dartford living august 2015

48
Plus - All your regular features, puzzles, events, information and much, much more in your new 48 page issue. What’s Inside... Stanhill Farm Page 20 Local Charity CAP Page 36 Royal Victoria Hall Page 25 August 2015 - Issue 110 www.dartfordliving.com Summer Fun: Activities for the Kids Page 18

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Dartford Living August 15 - What to do with the kids over the summer holidays, Stanhill Farm - Maize Maze, Royal Victoria Mill Hall, Local Charity Christians against poverty plus our usual features and fun

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Dartford Living August 2015

Plus - All your regular features, puzzles, events, information and much, much more in your new 48 page issue.

What’s Inside...

StanhillFarm

Page 20

Local CharityCAP

Page 36

Royal Victoria Hall

Page 25

August 2015 - Issue 110www.dartfordliving.comDartford

Living

Summer Fun: Activities for the Kids

Page 18

Page 2: Dartford Living August 2015

DARTFORD BUSINESS CENTRE

2 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Tel: 01322 278188 Haslemere, 4 Summerhill Rd, Dartford DA1 2LP Email: [email protected]

COMPANY FORMATIONSave tax by forming a private company from as

little as £45 + registration fee + VAT.www.companyregistration.org

ACCOMMODATION ADDRESSHave a virtual office accommodation address

facility for as little as £40.00 per month.www.accommodation-address.com

RENT AN OFFICE24/7 Offices available to rent from as little as £38.00 per

week with parking.www.accommodation-address.com

ACCOUNTANCY & TAX SERVICEConradi 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

PAYLINELet us undertake your payroll and

take the strain from you for as little as £18 per month + VAT.

www.payline.org

PROVIDING A FULL SERVICE TO DARTFORD SMALL BUSINESSES

“A Hand Holding Service”

Established35 years

2 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 3

Page 3: Dartford Living August 2015

Dear Readers,A big August hello from everyone at Dartford Living! We hope you enjoy

this month’s expanded magazine, with more pages than ever before. As

usual this month’s edition is jam packed with lots of local information

and local businesses. Please support as many as you can - “use them

or lose them!”

Don’t forget that we run Dartford Living alongside volunteer members of

the local community FOR the local community. Dartford Living is YOUR

magazine, the only independently run magazine serving the local area

with information, fun, good news and positive local stories! Feel free

to get in touch if you would like to write an article for the magazine. If

writing is not for you then perhaps you could volunteer to deliver 100 or

so magazines to your local roads - you will guarantee your copy of the

magazine and get a little exercise as well!

We deliver to thousands of homes and businesses in the local area,

however if you don’t receive a copy directly through your door, you can

pick up a copy from various drop off points. These include Dartford

Football Club, numerous local libraries, Darent Valley Hospital, Stephen

Oliver Art Gallery, numerous health centres and all of the local Barclays

branches. The ‘Previous Editions’ section of the Dartford Living website

(www.dartfordliving.com) also includes electronic versions of Dartford

Living magazine. Additionally, if you email [email protected]

we will add you to our newsletter email mailing list and contact you just

once a month with an electronic copy of Dartford Living! Over 4,000 local people already do this!

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

3

Editor’s Letter

Contents6-13................................................. What’s on14............................................ Useful numbers 18.........................What to do over the summer 20..............................Stanhill Farm Maize Maze21.................................Dartford Living meets...22....................Remember a Charity in your will 22.........................................Kent Credit Unions25..........................................Royal Victoria Hall28-29...........................................Kip McGrath 30 .................................................Local Crafts32...........................................Max Makerspace33..............................................Baby Fun Stars36................................................Charity Focus 36................................. Dartford Ostomy Group37...............................A Sky dive full of emotion38....................................................Auto News39...............................Tips for a small business40..............................................Sudoku41..............................................Gardening Tips42................................................Sports News44......................................Johnny Cash tribute 45........................................Competitions

AdvertisingWe offer amazing value advertising with adverts starting from just £26 per month. The advertising deadline for the next issue is 10th AugustAll enquiries

David ShaffordMagazine/ Website design and [email protected]

2 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 3

Frontpage image:

Taken by Anthony Jones a local freelance photographer. The image shows the Dartford Central park flowers with Dartford Library in the background. For more information go to ajphoto.info @ajphoto on twitter and facebook.com/AnthonyJonesPhotographer

Page 4: Dartford Living August 2015

4 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers 4 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 5

Just cut out this ad and bring itto your first class!

@ Acacia Hall, High Street, Dartford6 Days a Week

Visit website for more details

“I’ve lost 2 dress

sizes already”

“I’ve done more thanI thought I could do!”AJ’S DOG SALON

Professional Grooming Service

Is your dogsexy enough

for a makeover?AJ's Dog Salon, the professional dog grooming service based in Swanley, Kent. Fully qualified, caring dog groomers who love your animals asmuch as you do.

AJ's Dog Salon, Robimaur Farm, Clement StreetSwanley, Kent. BR8 7PQ Telephone: 07702 730435

www.ajdoggrooming.co.uk

One to one careDIY BathingPick up/drop off by arrangementCaring animal lover’s

Fully insuredQualified & professionalNew state of the art salonRelaxed environment

Page 5: Dartford Living August 2015

Index of Advertisers

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com 5

ACCOUNTANTS, FINANCE & LEGALConradi Morrison & Co .....................................................2Lynton & Co ........................................................................5

BUILDERS, DECORATORS ROOFING, KITCHENS & WINDOWS4k Building Services.........................................................47A Baines & Son Roofing.....................................................34Claremont Decorative Services ..................................46John Hargreaves Building...................................................25Steve Cook - Double Glazing ...........................................16

COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTHDia Wipes .............................................................17Forever Living....................................................................31Lipo Angel.........................................................................26

EDUCATIONKip McGrath ..........................................................29

ENTERTAINMENT VENUEOrchard Theatre Groups................................................12Woodlands...................................................................35Woodvile Theatre..........................................................48

ELECTRICIANSAES Electricians ..............................................................4

ESTATE AGENTSGPS Lettings ...................................................................17Wisdom Estates .............................................................33

GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICESShenley Road Garage .........................................................39

GARDENING SERVICESHawley Garden Centre .......................................................34

JEWELLERYBradleys ...........................................................................34

LOCKSMITHS/HOME SECURITYDartford Locksmith ............................................................39

LEGAL SERVICESDartford Legal .................................................................31

LOGISTICSFD TRANSPORT ...........................................................47

MUSIC/DANCE & SPORTS/FITNESSDartford Bootcamps ...........................................................4Dartford Wing Chung .........................................................43Monkey Music ...........................................................7

Tennis Tots.........................................................................43OPTICIANSLinklater Opticians ............................................................16

PET CAREAJ Dog Salon.....................................................................16Easipetcare...............................................................24Kingly’s Dog Grooming........................................................31

PICTURE FRAMINGCraft Frames ............................................................39

PLASTERERSCraig Baker ..................................................................34

STOVES AND FIREPLACESThe Stove and Fireplace ....................................................19

WEBSITE AND DIGITAL DESIGNDS Brochure Webdesign.....................................................19

VOLUNTEERINGWest Kent Befriending Service.......................................25

4 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 5

Page 6: Dartford Living August 2015

...local events, clubs & groups

Parent & Toddler Groups (Term Time)

Mondays

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

Messy Makers:10.15am-11.15am - an hour of messy play and creative activities for 2-5 year olds. St Mary’s Greenhithe Church Hall,

London Road, Greenhithe. £4.50 per child. For further information and to book, please emailus at [email protected] or call

07851 150593.

Tuesdays

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

Little Fishes: 12 - 2pm, Net Church,, (Formerly Gala Bingo Hall) Dartford, £3 per family including all snacks and drinks. John 01322 272649.

9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information.

Sticky Fingers, 9.30-11.30 am £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

Wednesdays9.30am -11.30am. The Salvation Army, 66 Hythe Street, Dartford. Please call us on (01322) 288434 for further information.

ThursdaysThe Vineyard Centre, 24 Market St, Dartford. Contact Jane on 07956 430244 for further details.

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

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

1-2.30pm Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child - £1 Non Walkers - facebook.com/ToeRags

Fridays

9.30-11am Baby and me for expectant mothers and mothers / carers of chidren up to 2. £1 per adult

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

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

9.30-11.30 Carer & Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 [email protected]

1-3pm Gigglekidz, Tree Estate Community Centre on Cedar Road - £2 Per Child

Saturdays

Daddy and Me 9.30.-11.30am A group for dads and male carers of children up to 5years. £1.50 includes healthy snack time for the children.

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

Toddler Music & Rhyme Sessions

MONDAYS 10:30am - 11:00am & Friday 2:15pm - 2:45pm at Dartford Library - Baby Bounce & Rhyme TimeTUESDAYS 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/TIME ON THURSDAYSTUESDAYS 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.

