Always keep your door firmly closed to doorstep criminals. You can watch some of the shocking stories of financial abuse from doorstep crime victims here: https://vimeo. com/showcase/9983819

The good news is that for Kent residents, finding reputable, trustworthy and safe traders has never been easier. Kent County Council’s Trading Standards Checked is the only scheme of its kind that thoroughly vets local businesses. This ensures that they operate to the high standards you would expect of anybody who carries out work on your home.

The website at www.kent.gov.uk/tschecked provides a free searchable database of traders, so you can find someone in your area to carry out the work you need. Plumbing, decorating, landscaping, roofing, pest control and many other services are included. Trading Standards Checked traders can also be found by calling 03000 41 64 38.

The traders signed up to the scheme are required to submit documentation and information that is checked by Kent Trading Standards. The comprehensive 50-point check ensures traders adhere to consumer protection rules, that they are competent and capable of undertaking the work they commit to. And, that they are accountable if something goes wrong.

Adam Mortimer, Manager of Kent County Council Trading Standards Checked, said:

“We expect all the traders signed up to the scheme to be open and honest. We vet them to the highest standards, and many of them go above and beyond to keep their customers happy. The end result is a scheme that gives peace of mind to local residents and support to local businesses.

“It’s a win-win for everybody, except the doorstep criminals and rogue traders who will never be welcome in Kent.”

For traders themselves, membership of Kent County Council’s Trading Standards Checked scheme enables them to demonstrate that they are the best in the county. It also gives them access to a host of useful resources that can benefit their business. Membership to the scheme, subject to vetting, is available for the special rate of £99 +VAT until 31 March 2023. Traders can apply online here www.kent.gov. uk/applytsc

To safeguard yourself and your neighbours against doorstep criminals, Kent residents are being called on to:

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE. Report every instance of fraudulent activity to Public Protection.

• To report doorstep criminals, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, completely anonymously.

• To report scams and get advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

• If you feel threatened, call 999

VACANCY

BEXLEY PARK SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB

Assistant Manager required contracted 26 hours per week.

Alternate Saturday and Sunday working

Overtime opportunities.

For further information please email info@bexleypark.co.uk with CV.

BOOST FOR BUSINESSES AS DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL ACQUIRES THE NUCLEUS INNOVATION CENTRE

The future of dozens of start-ups and growing companies has been secured after Dartford Borough Council finalised purchasing a business and innovation centre at the heart of The Bridge development.

Previously a joint venture between Dartford Borough Council and ProLogis Developments Ltd, The Nucleus was designed to house 65 companies, with 30,000 sq ft of office space. In 2021 the Council began working to safeguard The Nucleus business and innovation centre, after its partnership to develop The Bridge with Prologis came to a natural end.

The sale to Dartford Borough Council was finalised in December 2022 and work can now begin to help support the centre to grow.

Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said: “When our successful partnership with Prologis came to an end in 2021, we saw the need to protect The Nucleus as a business hub moving forward.

“This is a responsible investment from Dartford Borough Council’s point of view, and it’s also exciting news for local businesses, who can receive support and brilliant office spaces at a great strategic location.

“Our next step is to work with lead operator Oxford Innovation Space, and the businesses in The Nucleus to make sure we’re offering them the best service.”

Jo Stevens, MD, Oxford Innovation Space commented “We are delighted to be collaborating with Dartford Borough Council on fostering a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment in the region. The Nucleus continues to provide a unique space for startups and businesses to connect, collaborate and grow, driving economic development and job creation in the area.

“We look forward to being able to support more innovative new businesses in the centre, encouraging them to grow and thrive.”

The Nucleus was built as part of the 264acre development of The Bridge. Previously

a derelict overgrown site, The Bridge is now a thriving Dartford neighbourhood, with hotels, restaurants, homes and community facilities, making it a vital contributor to Dartford’s economy.

Any business interested in renting office space at The Nucleus can contact KStevens@oxin. co.uk.

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDENT’S DIVERSITY DESIGN SHOWCASED AT DARENT VALLEY HOSPITAL

Level 4 Graphic Design & Illustration student, from North Kent College, Louis Packham designed a Diversity banner which is featured at local Hospital, Darent Valley.

The banner was designed for the NHS Trust EDI (Equality , Diversion and Inclusion) Programme, and it has since been decided to make it the master brand for the Trust’s entire EDI Programme.

Louis won the brief back in 2020 when studying his Level 3 course at North Kent College, but due to Covid-19 regulations the banner reveal was postponed until January 2023. He created the design to represent parts of society that are often not represented.

With the help from tutors, Louis was able to convey all the points the hospital wanted into one fantastic design. However, he gained three years of experience and expertise before the final unveiling so decided to update the design to ensure it was perfect.

Louis was joined by tutors from North Kent College, family members and staff members from the hospital. Everyone was impressed by the design and delighted to have a banner which represents inclusivity at the hospital.

Louis said, “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I know the feeling of not being represented in the media, so I wanted to represent all parts of society as much as I could for the EDI programme and I’m thrilled to see the banner finally be used, it is a great opportunity for me as graphic designer beginning my career. Thanks to North Kent College and Darent Valley. ”

OH VIENNA

Oh, Vienna? An evening of Strauss Waltzes and more. Dartford Symphony Orchestra at the Mick Jagger Centre.

Dartford is going to be transformed into Vienna for one evening on the 4th March. Dartford Symphony Orchestra will be bringing the sparkling music of the Viennese ballroom to the Mick Jagger Centre, with Strauss Waltzes, Polkas and Marches. We are delighted to be joined by our former Musical Director, David Grubb, as conductor, who will bring his own inimitable style to the concert.

There will be all the favourites including the famous ‘Die Fledermaus Overture – which translates as ‘The Flying Mouse’, a bat to you and me – and The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz. There’ll be hand clapping and feet stamping with the raucous Radetzky March, and plenty of chattering with The Tritsch-Tratsch Polka; perhaps the Tiktok of its day?

The Dartford Symphony Orchestra, known to friends as the ‘DSO’, has been making a contribution to the musical life of the borough for many years and we’ve been pleased to have made the Mick Jagger Centre our home since the start of the millennium. If you’ve not been to the Mick Jagger

Centre before, you’ll find it in Shepherds Lane in Dartford. Parking is easy and you can get a coffee, or something stronger, at the licensed bar. Big concerts are held in the Big Hall and smaller concerts are held in the Small Hall. That seems obvious, but we have a variety of programmes throughout the year and when we are playing with fewer musicians, the more intimate setting of the Small Hall seems to suit.

The DSO is a charity and we are entirely selffunding and we no longer receive any grants, although we are grateful to a number of kind private donors and we have a vibrant ‘friends’ association. We mostly play mainstream popular classical works but do sometimes play outside of the box. It’s not all Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart, we also play popular music from West End musicals and films.

Our mid-summer concert is on the 17th June and we are calling it Summer Notes; lots of them. We’ll be giving the Mick Jagger Centre Première of the Prokofiev Symphony No 1 together with Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony and Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture. That’s going to be a rare treat with guest conductor Ben Knowles taking the DSO through its paces.

If you’re a player, we would love to have you come along and try us out – we’re very friendly and we rehearse on Wednesday evenings at the Mick Jagger Centre. If you are a string player, Grade 8 level or above, you will be very welcome and our leader, Sylvia Seaton, will be there to make sure you settle in and find your way around.

If you would like to come along to play – contact Steve Paul on 07707 680814 or histevepaul@gmail. com. Or to grab your audience tickets visit www. dartfordsymphonyorchestra.com or contact Phil on our Ticket Line on 01322 836650 .

PARISH PAUPERS AND MYSTERY AT THE MANOR: WALK THROUGH HISTORY IN HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE

Originally part of the Manor of Dartford, Hawley and Sutton At Hone were once two very distinct hamlets, each with a fascinating history. Their residents have also been a colourful bunch, including lords of the manor, merchants and evacuees – so let’s walk through their history and see how this corner of Dartford has developed over the years…

Did You Know?

