In 2025, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Mick Jagger Centre, a cultural beacon that has become an integral part of the town’s artistic landscape. Named after one of Dartford’s most famous sons, Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, and located on the site of Dartford Grammar School, which he attended, this vibrant arts venue has come a long way since its opening in 2000.
The Mick Jagger Centre was born out of a shared vision: to provide a space for both local and international talent to showcase their work in music, theatre, and visual arts. Its construction was driven by the collaboration of Dartford Borough Council, the local community, Dartford Grammar School and Sir Mick Jagger himself, who expressed his commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression in the town that he once called home. A Musical Legacy Rooted in Dartford
Mick Jagger’s connection to Dartford is woven into the town’s history. He and Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones’ iconic guitarist, met at Dartford railway station in 1961. Their friendship blossomed from shared musical interests, eventually leading to the formation of one of the most legendary rock bands in history. The influence of The Rolling Stones on global music culture is undeniable, and their hometown connection continues to resonate, particularly with the establishment of the Mick Jagger Centre.
A Hub for All Things Creative
From the outset, the Mick Jagger Centre was designed to be a multi-purpose venue—one that would cater to a wide range of creative pursuits. Today, it serves as a dynamic community hub, offering not just musical performances but also theatre productions, dance shows, and visual arts exhibitions.
Throughout the years, the centre has hosted a diverse
array of performances. From intimate acoustic sets to large-scale productions, the venue has become synonymous with high-quality performances.
The centre is home to Dartford Music School, dedicated to providing high-quality music education and opportunities; not only to the local secondary and primary school students, but also to the wider community. Also the home of the Red Rooster Project which is group music tuition for Primary Ages, generously sponsored by Sir Mick Jagger himself.
As a thriving community hub, the centre welcomes a variety of clubs and activities. On weekday evenings and at weekends, why not pop along to the centre and join an art class, dance lesson, fitness class, try martial arts, play chess or try pilates? You could join the Big Band or sing in a choir! So many amazing opportunities. The centre is also the home of the Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society, Dartford & Bexleyheath Parkinsons Group, Dartford Township Choir, The Dartford branch of St John’s Ambulance and the Dartford Symphony Orchestra!
25th Anniversary Celebrations
There will be an exciting programme of events running at the centre throughout the autumn - a real ‘International Festival of Arts’, beginning with a Community Family Festival Day on Saturday 11th October. Entry will be free and there will be food and stalls and the opportunity to take part in a workshop, learn a new skill or play an instrument. Visit our website - www.themickjaggercentre.com for more information
From its roots in the legacy of Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones to its future as a thriving cultural hub, the Mick Jagger Centre’s story is one of continued innovation, celebration, and artistic excellence. Here’s to another 25 years of creativity, inspiration, and community spirit. Happy Anniversary, The Mick Jagger Centre!
•Public
What is The Pass Masters?
The Pass Masters is a Dartford based tuition startup that helps local families prepare for all elements of the 11-plus. Nowadays, most children who pass the 11-plus have expensive coaching or tuition. We bring extremely high quality without the big price tag. Not only that, children who work with us really enjoy it! We offer online sessions, or in-person on The Bridge development, and at The Judo Club in Stone for children about to start Year 4 and Year 5.
What inspired you to start The Pass Masters? In Dartford, we are so lucky with our schools, both at Primary and Secondary. I wanted to help increase the number of Dartford children accessing the Dartford and Wilmington Grammar schools. Many of the places seem to go to children based outside the area. I think our local places should go to local children! I am also able to offer big discounts to families on Universal Credit so that everyone can have a chance at 11-plus success.
What has been your highlight since starting The Pass Masters?
I was a Deputy Headteacher for four years and an Assistant Headteacher for eight so teaching at a high standard is something I am used to. I’ve always loved teaching and helping young people reach their potential. The biggest highlight has been seeing how much my students have improved and seeing them build friendships with one another. I’m expecting an extremely high success rate when results are back in October! I’ve also enjoyed receiving loads of positive parental (and student) feedback! It has been a great encouragement to know that people like what we are doing!