Where to go locally...

6 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 7

Page 7: Dartford Living August 2015

6 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 7

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 and toddlers: 9.15 till 9.55; 3 and 4 year-olds: 10.00 till 10.45

Contact Myrtle : 07763 378451 Email : [email protected]

Hartley Swimclub at White Oak Pool, Swanley

We are a friendly group of adults who meet for a social swim every Thursday at 9pm. We’re looking for new

members. Why not give us a try?Contact Diane on 01689 871846 or join us one

Thursday.

DARTFORD LADIES PROBUS CLUBA group of retired ladies meet locally for lunch on the 4th

Wednesday of each month,. They raise funds for charity and usually invite a speaker. Join them and enjoy meeting and making new friends. If you would like more information please contact Iris

(Secretary) on 01474 703448

Page 8: Dartford Living August 2015

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: [email protected]

YOGA & MEDITATION

CLASSESEvery 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.

LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

Come and Join one of North Kent’s

fastest and most successful Martial

Arts clubs. For more information,

call Saj on 07903 513104 or just

come along to one of our sessions

and join in the fun! With the most

reasonable fees around, you’ll

find that training can be affordable

too! For all details please visit our

website

www.northkentkarate.com

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

Dartford Gymnasticsis 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

Erith Youth RugbySunday 10:45-12:00, Sussex Road Erith.

Ages 4-16 welcome 07903 590515

Dartford Orienteering Club For more details see www.dfok.co.uk

Where to go locally... ...local events, clubs & groups

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

Hold regular meetings in The Meeting Place,

The Orchard Shopping Centre, Dartford. Details from Steve Alpe 01322 284491 or

email [email protected]

Our Club presents a programme of workshops and demonstrations in a very informal and friendly atmosphere. We meet on the last

Thursday of each month except December. Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne. DA12 3EA. Visitors are always made very welcome,

entry £3. We have 30 members and look forward to welcoming anyone who loves flowers. The Club provides an opportunity for

people to be creative, make friends. For further information please phone 01474 353405 or email

[email protected]

SHORNE FLOWER ARRANGERS

Dartford & District Stamp ClubGUITARS 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

[email protected]

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 9

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.

Page 9: Dartford Living August 2015

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.

RSPCA KENT, NORTH WEST BRANCH - FREE MICRO CHIPPINGRSPCA 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.

ALL DIRECTIONS is a community learning organisation for adults and young people aged 16+

with physical, learning and mental health difficulties. For more information, attend a taster session or visit our community lunch club, contact Caroline on 01322 440482 or

07570 347612

Dartford 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

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

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.

MODERN LINEDANCING CLASSES

The West Kent Book Club meets once a month on Saturday

mornings at Dartford Library. For more

information, please call 07860 963333 or

find us at www.meetup.com/West-Kent-Book-

Club/

The DartfordChess ClubThe 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

WEST HILL MORRIS Come and join your local Morris side, dancing and

performing in Dartford, Gravesend and Bexley areas and throughout Kent in the Summer. We are a mixed

and very sociable side, and can always find room for new dancers and musicians. It’s a great way of

keeping fit and you’ll be helping to conserve a great English tradition. We practice alternate Tuesday

evenings at Bexley, from September to April, then dancing out at pubs, clubs and fetes, throughout Kent, from May to August. Private Bookings taken. Contact

Alison on 01322 862298, e-mail [email protected]

The club meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Hawley Pavilion, Hawley Rd.(opp Papermakers

Arms) at 7.30 Come along for an evening of beautiful flowers, fun and friendship. Entrance

£6.00, refreshments and a raffle with the chance to take home a beautiful floral arrangement.

Contact Chris 01322 836026

Dartford Floral Club

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 9

Would you like to promote a local activity on the “Where to go locally...” page? If so, email your suggestions to [email protected]

Age UK, Crayford library Pop in Parlour coffee morning every Friday morning 10.30 - 12.30 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and a chat - Just £1

Page 10: Dartford Living August 2015

Kent Exiles American Football Clubwww.kentexiles.co.uk.

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

Dartford Art GroupWe 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 [email protected] or ring

07940 836672

Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30am-10:30amAt Europa Gymnastics Centre

For more information please contact Emma:[email protected]

TEL: 07932 621415 www.samadhi-yoga.co.uk

YOGA WITH EMMA

The Rotary Club of the North DownsThey meet at the Holiday Inn, Black Prince, Thursday evenings 7:30pm for 7:45pm for Dinner and fellowship. For details phone

07759 863836.

The National Women’s RegisterThe 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.

SHORNE COUNTRY PARK – 5K WALK27th September 2015

Annual 5K walk, all proceeds will go to support our clients and help improve and maintain the services

that we offer for those living with Alzheimers or Dementia and the carers, families and friends.

- Meet at Shorne Country Park at 10:00am - Walk Starts at 11:00am promptly

For more details please call Angela Farrell the walk organiser on 01474 533990 or 07903664873

North West Kent FamilyHistory Society

The Dartford Branch meet at the Technology College, Heath Lane, For more information

see www.nwkfhs.org.uk

DARTFORD LIONS CLUB1st Tuesday of every month

Dartford Conservative Club Spital Street, Dartford DA1 2DT. Meeting start at 20:00.

Further details call Cathy 01322 618640

Where to go locally... ...local events, clubs & groups

TONI MOUNT HISTORY CLASSESThe 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

10 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 11

** Players Wanted **Swanscombe Tigers U9’s for season 15/16Coaches are FA qualified and CRB checked

Come along have fun and make new friends

For more info contactLee McCarthy 07591155536

Mark Trowbridge 07890611829or email [email protected]

Page 11: Dartford Living August 2015

PAVILION PLAYERSIs an amateur dramatics group based at the Joydens Wood Community Centre, Wilmington, Kent. We

meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm. For more informa-tion please visit www.facebook.com/pavilionplayers or call us on 07505 006539. Alternatively just pop

down on a Tuesday night! Everyone welcome!

WHEELCHAIR EPEE FENCINGWheelchair epee fencing in Dartford and Gravesham,

we are delighted to announce that New Ash Green Epee club, can now introduce wheelchair fencing. If interested in taking up this para sport please contact

us on 01474 871484 or alternatively look at our website www.nagfencing.eu

The Rendezvous Club (50+)Every Monday Time: 8pm - 10pm

Location: The Pop in Parlour, Graham Road, Bexleyheath DA6 7EG

Description: We are a friendly social group open to anyone over fifty. As a social group we enjoy a

number of activities including bingo, a Beatle drive, quizzes, to name but a few.

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

Admission: £2.50 per week. Annual membership £6 (payable in January )

Tel: 01322 287356 or 020 8304 6414

10 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 11

Eynsford Bellegrove XI Vs

The Lashings All-Stars

Eynsford CCCommon Meadow RiversideEynsfordKentDA4 0HE

Sunday August 23rd 2015 - Plays starts 3pm

email [email protected]

or call07775 888933

for all info

*Line-up may be subject to

last-minute changes

Superb corporate packages available!

COURTNEY WALSH

GORDON GREENIDGE

DEVON MALCOLM

HERSCHELLE GIBBS

And many more!*

The Entertainers are coming!

SING AND SIGN MUSIC CLASSES NEW Babes (0- 7 )months, stage 1 8-13 months

and Stage 2 14 - 26 months Fridays and Saturdays- Dartford High Street

9.40am - 12.30pm Contact [email protected]

07958455699

Haven (LGBT) Social Group. London / Kent area. Every Friday - a safe

Place to Meet. For more information please contact

01322 287356 or 07503 306467 or email - [email protected]

Page 12: Dartford Living August 2015

NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIPDartford & 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

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 [email protected]

...local events, clubs & groupsWhere to go locally...

12 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 13

We meet every Tuesday at 8.00 in the Community hall (opp St Paulinus church) Crayford. We are looking for

anyone who could help us with sound, lights, scenery or singing/acting on the stage - everyone welcome. Email

me (Carolyn) for more details at [email protected].

The Players Crayford

Based in Greenhithe, FREE FIT is a community fitness club designed for people of all ages looking to gain basic levels of fitness, drop a few pounds and enjoy meeting and training with like minded people.

So if Gyms are not your thing and you are looking to take your first steps in fitness and weight loss, come and train with free fit.

www.freefit888.co.uk for more info

Page 13: Dartford Living August 2015

DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OFTHE THIRD AGE)

meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except August) at St Anselm’s Church Hall, West Hill, Dartford at 2pm. For information

about meetings and interest groups call 01474-709068 or visit our website.