The original name for Hawley was ‘Hagelei’ and Sutton was listed as ‘Suthuna’ and ‘Sudtone’ in the Doomsday Book (supposedly meaning South of Dartford).

Records from 1086 also include ‘At Hone’ with reference to it being low in a valley and on stony

ground. Hawley and Sutton At Hone were always closely linked and there is evidence of them becoming one ‘ward’ from the twelfth century. By 1108 much of the area was owned by Henry de Port, who was Sheriff of Southampton at the time. The de Ports were big in Hampshire (they owned most of it) but also had financial ties with parts of Kent, including Rochester Cathedral.

National Trust members will already know St John’s Jerusalem, the chapel and garden now run by the charity and open to the public on specified days (check the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details). The 13th century chapel was established by the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John, a Catholic military order. Medieval sections were built around 1234, carved from oak trees cut down

in Tonbridge Forest. The chapel is surrounded by a moat leading from the River Darent.

Quick Quiz:

Which apple was first grown in Kent in the St John’s Jerusalem garden?

a) Kentish Pippin

b) Cox

c) Braeburn

By 1388 the chapel became a private residence and its gardens were planted as orchards from the 1600s, producing local cider and perry. Notable tenants included the Kent county historian Edward Hasted and Abraham Hill, a City merchant and treasurer of the Royal Society. The grounds were later remodelled to contain a walled garden and vegetable garden, as well as the planting of willow and sweet chestnut trees. Sadly, many of its mature trees were damaged in the 1987 storm and restoring the garden is still a work

in progress.

Mystery at the Manor!

Meanwhile, Hawley had its own ‘big house’ further along Hawley Road, in what is now the office complex of Hawley Manor. The building is Tudor in parts, with various later additions which reflect its various owners’ changing fortunes – and often dramatic events. The house is grade two listed, along with the early seventeenth century dovecote in the grounds, which is a registered scheduled monument. In 1919 a mystery fire broke out in the property, killing its owner Mr Temple Johnson. Newspaper reports claim that, although Mr Johnson’s arms and legs were burnt, his clothes showed no fire damage! Theories were put forward that it was a pre-planned, arson attack, or that he had been killed before fire broke out. The mystery was never really solved, but his wife, Mrs Temple Johnson, remained at the house, having much of it rebuilt in an Arts and Crafts style.

Far less grand are the Wrott charity almshouses, located on the main road in Sutton At Hone. Dating back to the sixteenth century, the red brick and tile buildings are grade two listed and were provided for the poor of the parish by Katherine Wrott. The Wrott coat of arms is still intact, along with an inscription to Katherine. Locals have always been a charitable bunch, as refuge was later provided during World War Two in both Hawley and Sutton At Hone for London evacuees. The fascinating local blog www.suttonathonehistory. co.uk. records that numerous local residents were Billeting Officers and ‘Official Helpers,’ charged with accommodating and overseeing the new influx of children. Apparently little Hill Cottage in Devon Road had twenty eight evacuees staying at one point!

So, far from being two unassuming, quiet valley hamlets Hawley and Sutton At Hone have been home to both the grandest of residents and the poor and misplaced. Remember that, next time you head up Hawley Road – and see if you can solve the mystery of Hawley Manor…

Clair Humphries is a Script Consultant for ATS Heritage and Content Partner for Ordnance Survey.

Twitter: @clairhumphries

Instagram: clair_humphries

The answer is a) Kentish Pippin.

WHY DENTAL CHECK-UPS ARE SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH

increase the risk that gum disease will progress from mild to severe. For further information please visit to-diabetes/complications/gum-diseasehttps://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Both adults and children should visit the dentist regularly. After your initial dental check-up, your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit. Patients with good oral health and a low sugar diet, who are at less risk of decay will need to attend only once every 6 - 12 months, but those with higher dental needs will need check-ups more regularly.

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next dental check-up.

At Dartford Road Dental Centre your wellbeing and the health of your teeth and gums are important to us. The dental maintenance you do at home, brushing, flossing, and regular interdental brushing play a great role in the maintenance of your oral hygiene, however, there are areas of your mouth only a dentist can check, hence the importance of regular checkups.

I am terrified of the dentist, is this normal? You are not alone; many residents of Dartford and Kent find visiting the dentist a daunting experience. In fact, one in seven British adults have severe dental anxiety thus leading to a quarter of adults admitting to avoiding dental visits because of anxiety, and a further 18% because they are afraid of getting bad news at their check-ups.

Regular dental check-ups will dramatically decrease the potential for all oral health problems to become serious.

Can poor oral health affect my overall wellbeing?

A whiter, brighter smile makes us feels good and has a great impact on how we feel about our mental health. Staining caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and other products can have a huge impact on how we feel about our smiles. Three-quarters of British adults don’t feel confident showing their teeth when they smile for a photo and a third of these say it’s because of their discoloured and stained teeth.

It is also understood that poor oral hygiene is a risk factor for other diseases, such as heart disease and type two diabetes. Untreated gum disease can advance in stages from inflamed gums to tooth loss. High levels of blood glucose

When should I bring my child to their first check-up?

Your child should have their first check-up when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the dental practice and the strange smells and surroundings of the dental surgery.

Sitting on the ‘big chair’ and opening their mouth for the dentist to take a look, is useful practice for the future. We also encourage younger children to attend with their siblings for their dental check-ups to get used to the environment.

We currently have a special offer for new patients, offering £15 off the cost of your first Dental Examination, so you pay £60 instead of the usual price of £75.

To book, please call 01322 223 927

Travel Spotlight – MSC World Europa – The newest ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet

We have just returned from having spent a week onboard this beautiful new ship cruising in the Persian Gulf and we can’t wait to share the details with you. At 22 decks, 215,863 gross tons, 154 feet wide, and featuring more than 430,000 square feet of public space and 2,626 cabins, MSC World Europa is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a veritable world of experiences while setting a new standard for the cruise industry.

You will find numerous reasons to book MSC World Europa, but here are our highlights:

1. Engaging experiences for all ages

The size of the ship allows for completely distinct districts, each with their own mood and experiences, from a tranquil adults-only zen district to the lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, to a separate family district that houses as many as ten new kids facilities. The result is a vibrant cosmopolitan melting pot, for a varied and exciting guest experience. Among the host of leisure options on board, you will be faced with choosing which of the new single-brand shops to visit first and how to divide your time between the incredible variety of six pools and 14 whirlpools. A family sundeck offers the littlest ones a chance to enjoy a day at sea with the whole family, while an Aquapark with integrated virtual reality technology entertains both children and every adult’s inner child in equal measure. You can also expect the same high quality, full-scale production theatre shows that they have come to expect from MSC Cruises, as well as new and exciting, immersive performance venues like the Luna Park.

2. A next level dining experience

The ship features 13 dining venues, including an incredible six speciality restaurants. The trendy Chef’s Garden Kitchen focussing on flavourful microgreens and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating are amongst the top rated culinary experiences you can find at sea. Fan favourites are also back, such as the classic American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut and Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, as well as the newly launched Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina. You will also have the opportunity to discover not one but three ample restaurant-buffets on board, each offering their distinct ambiance, including a brand-new location open 24/7.

The snack and bar selection is also setting itself apart, with familiar faces having returned with amplified offerings, such as the Masters of the Sea Pub, which is split across two decks and brews craft beer specially on board for the first time. Other concepts also include the Elixir - Mixology Bar with elaborate signature cocktails, a South Asian-style tea room filled with perfumes from the East, an authentic Emporium coffee bar with coffee selections from around the world, a widely stocked Gin Project inspired by a real distillery, a zesty juice bar made from fresh ingredients and a gelateria with a multitude of flavours to tempt your sweet-tooth.

