Dartford Messenger 12.8.10 p40

Feature on Gorsewood Road resident who swam the English Channel 50 years ago and has written an autobiography ("Believe it or not!") which has already raised £13,000 for EllenorLions Hospice.

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Dartford Messenger 12.8.10 p4

Homeowner in Longfield catches out conmen asking to see her drains. They were seen driving a black saloon car.

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Summer 2010

Neighbourhood policing team give report:

10 incidents reported in March, half of 2009. Burglaries down from 3 to 2 over same period.

Resident nearly hit by car mounting pavement. 2 cars on pavement fined subsequently

Burglaries from sheds and garages reported. Crime prevention advice given and follow up visits to all

Anti social behaviour in Culcroft leads to more patrols there

New Ash Green man cautioned for possession of locking knife in Ash Road

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Dartford Messenger 5.8.10 p52

Picture feature on photography competition for children and parents of Hartley Primary School, New Ash Green Primary School and Our Lady of Hartley RC School.

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Dartford Times 5.8.10 p15

Picture feature on Stephen P Gay, the new funeral director's business in Longfield.

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Dartford Messenger 22.7.10 p3

One fire engine sent to put out fire in wood off Gorsewood Road on the 20th at 9.30pm.

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Evening Standard 30.7.2010 p 2-3

Article about the new bike hire scheme in London includes an interview and picture with a commuter from Longifeld, who travelled by bike from Victoria Station to Covent Garden.

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The details of the local expenditure on the recent general election are available from Dartford Council offices. They show the Conservative and Labour candidates spent considerably more (they had also started the campaign some time before the election was called), and this doesn't even count the national expenditure, for example posters in Princes Road. It appears the Conservatives had more volunteers as they appear to have spent less on delivery than Labour and the Liberals. Other publicity included balloons, posters, placards and badges. The English Democrats hired a battle bus, while one candidate used a megaphone, and no prizes for guessing who spent money on costume hire!

Conservative £14,900 (incl £4,376 before election) - 207,000 leaflets
Labour £11,346 (incl £2,700 before election) - unknown no of leaflets
LibDem £2,125 - 66,000 leaflets
EngDem £4,240 - 117,000 leaflets
UKIP £1,487 - unknown no of leaflets
Independent - £3,236 - 52,000 leaflets
Fancy Dress - £350 - 1,000 leaflets

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Dartford Messenger 17.6.10, p7
Picture feature on the fete to celebrate 40th anniversary of the new Hartley Primary School.

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Dartford Times 17.6.10 p13
Hartley beekeeper reports big increase in membership of local societies.

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Click on "read more" below for details.

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News Shopper 10 March 2010

Feature on spring after cold winter, mentions lambing at Hartley Bottom Farm, where 600 have been bred this year.

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Click on expand to see details of May's council meeting

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Dartford Messenger 13.5.10 p9

Lurcher dog found abandoned outside Nestledown Kennels in Fawkham in very poor condition and is now being looked after by the kennel workers. RSPCA make appeal for information (pictures)

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Dartford Messenger, 13.5.10 p 7

Picture feature on 7th Hartley Primary school "Stars in their Eyes" event

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Dartford Messenger 13.5.10, p1

Obituary of retired civil servant (pictured) from St Mary's Way, Longfield, who was killed in a collision with a car on Wrotham Hill last week.

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This is Kent website 25.5.10

Ash Road man fined £9,000 and £19,000 costs for 97 loads of fly tipping at Polhill

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A big swing to the Conservatives saw Gareth Johnson of Hartley elected as MP for Dartford at about 3.30am on the 7th. Labour's vote fell sharply, and all the other parties benefitted.

The result was

Conservative 24,428 (48.8%, +7.4%)
Labour 13,800 (27.6%, -15.1%)
Liberal Democrat 7,361 (14.7%, +4.5%)
English Democrat 2,178 (4.4%, +1.8%)
UKIP 1,842 (3.7%, +0.7%)
Stephane Tindame 264 (0.5%, +0.5%)
Fancy Dress Party 207 (0.4%, +0.4%)

Rejected ballot papers 82
Turnout 65.7% (+2.5%)

Boundary changes mean the percentage change in the vote relates to what they would have got if the seat had been fought on the new boundaries in 2005.

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Dartford Messenger 22.4.10 p3

Obituary of PC Matt Williams, who grew up in New Ash Green (picture)

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Dartford Messenger 22.4.10 p6

27 year old man from Manor Drive acquitted of stabbing, after brother in law stabbed in scuffle. However he was given a 6 month suspended sentence and fined on another unrelated charge.

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The council meeting had a very short agenda and took less than ½ hour. Public concerns continue about the rules of the graveyard and the Brambledown flats. The council are also forecasting a slight deficit for the 2009/10 financial year.

Click on read more for details.

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Dartford Messenger 15.4.10 p14

Picture feature on 90th birthday of resident of Russell Court nursing home at Bramblefield.