Useful Numbers

12 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 13

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSTCAlumni/

Little Bright SparksFun 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 infowww.facebook.com/littlebrightsparks

http://www.babysign.org.uk/

abc

+= COLUMBINE CHINA PAINTERS CLUB

meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each monthat Sutton at Hone Village Hall. 1.30pm until 4.30pm. £2.00 per afternoon. £10.00 yearly fee. We are a small, friendly club, not expensive. Tuition given. All supplies can be bought in situe. Come and see if you like it, free tea And biccies. You will be very welcome. Contact - Maureen Beckham 01322 287214. Marie Blake 01474 704581. Doreen Goddard 01474 707357.

LOCAL DOG TRAINING SCHOOL

Established for 36years - No Expensive coursesPuppies from 3months - Older dogs any age.Tel. Barbara for more details 01322 663956

Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets based at Brooklands Lake Dartford,

next to Homebase on Princes Road. We parade every Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm-

9.15pm and is open to new recruits, junior cadets aged 10-12

and Sea Cadets aged 12-18.

email [email protected] for more details.

Page 14: Dartford Living August 2015

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14 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

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

Local Libraries24 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

Debt Councilling (CAP) 0800 328 0006

EDF Energy Networks Emergencies/Powercuts Helpline:0800 028 0247

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

LATE NIGHT CHEMISTS

BOOTS BLUEWATER:01322 624780

OPEN MON-SAT 9am TILL MIDNIGHT. SUN 11am TILL 5pm

ASDA GREENHITHE:01322 374100

OPEN MON-SAT 8.30am TILL 10pm. SUN 11am TILL 5pm

Useful Information

Local Sports Clubs Bexley Rugby Club01322 550142 or http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bexleyrfc/Dartford Ladies Hockey ClubDawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250

Dartford Ju Jitsu ClubMondays, Dartford Girls Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors.www.dartfordjujitsu.co.ukDartford Sharks Basketball ClubTim Dickson - 07855 692527.Dartford Volleyball ClubGraham - 01322 275290 or 07984 106134.

Stone Lodge Indoor Bowling Club 01322 274111.VCD Table Tennis ClubEric 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: [email protected] Ashes Badminton ClubMondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.Dartford Valley RFC - www.pitchero.com/clubs/darenthvalleyrfc/

Page 15: Dartford Living August 2015

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14 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Page 16: Dartford Living August 2015

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STEVE COOKDOUBLE GLAZING SERVICING,REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION

OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

45 Knole Road, Dartford, Kent. DA1 3JN.E-mail: [email protected]

Mob: 07747 015223Tel: 01322 412791

• 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

Most common problems that arisewith double glazing can be solvedquickly and cost effectively:

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Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1 27/1/14 12:15 Page 1

Established for over 70 years

When did you last have your eyes checked?

When did you last have your eyes checked?

Linklaters has an extensive range of over 400 styles of glasses to choose from. Bespoke spectacles at sensible

prices.

Tel: 01322 22311322 Lowfield Street (next to Barclays Bank), Dartford

16 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 17

Page 17: Dartford Living August 2015

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lettingsgps

www.gpslettings.co.uk020 8859 2200

Winners of “Lettings Agency of the Year”

The key to a

successful move this summer

Dia Wipes are an essential part of your blood testing routine. Suitable for anyone who has Type 1 Diabetes, or those with Type 2 Diabetes who need

to test their blood.

Keep Dia-wipes handy so your blood glucose testing does not slow you down:

· School · Office · Car · Beach · Sports · Many more!

Each finger wipe measures 45mm x 70mm. Does not contain alcohol, fragrance or any product or chemical that will interfere with your

blood glucose result. 25 wipes in each resealable pack. RRP £1.49 per pack

Available to order from leading insulin

pump pouch and diabetic accessory supplier:Funky Pumpers www.funkypumpers.com

or www.dia-wipe.com

Page 18: Dartford Living August 2015

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Featured

So it is the summer holidays again and the age old question crops up – what to do with the children for 6 weeks? That is if you have children like me!

Thankfully around Dartford and slightly further afield in the rest of Kent there are lots of different activities, both free and paid for, that can keep children entertained for long summer weeks.

Starting closer to home, Dartford is lucky to have the gem that is Central Park, with its large open spaces that are perfect for a kick about or a game or cricket or rounders or even just a picnic. The play area is becoming a bit tired looking (I understand Dartford Council are currently looking at renovating it) but it still has enough apparatus to keep children entertained including the water play area, bike track and the usual swings and climbing frames and slides. This is all in full view of the café that has a reasonable selection of food and drink available. Just out of the town centre there is also Hesketh Park where the cricket club are hosting a number of activities over the summer holidays.

If you like the outdoors Dartford Heath is a fantastic open space. Darenth Valley Country Park is located on the road from Dartford to Darenth and offers a play area for kids, whilst the artist Andy McKeown worked with local schools and community groups to design the sculpture that you can see here at the north of the site. A picnic area is available, adjacent to the car park. A variety of surfaced and unsurfaced paths (including cycle routes) criss-cross the park.

A bit further down the A2 is Shorne Country Park. Shorne Woods has all you could ask for from a country park, and

as a result is one of the most popular outdoor spaces anywhere in the region. The long list of things to see and do here includes the eco-friendly visitor centre and café, a sensory garden, orienteering, fishing lakes, a nature trail, and picnic and play areas – not to mention to 288 acres of rolling woodlands, wetlands and meadows that can be explored via a variety of way-marked trails.

If your children like exploring, Dartford Museum (situated in the same building as Dartford Library) has a free Town Detective trail. Children are given a quiz sheet, including a map, which they follow to visit several of the Heritage Panels dotted around the town. They then have to read the historic information on the panels to look for the answers to the questions on the sheet. It takes place on weekdays from the 27th July to 28th August (excluding Wednesdays) for children age 5-11 (they must be accompanied by a parent or carer). Collect your map from the Museum between 12.30pm and 1pm, complete the trail and hand in your map between 3.30pm and 4pm to get your special Town Detective badge. For more information call 01322 224739 or email [email protected]

If your children prefer sporting activities the local sports teams are hosting summer coaching courses.

Dartford FCMonday 3rd August to Wednesday 5th August, 9:30am-3:00pm (3 Day Course) - £35.00Monday 24th August to Wednesday 26th August, 9:30am-3:00pm (3 Day Course) - £35.00Choose from either of their Football Summer Camp or their Goalkeeping Summer Camp! Two choices and both camps are jam packed with fun including a Tour of the Princes Park Stadium! Play a variety of sports with their Pre-Academy staff and receive the full DFC treatment! Please contact their Community Lead Sean Scolding to book your place at our Footballing Holiday courses or for further information: [email protected]

Summer Fun - By Dave Shafford

Page 19: Dartford Living August 2015

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Be coached by their first team Goal Keeper! Have skills sessions and play keeper wars.Please contact Jamie-Lee Head to book your place at the Goalkeeping Course or for further information: [email protected] Bring along a packed lunch and plenty of drinks to your selected course. Refreshments will be available to purchase on site from the Champions Bar.

Dartford Cricket Club will be holding their usual range of summer camps with a number of former cricket and football pros at Hesketh Park during August. Dates for these are 4th August – Football, 5-6th and 11-12th August – Cricket. For more information visit www.dartfordcc.co.uk or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Dartford Valley RFCDVRFC are offering Rugby every Sunday for kids. The activities take place at Leigh Academy (Goals)Tiny Tots (3-5 years): 10am-11amMinis (6-10 years): 10am-11.30amJuniors (11-16 years): 10am-11.30am

The cost is just £3 per session and half of that goes to charity. Contact Luke Stickings - tel 07554 001909 for more information.

If your child is more of a book worm, The Summer Reading Challenge is taking place in all libraries across Kent. The Challenge is to read six library books throughout the summer, collecting stickers along the way, and a certificate and medal if you complete the challenge. This year the theme is “Record Breakers”. There is lots more information available on the website www.recordbreakers.org.uk Go along to the library and join up, it’s FREE!

For lots more information on what is on around Dartford visit Dartford Council’s webpage www.dartford.gov.uk/by-category/leisure-and-culture2/events/summer-sizzlers

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Featured Local business Stanhill Farm and the Maize Maze

Stanhill Farm, Dartford, are growing their second Maize Maze which will open on 18 July ready for the summer holidays, ideal for the kids to run around and lose themselves for a couple of hours.

The Maze design is a giant T-Rex dinosaur in a 7.5 acre field – it’s a-maize-ing! Pick up a game card and solve the Jurassic Jumble quiz trail, and for the under 4s, the mini maze design is a dinosaur footprint.

After you have conquered the maze why not spend time picking some fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the plants on the Pick Your Own farm? Crops include strawberries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, runner beans and sweet corn*.

Pop in and see the well-stocked onsite Farm Shop which was a finalist in the Kent Life and Kent on Sunday Food and Drink Awards 2013 and 2014.