3. New and stylish cabin types

MSC World Europa also offers an extensive range of accommodation options to satisfy every taste, with a staggering 19 different categories to choose from and 65% of cabins with balconies. The ship sees the introduction of seven new and innovative cabin types. These include:

• Balcony suites and cabins that overlook the promenade designed for guests to soak up the vibrant atmosphere below.

• Luxurious duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with large balconies and private hot tub, as well as open living/dining room area.

• Stylish Aurea Suites with spacious balcony and private hot tub.

• Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.

MSC World Europa’s ground-breaking design certainly is based on a brand new platform and sets her apart from the crowd - with a striking futuristic silhouette, the ship’s signature 90-degree plumb bow shaped like an arrow will cut through the water with ease and grace. The impressive and never seen before Y-shaped aft opens onto the impressive 104-metre-long World Promenade with breath-taking ocean views. One of the key, and most fun, features of this completely reimagined ship promenade is The Spiral - a striking architectural centrepiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks - the longest at sea! The sleek curves of the impressive stainless-steel slide make it a true work of art as well as a fun way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade.

MSC World Europa is the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date. The fuel she runs on, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale and is set to play a key role in the transition to the decarbonisation of international shipping. It strongly reduces local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides by up to 99% and nitrogen oxides by up to 85%.

MSC World Europa will depart Dubai on 25 March 2023, she will head to the Mediterranean Sea. Here she will offer 7-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France until April 2024.

We, and our 9-year-old daughter, absolutely loved our time onboard this beautiful ship. For all things MSC Cruises and cruise in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

ELLENOR REVEALS PLANS FOR NEW WELLBEING WING - ENABLING FASTER, MORE EXPANSIVE CARE

It also recently completed the new health and wellbeing quarter at the University of Suffolk – a purpose-built space for healthcare students and professionals, designed to mirror the kind of facilities found in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Barnes Construction will be building our new Wellbeing Wing,” says ellenor CEO Paula Wilkins. “The company has a strong track record of delivering projects on time, on budget and to reliable, rigorously high standards. The company’s professionalism and pedigree, particularly in terms of its high-profile developments in the health sector, are outstanding.

ellenor has appointed Barnes Construction to build and deliver its new Wellbeing Wing. The project will expand ellenor’s Northfleet, Kent-based hospice with a wealth of modern, improved facilities – all of which are set to benefit the charity’s patients, families, staff, and volunteers.

ellenor’s new Wellbeing Wing will enable the charity to continue and grow its support for people living with life-limiting conditions – such as heart failure, dementia, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s and motor neurone disease (MND) – to live the best they can with the time they have left.

The expanded facilities will extend ellenor’s space for providing all wellbeing services – such as new outpatient consultation rooms, counselling room, occupational therapy and complementary therapies, improved play therapy rooms for children, quiet spaces for patients and their families, as well as a large multipurpose area for a range of activities to support patients to maintain their independence and maximise their quality of life. This Wing will also serve as a place for health and social care professionals to receive education and training in palliative and end-of-life care.

Barnes Construction has, over their 45 year history, delivered numerous healthcare schemes. Of particular relevance are the Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge, the East Anglian Children’s Hospice in Ipswich, the Fair Havens Hospice in Southend, and the new St Catherine’s Hospice currently being built in Crawley.

“All of us here at ellenor are looking forward to our new Wellbeing Wing taking shape allowing us to work in partnership with even more patients, to maximise their quality of life. We also want to acknowledge the generosity of our local communities who have, be it through private donations or personal gifts, made this extension possible. And express our gratitude to our passionate patrons, supporters, and ambassadors within the local community – all of whom strive tirelessly to raise vital funds for, and awareness of, ellenor’s work throughout Kent and Bexley.”

Mark Hart, joint Managing Director at Barnes Construction commented: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting scheme for ellenor, which will provide specialist care in the community, and that we are sure will be well received. It also gives us the opportunity to further develop our excellent track record in this specialised market.”

Barnes Construction will be collaborating on the development of ellenor’s Wellbeing Centre with R H Partnership, Northmores and Faithful + Gould.

Starting on the 6th March 2023, preliminary work includes the refurbishment of ellenor’s existing ambulance entrance and car park. Construction of the two-storey extension that will become ellenor’s Wellbeing Centre will start on the 9th May.

ellenor would like to acknowledge our supporters, without whom this project would not have been possible. In particular, we would like to thank the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, Paul & Clare Rooney, the Lawson Trust and the Bernard Sunley Foundation for their generous support of our capital build.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

Good Day All

After many years of not bothering, I’ve begun to buy the occasional morning paper. My journal of choice is the ‘I’. Cheap and factual with little of the celebrity news and gossip which fills some of its competitors’ pages.

It helps me keep in touch with what’s going on in the wider world, and offers an alternative view to the BBC which is my main source of information. It’s good to have pages to turn.

My mum and dad swore by the Daily Mail; delivered every morning for many years with dad always having first dibs on reading it. I read it because they did and it was only when I began working I took stock of other papers and periodicals. Having just started work in London, I came home one evening with a copy of the Guardian (I liked its arts coverage). Sniffily referred to as ‘that artsy fartsy rag’ it became

my go to paper almost as an act of rebellion.

I’ve tried them all, some still around and many now defunct or online only. Whenever I got to collect a takeaway, there is usually a four-day old copy of The Sun lying around. It passes a few minutes. The Daily Star is a laugh and The Times beautifully pompous. I’ve given up on the Sundays – I’m not strong enough to lug them and the inserts home!

Covid resulted in most community places removing reading material from the premises. Gone are the days when I could browse old copies of the Readers Digest at the dentist or Home and Gardens at the doctors’ surgery. Newspapers in most coffee shops are no longer on offer either. It is pleasing to see that copies of Dartford Living and other community magazines are still available to read, and indeed hard copies can be obtained from various outlets around town.

My reading took a dive generally after university where studying the literary giants was called for. No matter how many times I’ve tried, I cannot appreciate Virginia Woolf or George Eliot for example. These type of books are guaranteed to bore me to tears. I was an avid reader for years, but for a period after graduating, I couldn’t settle to read a thing.

Thank goodness then for libraries, charity shops and community exchange groups. It is like reconnecting with an old friend. My local library recently obtained four books I wanted, free of charge. The local charity shops let me rebuild my collection of ‘Cadfael’ and ‘Sharpe’ adventures. The community exchange group offers many contemporary novels by well known authors. Of course, these books aren’t always in the best condition, but to my mind that shows they have been read, reread, and loved.

I have no idea as to the reading standards of students nowadays – I left education long ago. All I have is my own experience of the written word and how much enjoyment it gave

me. Whether The Beano or Dandy, Jackie or Hotspur and always Look and Learn at mum’s insistence. I just hope there is access to any suitable reading material for any student of any age.

To be honest, my two kids would read anything from the back of a cereal packet, graphic novels, books, magazines or even leaflets. I’m sure it helped with their accumulation of general knowledge and gave them a good grounding for finding out things for themselves. As an aged adult, I am delighted to belong to a book club. Even if the chosen novel is something I’d never gravitate to usually, discussion with a group of keen readers is always time well spent. Over time, students have other media to interest them so I really hope there are reading initiatives planned for school holidays that will spark a desire in younger children to develop a lifelong reading habit.

To ‘live’ a book in your own imagination is a truly wonderful experience.

Take care All

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

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To welcome you to our practice, we have 2 New Patient Offers for you to choose from: New Patient Exam £65 instead of our usual price of £75

Direct Access Hygienist Appointment (30 minutes) £68 instead of our usual price of £78

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DARTFORD INVICTA DARTFORD INVICTA BOWLS CLUB BOWLS CLUB

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

DIBC is a friendly, local club celebrating 100 years old this year. We are situated just off Burnham Road, Dartford opposite the tyre shop. We are keen to recruit new members and would welcome anyone of any age group and of any standard, to come along and meet a few members and ‘have a go’ at the start of our 2023/24 Centenary Season.