There are some Y4 and Y5 places available to start in September. For more info: www.thepassmasters.co.uk
See page 13 for more info on The Pass Masters
Rebecca was part of our 2024-25 cohort. Rebecca’s favourite thing about The Pass Masters is that the tutors make it fun and I’ve made some new friends.
Edward was part of our 2024-25 cohort. Edward’s favourite thing about The Pass Masters is the positive environment in the classroom; being in a group with others to learn.
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A free, fun and noisy way for under 3s to develop a love of language and a foundation for learning. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and includes the opportunity to join in with nursery rhymes and action songs. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dartford Library - Mondays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Dartford Library - Mondays 11.15 – 11:45 – Term time only
Fleetdown Library - Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Greenhithe Library - Fridays 10.00 – 10.30 – Term time only
Longfield Library - Thursdays 10.45 – 11.15
Summerhouse Drive Library - Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.00 – Term time only
Temple Hill Library – Wednesday 2:15 – 2:45 – Term time only
Storytime:
Listening to stories is a great way to develop and encourage young children to read books. Come and join one of our free storytime sessions for pre-school children - it's great fun! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dartford Library - Thursdays 10.30 – 11.30 – Term time only
Children’s Craft and Activity Time:
A fun free craft and colouring session for children. This group aims to bring children aged 4-11 together to chat and make new friends. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dartford Library – Saturdays 11.00 – 13.00
Sutton-at-Hone Library – Mondays 15.00 – 16.00 – Term time only
Temple Hill Library – Saturdays 10.30 – 1.00
Baby Playground:
An exciting programme of creative play sessions for young children, has begun across Kent. Led by a team of brilliant artists and musicians, families with babies (aged 0 to 18 months) can share creative play. Book up to 2 weeks in advance at playgroundkent.co.uk
Dartford Library – Fridays 10.30 – 11:15 – Term time only – Booking required
Family Playground:
Join our amazing Playground artists for some creative play and fun specially designed for children 5 years and under to share with their parents or carers. The group sessions are fun and engaging, led by a brilliant team of artists and are completely free. Book up to 2 weeks in advance at playgroundkent.co.uk
Dartford Library – Last Saturday of the month 13.30 – 14.30 – Booking required
Other Parent and Toddler Groups
Monday 9:15am - 11:30am - A&J Toddlers - St Anselms Church Community Centre, Dartford. £2.50 per one adult and child and 50p for any extra children or adults each. Tea/coffee biscuits, small snack for children with juice. Craft table and singing and dancing at end of session Contact Julie on 07917 843592.
Sing and Sign Orchard Shopping Centre - Mondays - 9.30am - 10.15am Toddlers 10.15 - 11am 6 months - 14 Months 11am - 11.45am Under 6 Months.
Bexley Park Sports and Social Club - Thursdays 11.am - 11.45am 6 months - 14 Months 11.45am - 12.30pm Under 6 months
Tuesday 9.30am-11.30amSticky Fingers - £1.50 per adult includes tea ,biscuits and healthy snack time for the children For pre school children up to 4 years. St Mary Greenhithe Church Hall London Road Greenhithe Contact 01322 382031 or see www.stmarygreenhithe.com
Saturday 2-3pm - Lego Clubages 5 and over - Chrome Road Slade Green DA8 2EL Tel: 01322 333602
Friday 9.30am-11am - Toerags Toddler Group - Adult education centre, Dartford £3 per Child- £1 Non Walkersfacebook.com/ToeRagse
Friday 10.30am – 12.30Mummy’s Linkup - on the 4th Friday of each month., Temple Hill Community Centre
Sundays 10:15-10:45 - Little Tigers - Karate for 3, 4 & 5 year olds - Swanscombe Leisure Centre. Call Saj on 07903 513104
Singing Mamas Mondays 10am- 11:30am Tree Community Centre, Cedar Rd, DA1 2RS
Singing Mamas is a singing for wellbeing group for women and babies and little ones are welcome too. It provides an opportunity to connect through singing with a cuppa, cake and a chat at the end.