For more information call 01322 669 711 or visit www.stanhillfarm.co.uk

*Availability of fruit and vegetables is subject to seasonal variations. Please check website for current status of crops.

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Page 21: Dartford Living August 2015

DARTFORD LIVING MEETS....... BY KELLY GOLDSWORTHY

This month Kelly met up with Dartford librarian and Dartford Arts Network (DAN) member Julie Holmes.

Julie has lived in Dartford all her life, apart from her time spent working and studying Fine Art at Central St Martins College. She attended St Albans, York Road and The Downs schools. She has worked in Dartford’s libraries for 18 years. Julie explained why she loves her job:‘I have a passion for books and enjoy working with the public. I love helping people to discover new authors, sharing books is magical. I often help parents with children who find reading a struggle. It may take a few attempts but there is nothing more satisfying than finding something that engages them. I also help customers with enquiries on all manner of subjects. I enjoy my conversations, especially with the elderly.’

‘Fleetdown, is the branch I mostly work in, it is a great community library with lots going on. We have reading groups, baby bounce and rhyme and homework clubs going on. There is Hi Kent who provide hearing aid batteries. We rely lots on volunteers so there is a real community buzz. I am also working in partnership with our Warden, Christine Bates to set up Warden Surgeries and Dementia Friends drop in sessions, which are worthwhile and needed services. In Dartford, apart from my usual duties I assist in running the Peter Blake Gallery. It’s a free space where art can be exhibited. I have enjoyed curating and hanging exhibitions in the past for KCC.’

Asked about the town, Julie explains ‘What I like about Dartford is the friendliness of the people. People recognise me from the library and stop and talk. There’s lots going on. For example, I’m a member of Dartford Arts Network which formed a year ago. We seek to promote art and cultural networking in the town. We have had two exhibitions and we held our first event - the May Day fair in conjunction with the What If? Gallery and sponsored by Dartford Borough Council. It was well received and we hope to do the same thing next year. We also have a Lowfield Street project on going and others in the pipeline. It’s good to be part of something which enriches the town. Anyone can join DAN - we need people with

a range of skills - art skills and otherwise. Anyone who is interested please do get in touch.’

DAN can be contacted on facebook: www.facebook.com/dartfordartsnetwork or twitter: @DartfordArts

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Credit Unions – for all walks of life. I’m going to bet that you’re only vaguely aware of the Credit Union movement in the UK; I bet you have very little idea of the sorts of savings, loans or current account products your local Credit Union offers; but I’d go so far as to bet that you casually assume they’re not applicable to you. Am I right? But here’s the thing: not only are Credit Unions available to everyone, from all walks of life, they are dependent on savers and borrowers just like you, from all walks of life.

I’m betting again, that Credit Unions will be associated in your mind with lending to people on low incomes, and this time you’re right, and that’s what’s special about them.... they’re willing to lend to those in our communities who have a troubled credit history, or a patchwork of income from benefits and tax credits, or who for whatever reason other lenders won’t touch. But to provide their safe, ethical and responsible lending services to those who might otherwise resort to extortionate payday lenders, the Credit Unions need to be financially sustainable which means they need a steady income of their own, from the interest they charge on loans to .... yup, everyone from all walks of life. They want and need to lend to the

Remember A Charity In Your Will Week Returns This September Remember A Charity in your Will Week, the annual awareness drive designed to encourage more people to consider leaving a gift to charity in their Will, is returning in 2015 and will take place between 7th – 13th September.

Following its most successful year to date in 2014, September will mark the sixth year of the campaign, which continually delivers on its core objective: To make legacy giving a social norm. Last year saw the campaign grow to over 150 member charities and receive the backing of some of the UK’s biggest businesses and partners, such as The Co-operative and the Cabinet Office and its partners including the likes of Legal & General and the Law Society.

The Week will also see a dynamic marketing and PR campaign to drive awareness, extending its 2014 theme of Living Legends. As well as a record-breaking skydive for charity supporters who have chosen to leave a gift in their Will, there are a number of other high-octane activities planned.

Many of the member charities will also be running their own activities throughout the campaign, raising the profile of legacies across the UK. Hundreds of members’ charity shops will be dedicating window displays to the campaign and interacting with people via branded ‘Living Legend’ merchandise to further generate awareness and engagement with consumers.

The campaign has achieved notable success over the years and continues to deliver on its mission of growing the legacy market, with the percentage of people leaving a legacy in their Will increasing from 5.1% in 2000 – the year Remember A Charity was formed - to 7.3% in 2013.

Three quarters of Britons regularly give to charity in their lifetimes, yet only 7.3% currently include a charity when writing a Will. Nevertheless gifts in Wills are still the foundation of many of Britain’s charities, creating more than £2 billion each year, the equivalent of 19 Comic Reliefs. Without this income, many charities would simply not exist and others would have to cut crucial services.

Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, said: “Remember A Charity Week has grown year-on-year and we hope 2015 sees our message continue to reach new audiences.

“Legacy income is currently worth more than £2 billion a year in the UK. If we can grow the sector by just 4%, we could potentially raise an extra £1 billion for UK charities. That’s why our mission is to help people realise what a legendary act leaving a gift to charity is and the scale of difference it can make to some of our favourite good causes. “

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better-off sections of our communities, those who could take a loan from any supermarket, online or high-street lender they like. To put it simply, Credit Unions need good borrowers to support their business of supporting otherwise financially excluded borrowers. Their business needs to balance out the poor credit risk customers with some better credit risk ones. Another thing that’s special about Credit Unions is they are non-profit making and are run by volunteer boards of Directors. Since they’re not paying shareholder returns or bankers’ bonuses they are run on a low cost base and can charge interest rates comparable, and often lower, than commercial lenders. So not only do they want you and need you, people from all walks of life, they can also reward you with loans at competitive rates. When you also realise they don’t charge upfront fees or have any hidden costs or early repayment fees, why wouldn’t you consider them next time you want to treat yourself to a new kitchen, car or holiday?

I’ll also go right out on a limb and bet that a good number of you, when you stop to think about it, would be pleased to take a loan from an organisation set up to serve your local community. I hope I’m right because everyone needs access to fair money.... although I’d never bet with it.

Catherine Parker is a Director of Kent Savers Credit Union, for all people living or working in Kent, Medway and Bexley. Loans and Savings Accounts available online at www.kentsavers.co.uk or call 0333 321 9050

Dartford Arts Network is an arts and culture network for those in, around and connected to the borough. We’re excited to launch Dartford Assembly, in association with Dartford Borough Council. We’re looking for people to create artworks for Lowfield Street and other locations in Dartford. We’re also running printmaking workshops for all ages and creating a short film. To get involved, sign up to the mailing list on our website or send an email with the subject ‘SUBSCRIBE’ to hear more!

#dartfordassembly [email protected]

DARTFORDIN ASSOCIATION WITH

ARTSNE T W OR K@dartfordartsdartfordartsnetwork

Page 24: Dartford Living August 2015

Vaccinations only £15 each

Available Mon, Tues and Thurs 12pm -6pm Friday 12pm – 8pm • No need to book

Neutering from £25Every Wednesday 8am – 6pm

Cat Castrate £25 • Cat Spay £35 Dog Castrate £75 • Bitch Spay £99

Please call for an appointment

Opening offers available until September 13th 2015

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Dartford Living 25

Page 25: Dartford Living August 2015

JOHN HARGREAVESBUILDING & HOME

IMPROVEMENT SERVICESWide range of building & home improvement services for the

interior & exterior of your property.

• BRICKWORK • CARPENTRY •PAINTING • DECORATING

• FENCING • DECKING • PATIOS • TILING

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

Formerly known as Battle of Britain Memorial Hall. The Royal Air Force Association took occupation of the hall in 1950 when it was called Victoria Mill and changed the name to Battle of Britain Memorial Hall. In about 1960 the RNA, Royal Naval Association, also used the hall in unison with the RAFA who ran the hall. As from the 1st Jan 2015 because of the dwindling numbers of RAFA members they could no longer sustain the cost of the up-keep of the hall so rather than loose the hall the RNA took charge and with help from our local council, Jeremy Kite MBE and Anne Allen MBE, we were able to carry out some much needed work

within and on the external area of the building to include the garden area. In addition to this, it was agreed that, we change the name, back to it’s original name, and so it is now called Royal Victoria Mill Hall and official opened by Councillor Jeremy Kite MBE on Monday 22nd June 2015 after the British Forces Day Ceremony at Dartford War Memorial. The Hall dates back to 1570 when it was a wire mill and four storeys high, the upper three floors were made of wood. The river ran underneath the building but is now diverted away from the hall albeit you can still see the arch and river path from the rear of the building. In the Kitchen/Galley part of the wheel still remains but covered in and sealed. The Hall is for hire and ideal for small weddings, parties, anniversaries etc. It is insured for 80 persons and has a licensed bar with a side/quiet room, lounge. Enquiries for hire please contact Tom, RNA Welfare Officer on 07906201709.