Our green will be open from mid-April and we will have an open day on a Saturday shortly after the green opens specifically to attract new members. We also have a roll-up evening once a week on Tuesdays (weather permitting) where anyone can come along from 5:30pm to try the game out from April onwards. Tuition and help from members is always available each evening. All you need for a try-out is a pair of flat–soled shoes / trainers and be willing to have a go to see if you enjoy bowling and feel that you could become a member. We are a sociable club with varied and frequent social events at the pavilion all-year round.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

For more information: Call Rob on 07967 364353 or Rosie on 07984 089630

BuccaneeR Bay

WALKING WITH THE DARTS

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

Since last writing in these pages, the season has returned to its normal schedule. The more extreme weather may have disappeared, but it certainly has been cold during this stage of the campaign. Yet, the games are now arriving thick and fast, as we head into the business end of the National League South season.

The Darts have had a mixed bag of results recently but remain firmly in second place and are certainly in with a chance to pounce should our neighbours Ebbsfleet United slip up. However, we also need to keep an eye on third-placed Havant & Waterlooville and the chasing pack. Tom Bonner and Co will be completely aware of the surrounding teams, but also more focused

than ever on their own performances on the pitch rather than being concerned about other results.

After suffering defeat at Worthing a month ago, Alan Dowson’s side have stopped the slide with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at local rivals Welling United, before finishing victorious over a stubborn Chippenham Town last weekend (11th of February). Midfielders Jack Smith and Luke Allen ensured that the Darts secured the three points, whilst new goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski kept a clean sheet.

The goalkeeper was one of four new players to arrive at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park during the last few weeks. He has been joined by versatile defender Tommy Block, attacker Jamar Loza, and former Dartford favourite, Jernade Meade. If that wasn’t enough, Alan Dowson also secured the continued services of Jack Smith and Malachi Napa. Both players will remain with the club until the end of the season. In all, this is excellent news

as we push for promotion to the National League.

As far as things away from the league are concerned, Dartford defeated the Metropolitan Police in the London Senior Cup, after the fixture final went ahead at the third time of asking. Our tie at Ebbsfleet United in the Kent Senior Cup also eventually went ahead. However, the team was a little unfortunate to narrowly lose 2-1, after a sterling effort from young goalkeeper Tom Wray in particular.

Meanwhile, Connor Dymond’s Dartford FC Women side’s return to action is now in full motion now that we are fully into 2023. But, like the First Team, Lizzie Adams and Co have also endured a mixed bag of results.

It all started well with a fine 3-1 victory over Millwall’s Lionesses in the League Cup, before the women were brought back down to earth with a heavy defeat at home to rivals Ebbsfleet United in their league fixture. That was then followed by a superb 3-1 win over Dulwich Hamlet Women at

Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in the League Cup. Goals from Emily Vaughan, Lizzie Adams, and Nicha Dyett set them on the way and into the hat for the tournament’s semi-finals.

The team currently occupies fifth place in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Premier League, having won five and lost five of their eleven games so far. Manager, Connor Dymond, has also dipped into the transfer market to strengthen his team. Both Chloe Fowler and Milly Penfold have arrived to help the side regain momentum and climb the table.

In the meantime, please be sure to come along and cheer on both sets of players, as the teams push to end the season in a successful manner. And keep your eyes on our website and social media platforms for the latest news, results, and features.

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

COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

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

In this edition, we will be sharing some tips and ideas about how to communicate with people living with dementia.

When we think about communicating, our first instinct is to speak, but there are times when communication consists of much more than just a verbal conversation. When communicating with someone with dementia, there are many things to consider, and remember that talking isn’t always the most effective method.

Here are some ideas to help with communication:

- Acknowledge what the person has said. Even if they don’t answer your question, express that you’ve heard them and encourage them to say more about their answer.

- Use gestures, movement, and facial expressions. Physical signs and body language can all convey meaning and help get messages across, especially when speaking becomes more difficult.

- Use Humour. Laughing can help to bring you closer together and may relieve the pressure.

- Become an active listener. Listening is a very important aspect of engaging with someone with dementia. Look for non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language to try and understand what they are trying to tell you.

- Let the person express their feelings. If the person is feeling sad, don’t try and persuade

them away from that feeling. Showing you care by just listening is sometimes the best method of communicating.

- Use physical contact to provide reassurance. Holding or patting the person’s hand or putting your arm around them might be all that is needed to let them know you are there for them.

- Use visual clues. Writing your messages down or using objects or pictures to help the person understand could help alleviate a breakdown in communication.

Communication difficulties can be frustrating and upsetting for people with dementia as well as their carers and loved ones. Active listening, non-verbal communication, visual props and laughter are just a few ways to help alleviate some of the tensions you may experience when engaging with those living with dementia.

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

In this month’s article we look at new electric SUVs and a move to more 20mph speed limit roads.

2024 Range Rover Velar – Refreshed Range Rover Velar gets a bigger battery for plug-in hybrid variants and an upgraded infotainment system. The first major change is to the Velar’s infotainment system. This is now headed by a single 11.4in touchscreen through which climate, media, seat heating and navigation settings are all controlled, and it also looks after wireless smartphone mirroring via in-built Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software. The exterior changes include new 3D-effect LED rear lights, optional ‘Pixel LED’ headlights and a sleeker rear bumper. The change to the size of the battery in the P400e plug-in hybrid variant, has increased from 17.1kWh to 19.2kWh, enabling it to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone, based on official figures. Available from the Spring of 2024 prices start from £54,045.

2023 BMW X5 – The X5 SUV gets an updated look both inside and out, plus a new infotainment system and revised engine options. Like the current engines it will offer the plug-in hybrid options and small electric motors on petrol & diesel options improve fuel economy. These engines will have more power starting from 294bhp up to 503bhp, which can travel officially up to 68 miles on electric-only power. Inside, the X5 gets the eighth generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which uses a 14.9in touchscreen that abuts a 12.3in digital driver’s display in a curved housing. On the outside, design updates are minimal, with a tweaked grille design, slimmer LED headlights, new LED tail lights and a revised front and rear bumper. Prices for the X5 will start from £66,230 and rise to £87,210 when available from April 2023.

20mph new urban road limit becoming normal

- Local authorities and devolved governments are reducing the speed limit on large swathes of urban roads from 30mph to 20mph. Nearly half of London’s roads already have a 20mph limit, including all those inside the Congestion Charging zone and this is expanding further in London from March 2023. The rollout of 20mph zones is taking place alongside the introduction of low emission zones in many towns and cities around the UK in a bid to reduce urban pollution, after evidence the visual 20mph signs support slower speeds on these roads. It does however risk losing support from drivers and residents alike.

COLOUR DASH 2023

25th June Jeskyns Park, Gravesend DA12 3AN

9th July Swanley Park BR8 7PW

Fun For All The Family, walk, jog, toddle or run the 5K route! Fully inclusive and wheelchair accessible Wear white and finish the colour of a rainbow!

£15 Adult ~£12 Child 12-17yrs ~£6 Child under 11 yrs

£38 Family (2 AD & 2 CH)

All proceeds go towards supporting disabled children and their families

www.wearebeams.org.uk or scan to enter

Jeskyns Park Swanley Park

Formula 1’s governing body (FIA) appears to have backtracked on a rule introduced this year banning freedom of speech for drivers on key issues.

The rule outlawed “political, religious and personal statements” without prior consent, and expressed no limitations on where that restriction applied. However, a recently issued “guidance” note puts strict limits on its application.

It means drivers are free to say what they want everywhere except during pre and post-race events and on the track.

The guidance note states drivers “can express their views on any political, religious or personal matter before, during and after” the race “in their own space, and outside the scope of the international competition”.

A number of drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, George Russell and Lando Norris, had expressed their concerns about the

rule since it emerged.