For more details and to book a free taster session contact singingwithmarianna@gmail.com
BABYBALLERS Themed Football and multi skills sessions are suitable for girls and boys aged 16 months to 5 years old. Your little superstar will learn shapes, colours, numbers and lots, lots, more all through playing the BabyBallers way! Classes in Dartford, Northfleet, Gravesend and Ebbsfleet on Fridays and weekends. Please visit https://babyballers1.class4kids.co.uk/ or email matt@babyballers.com
A festival of poetry AND music where hearts gather and hope ignites
saturday
27th september 2025
free entry
Stone Recreation Ground Pavilion, Hayes Road Stone, Greenhithe DA9 9DS
The KatieB Kids Guide to Nurturing Early Literacy and Writing
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
A child’s first scribbles on paper, imaginative play and story-time are more than just fun – they’re part of a development stage known as emerging literacy and writing. These building-blocks give toddlers and preschoolers vital skills and knowledge that support them in formally learning to read and write in school.
Research shows that strong foundations in literacy and writing are essential for success in both education and later life, and begin long before a child writes their name - think of a toddler scribbling on a notepad or making marks in sand.
At KatieB Kids, we follow the Reggio Emilia ethos and take a holistic, child-centred approach, with children’s ideas, interests, and natural curiosity at the heart of our curriculum. From chalkboards to clipboards in the garden, and finger-painting to tracing in flour, we offer open-ended, sensory-rich activities that build the fine motor skills children need for writing.
For young children, literacy and writing is not about perfection or simply learning letters and sounds but about building confidence and curiosity. Whether our children are writing a shopping list in role play, signing their name on an artwork, or leaving notes for friends, they are always given authentic reasons to write. By embedding writing in real-life situations, we help children make sense of the world, develop communication skills, and express their thoughts, feelings, and creativity.
What You Can Do at Home
Parents play a key role in nurturing emerging literacy and writing. The good news is you don’t need to be a trained educator to make a big difference! Here are some easy, playful ways to support your child:
1. Read Every Day
Make reading part of your daily routine. Let your child choose books, talk about the pictures, ask what they think will happen next, and revisit favourites often.
2. Talk, Talk, Talk
Narrate what you’re doing, ask open questions, and take time to listen. Conversations help build vocabulary and comprehension. Mealtimes, bath times, and journeys are all great moments for chat.
3. Provide Writing Tools
Keep pencils, crayons, chalk, and paper within easy reach. Encourage your child to make lists, draw, scribble, or “write” notes. Celebrate their efforts, even if you can’t read them – it’s all part of the process.
4. Label It!
Label things at home, like “door,” “chair,” or “sink.” This helps children connect spoken words with written language.
5. Play with Sounds
Sing rhymes, clap out syllables, and play sound games like “I spy something that starts with ‘s’.” These phonological awareness skills are the building blocks for reading.
6. Let Them Lead
Follow your child’s interests. If they love dinosaurs, explore dinosaur books, write a pretend dinosaur diary together, or create dino-themed labels and signs for their toys.
7. Be a Role Model
Let your child see you reading, writing notes, or enjoying a book. Children learn by watching– if they see you valuing literacy, they will too.
Home-Start has been described as a movement of people in communities who stand alongside families in the challenges they face. Our local network of 60 trained volunteers and expert staff-led support is there to help families with young children through their challenging times. We are there for parents when they need us most, because childhood can’t wait.
At the heart of Home-Start’s work is home visiting volunteer support. Dedicated volunteers work alongside parents, in their own homes, to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children.
Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we’re helping. We are compassionate and free of judgement. We offer confidential help and expert support. Our work offers a vital lifeline to parents and helps to give children the best possible start in life.
150+ new referrals each year are managed by the charity – with more than 50% of these in Dartford. We are currently seeking more volunteers who would like to make a difference in their community.