Royal Victoria Mill Hall

Dartford Living 25

Page 26: Dartford Living August 2015

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 27

Lipo AngelLets Get Slimmer For Summer!

Sarah, 36:“Following the birth of my baby, I tried many diets desperate to get my figure back, but nothing worked. After my course of Lipo Angel Treatments, Ive have gone from a size 16 to a size 12 in four months and

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Instant Body sculptIng and Fat lossUsing Ultrasound cavitation to rupture fat cells

and drain them from the body, followed withlifting, toning and improving the texture and appearance of skin with Radio frequency.

This is a hugely popular service for both men and women looking for instant inch loss results. For

example before going on holiday, events such as weddings, ‘mummy tummy’ and for those who are

already investing in a healthy lifestyle to target stubborn areas of fat such as ‘love handles’, the dreaded ‘bingo wings’ and ‘jelly belly’. Situations

that exercise and diet have been unable to redress.

This service is also ideal to support clients already on a weight loss journey as they will instantly lose inches of fat from hard to shift areas and will help them to stay motivated with their healthy eating

to maintain these results. Radio Frequency or RF is additionally a standalone treatment for cellulite as well as for lifting and toning muscles and skin. Virtually all women and many men have cellulite and Lipo Angel provides a scientifically proven,

safe and quick way of finally defeating it. RF is the secret weapon to all mothers who want to reclaim

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Page 27: Dartford Living August 2015

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 27

Plastering, Rendering& Screeding Specialist

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Page 28: Dartford Living August 2015

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Kip McGrath: Dartford’s leading Tuition CentreLocal Business

What is Kip McGrath Dartford?Kip McGrath Dartford is the area’s leading tuition centre for children aged 6-18 and during the last ten years has successfully prepared students in the following areas:• Reading and Comprehension• Writing and spelling• English and Maths (Key Stages 1-4)• Preparation for the 11+ test - English; Maths; Verbal

Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning.• GCSE English and Maths• Vocational English and Maths

As well as preparing children for the various tests and exams, we have also supported children who have struggled at school or who need their studies to be extended.

The basic philosophy of every Kip McGrath centre is: ‘all children can succeed if given the right support.’

We employ fully qualified teaching professionals – not tutors and not students- who work alongside children to help them build confidence; self-esteem and to make real progress. We aim to make learning fun and engaging and to help all of our students reach their full potential. Why choose Kip McGrath?If you wish your child’s learning to be extended or supported then we are the place to come:• Fully qualified teachers, many of whom are currently

working in local schools

• Expertise from Reception to Year 13• A small, caring environment that helps children make

real progress• Feedback at the end of every lesson• Happy students who want to learn• DBS checked staff• Leading edge technology and resources• Lessons available on line 48 weeks a year• Parent satisfaction – most new students have been

recommended to us by existing parents

Isn’t tuition expensive?

Tuition does not have to be expensive. We are registered with Ofsted and as such accept working tax credits and childcare vouchers. This means that you may be able to claim back up to 70% of the fees. We can advise you on this.

11+If your child is sitting the 11+ test in September 2016 then Kip McGrath Dartford is the best and most stress free place to prepare them. We recommend preparing your child over a minimum of three terms, starting in the Autumn Term of Year 5 or the Summer Term of Year 4. They will follow their own tailor made programme and will practise all of the skills that are needed to sit the test. Studying over a minimum of three terms will make the whole process less stressful for your child, and for yourself, and they will be prepared thoroughly for the exam. We will support you at every step of the way.

Page 29: Dartford Living August 2015

Help with Englishand Maths 7-16.

MathsEnglishComprehension

ReadingSpelling

DARTFORD • 01322 28568567 Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1LU

Extension and support.Qualified Teachers.

Call todayfor a FREEassessmentkipmcgrath.co.uk/dartford

Ofsted Registered

28 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 29

We offer 11+ school holiday sessions at Easter and during the Summer.

How can my child enrol at Kip McGrath?

We offer an initial free assessment that will enable you to find out your child’s current levels and which will indicate any weaknesses and strengths they have. Your child will have an individual learning programme based on that assessment and feedback is available at the end of every lesson.

When is Kip McGrath open?We are open during term times on the following days: Tuesday to Friday 3.40-5.00 and 5.10-6.30 and Saturday morning 9.30-10.50 and 11.00-12.20.Each session is eighty minutes long and your child would be taught by teachers in small groups. There is one on one tutoring within that lesson and your child would follow a structured learning programme. Homework is set every week and checked by the teacher. In addition to this, we can also provide lessons that your child can do at home.

How do I book an initial assessment?You can email us on: [email protected] or phone on: 01322 285685.We are holding assessments during the summer holidays on the following days in the afternoon: August: 12th/ 13th; 19/20th; 26th / 27th; 28th/ 29th and in September 1st / 2nd and 5th as well as by appointment.

Don’t delay; contact us and give your child the best chance to succeed in the new school year.

Page 30: Dartford Living August 2015

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Accessories for yummy mummy’s.

I have always loved being creative, so I decided to put my creative vibes to work when a very good friend of mine (who is a yummy mummy herself, to a handsome

9 month old, pictured kindly modelling one of my necklaces), mentioned about teething necklaces. I did my research and found that there was not many Fabric nursing necklaces around. So, I started using tutorials to teach myself how to make them.....and voila!

I came up with the name Mumma Rouge by juggling random words, I wanted the name to be sexy sounding rather than something that sounds like it’s covered in fairy dust and glitter! I choose my fabrics at random. Character fabrics such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Marvel Superheroes are the most popular. I also like to use floral patterns for the hippy chick trend. Each and every necklace has its own unique touch. I also cater for people who have found fabrics elsewhere, if they let me know what they have found then I work my magic into making something special.

The bright colours in these necklaces will promote visual stimulation for your baby, whilst looking

fabulous at the same time! Helping them to focus on the task at hand. To prevent them from tugging at your hair, clothing, delicate jewellery, and scratching your skin. More robust than your average necklace!

I had a look at maternity/ nursing clothing and I havefound that the majority of these lines are plain and

simple. So that got me thinking....’Does that mean When you become a mum, you lose all sense of style?’.Not a chance, not with me around anyway! So I have made it my mission to bring a bit of colour in to your Much much less mumsy wumsy more Va va You can check out all my hard work so far, by visiting my Facebook page. I have been selling these necklaces on Ebay but I am now going to give craft fairs a try. Keep an eye out on my Facebook page to see whatfair I am doing next and I hope i’ll see you Thank you for reading.

Find Mumma Rouge on Facebook oremail: [email protected]

The article provided by Getthrifthy crafts fairs, who organise craft fairs in Kent. For more information

visit thier Facebook page www.facebook.com/thriftyfairs

Local Crafts Mumma Rouge

Page 31: Dartford Living August 2015

30 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 31

Dartford Legal Services LtdCommercial & Residential

ConveyancingProbate & Wills

Commissioner for Oaths Reasonable fixed fees

Regulated by Council for Licensed Conveyancers

Fully Insured

Tel: 01322 291379Email: [email protected]: www.dartfordlegalservices.

com

Page 32: Dartford Living August 2015

By MicroHackers - A Dartford Edtech Startup

Tools and equipment: • Small drill • Honey • Water

www.microhackers.co.uk [email protected]

Max's Makerspace Ant farm

Instructions: 1. Place the lid on the small jar, and place inside the large jar. 2. Collect some soil from your garden and mix with sand (2 parts soil, 1 part sand). 3. Put the soil / sand mix into the gap between the small jar and the large jar, leaving a 2 cm gap at the top. 4. Collect some ants from your garden or local park, and put them carefully on top of the soil, and screw the lid onto the large jar. 5. Ask an adult to drill or punch some small holes in the lid, so that the ants have air. 6. You can feed your ants every few days with a drop of honey and a couple of drops of water. 6. Place your ant farm somewhere cool and dark. 7. When you are not looking at your ant farm, cover it with some dark material. Information: The ants will live approximately 2-3 weeks without a queen ant (which is their natural life span). Further ideas: You can purchase an ant farm kit online if you would like to see their reproductive cycle.

Materials: • 1 x Large glass jar • 1 x Small glass jar (fits inside large jar) • 1 x Cup of soil • 1 x Cup of sand

Kids Zone

32 Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 33

Page 33: Dartford Living August 2015

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com 25

Monstrous Fun in the Maze!Monstrous Fun in the Maze!

maize maze

GIANT MAIZE MAZEGIANT MAIZE MAZE

Pick Your Own Farm ShopPick Your Own Farm ShopLight Refreshments Picnic AreaLight Refreshments Picnic Area

Also at the farmAlso at the farm

Great Fun for ALL the FamilyGreat Fun for ALL the Family

Please note: During bad weather, the ground may be unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs,

- please phone prior to your visit. No dogs please.