Do you think the FIA should be restricting drivers to express their opinions? If yes, the ramifications are enormous and application to other global sports. Drivers should take accountability for their actions and words… good or bad. Policing what they can or cannot do or say is doomed to fail, particularly in a global sport… history is clear on this.

Sporting events in March include:

6-19 TENNIS BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells)

11 RUGBY UNION Six Nations: England v France

14-17 RACING Cheltenham Festival

14-19 BADMINTON All-England Open (Birmingham)

18 RUGBY UNION Six Nations: Ireland v England

18-19 FOOTBALL FA Cup quarter-finals

19 FORMULA ONE Saudi Arabia Grand Prix (Jeddah)

23 FOOTBALL Euro 2024 qualifiers: Italy v England,

26 FOOTBALL Euro 2024 qualifiers: England v Ukraine

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

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

SLEEP: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Having trouble sleeping is common. About a third of adults have insomnia, which is a persistent difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. Many others also experience days when they toss and turn in bed following a stressful day. Sleep is often not given priority in our busy lives but it should be seen as important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as exercise and diet.

Why do we sleep?

All animals sleep, despite the fact that it leaves them vulnerable to predators and takes time away from feeding and procreation, which suggests that sleep is fundamental to survival. Lack of sleep can have effects on every system of the body: the cardiovascular system, a weakened immune system, impaired thinking and memory and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Sleep is regulated by a complex system of chemicals, neurotransmitters and hormones. These are part of our circadian rhythm, a 24 hour cycle that governs sleep and wake. Light exposure is important to this, but other external factors can influence it such as stress, hunger, caffeine and alcohol use and exposure to blue light from electronic devices.

Within a minute of you falling asleep, your body temperatures drops, brain activity changes and your breathing and heart rate slows. However, there is a lot happening when we sleep. Our brain

goes through 4 distinct stages when we sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when the most intense dreams take place. REM sleep is thought to be the most essential stage for the brain.

How much sleep do we really need?

The amount of sleep we need varies by age. For example, a new born will sleep for between 14 and 17 hours a day, whereas an adult ideally needs somewhere between 7 and 9 hours. This will vary from person to person, based on your activity levels and overall health. To assess your own need, ask:

• Are you productive, healthy and happy on the sleep that you get or do you need more? If you had no commitments, would you sleep more on these days?

• Do your daily activities require alertness to do them safely (for example driving, operating heavy machinery or other safety critical jobs)? Do you feel sleepy doing these tasks?

• Are you experiencing or do you have a history of sleeping problems?

• Do you depend on caffeine to get through the day? It’s not just the amount of sleep that matters, the quality of our sleep is important. Improving sleep hygiene not only helps you to get to sleep and sleep for longer, but it also improves how well you sleep and how restored you feel after.

Other factors affecting sleep

Sometimes medical problems can interfere with sleep. Your GP can help with problems such as leg cramps, restless legs, breathlessness when you lie down, snoring and sleep apnoea (where you stop breathing for a short time when you are sleeping).

Next month I will cover how you can improve the amount and quality of your sleep.

SHARING

KINDNESS AROUND THE WORLD FROM DARTFORD

We are a multi-generational peer support group. We have members from approx. 3-83 and everyone supports each other. We offer a warm space to enjoy a cuppa, crafting and activities in a safe and friendly environment. Everyone is welcome and valued. Vicki has 2 children aged 9 and 3 and says they “are all welcomed to the group with a smile and positivity every week”.

On 1st Jan 2020 I set up Kindness Community on Facebook with the aim of uniting people around the world through kindness and positivity. Having battled my own physical and mental health all my life I specifically wanted to raise funds to support people struggling with their mental health, chronic illness, or disability. I send mental health packs and kindness kits out in the mail to bring kindness through the letterbox to people having a hard time. There are now over 4000 members around the world in Kindness Community. However, I really wanted to take what we’d achieved online out into the physical community to bring people together. So, with a little help from Kelly at Dartford Borough Council, The Kindness and Wellbeing Group was born in April 2022.

We can’t offer doctors or counsellors at the group but the most powerful thing we can offer is peer support. Everyone who comes to the group has faced challenges, this means that there is a high level of empathy and understanding in the group and crucially no judgement. One of our members, says, “I have been able to find a friendly ear to talk to which meant I wasn’t so anxious”. 100% of our members said they felt listened to, valued, and understood.

We have an abundance of mental health resources available in the group and members are free to use them. We love it when members then make up mental health resource packs ready to be posted out to others in need. We send these for free, paid for by our fundraising. To date we’ve sent well over 100 packs, all over the world. Members getting involved in making up the packs is an act of kindness and a great way to show gratitude and pay it forward to help someone else. This gives them a sense of purpose, fulfilment and shows them they are not alone.

Many of our members live alone and so coming to us may be the only meaningful face to face adult interaction they get each week. Cath said “I was at a very low ebb but I have now found lots of new friends and it’s the best thing that’s happened in a really long time…[If the group stopped] I would miss the club as I’d have nowhere to go”.

We offer to meet members outside on their first week, show them around and introduce them to everyone. We even have a thriving WhatsApp group for members which can be joined in advance to enable them to feel welcome before they even step foot in the building. 93% of our members report they have made new friends at the Kindness and Wellbeing Group. Tracey commented that the “group has the X factor, where it just seems to up people’s mood. It helps people to start living rather than just existing”.

We offer an abundance of activities including around 30 different crafts, games, puzzles, wellbeing resources and more in addition to the opportunity

to join others for coffee and a natter. We give members the opportunity to be creative and learn new skills, both of which have positive effect on mood. Plus, being able to do an activity can help decrease the anxiety of coming into a new group. It can result in opening up conversation more naturally as there’s something to chat about and it’s non-confrontational. Meeting people, finding you have a hobby in common and sharing skills in that activity can help friendships to develop.

I can help with crafts but I’m not there to teach a class as an expert. This also means that I’m available and approachable throughout. Plus, there’s no anxiety for members about interrupting a taught class if they can’t make it for 9.30am.

It’s a relaxed environment where members can have just have fun. If there’s something they want to try that’s feasible to do in the group, the £3 fee is reinvested so we can get it. The group activities constantly evolve and develop to suit the members.

We also run a fundraising virtual craft market so members can even sell what they create if they wish. This runs a few times a year in a pop-up Facebook group and is open to everyone, even if they don’t attend the Kindness and Wellbeing group. I run the Craft Market voluntarily, so the £5 virtual stall fee goes directly to help people with their physical or mental health.

We’d love everyone reading this to join us online. If you’re able to, we’d love to invite you to join the Kindness and Wellbeing Group in person. It’s only £3 per week which includes a drink and all the crafts activities and support. You’ll find us in St Edmunds Church Café in Dartford between 9.30-11.30am every Tuesday. I look forward to welcoming you!

Website: www.kindness-community.com Join the global community here: www.facebook. com/groups/kindcommunity Kindness

The Shawshank Redemption

TUE 11 - SAT 15 APRIL, 2.30PM, 7.30PM

Win a pair of tickets to see The Shawshank Redemption at The Orchard Theatre.

The acclaimed stage version of the nation’s favourite movie. Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone.

Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, and things start to take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched…

Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, this thrilling stage production examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. The 1984 feature film starred Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman and was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Joe Absolom’s impressive TV career has barely seen him off our screens in 25 years: from Matthew Rose in EastEnders to Al Large in Doc Martin, Christopher Halliwell in A Confession and Andy Warren in The Bay. Ben Onwukwe boasts a 30-year stage career including leading roles with the RSC and Royal Court, as well as 11 years on TV as Recall McKenzie in London’s Burning and more recently, the role of Jackson Donckers in Professor T.

To be in with a chance of winning two tickets to this production just answer the following question.

What year did the film of the same name come out?

A: 1981

B: 1986

C: 1984

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

RULES: 1. The

will

first

2.

CUSTARD SANDWICH BISCUITS

These are deliciously melt-in-the-mouth. Because they are sandwiched together, use a smaller cookie cutter to make the mix go a little further.

