Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Dartford Borough Council

  • Dartford South Asian Heritage Month Celebration Brings Community Together

    Dartford South Asian Heritage Month Celebration Brings Community Together

    Dartford South Asian Heritage Month Celebration Brings Community Together

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council was proud to support the Dartford South Asian Heritage Month celebration on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at Orchard West Theatre, working in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council, The Mentor Ring and Orchard West Theatre, with support from Arts Council England.

    The evening brought together local residents, artists, community representatives and civic guests to celebrate South Asian heritage, local talent and the contribution of community champions who have helped shape life in Dartford over many years.

    Welcome speeches were given by Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, speaking in his role as Deputy Lieutenant of Kent representing the Lord Lieutenant, Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, and Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE, Mayor of Dartford. They spoke about the importance of South Asian Heritage Month; the value of community cohesion and the positive role South Asian communities continue to play in the life of the borough.

    While the evening included a programme of cultural performances, the main focus was on bringing people together and recognising the strength of Dartford’s communities. Local groups and performers helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with music and dance reflecting the diversity, creativity and traditions of the South Asian community.

    One of the key moments of the evening was the presentation of the Dev Sharma Community Awards. Dev Sharma was a long-standing Chair of KECC and was the former Director of the North West Kent Racial Equality Council, who dedicated many years to promoting equality, cohesion and community engagement.

    The awards recognised three local community champions who have served Dartford selflessly over many years. The recipients were Dr Chandika Bhatta, founder of the Dartford Nepalese Community Group, Baldev Singh Bains from the Guru Hargobind Gurdwara in Dartford, and Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE, Mayor of Dartford. Each recipient has made a lasting contribution to community life and helped build stronger links between different communities in the borough.

    The event also featured the premiere of a new film from Series 3 of Big Stories, Local Legends, a series of short films produced by Cohesion Plus celebrating local people and their stories. This latest film focused on the late Darshan Singh Sandhu, father of Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE and Cllr Rags Sandhu. It told the story of his journey, values and contribution to Dartford, while also highlighting the wider story of first-generation South Asian residents who helped build strong community links in the town.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Chief Executive of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented:

    “We were really pleased to be part of this year’s Dartford South Asian Heritage Month celebration. The evening was about more than performances; it was about community, shared history and recognising people who have quietly given so much to the borough over many years.

    The Dev Sharma Community Awards were especially important because they allowed us to honour local champions who have helped bring people together and strengthen community life in Dartford. The premiere of the latest Big Stories, Local Legends film was also a powerful reminder of the contribution made by first-generation South Asian residents and the values they passed on to future generations.

    At a time when there is still division in society, events like this matter. They show that people can be proud of their heritage, proud of where they live and proud to be part of modern day Britain.”

  • Communities Come Together in North Kent

    Communities Come Together in North Kent

    Communities Come Together in North Kent

    The sun was shining on Saint George’s Day celebrations as local communities came together to mark the patron saint of England on Thursday 23rd April in Gravesend and Dartford.

    The celebrations were produced by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council, supported by Dartford Borough Council, Arts Council England and KKB Construction.

    The day began in Gravesend, where 13 local schools and around 700 young people took part in a colorful parade through the town centre which also featured Civic Guests including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Bhargawa Vasudaven, Mayor Cllr Jenny Wallace and KCC Chair Cllr Richard Palmer. There was also a strong Inter Faith presence including representatives from the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh faiths sending a message of unity.

    In the afternoon, celebrations continued in Dartford, where 10 local schools and approximately 600 young people paraded along the High Street which also included Deputy Lieutenant Nadra Ahmed, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Mayor Cllr Peter Whapshott and Jim Dixon MP.

    Young people proudly displayed Saint George themed shields, coats of arms, dragons and banners they had created in the lead up to the event. Their work reflected messages of friendship, inclusion, unity and respect — values that remain at the heart of modern community celebrations.

    Both town centres were filled with families, residents and visitors enjoying a lively programme of entertainment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. Highlights included brass bands, themed performers, Saint George himself in full chainmail costume, the magical Show Globe representing the English Rose, and a giant fire-breathing dragon that joined the parades and delighted crowds of all ages.