01322 669711

[email protected]

www.stanhillfarm.co.uk

Stanhill FarmBirchwood Road

Wilmington, Dartford,Kent. DA2 7HD

th th�Saturday�18 �July�to�Sunday�6 SeptemberMonday�to�Saturday�10.00am�to�5.00pm�

(Last�entry�4.00pm)Sunday�&�Bank�Holidays�10.30am�to�4.00pm

(Last�entry�3.00pm)

As a professional entertainer for over 20 years, Michelle Stevens knew how to keep a crowd entertained, however, during those days as a backing singer to artists such as Dannii Minogue and St Etienne, she never imagined that one day her audience would literally be quite so small – or so noisy!

Baby Fun Stars was born from her own experience at baby groups with her son. While her little one enjoyed the classes, Michelle started thinking of new ideas and different ways to entertain and so came up with the concept of a truly fun group for children and parents alike.

Using all her many skills gained from working in the entertainment industry, Michelle’s classes not only entertain little ones, but also help them develop during

those crucial early years. From superhero fun to disco dancing, Baby Fun Stars promises to put the fun back into baby classes. Discover it for yourself at her classes in Greenwich, Gravesend and Crayford – details can be found at www.babyfunstars.com

Baby Fun Stars

32 Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 33

Page 34: Dartford Living August 2015

26 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 35

Second Chance Animal Rescue Here at Hawley

Garden Centre on 11-8-15 between

11am-3pm £2 per ticket

Ticket Event!!

A superb furniture collection designed by

Katie Blake

Caribbean Night Saturday 8th August 2015 7pm to 10pm FOOD-DRINKS-GAMES-PHASE 5

STEELBAND ALL FOR JUST £10

*

Large range of standard & purpose made models * Full range of site services including erecting, base laying site

levelling *Free*Site Survey in most areas

Hawley Garden Centre, Hawley Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7RB www.hawleygardencentre.co.uk.co.uk Tel: 01322 224108

Page 35: Dartford Living August 2015

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com 27 Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 35

I f you operate an owner-managed business and you’re thinking of changing your accountant, I have good

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Page 36: Dartford Living August 2015

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Charity Focus Each month we will be featuring a local charity. If you represent a charity and would like to be featured please email [email protected]

Free Debt Help on your Doorstep

When financial trouble hits, it’s easy to feel alone. It can seem like no one can help or that no one wants to. Local debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) really can help and hundreds

of people call each week to begin their journey towards financial freedom.

Experience has shown that there is always a way out and no debt is too big or too small to deal with. In fact, if you are experiencing debt problems then you can get free, expert advice without even leaving your house.

CAP visits people in their own homes, negotiates with creditors and supports people right up until they are debt free. On top of this, the whole service is free of charge

and available to anyone regardless of age, faith, gender or background.

A local CAP client, said “Life before was horrific. I was scared of the door, scared of the post, scared of the phone; I chose not to answer any of them. I just buried my head in the sand. CAP has transformed me. It’s brilliant now: I like getting up in the morning and I enjoy life.”

In the UK, there are 260 CAP Debt Centres and one of these is in Dartford. This means that local people can access the service, which is recommended by TV’s Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis.

Dartford CAP Centre Manager, Karen Simmons said, “Every week we see people who think that there is no way out of their money problems and every week we offer them a solution that really works. If you are struggling with debt then there is hope. We can help you.”

To find out more, call Christians Against Poverty’s freephone number 0800 328 0006 or visit www.capuk.org

Free Debt Help on your doorstep - Christians Against Poverty

On May 20th a new support group held its first meeting in Dartford, Kent. We are calling ourselves Dartford Ostomy Group Support (DOGS) because the inspiration came from another Kent Group, the Medway Ostomy Group Support (MOGS) and, following that, we obviously had to call ourselves DOGS.

The meeting was held at St. Anselm’s Parish Centre, 89 West Hill, Dartford, DA1 2HJ and 23 people attended. We really had no idea how many to expect and were very encouraged at the turnout. There is obviously a need in the area but with just three of us, Tracey, Sue and myself, organizing the group, only one of whom is retired, we are struggling with getting the existence of the group to the attention of those whom we could help. There are a huge number of doctors’ surgeries for instance and while we get an encouraging welcome when we call we will not be able to visit them all for some time. Any suggestions

and offers of help will be most welcome.

It was a testing moment when we gathered for our second meeting on June 17th Who would come again and who would not? Would enough people think it worth while? Happily most of the people who came to our first meeting turned up again together with several new faces and we in fact had more present than at our first meeting. What a relief.

We will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm. We will of course be pleased to see any readers of Dartford Living who have an interest in this area of support.

Contacts Tracey, Sue or John on 0794897 4350 or e-mail [email protected]

DOGS IN DARTFORD

Page 37: Dartford Living August 2015

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A sky dive full of emotion

Regular Dartford Living contributor Kelly Goldsworthy discusses her upcoming sky dive for el lenor.

After a long battle with ovarian cancer, my lovely mum, Debra Goldsworthy, died at the ellenor hospice on Tuesday 9th June 2015. She was just 58 and had led a healthy, active life before the disease struck. She was a wonderful mother and person.

After the emotion of mum's diagnosis, treatments and then the difficult, often heartbreaking nine days we had spent caring for her at home as her condition deteriorated, it might sound odd to say we look back on mum's last three days, at the ellenor, with fondness. The hospice is a beautiful and cheerful place. We were given the space to laugh and cry, as a family, without having to worry about other things.

We are a large family, and it is a testimony to the staff at ellenor that we were accommodated so that all our needs and wishes were met. For example we were able to bring pets, given beds and covers to stay over, buy food cooked by a chef and use the beautiful gardens. Staff were always available both for my mum's medical needs and our needs as a family. I feel that our grieving process was made much easier because we had this time together. We were also aided by the help we received from staff the next day in knowing what to do next.

We have a lways been supporters of the ellenor, but now, having used the services ourselves, we feel as if we have experienced something really special.

In order to keep the current services running £6.7million needs to be raised every year. Therefore, it felt natural, to ask for donations to be made in mum's memory to ellenor, rather than floral tributes at the funeral. We were thrilled to raise over £3,000 through this.

Afterwards we wanted to continue fundraising. With this in mind my brother-in-law Graham and I have signed up for the sky dive on 12th September. We have never done any thing like this before, but we have been inspired to by mum's bravery through her illness and by the gratitude we have for the ellenor staff.

Our whole family - of all ages will also join hundreds of others for the Twilight Walk on Friday 18th September. This is a great chance to commemorate mum's life together. The walk (a choice of either 8km or 12 km) starts at the Cyclopark in Gravesend and includes various stop offs along the way and a hot chocolate at the end.

I'm looking forward to spending the evening with other people who want to celebrate and help the work of ellenor. I'm sure my mum would be happy that her legacy is helping others.

To sponsor Kelly for the sky dive go to: https://www.justgiving.com/Kelly-and-Graham-skydive-for-ellenor

To join the Twilight Walk go to: http://ellenor.org/Events/event-details/twilight-walk0

Page 38: Dartford Living August 2015

30 Please mention Dartford Living

New Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is Hyundai’s replacement for the ix35. It had been retired in 2010 and is now back. The Tucson will be wider and lower than the outgoing ix35. Powering the new Tucson will be two petrol and three diesel engines. Petrol engines available with 1.6-litre 133bhp & 174bhp. Diesel engines available with 1.7-litre 113bhp and 2.0-litre 134bhp & 181bhp. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed dual-clutch unit. Entry-level S models get DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and automatic lights. Top-spec Premium SE models feature keyless entry and go, a heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, LED ights, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. Prices for the new Hyundai Tucson start at £18,695 for an entry-level model in S specification, and rise to £30,345 for a top-spec model in Premium SE guise. The Tucson will go on sale in September this year.

2015 Audi A4 revealed

The fifth-generation Audi A4 has been unveiled, with new looks inside and out and a heavily revised engine line-up. It will make its public premiere in saloon and estate form at the

Frankfurt motor show in September before the saloon goes on sale in November. The new A4 doesn’t look drastically different, but does have aerodynamic improvements and is slightly longer, wider & lighter. The new A4 will be launched with a choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, two four-cylinder diesel and two V6 diesel engines, which Audi claims to be 25% more powerful and up to 21% more economical than the old ones. The most popular is set to be Audi’s familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. It now complies with EU6 emission regulations, and comes in two states of tune, with either 148bhp or 187bhp. Options including a 12.3in digital instrument panel, an 8.3in monitor, inductive charging pad for mobile phones, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, tablet-based rear seat entertainment and the latest version of Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) system that features an LTE internet connection. It will be launched in early 2016 and is too soon to say how much it will cost.