These are so easy to make and so delicious they really won’t last long!!!

You will need:

150g Plain Flour

40g Custard Powder

40g Icing Sugar

130g Unsalted Butter – at room temperature

2tsp Milk

1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the filling:

50g Unsalted Butter

50g Icing Sugar

1Tbsp Custard Powder

1 Tbsp Milk

You will also need:

Baking Tray & Baking Paper

Circle cutters – assorted sizes

What to do:

For the biscuits:

Put the Plain Flour, Custard Powder and Icing Sugar in a bowl and mix to combine. Add the butter in small pieces and rub with fingertips to make a sandy consistency. Pour in the Milk and Vanilla Extract and bring together, with your hands, to a dough. Pop into the fridge for half an hour.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper to about the thickness of a £1 coin. (Using baking paper makes rolling out less messy and doesn’t affect the dough like using a floured board would!)

Cut out your biscuits using your cookie cutter. Gather any remaining dough and re-roll to cut out more biscuits.

Place the biscuits on a baking tray and pop back in the fridge while you preheat the oven to 180° (160° Fan).

Bake for about 10-15 minutes – until they are just starting to colour. Leave to cool on a rack.

For the filling:

Stir the butter (using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon) until smooth and fluffy. Add the Custard Powder and Icing Sugar and cream together. Add the milk to make the mix a bit softer.

When the biscuits are cool, spread a little filling mix onto the back of one biscuit and sandwich together with another biscuit.

Enjoy!

they see, hear, touch, taste and smell

Sneak a peek, it's all amazing!

Most babies learn best when they see hear touch, taste and smell Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents

Specifically designed from birth to aid your child s development, the programme is packed with an incredible variety of sound, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, signing and massage - and you ll never experience the same class twice!

WOW Centre Greenhithe

Monday, Thursday & Friday

Old Gravesendians RFC Wednesday

Contact:

07952579044 nwkent@babysensory co uk

w babysensory com

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS - TERM TIME ONLY

MONDAYS

9:15am - 11:30am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.50 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 07917 843592.

TUESDAYS

Session 1: 9.15-10.45am, and Session 2: 11-12.30pm. Christchurch, Cross Road, Dartford. Contact Catherine on 01322 220036.

9.30am-11.30am Sticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com

9:30-10:30am Music and Rhyme Time at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free. Contact Katie on 07734661352 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime

10.30 - 11.00am. “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at Fleetdown Library. Music and fun for babies and pre-schoolers. No charge. Term time only. All are welcome - just turn up!

WEDNESDAYS

1pm -2.45pm - Fleetdown Open House - Fleetdown Community Centre, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ - £3.50 per Adult - £1 Siblings Bottomless refreshments.

THURSDAYS

10:30-11:30am, Music and Rhyme Time at Fleetdown Utd FC (near Dunelm). £5 per session if you sign up for the term, siblings go free. Contact Katie on 07734661352 or Facebook.com/musicandrhymetime

FRIDAYS

9.30am-11am Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags

Mummy’s Linkup: 10am – 2pm on the 2nd Friday of each month, Tree Community Centre

Mummy’s Linkup : 10am – 12noon on the 4th Friday of each month., Temple Hill Community Centre

SATURDAYS

2-3pm - Lego Club- ages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602

BABYBALLERS

Themed Football and multi skills sessions are suitable for girls and boys aged 16 months to 5 years old. Your little superstar will learn shapes, colours, numbers and lots, lots, more all through playing the BabyBallers way!

Classes in Dartford, Northfleet, Gravesend and Ebbsfleet on Fridays and weekends. Please visit https://babyballers1.class4kids.co.uk/ or email matt@babyballers.com

LITTLE LEARNERS NORTH WEST KENT

Award winning messy play and mark-making classes across North West Kent for ages 5 months to 5 years. We learn how to write through messy play, scribbling & more! Our classes provide ample sensory development opportunities and focus on developing children’s pre-writing skills and all the important little muscles involved in this. Contact Aisha at aisha@littlelearnersuk.com or visit the website to book a class. Littlelearnersuk.com

LOCAL CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS IN AND AROUND DARTFORD

THE NORTH WEST KENT BRANCH OF THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION meets on various date at Birchwood Country Club For more information contact Alexon 01322 228169.

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

ALL DIRECTIONS

is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+ with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 837172 or 07570 347612

AGE UK, CRAYFORD LIBRARY POP IN PARLOUR COFFEE MORNING every Friday morning 10.3012.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

BEXLEY AND DARTFORD BRANCH PARKINSONS

UK

For people with Parkinsons and their carers. Dartford: 2nd Wednesday of each month, Mick Jagger Centre, 7 -9pm. Information support workers available, guest speakers and quizzes. Contact Wendy Leach.   Tel:  02083065973

THE WELLBEING LINK

The Wellbeing Link meets on Friday mornings from 10-1pm in the St. Anselm’s Parish Centre, 89 West Hill, Dartford A friendly and informative group is a support group for people with any life affecting health issues from loneliness and isolation to life limiting conditions. - call Julie On 07775875585

JUST FOR GROWN UPS GROUP

We are a small friendly group who meet at the Meeting Place in the Orchards Shopping Centre on the first Tuesday of the month. Join us any time between 11am and 1pm for a social chat, coffee and biscuits or a fun quiz. For more information contact mikeansell.dt@hotmail. co.uk

20S 30S DARTFORD BEXLEYHEATH

SURROUNDING AREAS SOCIAL GROUP more information visit: www.meetup.com/20s-30s-DartfordBexleyheath-surrounding-areas-social-group/

DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

meets on the first Tuesday of every month (ex- cept August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 2pm, For information about meetings and interest groups visit u3asites.org.uk/dartford/welcome

WILMINGTON AND AXSTANE PROBUS CLUB

We are a group of retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a speaker at the Swanley Bowls Centre. We also have a monthly walk and occasional coffee mornings and as a side line we raise money for a local charity. If you are missing the contact with other business men since you retired, why not come and join us on the last Thursday of every month. For more details contact Phil Burt on 01322 274541 or look at our website www. waprobus.com

KINDNESS AND WELLBEING GROUP

It’s every Tuesday 9.30-11.30am at St Edmund’s church Dartford. We have loads on offer for just £3 per week including a cuppa, crafts and a friendly chat.

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER

The National Women’s Register (NWR) is a national organisation that meets in the Dartford area. The NWR is a discussion group for ‘lively minded women’. Contact can be made via www.nwr.org.uk or call 01603406767

HEALTHCARE RETIREMENT GROUP

Dartford & Gravesham Branch. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford from 1012pm.Activities include guest speakers, outings, lunches, holidays and quizzes. For more information contact Marion on 01322 402967

WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCING

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

ERITH YOUTH RUGBY

Sunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Erith. Ages 4-16 welcome

LITTLE TIGERS - KARATE FOR 3, 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS

Sundays 10:15-10:45 at Swanscombe Leisure Centre.

Call Saj on 07903 513104

DARTFORD GYMNASTICS

Celebrating 50 years. Based in Heath Lane, we are a friendly club with super equipment, great coaches and high standards. We do lots of competitions and we do not close through the holidays!

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

LEARN KARATE

Learn karate with Yamato Damashii – for adults & children

Every Wednesday evening at the Leigh Academy & every Saturday morning at Becket Sport Centre, first lesson free.

For more info, visit www.ydma.club or find us on Facebook, search for Yamato Damashii Martial Arts.

KENT EXILES AMERICAN FOOTBALL CLUB

www.kentexiles.co.uk.

Coach Martin - 07944 730634. All ages from 7 years to adult welcome

ENERGY FITNESS AND NUTRITION

I run group fitness classes as well as 1-1 and semi private personal training sessions in Darenth at Dimples Day Nursery DA2 7HT.