    The celebrations provided an important opportunity for people of all ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds to come together, celebrate local pride and recognise the strength that diversity brings to communities across Kent. Saint George’s Day continues to show how shared traditions can unite people and create lasting memories for the next generation.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, said:

    “Saint George’s Day is about bringing people together and celebrating the pride we all share in our communities. It was wonderful to see so many young people, families and residents taking part in Gravesend and Dartford. Events like this show that no matter our background, we are stronger when we celebrate together in a spirit of friendship, unity and respect.”

  • Dartford Festival of Light brings community together

    Dartford Festival of Light brings community together

    Dartford Festival of Light brings community together

    The Dartford Festival of Light, held on Friday 21 November, welcomed record numbers of local residents who turned out to celebrate despite the cold weather. A much-loved highlight in the town’s cultural calendar, the festival once again delivered an uplifting evening of colour, creativity, and community spirit.

    The Festival featured 14 local schools. In the weeks leading up to the event, pupils worked closely with Same Sky to design and create unique lanterns around the inspiring themes of unity, solidarity, and community. The lanterns illuminated Dartford Town Centre as families, friends, and neighbours walked together in celebration. They were joined in the parade by a number of Kent based acts who proved to be popular with the audience DDFK Brass Band, Bloco Fogo Samba, Kings of Dhol, and dynamic lit up Stilt Walkers.

    The parade climaxed in Central Park where a spectacular firework display took place following short speeches by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Kelvin Holford, Deputy Mayor of Dartford Avtar Sandhu MBE and Jim Dixon MP.

    The Festival was delivered in partnership with Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough Council and was supported by Arts Council England, KKB Group, and Uden Funeral Services.

    According to Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council “It is vital that events like the Festival of Light continue to take place as a means of bringing the diverse residents of Dartford together to celebrate what unities us a community and to celebrate our shared values. I am proud of what we have achieved working in partnership and am really grateful to the local schools for their ongoing support and participation in our work.”

  • Dartford Celebrates Black History Month with Inspiring Community Event

    Dartford Celebrates Black History Month with Inspiring Community Event

    Dartford Celebrates Black History Month with Inspiring Community Event

    The Dartford community came together on Wednesday 1st October at the Temple Hill Community Centre to mark Black History Month with an evening of powerful performances, inspiring talks, and community spirit around the theme of “Standing Firm in Pride and Power”

    The celebration was organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council. The event shone a spotlight on the positive contributions made by the Black community in Britain, both past and present.

    The evening opened with a moving one-man performance by actor O’Shea Lamar, who brought to life the story of a Jamaican RAF pilot during World War II, exploring the challenges he faced as a Black man serving his country.

    The event featured compelling speeches from inspirational figures such as Cedi Fredrick Chair of the NHS and Medway Integrated Care Board, Karin Muya Professional Footballer, Akua Agyepong Community Champion, and Michelle Bramble, Chair of Cohesion Plus and The North Kent Caribbean Network. The speakers shared personal stories of identity, pride, and perseverance — offering insights into how they continue to stand firm in their own power while navigating professional and cultural spaces.

    Civic guests in attendance included Kelvin Holford, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Cllr Peter Whapshott, Mayor of Dartford, and Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, who each expressed their pride in supporting the event.

    To close the programme, Ebonie G captivated the audience with a moving performance of an original song. Her lyrics echoed the spirit of this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Pride and Power”, leaving the audience inspired and energised — a fitting end to an evening of celebrating Black History Month,

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, also addressed the audience, reminding everyone that Black History is British History and that symbols like the Union Flag and the Cross of St George belong to everyone, regardless of ethnicity or faith.

  • St Georges Day 2025

    St Georges Day 2025

    St George’s Day 2025

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council, in partnership with Cohesion Plus, and Dartford Borough Council, brought the communities of Gravesham and Dartford together for a joyful celebration of Saint George’s Day on April 23rd.

    The annual festivities are a much-anticipated and beloved tradition in the local calendar, celebrating the patron saint of England as well as what it means to be British in modern day Britain.

    In the lead-up to the day, some 1200 pupils participated in creative arts workshops led by Same Sky, producing Saint George-themed shields, dragons, and banners featuring messages of friendship, unity, and community. These artworks were proudly displayed during the parades, bringing colour and joy to the town centres.

    Alongside the parade, crowds were treated to an elective and culturally diverse programme of entertainment, which was reflective of the diverse communities in the towns.

