dartford living july 15 issue

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

Whats Inside...

Local WWIIDiaries

Page 22

Local CharityBatersea Dogs & Cats HomePage 36

Dartford parkrun 1st AnniversaryPage 20

July 2015 - Issue 109www.dartfordliving.comDartford

Living

Gareth Johnson MP:Proud to be a Dartfordian

Page 18

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

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

this months expanded magazine, with more pages than ever before. As

usual this months edition is jam packed with lots of local information

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

or lose them!

Dont 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 dont receive a copy directly through your door, you can

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

Football Club, numerous local libraries, Darent Valley Hospital, What If...

and Stephen Oliver Art Galleries, numerous health centres and various

locations at Bluewater including Coffee Republic.

The Previous Editions section of the Dartford Living website (www.

dartfordliving.com) also includes electronic versions of Dartford Living

magazine. Additionally, if you email [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

Editors Letter

Contents6-13................................................. Whats on14............................................ Useful numbers 15................World Garden at Lullingstone Castle 18.......................................Gareth Johnson MP 20....................Dartford parkrun 1st Anniversary21.................................Dartford Living meets...22-23 .........................Local World War II Diaries 26..................................New Mayor of Dartford28-29............................................Kip McGrath 30 .................................................Local Crafts32...........................................Max Makerspace33.................................................Bullying34......................Foyle Young Poets Competition36...Battersea Dog and Cats Home Brands Hatch37................................. Dartford Ostomy Group38....................................................Auto News39...............................Tips for a small business40..............................................Sudoku41..............................................Gardening Tips42................................................Sports News44..................................Joe Pasquale Interview45....................................Competitions48..................................................TOMCAT

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

All enquiries

David ShaffordMagazine/ Website design and [email protected]


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

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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

CLEANINGSolly Home Cleaning.........................................................19

COSMETIC, BEAUTY & HEALTHDia Wipes .............................................................17Forever Living....................................................................25

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

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

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

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

GARAGES & VEHICLE SERVICESShenley Road Garage .........................................................39E C Bate ...........................................................................29

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

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

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

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

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

MUSIC/DANCE & SPORTS/FITNESSDartford Bootcamps ...........................................................4

Dartford Wing Chung .........................................................43Hatha Yoga .......................................................................31Monkey Music ...........................................................7Tennis Tots.........................................................................43

OPTICIANSLinklater Opticians ............................................................16

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


...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 Marys 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 in

formation.

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

Fridays9.30-11am 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 Marys Church Hall, Stone Place Rd, Greenhithe. Jeanne 01322 380322 [email protected]

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

SaturdaysDaddy 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 SessionsMONDAYS 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...



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. Were 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

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSESEvery Thursday from 10.30am

to 12.00pm at Peppercorns, 3 Orchard Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DF. For more information please call The

Hope Group on 07580 615206.Dartford 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]

LEARN KICK BOXING AND KARATE!

Come and Join one of North Kents

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, youll

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 theGymMark 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?

Weve 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 Anselms

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.

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 Womens 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. Its a great way of

keeping fit and youll 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


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

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 Womens RegisterThe National Womens 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.

Game, Set, Woof: Tennis loving terriers need your help!

On a quest to warm up to Wimbledon and deter tenacious terriers from making too much racquet

in their kennels, Battersea Brands Hatch are putting a call out to the public for tennis ball donations. In addition to a litter of ace new puppy arrivals 4

month old Murray, Federer, Sharapova and Djokovic, the Homes older Jack Russell Terriers are all hoping

to receive the donations they are desperately in need of to enjoy the upcoming tennis season in

the hope that they will soon be someones winning number one.

Call 020 7627 7883 for further information

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


** Players Wanted **Swanscombe Tigers U9s 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]

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


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]

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 dont know). Beginners are very welcome. Contact Michelle on

07910 488428 or email [email protected]

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


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

DARTFORD U3A (UNIVERSITY OFTHE THIRD AGE)

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

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

Useful Numbers


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 lets 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.



