Temple Hill community engagement day keeps Dartford youngsters busy
4:22pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter
Knockout: winner Riannon Sharpe and Connor Hardy (both aged 12) from Dartford YMCA kick boxing club with Lee Goodridge from youth leadership programme Challenger Troop.
YOUNGSTERS in Temple Hill had plenty to keep them occupied on Saturday (March 9).
Sports clubs, a cadet force and a community chef were all packed into the St Edmund’s Church Living Well Centre for a community engagement day.
Demonstrations and stalls were on offer from Dartford Harriers Athletic Club and Dartford and Crayford Sea Cadets while chef Meryl O’Shea gave the kids healthy cooking tips.
Throw in the Fighting Chance judo project, Charlton Athletic Community Trust, kick boxing from YMCA Dartford and some plastic sumo wrestling suits and participants in the four-hour day were worn out.
Centre co-ordinator Lee Hopkins said the joint initiative with Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Dartford Council was a great way for youngsters to find a hobby in light of the recent dispersal order combating anti-social behaviour in Temple Hill.
He said: "That was a hard-hitting headline but this day shows something is being offered and puts the area in a positive light which is good to know."