    Speaking about the event, Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and producer of the celebrations, said:

    “St George’s Day is an opportunity to highlight all that brings us together and to celebrate who we are as a nation. The celebrations provide an opportunity to promote inclusion, welcoming all regardless of ethnicity, faith and background. We are stronger together than divided and it’s important to amplify this message especially amongst young people.”

  • Dartford Black History Month Celebrations 2024

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations 2024

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations 2024

    Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council produced a community celebration for Black History Month on Wednesday 2nd October. The event was supported by Arts Council England and took place at the Orchard West Theatre.

    The event was part of a month long programme celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of the Black diaspora in the UK with this year’s theme “Reclaiming Narrative.” Civic guests included Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Andy Lloyd, Jim Dickson MP along with Gurvinder Sandher Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.

    The evening featured a range of guest speakers including Akua Agyepong, Director of Adult Social Care at KCC and Naomi Benjamin, founder of Medway based CIC The Sewin Project. The speakers spoke about their individual journeys and how being Black and British shaped their identifies and life paths.

    There was also a screening of the a Cohesion Plus produced film detailing the story of local resident and baker Dela Oresanwo who despite great trials and tribulations, runs a successful home baking business bringing joy to her customers.

    Uzambezi, a Zimbabwean dance and music troupe performed traditional songs and choreography throughout the evening, wowing guests with their interactive numbers.

    Local micro businesses were also showcased on the night, ranging from natural beauty products, soaps and jewellery as well as Afro-Caribbean groceries, brands and ingredients. Guests were able to also try Afro-Caribbean cuisine provided by Jerk on the Hill as well as delicious home backed desserts provided by Dela Homebakes.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am proud of what we were able to achieve working with Dartford Borough Council. Our work in the borough celebrates its diversity and the shared history of residents regardless of background 12 months of the year, during Black History Month we just amp up this work as we believe strongly that Black History is British History and it needs to be celebrated across the year not just in October.”

  • Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    A special community event took place at the Castle Hill Community Centre in Ebbsfleet on October 12th as part of the Dartford wide programme for Black History Month produced by Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council and Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

    The theme of the event was to showcase local Black Business owned by women, reflecting the national theme of Black History Month 2023 of Celebrating our Sisters.

    The event was opened by Gurvinder Sandher from KECC and Elliese Bramble from Cohesion Plus. The two welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of these events as well as reflecting on the National Black History Month theme, Celebrating Our Sisters.

    They were followed by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE who the importance of Black History Month and the need to celebrate the positive contribution made by communities with links to the Caribbean and Africa over many years to the UK.

    The key note speaker Alexandra Bode-Tunji Chief Strategy and Transformation officer from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, who spoke about the positive contribution made by Doctors and Nurses with links to the Caribbean and Africa to the NHS, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. She also spoke about the health inequalities that exist in the area and her desire to forge a closer working relationship between the NHS Trust and the local community.

    A number of local residents then shared information on some of their respective businesses and activities that they run in the areas. These included Yoshina Bhopal who delivers Bollywood inspired fitness sessions, Dela Oresanwo and Rebecca Ajwole who both set up micro catering businesses during lockdown and were supplying the food for the evening.

    Other business highlighted at the event included Eden Health who showcased their work around healthy living and the Afro-Caribbean Grocery which delivers traditional foods to the local community. There was also a demonstration from Tanya at TMG Business who got everyone up and working hard with a special boxercise class.

    The session finished with a talk by Nick Marden DL about the work of Charity Mentors Kent and Medway which provides free mentoring for charity Leaders across the county.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO commented “We are grateful for the support we received for this community celebration in Ebbsfleet. I was really pleased that we were able to showcase a number of local businesses and celebrate the positive contribution made by those from African and Caribbean heritage to the local economy and community.”

  • Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    KECC working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and community partners organised an extensive programme of events to celebrate Black History Month 2023 in Dartford. This has included events in the Town Centre, Temple Hill and Ebbsfleet as well as a series of workshops in local schools.

    On Monday October 9th a Civic event attended by Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, KCC Chairman Cllr Gary Cooke, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Currans took place at the Crossways Community Church in Dartford.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL and Elliese Bramble from KECC opened the event by welcoming those in attendance and talking about the importance of recognising the contribution of communities from Africa and the Caribbean throughout British history and not just since the end of the Second World War.