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Dartford Messenger 15.4.10 p5

After a trading standards investigation the convenience store attached to the Longfield Shell petrol station faces a review of its licence. It has set out the checks they propose to make to stop underage customers buying drink.

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Dartford Messenger 1.4.10 p12

2 more letters about the train service from Longfield, both in favour of the new services. However one says the trains have fewer seats. The other letter points out that Longfield station is very well used, and has the same number of passengers as Broadstairs.

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Dartford Messenger 1.4.10 p2

Residents at Bramblefield flats concerned as West Kent Housing Association say they will allow people as young as 45 to apply. WKHA say it is to take into consideration "demographic changes", but local Age Concern describe the decision as "baffling" when the population is ageing.

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Dartford Times 8.4.10 p 6-7

Paper asks the candidates about themselves and their main policies:

John Adams (Lab) - Education, bringing investment to Dartford, affordable homes
Gareth Johnson (Con) - Dartford generally eg post offices, bridge tolls
Richard Palmer (UKIP) - Dartford Town Centre, Europe
Gary Rogers (Eng Dem) - Voting system, keep Dartford in Kent
James Willis (Lib) - Dartford generally, fairer proportional voting system

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Dartford Times 8.4.10 p35

Opening of £7,500 specially designed play area for pupils with severe learning disabilities at Milestone School, New Ash Green.

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Dartford Messenger 8.4.10 p2-3

Paper asked candidates 10 questions about Dartford (including one about the paper!). Best score was Gareth Johnson with 8 followed by James Willis with 6, John Adams and Stephane Eindame with 5, and then Gary Rogers with 4.

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Dartford Messenger 25.3.10 p11

Picture feature on charity run, which featured pupils from New Ash Green Primary School.

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Dartford Messenger 25.3.10 p14
Writer from Longfield supports the new rail timetable. Suggests people from east Kent who complained about trains stopping here, should have thought about that when the railways were privatised.

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Dartford Times 25.2.10 p 7; Dartford Messenger 25.2.10 p 3

Crime - £300 stolen from Martins Newsagent in Station Road, Longfield at 11am on the 18th, by two youths with knife and a gun. Police appeal for information.

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Dartford Times 25.2.10 p22

English Democrats select Gary Rogers from Darenth to fight general election in Dartford. Policies include cancelling Tesco development and have leisure facilities instead, reduced tax on beer and smoking rooms in pubs.

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Dartford Times 4.3.10 p4, 11.3.10 p27

Local Band D council tax:

Longfield (Dartford Borough) £1,439.37
Fawkham (Sevenoaks Dist) £1,459.75
Ash cum Ridley (Sevenoaks) £1,461.98
Hartley (Sevenoks District) £1,478.03

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Dartford Times 11.3.10 p20

63 year old magistrate from Knights Croft, New Ash Green to do parachute jump to raise £1,000 for the Orpheus Centre, which gives disabled youngsters the chance to perform on stage (picture).

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Dartford Times 11.3.10 p6

Paper interviewed 100 people in Dartford Town Centre. The results were:

Conservative 24%
Labour 14%
Others 11%
Don't Know 27%
Won't Vote 25%

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Dartford Times 11.3.10 p 5

Dartford conservatives admit they have received money from Lord Ashcroft including £3,546 for the 2007 council elections. Labour prospective candidate said unlike ordinary hard working people he "lacks commitment" to pay full tax in the UK. Conservative prospective candidate criticises "negative" campaigning.

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Dartford Messenger 7.1.10 p 7

Picture feature on some local listed buildings, including the old victorian police station on West Hill, Dartford, Dartford Library and railings at Pennis House, Fawkham.

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Dartford Times 7.1.10 p 38

Under the KCC (Various Roads in the District of Sevenoaks) Prohibition and Restriction of Waiting, Loading and Unloading and On-street parkign places (Amendment no 8) Order 2009, new restrictions on parking around schools at:

Hartley: Round Ash Way, Fairby Lane, Stack Lane
New Ash Green: Church Road
Fawkham: High Street

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Dartford Messenger 21.1.10 p47

Picture feature on ancient custom of blessing the apple orchard in Nine Horse Wood.

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Subjects discussed at their 8 February meeting included:

Burial Ground - they agreed to alter their regulations regarding turfing of graves at the request of the public, but refused requests from others to allow small photos.

Salt Bins - they decided not to pay for salt for a salt bin at Parkfield, which woul have been a condition of grant money to buy one.


Click on read more below or click here for full 2010 reports

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Click on "read more" at end of item for details.

