Dartford news

Dartford's younger residents are invited to come along to a special free family event in Central Park to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Children and their families are invited to attend the fun-filled Great Big Jubilee Kids' Day Out on Sunday 27 May from 1pm to 4pm.

Amongst the activities and attractions on offer will be a range of sports and games to try, crafts with a Jubilee theme, a Punch & Judy show, face-painting, the vintage fire engine and lots more.

Registered five to eleven year-olds will receive a special t-shirt and goodie bag so call 01322 343244 now to register your child for the Great Big Jubilee Kids' Day Out.

Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said, "We hope you can join us for this brilliant day out in Central Park. There'll be lots going on for the whole family to enjoy."

Councillor Mrs Ann Allen was elected as Mayor of Dartford for 2012/13 at a formal ceremony at Dartford's Civic Centre on Wednesday 9 May.

Councillor Allen was also Mayor in 1993/4 and is looking forward to the year ahead, "I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the role of Mayor for the second time, meeting lots of people and supporting as many local groups and events as I can."

The Mayor has appointed Miss Kim Cooper to be her Escort. Miss Cooper has worked tirelessly alongside Councillor Allen to support her work with local voluntary groups. Councillor Mrs Patsy Thurlow has been appointed Deputy Mayor. She will be escorted by Mr Denzil Reynolds.

The Mayor has chosen three charities to support during the coming year:

• Alzheimers & Dementia Support Services
• The New Yorkers Club
• The Mayor's Fund for Young People

First elected to Dartford Borough Council in 1987, Councillor Allen served as a member for Wilmington West ward. Following changes to the Borough ward boundaries in 2002, she was elected to represent Joydens Wood ward - the area she still represents.

As well as serving on Dartford Borough Council, Councillor Allen has been a member of Wilmington Parish Council since 1981 and was elected onto Kent County Council as the Conservative Member for Dartford South West in 1997.

Councillor Allen has three children and has also been a foster carer. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her eight grandchildren.

With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee just around the corner, plans are in place to help Dartford's residents celebrate in style.

From organise-your-own street parties to a fantastic family fun-filled event in Central Park, we've got it covered.

If you're planning a street party for the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, check out www.dartford.gov.uk/jubilee or the new 'Street Parties' leaflet for advice, ideas and the chance to win a £50 supermarket voucher to help with the catering. If you are planning a party but haven't yet registered it with Kent County Council, make sure you do so before Friday 18 May.

Now is also the time to book your child a place at the Great Big Jubilee Kids' Day Out. Taking place in Central Park on Sunday 27 May from 1pm til 4pm, this promises to be a fun-filled, family day out for residents. There'll be lots of activities going on around the park aimed at five to eleven year-olds. Registered children (aged 5-11) will receive a free t-shirt and goodie bag (while stocks last). Call 01322 343244 to book your child's place.

Sunday 27 May will also see the start of the third summer season of free concerts at the Sir Henry Wellcome Bandstand in Central Park. The concerts take place every Sunday throughout the summer (except 15 July) up to Sunday 26 August, from 2pm to 4pm. This first concert will be performed by Dartford Concert Band. For full details of the bandstand programme, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/centralpark/bandstandprogramme.

Presented by Hazlitt Arts Centre and the Changeling Theatre, watch Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' performed in the open air in Central Park on Friday 29 June at 7.30pm. Tickets are free to Dartford residents but must be booked in advance by calling 01322 343244.

Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said, "With lots of great Jubilee events taking place in Dartford this summer, there really is something for everyone. We hope you can join us to celebrate this momentous occasion."

For further details of these and other Jubilee events going on around the Borough, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/jubilee.