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

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Useful Information

Local Sports Clubs Bexley Rugby Club01322 550142 or www.bexleyrfc.co.ukDartford Ladies Hockey ClubDawn Hall (Secretary) 07793 777250Dartford Ju Jitsu ClubMondays, Dartford Girls

Grammar School, Shepherds Lane. 6.30-8.00 Juniors, 8.00-10.00 Seniors.1st session free 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 Clubs 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]

The Ashes Badminton ClubMondays, Dartford Technology College, Heath Lane. 7.30-9.30. Jacqui 07764 182854.Dartford Valley RFC - www.pitchero.com/clubs/darenthvalleyrfc/

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The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle shares with Dartford Living its 10th anniversary celebration - an action packed Plant themed

weekend for all the family!The World Garden kicks off the weekend with a celebration of the lives of some of Britains most intrepid plant hunters who heroically discovered the far-flung botanical delights of the world and have inspired Tom Hart Dyke, as a modern day plant hunter, to travel all over the world.

Visitors for the first time will experience a NEW Plant Hunters expedition camp complete with plant presses, roaring fire, canvas tents and authentic dress of the period. Tom will lead free guided tours of the World Garden at 12 noon and 2pm (no prior booking required) starting at expedition camp to take you on your very own plant hunters adventure!

The Great Hall at Lullingstone Castle will also host the Sevenoaks Tree Societys popular exhibition ,The Remarkable Trees of Sevenoaks. New for the 2015 exhibition it will cover the remarkable trees in The World Garden, Castle grounds and Lullingstone Park, home to over 300 internationally important ancient oaks and other species.

Children will also have great fun and be kept entertained with the WI Scarecrow just for fun quiz to celebrate the special centenary of the Womens Institute, over 70 different WI themed scarecrows located around the grounds all ready to be found!

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July - 11am until 5pm


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Featured Gareth Johnson MP: Proud to be a Dartfordian

Our natural instinct is often to criticise the place where we live, to highlight t h e n e g a t i v e aspects of our town or village yet it would be wrong to only concentrate o n D a r t f o r d s d o w n s i d e s .

Yes, there are aspects of our local area that need improving, but that should not prevent us from appreciating Dartfords positive characteristics and what makes it a great area to live, work or enjoy time in.

Walking along the Darent Valley Path or by the Thames at Greenhithe gives you an idea of the diverse range of environments we have. Our parks also offer fantastic opportunities to spend time relaxing in. Hesketh Park, Darenth Country Park, Stone Recreation Ground and of course Central Park are always popular with families.Dartfords fairly unique position gives good access to both London and the countryside and a rich heritage that can still be seen in the medieval buildings in the High Street by the iconic Holy Trinity Church. The museum in the town centre highlights the towns rich historical links with Wat Tyler, Henry VIII, the Romans and just about every other era.Travelling in to London is never pleasant but our new train station and the frequent services (on a good day!) provide fairly easy access to the capital. The high speed line also provides opportunities for business investment in Ebbsfleet.

Sporting facilities in the local area are amongst the best in Kent. Dartford Cricket Clubs new pavilion is just the latest addition to the sporting portfolio. Our judo and bowls clubs are excellent and the football ground is one of the best in the amateur leagues. The swimming pool is being refurbished and Dartford Valley Rugby club is rapidly growing in size.

Bluewater plays host to the Countys most visited location. It also provides thousands of jobs for

local people and fantastic leisure opportunities.Our grammar schools are hugely popular but also the Leigh Trust provides a pioneering approach to education that has been copied in many other areas. Dartford Science and Technology College and Ebbsfleet Academy offer an excellent standard of education and the new UTC is the first college of its kind in the county. I would also challenge anyone to find an area with better primary schools than Dartford.It is also difficult to find a better hospital than Darent Valley that now has new breast cancer, renal disease and dementia units. Its A&E expansion will be completed later this year.

Low crime rates in the area have come about in part because of some excellent neighbourhood policing from Kent Police.Dartford Council is rightly proud of the community events it organises. The concerts in the park, the unashamed celebration of St Georges Day and, of course, the Dartford Festival. The markets in the High Street attract people from a fairly wide area.Youth groups are extremely active in the area. The number of children attending scouting events has increased in recent years as has the attendance at the Air and Sea cadets. Giving these opportunities to young people is vital.