(11.2.10) New Ash Green knife victim speaks against restorative justice
(11.2.10) Bookies betting on Tory triumph
(18.2.10) Fire in kitchen at Nuthatch Longfield
(18.2.10) NAG woman stole patients' cash

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Subjects discussed included:

HAWK Youth - new meeting at the Social Club
Recycling centre - calls for its restoration at Woodland Avenue
Salt bins - calls for more in Hartley
Springcroft

Click on read more below or click here for full 2010 reports

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Click on the more button below for full details

Fawkham Manor Hospital celebrates 30th anniversary
Vandalism at Knightscroft, New Ash Green
John Adams selected as Labour parliamentary candidate
Pride turns to pain as soldier grandson dies
Big Tree Cider of Hartley

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Free weight loss programme to start in New Ash Green on 13 January for those over 18 with at least 2 stone to lose. Places limited, to apply email healthyliving@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Dartford Times 31.12.09 p5

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The items discussed included:
(a) Kent County Council gets praise from Audit Commission.
(b) Manor Field - meter cupboard in poor state and will need replacing
(c) Billings Hill Shaw - tree work required after tree fell on car.
(d) Burial Ground - council policy of not allowing photos on graves is claimed to be discriminatory under race relations law. Legal advice sought.
(e) Woodland Avenue - youth shelter consultation inconclusive, more time needed for consideration.
(f) Council tax - to rise 4% next year, with £5,000 spent from reserves also.
(g) War Memorial - to be insured by council after recent near miss.
(h) Northfield - lengthy discussions about soakaway to prevent surface run off
(i) Social Club - new youth project to be hosted there.

Click on link below for more details

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Picture feature on indie rock band The Startover, one of whose members lives in New Ash Green. More details on their Myspace webpage

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Unnamed 16 year old from West Kingsdown sentenced by Dartford Youth Court to 24 hours youth training and ordered to pay £70 compensation for thefts of poppy collecting boxes at Longfield Fish Bar (3rd Nov) and Longfield Co-op (11th Nov).

Dartford Messenger 26.11.09 p6

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Branch from ash tree falls on van belonging to man from Dickens Close, while walking his dog at Billings Hill Shaw, during storms the previous weekend (picture)

Sevenoaks Chronicle 19.11.09 p 3

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Longfield and Hartley Scouts have to install metal shutters on the door to their HQ in Larkwell Lane after vandalism attack at a cost of £4,000. Police say two 16 year olds received a "final warning" for the vandalism (picture of one of the Scout groups there)

Sevenoaks Chronicle 26.11.09 p10

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Picture feature on new book The Boy who fell down Exit 43, a new novel by 39 year old author formerly from Longfield.

(Dartford Messenger 3.12.09, p11)

The book has been reviewed twice on Amazon and both reviewers gave it 5/5.

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There were 18 rainy days in November, resulting in over 6 inches of rain - three times the long term average, and more than cancelling out the dry months of August, September and October (these months only had about half their average rainfall). However average temperatures for November were well above average too.

For more info see the weather page.

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Dartford Messenger 19.11.09 p2

Crime: 27 year old man injured in attack by 5 teenage boys outside Dolly's Diner on Sunday 18th October. They threw unidentified liquid in his face, causing eye injury.

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Dartford Messenger 19.11.09 p2

Picture feature on road safety roadshow character Hector's visit to New Ash Green Primary School.

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Dartford Messenger 5.11.09 p 11

Picture feature on retirement of long serving shop assistant at Fairby Stores, who started on 1 April 1974. The shop manager said she had received a large number of good will messages and said "you can always rely on her... and will be missed by everyone in the village".

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Sevenoaks Chronicle 19.11.09 p1

Sevenoaks District Council to spend £2,400 on councillors' Christmas party, after telling staff they would have to pay £20 for their own parties. Newspaper pointed out that the council also voted to increase councillor allowances by 62% earlier in the year. Councillors, including one from Hartley, shown with superimposed party hats.

This story resulted in a large postbag with 6 letters being quoted from the following week all of them critical. The leader of the Liberal Democrat group wrote to say that all Liberal councillors attending will be paying for their evening (Sevenoaks Chronicle 26.11.09 p17).

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Dartford Times 12.11.09 p 17

Picture feature on 9 year old winner of Chief Scout's Silver Award from Hartley.

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Dartford Times 12.11.09 p 22

Picture feature on the first turf being cut on the £26 million building project to build a new school at Longfield on the playing fields.

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Hartley is now without a glass recycling facility after the bottle banks were removed from Woodland Avenue. It was reportedly because a firework had been placed in one.

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Dartford Times 5.11.09 p22

Historical article about the local post service from early days. Includes a picture of Frederick Smith of Essex Road, Longfield on his last day at work in 1959, after 31 years in the job.

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Dartford Messenger 22.10.09 p7

3 hooded men hold up Threshers in Longfield at closing time on Weds 14th October, and stole £200. Police looking for silver Honda Civic Car.

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Dartford Times 5.11.09 p 11

60th anniversary of discovery of Lullingstone Roman Villa. Hartley archaeologist (pictured), who worked on the site in 1957, interviewed.

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Man hit by Longfield bound train at Swanley on Friday 23rd October. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

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Dartford Messenger 29.10.09 p39

Resident of Fairby Grange, formerly of Gresham Avenue, received medal for service at Bletchley Park 1944-45, with certificate signed by Prime Minister.

