My Secret Dartford

Everard Hesketh was educated at Marlborough College and subsequently the engineering department at King's College London. He won the Easton Scholarship permitting him to undertake a three year apprenticeship at Easton and Anderson of Erith. Source: Dartford Town Archive Everard came to Dartford in 1878 to work as a draughtsman for J&E Hall and by 1880 was the manager. He turned the failing company around having successfully introduced the production of refrigeration equipment and later pioneering the use of carbon dioxide. Hesketh was a prominent local politician who was elected to the Local Board and in 1889 became Dartford's first representative on Kent County Council. On 20th April 1904 Hesketh Park was opened  'To provide a retreat wherein Youth may gambol, Middle Age seek recreation and old Age reflect and find peace.' as a donation from him to the people of Dartford.  Hesketh Park in Autumn Sources: Grace's Guide- Everard Hesketh Dartford Town Archive -Eve

Bluewater is an out of town shopping centre located in Greenhithe just outside of Dartford.  In May 1996 building of the Shopping Centre began at the site of a former chalk quarry.  Tunnels were excavated under Bean Road to join the Eastern and Western Quarries allowing sand to be transported to the site.  Its  lakes were partially drained in preparation for construction of the basement levels and the cliffs were remodelled to permit vehicular access to the site.  It is  built across 20 hectares of lakes and parkland.   Bluewater opened on 16th March 1999. The layout is a triangular design with a flagship store at each corner; Marks&Spencer, John Lewis and House of Fraser.  This layout is considered easier for navigation.  To reflect the surrounding lakes swathes of glass are incorporated into the architecture.  The ventilation system is based on the traditional oast house with fresh air brought through rotating aluminium vents on the roof.  There are 13,000 free parking spaces and