Yes there are things that need improving, Lowfield Street for a start. We can all find fault with the local facilities, there is much for myself and others to be working on, but we should never forget the reasons why we can all be proud of Dartford. I am unashamed in pointing out the good things in the area. So next time any of us feels like running down the area, we should perhaps also consider some of the positive aspects of the area and why we all can be proud to be a Dartfordian.

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Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates:

Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm - Appointment required) Friday 4th September

Friday 2nd October Friday 6th November Friday 4th December

Open Surgery (No appointment necessary)

Saturday 18th July all day, Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford

If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment based surgeries in the future, please contact him at [email protected] or telephone 020 7219 7047.

Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament for Dartford, will be available to meet with constituents on the following dates:Bluewater, DA9 9ST (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm - Appointment required)

Friday 4th SeptemberFriday 2nd October

Friday 6th NovemberFriday 4th December

Open Surgery (No appointment necessary)Saturday 18th July all day, Dartford Festival, Central Park,

Dartford

If you would like to meet Gareth at one of his regular appointment based surgeries in the future, please contact him at

[email protected] or telephone 020 7219 7047.

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Featured Local Event Dartford parkrun - 1 year anniversary by Richey EstcourtThe final Saturday of July will mark the first anniversary of Dartford parkrun a weekly Saturday morning timed run around Dartfords outstanding Central Park.

The parkrun movement started in October 2004 in Bushy Park, Teddington, before slowly branching out to other venues and countries. There are now over 330 parkrun locations in the UK (as well as over 300 more across the world), and we finally acquired our own parkrun in July 2014, when myself and a team of local runners and co-ordinators worked in partnership with Dartford Borough Council to install the event here in Dartford.Ive had the unique privilege of meeting hundreds of people through Dartford parkrun, and seeing them realise achievements they might have thought were out of reach. Although the idea is so simple a run, jog, or brisk walk round the park with like-minded people, it has inspired hundreds to attend on a regular basis to increase their fitness, score a new Personal Best, and meet new people in the process. A countless number of people have told me that theyre not really a good runner, yet they come along each week, and before too long, theyre completing a 5km run in times that they wouldnt have thought possible. A lot of them go on to join a local running club, and take part in other events, and it was no surprise at all that a lot of the regular parkrunners, whose running began with our weekly run around the park, completed the Dartford Half Marathon earlier this year.Since July 2014, over 1,200 different people have completed over 5,000 parkruns in Dartford alone. Or to put that differently weve run the circumference of the entire planet together in just one year in Central Park!The fundamental key to the success of parkrun isnt that we give any coaching or advice to the parkrunners. We simply create a safe, supporting environment, in which everyone is welcome regardless of their background, and

with the runners taking turns to volunteer to support the event through course marshalling and timekeeping etc, we can pass on the benefits of an organised running event absolutely free to the participants. All we ask of the runners is that they remember to bring their unique printed ID barcode, and well do the rest of the work required to organise a timed running event, and give the runners their results and stats on our website. And because parkrun has so many venues now, each registered parkrunner can visit any other parkrun venue, and enjoy the same experience for free.Heres the questions and comments I get asked all the time by those wishing to take part: Im not fast enoughDont worry. You can take as long as you like. There really is no minimum ability requirements, as long as youre fit and well enough to run, jog or walk 5km. I dont want to come lastYou wont come last. We have a tail-runner every week so that nobody gets left behind, and theyll be finishing last! Im not good at getting up early on Saturdays!Maybe if you just changed this one thing, then all sorts of other changes could follow? Isnt this just something for young people?No. The youngest participants have been 4 years old, and the oldest was 81!Please visit www.parkrun.org.uk/dartford for more information on how to take part. Runners may take part from the age of 4 upwards, but must be accompanied along the run by an adult until they are 11 years old. Runners may bring one dog each, as long as they remain on a short lead.


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

Continuing our series, focusing on valued members of the Dartford community, Kelly met Kay Elliot from ellenor the only charity in Kent to provide hospice care for people of all ages.

Kay, has lived in the Dartford area for 35 years. She is married with two grown up sons and is employed at ellenor as a Paediatric Palliative Care Nurse Specialist

Kay explained that her role centres on working within ellenors Childrens Hospice Care team, providing vital care to babies, children and young people who have life threatening or life limiting illnesses.