Any age/background/culture/ethnicity, who will benefit from - Free 40-hour training commencing 1st October (10.00-2.00 x 10 Wednesdays) - Regular staff support + supervision - Peer support of other volunteers
PLEASE CONTACT DEBBIE BOWLER ON 01322 225 100
KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL
Jim Dickson MP for Dartford
From the day I was elected last July, I have been working hard in Parliament and across the local area to support our communities and to carry my Dartford constituent’s voice and priorities to Westminster.
I am here to support you, and my office is always here to help – please get in touch on jim.dickson. mp@parliament.uk for any questions, support or to sign up to my next surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon.
If you’d like to keep updated with my regular activity and find out about new events and surgeries, follow me on social media (Jim Dickson MP on X, Facebook and Instagram) or sign-up to my newsletter on the QR code.
Please always feel welcome to get in touch with me via email for any questions or if you’d like to speak with me.
By Jane Stevenson
Flies! What is it with the annoying little critturs this year? We’ve been inundated with them recently. I’ve spent far too much time and energy trying to defeat them. They zoom around my kitchen like a squadron of tiny kamikaze, dive bombing the fruit bowl, lurking around the fridge and planning attacks on the vegetable caddy with military precision.
I’ve tried flypapers – a few got caught, but obviously only the stupid ones, as the rest merely flew around the sticky dangling stuff. We bought one of the blue zapper lights, only to stare in disbelief as they rested on the casing and refused point blank to fly into the light. We have a fly net across the back door but still they get in – possibly through the small gap I leave open as one of the cats won’t walk under it!
A quiet night reading or watching television is constantly disturbed by the short-sighted ones crawling on the screen for a better view, and the lazier ones preferring to crawl on me for comfort. Nothing is sacred, not even my evening coffee – a magnet for caffeine loving flies.
Last night I resorted to the dreaded chemical stuff. Once I’d covered the fruit bowl, moved the cat’s water dish (that caused a whole other kerfuffle) and put everything away, I liberally sprayed the kitchen, shut the door and left.
This morning, certain of a fly free kitchen I sauntered downstairs to make tea, only to be confronted by some of the pesky insects, clearly immune to chemicals, practising landing runs on the work surface.
I turned to google for answers. My kitchen will shortly resemble a herb garden as apparently flies don’t like lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus and other strongsmelling herbs. Cayenne pepper is also something they hate, so that’s going all round the vegetable caddy.
So there we have it; super flies, immune to chemicals, clever enough to form a plan for world domination, and laughing at the puny human attempts to cull their numbers.
It’s become a battle of wills, and I don’t like losing.
LAUGHTER FREE ZONE?
How do you define a sense of humour? What makes you laugh till tears tun down your face? Is it standup comedy? Sitcoms? Films?
Other Half loves the vintage comedies on Radio 4 Xtra, many recorded before he was born. Think Tony Hancock, Steptoe and Son or The Goons, and you’ll get the drift.
These are regarded as comedy greats and all have their champions. Personally, Tony Hancock, miserable and morose, leaves me unmoved. The Goons I can take or leave. Most other vintage comedy simply isn’t funny.
My antipathy to popular humour also carries across to TV. I don’t like Only Fools and Horses, Mrs Browns Boys, The Young Ones. I appear to be at odds with many millions of the UK population. I’m not even sure why!
It isn’t the most sensible thing to dispute in mixed society either. Woe betides commenting that The Good Life whiffs of superiority, or Friends is simply annoying. I’m either met with outraged gasps of indignation, by suggesting that the Trigger character just isn’t funny, or berated for not seeing the comedy genius in James Corden.
I have a sense of humour. I laugh uproariously at most of the Carry On with their crude double entendres, politically incorrect characters and fat jokes. Blackadder brings on helpless giggles. I loved Dave Allen’s observational comedy and his sly digs at religion and general irreverence. Stephen Fry is subtle and droll and very funny.
Much of the humour I like is old school. Goodness knows how it would be viewed by our moral guardians now. Many of its topics are now considered too edgy or politically incorrect for today. However, being a large, disabled pensioner, (often the mainstay of much early humour) I tend not to take offence at this.