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The November meeting lasted just 16 minutes and took no decisions. In the Public Question time we learned that some Kent council services are likely to be hit next year as they try to reduce costs. Sevenoaks council are also cutting budgets. The council was also questioned on the rules of the council cemetery next to All Saints' Church.

Click on "Read more" for full story

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Manager of New Ash Green Co-op wins Pride of the Cooperative award for community work and making New Ash Green the store of the year (picture).

Dartford Times 15.10.09 p 10

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Coroner records verdict of accidental death on Mr and Mrs Purnell of Main Road, Longfield, who died in a fire on 29 December 2008. The Coroner also praised the bravery of neighbours who attempted to rescue them.

Dartford Messenger 15.10.09 p3
Dartford Times 15.10.09 p3

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Present: Mrs Oxtoby (in the chair), Abraham, Barnett, Coates, Mrs Cole, Graeme, Minns, Ramsay, Sewell

Mrs Hoad; County Councillor Brazier and 6 members of the public.

Apologies - Cllrs Gaywood, Mrs Burns, Alford, Granger

1. Interests
Mrs Oxtoby (Hartley Wood and allotments - personal), Barnett (Allotments - prejudicial)

2. Minutes of meeting of 14 September 2009
were approved.

3. Adjournment

(a) None of the district or county councillors had anything to report.
(b) Village Green - Dr Roberts said Cllr Gaywood had given many valid reasons for making the land the council own in Hartley Wood, a village green; but shouldn't they consider their other land like Gorsewood which is more vulnerable to development? Cllr Oxtoby said they would consider this. Mrs Hoad said Hoselands Green also had village green status.
(c) Horse Riding on Northfield - Mrs Delf asked how many horse riders there were now as she hadn't seen many. 20 was the answer.

Click on "Read More" to continue.

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Present: Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Abraham, Alford, Barnett, Mrs Burns, Coates, Mrs Cole, Granger, Graeme, Minns, Mrs Oxtoby, Ramsay, Sewell

Mrs Hoad; County Councillor Brazier and 6 members of the public.

1. Minutes of meeting of 13 July 2009 were approved.

2. Interests
Cllr Coates (payments), Mrs Cole (Woodland Avenue - prejudicial), Mrs Oxtoby (Hartley Wood - personal), Sewell (URC Church), Barnett (Allotments)

3. Adjournement
Kent County Council - Councillor Brazier said an electronic highway problem reporting system called "Parish Portal" is beginning to be rolled out. He thinks it will be very useful but there is just one problem - it doesn't work yet! Cllr Abraham asked him what about the request for salt bins in Hartley, he replied nothing can be done at present because of a wider review.

Sevenoaks District Council - Cllr Ramsay said the council owe £30 million to the local government pension scheme, and were a bit surprised when the government told them the scheme need only be 80% funded. Cllr Abraham said only one new site for housing in Hartley has been approved between now and 2026.

Data Controller - Mr Mayer asked who the council's data controller. They weren't entirely sure but thought it must be the clerk.
Village Design Statements - Mr Mayer also raised concerns that Sevenoaks council now say they are only informal guidance.

Click read more to continue

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There are now 227 people unemployed in the DA3 post area, a rise of 10 from July. However the figure is well below the 650 it rose to in the last recession of 1993.

Click here for more details.

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Mother from Knightscroft, New Ash Green, who drowned her 11 year old son and attempted suicide, is sentenced to be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act, after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The judge said there was no doubt she deeply loved her son, but became depressed due to financial pressures.

The case has led to calls from Credit Action for more action to protect mentally vulnerable debtors.

Evening Standard 2.10.09 p1
Dartford Messenger 8.10.09 p1 and 3
Dartford Times 8.10.09 p1

Letters to Dartford Times (15.10.09) sympathise with the plight of those in debt and the mentally ill.

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Dartford Coroner records verdict of death due to industrial disease of asbestosis on Tom Martin, a retired carpenter from Hartley.

Dartford Times 1.10.09 p 45

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Generous tributes paid to Richard Bartlett of Longfield Hill (38, pictured), who died while competing in the Isle of Man TT races.

Dartford Messenger 1.10.09 p 9 (and 24.9.09)

Funeral (pictured) Dartford Messenger 8.10.09 p 7; Dartford Times 8.10.09, p54

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Police make 4 arrests in Longfield and West Kingsdown after being alerted to attempted break in of car at Over Minnis, New Ash Green.

Dartford Messenger 13.8.09 p3

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Cars damaged on night of the 18th at Millfield and Ayelands, mostly broken wing mirrors and dents.

Dartford Messenger 24.9.09 p 11

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Guides collect 6,500 Sainsbury's tokens to get 2 tents and a basketball ring for the group.

Dartford Messenger 13.8.09 p13

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Picture feature on coffee morning held at Jubilee Hall, Longfield.

Dartford Messenger 13.8.09 p 11

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A report made by Creative Environmental Networks for Sevenoaks Council in 2004 found that there was room for improvement in Hartley and Hodsoll Street with the ward well down the list of those with cavity wall and loft insulation.

