Description

Second Wind is a concert band of enthusiastic amateur players of wind instruments, mostly those that are commonly heard in military bands (typically Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba) supported by drums and other percussion.

The band was formed in 1998 by a group of like minded players from the area around the town of Sevenoaks in Kent. Although many members now come from further afield, Second Wind has always regarded itself as a Sevenoaks band, and is a longstanding supporter of, and performer at, the town's Summer Festival.

Rehearsals began on Friday evenings in a nearby village hall and have continued on the same day moving to various locations in Sevenoaks over the years.

Most of the original members are still playing with the band which has become a very sociable as well as musical group.
We get together most weeks of the year under the baton of our music director Martin Forward, to rehearse and prepare for concerts and just to enjoy playing music in the great variety of styles available to bands such as ours. Concert venues include public bandstands, like Eastbourne and summer Fetes and Festivals.

Description

Central Park comprises some 26 acres ranging from formal gardens near to the Town Centre, through ornamental areas to informal open space at the southern end towards Princes Road.

The picturesque River Darent runs along the park's eastern boundary.

The formal gardens abut the War Memorial and Library and include summer and winter bedding, herbaceous and shrub beds, together with a carpet bed which depicts the badge of a local organisation in the summer months.

Each summer at least 45,000 plants are used to create stunning colourful bedding displays.

The formal gardens are complimented by a rose garden and pergola, which was installed in 2002 and is quite spectacular when in full bloom.

The park is extremely popular with local children and visitors alike.

Image of riverThe informal areas of the park include large grass areas, junior football pitches, secluded tree shaded walks by the river and is home to the Dartford Harriers running track and pavilion.

Central Park hosts numerous events, particularly in summer, including the popular Dartford Festival in July.

There are public conveniences* and a small car park near the Cranford Road entrance at the southern end of the park (next to Fairfield Pool), and conveniences just outside the park in Market Street.

The park has a large children's playground which has a variety of traditional swings and slides as well as a climbing net, aerial runway, climbing wall, graffiti wall, track for bikes, skate boards etc, and a fully enclosed ball games area, all of which is monitored by CCTV.

The very popular Skatepark is located in Central Park.

The new bandstand has been erected very close to the original site of the first bandstand and will form a vibrant centre-piece for a range of concerts. The stone paving; steps and edges are of Ragstone composite to match the traditional materials of the plinth cladding. Protected by CCTV and other security measures, the bandstand has its own power supply, lighting and a music system for effect when not in use.

Central Park,

Dartford,

Kent,

England,

DA1 1EU.