Perhaps that is the answer. Humour is what you make of it. Life is too short to not laugh at yourself occasionally.
Laugh Away folks
The Dartford Business Awards are back for 2025, and will celebrate the inspiring companies and individuals who have given so much to the borough.
As ever, Dartford Borough Council is organising the awards with several core partners, sponsors and local ambassadors. There are a number of different awards categories; all of which are free to enter and designed to cater for every size of business or charity, from the smallest to the largest in the borough.
This year’s categories are:
• Best Owner-Managed Business – sponsored by The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre, Oxford Innovation Space and ARC UK
• Employee of the Year - sponsored by The Learning Shop and Fairfield Leisure
• Young Person of the Year – sponsored by North Kent College and Made in Kent Radio
• The Dartford Living Customer’s Choice Award –sponsored by Dartford Living
• Shop of the Year – sponsored by Bluewater
• The Good for the Community Award (for businesses)
– sponsored by Amazon LCY3
• The Good for Society Award (for charities) –sponsored by Downton & Ali Associates and Fox Estate Agents
• The Bluewater Award – sponsored by Bluewater
We are delighted that Dartford Living and Made in Kent Radio are also returning as our official media partners. Entrants and winners can expect to receive a number of business-building benefits, such as promotion through media and networking opportunities. To enter your business or charity into the Dartford Business Awards, you must be based in the Dartford Borough Council business rates areas, and must have been trading for a full year to January 1st, 2025.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite MBE said: “After another year of brilliant work from our local companies,
I can’t wait to celebrate their achievements at the Dartford Business Awards. Their dedication to providing for the people of Dartford is so impressive, and I’m forever grateful.
It’s going to be a great evening and with eight awards up for grabs there’s something for every business or charity, so make sure you submit your applications!”
Lead Member for Business Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE said: “It always amazes me to hear how much the Dartford business community has accomplished in just a year. They’ve achieved so much so it’s only right that we come together to celebrate their efforts.”
To enter or submit your nomination by the deadline of Monday 1st September, visit www. dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk, or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk to find out more. You can also follow the Awards on Facebook at www. facebook.com/dartfordbusinessawards or on X/Twitter at www.twitter.com/dartford_biz.
The awards evening takes place on Thursday 9th October at Bluewater Shopping Centre.
The 2025 Dartford Business Awards are sponsored by: Amazon LCY3
ARC UK
Bluewater Shopping Centre
Dartford Borough Council
Dartford Living
Downton & Ali Associates
Fairfield Leisure
Fox Estate Agents
Made in Kent Radio
North Kent College
Oxford Innovation Space
The Learning Shop
The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre
See page 32 for more details about the Dartford Business Awards
Order online, by phone on 01322 224013 or call in and see us to discuss your flower options, we will be happy to help you.
Same day contactless deliveries are available (If ordered by 12 noon MondayFriday, before 11am Saturdays)
Thank you for your continued support
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DARTFORD business AWARDS
Is yours a winning business?
Visit www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk/awards to apply now
Or contact businessawards@dartford.gov.uk to find out more
The Dartford Business Awards are now officially open for 2025
With several categories available, t all free to enter and designed to cater for every size of business or charity, fro the largest in the Borough.
Entrants must be based in the Dartford Borough Council rates areas, and have been trading for a full year to January 1st, 2025.
To enter your business or charity www.dartfordbusinessawards.co.uk/awards and apply before 5pm Monday 1st September.
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools in modern medicine to protect you and others from serious illnesses. They are safe. They go through the same rigorous testing processes as any medicines. In the winter, when respiratory viruses are more common, we run flu and COVID campaigns to try and protect people across the winter months.
Why get vaccinated against flu?
Flu is a common viral infection that is spread by coughs and sneezes. You can catch flu all year around, although it is much more common in the winter. Like many viruses, flu will often get better on its own within about a week. But it can make some people seriously ill.