We dont have a childrens hospice building for children instead we provide vital care in the comfort of a childrens own home. We can also visit the child at school, rather than home if the family prefer. We give advice on symptoms. If we are in an end of life situation we can facilitate that at home as needed. We always have a qualified nurse on 24 hour call, who can visit and liaise with services as required.

Kay explained how she came into her role I went into nursing as a mature student. I then worked at Queen

Marys Hospital on the Childrens Ward. I saw the ellenor nurses and it became my dream to join them. I worked at Demelza in order to get my palliative experience and was then lucky enough to move over to ellenor.

Asked about her future plans Kay said: The charity is developing. Our role is so varied, no two days are the same. We are a close team, and thats important. We have a very low turnover of staff. Im not going anywhere.

She went on to explain I love the contact with the family. As a team, we try to care for the whole family. For me, it is a great privilege to go on a difficult journey with the family. The family have to trust us. We cant change a prognosis, but our job is to make a difference.

ellenor is a charity, not part of the NHS, so relies on the generosity of the local community to be able to provide the best care and support to families facing terminal illness.

To find out more about ellenor see ellenor.org to make a donation go to ellenor.org/make-a-giftFollow on twitter at: twitter.com/ellenorcharityLike on facebook at: ellenorcharityPicture (Kay to the left of ellenor Patron Phil Spencer)



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Mayor of Dartford for 2015/16 Councillor Ian Armitt

Councillor Ian Armitt, Ward Member for Bean &D a re n t h , i s t h e 3 7 t h M ay o r o f D a r t fo rd . Councillor Armitt was first elected to the BoroughCouncil in 2003 but has a longstanding interest inlocal politics and the community. He has lived inWilmington for 31 years.

Councillor Armitt was Mayor of Dartford in 2005/6and 2008/9 and appreciates being only the secondDartford Borough Councillor to have been accordedthe honour of holding the position three times.

The Mayor will be supported by his wife Lynne asMayoress, and she too is looking forward to whatpromises to be a rewarding and interesting year.The Mayor and Mayoress intend to focus on the

development of Dartford Town Centre, promote the arts and seek to interest local schools in aspects of local government and civic pride.

The Mayor is also a Darenth Parish Councillor. H av i n g b e e n f i r s t e l e c t e d i n 2 0 0 3 , h e i sthe current Vice-Chairman of the Council andWebmaster for the Parish website.

Counci l lor Armitt is a Governor of Darenth Community Primary School as wel l as beingVice-Chairman of Dartford Borough Council sD e ve l o p m e nt C o nt ro l B o a rd , C h a i r m a n o f the Cabinet Advisory Panel B and a Member of the Licensing Committee.

The Mayor and Mayoress have two daughters, Nicola and Kirsty. Nicola i s an author now living with her husband Corey in Australia, whilstK i r s t y i s a b o u t t o c o m p l e t e h e r t ra i n i n ga s a p r i m a r y s c h o o l t e a c h e r a n d b e g i n sher teaching career at Oakf ie ld CommunityP r i m a r y S c h o o l i n S e pte m b e r. K i rs t y l i ve s with her partner Will in Sidcup.

T h e M a y o r a n d t h e M a y o r e s s e n j o y t h etheatre and are enthus iast ic supporters ofThe Orchard Theatre. They are greatly looking forward to attending performances at the Outdoor Theatre in Central Park. The Mayora n d M ayo re s s a re m e m b e rs o f a n u m b e r o f l o c a l g ro u p s a n d e n j o y p a r t i c i p a t i n g in the many organised activities and outings.

The Mayors Charity 2015/16 - Lollipop Fund Darent Valley HospitalDarent Valley Hospital has staff trained in High Dependency Care and with donations has been able to introduce a range of very expensive specialist equipment in order to give these children the very best possible chance of fullrecovery.Less costly, but equally important to the staff at Darent Valley, is the improvement of facilities for parents needing to stay overnight with their child and, thanks to

the kind donations made, comfortable folding beds have been introduced together with a special room where parents can make a drink and rest or talk.Your donations continue to be neededto ensure the Hospital gives the verybest possible care for sick children.