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Building work has begun to extend All Saints' Church. The first turf was cut by the rector and the widows of two of the guiding lights behind the project.

Dartford Messenger 3.9.09, p14

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Attempt to gain access to home in Longfield by man pretending to be from the Ellenor hospice. Charity says they don't make calls without an appointment.

Dartford Messenger 3.9.09 p2

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Dartford fire brigade called to fire in field at Fawkham Road, Fawkham on the 23rd.

Dartford Messenger 27.8.09 p 5

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In their July - September report Hartley's PCSO said they had run crime reduction events at Gorsewood Road and Springcroft. They offered security marking and anti-tamper screws for number plates. More are planned (Hartley Parish Council newsletter Sept 2009).

They have also dealt with anti-social behaviour at Culcroft where youths were reported to be throwing litter into people's gardens. And following complaints of speeding on Ash Road, have issued 10 fixed penalty tickets and one summons to court.

Link to Hartley and Hodsoll Street Neighbourhood policing page

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Dartford Messenger 20.8.09, p 3

Police promise to target speeding and anti-social behaviour in New Ash Green.

2 cars reported burnt out in Hanover Place.

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Dartford Times 20.8.09 p 10

Hartley's MP, Dr Stoate, speaks up for the NHS after a SE England Conservative euro MP attacked the NHS in America. He said "The NHS is all about freeing people from the fear of health care. If they ar in trouble with their health, the NHS is there for them. You don't have to be frightened about being ill in this country".

Meanwhile the Dartford prospective Conservative candidate, Gareth Johnson, from Hartley, calls for the NHS to spend more on IVF treatment (Dartford Times 20.8.09 p 14).

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Community Safety in Hartley and Hodsoll Street (Spring 2009)

Local Police newsletter reports priority is to tackle speeding on Ash Road, because concerns have been raised by locals and accidents on the road.

They have also spoken to a group of young people at the Northfield "bomb hole", who agreed to tidy up the site, but said they just wanted a place to meet.

They report success in convicting a juvenile for a burglary in Penenden, after they were identified from CCTV footage.

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Nearly 3½ inches of rain fell in July compared with the average of 1½ inches. The wettest day was the 7th when 1¼ inches fell, much of it in one torrential downpour. Temperatures were only a little below seasonal average though.

See weather page

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Dartford Times 16.7.09 pages 1-3

Former Hartley resident shares in lottery jackpot. She and her hussband survived an avalanche tragedy in Scotland in 1998.

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Longstanding Hartley motorspares business The Gearbox now has its own webpage at www.the-gearbox.co.uk

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Dartford Times 6.8.09 page 5
Dartford Messenger 6.8.09 page 2

Takeaway delivery driver from Longfield robbed at gunpoint at Capelands, New Ash Green.

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Dartford Messenger 30 July 2009, p2

Following burglary on 20 April when a householder in Church Road was attacked by 2 burglars, one of the assailants from Pitfield was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months prison.

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News Shopper
Dartford Messenger 16.7.09, p2.

£10,000 of damage done to Scout Hut in Larkwell Lane by vandals who broke in on night of Friday 10th July.

Dartford Messenger 20.8.09 p14
Police make two arrests in connection with this crime.

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Hartley Country Club team set new Kent League record by scoring 540 for one in just 55 overs, winning their match against Gore Court by 340 runs.

Dartford Messenger 9.7.09, p15

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1st New Barn Cubs win 2009 Kent County Challenge, Longfield and Hartley Forest were 6th. (Picture).

Dartford Messenger 9.7.09, p11

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Picture feature on New Ash Green Village Day.

Dartford Messenger 9.7.09, p9.

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4 cases of swine flu reported locally in Dartford/Gravesham area.

Dartford Messenger 9 July 2009, p6

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New Club founded with inaugural meeting to be held at the Black Lion on 7 July, 8.30pm.

Dartford Messenger 2.7.09, p 16

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Thefts from Newsagent in Longfield (£7,000 of cigarettes) on 20 June, and Fairby Stores, Hartley (£4,000 of cigarettes and spirits) on 9 June.

Dartford Messenger 2.7.09, p 5

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Open verdict at inquest on Jean Judson of Main Road, Longfield, who died after falling onto the railway between Longfield and Meopham on 13 February 2008. Coroner heard fencing was due to be repaired.

Dartford Messenger 2.7.09, p 5

See earlier article 21.2.2008

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After a generally cool start to the month, June ended with temperatures 10 degrees (F) above the seasonal average. However overall it was only slightly warmer. It looked like it would be a very dry month until half an inch fell in one thunderstorm on the 27th.

See Weather Report.

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Article about how "cryotherapy" - freezing of the tumour, is helping to fight cancer. Darent Valley is one of the few hospitals in the country to offer it. At the moment they only hire the equipment, but hospital is trying to raise £95,000 to buy one so they can treat more. Interview with the surgeon who lives in Hartley.