ENERGY Fitness & Nutrition: we offer a wide variety of group classes such as strength & conditioning, boot camps, Boxercise, mum and baby classes, inside and outside classes with great equipment and suitable for all abilities. The website is www.energyfitnut.co.uk

FAIRFIELD (DARTFORD) WI

We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Dartford Girls Grammar School at 7.30pm. Activities include guest speakers, theatre visits and monthly lunches. New members welcome. For more information please call Judith on 01322 278703

DARTFORD JU

JITSU CLUB

Mondays 7-8pm for 7-16s at the Dartford Girls Grammar, Shepherds Lane Dartford DA1 2NT in the Dance Studio.

We have an adult class 8-10pm too.

We’ve been running for 20 years, building confidence, teaching self-defence, hardening the target, developing skills and always welcome new members.

HOP LIKE IT’S HOT - AT STONE PAVILION

A fun (different) circuit based workout with space hoppers that challenges core stability, balance and strength. It is suitable for all levels and abilities. Classes are held every Wednesday evening at the stone pavilion

starting at 8:15 until 9:00 costing £5 per person.

HAWLEY AND SUTTON AT HONE ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION is a friendly group of retired and semi-retired men and women over 55. We have a monthly meeting on the second Thursday at Sutton at Hone Scout Hut at 1.30pm. Associated activities include petanque, keep fit, short mat bowls, country walks and ten pin bowling. Come along to a meeting [£2 entrance] or call Carol on 07912 564710. You will receive a warm welcome.

WAR GAMES AND MODEL CLUB

Based in Erith we have a wide number of members from across SE London and Kent. A great place to come and have a game, make, paint and hobby! Or, if you prefer, come grab a cup of tea and chat about all things hobby and some things not! For more info visit - https:// emperors10th.wixsite.com/home

DARTFORD PARKRUN

Dartford parkrun is a free to enter 5k run every Saturday morning starting by the Dartford harriers track in Central Park at 9am. All participants get a time a position emailed and texted after the event. To register go to www.parkrun.org.uk. Remember to bring your printed Barcode.

Every Sunday Morning in the Park there is a Junior parkrun over 2k.

FOOTSCRAY MEADOW PARKRUN

A new Parkrun event with parking at Crazy Barn

SEEDS CYCLING CLUB DARTFORD

Seeds is a long-established cycling Club in Dartford and we share our headquarters at Hesketh with Dartford Cricket Club. We cater for most abilities and have a social ride most Saturday mornings. For info on joining us please visit our website www.seedscycling.co.uk

DARTFORD AND WHITE OAK TRIATHLON CLUB

We are the local British Triathlon Federation Club covering Bexley, Dartford and Swanley. We offer coached swimming sessions 3 times per week at White oak pool in Swanley and Fairfield pool in Dartford. Our members compete in many local Triathlons plus many members are training towards Iron Man distance. We also have our own Triathlon in June every year which has been running since 1989. If you are interested in joining us then please visit our website http://www.dartfordandwhiteoaktri.co.uk

Dartford Road Runners are based at Princes Park Stadium and are one of the biggest road running clubs in Kent. We currently have about 200 members of all abilities including a beginners group. DRR teams compete in the Kent League, the Assembly League and the Kent Fitness League. To see what we offer and how to join us please visit our website – anyone is welcome to join us with all abilities. http://dartfordroadrunners.co.uk/node/440

DARTFORD HARRIERS ATHLETICS CLUB

Dartford Harriers is among the leading athletics clubs in Kent, with a history stretching back to the 1920′s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you advance your Athletics then please visit our website http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk

CENTRAL PARK ATHLETICS CLUB

We are situated in Dartford’s outstanding Central Park and can provide access to a state of the art running track (re-laid in 2015) and the full range of track and field facilities for just £4.50 per session (we offer discounted annual memberships). Refreshments and changing facilities are also available. For no extra charge, we hold coached track sessions on Wednesday evenings for runners of all abilities.

This is a tough but very popular way to increase your stamina and running technique, and you’ll be in the company of qualified coaches and some of the friendliest runners around. For more information please visit our website centralparkathletics.co.uk

Every Sunday 10-11am – Child friendly coached sessions – Come and join the CPA Swifts – As a fledgling club we would like to give children of all ages and abilities the chance to experience training and coaching within a club environment – come and be part of the team Free first session with this advert

SO LET’S GO RUNNING (SLGR)

SLGR is a local running club with structured training sessions designed to improve runners speed and stamina.

The runs available are the free session at 7pm meeting at the Cricket club in Hesketh Park for 5 and 8k runs every Tuesday. Open to everyone and suitable for all abilities including beginners. We have run couch to 5k before covid and hope to do another in the Spring.

Our affiliated club meets on Thursdays and Sundays and is also fully inclusive of all abilities.

You can find more information on our website teamslgr.com or email us at slgr.contact@ gmail.com

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

Every Tuesday from 6-7pm &Thursday from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The Hope Group on 07580 615206.

DARTFORD

& DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC

SOCIETY. We are a long-established camera club meeting fortnightly at Stone Pavilion. We have an exciting programme of speakers, competitions, practical evenings and would welcome new members with or without photographic experience to our friendly meetings. You can attend several meetings as a guest before taking out membership which enables you to become a fully-fledged member and enter competitions. Our website is dartphoto. org.uk. We have a spacious hall which enables us to meet “socially distanced” in the present environment. We hope to meet you soon.

DARTFORD MUSIC SCHOOL

Want to learn to play or sing?

For all ages and abilities, we have something for you.

We offer a variety of music learning activities based at The Mick Jagger Centre including Individual Instrumental Lessons, group sessions with Red Rooster, Dartford Youth Choir and DMS Orchestra!

What’s stopping you?

Webpage: www.themickjaggercentre.com/ dartford-music-school.html

Email: DMS@themickjaggercentre.com

Follow us: Twitter @Dartford_Music Instagram @dartfordmusicschool

WILMARA WILMINGTON ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP.

We are an active retirement group who meet on the third Friday of the month from 2pm till 4pm at the Memorial Hall in Wilmington. Our activities include guest speakers, outings, holidays, theatre trips, tenpin bowling, Petanque, Kurling, indoor sports activities and a lunch club. Please come along and pay us a visit you will be very welcome!

Telephone Membership Secretary. Wendy Murray 01322 226943

NORTH KENT EMBROIDERERS

Learn new techniques, make friends and enjoy interesting talks, workshops and demonstrations. Absolute beginners and more experienced stitchers welcome. We meet on the third Saturday of every month except August from 2-4pm in Southfleet Village Hall, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9NX or by Zoom if necessary. Visitors are very welcome.

website: www.northkentembroiderers.co.uk

email: info@northkentembroiderers.co.uk

phone: Eileen on 01474 324734

DARTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY

A warm welcome awaits newcomers to Dartford’s oldest choir - established over 100 years ago. We rehearse on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at The Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, from September to June and perform four concerts annually. Just turn up to sample the delights of choral singing! For more information please contact the Chairman, Pat Everington. Tel: 01322 220124.

DARTFORD HISTORICAL & ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY

meets usually on 3rd Friday in the month ( October to May) at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford at 7.30 p.m. See website for details.

HARTLEY POETRY SOCIETY

If you enjoy reading and/or writing poetry you will be given a warm welcome by this friendly and enthusiastic group. We meet on the first Monday of each month at 7pm at The

Pavilion, Punch Croft Road, New Ash Green in the Green Room. We read poems according to a different theme each month and there is also plenty of lively discussion. For further information please phone Kathryn (01474 704058)

ROTARY CLUB OF DARTFORD

This Club meets at the Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel on the first, second and third Tuesday of every month. Time: 12.45 for 1 pm start. If you would like further details please contact the Secretary on 07706103706.

ORCHARDS SCALE MODEL CLUB

Tuesday 6pm - 9pm The Meeting Place, Orchards Shopping Centre Dartford, DA1 1DN

All types of scale modellers welcome. Fees £1 per person per visit.

