DARTFORDIAN AWARD 2013
"The Dartfordian Award is for anyone who contributes to Dartford, from the long serving lollipop lady helping local children cross the road;
the helpful plumber who goes that extra mile with the elderly customer or the volunteer helping others.
The Award really is open to any Dartfordian who puts more into our town than they take out."       Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council

We are delighted to announce that PAM & ALAN COLLS were recently presented with a "DARTFORDIAN AWARD"
for their services to Music and the Community!!


The Awards were presented to them by Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council,
with Ann Allen, Mayor of Dartford
on Wednesday 10th April 2013 at The Civic Centre, Dartford.



(Photo courtesy of DBC)

Pam & Alan with Ann Allen, Mayor of Dartford and John Prestage

Pam and Alan Colls set up DARTFORD FOLK CLUB in 1973 and for nearly 40 years they have promoted live music and entertainment for others.
They have encouraged and assisted people to reach their potential in music and develop confidence and self-esteem through their involvement with the Club. Over the years they have helped to launch and develop the music careers of many people from both the local area and further afield.

The activities organised are non-profit making, being intended for the benefit of the audiences and the performers at the Club. However, it is Pam and Alan who willingly accept the financial risks involved in booking leading performers in the genre.
DARTFORD FOLK CLUB has established itself a reputation as one of the most prestigious folk clubs in the country, widely respected by artistes (from both the UK and overseas), audiences and the media alike. It is organised in a professional, yet caring, manner with visiting performers frequently commenting on the high standard of organisation by Pam and Alan and on the friendly, family-like ambience. It is a welcoming and safe place for groups or single people to go to, whether male or female.

Pam and Alan Colls caringly foster a sense of community, friendship and mutual support amongst regular attendees that extends far beyond the weekly meetings of the Club. Over the years there have been quite a number of marriages and partnerships formed from within its membership.

Through Pam and Alan’s willingness to ‘take a risk’ in booking an eclectic range of artistes, Dartford town has become well known throughout the UK and widely overseas as a successful and vibrant live music venue. The Club regularly features performers from USA, Canada, Australia and Europe as well as from across the whole of the United Kingdom.

It is not surprising therefore that, in 2008, DARTFORD FOLK CLUB received the prestigious "BBC RADIO 2 FOLK CLUB OF THE YEAR" award!

The Folk Club brings people into Dartford town from neighbouring areas and often from far beyond, helping to boost the local economy through their spending at the venue and in local shops, restaurants, etc. as well as making use of local public transport, taxis and car parks.

We are very grateful to the Dartford Working Men’s Club for giving us the opportunity to use their function room to run the club.

Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council	The Awards!	Members of the Dartford Folk Club with Pam and Alan
Members of the Dartford Folk Club	Celebration Cake shared by all at the Club on 16th April 2013!	Members of the Dartford Folk Club

Photographs courtesy of members of the Dartford Folk Club