Mayor of Dartford – That was the year that was!

by | Apr 12, 2018 | Dartford News

It seems like only yesterday that I was being sworn in as the Mayor of Dartford in the Civic Centre on the 10th of May 2017.  The time seems to have flown by in a whirl of official engagements and organising and attending charity fund raising events.

My escort, Corinna Bailey, and I have attended in excess of 300 official events and I have also chaired a number of General Assemblies of the Council and Charity Committee meetings.  The official events have included everything from touring a nuclear power station to judging cardboard boxes belonging to hardy types sleeping out in Central Park to raise funds for charity.  I particularly enjoyed meeting children in the Council Chamber and telling them about the duties of the mayor.  They have such enquiring minds and often asked questions which I did not know the answers to.  I also enjoyed attending the summer concerts held every Sunday afternoon in the park and meeting residents and the surprising number of non-residents who travel in to the borough for these very popular events.

In my mayoral year I chose to support charities that benefit totally or very substantially the people of Dartford.  My chosen charities are:

  • For 70 years, MIND has been committed to making sure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem can access the support they need and is treated with the respect they deserve.
  • Home Start. Home Start volunteers help families with young children deal with the challenges they face. They support parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.  Families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues receive the support of a Home Start volunteer.
  • The Arrow Riding Centre. The Centre was founded in 1982 and uses horses to provide a unique form of physiotherapy for disabled adults and children.  As well as improving physical fitness, the horse riding improves motivation, reduces dependency on others and gives the rider a great sense of achievement.  The Arrow Riding Centre teaches horse-riding to International and Paralympic standards.

My charity committee has worked tirelessly all year to organise 18 fund raising events in aid of the good causes.  The snow got the better of one, which unfortunately could not be re-scheduled.

I should also note that a number of individuals and organisations have made donations to my charity appeal and I thank them very much for their generosity.

The final total of money raised will not be known for a little while but the indications are that over £15,000 will be achieved.  But there is more good news, for at the beginning of my mayoral year the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Kent launched their CALM Appeal (Charity Appeal for Local Mayors).  They very generously pledged to donate £10,000 to each of the six mayors in their area.  I am sure the charities will be able to put these funds to very good use.

I have had an absolutely fabulous year and one which I shall remember forever.  Councillor David Mote is Dartford’s mayor for 2018/19 and I wish him and his wife Ellen every success.  I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I have.

The Worshipful Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Rosanna Currans

Sourdough Bread – Stanhill Farm

We are pleased to announce that from the middle of April we will have sourdough bread available! Produced locally by baker, Sourdough Mikate, we will be offering a range of nine different varieties of sourdough bread. Sourdough has been requested by many customers...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET JOSH ATKINSON

Dartford hosted Folkestone Invicta at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Josh Atkinson featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONEJosh Atkinson was promoted into the Dartford First Team,...

Local Sport round up

By Rebecca Shafford Dartford Harriers:  The Dartford Half Marathon -  On the 2nd March was the iconic and challenging Dartford Half marathon!  For the second time Dartford Harriers partnered with RunThrough.co.uk who organised the event amazingly.  1177...

IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME …

Depressed by the dull weather recently, I became demotivated, tired, and definitely not nice to live with. This manifested itself as the ‘What If Blues’. It’s a dangerous phrase often leading to introspection and dissatisfaction with yourself. Who hasn’t asked...

Indulgent Rail Journeys: Exploring the World in Unmatched Luxury

Traveling by train evokes a sense of timeless elegance and adventure, especially aboard some of the world’s most luxurious rail journeys. For those seeking indulgence, the following rail experiences offer not only breathtaking landscapes but also impeccable service...

Remote work culture is here to stay, believe Dartford residents.

By Qashish Dhiraj Mehta In the world of remote work, your office is wherever your creativity feels most inspired. In recent times, the concept of remote work has gained significant traction across the globe, with the UK being one of the leading nations taking on this...

Local Author launches new book about Hitler’s Heroes During Operation Barbarossa

The first of a series of four titles that between them will feature all of the Knight’s Crosses awarded on the Eastern Front Full explanations of the action or actions leading to the granting of the awards Covers the period up to the end of Operation Barbarossa,...

Dartford Trampoline Club Bounces On!

By Fay Sargent Fifty years ago, my whole family attended the Dartford YMCA several times each week at the top of West Hill. While my Dad coached the boys club football team and Mum ran the tuck shop, my brothers were on the judo mat, and so I snuck into the trampoline...

A family-run children’s clothing shop closes after more than two decades trading.

Debra Winter, who runs Little N's Baby Boutique, says it was a difficult decision triggered by an increase in costs, including parking costs. Her store at the Priory Shopping Centre in Dartford, has been kitting out children in adorable outfits since May 2003. Debra...

DATE AND ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR DARTFORD PRIDE 2025

Orchard West in Partnership with Dartford Borough Council, presents Dartford Pride 2025! Sat 28 June Main event 1pm – 7pm | After Party Silent Disco 8pm – 11pm DARTFORD PRIDE is back! BIGGER and PROUDER than ever!  Everyone is welcome to this fantastic event,...