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Kip McGrath: Dartfords leading Tuition CentreLocal Business

What is Kip McGrath Dartford?Kip McGrath Dartford is the areas 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 childs 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

Isnt 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.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 childs current levels and which will indicate any weaknesses and strengths they have.

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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.

Dont delay; contact us and give your child the best chance to succeed in the new school year.


Mollys Bow-tique started in 2010 by mother and daughter, Diane and Laura when Diane started making handmade bows to add to the hats and crochet headbands she made for her granddaughter Molly. Lauras friends started to see the beautiful creations and asked if Mollys nan could make some for their children. No one ever just bought one as they fell in love with all the beautiful colours and different styles Diane created.

The word spread amongst friends then Laura set up the Mollys Bow-tique Facebook page and website www.mollysbow-tique.co.uk, so others could have the opportunity to purchase and look Bow-tiful too.

We pride ourselves on hand making high quality bespoke bows for all ages from newborn to adult. All our bows are made by us with love and care and are presented in beautiful organza bags for that extra special finish.

Since starting in 2010 our range has grown extensively to include:- Bow hair clips- Bow hairbands (for ponytails)- Bow headbands (Alicebands)- Soft headbands with bows - Bow socks (knee high & ankle socks)- Bow gloves- Bow hats- Baby hat and mitten sets with bows - Bow ties- Clip on shoe bows.

With over 300 different types of ribbon in various colours, styles and widths, we can make bow accessories to match all outfits and school uniforms.

To place an order, please email [email protected] alternatively you can order through our Facebook page

Mollys Bow-tique or Instagram @THEMOLLYSBOWTIQUE. You will find thousands of photos of our products on these sites. Due to website restrictions we can only post a small fraction of our products to our actual website.We carry a large range of stock for events too, if you are interested in us exhibiting at an event please contact Laura via email [email protected].

We also supply to childrens clothes boutiques, do contact Laura should you be interested in selling our bows in your shop.

The next events we will be at:- Sunday 12th July from 12pm to 8.30pm at The BECK REC FEST, Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Croydon Road, Beckenham BR3 3PR- Saturday 18th July from 10am to 3pm at Freemantle Hall, Bexley Village, DA5 1AA- Saturday 24th October from 10am to 3pm at Freemantle Hall, Bexley Village, DA5 1AA- Saturday 14th November from 10.30am at The Gingham Goose Craft market, Hayes Village Hall, Hayes, Bromley Kent

Like and follow Mollys Bow-tique on:Facebook: www.facebook.com/MollysBow-tiqueInstagram: @THEMOLLYSBOWTIQUETwitter: www.twitter.com/MollysBow-tiqueWebsite: WWW.MOLLYSBOW-TIQUE.CO.UK

For readers of Dartford Living we would like to offer a discount of 10% throughout July and August 2015. Please quote Dartford Living when placing your order. We ship internationally.

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Max's Makerspace Water bottle rocket

Instructions: 1. Cut three triangles out of the piece of cardboard, and sellotape onto an empty plastic bottle as ns. 2. Half fill the plastic bottle with water. 3. Push the cork into the end of the water bottle. 4. Attach the football inflator valve onto the bicycle pump. 5. Push the football inflator valve through the cork. 6. Stand the water bottle rocket on its fins. 7. When you are ready to launch your water bottle rocket pump the bicycle pump. Information: The bicycle pump pressurises the bottle until the cork is forced out by the propellant (the water) which launches the bottle into the air. The fins provide flight stability. Further ideas: Perhaps you could make a nose cone for your rocket to improve its flight?

Materials: 1 x Large water bottle 1 x Cork 1 x Piece of cardboard

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Recently, a friend of my mind had a run in with some bullies, as Im sure we all have at some point during our school lives, especially during secondary school - its a problem that more and more teenagers have to deal with in school certainly due to it being the years of our lives where we start to discover ourselves and build our own unique personalities, but the biggest question I think most people, certainly parents have when concerned with this topic is, do schools do enough to protect our children?