Flu is not the same as the common cold. Symptoms come on very quickly, tend to be more severe and last longer. They include:
• a high temperature of 38oC (100.4oF) or above
• general aches and pains
• tiredness or weakness – enough that you have to stay in bed and rest
• a dry cough, sore throat or headache
Certain people are at high risk of complications of flu, either because of their immune system or because it can worsen underlying conditions. Elderly are more vulnerable as their immune system is not as good at recognising and responding to infection. In people with lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, getting flu can make their condition worse. If you have diabetes, your immune system isn’t as effective against flu and it can affect blood sugar levels causing hyperglycaemia. Flu in pregnancy can cause early labour and may occasionally result in a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Why should I bother?
It is important to get your flu jab. In the local area, we had the lowest rate of flu vaccination across Kent and Medway and also the highest rate of hospitalisation with flu in the over 65s. People are only admitted to hospital with flu when they are very unwell and, sadly, some people will die. Around 7,800 people died from flu across England last winter.
Who is eligible?
The following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine on the NHS:
• are aged 65 or over
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are a front line health or care worker
• children aged 2 or 3 years
• school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
• children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain longterm health conditions
If you aren’t in one of these groups, many community pharmacists will give you the vaccination for a small fee.
Where can I get my vaccine?
The flu vaccination is safe and effective and is offered on the NHS every year to help people at risk of complications from flu. You can get this through your GP surgery or community pharmacy. Some GP surgeries or pharmacists may offer you a COVID booster at the same time. It is perfectly safe to have both together. Other vaccinations that may be offered to eligible people to protect against respiratory viruses include pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women will start from 1 September. For other , they adults will be available from 1 October. COVID vaccinations will be available at the same time to eligible groups.
Locally, we are working with Darent Valley Hospital, HCRG (community health services), pharmacies and community groups to run some pop up clinics to make it easier for you to get your vaccine.
Dr Julie Taylor is a GP Partner and Trainer at the Wellcome Practice and the Primary Care Medical Director for Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership.
The following is a summary of common scenarios someone living with dementia might find themselves in. We have also included guidance on how best to deal with these scenarios should you come across someone living with dementia who may need some support.
1. The Scenario: A person struggling to count money to pay for things or struggling to find their wallet/ debit card
What’s going on?
Money management skills are often amongst the first to be a challenge when a person has dementia. Regularly losing a wallet or purse, or the money inside it, is common and can cause the person with dementia anxiety, particularly if they are prone to paranoia or suspicious thoughts. Having trouble counting change or being able to recognise different coins and notes can also become more and more difficult.
2.The Scenario: A person looks lost on the street
What’s going on?
There can be a number of reasons why a person living with dementia can appear to be walking around without purpose:
• They could be continuing a habit, relieving boredom, or using up extra energy.
• Walking can relieve pain or discomfort and can be a distraction if they’re having problems sleeping or are feeling anxious.
•They may feel lost in their current environment, want to revisit a familiar place, or are seeking fulfilment.
3. The Scenario: A person out in inappropriate clothing (slippers on a rainy day)
What’s going on?
The person living with dementia may not recognise or comprehend what the weather is like, they may no longer associate snow with being cold for example. This may lead to them not wearing appropriate clothing for the situation.
4.The Scenario: A person shouting and arguing with themselves
What’s going on?
People with dementia can find it hard to understand what’s going on around them and may interpret their surroundings in a different way than we would. This can be confusing and frightening for them. It may be that they are afraid and trying to escape from someone or something, real or perceived or to stop feeling distressed and to feel calmer again.
5. The Scenario: A person walking in a non-pedestrian location
What’s going on?
Like most people, a person living with dementia may want to spend time walking. Walking is good exercise and can help relieve stress and boredom. However, sometimes people living with dementia, lose the ability to judge where they can and can’t walk. Worst case scenario they could end up on a motorway or busy road that isn’t pedestrianised.
6.The Scenario: When in conversation, relaying what sounds like a bizarre story or experience (this could be due to where the person is in their reality, which can be very different to ours).
What’s going on?
When it comes to individuals living with dementia, making up stories can simply be a way to fill in the memory gaps. This does not mean the person is being intentionally manipulative. They are simply using this as a creative coping mechanism.
