Description

The band was founded in March of 1953 in the Parish of “The Good Shepherd” Downham, Bromley, Kent. The founders were Cyril Mahoney, Tom Whinder and Tom Shea all accomplished musicians. (Trombone, Clarinet and Cornet respectively)

They were soon joined by others and in May were playing for outdoor church services in the Parish. Appropriately the Band was called “The Good Shepherd Band”.

A programme of sports days and garden fetes rapidly developed in addition to Church music and by its second year was engaged on almost every Saturday and Sunday in May and June in and around South East London.

Rehearsals take place during term time between 7:45 and 9:15pm at Bishop Justus School on Magpie Lane in Bromley.
Occasionally we play on Friday evening at a different venue so it would be wise to contact us beforehand if you were planning to visit.

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.