News Shopper 12 June 2009

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Charlotte Edwards, captain of England and the Hartley Invicta Cricket Team awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Dartford Messenger 25.6.09 p 13

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Picture feature on the garden at Reod-Leah, Larksfield, which was opened to raise money for the Ellenor Lions Hospice.

Dartford Messenger 25.6.09 p11

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Our MP, Dr Howard Stoate, praises the Hartley Village Design Statement, which was written by a team of local volunteers, saying "it's constructive and forward looking. It recognises the community is evolving and talks about how to manage the change so that Hartley's distinctive feel and look is enhanced".

Dartford Messenger 28.5.09 p12

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Picture feature on St Francis de Sales RC Church fete on May 25th, which raised £6,548.

Dartford Messenger 28.5.09 p10

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Annual door to door collection in Hartley for the charity raised £1,253.

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09

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Writer to the paper says that following the village green designation, Southwark has little control over the use of the wood, but has to pay for maintenance and public liability. They ask whether Hartley Council would like that if the boot was on the other foot?

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09 page 10

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Picture feature on sponsored horse ride at Speedgate Farm, Fawkham for Cancer Research UK.

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09 p 7

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Mother from Knightscroft's guilty plea to manslaughter by diminished reponsibility accepted by Crown. Her son was found drowned on 2 December 2008.

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09 pages 1 and 3

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The South East region that Hartley is in returned 4 Conservative, 2 UKIP, 2 Liberal Democrat, 1 Green and 1 Labour MEPs.

The result shows at a local level the disenchantment with the main parties with Conservative, Liberal Democrats and Labour all losing ground. Labour in particular did badly with their share of the vote falling from 11% to 7%.

It shows the staggering fall in support for the two main parties - in 1945 Conservative and Labour had 82% of the vote in Sevenoaks, this time it was only 45%.

The main beneficiaries were the English Democrats (+4.0%) and the Greens (+3.3%). The English Democrats scored more than twice their average for the South East here, no doubt because they are well organised in the Dartford area.

Click on "read more" below for the full results for the Sevenoaks District counting area.

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Unemployment in the DA3 postcode area was 205 in April, compared with 204 in March.

Unemployment was highest in the 20-24 age group which accounts for 20% of the total. A third have been unemployed over 13 weeks.

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Some of the items discussed were:

Hartley Wood
Hoselands Hill
Icelandic Banks
Northfield - surface water runoff
Parish Plan
Sevenoaks Councillors - 62% increase in allowances
WI Hall
Youth - grafiti project and In the Zone summer project

More details under "Full Story" below

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Temperatures in May were above the seasonal average, helped by a warm end to the month. However rainfall was half the usual amount for May.

See Weather Report.

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Conservative David Brazier was returned by the electors of Sevenoaks North East with an increased majority. The editor of this site only received Mr Brazier's leaflet, so this may indicate the other parties did not campaign as hard. The most startling result is the vote for the English Democrats, who came 2nd with a big increase in the vote may have benefitted from the disenchantment with the major parties at present. Overall the Conservatives how hold 74 of the 84 seats on the county council, the Liberal Democrats have 7, Labour 2 and the Swanscombe residents association 1.

David Brazier (Conservative) 2,885 (55.6% - up 4.4% on last election)
Louise Uncles (English Democrat) 1,091 (21% - up 16.7%)
Philip Hobson (Liberal Democrat) 697 (13.4% - down 0.6%)
James Weekes (Labour) 518 (10.0% - down 9.4%)

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The Hartley by-election was won by Robert Coates from the "Putting Hartley First" group, ensuring that they continue to hold every seat on the council. His platform was to support their policies. Independent Jerry Swain had promised to freeze council tax this year and improve youth facilities.

Result:
Robert Coates 1162 (69%)
Jerry Swain 514 (31%)

There were 38 spoiled ballots (37 blank or uncertain, 1 voting for both candidates) and turnout was 39%.

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Local Arriva bus fares were increased from 1 June. Most single fares increased by 10p and returns by 20p. This means the fare from Longfield to most of Hartley rises from £1.70 to £1.80

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Dartford Messenger 21.5.09 p9

Feature on the designation of the part of Hartley Wood owned by Southwark Council as a village green. Picture of residents in another part of the wood included.

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Dartford Messenger 7.5.09 p 7

Picture feature on New Ash Green Primary Schools health campaign.

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Dartford Times 21.5.09 p9

Writer says when they moved to Hartley in 1965, the Dartford Tunnel toll was 26p and suggests people use the Woolwich ferry instead.

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Dartford Times 21.5.09 p 13

Picture feature on visit of Kent County Commissioner to Forest Pack of Longfield and Hartley Cubs

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Dartford Messenger 7.5.09 p 6

Locals say that New Ash Green shopping centre is slowly falling apart and developers have suspended regeneration plans because of the recession. Only the Co-op have carried out the repairs demanded by the council (at a cost of £420,000) and the council is considering serving enforcement notices on the other landowners there.

