Dartford Borough Council News

Dartford Borough Museum is starting Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year by launching its latest exhibition, ‘Long to Reign Over Us’, in time for the anniversary of the Accession on 6 February.

The exhibition, which runs from Saturday 4 February to Saturday 23 June 2012, looks at local events at the time of the Accession and Coronation, together with more recent royal visits to the Borough, including the opening of Dartford Judo Centre by HRH the Princess Royal.

Entry to the Museum and exhibition is free.

For more information about the Museum and its exhibitions, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/museum or call 01322 224739.

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Tri-athletes from across the country will gather at Dartford on 18 August 2012 to take part in the UK’s first overnight long distance triathlon. Known as the Midnight Wo/Man, the race will be held at The Bridge, the new development next to Junction 1a of the M25 that is rapidly becoming a leading triathlon venue.

The Midnight Wo/Man race will include a 3.86km (2.4 mile) swim in The Bridge’s South Lake; a 180.25km (112 mile) cycle and a 42km (26.219 mile) marathon run, all of which are to be completed in less than 17 hours.

“There is a great deal of interest in this new race because we can offer almost perfect triathlon conditions,” explained John Setford, Race Director. “The swim is in clear freshwater, while both the cycling and the running courses are flat and very fast. Because the race is taking place at night, there will be very little chance of competitors overheating!

“Another benefit is that the race will not take up too much of the weekend. Competitors will arrive on Saturday afternoon, start racing at 6.00pm and potentially, they could be home in time for Sunday lunch with the family.”

Earlier this year, The Bridge was the venue for a standard distance triathlon that was a qualifying event for the ITU World Championships in Beijing. This was followed by a multi-distance triathlon and an aquathon race series, all of which attracted keen competition.

“Triathlon is one of the country’s fastest growing sports and we are delighted that Dartford is becoming such an attractive triathlon venue,” said Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council. “The new Midnight Wo/Man race is an innovative idea and I am sure it will be a great success.”

The Bridge is a 264 acre mixed use scheme that is being developed as a joint venture by Dartford Borough Council and Prologis.

Further information on all triathlon events at The Bridge can be found at www.bridgetriathlon.co.uk

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For further information please contact Caroline Melvin on 0117 946 6654 or 07739 456336

The second annual Carol Concert in Dartford’s Central Park has been hailed a success with over 400 Dartford residents braving the distinctly chilly weather to enjoy this year’s event on Wednesday 14 December.

The Carol Concert, which was free to Dartford residents, featured Dartford Choral Society, the Salvation Army Band (Dartford Corps) and barbershop quartet Voice Male.

Carols and musical performances were interspersed with readings by the Mayor, Council Members and Officers.

Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said, “After the success of last year’s Carol Concert, we would’ve been daft not to do it again. Wednesday’s concert was great and it was fantastic to see so many of the Borough’s residents turning out again on such a cold night.”

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Dartford Town Centre is getting ready for some festive sparkle as the Big Christmas Switch-On takes place on Saturday 19 November.

A fun-filled programme* of events is planned, with the action starting at 2.30pm in the High Street.

A range of tribute acts will get the party atmosphere going before this year’s special star guests take to the stage with the Mayor of Dartford – Orchard panto star Ann Widdecombe, Chas Hodges (of Chas & Dave fame), Rory the Lion, and, of course, Father Christmas – ready for the town’s Christmas lights to be switched on at 5.15pm.

Councillor Patsy Thurlow, portfolio holder for leisure & events, said, “The town centre’s Christmas tree and lights bring a big dose of festive spirit and sparkle to Dartford. The Big Christmas Switch-On is always hugely popular and we hope this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.”

For full details of the Big Christmas Switch-On, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/christmas/christmaslights or call 01322 343352.

*Programme may be subject to change.

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Notes to editors:
Ann Widdecombe stars alongside Craig Revel Horwood in ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, from 9-13 December. To book, visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.

Dartford Borough Museum is exploring the Borough’s culinary history in its latest exhibition.

‘Food for Thought’ uses numerous photographs to give a ‘taste’ of local food shops and eating places over the years.

The exhibition also celebrates the 175th anniversary of Mrs Beeton’s birth and the 150th anniversary of her most famous work, ‘The Book of Household Management’.

In addition, an assortment of kitchen utensils from years gone by will be on display.

Running from Saturday 5 November 2011 to Saturday 28 January 2012, admission to the exhibition is free, so pop in and find out more!

When to visit
Dartford Borough Museum is open:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-2pm and 3pm-5.30pm.
- Saturdays 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm

It is closed Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

For more information about the Museum and its exhibitions, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/museum or call 01322 224739.

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This year’s spectacular fireworks display in Dartford’s Central Park will be held on Saturday 5 November.

This annual event, organised and run by Dartford Lions Club, kicks off at 5pm with the bonfire being lit at 7.15pm and the fireworks starting at 8pm.

Advance ticket prices: £4 adult/£2 child

Tickets are available in advance from local venues including:
- Craft Frames, 21 West Hill, Dartford (Tue-Sat)
- Yogesh of Londis, 43 Dartford Road
- Chef’s, Priory Centre, Dartford
- EllenorLions Hospice Shop, Spital Street, Dartford
- EllenorLions Special Treats, Darent Valley Hospital
- Priory Shopping Centre, Dartford, on Thursday 27 October, Saturday 29 October, Thursday 3 November, Friday 4 November and Saturday 5 November (morning only)

On the gate ticket prices: £5 adult/£3 child

Proceeds from the event will go to EllenorLions Hospices and other Dartford Lions Charities.

For more information visit Dartford Lions Club’s website www.dartfordlions.org.uk

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Visit Brooklands Lakes on Sunday 25 September to monitor your fitness levels on Walk4Life Day 2011.

A flat, mile-long route will be clearly marked out around the lakes, which forms part of the nationwide Walk4Life Miles scheme.

By measuring your pulse rate before and after the walk, you will be able to calculate your fitness level. For more information on how to do this, visit www.walk4life.info/about-walk4life/fitness-routes

You can register on the Walk4Life website www.walk4life.info/ and record your improving fitness levels as you complete more walks.

As well as Walk4Life, there are several other events and initiatives taking place in the Borough to help you improve your and your family’s fitness levels.

Dartford was the first town in the UK to sign up to be a British Heart Foundation Heart Town. The charity has a number of resources and lots of information on how to keep your heart healthy and raise awareness at www.bhf.org.uk

The Borough has some beautiful countryside which is great for exploring on foot. If you enjoy walking, why not stride out on a longer walk along the Darent Valley Path or choose one of the Wonderful Walks at www.dartford.gov.uk/wonderfulwalks

The Council’s programme of guided walks also takes in some of the Borough’s best parks and open spaces. The last guided walk for 2011 takes place on Sunday 9 October and explores the fascinating fungi that grow on Dartford Heath. For more information, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/parks/guidedwalks or call 01322 285497.

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