Going back to my first point, my friend who recently experienced this problem was very unlucky in this case - she walked away with a black eye and split lip, not to mention this happened on school premises.What does it say if a school cant look after their own pupils on their own site? Obviously, we can accept that you cannot prevent bullying all together, but to the extent of physical bullying well, they shouldve dealt with it before it reached that point. A month beforehand, these students were reported, and the school simply wrote it off as a one time thing, which surely appeased the bullies, making them think they could get away with it again. Many schools think that their students are easily punished by having a word with them, however it just simply doesnt work like that and even as I write this, the bullies only received a 3 day exclusion, despite committing assault - a very lenient, yet common punishment if you ask me, as most kids would relish being given 3 days off

school, I would go as far to say that this is even more appeasement, therefore schools have to find new ways to punish and prevent these situations. Theres nothing stopping them from doing it again when they come back, so the schools action to protect the bullied student? Stop the girl from coming to school. They give a student, who has exams coming up, a huge disadvantage, as they would rather stop her from attending than dealing with the bullies and maybe even expelling them.

It just begs the question, why did she get the short straw, what they effectively did was expel the victim and gave the culprits a very, very light punishment in my opinion. Now, an innocent girl misses out on a lot of classes, while thugs get away with still being able to attend school. I think, as a community, we need to ask our local schools to step up and pay more attention to their student well being rather than just grades. If pupils feel unsafe, they will not gain the confidence to excel; schools also need to deal with these issues with a lot more severity before authorities are forced to get involved. If you or your child are experiencing any problems to do with this, feel free to contact the following services:www.bullying.co.uk/ - Bully Advice. www.gov.uk/bullying-at-school/reporting-bullyingwww.nhs.uk/Livewell/Bullying/Pages/Antibullyinghelp.aspxw w w . n h s . u k / L i v e w e l l / B u l l y i n g / P a g e s /Bullyingadviceforparents.aspx

Bullying - Article by local student Andrew Gardner


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The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, the worlds largest literary competition, is once again searching for the most exciting writers aged 11-17. There are just weeks left to enter your poem. The competition closes at midnight on 31st July.Last year the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award broke all the records with entries from 7,603 young poets from 78 countries. Entries flooded in from every postcode in the UK and from countries as far afield as Nepal, Benin and Papua New Guinea. Each year the judges choose 100 talented winners, made up of 15 top winners and 85 commended poets. Two of last years top 15 winners were from Kent: Hannah Keyte age 13 from Beckenham and Kyle Lovell age 17 from Hythe. You can read their winning entries on the Poetry Society Website.Founded by the Poetry Society in 1998 and now flanked by celebrity patrons Martha Kearney and Phill Jupitus, the Award has kick-started the career of many of todays most exciting new voices, including Next Generation Poet Helen Mort and Poetry London editor Ahren Warner. The phrase Former Foyle Young Poet is now found in countless professional biographies as alumni make their mark on the wider literary world, their names appearing on bookshelves and at festivals the world over from the BBC Proms to the Glastonbury Festival.This years world-class winners will be chosen by acclaimed poets

Liz Berry and Michael Symmons Roberts. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in London on National Poetry Day, 8th October 2015. The top 15 winning poems are published in a yearly anthology 24,000 of which are sent to schools, arts organisations, and poets each year to mark the launch. The top 15 winners are also invited to attend a residential creative writing course at a prestigious Arvon centre or receive a poet residency in their school (age dependent). All 100 winners receive one years Youth Membership of the Poetry Society, a range of book prizes, and benefit from ongoing support and encouragement from the Poetry Society via publication, performance and internship opportunities.

The Award also incorporates a year-round programme of activity to support creativity and literacy in schools. This includes identifying committed Teacher Trailblazers to act as mentors and share best practice and lesson ideas online to nurture best practice in creative writing teaching.

So if you feel that you would like to make your mark on the literary world then enter the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2015.For full details of how to enter visit www.foyleyoungpoets.org

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

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01322 613 900

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The Alexandra Suite St Marys Road , Swanley

KENT BR8 7BU

Wedding Open Days

Saturday 28th July 2015 | Saturday 29th August 2015

The Woodlands Hilda May Avenue, Swanley

KENT BR8 7BT

Book an appointment with one of our wedding co-ordinators


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]

Every year Battersea Dogs & Cats Home cares for 8,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats that come through the doors of its three centres in London, Brands Hatch and Old Windsor. The Home offers shelter, food and a loving environment until

the animals are reunited with their owners or happily rehomed.