Dartford Messenger 14.5.09 p 14

Writer to paper calls for enforcement action to be taken against the landlord of part of the New Ash Green Shopping Centre

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Dartford Messenger 14.5.09 p 7

Picture feature on Hartley Primary School's 6th Stars in their Eyes show.

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Family Tree Magazine April 2009

The great-great-great-great-great-granddaugher of Richard Treadwell of Fairby Farm, Hartley, writes about her ancestors the Treadwells and Fairby Grange. She shows how you can use sources available via library access such as the Times online and the Dictionary of National Biography.

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Dartford Messenger 30.4.09 p 14

A writer to the paper complains the council have allowed the floodlit games area to open until 11pm. While not against the school, they think this is unreasonable.

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Dartford Messenger 30.4.09 p11

Biggest Longfield festival yet promised with morris men, brass band, dog show, vintage car display, belly dancers and a tug of war competition.

For details see the parish council website

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Southeastern trains have published their draft timetable for when the high speed domestic trains begin in December. They have reduced the number of trains travelling to Victoria, but because they now plan to stop the fast trains at Longfield and Meopham, we will have more trains than before.

* There will now be 3 trains an hour off peak to London (2 fast, 1 slow)
* There will be 2 trains an hour in the evening instead of 1 as now
* The last train will be almost an hour later at 00.35
* There will still be only 1 train an hour on Sundays.

For more details see Southeastern website

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The total unemployed in Hartley, Longfield and New Ash Green rose from 188 in February to 204 in March.

For more details see background information page

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Dartford Messenger 23.4.09, p9

Eight garages burgled at Caling Croft, New Ash Green in one night.

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Dartford Messenger 23.4.09, p6

Glovers Farm shop at Hartley Bottom wins prestigious award for bacon at BPEX butcher roadshow (picture)

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Dartford Messenger 23.4.09, p4

Local residents and a nursing home raise concerns about the floodlit sports pitches planned for the rebuilt Longfield Academy, which will be open until 11pm. As well as a new school, the proposals include 104 large houses, 23 smaller houses and 22 flats.

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This is Kent website 11.2.09

15 year old boy arrested after allegedly running from stolen car which the police had pursued from Ash Road on Saturday at 10.45pm.

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This is Kent Website, 25.2.09

Arriva say although New Ash Green is in Sevenoaks district, there is no demand for a bus service to Sevenoaks, as compared with Longfield, Gravesend, Bluewater and Dartford. The sparsely populated areas in between further make it uneconomic.

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Dartford Times 15.4.09

Resident found stray cat in her airing cupboard giving birth to a massive 9 kittens. Interview and picture of Animal Samaritans volunteers from Gresham Avenue and Church Road, who are trying to rehouse them.

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The meeting discussed the following issues, listed in detail under full story:

(1) Amenities and Open Spaces
(2) Burial Ground
(3) Communications
(4) Highways

It also approved payments for March of £9,533.

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To follow...

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To follow...

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Dartford Messenger 2.4.09, p13, 18

Picture feature on sponsored walk by Longfield and Hartley Scouts to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Meanwhile Hartley guides raised £200 for Comic Relief.

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Dartford Messenger 2.4.09, p2

Police in Wales and Kent are looking at similarities between two unsolved murders in Fawkham and Swansea within 2 weeks of each other in 1946 (article includes archive photos)

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Dartford Messenger (26.2.09, p3)
Local paper uses freedom of information to find that in Dartford and Gravesham schools, which includes Longfield Academy, while the number of exclusions from school has fallen in 2007/8 to 1,820 the number of days of exclusions has increased. Top reasons for exclusions are assault or verbal abuse of staff and pupils, follwed by persistent disrputive behaviour.

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Thanks to a freedom of information request, Kent Fire Brigade have released local statistics on incidents in 2008. The figures in the full article below are for the 3 neighbouring council wards. They show considerable difference even in a comparitively small area, particularly in response times.

Meanwhile the local Liberal Democrats claim Horton Kirby retained station with 14 fire fighters may have to close if the EU working time directive is implemented in the UK (Dartford Messenger 16.4.09, p9)

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The number of unemployed and claiming benefit in the DA3 postal area (Hartley, Longfield and New Ash Green) rose from 161 to 188 in February, which is 2½ times higher than February last year.

Further details

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Dartford Messenger 19.3.09 p6

Longifield and Hartley Scouts win several competitions in the Swanley District Swimming Gala (picture of one of the winners from Longfield)

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8 March 2009
EDF reported a power cut in the Longfield area from 7pm to 8.50pm due to problems with underground cabling.

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Sevenoaks Council are consulting until 12 March on new rules for extensions to houses. This will affect householders' chances of getting planning permission for years to come, so it is important to be aware of them.

For more details see article and link to the consultation site.

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Dartford Times 28.1.2009

One of the founders of the Family Matters Counselling Charity in Gravesend, who lives at Cheyne Walk, Bramblefield, invited to Buckingham Palace Garden Party (picture)

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Dartford Times 25.2.2009

Builder who was sentanced to 8 years 4 months for conspiracy to defraud has jail term reduced by Court of Appeal to 7½ years. Victims in period 2003-7 included people in Hartley.