How should you deal with these scenarios
• Get close enough that you’re able to hear each other and make eye contact, but not so close that you’re in their personal space or are making them feel uncomfortable. Try not to approach from behind, try and always approach from in front of the person.
• When speaking to someone potentially living with dementia, try short, simple sentences and leave plenty of time for an answer- patience is often rewarded. Always rephrase as opposed to repeating what they cannot understand.
• Make sure your body language is relaxed and open.
• Speak calmly and clearly, adapt to how the person is reacting to you.
• Try and avoid long, complicated questions.
• Do not disagree with them, rather go into their reality. If their reality is upsetting them try and find a way of changing the topic of conversation.
• Stay with them if possible and try to help them stay calm. Reassure them as many times as necessary that you’re there to help – by building trust, you may be able to find out more information from them.
• Contact the police as soon as possible to report that you believe you’ve found a vulnerable person.
• It may help to wait with them in a café, shop or other public place so they feel safe.
If you would like to suggest a future topic for this column or have questions about our home care services, please get in touch with Christina on c.uppenkamp@ dartford.homeintead.co.uk or via 01322 923750.
COMPETITION
Bobby Davro is Back in Bexley!
Join us on Friday 26 September at Bexley Park Sports & Social Club as comedy legend Bobby Davro headlines House of Stand Up!
He’s a man of many talents – comedian, impressionist, game show host, actor – and shot to stardom in the 1980s with hit shows like Bobby Davro On The Box and Bobby’s Sketch Pad. Bobby went on to appear in EastEnders as the loveable rogue Vinnie Monks and has starred on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Big Brother, Dancing On Ice, and was crowned Celebrity Mastermind Winner 2023!
He’ll be joined by a stellar supporting lineup:
Book Now: www.houseofstandup.co.uk/dartford Don’t miss our No Booking Fee Option!
Question: Bobby Davro’s father was a British athletics champion. True or False?
Email your Name and Answer to competition@dartfordliving.com by the 20th September 2025.
RUES: 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. Winners will be notified by email by House of Stand up, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. We will only use your email address to contact you if you win.
Tom Jennings, an accomplished accordion player, set up an organ repair and sales shop on Dartford Road during the late 1940s. He then began building his own electric organs as The Jennings Organ Company in 1951. They were aimed at church halls and small venues. He later created the Univox organ, used by The Tornados on their hit Telstar.
Tom saw a demand for separate amplifiers and speakers for musicians using small halls, pubs and clubs during the mid 1950s. Former colleague, Dick Denny (a talented guitarist and electronics specialist), from Vickers Crayford, came up with an amp and speaker which Tom took on along with Dick.
A group called The Shadows used the new amp which later became the legendary AC30, used around the world by most of the main groups from the Beatles to The Rolling Stones and just about everyone.
The company became Jennings Musical Industries in 1958 and their products were eventually sold to 67 countries across the globe. The VOX name came from an organ stop Vox Humana or Human Voice.
By the early 1960s guitars were added to the organs and amps, a famous guitar being the Phantom and later Teardrop. In fact, Brian Jones and Bill Wyman became ambassadors for Vox guitars. Others using the Vox equipment including The Doors, The Yardbirds,The Searchers, The Walker Brothers, The Kinks, Jeff Beck and Rory Gallagher. The list goes on. With the high demand, Unity House was built next door. Another premises was built in the East of Dartford, the Downs.
Cash was needed and so Tom brought in Roydon Industries, who owned Vidor Radio and Burdept Electronics. Another Vox factory was set up to cope with the high demand. Often famous faces could be seen at Unity House in Dartford. Tom even set up a repair service for damaged equipment, some not accidentally damaged!
With a dedicated workforce the company went onto produce the wah-wah pedal and the Tone Bender, products way ahead of its time. Even TV’s Pinky and Perky’s Band, The Beakles, were supplied with tiny Vox gear!
The Beatles toured America with specially built 100w amps and vox engineers to set them up. Dick Denny travelled widely demonstrating vox. On one American TV shop he played the organ and guitar JMI and hoped it would catch on but did not.