Batterseas Brands Hatch centre is a peaceful retreat for dogs who are stressed by the big city and cats who enjoy a slower pace of life. Last year marked the centres 15 year anniversary and saw over 850 cats and dogs being rehomed over a 12 month period.

The average stay for dogs at Battersea is 36 days but some charismatic canines have been resident for a lot longer including three year old Alaskan Malamute Theo and four year old Jack Russell terrier Jake who seem to have become semi-permanent residents at the

Brands Hatch centre, both spending over 200 days there to date.

Battersea needs to raise 15.4 million every year in order to continue giving animals like Jake and Theo the second chances they deserve. Individuals, schools, businesses, groups and associations can all make a huge difference to lost and abandoned animals, however they choose to show their support. From bucket collections to non-uniform days, from raffles to cake sales, from staff fundraising to Charity of the Year adoptions everything adds up to help give animals the second chance they all deserve. People can also lend a hand by volunteering

at nearby Battersea events, helping at bucket collections and joining their local fundraising group.

Ken Hall is Co-ordinator of a Volunteer Battersea Fundraising Group in West Kingsdown. He said: I have always been an animal lover and I am really excited about my new fundraising group which will hold several local events a year to raise money for Battersea. Fundraising groups are the perfect way for energetic and friendly people to make new friends, give some time and help a great cause. Id encourage people to volunteer and fundraise for the Home as we can all see first-hand the difference we are making to animals lives.

Batterseas Regional Community Fundraiser for Kent and Sussex, Victoria Lawrence, says: Our volunteer fundraisers work tirelessly in their own time to organise events and were so grateful for their support. Battersea receives no central Government funding, so we rely on the generosity and support of the public. Thanks to the fundraising activities organised by our passionate supporters, we can continue to care for homeless animals until new families can be found for them

The Home are appealing for more volunteers to run and support community fundraising activities in the Dartford area to help raise funds for the thousands of animals it cares for every year. Victoria Lawrence supports all local fundraisers with advice, ideas and resources. If you would like more information on how you can help please contact Victoria on 07590 173456 or email [email protected].

Batersea Dog and Cats Home - Brands Hatch

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Cyclists can take life by the handle bars on Sunday 13th September and enjoy a stunning 65 or 80 mile cycle ride from Londons Greenwich Park to Canterbury, Kent. The UKs leading charity for children with brain injury, The Childrens Trust, are appealing for cyclists of all abilities to take part.

Riders meet at The Pavilion Caf in Greenwich Park between 8 and 9am, where hot and cold breakfasts will be available. The route, planned and provided by professional Cycling Support Services, is both well signposted and marshalled, with regular refreshment stops. Riders will explore the beautiful Kent countryside including the historic Pilgrims Way, before crossing the finish line to a well-deserved sports massage, along with a post-ride party, where friends and family are encouraged to join in the fun.

For those coming from the Kent area, a coach is available to take cyclists up from Canterbury to the start line in Greenwich Park, a space of which can be booked via The

Childrens Trust website.

Why not become part of The Childrens Trusts biggest cycle event and sign up now? For more information and to take advantage of the latest sign up offers, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ltc or telephone 01737 364323.

London to Canterbury Cycle Challenge

Choices Domestic Abuse Service are holding their first Annual Ball on Friday 4 September 2015 at the Hilton Hotel, Dartford. Tickets are 65 per person

for what promises to be an amazing fun-filled evening including Red Carpet arrival with reception

drinks, 3 course meal with wine, auction, live music, table magician, casino tables, professional

photographer and much more. Great auction prizes include a UK family break and 2 weekend

Grandstand tickets (& paddock passes) to the 2016 British MotoGP. Book your ticket or a discounted

table of 10 - for a great evening and to support a very worthwhile cause! Please book by the end of

June to ensure ticket availability.Email: [email protected] or call

01322 280686.