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia revealed

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is the company’s long-awaited replacement for the 159 saloon. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a rear-wheel drive saloon. It features a carbon and aluminum construction, which aims to keep weight down to improve performance and efficiency. Inside the cabin is said to be focused around the driver, with a small steering wheel featuring a series of buttons for the main controls. There are two main knobs for adjusting Alfa’s DNA system and the infotainment system. The only engine that has been confirmed for the Giulia so far is a six-cylinder 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, developing 503bhp. The Giulia will also offer several engines from the rest of the Alfa Romeo range, including the 235bhp 1750cc petrol engine from the 4C sports car. There is no news on pricing, with more information expected closer to the car’s launch next year.

Dhiren’s Automotive NewsIn this edition we’ll look at new models/ versions from Audi, Alfa Romeo and Hyundai available later this year or next.

Tips for small businessesBusiness andAutomotive

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Page 39: Dartford Living August 2015

Tips for small businesses

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

Sole Trader to Partnership

If a sole trader appoints another person as a partner, the sole trader business ceases and a partnership business commences.

When a partnership is formed you should establish how you intend to split the profits/losses and the ownership of the new business. This should be documented by means of a partnership agreement. In most cases, the new partner will become self-employed and will need to register with HMRC for self-assessment. You also have to register the partnership with HMRC. Each year, a partnership tax return will need to be completed and both partners will have to complete individual personal tax returns.

The new partner will probably become self-employed

for the first time and will need to pay their own income tax and National Insurance, unless the partnership agreement states otherwise and retains the funds.

If the business was previously registered for VAT, there are two options. You can register the new partnership and transfer the VAT Number or you can de-register the sole trader business and set up a new registration for the partnership. The latter option will clear all the VAT history and it is a good opportunity to wipe the slate clean. The new business should also review its insurances to make sure any professional indemnity and commercial insurance still provide cover. Finally, please do not forget to inform your Accountant of the changes. It will probably be best if he takes any necessary action with HMRC.

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

(Booking not always necessary)SAME DAY MOTs

• Tyres • Exhausts • Clutches • Timing Belt Changes • Petrol &

Diesel Cars & Vans Welcome

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

www.shenleygarage.co.uk

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.

Shenley Road Garage01322 229887

38 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

Page 40: Dartford Living August 2015

32 Please mention Dartford Living when contacting our advertisers

FITNESS

By Mark Broadbent, Master Personal Trainer & Instructor at Dartford Bootcamps. Visit www.DartfordBootcamps.com for information on Personal Training, Nutrition coaching or Bootcamp Fitness classes. - MarkOneFitness.blogspot.com

Millions of people around the world insist on jogging. I hate jogging; it’s bad for your joints (especially if you’re overweight), and if you have any muscular imbalances or injuries it will exacerbate the problem.So if you can’t run, how else will you do your cardio?Cycling? Rowing? Cross-Training? Swimming? Contrary to popular belief, these aren’t the only ways you can “do cardio”; lifting weights is cardio!Cardiovascular/Cardio/CV training is anything that raises your heart rate. So… if you load up a barbell with your bodyweight, sit it on your back and start squatting, will your heart rate increase? You bet it will! Pump out a dozen reps and you’ll be out of breath too. THAT IS cardio.Jump up and hang off a bar, and knock out 15 pull-ups – also cardio. Basically, lifting weights with any sort of intensity is cardio, especially the larger, full-body movements like squats, deadlifts, chin-ups, crawling etc. The more muscles you’re working, the more muscles are crying out for more oxygen. Basically what I’m saying is you don’t have to do long, boring “cardio” sessions, that will hinder any attempt to build muscle, and is less efficient for fat loss than weight training, and can damage your joints beyond repair. If you

lift weights with intensity, you’ll get all of the benefits of CV training, with the added, and very important benefit of working and strengthening your muscles.Want to burn more energy (i.e. calories)? Work your fuel-burners (your muscles) harder. Yes, there are many ways to train with weights, but for the most part they’ll all work your cardiovascular system and get your heart pumping blood around your body faster and harder, and the benefits far outweigh the traditional and boring methods.If you’re training for a run/swim/ride etc., then by all means train for that (but remember weight training will also help); but if you’re training for fat loss/fitness, lift weights.You may not be able to lift weights for as long as you run without stopping, but people have come to realize that interval training is more beneficial for fat loss than steady state (i.e. long and boring) cardio anyway. So think of weights as an interval session, but working your muscles too. Win, win!

So bottom line is this: Lift weights! Regardless of your goals.

What is Cardio?

SUDOKU

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

(Solution on page 46)

Coffee break

Page 41: Dartford Living August 2015

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com 33Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com 33

CuttingsAugust is the best time to take cuttings fromhalf-hardy bedding plants, such as fuchsias,pelargoniums, marguerites and trailing petunias,for overwintering. Once done, cover the pots witha polythene bag or place in a propagator andplace somewhere warm and sheltered but out ofstrong, direct sunlight. Ericaceous plantsRhododendrons, camellias and azaleas will besetting their flower buds for next year, so it’simportant that they never go short of water atthis time of year or the flower buds may fail nextspring. Feeding will also produce more and betterflowers. Mulching with bark or similar products willhelp maintain soil moisture levels and insulate theroots from damaging high temperatures. Lawn preparation for SeptemberSeptember is the best time to sow a new lawn orlay turf, but it pays to prepare the area now. Tobeat perennial weeds, spray with a weedkiller.Once the old turf has been removed, work overthe soil to a depth of 9 inches with a fork andspade, removing weed roots and large stones, andincorporating compost, lawn soil or composted bark.Rake and level the soil, walk over it to settle it, rakeagain and then leave it bare to allow weed seedsto germinate. These can be sprayed or hoed offready for sowing or turfing next month. Planning autumn plantingStart planning that new bed or border. Look forplants with a long flowering period and those thathave two or more seasons of interest with flowers,fruit, colourful stems and interesting foliageChoose plants with different foliage colours andshapes, and remember that while evergreens helpbring structure and winter interest they may needlivening up with deciduous plants. Use winter andspring bedding plants to increase the seasons ofinterest, and plant bulbs for extra splashes of colour.

Planted ContainersKeep your garden looking bright and colourful byadding some new containers planted ready forAutumn colour. Plant them up yourself withfavourites such as pansies, evergreen shrubs suchas euonymus, and under planted with springflowering bulbs. VegetablesThe harvesting season is now in full swing, so makesure you pick crops that are ready. Leave themtoo long and they’ll lose flavour and tendernessNow’s a good time to sow endive, radish, springcabbage for next year, winter varieties of spinachand maincrop turnips. Having spent lots of time andeffort growing your fruit and veg to perfection,protect it from caterpillars and bird damage withfleece or small-mesh plastic netting – or, if youhave a large area, put up a fruit cage. WateringMake sure your plants produce a display to beproud of by giving them just the right amount ofwater they need. Well-established plants may notneed regular watering but newly planted ones,bedding plants and all plants in containers willneed regular watering. Vine weevil As vine weevil beetles tend to lay eggs in latesummer and early autumn it pays to protectvulnerable plants in containers – such as begonias,fuchsias, cyclamen and sedums – with a Vine WeevilKiller. A wide range of pests can be controlled byspraying affected plants with a systemic insecticide.

Gardening

(Solution on page 46)

Gardening Hints and Tips - August

in association with

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 41

Page 42: Dartford Living August 2015

Local Sports News

Princes Park is combining its two main attractions to create one fun-filled activity for all the family; Football and Golf!

Footgolf is a sport that has been growing over the past decade around the world and it is becoming the newest sport for everyone to take part in. Players take it in turns to kick a Football into the holes on the course and the player who completes the game with the fewest kicks is the winner.

Princes Park is officially partnered with the UK Footgolf Association and will be the very first location to home not only a Footgolf Course but also a Football Club making it a unique Footgolfing Centre.

This exciting new venture will launch on Saturday 25th July 2015 at Princes Park. It will also be promoted at this

year’s Dartford Festival the week before. The Golf Course will open every day at 9am but will close and convert to a Footgolf Course from 1pm on Weekends and 3pm on Weekdays.

Prices will be £10 for Adults and £5 for Juniors and this is one price for unlimited rounds! Dartford Football Club Matches will take priority therefore guests should check the official DFC Website before coming along to Princes Park to ensure that the course is still open for public use.

Walk ins are acceptable however larger groups (maximum of 5 people) will need to book in advance. Bookings can be made by visiting ukfootgolf.com and completing a booking form. Please note that U16s must be accompanied by an adult. A £10 ball deposit is required to be paid and trainers or astros are only to be worn on the course, strictly no studs or blades.