    Local community champion Garnet Johnson spoke about his family’s personal journey from the Caribbean to the UK and the many struggles they endured as well as their successes. He spoke about his connection to Dartford and the work he does with young people. Debo Brown the founder of Animation West Africa showcased the amazing work being done by the company and the rich stories and films to not only come out of Africa, but also being done in the UK by animators of African descent.

    Donovan Blair spoke after about this family’s connection to Windrush and their life in the UK as well as his experience as a first generation British born Black man. He spoke passionately about the impact that racism had throughout his life and the way he overcame it to succeed professionally as well as raise a happy biracial family.

    Andrea Vigille spoke on behalf of the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and talked about access to health as well as the steps being taken to tackle health inequalities amongst diverse communities. Bali Rodgers from Safer Communities Alliance covered the work being done by the organisation to help provide diversionary activity for young people as well as the importance of unity and community.

    Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford spoke a word of thanks to all those in attendance and about how Dartford was one community regardless of background.

    Community partners and caterers Dela Oresanwo and Rebecca Ajewole closed the evening by talking about their local micro businesses both of which were created in the middle of lockdown amidst personal loss. Both business owners provided authentic Afro Caribbean cuisine and desserts to happy attendees.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and event organiser, “As an organisation our whole ethos is about bringing communities together to celebrate what unites rather than divides. The simple fact is when we talk about Black history, it should not be separate from British history and I think it is often forgotten that the British ties with those from the Caribbean and African diaspora go back over hundreds of years. Those that are familiar with our work will know that we don’t just celebrate Black History only in October, but all year round just the way it should be. I would like to thank Dartford Borough Council and all our community partners for all their support for our programme this year.”

  • Health and Wellbeing Black History Month

    Health and Wellbeing Black History Month

    Health and Wellbeing Black History Month

    Continuing our programme of activity for Black History Month, KECC were delighted to work in partnership with The Dartford Health Living Centre and Dartford Borough Council to deliver a fun and informative health and well-being event with a particular focus on sickle cell, diabetes and adult social care.

    There was a variety of Jamaican and Nigerian food, along with performances by the Phase 5 Steel Band and some interactive arts and crafts workshops.

    A number of key partners were in attendance including Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford Borough Council, Kent County Council and community partners including Rethink Sahayak.

    The event was attended by Kent Equality Cohesion Council CO Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Sharon Philips Chief Officer Healthy Living Center Dartford and the Mayor of Dartford Councillor Rosanna Currans.

  • Windrush Celebrations take place across Gravesend, Dartford and Maidstone

    Windrush Celebrations take place across Gravesend, Dartford and Maidstone

    A week of activity took place across Gravesend, Dartford and Maidstone to celebrate Windrush Day and the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the SSE Windrush. Organised and delivered by the North Kent Caribbean Network and supported by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Dartford Borough Council and Kent County Council.

    The programme of events were launched by a flag raising and networking event in Dartford which was attended by Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford and Leader of the Council Cllr Jeremy Kite as well as staff members from Dartford Borough Council and community members.

    This was followed by a community luncheon in Gravesham which saw community guests and senior staff from Gravesham Borough Council. The event was also an opportunity to showcase exhibition produced by the NKCN called ‘The Front Room’ which serves as a time capsule for what would have been a typical household for those who arrived from the Caribbean to the UK.

    Furthermore, a special Windrush event and flag raising ceremony took place on Thursday 22nd June at County Hall in Maidstone to mark 75 years since the arrival of the SSE Windrush to the UK in 1948. The event began the flag raising outside of Sessions House which was attended by partners, community and NKCN group members as well as KCC and Kent Police colleagues. The flag which was designed by a volunteer from NKCN, flew centre stage at the top of Sessions House and was flown for the remainder of the week to mark the national celebrations for Windrush 75.

    The flag raising was followed by a luncheon serving traditional Caribbean cuisine that was attended by civic guests including High Sheriff of Kent Nadra Ahmed and Chairman of Kent County Council Cllr Gary Cooke. Also in attendance were the Leader of KCC Cllr Roger Gough and Chief Superintendent Shaun White from Kent Police.

    The exhibition was presented in its entirety at County Hall and gave those in attendance the opportunity to interact to view it as well as talk with the Windrush generation from North Kent who were also on hand to talk about their experiences and challenges working, studying and living in the UK.