Dartford news

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.

Former Dartford Borough Councillor Ivor Jones DL has been awarded an honorary Aldermanship at a special meeting of the Council on Monday 23 April 2012.

During the ceremony, many Councillors spoke in praise of Ivor and his achievements during his long period of service to the Council. Councillor John Muckle (Lab) said, "We had a great working relationship and still have a great friendship. I'd like to congratulate and thank him for his service to the District, Borough and County Councils. It's a great honour for us to award Ivor this aldermanship."

Leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite, added, "Communities need people like Ivor. He has given immense public service to the Borough of Dartford and he is an inspiration to us all."

Ivor Jones DL held a position in Local Government for more than 50 years. He was elected to Stone Parish Council in 1955, and held a position there until his retirement in 2011. Read more