CHOICES Domestic Abuse Service1st Annual Fundraising BallFriday 4th September 2015Hilton Hotel, Dartford

Dartford Ostomy Group SupportDartford Ostomy Group Support (DOGS) meet every third Wednesday in the month at St Anselms 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. It is fully supported by Darenth Valley Hospital stoma nurses and usually they try and turn up at the meeting, workload permitting. It is self supporting and is run by the former patients of Darenth Valley Hospital for other patients, for instance, who want information about their stoma or supplies. We usually have something going on each meeting and have a raffle. For further information contact Tracey, John or Sue Tel No 07948974350 or email [email protected]

30 Please mention Dartford Living

New Fiat 500 revealed

Fiat has confirmed its new 500 city car will be revealed on 4th July exactly 58 years after the original was launched to the Italian public. No other official information is available but the next-generation 500 is expected to be wider and longer than before, with subtle yet noticeable tweaks to the exterior. Inside is where the bulk of the changes will be made, with a large central touchscreen and minimalist dashboard design. Engines should mirror the current line-up, albeit with tweaks to the internals to make them more efficient and cheaper to run. That means the popular TwinAir will no doubt return more than 75mpg, while the 1.3-litre diesel could boast as much as 90mpg with sub-85g/km CO2 emissions. Fiat claims there are over 500,000 different personalisation configurations a feature that is only likely to grow with the next-generation car.

New Infiniti Q30 creates 300 UK jobs

The introduction of the new Infiniti Q30 hatchback will generate 300 new jobs at the brands manufacturing facility in Sunderland, before production starts later this year. It will

be the first Infiniti to be built in Europe and comes after a 250 million investment in parent company Nissans existing facilities in the North East. Extensions totalling 25,000 square metres have already been added, including a new body shop and expanded vehicle assembly line. Recruitment has already begun for the new roles, ahead of Infinitis move into the compact executive market later in 2015. The Q30 will rival models like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, as well as the Mercedes A-Class and VW Golf. The Infiniti QX30 crossover will join the range at a later date, and also be produced in Sunderland. Originally, Infiniti only committed to creating 180 jobs with the introduction of Infiniti in the UK, so the further 120 is a massive boost for the British economy.

Britains best towcar

The Volkswagen Passat Estate has been named the overall winner at the Tow Car Awards 2015. The event, now in its ninth year, pitted 37 cars against each other, with the Volkswagen Passat Estate taking the top prize for the third time. The cars tested ranged in size from a Citron C4 Cactus to a Land Rover Discovery, all competing for nine awards split across five weight classes and three special categories. All classes of cars that are homologated for towing are eligible for entry, meaning results are relevant regardless of whether a garden trailer or a horsebox needs to be towed. All cars were pushed to their limits in a series of dynamic tests, including high-speed stability, hill starts on a 1-in-6 gradient, plus emergency stops and lane changing.

Dhirens Automotive NewsIn this edition well look at a new entrant to the small SUV market and two refreshed popular models from German manufacturers

Tips for small businessesBusiness andAutomotive


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

Employment Allowance

The Finance Act 2015 confirmed that the employment allowance (EA) will continue for the tax year 2015/16. EA gives employers a discount up to 2,000 on their secondary Class 1 NI bill. This allowance must be claimed and is equal to the lower of 2000 and the employers Class 1 NI contribution before the allowance.

For small businesses employing staff this is a great benefit and it can also be used by one-person companies. If the director/shareholder has no other income and no staff, the optimum position would be for him/her to take a salary up the personal allowance

of 10,600 per annum and to take further profits in the form of dividends. Although this may result in the director paying some employees Class 1 NI, the National Insurance bill would be outweighed by the Corporation Tax deduction in the respect of the additional salary. This is of course, providing the director remains a basic rate tax payer ie his net dividend is no more than 28,606 for the year.

All small companies before their financial year end should consider how their personal salary and dividends is to be distributed.

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 months 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:

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Garages you can trust. Be assured that every

Good Garage Schemethe

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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

The general belief these days is that if you cut calories, youll lose weight.

Whilst this IS true, its not as simple as that. Where your calories come from is, in fact, much more important. Hormones dictate whether youll burn fa

dartford living july 15 issue

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