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Dartford Times 18.2.2009

Van blaze at Northfield at 7.15pm on Sunday 15th attended by Dartford Fire Brigade.

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Items discussed:

Fidelity Guarantee
WI Hall
Hartley Library
Parish Office
Accounts 2006/7

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Dartford Times 18.2.2009

BBC Website 23 February 2009

Hartley woman (pictured) aims to raise £650,000 for a memorial to the victims of the Bethnal Green tube disaster in 1943, when 173 people were crushed to death. Her mother was one of the survivors but lived with the pain all her life.

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Householders in the former Mid-Kent water area, which includes Hartley, will see water charges rise by 7.9% this year - the biggest increase in England and Wales. The average increase for houses paying by water rate will be even higher at 9.5%, those on water meters will see an average rise of 7.4%

According to the industry regulator, Ofwat, South East Water can raise prices this year by inflation (3%), plus 2.7%, plus "unused price limit" of 2.53%.

More details of the new charges is at: Ofwat - South East Charges for 2009-10

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Unemployment in the DA3 postcode area (Longfield, Hartley and New Ash Green) rose from 134 in December to 161 in January. This means the number has doubled in 6 months and stands at the highest level since 1999.

For details see http://www.hartley-kent.org.uk/info/unemployment.htm

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There were only about 43 house sales in Hartley in 2008, down from the 81 of 2007. The historic average is about 74 sales a year. Most expensive was a house in Ash Road for £695,000. The most inexpensive was a flat in Pitfield which sold for £60,375.

For more information see http://www.zoopla.co.uk/

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Dartford Messenger 12.2.09 pae 16

Picture feature of Cake Sale at Fawkham Manor Hospital, that raised £300 for Beating Bowel Cancer

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Dartford Messenger 12.2.09, page 13

Meals on Wheels delivery driver from The Mead, New Ash Green, praised by his employers making sure the meals got through in the snow (picture)

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BBC website 2 February 2009

Power Cut Causes big freeze (Dartford Messenger 5.2.09 page 3)

Fault on overhead powerline thought to be caused by lightning led to power cut in Longfield and New Barn Area at about 8pm on Sunday evening. Power was restored to 418 customers until Monday morning but 270 had to wait to the afternoon. Interview with residents from Larksfield.

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(2 February 2009)

Heavy snowfall of around 8 inches has blanketed the local area. Heavy falls on Sunday afternoon (1st Feb) were followed by prolonged snow showers during daylight hours.

The area was further hit by blackouts on Sunday evening. Parts of south Hartley lost power after thunder at about 7.45pm. The centre of the village followed with loss of power between 10.45pm and 12.15am.

No rail services ran from Longfield all day Monday, and Monday's rubbish collection was cancelled. Many local schools closed, although Hartley Primary School did open for the morning.

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(2.2.09) Sevenoaks council are running a consultation on the "Local Development Core Strategy". It may not sound very interesting, but it
will affect planning decisions for the next 17 years, which could affect us all. So have your say now!

Read more here

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Rochester Link February 2009 page 8
Obituary of John Field, aged 76. He moved to Hartley in 1969 to be head of Northfleet Grammar School for Boys. He became Director of Reader Training for Rochester Diocese in 1988 and National Moderator for Reader Training in 1996. He was one of the first laymen to be a canon of the Cathedral. In spite of his illness, he worked tirelessly for the parish, and led the fundraising effort to raise money for much needed improvements to All Saints' Church.

See also "Popular Headmaster loses cancer battle" Dartford Times 28.1.2009

For more information see the Church website at
http://www.fawkhamandhartley.org.uk/

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Gravesend Messenger 22.1.09 (page 16)

Woodland Avenue resident introduces new outdoor exercise programme at Dartford Central Park on Saturdays.

For more details see www.markonefitness.co.uk

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Dartford Messenger 15.1.09 (page 16)

Picture feature on the Longfield WI Country Market, which is held every Friday in the Longfield and New Barn Community Hall.

For details see their website at
http://www.longfieldcountrymarket.co.uk/

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Unemployment in the DA3 postcode area rose from 120 in November to 134 in December, meaning it has doubled in 6 months.

For further information see
http://www.hartley-kent.org.uk/info/unemployment.htm

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Dartford Messenger 29.1.08, p3
Dartford Times 29.1.09, p8

Washing machine catches fire in Ash Road, Hartley on the 24th. Mother evacuated her children from house, praised by Dartford fire brigade.

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The meeting discussed the following items (see full story for details)

Ash Road - Hartley signs
Buses
Cherry Trees - parking
Church Road - surface water run off
Springcroft - flooding

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The secretary of the Copperfield Clogs says Morris Dancing is in danger of dying out, but spokesman for Frog Island Morris, based in Hartley, says it is not a problem, although they don't get many young new members.

(Dartford Times 8.1.09, p2)

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