ST ALBAN’S AND ST EDMUND’S CHURCH GROUPS

St Alban’s Church

- Stepping Stones’ Toddler Group @ St Alban’s Church, St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 3FT

Wednesday’s from 8:30am – 11:30am.

- Community Café Coffee Morning @ St Alban’s Church (Tuesdays) , St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 1FT, 10am – 12noon. Drinks, sausage or bacon sarnies, scones, fruit, friends and chat.

- Knit & Natter @ St Alban’s Church, St Alban’s Road, Dartford DA1 1FT 10:00am – 11:30am, on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Come and knit, learn to crochet (or teach someone else), have a coffee and a lot of nattering!

St Edmund’ Church

- Kindness and Wellbeing Group @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND

- Tuesday’s from 9:30am – 11:30am. Make new friends, chat over a cuppa, mindfulness and well being resources and support.

- Café @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND Thursdays from 10am – 12noon

- Over 60’s Club @ St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund’s Road, Temple Hill, Dartford DA1 5ND Lunch at 12:30pm (£5pp must be booked in advance). Raffles and bingo from 1pm, prizes galore.

DARTFORD DISTRICT LIBRARIES ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:

For Adults:

Knit & Natter:

Enjoy knitting or crochet? Come along to our friendly group, meet new friends and enjoy a chat. Everyone is welcome from beginners to expert knitters and crocheters. Sessions are free but please provide your own materials.

Ashen Drive Library - Tuesdays 10.30 – 12.45

Dartford Library - Wednesdays 1.30 – 3.30

Fleetdown Library – Friday 10.00 – 12.00

Longfield Library - Every other Thursday 11.15 –12.30

Summerhouse Drive Library - 3rd Tuesday of the month 2.30 – 3.30

Talk Time:

Come along to our free friendly group, meet new friends and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Everyone is welcome.

Fleetdown Library – Friday 11.30 – 1.00

Longfield Library - Every other Thursday 11.15 –12.30

Summerhouse Drive Library – 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 2.30 – 3.30

Reading Groups:

Share your love of books in a group, have exciting debates and consider books you would never have imagined reading.

Dartford Library – Last Saturday of the month

10.30 – 12.00

Fleetdown Library – 1st Thursday of the month

2.00 – 3.30

Fleetdown Library – 2nd Saturday of the month

10.00 – 12.00

Longfield Library – 2nd Tuesday of the month

2.30 – 3.30

Longfield Library – 1st Wednesday of the month 10.30 – 11.30

Summerhouse Drive Library - Last Thursday of the month 10.00 – 11.00

Summerhouse Drive Library – 2nd Friday of the month 10.30 – 11.30

Other Services: IT Buddies:

Book a session with one of our volunteer IT buddies for help with basic computer queries. These sessions are not classes and our IT buddies cannot help with filling out forms due to Data Protection Regulations. Contact your local library for availability.

Touch a New World: Touch a New World is a free service available

to Kent Library customers who are not able to get to their local library. We can loan you an iPad for up to 8 weeks and offer one-to-one training in your own home from a volunteer, so you can learn how to use the technology. Contact your local library for availability.

Home Library Service:

We can deliver library items to you if you cannot visit a library due to illness, disability or your caring responsibilities. After visiting you to discuss your tastes and needs, staff will select suitable material for you. A volunteer will deliver your books, DVDs or other items and collect ones you are finished with. Contact your local library for availability.

External Organisations & Partners:

We also host other organisations that provide useful information and services in our libraries, these include:

Hi Kent Hearing Aid Clinic: Call in to have your hearing aid cleaned and re-tubed and collect new batteries. Find out how to make the best of your hearing aid.

Ashen Drive Library – 3rd Thursday of the month 2.30 – 3.30

Fleetdown Library - 2nd Thursday of the month 2.00 – 3.30

Sutton-at-Hone Library – 2nd Friday of the month 11.00 – 12.00

Kent Pathways Service Help Desk:

The Kent Pathways Service provide support for people with disabilities become more independent and develop life skills to improve quality of life. You can get help with:

- Filling in forms

- Claiming benefits

- Letters and bills

- Making phone calls

- Housing

- Finding activities

- Keeping healthy and safe

- Voluntary work, college and training

Dartford Library – Every other Tuesday 10.00 –12.00

To find out more about The Kent Pathways Service please visit: https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-andhealth/adult-social-care/care-and-support/ disability/learning-disability/kent-pathway-service

ADVERTISERS INDEX

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN DARTFORD LIVING

ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS

USEFUL NUMBERSS

LOCAL AND NATIONAL

KEY NUMBERS

Police 01622 690690

NON EMERGENCY ONLY

Fire Safety Advice & FREE Home Fire Safety Check 0800 169 1125

Dartford Borough Council

01322 343434

Gas Leaks (24 hour) 0800 111 999

EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/

Powercuts Helpline 105

Flooding 03459881180

Highways Kent 03000 41 41 41

Social Services 03000 41 41 41

Water Burst 0800 820 999 (Southern) 0800 714614 (Thames)

HEALTH

Darent Valley Hospital

01322 428100

Dartford East Health Centre

01322 421480

Boots Chemist Bluewater 01322 624780 (Late Night)

ASDA Greenhithe Chemist

01322 374100 (Late Night)

The National Pandemic Flu Service

0800 1513 100

West Kent NHS helpline

0800 0 850850

TRAVEL

Heathrow Airport Enquires

08700 000123

Gatwick Airport Enquires

08700 002468

National Rail Enquires

08456 484950

Highways England Info Line 0300 123 5000

HELPLINES

24 Hour Kent Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014

Alcoholics Anonymous:

08457 697 555

Citizens Advice Bureau:

Website: citizensadvicenwk.org.uk

FREE Adviceline Number: 0808 278

7810 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm)

For further information about our organisation, including office locations and times, please visit ‘Our Locations’ page on our website: https://citizensadvicenwk.org.uk/ about-us/our-locations/

Debt Councilling (CAP)

0800 328 0006

Information About Drugs - FRANK: 0800 776600

Kent Homophobic Incident Reporting Line: 0800 328 9162

Kent Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624

Local Breastfeeding Counsellors

Judianne/Paula

01322 224072

National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour)

0808 2000 247

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000

RSPCA Kent, North West Branch Helpline 01322 286720

Samaritans: 116 123

LOCAL MP

Gareth Johnson 020 7219 7047

LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS

Bexley Rugby Club 01322 550142 or www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bexleyrfc/

Dartford Ladies Hockey Club

Dawn Hall (Secretary) 07793

777250

Dartford Ju Jitsu Club

Mondays, Dartford Girls

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

Dartford Sharks Basketball Club Tim Dickson - 07855 692527.

Dartford Volleyball Club

Graham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.

VCD Table Tennis Club

Eric Jenkins - 0208 3038312.

‘Play & pay’, 9 hole, par 3 golf course on Dartford Football Club’s Princes Park- Contact: 01322 299990

www.dartfordfc.com

Dartford Valley RFCwww.pitchero.com/clubs/ darenthvalleyrfc/

USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS

Dartford Living

Dartford Together

Dartford Living Community Group

Investments – whether you want to invest a lump sum, save regularly, invest in an ISA or another type of savings plan, we can help you find the best plan to suit your requirements. As there are so many di erent types of savings and financial investments available, it is wise to seek professional advice.

Retirement Planning – this is about saving enough money while you’re working to ensure you have a su cient level of income when you retire. Our pension specialists will help you plan your retirement, by assessing all aspects of your financial circumstances, from saving for your retirement to investing your retirement savings.

Estate Planning – you don’t have to be wealthy to consider estate planning. Even sentimental items, small sums of money and belongings will need to be distributed following your death. Planning for what will happen to your estate and the impact on your family, is a responsible thing to do. Circumstances can change very quickly and knowing your family will be looked after, will provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.