We look forward to seeing as many people at our launch day as possible to help make Footgolf at Princes Park a huge success!

Dartford Invicta Bowls Club

Have you ever thought of trying bowls? Why not join our club and have fun with

members of a friendly, sociable club?

We invite you to learn a new sport and come to our practice sessions at 6pm on Tuesdays.

Just turn up and bring flat soled shoes to wear on the Green, bowls provided. Experienced bowlers are also

very welcome.

The Green is in Burnham Road and the car park is behind at DA1 5BF.

Ring 01322 407088 for more information. Ask for Brian Abbett

Page 43: Dartford Living August 2015

FA Trophy 1st Round

13th Dec, 3.00pm(TBC)

Braintree26th Dec, TBCpm

Bav’s Sporting CommentUpcoming events in August include:

6-10: Cricket - England v Australia fourth Test, Trent Bridge

8-9: Football - Premier League and Football League season starts

13-16: Golf - PGA Championship, Whistling Straits, Kohle, Wisconsin

20-24: Cricket - final Ashes Test - England v Australia fifth Test, The Oval

22-30: Athletics - World Championships, Beijing

23: F1 - Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps

29: Rugby League - Challenge Cup final, Wembley

29: Cricket - T20 Blast finals day, Edgbaston

31: Football - Transfer deadline day

31-13 Sept: Tennis - US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York

Interested in advertising? Tel: 01322 507817 www.dartfordliving.com Dartford Living 43

Novak Djokovic, beat Roger Federer to retain his Wimbledon title, his third at SW19 and his ninth Major in total. He beat Roger Federer in four sets, winning 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (10-12) 6-4 6-3.

Djokovic has been top of the world rankings for the last 53 weeks and has won two out of the three Grand Slams this year, losing in the French Open final. Djokovic is just coming into his prime, and I can see him getting stronger and stronger. I see him going on to dominate in the next couple of years, if he can stay healthy.

However, Roger Federer says his desire for more titles can only be helped by the defeat to Novak Djokovic. The Swiss 17-time Grand Slam winner missed the chance to win a record eighth Wimbledon and has not won a major since beating Andy Murray at the All England Club in 2012.

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading

tennis play and coaching programme

for boys and girls aged 2-6 years

To book a free taster contact Tennis Tots North West Kent

Call 07796 943798 email northwestkent@ tennis-tots.co.uk

www.tennis-tots.co.uk/ northwestkent

Page 44: Dartford Living August 2015

The Johnny Cash Roadshow, which comes to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre on Saturday 29 August, is the work of Worcestershire-based singer/songwriter Clive John. The show celebrates the life and music of Johnny Cash, one of the 20th Century’s outstanding cultural icons, who transcended the genres of American music, fought constant battles with his own addictions as well as the country music establishment, and who experienced a stunning renaissance towards the end of his life.

I spoke to Clive John recently, in advance of his visit to Dartford.

RE: Good morning, Clive. And thanks for including Dartford on the tour itinerary! As a Cash fan myself, I’m really looking forward to seeing this show at The Orchard. How did you discover the music of Johnny Cash?

CJ: I’ve been a musician for most of my life - since I was 14, in fact. I was given a CD of Johnny Cash’s music by a good friend of mine who was also a musician. I was inspired to learn the songs and perform them after he sadly passed away at 28 years of age.

RE: Why do you think that even after all these years, Johnny Cash remains so popular with listeners of all ages?

CJ: Johnny Cash and Hank Williams were like the ‘bad boys of country music’. But John’ music was so much more than that - it took in folk, rock ‘n roll, and had a ‘realness’ that isn’t always found elsewhere. John didn’t write music that would be commercially successful - he wrote about his sadness and his addictions, and I guess a lot of people can always relate to that.

RE: What are your personal favourite Johnny Cash recordings?

CJ: “A Thing Called Love”, and everything from the prison shows.

RE: Those prison shows were a great career move for him, weren’t they?!

CJ: They certainly were. Elvis wouldn’t have got away with it!!

RE: How’s your relationship with the Cash family?

CJ: They love it. I met Rosanne Cash when I was playing a show in Altrincham some years ago. I wasn’t expecting her there at all - I was just told that a lady with dark hair and a southern American accent had turned up backstage asking to meet me, and was claiming to be Johnny Cash’s daughter. She really loved the show, and said it was just like listening to her father’s voice. We’ve been in regular email contact since then.

RE: What’s the future of your show now? Will you take it to America?

CJ: I don’t know. What gets overlooked is that I’m a singer/songwriter in my own right - in fact, in 2011, I had an album at No. 1 in the Indie Charts in UK and Ireland. I’m keen to get back to performing my own material, but the Cash show has taken over my life a bit, and I haven’t written for about 4 years. The Cash show has already been to Belgium, Netherlands, and in 2016, we’re going to Sweden, Norway and Germany.

RE: One more question - What are you most looking forward to when visiting Dartford again?

CJ: My favourite memories are of the luminous light-tubes in the theatre auditorium. That’s lovely!

Johnny Cash Roadshow - Interview with Clive John by Richie Escourt

Page 45: Dartford Living August 2015

Ticket Office01322 220000or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

SPIRIT OF THE DANCE - WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DUBLINS IRISH TENORS17TH - 22ND AUGUST 2015

Spirit of the Dance is one of the biggest dance shows in the world. It has smashed box office records in over 20 countries, and has won more awards than any other dance production.Now celebrating its 15th Anniversary and winner of 9 Global awards, this breathtaking show has been seen by more than 30 million people around the globe.

The world champion dancers of Spirit of the Dance sound like a runaway express train and their precision and artistic showmanship sends shivers down your spine. This breathtaking show delivers the powerful rhythms of Irish Dance combined with the passionate Latino rhythms of Tango, Flamenco and Red-Hot Salsa to produce a thrilling, heart-pounding production that the International Post describes as “The World’s Greatest Irish Dance Show”. Dartford Living and The Orchard have teamed up to offer 2 ticket to the show. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just answer the following question...

Which of the following is not a type of dance? A) Flamenco B) Tango C) Pepsi D) Salsa

Please send your entries to Orchard Theatre Competition, Dartford Living, PO Box 283, Dartford, Kent, DA1 9BW or email [email protected] by the 15th August - 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 by the Orchard, 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.

MAY’S COMPETITION WINNER :JANE WEBB

Competition

Local Author John A. Wells’ first novel, United Nations Frontier Service 1: The Story of Mars Colony - Review by Liz Dyer

So it turns out there is life on Mars. Or at least there is in local author John A. Wells’ first novel, United Nations Frontier Service 1: The Story of Mars Colony. Faced with overpopulation, pollution and food shortages, the UN has set up a Frontier Academy, and sent six of its first graduates to establish a colony on Mars. These brilliant young men and women, each with a particular skill, will be left alone for two years to build an infrastructure and prepare for the arrival of the first colonists. With such a huge challenge ahead of them, can they succeed?

I was looking forward to reading the novel, because I felt the story had a lot of potential to be really dramatic and interesting. Six people left entirely alone on a whole planet - one we don’t know for sure has no other life on it - with so many possible dangers and adventures ahead of them, is an exciting idea for a book. I was keen to see what happened to Ken, Ivan, Jack, Wendy, Michelle and Jane, and how they dealt with all the challenges they were bound to face.

The author has clearly done his research; his experience in engineering is obvious as he explains what needs to be done from a practical point of view. The level

of detail is impressive, although it does mean the story takes a while to get going, as there’s so much groundwork to be laid before the characters can really start having adventures or show their true personalities.

When they do, the story starts to move a little faster, as the six of them begin to explore Mars, making exciting discoveries, and learning new skills from each other. The most important of these is witch doctoring, which they learn from Jane, who was a trained native witch doctor before leaving Earth. This unexpected twist takes the story in a whole new direction, which is really interesting, if a little bit unrealistic - as brilliant as they are, it still seems unlikely that five people with no previous experience would be able to pick up these skills quite so quickly and easily.

The story isn’t short of the exciting adventures I was hoping for, and there’s more than one life or death crisis, as you might expect in such a dangerous situation. I would have enjoyed a little bit more personal drama as well, to develop the characters: arguments, love triangles, that sort of thing. They’re all very likeable people - which is a good thing, because it means you care what happens to them - but I can’t help wondering where the story could have gone if the group hadn’t all got along quite so well.

Page 46: Dartford Living August 2015

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Page 47: Dartford Living August 2015

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Page 48: Dartford Living August 2015

7 & 8AUGUST

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SUMMER WORKSHOPS AT THE WOODVILLEDance meets Drama, meets Mayhem!Suitable for ages 7-18