Tom left the company in 1967 to set up another company,
making similar gear, at JEI back at 119 Dartford Road in his original shop. Today a plaque marks the site of the incredible beginnings of musical equipment that changed the sound of music through the 1960s and beyond.
By the 1970s, after a few takeovers, the manufacturing moved out of the area. However, one guitarist keen on AC30s, is Brian May of Queen. I wonder what he thought of the organ and guitar!
In February this year, after a meeting about JMI Vox at Dartford, there was interest in hearing music on and through JMI Vox equipment (where possible by Brian Brockie). So, the Mick Jagger Centre is booked for Voxtober on 10th October. I hope to see you there. Special thanks go to Brian for arranging the event to celebrate Dartford’s contribution to sounds.
VOXTOBER
FRIDAY 10th OCTOBER
Is this the first time DAODS have done Jesus Christ Superstar?
No. We performed the show 21 years ago. Then, I played Jesus, and in this production, I now play Judas. It is a privilege to be able to play both parts in my time with DAODS.
We have a fantastic cast for this production, along with the benefit of a professional team behind us. Although we are unpaid and therefore, amateur, there is nothing amateur about the production. We have the benefit of having a professional production team, set, lighting and sound design and professional orchestra. Not to mention the privilege of being able to work in a professional theatre, like Orchard West!
What is the biggest challenge of the show?
I think it depends on perspective. From the point of view of Jesus and Judas, the challenge is the singing! It is an incredibly demanding show, vocally.
From the overall production, I think the challenge is making the show relevant to modern audiences. In our previous production of JCS, 21 years ago, we put together a quite traditional show. For this production we are creating a much more modern experience, with some amazing ideas from our creative team.
The show is more relevant to the modern audiences, whilst keeping true to the original concept, and of course the story. Although the show is based on a religious story, its themes are representative of many aspects of modern society today.
Is there anything unique about DAODS production of JCS?
I’d say there are two aspects that make DAODS production of JCS different.
One, is the style. The show is set in modern times, exploring themes relevant to today. The audience will be able to identify with many of these modern themes whilst watching a show that is true to its original concept.
The other aspect of this version is that we have the band on stage with the cast! This brings the music much closer to the cast, making it an immersive experience and very much in line with the rock opera it was created to be. Coupled with the fantastic venue, Orchard West,
which is very similar to a live music venue or arena, you have a fantastic show both visually and through its unique musical score.
For anyone who hasn’t seen a DAODS production, what can they expect?
As mentioned, we are very fortunate to have professionals involved in all of our productions. Although we are an amateur society, we are supported in all departments by professionals including professional sets, orchestra, stage team and production teams. We also have in our membership a number of professionally trained and ex-professional performers.
We are also often compared favourably to West End shows, with audiences regularly stating “that show was as good as the West End”. So audiences can experience the same quality of entertainment, but at a fraction of the cost, whilst supporting local theatre.
What have been some of your favourite memories performing with DAODS?
Having played many parts over the 25 years, it’s difficult to pick out just a few. I have had the privilege of playing leading roles in both dramatic modern and classic Hollywood musicals.
I think I firstly have to say playing Jesus is a highlight, as it is……….. Jesus. Alongside that, I think playing Don Lockwood (the Gene Kelly part) in Singing In The Rain, dancing in a full wet set with falling rain as well as being challenged with complex tap dancing routines. Another part I loved (which was the reason I got into musical theatre) was Tony in West Side Story! I first saw the show in the West End and whilst watching the number ‘Something’s Coming’, I thought “I want to do that!!
Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Orchard West Theatre Wed 15 - Sat 18 October | orchardwest.co.uk Box office 0343 310 0033
Dartford Borough Council Walk and Talk Groups
Healthy Living Walk - Mondays 10.00am (Contact the One You Team)
Dartford Heath Walk - Tuesdays 10.00am (Upper Heath Lane)
Darenth Country Park - Tuesdays 10.30am (Darenth Valley Hospital)
